{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Kenneth L Rutherford Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":28.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8473151,"projectId":9284056,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my students now have tools that are making a real difference in their learning and their lives. The movement bands on their desks are giving them a safe and quiet outlet for their energy, allowing them to focus more fully on their work. The foot pads have been nothing short of amazing. As someone with ADHD myself, I tried them so I could better explain the experience to my students—and I was blown away. It truly feels like floating: soft yet supportive, grounding yet energizing. These are perfect for students who need to stand while working, and they've provided sensory input I never realized was possible.\r\n\r\nThe resource books you funded are also giving me the ability to differentiate lessons so each learner can access material at their own level. This has allowed me to meet the diverse needs of my class in ways that honor their strengths while addressing their challenges.\r\n\r\nOne of the most heartwarming moments came on the very first day of school when I told my students about this project. I explained that every single one of you—out of all the classrooms you could have chosen—believed in them. Many of my students have often felt overlooked, but in that moment they began to understand that they matter. Your gift has helped me empower them with a lesson I repeat daily: that hardships don't define their ability to learn, they just mean we haven't found the right strategy yet.\r\n\r\nI've promised my students that I will always listen to how they feel they learn best, teach them to advocate for themselves, and help them understand why we learn certain skills. Thanks to your support, that promise feels more real than ever. The care you've shown, combined with the care I bring to our classroom, has already made a world of difference.\r\n\r\nWe had open house this week, so I'm excited to start sharing pictures soon. But I didn't want to wait another day to let you know just how much your generosity is already transforming my classroom. Thank you for choosing us.","fullyFundedDate":1753502244227,"projectUrl":"project/creating-a-safe-and-supportive-learning/9284056/","projectTitle":"Creating a Safe and Supportive Learning Space for Exceptional Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lospalluto","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8473151_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1748114371852","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/klospalluto"},{"teacherId":9644895,"projectId":9048842,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our \"Cozy Reading Pillows and Sensory Fidgets\" project! Your kindness has truly transformed our classroom into a more welcoming, focused, and student-centered space.\r\n\r\nThe cozy pillows have become a favorite feature in our reading corner—students now eagerly curl up with a book during independent reading time, and many say it's their favorite part of the day. These soft, inviting spaces encourage even my most reluctant readers to settle in and engage with books. It's amazing to see how a simple change in comfort can lead to deeper focus and greater enjoyment.\r\n\r\nThe sensory fidgets have also made a huge difference, especially for students who need movement or tactile input to stay regulated and focused. I've noticed fewer distractions and more sustained attention during lessons, especially for students with sensory needs. These tools have helped create a more inclusive environment where all learners feel supported.\r\n\r\nThanks to you, our classroom feels more like a second home—a space where students feel safe, comfortable, and ready to learn. Your gift went far beyond materials; it brought more joy, calm, and engagement into our everyday routines.","fullyFundedDate":1744032799325,"projectUrl":"project/cozy-reading-pillows-and-sensory-fidgets/9048842/","projectTitle":"Cozy Reading Pillows and Sensory Fidgets","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Donato","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9644895_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723486486367","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9644895"},{"teacherId":9644895,"projectId":8720032,"letterContent":"I am writing to share my heartfelt gratitude for your incredible support in bringing STEM kits into my classroom. Your generosity has made an extraordinary impact on my fourth-grade students, sparking their curiosity and transforming our lessons into hands-on learning adventures.\r\n\r\nThanks to your contribution, my students have had the opportunity to explore STEM concepts using kits that included materials for building solar-powered airplanes and boats, a microscope for examining the tiny details of the natural world, and a bridge-building kit with blocks similar to Legos. These resources have provided my students with a unique blend of creativity, problem-solving, and discovery.\r\n\r\nOne of the most exciting moments occurred when students built their solar-powered boats and airplanes. They worked diligently to assemble the pieces, testing different designs to make their vehicles more efficient. When we took them outside to test their creations, the thrill on their faces as the solar panels caught the sunlight and powered the vehicles forward was unforgettable. \"It's like science magic!\" one student exclaimed.\r\n\r\nIn another lesson, the bridge-building kit challenged students to construct sturdy structures capable of holding weight. I watched as groups collaborated, sharing ideas and testing solutions. One team managed to build a bridge that supported twice the weight of any other, and their sense of accomplishment was palpable. They immediately wanted to take on even bigger challenges, eager to push their limits.\r\n\r\nThe microscope has been another huge hit. My students have been captivated by examining tiny objects like leaves, fabric threads, and even their own hair strands. One student commented, \"It's amazing how much detail we can't see with just our eyes!\" These activities have encouraged observation, inquiry, and a newfound appreciation for the world around them.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has not only provided my students with unforgettable experiences but has also given them the confidence to explore and the tools to think like engineers and scientists. Your support is an investment in their futures, and I cannot thank you enough for believing in their potential.","fullyFundedDate":1730551001509,"projectUrl":"project/stem-kits-for-future-leaders/8720032/","projectTitle":"Stem Kits for Future Leaders","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Donato","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9644895_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723486486367","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9644895"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_22709","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":467,"numTeachers":43,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":2,"percentBlack":11,"percentWhite":30,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":46,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"3 - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"10.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"TOWN","ncesMetroType":"TOWN_DISTANT"},"inStateSupporters":71.4,"schoolId":22709,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Kenneth L Rutherford Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Kenneth L Rutherford Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-york/monticello-central-school-district/kenneth-l-rutherford-elementary-school/22709"}
Join the 63 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Kenneth L Rutherford Elementary School is
a town public school
in Monticello, New York that is part of Monticello Central School District.
It serves 467 students
in grades 3 - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 10.9:1.
Its teachers have had 19 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.
Kenneth L Rutherford Elementary School Demographics
95%
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
59%
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.
Kenneth L Rutherford Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Dec 4, 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.
Kenneth L Rutherford Elementary School
$8,786
raised using DonorsChoose
19
projects
funded
10
teachers
funded
63
donors
3
projects
for
basic supplies
5
projects for
technology
2
projects for
books
Kenneth L Rutherford Elementary School has received support from
45 individuals from New York and
18 individuals out-of-state.