{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"G.W. Hellyer Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":20.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":4804175,"projectId":10708576,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support and for providing our classroom with brand-new sports equipment.\r\n\r\nWhen the boxes arrived, my 6th graders were so excited to open them and see all the different equipment our class received. Some students wanted to play with the new basketballs. Another group wanted to have a soccer match with their friends with the new soccer ball. A few students chose the playground balls to play kickball or bounce them to each other. Two boys wanted the football and a few girls wanted to use the soccer ball. All of the kids were participating in a physical activity. We will be using the new dodgeballs to play a class game of dodgeball on Fridays.\r\n\r\nSixth grade is a big transition year, and having active ways to burn energy and clear their minds has transformed our recess and PE time. Instead of sitting around, every single student is now involved in games, teamwork, and encouraging each other on the blacktop and field. Thank you for giving them a healthy outlet to connect and have fun together outside of the classroom.\r\n\r\nWe are so grateful for your kindness and for supporting our students and making a difference in our school day.","fullyFundedDate":1791560798912,"projectUrl":"project/ready-for-active-play/10708576/","projectTitle":"Ready for Active Play","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Teran","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4804175_orig.png?crop=755,756,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1667602730091","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4804175"},{"teacherId":45108,"projectId":10513604,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our TK and kindergarten classrooms with new PE equipment. The students were so excited when we brought out the new materials. They cheered! We have been using them as fun Friday PE rotations with all of the students together.\r\n\r\nTheir gross motor skills development is essential in helping their overall development into little students. They struggled with but needed the little hopscotch circles. They are learning how to hop on one foot and two feet. The balance beam and wobble balance boards have been very popular choices. The zoom balls are teaching them coordination and teamwork. \r\n\r\nWe plan on using these materials on a regular basis to help them build their core strength with age-appropriate physical activities. Thank you for allowing us to bring these materials to our students.","fullyFundedDate":1787237296903,"projectUrl":"project/pe-time/10513604/","projectTitle":"PE Time!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Robinson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp45108_orig.jpg?crop=772,772,x0,y128&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755452606122","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/45108"},{"teacherId":4804175,"projectId":10511957,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation and supporting our project. We received the calculators this week and the students were very thrilled. They wanted to help open each individual package and to try out the new calculators right away. They were testing them to make sure they all work. After testing them out, the students were carefully turning each of them off. I had to assure them that it was solar-powered and that they also turn off automatically.\r\n\r\nThe calculators made such a huge difference in getting our classwork done. It arrived at the perfect time since we were working on our project on percents and discounts. We no longer had to share calculators and students did not have to wait their turn. All students were able to efficiently complete their projects using their own calculators. They used them to find the discount amounts and sale prices of different grocery store items. \r\n\r\nWe now have calculators available any time for students to double check their work or have difficult multi-step problems. We cannot wait to use it again as a class for our statistics unit. These calculators will be a lifesaver once we have to calculate the mean, median, mean absolute deviation, and interquartile range. These are challenging topics for students without calculators. Thank you for providing our students the opportunity to succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1790602966443,"projectUrl":"project/tools-for-success/10511957/","projectTitle":"Tools for Success","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Teran","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4804175_orig.png?crop=755,756,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1667602730091","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4804175"},{"teacherId":3848609,"projectId":10340896,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the dodgeballs, volleyballs, and basketballs for my fourth graders! Your generosity will help our students stay active, build confidence, and practice teamwork while having fun during PE.\r\n\r\nThese gifts give every student more opportunities to participate, learn new skills, and encourage one another. Thank you for supporting our classroom and bringing so much joy to our school days!\r\n\r\nWe haven't started our baskeball unit yet. But we are already using the new dodgeballs and I started the volleyball unit today. It was fun having them practice bumping the ball.","fullyFundedDate":1790789375712,"projectUrl":"project/pe-and-recess-equipment/10340896/","projectTitle":"PE and Recess Equipment","teacherDisplayName":"Teacher Montejano","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3848609_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1473031363801","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3848609"},{"teacherId":1980400,"projectId":10294324,"letterContent":"When students become very emotional, sometimes they need to just take a little break from everyone and have some quiet time and space. In the calm corner, they have exactly this! I mean how could you not relax with a book, coloring pages, fidgets, a jellyfish lamp, sensory tools, and squishies? I wish I had this growing up! These items not only help the students, but it eases the situation until things can be dealt with when the child has calmed down. It teaches them to be aware of what can be helpful in a stressful situation.