{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Henry Ford Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":13.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":3220606,"projectId":9941330,"letterContent":"I am writing to share the incredible impact your generosity has had on our classroom. Thanks to your support of our project, \"Bringing Learning to Life,\" our literacy block has been transformed from \"looking and listening\" to \"touching and doing.\"\r\n\r\nIn early childhood education, we often say that \"the hands are the instruments of man's intelligence.\" Your gift of alphabet realia and ABC tubs has proven this true every single day.\r\n\r\nMultisensory Literacy: Instead of just seeing the letter \"A\" on a screen, my students are digging through colorful rice to find a miniature apple or an astronaut. This sensory engagement is helping them form much stronger neural connections to letter sounds.\r\n\r\nFine Motor & Focus: Using the magnetic letters and letter wheels requires precision and coordination. I've watched students who used to struggle with focus become completely absorbed in a game of Pop It Bingo, building their phonics skills while having the time of their lives.\r\n\r\nCritical Thinking: Sorting the real items into their correct tubs requires my students to categorize, compare, and contrast—essential cognitive skills that go far beyond simple memorization.\r\n\r\nWith these materials, I can finally move away from worksheets and toward active, play-based learning. I can now set up \"Literacy Lab\" stations where students rotate through different mediums—from tactile rice bins to interactive wheels. It allows me to meet every student where they are, whether they are a visual, auditory, or kinesthetic learner.\r\n\r\nYou have given my students the gift of confidence. When a child can hold a physical object that represents a sound, the abstract becomes concrete, and the \"lightbulb moment\" happens so much faster.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in these little learners and for making our classroom a place of wonder and discovery!","fullyFundedDate":1768456444874,"projectUrl":"project/bring-learning-to-life/9941330/","projectTitle":"Bring Learning to Life","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Figaro","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3220606_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1695245048419","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3220606"},{"teacherId":3220606,"projectId":9979768,"letterContent":"Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your incredible generosity. Because of you, our Kindergarten enrichment hour has been transformed into a vibrant, 3D art studio.\r\n\r\nIn a world that is increasingly digital, providing five and six-year-olds with tactile, \"hands-on\" experiences is a gift that keeps on giving. Your support has brought a level of excitement to our after-school program that is truly infectious.\r\n\r\nThe variety of materials you provided—from sand art to beading—has allowed my students to explore texture and dimension in ways they never could with just paper and crayons.\r\n\r\nFine Motor Mastery: Using small beads and manipulated foil isn't just \"crafting\"—it's essential therapy for developing the grip and coordination needed for writing.\r\n\r\nCritical Thinking & Focus: Watching a student solve a complex puzzle or carefully layer colored sand requires a level of patience and spatial awareness that is vital at this age.\r\n\r\nThe \"Joy\" Factor: The bouncy balls and colorful kits have turned our classroom into a place of pure \"fun,\" fostering a genuine love of arts and crafts that many students now look forward to all day.\r\n\r\nWith these resources, I have been able to move beyond \"follow-the-leader\" crafts and into true open-ended creativity. I can now set up \"Exploration Stations\" where students choose their medium.\r\n\r\nYou haven't just sent us \"supplies\"; you've sent us the tools to build confidence and imagination. Seeing a child proudly hold up a 3D creation they made themselves is a memory they will carry home with them.\r\n\r\nThank you for being the \"art patrons\" our little creators needed!","fullyFundedDate":1768456444863,"projectUrl":"project/tiny-architects-3d-art-adventures/9979768/","projectTitle":"Tiny Architects: 3D Art Adventures","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Figaro","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3220606_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1695245048419","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3220606"},{"teacherId":3220606,"projectId":9695228,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for your incredible generosity in funding our project, \"Sparking Young Minds with Play-Based STEM\". Because of your support, our classroom is now buzzing with the sounds of building, problem-solving, and pure imagination.\r\n\r\nIn Transitional Kindergarten, play is the most important work a child can do. The STEM materials you provided are more than just toys; they are the tools my students use to explore the world. Since introducing these items, I have seen a remarkable shift in our daily \"Discovery Time\":\r\n\r\nFine Motor Strength: Those little hands are working hard! Whether it's snapping blocks together or manipulating small gears, my students are building the muscle memory they'll need for writing and everyday tasks.\r\n\r\nCritical Thinking: I've watched students face \"engineering\" challenges—like a tower falling over—and instead of getting frustrated, they are starting to ask, \"Why did that happen?\" and \"How can I make the base stronger?\"\r\n\r\nFor many of my students, this is their first experience in a school setting. By providing these high-quality resources, you have helped create an environment where they feel capable, curious, and excited to learn. You aren't just giving us \"stuff\"; you are giving these children a foundation for a lifelong love of science and engineering.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students and for investing in our classroom community. We are so lucky to have you on our team!\r\n\r\nWith gratitude,","fullyFundedDate":1763608052365,"projectUrl":"project/sparking-young-minds-with-play-based-ste/9695228/","projectTitle":"Sparking Young Minds with Play-Based STEM!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Figaro","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3220606_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1695245048419","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3220606"},{"teacherId":16027,"projectId":9965411,"letterContent":"Our students are enjoying the musical instruments during circle time. Our students smile and laugh using the rainbow xylophone when they hear the different sounds and notes. The light up tambourine adds kinesthetic movement and different colored lights to go along with morning songs. Students also love the egg shakers to learn rythmns and beats.