{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Laurel Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":22.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":4754836,"projectId":9617770,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for donating to this project! One of my students did not even know what a magazine was and when I showed her she was so excited. The especially loved the issue about the best inventions of 2025. I cannot wait to continue to use these with students not only to strengthen their non fiction reading skills, but to also help the read with a critical eye, understand the importance of an editor (and how the internet often does not have editors), and just help them understand the wider world around us. thank you for donating to our project and I hope you have a wonderful holiday and new year!","fullyFundedDate":1756319163570,"projectUrl":"project/current-events-for-kids/9617770/","projectTitle":"Current Events for Kids!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lei","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4754836_orig.jpg?crop=849,849,x12,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1596668835980","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/daniellelei"},{"teacherId":9524334,"projectId":9537422,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to our art class. Your contribution has truly helped fine tune our space and has already made a meaningful impact on our students daily. From the moment these materials arrived, the energy in our art room shifted in a positive and exciting way.\r\n\r\nThe addition of the digital clock, popsicle sticks, social-emotional learning toys, and snacks has supported both creativity and structure in ways that reach far beyond materials alone. Together, these items have helped create a welcoming environment where students feel motivated, emotionally supported, and proud of their learning.\r\n\r\nOne of the most immediate changes we have seen is student motivation. Our \"Star Student of the Day\" recognition has become even more meaningful now that students can earn a small snack or a pop-it as a reward. The excitement on their faces when they realized snacks were an option was unforgettable. More importantly, this system has encouraged positive behavior, focus, and kindness. Students are working hard to support one another, follow expectations, and take pride in their efforts, knowing their choices matter.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we are especially excited to use the popsicle sticks during our upcoming clay unit. Our TK–2nd grade students will be using them as safe \"cutting\" tools as they explore clay for the first time. Meanwhile, our 3rd–5th grade students will also be working with clay, using the popsicle sticks to experiment with texture, detail, and form as they create pinch pots. I am eager to see how each grade level uses these simple tools in unique and imaginative ways.\r\n\r\nThe digital clock has been an absolute game changer. With a clear view of the time, students feel empowered to manage their work independently. They can better pace themselves, clean up responsibly, and reflect on how they use their time. This sense of independence has boosted their confidence and strengthened their responsibility as artists.\r\n\r\nThank you again for investing in our students and for supporting a classroom where every child feels encouraged to grow, create, and succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1764701744071,"projectUrl":"project/fine-tuning-our-art-studio/9537422/","projectTitle":"Fine Tuning Our Art Studio","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Godinez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9524334_orig.jpg?crop=2208,2208,x0,y632&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1729290825421","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9524334"},{"teacherId":9524334,"projectId":9462874,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of fabric and fabric glue to our classroom. Your support has helped foster a celebratory school culture, bringing vibrant color to our campus and making our assemblies even more memorable.\r\n\r\nSo far, students have used the donated materials to create ponchos and folklórico style shirts and skirts for our Día de los Muertos celebration. These projects allowed students to connect art, culture, and self-expression in a hands-on way.\r\n\r\nOne especially inspiring classroom moment occurred during a fourth-grade work session, when a group of students shared their interest in textile design and expressed dreams of working in the field one day, perhaps even for a major sports brand like Nike! Seeing students make connections between classroom experiences and future possibilities was incredibly rewarding.\r\n\r\nWhen the students were first introduced to the materials, they were immediately inquisitive. Through group discussions, teamwork, and imagination, they began to see the creative process come to life. The donated supplies sparked curiosity and encouraged collaboration, allowing students to explore new ideas with confidence.\r\n\r\nNext, our class project will begin learning about graffiti artists and different styles of lettering used in graffiti, graphic design, and beyond. Students will also experiment with creating texture using fabric techniques such as fringe, crumpling, and cutting strips.\r\n\r\nWithout donors like you, these projects would remain ideas. Because of your generosity, our classroom vision has become a reality. Thank you for supporting our students and helping inspire a new generation of creative thinkers.","fullyFundedDate":1754234192801,"projectUrl":"project/fabric-banner-and-costume-creations-for/9462874/","projectTitle":"Fabric Banner and Costume Creations for School Assemblies","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Godinez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9524334_orig.jpg?crop=2208,2208,x0,y632&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1729290825421","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9524334"},{"teacherId":5570494,"projectId":9583535,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our 3rd grade class by purchasing our snacks! Your generosity helps us learn the value of teamwork, responsibility, and effort. Every purchase makes a big difference, and our students are so excited to see their hard work pay off.