{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"John F Kennedy Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":34.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9686526,"projectId":9422776,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous monetary donations toward Kleenex and Clorox wipes. Your support helps ensure our classroom stays clean, healthy, and well-stocked, especially during the busiest times of the year. \r\nAnchor charts help bring our lessons to life. They allow students to see key ideas, strategies, and examples displayed in a way that supports their learning long after a lesson ends. Thanks to your contribution, I'm able to create clear, engaging visuals that help students stay focused, participate actively, and refer back to important concepts whenever they need to.","fullyFundedDate":1755701854647,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-supplies-for-beginning-of-the/9422776/","projectTitle":"Classroom Supplies for Beginning of the Year","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Martinez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9686526_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1736970719578","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/samartinez"},{"teacherId":7271423,"projectId":9396759,"letterContent":"These new culturally relevant books have opened so many doors for learning in our classroom. Through them, students are practicing skills like identifying theme, comparing characters, making text-to-self connections, and discussing how culture shapes a story. The stories have also led to powerful conversations about identity, empathy, and respect for different backgrounds.\r\n\r\nIn our classroom, reading time is full of excitement students read independently, share with partners, and lead group discussions. Several students who rarely participated before are now eager to share because they see themselves in the stories. One student proudly said, \"This book reminds me of my family!\" Moments like that show how much representation matters.","fullyFundedDate":1754331485783,"projectUrl":"project/reading-our-roots-celebrating-culture-t/9396759/","projectTitle":"Reading Our Roots: Celebrating Culture Through Books","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gutierrez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7271423_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y231&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1611034729403","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-gutierrez20"},{"teacherId":7271423,"projectId":9114827,"letterContent":"My students and I have absolutely loved using The Secret Stories by Katie Garner! We've been using the posters and stories during our phonics and reading blocks to help students connect sounds to letters in fun, meaningful ways. One of our favorite projects has been creating \"Secret Story detective journals,\" where students write down the new \"secrets\" they learn each week and use them to decode tricky words during reading time.\r\n\r\nWhen they first saw the colorful posters and heard the \"secret\" sound stories, their faces lit up! They were so excited to whisper the secrets to one another and immediately started applying them in their writing and independent reading. One student even said, \"Now I know how to read big words by myself!\"\r\n\r\nOur next step is to keep using the stories as part of our reading rotations and small-group interventions. Students are starting to recognize patterns in words more quickly, and we'll soon begin a \"Word Detectives Challenge,\" where they'll find Secret Story patterns in their library books and share their discoveries with the class.\r\n\r\nThanks to this project, reading feels magical in our classroom and that excitement is spreading every day!","fullyFundedDate":1746785990081,"projectUrl":"project/the-secret-to-reading/9114827/","projectTitle":"The Secret to Reading","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gutierrez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7271423_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y231&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1611034729403","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-gutierrez20"},{"teacherId":7271423,"projectId":9447865,"letterContent":"In our classroom, reading is about more than just decoding words, it's about connecting with characters, ideas, and each other. These new books have introduced lessons in empathy, character traits, making inferences, and comparing themes across cultures. We've also been practicing summarizing, finding evidence, and discussing author's purpose.\r\n\r\nDuring reading time, students read both independently and in small groups. They love turning and talking to share predictions or favorite moments. A few students who used to be shy about reading are now the first to volunteer during discussions. One even told me, \"I didn't like reading before, but these books make it fun!\" \r\nYour donation has really made an impact in student learning!","fullyFundedDate":1755687346218,"projectUrl":"project/hooked-on-books-building-lifelong-reade/9447865/","projectTitle":"Hooked on Books: Building Lifelong Readers in 5th Grade","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gutierrez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7271423_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y231&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1611034729403","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-gutierrez20"},{"teacherId":6167327,"projectId":9090712,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom has become a more organized, clean, and welcoming space! The new organizational supplies and cleaning materials have made it easier for my students to take care of their learning environment. \r\nWe now have a system for keeping materials tidy, wiping down tables, and making sure everything is ready for the next activity. These small changes have had a big impact—our classroom feels calmer and more focused each day.\r\nThank you for helping make our classroom a brighter, more positive place to learn every day!","fullyFundedDate":1748608449465,"projectUrl":"project/organizing-for-success-essential-cleane/9090712/","projectTitle":"Organizing for Success: Essential Cleaners and Storage for Our Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rodriguez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp6167327_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1545633526049","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-rodriguez21"},{"teacherId":9686526,"projectId":9115973,"letterContent":"I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to share my thoughts on the positive impact that Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Dork Diaries have had on the educational development of students. As an avid advocate for reading and literacy, I believe that these two series have proven to be more than just entertaining they have served as valuable educational tools that foster essential skills and contribute to a student's growth.\r\nBoth Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney and Dork Diaries by Rachel Renée Russell engage young readers in a way that few other books do. With their relatable characters, humor, and everyday situations, these books encourage reluctant readers to pick up a book, which is a huge win in today's digital age. The humor and wit embedded within the pages keep students entertained while subtly teaching them important lessons in resilience, friendship, and self-reflection. These are all qualities that are essential in the classroom and beyond.