Highland Primary School in Highland, Illinois on DonorsChoose

{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Highland Primary School","outOfStateSupporters":21.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10001277,"projectId":9939944,"letterContent":"My students have been eagerly diving into the new hands on learning materials and books, and the impact has been immediate. During both math and literacy time, they are actively engaging with the resources in ways that promote deeper thinking and exploration. Whether they are building, sorting, or working together to solve problems, these materials are helping expand their critical thinking skills. Students are asking more questions, making predictions, and explaining their reasoning with growing confidence.\r\n\r\nIn literacy, the new books have brought a fresh excitement to reading time. Students are practicing comprehension skills by discussing characters, retelling stories, and making connections to their own lives. The engaging texts have encouraged even my more hesitant readers to participate, and I have seen a noticeable increase in their enthusiasm and confidence. The combination of hands on tools and meaningful reading opportunities is helping them develop a stronger foundation in both understanding and expression.\r\n\r\nIn math, the toys and manipulatives are allowing students to build a deeper understanding of important concepts. Instead of simply memorizing, they are exploring numbers, patterns, and problem solving in a meaningful way. These resources support different learning styles and give every student the opportunity to succeed. We are very grateful for the generosity that made this possible, and my students are truly loving the new materials. It is making a lasting difference in our classroom every day.","fullyFundedDate":1769199754458,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-learning-for-little-learners/9939944/","projectTitle":"Hands On Learning for Little Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wellen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10001277_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1764688137777","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10001277"},{"teacherId":6247789,"projectId":10057964,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity in providing our classroom with a light table and manipulatives. These resources have already transformed the way my students explore and learn. We've been using the light table during our science and math centers, where students investigate patterns, sort translucent shapes, and experiment with color mixing. One memorable moment was watching a group of students collaborate to create layered designs while discussing symmetry and light—something that sparked both creativity and meaningful conversation.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, the excitement in the room was immediate and contagious. Students gathered around the light table in awe, eager to touch, explore, and ask questions. Even my more hesitant learners quickly became engaged, drawn in by the hands-on, visual nature of the tools. It has been incredible to see their curiosity grow and their confidence build as they experiment and discover.\r\n\r\nAs we move forward, we plan to integrate these materials into a larger inquiry-based project focused on light, color, and design. Students will be creating their own visual displays and documenting their observations, connecting science concepts with art and storytelling. Your support has opened up new pathways for exploration and creativity in our classroom, and we are truly grateful for the opportunities you've made possible.","fullyFundedDate":1772795951817,"projectUrl":"project/lighting-up-learning-a-glow-lab-for-cur/10057964/","projectTitle":"Lighting Up Learning: a Glow Lab for Curious Kindergarteners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Townsend","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6247789_orig.jpg?crop=830,830,x0,y74&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1549399864201","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/patti-townsend"},{"teacherId":7104496,"projectId":9874662,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for donating to my classroom project called, \"Tune-In to Learning with Headphones.\" My class is very appreciative. In today's world, students are learning how to use technology, even at the 1st grade level. We use our chromebooks nearly every day to promote additional instruction and practice of our reading and math skills, but in a game or interactive application for students to learn from in addition to the instruction they receive from teachers. \r\nStudents love to have their personal chromebook to practice reading, math activities, games, and instruction, as well as listening to stories about different topics. Before we had these headphones, our old headphones were very worn out and students weren't able to hear as well from both sides of the headphone speakers. Now, thanks to your generous donation, our class has new headphones that work great and they have a microphone on them for students to record their thoughts and explanations to explain how they completed an activity. We also have a great way for organizing the headphones with our chromebook cart that provides students easy organization and access to getting the supplies they need for our tech use in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1762825590071,"projectUrl":"project/tune-in-to-learning-with-headphones/9874662/","projectTitle":"Tune In to Learning With Headphones!