{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Kester Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":15.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8408788,"projectId":9968691,"letterContent":"Through your donation, our class was able to make memorable long lasting gifts. Our students were able to use sublimation sheets to make mugs, tumblers, and chip bags. Our class was also able to learn about the use of heat transfer tools and technology such as heat transfer markers, sublimation machines, and how images can transfer to other canvas'. Exposing students to such amazing technology at such a young age has caused such an immense impact in their creativity and curiosity to create new things. \r\nOur classroom thanks you so much for the amazing donation.","fullyFundedDate":1772467368387,"projectUrl":"project/creative-design-lab-exploring-art-and-s/9968691/","projectTitle":"Creative Design Lab: Exploring Art and STEM Through Sublimation Tumblers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cordova","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/rrcordova"},{"teacherId":6052510,"projectId":7630955,"letterContent":"TPT has influenced education by making teaching resources easier to access and helping teachers create more engaging learning experiences for students.\r\n\r\nSupporting teachers: TPT gives teachers ready-made lesson plans, activities, worksheets, and other materials, saving preparation time.\r\nHelping students learn: Many resources use engaging activities and different learning styles, which can improve student understanding and participation.\r\n\r\nProviding variety: Teachers can find materials for different subjects, grade levels, and student needs.\r\nEncouraging creativity: Teachers can share their own resources and learn new teaching strategies from other educators.\r\n\r\nMaking learning more accessible: Digital resources can be adapted or reused to meet individual students' needs.","fullyFundedDate":1696975546665,"projectUrl":"project/tpt-educational-resources/7630955/","projectTitle":"TPT Educational Resources","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Santana","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6052510_orig.jpg?crop=1205,1205,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1597171609581","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6052510"},{"teacherId":1173133,"projectId":9986599,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation toward our new backpack storage cart! Your kindness has made a meaningful difference in our kindergarten classroom. The cart gives each student a special, organized place to store their backpack, helping our classroom feel less crowded and making our daily routines smoother.\r\nBecause of your support, my students are learning valuable lessons about organization, responsibility, independence, and taking care of their belongings. They are so excited to have a designated space for their backpacks, and the added organization allows us to spend more time focused on learning and growing together. Thank you for investing in our students and helping create a classroom where they can feel proud, comfortable, and ready to learn each day!","fullyFundedDate":1778076994323,"projectUrl":"project/great-morning-start-because-of-a-cart/9986599/","projectTitle":"Great Morning Start Because of a Cart!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Perros Barrett","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1173133_orig.jpg?crop=720,720,x0,y19&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1619741739446","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-perrosbarrett"},{"teacherId":1244441,"projectId":10186805,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for making this project come to life. The students were able to record data using their magnifying lenses and markers daily to see the changes in the life cycles of mealworms and silkworms. They had so much fun doing this. It was something they looked forward to doing each day.\r\n\r\nThe items are reusable and will be used in future classes, too. We appreciate you choosing our class to make this happen. Your generosity means a lot to us. We are very grateful for your support.\r\n\r\nAgain, thank you for your contribution to our project! You made a positive difference.","fullyFundedDate":1778874948912,"projectUrl":"project/observe-and-record-data/10186805/","projectTitle":"Observe and Record Data","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Voss","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1244441_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1683609216912","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/voss6"},{"teacherId":1244441,"projectId":10184152,"letterContent":"On behalf of the students and myself, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude for your generous support in providing resources through Teachers Pay Teachers. Your kindness has made a meaningful difference in our classroom and in the daily learning experiences of my students.\r\n\r\nThe materials obtained through Teachers Pay Teachers have already begun to positively impact my students. From interactive lessons and hands-on activities to differentiated assignments and visual learning tools, these resources help me meet students where they are academically and encourage greater participation and confidence in the classroom. Your generosity allows me to spend less time searching for materials and more time focusing on what matters most — building relationships with students and fostering meaningful learning experiences.\r\n\r\nYour compassion and commitment are truly appreciated more than words can express. Again, thank you so much!","fullyFundedDate":1775750757948,"projectUrl":"project/wonderful-resources-from-peers/10184152/","projectTitle":"Wonderful Resources From Peers!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Voss","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1244441_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1683609216912","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/voss6"},{"teacherId":9694956,"projectId":10018007,"letterContent":"I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you to everyone who contributed to helping me get my new work laptop. I honestly feel so grateful to have such supportive friends and family in my life. Your generosity truly means a lot to me, and it's not something I take for granted.\r\n\r\nThis laptop is going to make a big difference in my day-to-day work, helping me stay organized, efficient, and able to do my job the best I can. Knowing that it came from the kindness of people I care about makes it even more special.\r\n\r\nThank you again for thinking of me and being willing to help out! It really did not go unnoticed. I appreciate every single one of you more than I can fully put into words.","fullyFundedDate":1777259211519,"projectUrl":"project/behind-the-scenes-of-teaching-a-new-lap/10018007/","projectTitle":"Behind the Scenes of Teaching: a New Laptop","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Carlovsky","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9694956_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y312&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746840351638","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/carlovsky"},{"teacherId":91172,"projectId":9758009,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of toys and supplies for our classroom. Your kindness and support truly make a difference in the daily experiences of my students.\r\n\r\nThese materials are more than just toys—they help create a welcoming, engaging environment where students can learn through play, explore their creativity, and build important social and problem-solving skills. Because of you, our classroom is a more joyful and enriching place.