\r\nMusic is vital for our students. Thank you for your generous support for our students in Special Education. Our students truly appreciate the gift of music.","fullyFundedDate":1767198222277,"projectUrl":"project/joyful-learning-with-essential-musical-i/9965411/","projectTitle":"Joyful Learning with Essential Musical Instruments","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Yang","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/16027"},{"teacherId":6608633,"projectId":9919260,"letterContent":"We have wasted no time putting these supplies to work! The kids were elated to have \"real\" scissors that they could fit their fingers into and make a cut longer than 1/4 inch at a time! The white boards, pens, and erasers have been used daily in math lessons. The kids are less reluctant to try difficult problems knowing that their mistakes can be adjusted with ease. \r\nSeeing their eyes light up when unboxing all of these materials made it clear that these aren't just tools—they are a message to my students that their education is worth an investment.","fullyFundedDate":1764739033243,"projectUrl":"project/pens-paper-progress/9919260/","projectTitle":"Pens, Paper… Progress!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Teupel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6608633_orig.jpg?crop=2597,2597,x144,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1594246591835","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsteupelroom21"},{"teacherId":9166464,"projectId":9726565,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to support my Teachers Pay Teachers account and classroom binders. Because of you, I am able to access high-quality resources that are fun, engaging, and meaningful for my students. These materials help make learning exciting while supporting important kindergarten skills in a way that feels approachable and joyful for young learners.\r\nYour support also helped provide binders used for fluency practice, sight words, and letter recognition. Having these materials organized and easily accessible allows students to practice independently, build confidence, and track their own growth. This structure is especially helpful in creating strong routines and fostering responsibility in the classroom.\r\nI am incredibly grateful for your kindness and belief in my students. Your generosity makes a real difference each day, and it helps create a classroom environment where students feel supported, successful, and excited to learn.","fullyFundedDate":1764632247309,"projectUrl":"project/fluent-readers-and-creative-learners/9726565/","projectTitle":"Fluent Readers and Creative Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Yoniles","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9166464_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y302&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1691459582676","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9166464"},{"teacherId":5277665,"projectId":9559437,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support of our Transitional Kindergarten outdoor learning and play equipment. Because of your kindness, our TK students now have access to engaging, developmentally appropriate spaces that encourage movement, exploration, creativity, and collaboration.\r\n\r\nOutdoor play is an essential part of early childhood learning. The new equipment helps our students build physical strength, social skills, confidence, and a love of learning—while having fun in a safe and stimulating environment. Your contribution has made a meaningful difference in the daily experiences of our youngest learners.\r\n\r\nThe young learners were excited to see the TK yard come to life with new equipment and enjoy playing with it everyday! In addition to daily playtime as a class, we also enjoy Fun Friday together with another TK class and Special Learning Center TK class. \r\n\r\nWe are truly grateful for your commitment to our school and for investing in the growth and well-being of our TK community. Your support helps lay a strong foundation for lifelong learning.","fullyFundedDate":1759713105988,"projectUrl":"project/outdoor-playbig-learning-for-our-little/9559437/","projectTitle":"Outdoor Play=Big Learning for Our Littlest Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hollander","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5277665_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1524617714387","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5277665"},{"teacherId":12025,"projectId":9723674,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of this project. We are so grateful for this opportunity to enhance learning in our elementary classrooms. \r\n\r\nThis grant allows us to purchase differentiated instructional materials that meet the diverse academic needs of our students with a focus on those learning English. We received gift cards that allows us to purchase items throughout the year as needs arise. To begin, we have received materials that support our existing programs. One example is a vocabulary resource that contains words from stories/passages that we already us with classes. These words are side by side with pictures to clarify meaning and improve content language (ex. \"barrel\"). Teachers use this resource in many different ways - they are often introduced along with a passage students read and then students continue to work with the words in games, word building activities, and in writing. We have also been able to purchase practice materials that support our English learners in the annual assessment that determines language level. The format of the test is unfamiliar to students. This resource will provide them the the opportunity to become familiar with and practice their English skills in the same way that they will experience on the assessment. \r\n\r\nThis funding provides us with ability to secure resources that support our English learners that span levels from students at the newcomer level to almost proficient. We are able to differentiate and do our best to meet the different needs of our students. Thank you for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1764632246078,"projectUrl":"project/building-english-language-skills/9723674/","projectTitle":"Building English Language