\r\n I shared the calm corner and my expectations of how to use it properly. I explained the rules, emotions, and strategies to use. Located in safe place away from the other kids, students are able to gather their thoughts and emotions without being stared at or given attention to. Some of my students have been really upset and crying so I sent them straight to the calm corner so they could calm down and relax. Once they were able to do that they could clearly explain why they were so upset. \r\n This has been a life saver in class. Thank you all so much.","fullyFundedDate":1781919521336,"projectUrl":"project/managing-emotions-with-a-calming-corner/10294324/","projectTitle":"Managing Emotions with a Calming Corner","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Blalock","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1980400_orig.jpg?crop=472,472,x0,y1&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1778389762244","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1980400"},{"teacherId":1980400,"projectId":10281377,"letterContent":"The privacy shields that we are currently using have been very helpful in giving students a space to focus and concentrate on their assignments. I explained that they were a gift and that we need to take really good care of them just like when we get something new. I told them that they needed their ipads, headphones, and privacy shields to take an assessment. At the time they were unaware of what they were, but once they used them, they really liked them. They were able to focus and get the job done!\r\n We are currently working on independently reading and using the ipad for small groups. Students have asked to use their privacy shields because they like them. I asked one of the kids why and they said \"because it helps me Mrs. Blalock\". I love how they are taking accountability for their own learning without me telling them they have to use them. I have also allowed them to sit at their desk and read or use the ipad without the privacy shield. And yet on their own, they will lay the privacy shields for other students to find theirs to use. They are willing and able to do this quickly, quietly, and orderly. \r\n These kids are wonderful and I am so blessed to be able to teach them this year.\r\nThank you from the bottom of my heart.","fullyFundedDate":1778505711648,"projectUrl":"project/learning-with-ease/10281377/","projectTitle":"Learning with Ease","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Blalock","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1980400_orig.jpg?crop=472,472,x0,y1&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1778389762244","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1980400"},{"teacherId":3848609,"projectId":10276214,"letterContent":"Thank you so much to all the donors for providing headphones for my classroom. I truly appreciate your generosity and support.\r\n\r\nThese headphones have already made a big difference for my students. They help create a focused learning environment during independent work, especially when students are using online programs, listening to readings, or completing assignments that require concentration. With the headphones, students are less distracted by outside noise and are able to stay more engaged in their learning.\r\n\r\nI have also noticed that students feel more comfortable and confident using technology now that they have the proper tools. It has allowed me to better support small groups while other students continue working independently and productively.\r\n\r\nYour donation has helped improve both the learning environment and the overall classroom experience. Thank you again for investing in my students and their education.","fullyFundedDate":1778505713081,"projectUrl":"project/headphones-for-all/10276214/","projectTitle":"Headphones for All","teacherDisplayName":"Teacher Montejano","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3848609_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1473031363801","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3848609"},{"teacherId":3848609,"projectId":10273582,"letterContent":"Thank you, Performance Wealth, for donating such a meaningful and thoughtful 6th grade graduation gift to my students. Oh, the Places You'll Go! by Dr. Seuss is a perfect selection for this moment in their lives. It is more than just a book; it is a message of encouragement, hope, and possibility as they prepare to leave elementary school and step into the next stage of their education.\r\n\r\nBecause of this support from Performance Wealth, I was able to end the school year on a positive and memorable note. Instead of focusing only on transitions and logistics, we were able to focus on celebration, encouragement, and reflection. The books became both a literacy tool and a symbol of encouragement that my students will carry with them into middle school.\r\n\r\nThank you again to Performance Wealth for making this possible. Your generosity has had a lasting impact on my students, not only by giving them a beautiful book, but by reminding them that their future is full of possibilities. It is a gift they will remember long after they leave my classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1778505735264,"projectUrl":"project/my-kids-are-going-places/10273582/","projectTitle":"My Kids Are Going Places","teacherDisplayName":"Teacher Montejano","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3848609_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1473031363801","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3848609"},{"teacherId":3848609,"projectId":10273277,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the notebooks and headphones you donated to our classroom. Your generosity means a great deal to both me and my students.