{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Hardy Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":23.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9787450,"projectId":9600482,"letterContent":"We want to extend our deepest gratitude for your generous donations! Your support has made an immediate and meaningful difference in our students' daily learning experiences. The pocket charts and magnetic shelves have transformed our learning environment. With these tools, students can now engage in hands-on literacy and math activities with greater independence and excitement. Visual aids and interactive materials are essential for early learners, and your contribution has helped us create a classroom space that is both organized and inviting.\r\n\r\nThe printer ink may seem like a simple supply, but it allows us to provide students with personalized materials, practice pages, and visual schedules. These printed supports help students build foundational skills and stay engaged with color coded instructions. The classroom tablet has quickly become one of our most effective instructional tools. It supports small group learning, targeted skill practice, and individualized instruction.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has done more than supply materials it has expanded opportunities, increased engagement, and enriched the learning journey of each student in our TK classroom. We are incredibly grateful for your commitment to early childhood education and your belief in the potential of young learners. Thank you for making such a meaningful impact on our classroom","fullyFundedDate":1755736799994,"projectUrl":"project/organized-engaged-tools-to-transform/9600482/","projectTitle":"Organized & Engaged: Tools to Transform Our Learning Space!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Shumate & Ms. Reilly","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9787450_orig.png?crop=159,159,x7,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755265937438","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/e-shumate"},{"teacherId":8914331,"projectId":9248486,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom with Jumbo Magna-Tiles! These giant 12\" tiles have been an instant hit during free choice play. The children love the challenge of building life-sized structures—towers taller than themselves, forts they can sit inside, and even pretend \"houses\" and \"castles.\"\r\n\r\nWhen the tiles first arrived, the children were buzzing with excitement. They squealed, laughed, and immediately began working together to stack and connect the pieces. Watching them discover that they could actually fit inside their creations was pure joy! Their imaginations took off, and free choice time quickly became full of collaboration and creativity.\r\n\r\nAs we continue to use the Jumbo Magna-Tiles, the children will keep exploring big ideas like balance, stability, and design—all while practicing important social skills like sharing, problem-solving, and teamwork. The joy and learning that happens through play with these tiles is exactly what we hoped for, and it's only possible because of your generosity.\r\n\r\nThank you for giving our students the chance to dream and build big!","fullyFundedDate":1745263285556,"projectUrl":"project/building-big-dreams-help-us-create-with/9248486/","projectTitle":"Building Big Dreams: Help Us Create with Jumbo Magnetic Tiles!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Camara and Rivas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/room5hardy"},{"teacherId":8914331,"projectId":9290605,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our Under Construction project! We are so excited to put these new resources to use with our students. Our plan is to launch the foam cinder blocks, bricks, and construction worker costumes in our outdoor play area very soon. They will give our children the chance to work together, use their imagination, and connect with the real-life modernization happening all around our school.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived in our classroom, the children were thrilled. Their eyes lit up as they tried on the construction gear and began stacking the blocks right away. It was wonderful to see their curiosity and excitement as they explored and dreamed about all the things they could build.\r\n\r\nThe next step will be bringing everything outdoors, where the children will begin building together in a larger space. These resources will help them practice teamwork, creativity, and language skills as they role-play being builders, engineers, and supervisors—just like the construction workers they see on campus each day.\r\n\r\nWe are so grateful for your generosity and for giving our students the opportunity to learn and grow through play. Thank you for helping us lay the foundation (literally and figuratively!) for their imagination and collaboration.","fullyFundedDate":1746501114075,"projectUrl":"project/imagination-under-construction/9290605/","projectTitle":"Imagination Under Construction!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Camara and Rivas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/room5hardy"},{"teacherId":557040,"projectId":9126999,"letterContent":"We received our class set of The One and Only Ivan, and I can't thank you enough! The kids were so excited when the books arrived — there's something really special about everyone having their own copy to hold and keep in their desk. We jumped right in, and it's already sparked some amazing conversations about kindness, courage, and what it means to speak up for others.