\r\n\r\nI'm incredibly grateful for your thoughtfulness and for investing in our students' growth and happiness. Please know your contribution is appreciated every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1768242541795,"projectUrl":"project/big-ideas-in-little-hands/9758009/","projectTitle":"Big Ideas in Little Hands","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Fuentes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp91172_orig.png?crop=311,311,x283,y213&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758830428546","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/tfuentes"},{"teacherId":579143,"projectId":10146476,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support in providing STEM materials for our classroom! Your contribution has made a meaningful difference in our classroom, giving our young learners the opportunity to explore, create, and discover through hands-on experiences.\r\n\r\nWith these new materials, our students are building early skills in science, technology, engineering, and math in ways that spark curiosity and excitement. From experimenting with simple machines to engaging in creative problem-solving, these resources are helping lay a strong foundation for lifelong learning.\r\n\r\nWe truly appreciate your investment in our children's education and future. Your kindness and commitment are making a lasting impact every day.","fullyFundedDate":1776101214255,"projectUrl":"project/stem-tools-for-little-learners/10146476/","projectTitle":"STEM Tools for Little Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Rawcliffe","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-rawcliffe"},{"teacherId":815072,"projectId":10173494,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donations to my classrooms. I am so grateful to have the resources and supplies needed to start my new school year. The beginning of a new school year can be very expensive and many supplies are not provided by the school district. Your gift is so appreciated!\r\n\r\nI am so grateful for those in the community who are willing to lighten my load as a public school teacher. Your gift goes a long way in providing support in not only tangible ways but intangible ways. It provides encouragement and a sense of teamwork as we do the important work of educating young children in Los Angeles.\r\n\r\nThank you!","fullyFundedDate":1775423785960,"projectUrl":"project/supplies-for-a-new-school-year/10173494/","projectTitle":"Supplies for a New School Year","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Richardson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsrichardsonroom10"},{"teacherId":8408788,"projectId":9917496,"letterContent":"We have been using the new resources—skin-colored construction paper, Kwik Stix tempera sticks, laminating paper, and glue sticks—to create self-portraits and other art projects that celebrate diversity and student creativity. During the project, students used the skin-colored paper to match their own tones and applied the Kwik Stix to add vibrant details, then laminated their work to preserve it. When they first saw the materials, they were excited and inspired—they loved having colors and tools that let them make their art feel personal and special.\r\n\r\nNext, we plan to build on this project by creating more collaborative artwork and seasonal art pieces, allowing students to continue exploring color, texture, and self-expression while practicing fine motor skills and pride in their creations. These materials also help students make meaningful gifts and displays that can be shared with families and the school community.","fullyFundedDate":1764713359211,"projectUrl":"project/colorful-creations-bringing-essential-a/9917496/","projectTitle":"Colorful Creations: Bringing Essential Art Supplies to Our Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cordova","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/rrcordova"},{"teacherId":579143,"projectId":7251815,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donation of diverse reading books for early education. Your contribution is more than just a gift of stories—it is an investment in young minds and a celebration of inclusion, representation, and understanding.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, children will see themselves reflected in the pages they read and be introduced to perspectives beyond their own. These books will help nurture empathy, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning at a critical stage in their development.\r\n\r\nWe are deeply grateful for your commitment to ensuring that every child has access to meaningful and inclusive educational resources. Your kindness will make a lasting impact on the lives of many young readers.","fullyFundedDate":1680180614766,"projectUrl":"project/for-the-love-of-reading/7251815/","projectTitle":"For the Love of Reading","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Rawcliffe","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-rawcliffe"},{"teacherId":579143,"projectId":6648040,"letterContent":"We are incredibly grateful for the generous support of our donors, whose contributions have made flexible seating possible in our learning space. Because of your kindness, students now have access to a variety of seating options that promote comfort, collaboration, and engagement, helping them take greater ownership of their learning. Your investment has created an environment where every student can thrive, and we truly appreciate your commitment to enhancing their educational experience.\r\nThe little ones are enjoying the options afforded to them thanks to you! We are so grateful for the opportunity of choice.","fullyFundedDate":1668543182104,"projectUrl":"project/flexible-seating-for-young-minds/6648040/","projectTitle":"Flexible Seating For Young Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Rawcliffe","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-rawcliffe"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_7120","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":869,"numTeachers":40,"percentFrplEligible":47,"percentAsian":12,"percentBlack":4,"percentWhite":28,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":33,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":20,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"21.7:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":84.9,"schoolId":7120,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Kester Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Kester Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/los-angeles-unified-school-district/kester-elementary-school/7120"}
Join the 1,864 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Kester Elementary School is
an urban public school
in Sherman Oaks, California that is part of Los Angeles Unified School District.
It serves 869 students
in grades Pre-K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 21.7:1.
Its teachers have had 608 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Supporting this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.
Public School
Title 1
Data about Title 1 status comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education.
Grades Pre-K - 5
869 Students
40 Teachers
5353 Kester AveContact info is sourced from our partners at MDR Education, and DonorsChoose updates our site ahead of each school year.
Boost support for this school! Share this page with friends, family, alumni, and fellow supporters. Every connection helps teachers get the supplies they need and shows how much your community cares about its students.
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for public school teachers.
Every donation funds real needs — pencils, books, lab equipment, art supplies, and more — helping students learn and thrive. We ship supplies directly to the school, and you'll see exactly where each dollar goes.
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
49%
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.
Kester Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Aug 29, 2026
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.
Kester Elementary School
$309,192
raised using DonorsChoose
608
projects
funded
60
teachers
funded
1,864
donors
46
projects
for
basic supplies
114
projects for
technology
64
projects for
books
42
projects
for
art supplies
Kester Elementary School has received support from
1,582 individuals from California and
282 individuals out-of-state.