{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Jefferson Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":18.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":1118756,"projectId":9626732,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your support of our students and helping them get access to such unique resources. Yesterday we just had our first REAL experience with pour paints and students all created a unique and amazing piece of art. Students got to choose from the myriad of colors to create a special painting on the canvas also provided in this project!\r\n\r\nWe have so many more plans to use these resources to bring joy and color to our community. With the support of such an amazing community, I hope our students will continue to see the value of bring joy to others lives through their artwork. We are so excited about what the rest of the year holds in store!","fullyFundedDate":1756387074463,"projectUrl":"project/developing-the-artist-within/9626732/","projectTitle":"Developing the Artist Within!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Patterson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1118756_orig.jpg?crop=2062,2062,x0,y804&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1729394418582","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1118756"},{"teacherId":1118756,"projectId":9660612,"letterContent":"Our year is buzzing right along with moments of brilliance happening daily! We are so thankful to have the tools we need to stay somewhat organized! Organization does not come naturally to me or many of my amazing students, so having the essential tools to stay organized is a must.\r\n\r\nWe have managed to organize many of our unique and various art tools into the rainbow containers. This makes it much, much easier for students to regularly access the tools and find things much quicker. They have also allowed us to them in different situations where they sometimes become to much to manage. Students have been creating non-stop!\r\n\r\nOur chair pouches are still a work in progress. Some students use them for some light organizing, while others may be packing a bit too much into them. Either way they have helped us use our space more efficiently and make sure we aren't losing things we need to keep track of! We are super grateful for everyone's support!","fullyFundedDate":1757038078473,"projectUrl":"project/organization-is-the-key-to-a-functional/9660612/","projectTitle":"Organization Is the Key to a Functional Classroom!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Patterson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1118756_orig.jpg?crop=2062,2062,x0,y804&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1729394418582","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1118756"},{"teacherId":9871848,"projectId":9469362,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous gift of school supplies and enrichment materials to support learning in science and math. Your donation ensures every student has access to the tools they need to learn and succeed.\r\n\r\nWe're also grateful for the chair bands, which help students stay focused and comfortable through flexible seating. The classroom sweeper has encouraged students to take ownership of keeping our learning space clean and organized.\r\n\r\nThrough our SEL lessons, we're learning to manage our materials and time—so we can give the gift of time to others. Your support truly makes a difference!","fullyFundedDate":1753654015165,"projectUrl":"project/new-year-new-school-new-supplies/9469362/","projectTitle":"New Year, New School, New Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. McDougall","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9871848_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1752718358768","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9871848"},{"teacherId":1118756,"projectId":9184505,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity! Your donation of new 3D printers has completely transformed our technology curriculum and brought a new level of excitement to our learning labs. We've been truly inspired by the immediate, tangible impact your gift has had on our classroom. \r\n\r\nOur first foray has involved looking at some different models of an orca and deciding which one was most scientifically accurate. Next, students were given a printed orca, which they designed a saddle patch for and will give a name, like the Southern Resident Killer Whales in our area.\r\n\r\nWe are still figuring out how these amazing devices will impact our schooling, but we are looking forward to designing new creatures, awards for student assemblies, and 3D creation with these amazing devices!","fullyFundedDate":1755982034500,"projectUrl":"project/printing-our-imaginations/9184505/","projectTitle":"Printing Our Imaginations!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Patterson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1118756_orig.jpg?crop=2062,2062,x0,y804&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1729394418582","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1118756"},{"teacherId":806396,"projectId":9317368,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom through this project! The new book bins, labels, and stickers have already brought new life to our classroom library, even before the school year has started. Over the summer, I've been able to organize our books into clearly labeled categories, creating a space that feels welcoming, easy to navigate, and exciting for young readers.\r\n\r\nWhile I haven't yet had the chance to use these materials with students, I'm already looking forward to greeting my new class with a beautifully organized library that invites them to explore, discover, and fall in love with reading. I know this setup will help students feel more independent, find books they're interested in, and learn how to take care of our shared space from day one.\r\n\r\nThanks to the DonorsChoose Community, I'll be starting the school year with a library that is not only functional but inspiring. Your support has made it possible for me to create a space where students can grow as readers and feel proud of the classroom they belong to. I can't wait to share this with them!","fullyFundedDate":1750875387284,"projectUrl":"project/books-in-their-place-smiles-on-their-fa/9317368/","projectTitle":"Books in Their Place, Smiles on Their Face!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hillis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp806396_orig.jpg?crop=969,969,x172,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1634145987448","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrshillis"},{"teacherId":806396,"projectId":9186276,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom library! The early reader books you helped provide have been a game changer for my young learners. These books support foundational reading skills, including decoding, fluency, and high-frequency word recognition, while keeping kids engaged with stories that are just right for their level. Many of the books also build comprehension by encouraging students to make predictions, identify characters and settings, and retell the story in their own words.