Elysian Fields High School in Waskom, Texas on DonorsChoose

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It's been amazing to watch how something as simple as a different type of chair can unlock creativity and support concentration.\r\n\r\nThe new storage organizer has also been a game-changer. With our tools, materials, and works-in-progress neatly sorted and easily accessible, students can jump right into their projects without the usual delays or distractions. This level of organization has encouraged them to take more responsibility for their workspace and supplies, and it's created a more productive flow during our STEM sessions. Most importantly, these donations are helping students feel empowered in their learning space—where it's okay to try, fail, and try again. 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During our DNA extraction lab with strawberries, students were able to use the graduated cylinders to measure their solutions with accuracy—an essential part of getting reliable results. The precise tools not only helped reinforce proper lab techniques, but also gave students a sense of ownership and professionalism in their work.\r\n\r\nThe DNA/RNA model has become a classroom favorite. When I first brought it out, students immediately gathered around, pointing out base pairs and identifying structures they had only seen in diagrams before. It has made abstract concepts so much more tangible. We've used the model to simulate replication and transcription, and students are now making stronger connections between molecular structure and genetic function. Their curiosity has grown tremendously, and many are asking deeper questions and showing a renewed interest in pursuing science-related fields.\r\n\r\nThis project has brought energy and excitement into our lab sessions, and I can already see the impact in students' understanding and confidence. Next, we'll be diving into genetic traits and how DNA influences the characteristics we observe—concepts that are now more approachable thanks to your support. Thank you for giving my students the tools they need to explore, question, and discover. 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About this school

Elysian Fields High School is a rural public school in Waskom, Texas that is part of Elysian Fields Independent School District. It serves 241 students in grades 9 - 12 with a student/teacher ratio of 9.6:1. Its teachers have had 12 projects funded on DonorsChoose.

Equity Focus School

Support towards this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Public School

Title 1

Grades 9 - 12

241 Students

25 Teachers

2400 FM 451

Waskom, TX 75692 View local requests

http://www.efisd.net

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

Elysian Fields High School Teachers on DonorsChoose

Mrs. Commander

Mrs. Thomas

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Elysian Fields High School Demographics

55%

of students receive free or reduced price lunch

Source: the National Center for Education Statistics

19%

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.

Elysian Fields High School Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Dec 4, 2025

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