\r\n\r\nThe notebooks will give students the tools they need to stay organized, write, and learn with confidence. The headphones will help them focus during independent work and make technology-based learning more accessible and engaging for everyone.\r\n\r\nThank you, Performance Wealth, for supporting our classroom and investing in our students' education. Your kindness and support truly make a difference every day.","fullyFundedDate":1778505727407,"projectUrl":"project/notebooks-and-head-phones/10273277/","projectTitle":"Notebooks and Head Phones","teacherDisplayName":"Teacher Montejano","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3848609_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1473031363801","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3848609"},{"teacherId":3848609,"projectId":10273278,"letterContent":"Thank you, DonorsChoose, for the celebratory 2026 graduation glasses and colorful graduation leis! Your generosity is helping make our students' promotion celebration extra special and memorable. These fun gifts will bring smiles, excitement, and joy as our students celebrate all of their hard work and accomplishments.Thank you for supporting our classroom and helping our sixth graders feel honored on their big day! The kids are going to be excited to see these materials. I will include photos of all the 6th graders on the day of.","fullyFundedDate":1778505715289,"projectUrl":"project/2026-graduation/10273278/","projectTitle":"2026 Graduation","teacherDisplayName":"Teacher Montejano","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3848609_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1473031363801","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3848609"},{"teacherId":594285,"projectId":10010208,"letterContent":"My students and I are so grateful for the donation. From the moment the students first saw the bright blue cases, they were intrigued. Once I showed them the inside with all the magnetic letters, they were excited and motivated for their turn to use them.\r\n\r\nI have been using the Magnetic Phonics Kit in my small group instruction (Teacher Time). It keeps the students engaged and focused on the lesson. We read stories with previously learned spelling patterns before moving on to building the words with the magnets. It has really helped improve their reading, writing and spelling skills. For example, they have learned if a word has three sounds, they can only use three magnetic tiles. That reminds them that some words may have vowel teams, digraphs or even have double letters. Physically building the words is helping to reinforce and commit to memory what they have already learned.\r\n\r\nOur next steps will be to use the Magnetic Phonics Kit during our writing time. When they get stuck on a word, they can use the kit to figure out how to build the word and spell it correctly. Then they can use it in their writing. Much more engaging than trying to struggle through with just sounding it out. The most recent writing assessment I did with my students showed a marked improvement over the previous one. I would like to keep them on the same trajectory.","fullyFundedDate":1770318269090,"projectUrl":"project/phonics-fun/10010208/","projectTitle":"Phonics Fun!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Scalia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp594285_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1664165874731","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-scalia"},{"teacherId":1849979,"projectId":9992305,"letterContent":"My students were thrilled when they saw all the equipment. They couldn't believe their eyes since they had been longing for sports equipment to be able to play. As soon as they saw it, they wanted to go out and play. But before doing so, I informed them that we were going to learn how to play games as a class during our P.E. designated time.\r\n\r\n\tAs a class, they began to play team sports such as soccer, kickball and basketball. They began learning how to dribble the ball and shoot it into the hoop. Many of them were hesitant to shoot the ball, but they slowly began to feel comfortable. Some of my girls who think they don't know how to shoot, began making baskets and were so proud of themselves. Just last week, while playing kickball, they were impressed by the way one of the students kicked the ball who usually prefers not to participate. They began to see that each one of them has something they are good at. I can see them playing together and cheering each other on. \r\n\r\n Also, they have begun to make their own basketball and soccer games during free time. My goal is to help them learn different positions in the games, so that they can work as a team.","fullyFundedDate":1772546737615,"projectUrl":"project/learning-how-to-collaborate-through-play/9992305/","projectTitle":"Learning How to Collaborate through Play","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Fajardo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1849979_orig.jpg?crop=728,728,x0,y63&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1741394443108","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/angelica-fajardo"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_4780","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":457,"numTeachers":16,"percentFrplEligible":66,"percentAsian":22,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":74,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":1,"percentMultiracialImputed":1,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"28.6:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":79.9,"schoolId":4780,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about G.W. Hellyer Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"G.W. Hellyer Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/franklin-mckinley-school-district/g-w-hellyer-elementary-school/4780"}