Skills","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Campbell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp12025_orig.jpg?crop=1041,1041,x47,y179&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1565226353950","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ccampbell"},{"teacherId":16027,"projectId":8433144,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donation to help our students learn skills in co-operation. They like the waterdoodle mat to learn letters and numbers and practice with water brushes to draw letters and shapes in math and reading. The sensory mats and tiles are essential for learning colors and helps their kinesthetic skills. The sensory mats help our students with their sensory needs. The toss and catch game helps our students learn to take turns. Thank you for your generous support and our students love all the activities.","fullyFundedDate":1723565673543,"projectUrl":"project/essential-activity-lessons-in-cooperatio/8433144/","projectTitle":"Essential Activity lessons in Cooperation, Friendships, and Teamwork","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Yang","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/16027"},{"teacherId":12025,"projectId":9733416,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation for books for my classroom. The books purchased are high interest, various levels, and come in series which motivates reluctant readers. When the boxes arrived there was a cheer from students as they anxiously awaited to see what titles were inside. As the books kept coming, students were pointing out what they wanted to read and who was going to get which book next. \r\n\r\nThe titles chosen for this project were selected because they are very high interest for older students (some of them graphic novels) written at various levels but especially accessible to students currently reading at lower reading levels. Most of these kids are able to read but need practice and finding books that interest them is always a challenge. Adding these books to my library has built so much excitement and students are happily reading more which impacts their stamina and automaticity. Building their reading skills and confidence will support them in their future education and beyond. \r\nThank you so much for all your support and generosity. We are all so grateful!","fullyFundedDate":1761086630150,"projectUrl":"project/book-series-for-the-comprehension-win/9733416/","projectTitle":"Book Series for the Comprehension Win!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Campbell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp12025_orig.jpg?crop=1041,1041,x47,y179&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1565226353950","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ccampbell"},{"teacherId":12025,"projectId":9284904,"letterContent":"It is hard to explain what an impact this project is having on our students. With your generous donation, we were able to host a Reading Buddy adoption event for the first and second grade classrooms that includes over 130 students. Classes visited the adoption center and chose a reading buddy. They then completed an application form that included a promise to take care of their buddies and read to them every day over winter break (and beyond). Students then chose a bag, a book to keep, and took papers including an informational letter for their parents, a reading log to color, and a bookmark. All of these items were stored safely in their bag to take home over winter break. \r\nStudents cheered and were happily surprised to find that they were able to have their own reading buddy and that they were able to keep it FOREVER. Upon collecting all the items, each class sat together and read with their buddies and each other. It was amazing to witness the happiness and excitement over reading! \r\nThank you so much for supporting this project for our school. These buddies will stay with these students forever and I already know that many of them will be joining families on vacations and outings. With this event, students are even more excited to practice reading over break which will help prevent the slide that often happens with time off of school.","fullyFundedDate":1754847851345,"projectUrl":"project/reading-with-plush-buddies/9284904/","projectTitle":"Reading with Plush Buddies","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Campbell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp12025_orig.jpg?crop=1041,1041,x47,y179&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1565226353950","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ccampbell"},{"teacherId":8680692,"projectId":9744167,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to our Exercise and Emotions counseling project. The new resources are already being used in counseling lessons to help students connect physical movement with emotional regulation and mental well-being.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the materials, they were excited and motivated to participate. One meaningful moment was watching students use movement activities to release stress and then reflect on how their emotions changed afterward. These experiences have helped students better understand how exercise can be a healthy coping strategy.\r\n\r\nThanks to your support, our next steps include teaching students how to independently use movement-based strategies to manage emotions during challenging moments at school. Your contribution has given students practical tools to support both their physical and emotional health.\r\n\r\nThank you for making it possible for our students to learn, grow, and thrive through movement and emotional awareness. We are truly grateful for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1758979458823,"projectUrl":"project/exercise-and-emotions/9744167/","projectTitle":"Exercise and Emotions","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Maryann","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8680692_orig.jpg?crop=1125,1125,x0,y618&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1664399892514","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8680692"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_4583","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":458,"numTeachers":14,"percentFrplEligible":60,"percentAsian":5,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":22,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":66,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"32.7:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":87.0,"schoolId":4583,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Henry Ford Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Henry Ford Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/redwood-city-school-district/henry-ford-elementary-school/4583"}