{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Griffith Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":35.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10163755,"projectId":9563027,"letterContent":"We have been so happy about your generous support. From previous experience I know that the Gravi Trax system is highly engaging and fun. I simply did not want to have my students miss out on it.\r\n\r\nWe have already learned about the engineering and design process and will apply our knowledge when we finally will start working with the Gravi Trax system. My students are highly engaged when it comes to funding solutions for problems and making it most efficient.\r\n\r\nEven though we haven't had a chance to get started using it, state testing and test preparation are priority at the moment, we will start our Gravi Trax projects right after.\r\nO ceckire would we like to express our gratitude and say a big THANK YOU again.","fullyFundedDate":1764867869903,"projectUrl":"project/gifted-program/9563027/","projectTitle":"Gifted Program","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. H","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10163755"},{"teacherId":1101486,"projectId":9871253,"letterContent":"Sensory and arts-and-crafts materials have made a truly meaningful impact in our special education classroom. These resources go far beyond being \"extra supplies\" — they are essential tools that help our students feel safe, regulated, and ready to learn. Sensory items support emotional regulation, focus, and self-confidence, allowing students to engage in learning in ways that meet their individual needs. When students have access to hands-on materials, they are better able to manage big feelings, transition between activities, and participate more fully in their day.\r\n\r\nArts and crafts materials have also created powerful opportunities for creativity, communication, and connection. Many of our students express themselves more confidently through art than through words, and these materials give them a voice. Whether it's building fine motor skills, following multi-step directions, or simply experiencing the joy of creating something they're proud of, these activities foster growth in both academic and social-emotional areas.\r\nBecause of your generosity, our classroom has become a more engaging, inclusive, and supportive environment where students can thrive. \r\n\r\nYour support directly impacts our students every single day, and we are deeply grateful for your investment in their learning, growth, and happiness. Thank you for helping make such a lasting difference in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1764867870472,"projectUrl":"project/creative-calm-art-and-sensory-tools-for/9871253/","projectTitle":"Creative Calm: Art and Sensory Tools for Growing Minds!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Victoria Carlson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1101486_orig.jpg?crop=1449,1449,x269,y249&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1674244116371","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1101486"},{"teacherId":7247485,"projectId":9852155,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting this project and helping bring new technology into our classroom. While many of our donors may be familiar with technology at home, using it in a school setting can look a little different. The lighting technology provided through this project has helped create a calmer, more focused learning environment for students. By reducing harsh fluorescent lighting and adding softer, adjustable options, students are able to concentrate longer, stay engaged during lessons, and feel more comfortable throughout the school day.\r\n\r\nWhat excited students most was how quickly they noticed the difference in how the classroom felt. Several students shared that the room felt easier on their eyes and less overwhelming, especially during independent work and longer lessons. The change helped set a positive tone for learning and made our classroom feel like a space designed with students in mind, not just instruction.\r\n\r\nSome students, particularly those who struggle with focus or sensory distractions, benefited the most from this technology. I noticed increased stamina, fewer off-task behaviors, and more student engagement during small group and independent work time. Because of the materials provided, I was able to spend more time teaching and supporting students rather than managing the environment. I am incredibly grateful for your support and for the impact this project has had on my students' learning experience.","fullyFundedDate":1764867869985,"projectUrl":"project/lighting-the-way-for-focused-learners/9852155/","projectTitle":"Lighting the Way for Focused Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Burger","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7247485_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1736058227253","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/emily-burger"},{"teacherId":7247485,"projectId":9420734,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom through the Math-Ready and Organized project. Because of your generosity, my students now have consistent systems in place that help them stay organized and focused during learning. Each student uses their chair pocket to store materials, notes, and practice work, which has made a huge difference in how smoothly our lessons run. Instead of stopping instruction to search for papers or supplies, students are able to transition quickly and stay engaged.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials arrived, my students were so excited to see that everything had a \"home\" just for them. Several students immediately commented on how much easier it felt to find their work and keep track of their materials. For many of my students, especially those learning English or managing responsibilities outside of school, having an organized space has reduced stress and built confidence. Students are taking more ownership of their learning and feel proud of their ability to stay prepared.