\r\n\r\nIn our classroom, reading is a shared experience. We sit and read aloud together, stopping to talk about vocabulary, big ideas, and how the characters are changing. This book has helped us work on making inferences, noticing character growth, and understanding theme — all in a way that's meaningful and accessible for third graders. It's been a great tool for teaching reading skills, but more than that, it's made reading feel exciting.\r\n\r\nOne of my quieter students, who usually takes a back seat during group activities, has completely lit up during our reading time. He's been volunteering to read out loud. It's moments like that that make this book — and your support — feel so important. Thank you for giving our students such a powerful reading experience!","fullyFundedDate":1746487840835,"projectUrl":"project/two-classes-one-incredible-story-the-o/9126999/","projectTitle":"Two Classes, One Incredible Story: The One and Only Ivan","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Byers","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp557040_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1715707825126","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/557040"},{"teacherId":8914331,"projectId":8923787,"letterContent":"We hope this letter finds you well. On behalf of my students and us, we wanted to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude for your generous contribution to our light table project through DonorsChoose. Your support has made a significant difference in our classroom, and we are excited to share how we've been using the new resources.\r\n\r\nSince the light table arrived, it has truly transformed our learning environment. My students have been captivated by the soft glow of the table as they explore colors, shapes, and textures in a whole new way. We've used it for various activities, including building patterns with translucent shapes, building numbers, and sorting. One of the most memorable moments was when my students used the light table to create colorful designs during our exploration of geometric shapes. Their faces lit up with excitement as they discovered how the colors would shift when layered, and how light changed the way they saw the shapes.\r\n\r\nThe excitement was palpable when they first saw the light table. It was as if a whole new world opened up to them, sparking their creativity and curiosity. The room buzzed with energy as they eagerly gathered around, ready to experiment and learn. It was a moment that I'll never forget — the joy of watching them explore with such wonder.\r\n\r\nThanks to your kindness, we're now diving deeper into our lessons. Currently, the students are using the light table as a free choice option as well as a center rotation. They're working on creating symmetrical patterns and soon we'll be learning more about shapes 2D and 3D.\r\n\r\nYour support is truly making a lasting impact. The resources you've provided will continue to inspire my students to be curious, creative, and critical thinkers. We are so grateful for your contribution and can't wait to continue this journey with your generous help.\r\n\r\nThank you again for bringing so much light (literally and figuratively!) into our classroom. We look forward to sharing more of our learning adventures with you!","fullyFundedDate":1731532688841,"projectUrl":"project/illuminate-young-minds-support-a-light/8923787/","projectTitle":"Illuminate Young Minds: Support a Light Table for Hands-On Learning!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Camara and Rivas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/room5hardy"},{"teacherId":9787450,"projectId":8849442,"letterContent":"We want to express our deepest gratitude for your generous donations. These new resources have made a profound impact on our students' learning experiences. The color printer has allowed us to create vibrant, engaging materials for our students, from visually rich art cut outs to displays that help them better understand routines and instructions. The books have opened doors to new worlds, sparking curiosity and a love for reading, while the science toys have provided hands-on opportunities to explore and experiment in ways that make learning fun and meaningful.\r\n\r\nOur students are especially excited about the interactive science toys, as they allow them to directly engage with concepts in a playful, tangible way. It's incredibly rewarding to see them light up when they can manipulate and explore scientific principles through play. One student, who has always been shy when participating in lessons, has found new enthusiasm for learning by working with dinosaur fossils. They've been eager to share their discoveries with classmates, and it's been amazing to witness their confidence grow. These gifts have not only enriched our curriculum but have also encouraged active participation and critical thinking. Your support is truly making a difference in the lives of these young learners, and we cannot thank you enough.","fullyFundedDate":1730814299308,"projectUrl":"project/color-me-mad-science/8849442/","projectTitle":"Color Me Mad Science!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Shumate & Ms. Reilly","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9787450_orig.png?crop=159,159,x7,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755265937438","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/e-shumate"},{"teacherId":557040,"projectId":8831750,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support in providing new books for our classroom library! The students were thrilled to see the fresh, exciting titles, and it's been amazing to watch them dive into reading with such enthusiasm. These books have truly brought a new energy to our classroom, sparking curiosity and joy during reading time.