{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Independent Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":11.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":578553,"projectId":9300448,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support in providing my classroom with Secret Stories®! Because of your donation, my first-grade students now have access to tools that will make a tremendous difference in their reading journey.\r\n\r\nSecret Stories is not a program, but rather a collection of powerful, brain-friendly tools that help students \"crack the code\" of reading much faster. With these resources, my students will be able to approach words with greater confidence, decode more quickly, and develop the skills they need to become fluent, joyful readers.\r\n\r\nIn just the first weeks of using Secret Stories, I've already seen my students' excitement grow as they unlock the \"secrets\" of the letters and sounds. Instead of feeling frustrated, they feel empowered—and that spark of confidence is truly priceless.\r\n\r\nAs a teacher with 21 years of experience, I can say without a doubt that these resources are some of the most impactful I've ever used. Your generosity has directly opened new doors of opportunity for my students, and I am deeply grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1747161741151,"projectUrl":"project/reading-like-a-rock-star/9300448/","projectTitle":"Reading Like A Rock Star!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Van Hemelryck","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/578553"},{"teacherId":578553,"projectId":8732310,"letterContent":"Secret Stories is an amazing tool to help my students learn to read. This is how the creator explains the Secret Stories.\r\n\r\nSecret Stories® act as \"memory-enhancers,\" helping learners remember letter sounds through brain based strategies. Students learn the engaging reasons why letters make different sounds when they get together in words, making learning to read easy! Short phonics stories where letters have fun personalities and behave just like kids do make their sounds predictable and easy to remember, while also providing the logical explanations for letter sound behavior that learners' brains crave! Below are some examples of these \"secret\" phonics stories.\r\n\r\nI have used these in my classroom with kindergarten and first graders. I have taught for 20 years and these make such a huge difference in helping my students learn to read. I just wish I had found them sooner! 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It has been so fun to watch my students enjoy these new items and learn with them! Again, your support and generosity is appreciated.","fullyFundedDate":1725033445472,"projectUrl":"project/lets-get-learning-with-steam/8707613/","projectTitle":"Let's Get Learning With Steam!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Thompson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9709132"},{"teacherId":9700105,"projectId":8692834,"letterContent":"I want to extend my gratitude for your generous donation of books to my Title I Classroom. Your support has brought excitement and joy to our reading small groups.\r\n\r\nIn our small groups, students engage in lively discussions, practice sounding out difficult words and explore new vocabulary. With your donated books, students have access to stories that spark their imagination and build their love for reading. I especially enjoy the laughter we share while immersed in these books. It is heartwarming to see the students' smiles and the connections made as they share what they've read. \r\n\r\nYour contribution is making a significant impact on many students' reading growth and confidence. Thank you for being a part of their journey toward becoming lifelong readers","fullyFundedDate":1726236823787,"projectUrl":"project/new-and-exciting-book-choices-for-readi/8692834/","projectTitle":"New and Exciting Book Choices for Reading Groups!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Reinker","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9700105"},{"teacherId":5785572,"projectId":8693287,"letterContent":"This project impacted the class in wonderful ways. Thank you for helping fund book, STEM, and more.\r\n\r\nI have used these to enrich Math, English, and Science! 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Independent Elementary School

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About this school

Independent Elementary School is a suburban public school in Billings, Montana that is part of Independent School District 52. It serves 299 students in grades K - 6 with a student/teacher ratio of 16.6:1. Its teachers have had 22 projects funded on DonorsChoose.

Public School

Grades K - 6

299 Students

18 Teachers

2907 Roundup Rd

Billings, MT 59105 View local requests

Evidence-based impact

Inspire teachers to stay in the classroom and boost student achievement.¹

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Ms. Vero, a DonorsChoose teacher for 9 years.

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

Independent Elementary School Teachers on DonorsChoose

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Independent Elementary School Demographics

28%

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.

Independent 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.

Independent Elementary School

$9,579

raised using DonorsChoose

projects funded

teachers funded

donors

project for basic supplies

projects for technology

projects for books

Independent Elementary School has received support from 15 individuals from Montana and 2 individuals out-of-state.

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season! Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.

Independent Elementary School

About this school

Independent Elementary School Teachers on DonorsChoose

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Independent Elementary School Demographics

Independent Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Dec 5, 2025

Independent Elementary School

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season!
Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.