{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"El Camino Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":15.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10002729,"projectId":9419810,"letterContent":"I want to extend my deepest gratitude for your generous support of my classroom project. Your contributions were originally intended to help fund a classroom makeover, but when the materials unfortunately never arrived, I was able to convert the funds into Teachers Pay Teachers gift cards. This unexpected change turned out to be a wonderful opportunity to directly invest in my students' learning through high-quality instructional resources.\r\n\r\nWith your donations, I've been able to purchase engaging materials that support both extensions for advanced learners and targeted interventions for those who need extra practice. 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Your gift has made a truly unforgettable impact on the students.\r\n\r\nThe excitement on the students' faces the day we unveiled the ukuleles was priceless. There was a chorus of gasps, wide eyes, and pure joy as they realized each one would be receiving their very own instrument to learn and eventually take home.\r\n\r\nSince then, we've incorporated the ukuleles into our music lessons, learning basic chords, strumming patterns, and even writing simple songs. One of my favorite moments was watching a student who is typically very shy and reserved raise their hand to lead a class strumming pattern and then absolutely shine in front of their peers.\r\n\r\nWe've also begun integrating the ukuleles across subjects. We've used music to support language arts, storytelling, and cultural studies. 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This book has opened up new opportunities for student growth, creativity, and connection in ways that go far beyond just reading.\r\n\r\nAs students read The Wild Robot 2, they have been able to practice critical thinking skills like identifying cause and effect, making predictions, and drawing conclusions based on the characters' actions. It also challenges them to think about technology, nature, and humanity in a nuanced way, promoting thoughtful discussion about the intersection of those themes. Additionally, the rich vocabulary and descriptive language have helped students build their reading comprehension and expand their vocabulary.\r\n\r\nIn our classroom, reading has become an interactive, collaborative experience. We dive into the text together, discussing different parts of the story, analyzing character motivations, and exploring what might happen next. I encourage students to ask questions about the text and make connections to their own lives. 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El Camino Elementary School

Join the 70 supporters who believe in this school.

About this school

El Camino Elementary School is a suburban public school in Santa Barbara, California that is part of Goleta Union School District. It serves 300 students in grades Pre-K - 6 with a student/teacher ratio of 27.3:1. Its teachers have had 27 projects funded on DonorsChoose.

Equity Focus School

Support towards this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Public School

Title 1

Grades Pre-K - 6

300 Students

11 Teachers

5020 San Simeon Dr

Santa Barbara, CA 93111 View local requests

https://www.gusd.us/el-camino

Evidence-based impact

Inspire teachers to stay in the classroom and boost student achievement.¹

Give to this school

Ms. Vero, a DonorsChoose teacher for 9 years.

Kindergarten teacher at PS81 - Robert J. Christen School in Bronx, NY

El Camino Elementary School Teachers on DonorsChoose

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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. Each classroom request for funding was created by a classroom teacher and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.

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El Camino Elementary School Demographics

55%

of students receive free or reduced price lunch

Source: the National Center for Education Statistics

76%

of students are Black, Latino, Native American, or Asian

Schools in districts that mainly serve students of color receive substantially less state and local support than similar districts that serve primarily White students. Learn more about this gap, why it exists, and how you can help close it.

El Camino Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Dec 5, 2025

DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.

El Camino Elementary School

$14,905

raised using DonorsChoose

projects funded

teachers funded

donors

projects for basic supplies

project for technology

projects for books

El Camino Elementary School has received support from 59 individuals from California and 11 individuals out-of-state.

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season! Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.

El Camino Elementary School

About this school

Equity Focus School

El Camino Elementary School Teachers on DonorsChoose

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DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

El Camino Elementary School Demographics

El Camino Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Dec 5, 2025

El Camino Elementary School

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season!
Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.