\r\nThe writing style of both authors, filled with relatable situations and humor, is not only engaging but also educational. The vocabulary and language used in both series are suitable for middle and high school students, allowing them to expand their lexicon while navigating the challenges that come with growing up. Students often relate to the personal struggles of the protagonists, which can foster a deeper understanding of how to express their own thoughts and emotions effectively.","fullyFundedDate":1741146958495,"projectUrl":"project/reading-enhances-imagination/9115973/","projectTitle":"Reading Enhances Imagination","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Martinez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9686526_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1736970719578","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/samartinez"},{"teacherId":9686526,"projectId":9060846,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your contribution to my classroom! Students have been using the markers every day during our math block. \r\n\r\nThe wipes and Kleenex didn't last long but we sure did need them. I found there were less trips to the restroom since students have Kleenex accessible. This helped the most when a cold was going around the class since students were able to clean their desks more frequently with the wipes. \r\n\r\nThe students were most excited about the headphones. I was able to give each student their own pair! This helped a lot of my students reach their AR goal since they were able to listen to audio books on epic!","fullyFundedDate":1739814866347,"projectUrl":"project/class-materials-needed/9060846/","projectTitle":"Class Materials Needed","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Martinez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9686526_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1736970719578","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/samartinez"},{"teacherId":6543498,"projectId":8222511,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to our classroom library! The moment the books arrived, my students were absolutely thrilled. They eagerly gathered around as we unpacked them, and I immediately heard excited voices saying things like, \"I've been wanting to read this!\" and \"Can I check this one out first?\" It was such a joy to see their enthusiasm for reading grow right before my eyes.\r\n\r\nSince adding these new titles to our library, students have been diving into independent reading with even more excitement. We recently started a reading book club, where students choose a book, discuss it with peers, and share their favorite parts. These books have provided fresh opportunities for them to explore new genres, discover favorite authors, and develop a lifelong love for reading.\r\n\r\nAs we continue building our reading community, I'm encouraging students to write short reviews and recommendations to share with classmates. This way, they can inspire each other to explore different stories. Your donation has not only brought joy to my students but has also fostered a deeper love for reading that will last well beyond this school year.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your kindness and support—it truly makes a difference!","fullyFundedDate":1715875284762,"projectUrl":"project/open-a-world-of-adventure-with-reading/8222511/","projectTitle":"Open a World of Adventure With Reading","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Melissa Amaya","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6543498"},{"teacherId":9686526,"projectId":8964374,"letterContent":"With your generous donation, 17 of my students were able to meet their AR goal for the six weeks! This wouldn't have been possible without access to the books that we received from each of you!!\r\n\r\nIn my classroom, students are expected to earn an AR point a day. This pace allows them to attain their goal by the end of the six weeks. Whenever students have downtime they are encouraged to read as this will build their stamina for the STAAR. \r\n\r\nI found that the Fly Guy books help my struggling readers the most! They now have access to books at their own level. The rest of the books have little text and many pictures. This encourages them to be motivated to read!","fullyFundedDate":1734463674974,"projectUrl":"project/love-for-reading/8964374/","projectTitle":"Love For Reading","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Martinez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9686526_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1736970719578","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/samartinez"},{"teacherId":6167327,"projectId":8904882,"letterContent":"Thanks to the generous book donations, our classroom has seen a big change in how we approach reading. The new books have introduced a variety of skills, like improving comprehension, expanding vocabulary, and encouraging critical thinking. These texts help students think more deeply about the characters, themes, and plots, which sparks great discussions and deeper learning.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom has become more exciting and engaging. Students are eager to pick up books, share their thoughts, and participate in group discussions. Some students, especially those who had difficulty reading, are now more interested and motivated. I also get many students from other classrooms coming to borrow books. These changes wouldn't have happened without the support of our donors, and we're incredibly grateful!","fullyFundedDate":1732316916435,"projectUrl":"project/empower-young-minds-support-our-book-pr/8904882/","projectTitle":"Empower Young Minds: Support Our Book Project","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rodriguez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp6167327_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1545633526049","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-rodriguez21"},{"teacherId":6167327,"projectId":8810226,"letterContent":"We are incredibly grateful for your support in providing new chapter books for our students. Your generosity has made a tremendous impact in our classroom, helping us create an environment where reading comes alive and where every student has the opportunity to engage with literature in meaningful ways.\r\n\r\nThanks to your thoughtful donations, these new chapter books have made a significant difference in our students' literacy development. They are not just books; they are tools that have empowered our students to grow as readers, thinkers, and individuals. Your generosity is helping to inspire a lifelong love of reading and learning, and we couldn't be more thankful for the opportunities you've provided.","fullyFundedDate":1729911011677,"projectUrl":"project/love-of-reading/8810226/","projectTitle":"Love of Reading","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rodriguez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp6167327_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1545633526049","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-rodriguez21"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_8132","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":363,"numTeachers":33,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":99,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"11.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"TOWN","ncesMetroType":"TOWN_FRINGE"},"inStateSupporters":65.3,"schoolId":8132,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about John F Kennedy Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"John F Kennedy Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/texas/edcouch-elsa-independent-school-district/kennedy-elementary-school/8132"}
Join the 72 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
John F Kennedy Elementary School is
a town public school
in Elsa, Texas that is part of Edcouch Elsa Independent School District.
It serves 363 students
in grades K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 11.0:1.
Its teachers have had 36 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
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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
99%
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.
John F Kennedy 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.
John F Kennedy Elementary School
$12,950
raised using DonorsChoose
36
projects
funded
14
teachers
funded
72
donors
6
projects
for
basic supplies
20
projects for
books
1
project
for
art supplies
John F Kennedy Elementary School has received support from
47 individuals from Texas and
25 individuals out-of-state.