\r\n\r\nYour kindness has given my students the opportunity to explore stories that capture their interest and imagination. It's been wonderful to see their love for reading grow with each book they pick up. Thank you for making such a meaningful difference in our classroom and for inspiring my students to become lifelong readers!","fullyFundedDate":1731474086928,"projectUrl":"project/new-chapter-books-to-ignite-3rd-graders/8831750/","projectTitle":"\"New Chapter Books to Ignite 3rd Graders’ Love for Reading!\"","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Byers","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp557040_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1715707825126","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/557040"},{"teacherId":557040,"projectId":8905592,"letterContent":"I can't thank you enough for your generous support of our classroom headphones project. The impact has been incredible!\r\n\r\nSince receiving the new headphones, my students have been more engaged and focused during their independent work time. The headphones allow them to immerse themselves in personalized reading programs, math games, and educational videos without distractions from outside noise or equipment issues. For many of my students, having this level of independence has been a game-changer, especially for those who thrive in a quieter, more individualized learning environment.\r\n\r\nYour donation has truly elevated our learning experience and provided a tool that will benefit my students every single day. Thank you for making such a meaningful difference in our classroom. We're all so grateful for your kindness and support!","fullyFundedDate":1731526554936,"projectUrl":"project/clear-sound-for-focused-learning/8905592/","projectTitle":"Clear Sound for Focused Learning!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Byers","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp557040_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1715707825126","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/557040"},{"teacherId":8914331,"projectId":8921544,"letterContent":"We are writing to express our heartfelt thanks for your incredible generosity in funding our project on DonorsChoose. The hands-on literacy materials you provided have made such a positive impact on our classroom, and we are beyond excited to share how they are helping our students grow and learn.\r\n\r\nSince receiving the materials, we have been using them in a variety of ways during our literacy lessons. The magnetic letters and small boards have quickly become a favorite among our students. They use them to build and spell their names, practicing letter recognition and formation. The magnetic shapes are another hit—students have been creatively building letters and numbers, which makes learning both fun and engaging. The wooden letters and matching cards have provided an excellent way for students to practice word building and spelling in a hands-on way, while the small wooden trace letter activity has been perfect for independent practice. It allows students to practice writing their letters and developing fine motor skills at their own pace.\r\n\r\nOne specific moment that stands out was when one of our students used the magnetic letters to spell his name for the first time. His excitement was infectious as he proudly placed each letter on the board, recognizing them with growing confidence. The look of pride on his face when he completed his name was priceless—it was a wonderful reminder of the power of hands-on learning and how these materials truly support our students' growth.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the new materials, their faces lit up with excitement. They couldn't wait to dive in and start exploring all the new resources. It was amazing to see them so engaged and eager to learn—there was a buzz in the classroom as they realized how much fun learning could be with these new tools. It's safe to say these materials have sparked a new level of enthusiasm for literacy in our class!\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we are excited to continue building on the foundation we've created with these materials. Our next steps involve using the magnetic letters and wooden cards to dive deeper into word building The students will also continue using the tracing letters to develop their handwriting skills, which will be vital as they move toward more complex writing tasks. With these resources, we are confident that our students will continue to grow as confident and capable readers and writers.\r\n\r\nOnce again, thank you so much for your thoughtful and generous donation. Your support has made an enormous difference in our classroom, and we are incredibly grateful. We can't wait to continue sharing the progress of our students as they learn and grow with these amazing new resources!","fullyFundedDate":1730869962407,"projectUrl":"project/tools-for-tomorrows-readers-a-hands-on/8921544/","projectTitle":"Tools for Tomorrow’s Readers: A Hands-On Literacy Campaign","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Camara and Rivas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/room5hardy"},{"teacherId":8914331,"projectId":8952639,"letterContent":"We would like to extend our deepest gratitude for your generous contribution to our project on DonorsChoose. Thanks to you, our classroom is now fully equipped with the materials we need to create a rich, hands-on math environment for our young learners.