{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Helke Early Learning Center","outOfStateSupporters":10.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":3618841,"projectId":9121169,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our \"Learning Through Meaningful Dramatic Play\" project! Because of your generosity, our classroom is now filled with exciting new play centers that have brought so much joy and learning to my students.\r\n\r\nAs soon as the materials arrived, the excitement was contagious! The kids couldn't wait to dive into the pretend pizza shop, ice cream stand, vet center, bakery, and more. These playsets have given them a chance to explore real-world roles in fun, creative ways. It's been amazing to watch them work together, build language skills, and use their imaginations — all while learning through play.\r\n\r\nThe large storage totes have helped us keep everything neat and organized so we can switch between centers easily and keep our classroom tidy. This has made our playtime smoother and more enjoyable for everyone.\r\n\r\nThanks to your support, our dramatic play area is now one of the most loved and meaningful parts of our day. Your donation has truly helped our students learn, grow, and have fun while doing it.","fullyFundedDate":1742912427045,"projectUrl":"project/learning-through-meaningful-dramatic-pla/9121169/","projectTitle":"Learning Through Meaningful Dramatic Play","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Heis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3618841_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1471543185736","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/heis1"},{"teacherId":3618841,"projectId":8407628,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom! Your generosity helped us get so many helpful and fun supplies that have made a big difference for my students.\r\n\r\nWhen the boxes arrived, the kids were so excited — it felt like a holiday! They loved helping unpack everything, especially the bright dry-erase pockets and fun stickers. One student said, \"This is the best day ever!\"\r\n\r\nThe storage bins, zipper pouches, and organizers have helped us stay much more organized. Now, students can find what they need quickly, and our classroom feels less cluttered and more focused. The dry-erase pockets and mini erasers are used every day for reading, writing, and math. The kids enjoy using them, and it makes learning more hands-on.\r\n\r\nWe also used the Teachers Pay Teachers gift card to get great new lessons and activities that the students really enjoy. These materials are helping us learn in creative, engaging ways.\r\n\r\nThanks to you, our classroom is more fun, more organized, and a better place to learn. We are so grateful for your kindness and support!","fullyFundedDate":1722865645932,"projectUrl":"project/kindergarten-wish-list/8407628/","projectTitle":"Kindergarten Wish List","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Heis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3618841_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1471543185736","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/heis1"},{"teacherId":3618841,"projectId":6813585,"letterContent":"Thanks to your incredible generosity, our classroom has been completely transformed into a space that's more organized, more interactive, and so much more engaging for my students. Every item you helped fund has played a key role in making our learning environment more dynamic — and the results have been amazing.\r\n\r\nWhen the boxes arrived, my students were so curious and excited. The whiteboard clipboards were an instant favorite. We now use them daily for everything from math warm-ups to interactive group games and writing prompts. They've helped even my most hesitant students participate more confidently — there's something about being able to erase and try again that just invites fearless learning.\r\n\r\nThe Teachers Pay Teachers gift card gave me access to high-quality, ready-to-go lessons that match my students' needs perfectly — it's saved me time and brought in fresh, creative content that they're genuinely excited about. One recent lesson used an escape-room-style activity that had everyone up, moving, and collaborating to solve challenges. Seeing their teamwork and enthusiasm was such a proud moment.\r\n\r\n\r\nThe new classroom mailbox organizer has brought order to our daily routines — students love having their own \"mail slots\" for turning in work and picking up feedback. It's a small thing, but it's had a big impact on classroom independence and organization.\r\n\r\nThe LCD writing tablets and classroom timer have helped with both instruction and behavior — giving students tools for quick sketches, brainstorming, or just quiet reflection time. And the clipboard storage rack? A game-changer. Everything has a place now!\r\n\r\nWe're currently working on student-led research projects, and these tools are helping every step of the way — from organizing ideas on the clipboards, to timing presentations with the giant timer, to sketching early drafts on the LCD tablets. Your donation didn't just bring materials — it brought momentum.\r\n\r\nFrom the bottom of our hearts, thank you. 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Join the 212 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Helke Early Learning Center is
a suburban public school
in Vandalia, Ohio that is part of Vandalia Butler City School District.
It serves 432 students
in grades K - 3 with a student/teacher ratio of 24.0:1.
Its teachers have had 68 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Public School
Grades K - 3
432 Students
18 Teachers
611 Randler AveContact info is sourced from our partners at MDR Education, and DonorsChoose updates our site ahead of each school year.
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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
16%
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.
Helke Early Learning Center 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.
Helke Early Learning Center
$24,525
raised using DonorsChoose
68
projects
funded
13
teachers
funded
212
donors
3
projects
for
basic supplies
6
projects for
technology
6
projects for
books
1
project
for
art supplies
Helke Early Learning Center has received support from
190 individuals from Ohio and
22 individuals out-of-state.