{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Kentwood Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":8.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":2722915,"projectId":10091335,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my DonorsChoose project, \"Sound Exploration in Transitional Kindergarten Classroom.\" Your generosity has brought meaningful musical experiences into my classroom and created opportunities for my students to learn through exploration, creativity, and joy.\r\n\r\nThe instruments and materials from this project have already made a huge impact on my Transitional Kindergarten students. Every day, my classroom is filled with singing, rhythm-making, movement, and curiosity. The keyboard and headphones have become a favorite center where students independently explore sounds, patterns, and melodies while building confidence and focus. The cymbal has sparked so many exciting conversations about vibrations, sound waves, and how different sounds make us feel.\r\n\r\nFor many of my students, this is their first opportunity to interact with real musical instruments in a classroom setting. These experiences are helping them strengthen language development, listening skills, social-emotional growth, and fine motor coordination. Music has also become an important tool for self-expression and community building in our classroom. Students are learning to collaborate, take turns, and celebrate each other's creativity.\r\n\r\nAs a teacher and trained percussionist, it has been incredibly rewarding to watch my students discover the joy of music through hands-on learning. Your support has helped create a classroom environment where sound exploration is encouraged and where children feel safe to express themselves creatively.\r\n\r\nThank you again for investing in my students and helping make our classroom a place filled with music, discovery, and happiness. Your kindness and generosity truly made a lasting impact on our learning community.","fullyFundedDate":1771824468161,"projectUrl":"project/sound-exploration-in-transitional-kinder/10091335/","projectTitle":"Sound Exploration in Transitional Kindergarten Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Dynes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2722915_orig.png?crop=538,538,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1671660823223","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-dynes"},{"teacherId":2722915,"projectId":9793258,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our \"Calming Cube for a Busy TK Classroom\" project through DonorsChoose. Your generosity has already made a meaningful difference in our Transitional Kindergarten classroom.\r\n\r\nOur classroom is full of energetic, curious, and busy four-year-olds who are learning not only academics, but also how to manage big feelings, solve problems, and regulate their bodies throughout the school day. The calming cube has quickly become one of the most valuable tools in helping students build those important social-emotional skills.\r\n\r\nStudents are learning how to recognize when they need a break, calm their bodies, and make safe choices before emotions become overwhelming. The calming cube gives them a positive and supportive space to practice breathing strategies, sensory regulation, and self-control. It has helped many students transition back into learning more successfully and confidently.\r\n\r\nOne of the most rewarding moments has been watching students independently choose to use the calming cube when they feel frustrated or overstimulated. Instead of escalating behaviors, they are beginning to use words, calming strategies, and self-awareness skills that will benefit them far beyond our classroom. Their classmates are also learning empathy and respect for one another's emotional needs.\r\n\r\nBecause of your kindness, our classroom feels calmer, safer, and more supportive for all learners. Thank you for believing in our students and helping us create an environment where children can grow emotionally, socially, and academically every day. Your support truly has a lasting impact on our classroom community.","fullyFundedDate":1764336563779,"projectUrl":"project/calming-cube-for-a-busy-tk-classroom/9793258/","projectTitle":"Calming Cube For A Busy TK Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Dynes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2722915_orig.png?crop=538,538,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1671660823223","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-dynes"},{"teacherId":6796613,"projectId":9734051,"letterContent":"We use the magnetic cubes during STEM centers, math lessons, and choice time. Recently, students worked in teams to build the tallest, strongest tower they could. I loved watching them plan, test, rebuild, and encourage each other when designs didn't work the first time. The cubes have also become a calming tool for some students, giving them a structured, hands-on way to regulate emotions and refocus.\r\n\r\nThey were instantly excited! There were huge smiles and lots of curiosity about how the cubes connected. Even students who are usually hesitant jumped right in. The engagement and collaboration were immediate.