{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Hillcrest Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":70.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":2030059,"projectId":9148333,"letterContent":"I wanted to take a moment to share just how impactful the addition of wobble stools and yoga ball seating has been for my classroom of 44 fourth-grade students. Thanks to your support and generosity, our learning environment has been transformed into a space where students feel empowered, engaged, and truly supported in their learning styles.\r\n\r\nFrom the moment the wobble stools and yoga balls were introduced, my students were excited. For many of them, simply being able to choose their seat gave them a sense of ownership and control over their learning environment. This small shift made a big difference. The option to select a seat that best fits their needs helped build independence, responsibility, and confidence in their decision-making.\r\n\r\nOne of the most noticeable changes has been the increase in student engagement. With the freedom to wiggle, bounce, or shift while seated, students were able to stay focused for longer periods of time without distracting their classmates. Many of my students have a high need for movement, and rather than being a disruption, these flexible seating options allowed them to meet that need in a productive way. It was amazing to watch students who previously struggled to stay seated or focused during lessons now actively participating and completing work with greater success.\r\n\r\nThe wobble stools, in particular, became a favorite among students who benefit from subtle motion. They could gently rock and move without ever leaving their workspace. 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The joy, comfort, and increased focus I've seen in my students because of the wobble stools and yoga balls have been invaluable. I look forward to building on this foundation and continuing to support the diverse needs of all my students.\r\n\r\nThank you again for being part of our journey. Your support has helped create a classroom where every student feels seen, supported, and successful.","fullyFundedDate":1741531312303,"projectUrl":"project/wiggle-while-they-work/9148333/","projectTitle":"Wiggle While They Work","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Massey","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2030059_orig.jpg?crop=642,642,x8,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1744855533021","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2030059"},{"teacherId":3669263,"projectId":8461853,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support! These new novel studies have been such a fun addition to my classroom. I am now able to group students based on interest and place them in various novel study groups. It has been a joy to watch the students become independent readers who can have conversations with their peers about their novels. \r\n\r\nI have heard students discuss literary elements, foreshadow potential conflicts, talk about character development and more. Your contributions have made a lasting impact on their educational journey, and we're endlessly grateful!","fullyFundedDate":1728312587191,"projectUrl":"project/novel-study-buddies/8461853/","projectTitle":"Novel Study Buddies","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. McKeeman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3669263_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1468068287332","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsmckeeman"},{"teacherId":3669263,"projectId":8479648,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support! These new biographies have brought an incredible experience to our classroom, enriching the reading experience for every student. These books have improved the literacy skills of my students and given them the opportunity to learn about leaders of the past that they connect with. Beyond comprehension, these books have also created conversations about diversity and resilience, lessons that all my students can learn from.\r\n\r\nThese biographies improved the literacy skills of my students and given them the opportunity to learn about leaders of the past that they connect with. 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Join the 523 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Hillcrest Elementary School is
a suburban public school
in Lake Wales, Florida that is part of Polk County School District.
It serves 690 students
in grades Pre-K - 3 with a student/teacher ratio of 13.0:1.
Its teachers have had 219 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
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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
46%
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.
Hillcrest 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.
Hillcrest Elementary School
$89,165
raised using DonorsChoose
219
projects
funded
48
teachers
funded
523
donors
6
projects
for
basic supplies
5
projects for
technology
35
projects for
books
2
projects
for
art supplies
Hillcrest Elementary School has received support from
152 individuals from Florida and
371 individuals out-of-state.