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Pittman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7104496_orig.jpg?crop=481,481,x0,y24&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1580623332758","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7104496"},{"teacherId":7014157,"projectId":9843566,"letterContent":"I am incredibly grateful for the donations that have made such a meaningful impact in my first-grade classroom. The headphones with microphones have transformed how I support my students' reading growth. With these tools, I am able to listen to each child read aloud in a quieter, more focused environment, which helps students feel confident reading at their own pace. The microphones allow me to closely monitor reading fluency, accuracy, and expression over time, giving me a clearer picture of each student's progress. This has made it easier to identify areas where students need extra support and to celebrate their growth, allowing me to tailor instruction to meet individual learning needs more effectively.\r\n\r\nIn addition, the headphones and motivational toys have inspired my students to take ownership of both their learning and their behavior in a positive and engaging way. The \"desk pet\" rewards system has helped first graders practice responsibility, goal-setting, and pride in their accomplishments while turning good choices into moments of joy. These incentives have helped create a classroom culture where effort, kindness, and curiosity are truly valued. My students bring such energy, creativity, and excitement to learning, and because of your generosity, I am able to nurture that enthusiasm through tools and experiences that make learning meaningful and fun. Thank you for helping make our classroom a place where every child feels supported and motivated to grow.","fullyFundedDate":1761571224195,"projectUrl":"project/headphone-and-happy-motivational-tools/9843566/","projectTitle":"Headphone and Happy Motivational Tools","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Drazen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7014157_orig.jpg?crop=540,540,x0,y77&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1672630546037","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7014157"},{"teacherId":9526978,"projectId":9604872,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my DonorsChoose project, Engage, Create, and Explore: Fine Motor & STEM Learning Kits. Your generous contribution brought new materials into our classroom that have already made a meaningful difference.\r\n\r\nStudents were so excited to see the new kits. The fine motor toys have helped them develop stronger finger control and dexterity, which is directly supporting successful letter formation. I've noticed clearer pencil grip, more controlled strokes, and greater confidence during writing activities.\r\n\r\nThe Alphabots have quickly become a favorite. Students love engaging with them — it's a playful, hands-on way to practice letter identification and build early literacy skills. Their enthusiasm during these activities has made lessons more joyful and effective.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our learners. Your support not only provides valuable tools but also shows our students that people believe in their potential. I look forward to seeing growth in our future readers and writers.","fullyFundedDate":1755721114777,"projectUrl":"project/engage-create-and-explore-fine-motor/9604872/","projectTitle":"Engage, Create, and Explore: Fine Motor & STEM Learning Kits","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Schrage","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9526978_orig.jpg?crop=1094,1094,x1313,y2626&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1714766096976","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9526978"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_27141","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":581,"numTeachers":41,"percentFrplEligible":35,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":91,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":3,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 2","studentTeacherRatio":"14.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"TOWN","ncesMetroType":"TOWN_FRINGE"},"inStateSupporters":78.7,"schoolId":27141,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Highland Primary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Highland Primary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/highland-community-school-district-5/highland-primary-school/27141"}

About this school

Highland Primary School is a town public school in Highland, Illinois that is part of Highland Community School District 5. It serves 581 students in grades Pre-K - 2 with a student/teacher ratio of 14.2:1. Its teachers have had 131 projects funded on DonorsChoose.

Public School

Grades Pre-K - 2

581 Students

41 Teachers

2831 Poplar St

Highland, IL 62249 View local requests

https://www.highlandcusd5.org/o/highland-primary-school

Direct, proactive support

Empower teachers at Highland Primary School to request what their students need.

Give to this school

Ms. Vero, a DonorsChoose teacher for 9 years.

Kindergarten teacher at PS81 - Robert J. Christen School in Bronx, NY

Highland Primary School Teachers on DonorsChoose

See more teachers from Highland Primary School

DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for public school teachers.

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.

See how DonorsChoose works

Highland Primary School Demographics

35%

of students receive free or reduced price lunch

Source: the National Center for Education Statistics

of students are Black, Latino, Native American, or Asian

Schools in districts that mainly serve students of color receive substantially less state and local support than similar districts that serve primarily White students. Learn more about this gap, why it exists, and how you can help close it.

Highland Primary School Support on DonorsChoose Last updated May 12, 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.