\r\n\r\nWe're starting a design project connected to our science unit on structures and forces. Students will sketch, build, test, and improve their models. These cubes are helping them grow as problem-solvers while building confidence, persistence, and teamwork.","fullyFundedDate":1764600613657,"projectUrl":"project/stem-sensory-and-behavior-management-t/9734051/","projectTitle":"STEM, Sensory, and Behavior Management Tools","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Idler","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6796613_orig.jpg?crop=2608,2608,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1569894653234","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6796613"},{"teacherId":10178298,"projectId":9598164,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity through DonorsChoose, our classroom now has a projector that we truly use every day. This technology has transformed how my fourth and fifth grade students learn. In math, we solve problems together in real time. I can model strategies step by step, and students come up to the projector to explain their own thinking. Being able to clearly display their work allows us to compare strategies, discuss mistakes openly, and deepen our understanding as a community of learners. The bright, powerful image makes every number, diagram, and student explanation visible to everyone in the room, which keeps students engaged and accountable.\r\n\r\nThe projector has also strengthened our learning in history and reading. We analyze historical documents together, zooming in on important details and annotating directly as a class. During close reading lessons, we highlight key evidence, circle unfamiliar vocabulary, and break down complex passages collaboratively. This shared visual experience helps students see how strong readers think and interact with text. It has made abstract skills—like identifying theme or analyzing primary sources—much more concrete and accessible.\r\n\r\nWhat excites students most is seeing their own work projected for the class. They take pride in sharing their writing, math strategies, and projects, and they are eager to volunteer. Some of my quieter students have especially warmed to this technology; presenting at the projector gives them a structured, supported way to share their ideas and build confidence. Your donation has not just provided equipment—it has created a more interactive, student-centered classroom where every child can see, think, and shine. Thank you for making that possible.","fullyFundedDate":1758728752647,"projectUrl":"project/help-bring-learning-to-life-with-a-class/9598164/","projectTitle":"Help Bring Learning to Life with a Classroom Projector","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wallace","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10178298_orig.png?crop=398,398,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755390313738","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10178298"},{"teacherId":2722915,"projectId":9518331,"letterContent":"I can't thank you enough for your generous support of our classroom project! The new resources have already made a wonderful difference for my students. We've been using them during our daily learning centers, and one of our favorite moments so far was when the students gathered around to explore the new materials for the first time—their eyes lit up with excitement and curiosity!\r\n\r\nThank you again for your kindness and for giving my students opportunities to learn in creative, meaningful ways. Your generosity truly brightens our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1760020639135,"projectUrl":"project/pencils-and-glue-sticks-for-tiny-hands/9518331/","projectTitle":"Pencils and Glue Sticks for Tiny Hands","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Dynes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2722915_orig.png?crop=538,538,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1671660823223","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-dynes"},{"teacherId":7482854,"projectId":8492746,"letterContent":"The items gifted to my speech classroom were utilized nearly every day. I noticed an increase in students self awareness and engagement when they were provided with the autonomy of using their own whiteboards. They were able to practice their speech sounds (and make silly faces) with the new mirror, which many students began requesting at the start of each session. The kenitic sand and play doh were a HUGE hit, especially with sensory seekers. One student was able to transition from digging outside in the dirt, to using kinetic sand, which their mother was very grateful for. I was able to make four binded books this year with the specialized supplies, including the themes of underwater, zoo, racecars and pet shop. Students loved the ability to interact with these tangible books, new summer based games, as well as the new computer based language and articulation activities purchased with the 'teachers pay teachers' gift card. My students and I continue to be so grateful for your generosity!","fullyFundedDate":1721740893509,"projectUrl":"project/speech-therapy-classroom-needs-more-inte/8492746/","projectTitle":"Speech Therapy Classroom Needs More Interactive Activities","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Melissa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7482854_orig.jpg?crop=768,768,x0,y240&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1720730043242","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7482854"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_7225","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":297,"numTeachers":15,"percentFrplEligible":31,"percentAsian":2,"percentBlack":13,"percentWhite":35,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":24,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":24,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"19.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":91.4,"schoolId":7225,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Kentwood Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Kentwood Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/los-angeles-unified-school-district/kentwood-elementary-school/7225"}