\r\n\r\nIn our classroom, reading time is one of the most loved parts of the day. Students have a choice in what they read, and it was amazing to see them gravitate toward these new books with such excitement. One little girl who used to feel unsure during reading started proudly reading aloud to classmates from her favorite series. Another student who previously avoided books was drawn to the characters in these new titles and he is now finishing entire books on his own.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has made reading feel joyful, empowering, and possible for all students. These books have already impacted last year's class and will continue to benefit many more young readers in the years to come. Thank you for being part of their reading journey!","fullyFundedDate":1746808101585,"projectUrl":"project/building-a-love-for-reading-early-reade/9186276/","projectTitle":"Building a Love for Reading: Early Readers for Young Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hillis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp806396_orig.jpg?crop=969,969,x172,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1634145987448","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrshillis"},{"teacherId":806396,"projectId":9229288,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible support of our classroom! Because of your generous donation, my students now have access to a rich variety of books that are just right for their developing reading skills—and the impact has been truly inspiring.\r\n\r\nThe Scholastic \"Acorn\" books have been a perfect fit for my emergent readers. These books are engaging, accessible, and filled with characters my students have come to love. One student in particular, a sweet and determined little boy who has faced challenges with reading, has completely fallen in love with the Frog and Dog series. It's been amazing to see his confidence grow as he reads book after book with joy and pride.\r\n\r\nOther popular series like Dragon and Princess Tilly have also become classroom favorites. My students are asking for more reading time beyond our scheduled blocks—something every teacher dreams of hearing! These books have made reading feel fun and attainable, and they've sparked a true excitement for learning in our room.\r\n\r\nThank you again, DonorsChoose Community, for helping make this possible. Your gift has opened the door to a lifelong love of reading for my students, and I'm so grateful for the difference you've made.","fullyFundedDate":1744203953932,"projectUrl":"project/we-love-books/9229288/","projectTitle":"We Love Books!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hillis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp806396_orig.jpg?crop=969,969,x172,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1634145987448","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrshillis"},{"teacherId":806396,"projectId":9187721,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom library! Because of your kindness, my students now have access to an exciting variety of chapter books that they absolutely love—and they're reading more than ever!\r\n\r\nThese books have sparked something truly special in our classroom. One of my students, a bright and curious little girl, proudly gives me updates almost daily on how many Cam Jansen books she has finished. She's hooked on the mysteries and even tries to use her own \"photographic memory\" like Cam! It's been such a joy to watch her confidence grow with every book she reads.\r\n\r\nAnother student, a high-energy and enthusiastic boy, has completely fallen in love with the Who Would Win? series. He's fascinated by the animal battles and often reads them during free time, eager to share facts with his classmates afterward. These books have helped turn his natural curiosity into a love for reading and learning.\r\n\r\nOur classroom library has never been more popular! Students are checking out books every day and having real conversations about what they're reading. Your donation has not only provided books but has helped create a culture of excitement and engagement around reading.\r\n\r\nThank you again for investing in our students. The impact is real, lasting, and deeply appreciated.","fullyFundedDate":1742924497739,"projectUrl":"project/fueling-a-love-for-reading-with-engaging/9187721/","projectTitle":"Fueling a Love for Reading with Engaging Chapter Books","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hillis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp806396_orig.jpg?crop=969,969,x172,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1634145987448","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrshillis"},{"teacherId":1118756,"projectId":9057147,"letterContent":"We cannot thank you enough for all of your support for our classroom! The students feel valued and seen. They know there is a whole community rooting them on! \r\n\r\nStudents have been able to use to flexible seating materials on a daily basis. This has created a 'we-can-work-anywhere' type of atmosphere in the classroom. This provides students with the opportunity to collaborate and work on projects anywhere in the room, rather than being tethered to their seats!\r\n\r\nOur energetic learners enjoy using al of the differentiated seating to meet their wiggle needs and allow them to work everywhere in the room. The smiles are abound in our 2nd grade classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1737047768718,"projectUrl":"project/flexible-seating-for-our-flexible-learne/9057147/","projectTitle":"Flexible Seating for Our Flexible Learners!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Patterson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1118756_orig.jpg?crop=2062,2062,x0,y804&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1729394418582","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1118756"},{"teacherId":806396,"projectId":8907838,"letterContent":"I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for your generous contribution to our classroom. Thanks to your support, we received a variety of calming and regulation supplies, including a jellyfish lamp for moments of tranquility, noise-reducing headphones for focused work, and chair bands for wiggly feet. These resources have been invaluable in creating a supportive and calming environment for our students.