{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"James Otis Kaler Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":35.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9932868,"projectId":9232872,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for donating to the Rocking Readers project -- students are LOVING the new seat choices in the library! So much excitement has been generated for simply sitting and reading. Students have been rushing to choose their books (I've actually had to slow a few down) so that they could select a seat and a quiet spot and settle in to comfortably enjoy their books right away. It's really fun to see!\r\n\r\nMany students are benefitting from the focusing effects provided by the subtle rocking motion of these seats; that was the main intent. But I'm noticing other bonuses now, too: book sharing and providing personal space. That is to say, more kids are choosing to read elbow-to-elbow with a peer (each in their own seat) and either literally share one book with each other, or sharing their interest in what they are each reading with one another as they sit together. And personal space is easily achieved, either alone or with a friend, when one has their own seat to tuck into.\r\n\r\nThe thank-you notes from students were written by our oldest school members, but ALL of the kids here are happy and grateful to have these fun, comfortable, individual seats for reading time in the library. And I am so grateful for the donors who have made that a reality!","fullyFundedDate":1755691435369,"projectUrl":"project/rocking-readers/9232872/","projectTitle":"Rocking Readers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Fiorini","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9932868"},{"teacherId":9932868,"projectId":9134908,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous contributions to the \"Readers Are Leaders\" project to bring new books to the Kaler Library! ALL of those new books sure generated a lot of excitement around here. Once I had them all label and processed and ready to go, I put them on display in the risers area of the library so that kids could easily see the covers and choose the ones that looked interesting to them. As classes came in throughout that first day, I heard multiple gasps of joy from kids as they came around the corner and saw that treasure trove of shiny new books. It was completely adorable and heartwarming!\r\n\r\nBecause of your generous donation, we were able to add to our narrative nonfiction books, favorite picture books and series, beginning chapter books, and more. Especially after our budget was frozen this winter and we were unable to order books as usual, it was so wonderful to have another way to get new books into the hands of our readers, keeping the excitement and enthusiasm for reading alive and well!","fullyFundedDate":1741373897333,"projectUrl":"project/readers-are-leaders/9134908/","projectTitle":"Readers Are Leaders","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Fiorini","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9932868"},{"teacherId":4808729,"projectId":8937567,"letterContent":"Thank you immensely for your generous donation aimed at creating an inclusive and cozy library. Your support has been transformative, changing my basic, outdated classroom library into a wonderfully welcoming space filled with new, diverse texts.\r\n\r\nThe books we have acquired now reflect our community, the world around us, and the interests of our students. As a result, I have observed a significant increase in sustained reading among the students, who have wholeheartedly embraced the positive impact of this upgrade.\r\n\r\nYour contribution has made a real difference, and we are incredibly grateful for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1731947662512,"projectUrl":"project/inclusive-and-comfy-classroom-library/8937567/","projectTitle":"Inclusive and Comfy Classroom Library","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hanlon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4808729_orig.jpg?crop=1639,1639,x255,y685&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1731369103144","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4808729"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_65309","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":179,"numTeachers":22,"percentFrplEligible":46,"percentAsian":4,"percentBlack":24,"percentWhite":49,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":15,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 4","studentTeacherRatio":"8.1:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":65.0,"schoolId":65309,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about James Otis Kaler Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"James Otis Kaler Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/maine/south-portland-city-school-district/james-odes-kaler-elementary-school/65309"}

James Otis Kaler Elementary School

Join the 214 supporters who believe in this school.

About this school

James Otis Kaler Elementary School is an urban public school in S. Portland, Maine that is part of South Portland City School District. It serves 179 students in grades Pre-K - 4 with a student/teacher ratio of 8.1:1. Its teachers have had 41 projects funded on DonorsChoose.

Public School

Title 1

Grades Pre-K - 4

179 Students

22 Teachers

165 S Kelsey St

S. Portland, ME 04106 View local requests

Evidence-based impact

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

Give to this school

Ms. Vero, a DonorsChoose teacher for 9 years.

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

James Otis Kaler Elementary School Teachers on DonorsChoose

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.

See how DonorsChoose works

James Otis Kaler Elementary School Demographics

46%

of students receive free or reduced price lunch

Source: the National Center for Education Statistics

43%

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.

James Otis Kaler 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.

James Otis Kaler Elementary School

$22,285

raised using DonorsChoose

projects funded

teachers funded

214

donors

projects for basic supplies

projects for technology

projects for books

project for art supplies

James Otis Kaler Elementary School has received support from 139 individuals from Maine and 75 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.

James Otis Kaler Elementary School

About this school

James Otis Kaler Elementary School Teachers on DonorsChoose

Share & help us grow support

DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

James Otis Kaler Elementary School Demographics

James Otis Kaler Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Dec 5, 2025

James Otis Kaler Elementary School

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