\r\n\r\nThis year, I now teach science as well, and these organization tools have been a complete game changer. Science requires storing additional materials, notebooks, and hands-on resources, and having systems already in place has made it possible to manage more supplies without overwhelming students. As we continue our current lessons, students are able to focus on experimenting, recording observations, and explaining their thinking rather than worrying about misplaced materials. Your support has had a lasting impact on our classroom, and I am truly grateful for the difference you have made.","fullyFundedDate":1755704430238,"projectUrl":"project/math-ready-and-organized-setting-up-stu/9420734/","projectTitle":"Math-Ready and Organized: Setting Up Students for Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Burger","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7247485_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1736058227253","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/emily-burger"},{"teacherId":9911495,"projectId":9766149,"letterContent":"The hummingbird feeder and bird life cycle books have already made a big difference in our fourth-grade classroom. Since putting the feeder in our garden, students check it every morning to see if a hummingbird has come by. They get excited when they spot one and love talking about what it is doing. This has led to great class discussions about how hummingbirds eat, where they live, and why they visit certain flowers. Seeing real birds outside our window has made our science lessons feel real and fun.\r\n\r\nThe two hummingbird books, along with our other bird books, have helped students understand life cycles in a clear way. They are making connections between what they read and what they see in the garden. Students are using words like 'nectar,' 'habitat,' and 'migration' during discussions. Many students who do not always get excited about reading are more interested because the books match what they are observing outside.\r\n\r\nThis project has also helped students learn responsibility. They take turns checking on the feeder and reminding each other how to care for it. Some students have started writing and drawing about the hummingbirds in their journals. The feeder and books have brought our class together and made learning about nature something they truly enjoy. \r\nThank you so much!","fullyFundedDate":1762266396065,"projectUrl":"project/little-wings/9766149/","projectTitle":"Little Wings","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sydney Hebert","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9911495_orig.jpg?crop=508,508,x451,y300&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1738176622103","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9911495"},{"teacherId":9911495,"projectId":9148525,"letterContent":"This project made a meaningful and immediate difference in our fourth grade classroom. The animal print borders brought vibrant energy and excitement to our learning space, helping transform our room into a fun, welcoming environment where students are eager to learn each day. The fourth grade themed books have been especially impactful students now have access to engaging, age appropriate literature that sparks their curiosity and supports their growing reading skills.\r\n\r\nBecause of this donation, students are more motivated to read independently, participate in discussions, and take pride in their classroom. The new materials help create a positive atmosphere that encourages creativity, focus, and a love for learning. We are truly grateful for the support, which has enriched our classroom and inspired our students in meaningful ways.","fullyFundedDate":1746785459325,"projectUrl":"project/ready-for-fourth-grade/9148525/","projectTitle":"Ready for Fourth Grade","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sydney Hebert","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9911495_orig.jpg?crop=508,508,x451,y300&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1738176622103","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9911495"},{"teacherId":10163755,"projectId":9580821,"letterContent":"Our students are so engaged and independently develop our flashing LED project into a disco/police light. Thank you all again!\r\nWe started introducing our kiddos into o circuits, open and closed, serial and parallel, resistors, and values. \r\n\r\nNow we started building a simple circuit using the Arduino Uno microcontroller, LED, resistors and a breadboard.\r\nAfter, we started programming the Arduino and we are now able to manipulate the parameters of the code to make our LED flash in different intervals.","fullyFundedDate":1755757981302,"projectUrl":"project/electronics-and-coding/9580821/","projectTitle":"Electronics and Coding","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. H","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10163755"},{"teacherId":9911495,"projectId":9086942,"letterContent":"The impact of our classroom space for our fourth graders last year and this year has bee accepted amazingly.\r\nOur students come from low income families with numerous stories of what is going on at home. We want our class spaces to be safe and welcoming to all of our students. In my classroom my safe science space has provided oils that give our class a nice aroma. Our class favorites are lavender and orange. \r\nMany of the students love coming into the class and going to their reading corner and enjoying the lamp light and oil diffuser. It is their favorite part of the day and it is given out as rewards to sit on the couch and have the calm space. As for the rest of the room the light features take away the harsh lights of the class. \r\nThank you so much for your donation.","fullyFundedDate":1741099879110,"projectUrl":"project/safe-science-space/9086942/","projectTitle":"Safe Science Space","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sydney Hebert","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9911495_orig.jpg?crop=508,508,x451,y300&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1738176622103","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9911495"},{"teacherId":9563232,"projectId":8441044,"letterContent":"Thanks to the generous donations. My classroom was transformed into a calm, welcoming space that truly supports student learning. The addition of soft lighting, lamps, incense, and light covers made a noticeable difference in how my students focused throughout the day. After high-energy times like recess, the calming environment helped students settle back into their routines and re-engage with academic tasks much more quickly. The new lighting created a soothing atmosphere that encouraged concentration, minimized distractions, and made our learning environment feel safe and peaceful.