\r\n\r\nThe importance of hands-on math experiences, especially for children in transitional kindergarten, cannot be overstated. At this age, children are just beginning to develop a deep understanding of mathematical concepts, and tactile materials—such as magnetic numbers, translucent numbers for the light table, sorting farm animal counters, and ten frames—are essential for making abstract ideas concrete. These manipulatives allow our 4- and 5-year-olds to explore math in ways that are engaging, interactive, and fun. \r\n\r\nWe are already seeing the positive impact of the new resources in our classroom! One of the favorite activities so far has been using the magnetic numbers to practice number recognition and simple counting. The students love arranging the numbers on the board and matching them with the corresponding number of farm animal counters. Additionally, introducing the ten frame has been a game-changer in helping them understand the concept of ten and how numbers build on one another. They eagerly use the ten frame to practice counting and simple addition.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the new materials, their faces lit up with excitement. They are more engaged during their center rotations using the materials in different ways. It was clear that they were thrilled to have these new tools in the classroom, and their curiosity was contagious!\r\n\r\nThe next steps for my students involve continuing to use the manipulatives to strengthen their number sense and build more complex math skills. In upcoming lessons, we will focus on using the ten frame explore simple addition and subtraction in a more hands-on way. The students will work with these materials to visualize math problems, which will help them gain a deeper understanding of these foundational concepts.\r\n\r\nWithout donors like you, we would not be able to provide this kind of hands-on experience for our students. Your support has made it possible for each child to have access to the materials they need to thrive and feel confident in their abilities. Every day, we see the excitement in their eyes as they engage with the new resources and make discoveries that will last a lifetime.\r\n\r\nThank you once again for making a difference in the lives of these young learners. Your generosity will have a lasting impact on their educational journey.","fullyFundedDate":1732658348722,"projectUrl":"project/counting-on-hands-on-learning-help-brin/8952639/","projectTitle":"Counting on Hands-On Learning: Help Bring Math to Life!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Camara and Rivas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/room5hardy"},{"teacherId":3602345,"projectId":8678798,"letterContent":"On behalf of my class in Room 9, I want to express our heartfelt gratitude for your incredible generosity in providing chapter books for our students. Thanks to your kindness, our classroom is now brimming with captivating stories that have inspired a newfound love for reading among my third graders.\r\n\r\nWitnessing their excitement as they eagerly dive into their new books has been such a joy. They can't wait to share favorite titles with each other and often ask for more books by authors they've fallen in love with. Every teacher dreams of seeing students so enthralled by a story that they find quiet corners to keep reading, or sneak a chapter or two during free time—and that's exactly what's happening in Room 9.\r\n\r\nYour support has truly made a difference. By placing these books in their hands, you've given them the gift of reading and the chance to build confidence and curiosity that will last a lifetime. Thank you for being a part of their learning journey.","fullyFundedDate":1726509240979,"projectUrl":"project/unlock-a-world-of-imagination-support-o/8678798/","projectTitle":"Unlock a World of Imagination: Support Our Classroom Library!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gray","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3602345_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1472711385306","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3602345"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_37675","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":391,"numTeachers":14,"percentFrplEligible":53,"percentAsian":26,"percentBlack":8,"percentWhite":20,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":33,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"27.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":76.2,"schoolId":37675,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Hardy Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Hardy Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/san-diego-unified-school-district/hardy-elementary-school/37675"}
Join the 214 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Hardy Elementary School is
an urban public school
in San Diego, California that is part of San Diego Unified School District.
It serves 391 students
in grades Pre-K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 27.9:1.
Its teachers have had 48 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Boost support for our school's classrooms. Share this page with friends and family who want to make a difference. If you're a teacher, sign up to get started!
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
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.
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
67%
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.
Hardy 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.
Hardy Elementary School
$22,815
raised using DonorsChoose
48
projects
funded
11
teachers
funded
214
donors
1
project
for
basic supplies
7
projects for
technology
9
projects for
books
7
projects
for
art supplies
Hardy Elementary School has received support from
163 individuals from California and
51 individuals out-of-state.