\r\n\r\nMy students have been using these items to help with self-regulation. The jellyfish lamp has become a favorite for those needing a moment to relax and refocus, while the noise-reducing headphones have significantly improved concentration during independent work. The chair bands have provided a much-needed outlet for students with restless energy. The positive response from the students has been overwhelming; they have embraced these tools and use them whenever needed to manage their emotions and stay focused.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has given my students the opportunity to learn and practice self-regulation in a supportive setting. As we move forward, we will continue to support our students in developing these essential skills. Our next steps include integrating these tools more deeply into our daily routines and providing ongoing guidance to help students understand and manage their emotions effectively.\r\n\r\nThank you once again for your kindness and support. You have made a significant impact on our classroom, and we are incredibly grateful. Your contribution has not only provided us with essential materials but has also fostered a more positive and productive learning environment.","fullyFundedDate":1739561474044,"projectUrl":"project/creating-a-calming-classroom-oasis/8907838/","projectTitle":"Creating a Calming Classroom Oasis","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hillis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp806396_orig.jpg?crop=969,969,x172,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1634145987448","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrshillis"},{"teacherId":806396,"projectId":8961029,"letterContent":"I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for your generous contribution to our classroom. Thanks to your support, we received a wonderful array of art supplies, including paints, color pencils, brushes, and bins to keep everything organized. These resources have been a game-changer for our art lessons, providing us with the tools we need to explore and create with greater freedom and creativity.\r\n\r\nMy students and I have been using these new resources to study and create art inspired by renowned Black artists such as Alma Thomas, Kehinde Wiley, and Jean-Michel Basquiat. The excitement in the classroom was palpable when the students first saw the materials. They were absolutely thrilled and couldn't wait to dive into their projects. Seeing their faces light up with joy and curiosity was truly a heartwarming experience. The new supplies have not only enhanced their artistic skills but also deepened their appreciation for the rich cultural heritage these artists represent.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has given my students a unique opportunity to explore their creativity and learn about important cultural figures through hands-on activities. As we move forward, we will continue to nurture their love for art and encourage them to express themselves through their creations. Our next steps include more in-depth projects that will allow students to experiment with different techniques and styles, further building their confidence and passion for art.\r\n\r\nThank you once again for your kindness and support. You have made a significant impact on our classroom, and we are incredibly grateful. Your contribution has not only provided us with essential materials but has also inspired a new generation of young artists.","fullyFundedDate":1735176801517,"projectUrl":"project/creative-minds-organized-spaces/8961029/","projectTitle":"Creative Minds, Organized Spaces!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hillis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp806396_orig.jpg?crop=969,969,x172,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1634145987448","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrshillis"},{"teacherId":1118756,"projectId":8924746,"letterContent":"From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your incredible generosity in supporting our classroom art project! Your thoughtful donation has truly transformed our learning space and ignited a spark of creativity in my students that's simply wonderful to witness. I'm so excited to share how your kindness has impacted our classroom.\r\n\r\nStudents have been overjoyed with the tools from this project! They have their own sketchbooks which we used weekly to teach lessons art and to try new methods. We are all expanding our skills, including myself!\r\n\r\nWe continue to be amazed at the generosity and uniqueness of these art materials. Students love having access to these unique tools and you can already here their growth mindset around art and finding ways to build confidence1","fullyFundedDate":1733775818825,"projectUrl":"project/2nd-graders-love-art-but-need-the-tools/8924746/","projectTitle":"2nd Graders Love Art but Need the Tools!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Patterson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1118756_orig.jpg?crop=2062,2062,x0,y804&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1729394418582","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1118756"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_36353","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":360,"numTeachers":19,"percentFrplEligible":54,"percentAsian":6,"percentBlack":6,"percentWhite":57,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":9,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"18.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":81.6,"schoolId":36353,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Jefferson Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Jefferson Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/washington/tacoma-public-schools/jefferson-elementary-school/36353"}
Join the 98 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Jefferson Elementary School is
an urban public school
in Tacoma, Washington that is part of Tacoma Public Schools.
It serves 360 students
in grades Pre-K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 18.9:1.
Its teachers have had 26 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Boost support for our school's classrooms. Share this page with friends and family who want to make a difference. If you're a teacher, sign up to get started!
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.
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
21%
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.
Jefferson 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.
Jefferson Elementary School
$19,713
raised using DonorsChoose
26
projects
funded
8
teachers
funded
98
donors
3
projects
for
basic supplies
2
projects for
technology
5
projects for
books
5
projects
for
art supplies
Jefferson Elementary School has received support from
80 individuals from Washington and
18 individuals out-of-state.