\r\n\r\nThis donation was especially impactful for students with sensory sensitivities. The harsh fluorescent lights in our classroom used to cause discomfort for some students, but the gentle lighting now helps them feel more at ease and better able to focus. Many students have commented on how much they enjoy the peaceful vibe of our classroom, and I've noticed an overall improvement in behavior and engagement. These items were more than just classroom decor—they were instrumental in creating a supportive, inclusive space where all my students can thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1718057145378,"projectUrl":"project/cool-calm-and-collected-in-4th-grade/8441044/","projectTitle":"Cool, Calm, and Collected in 4th Grade","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Davis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9563232"},{"teacherId":9911495,"projectId":9086706,"letterContent":"You have brought the joy of watching life grow in my classroom. Every day my students have been so excited to see the ladybugs and butterflies get bigger. Them and myself included did not realize how quickly those caterpillars get chunky. It was so much fun to watch and ask/answer questions. My students were able to explore and learn about the different stages of both bugs. They were most surprised with the ladybugs and had no idea what their pre-adult stages looked like. \r\nIn our current unit during the time of this donation, students were learning about life science and acting as conservation biologists in their curriculum. The bugs gave us a chance to talk about animal wildlife while looking into detail for the smaller creatures. Some students asked to watch the bugs during their free time or would ask for it as a reward during testing. I cannot explain how in depth the children were enamored by them.\r\nWhen both bugs grew up, we had a release in the garden and all three fourth grade classes applauded each time a butterfly made its way out of the enclosure provided through the donation. Our butterflies were a little hesitant to leave but made a beautiful flight into the sky. It was a sad parting when they realized that they were gone but impacting our environment positively. Thank you for this experience and educational opportunity.","fullyFundedDate":1740687426230,"projectUrl":"project/life-big-small/9086706/","projectTitle":"Life! BIG & Small","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sydney Hebert","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9911495_orig.jpg?crop=508,508,x451,y300&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1738176622103","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9911495"},{"teacherId":8286948,"projectId":8959222,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the generous gifts to the classroom. These sensory materials have impacted student learning greatly. By providing multi-sensory experiences I have able to help them regulate their emotions and sensory needs. This helps them to better engage in their work. In addition, it increases engagement by giving students more hands-on opportunities for learning. By providing these objects into the classroom the students have increased their emotional regulation and their engagement in their learning.","fullyFundedDate":1732330023005,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-exploration/8959222/","projectTitle":"Sensory Exploration","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Marisa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8286948_orig.jpg?crop=1431,1431,x947,y604&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1646964532615","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8286948"},{"teacherId":8286948,"projectId":8991479,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supplying this grant! This included LED lights and a sensory light table for our school sensory room. The light table has been huge in engaging our students in sensory learning to help them regulate their emotions and bodies. We have also used it with learning by placing letters and puzzle pieces on the table for students to grab out of rice and sensory sand. They have been more engaged with it when they are playing on the light table. The LED lights have helped us create a calming environment for the students to enjoy while in the sensory room.","fullyFundedDate":1733707376335,"projectUrl":"project/lets-get-sensory/8991479/","projectTitle":"Let's Get Sensory","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Marisa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8286948_orig.jpg?crop=1431,1431,x947,y604&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1646964532615","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8286948"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_58275","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":445,"numTeachers":32,"percentFrplEligible":94,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":12,"percentWhite":4,"percentIndigenous":7,"percentLatinx":69,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"13.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":64.5,"schoolId":58275,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Griffith Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Griffith Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/arizona/balsz-elementary-school-district-31/griffith-elementary-school/58275"}
Join the 169 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Griffith Elementary School is
an urban public school
in Phoenix, Arizona that is part of Balsz Elementary School District 31.
It serves 445 students
in grades K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 13.9:1.
Its teachers have had 87 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Boost support for this school! Share this page with friends, family, alumni, and fellow supporters. Every connection helps teachers get the supplies they need and shows how much your community cares about its students.
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Every donation funds real needs — pencils, books, lab equipment, art supplies, and more — helping students learn and thrive. We ship supplies directly to the school, and you'll see exactly where each dollar goes.
of students receive free or reduced price lunch
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
Source: the National Center for Education Statistics
88%
of students are Black, Latino, Native
American, or Asian
Data about school demographics comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. The numbers in this chart may not add up to 100% because of limitations in the available data.
Griffith Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Feb 19, 2026
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.
Griffith Elementary School
$52,578
raised using DonorsChoose
87
projects
funded
33
teachers
funded
169
donors
4
projects
for
basic supplies
10
projects for
technology
11
projects for
books
3
projects
for
art supplies
Griffith Elementary School has received support from
109 individuals from Arizona and
60 individuals out-of-state.