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, we're able to fund class activities, projects, and experiences that help our students grow and thrive. We truly appreciate your kindness and willingness to invest in our classroom. Thank you again for helping make this a successful and memorable year for our 3rd graders!","fullyFundedDate":1762049003620,"projectUrl":"project/snacks-for-growing-minds/9583535/","projectTitle":"Snacks for Growing Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rose","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5570494_orig.jpg?crop=2437,2437,x10,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1605912738613","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5570494"},{"teacherId":5769776,"projectId":9434244,"letterContent":"Thank you is not even close to being enough for the donations to my 5th graders. When they came to class on the first day they were excited to see a homework folder, pencil bag, and markers on their desks. New school supplies are the best!! I chose these supplies because my students are going to middle school next year. Having six or seven teachers will be a challenge for some of them. These supplies will hopefully help them stay organized. \r\n\r\nBecause they are growing so rapidly and entering into puberty, these snack help with the midday hunger pangs. Who doesn't love a yummy snack?\r\n\r\nAgain, thank you all for making sure my kiddos have a great start to their last year of elementary school","fullyFundedDate":1754095144036,"projectUrl":"project/a-strong-start-to-5th-grade/9434244/","projectTitle":"A Strong Start to 5th Grade!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. White","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5769776_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1573845687744","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5769776"},{"teacherId":9524334,"projectId":9399451,"letterContent":"The students began the year by decorating the covers of their sketchbooks, exploring a variety of line styles, working with markers, and personalizing each book as their own. They were thrilled to receive sketchbooks for the school year, so much so that they regularly ask if they can take them home. While they'll be able to bring them home at the end of the year, it's already clear how attached they've become.\r\n\r\nSo far, the students are using their sketchbooks in a variety of meaningful ways. First, we use them as confidence builders. Before beginning a drawing project, we review, identify, and practice shapes and line styles. Students then create an \"artist's study\" before transferring their ideas to multi media paper. The sketchbooks have become a valuable space for developing ideas, practicing placement, and strengthening hand eye coordination before committing to a final design.\r\n\r\nRecently, one student loved her sketchbook \"artist study\" so much that she didn't want to create a larger scale version of the joyful songbird she had drawn. With gentle encouragement, she tried, and was amazed by her own skills. Moments like this are incredibly fulfilling for me as a teacher.\r\n\r\nIn January, we will begin a graffiti-inspired project. Students will learn new fonts, explore scale, and practice 3D lettering. Their sketchbooks will serve as a place to build consistency, experiment, and witness their own growth over time.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your generous donation. These sketchbooks are already making a meaningful impact, and we are truly enjoying using them.","fullyFundedDate":1754085197044,"projectUrl":"project/lets-sketch/9399451/","projectTitle":"Let's Sketch","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Godinez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9524334_orig.jpg?crop=2208,2208,x0,y632&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1729290825421","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9524334"},{"teacherId":119872,"projectId":9538467,"letterContent":"Thank you for your wonderful support of our classroom! We immediately put our carpet and items to use to help us calm our bodies. We also use the bags everyday for our headphones for our computers. It has been great because it keeps things organized. \r\nThank so much for giving back to the community and helping our classroom be a safe and inviting environment. We love the carpet to sit on and read our stories and the sensory tools help us keep calm in the calm corner, which is needed in these days and times. \r\nThank you for giving your time and thoughts to our class!","fullyFundedDate":1754705903967,"projectUrl":"project/relax-and-rejuvenate/9538467/","projectTitle":"Relax and Rejuvenate","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Okajima","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp119872_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1657577176462","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/119872"},{"teacherId":8181211,"projectId":9248292,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation. With the healthy snacks the children have been able to get through long learning blocks without getting grouchy, and tired. Students have 3.5-4 hours between breakfast and lunch and this snack really benefits them. Also, we are able to offer a snack when students who stay after school for extended learning. \r\n\r\nYour small gesture goes a long way with my students. We are very grateful for you and the love you put into the kids of Oakland, California. Thank you again for thinking of us","fullyFundedDate":1744738509342,"projectUrl":"project/snack-boost/9248292/","projectTitle":"Snack Boost","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Brennan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8181211_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1747605575768","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8181211"},{"teacherId":4056842,"projectId":9384458,"letterContent":"Thank you for helping my class with our beginning of the year project! Your donations have helped us all around our classroom. We absolutely love having brand new markers and seat sacks to keep our books in at our chairs. They are so helpful and colorful! Our plastic sheet protectors have come in super handy to keep papers clean and safe in our homework folders. We use our Science Notebooks every week, drawing and writing to show what we've learned about so far. And oh man, the wild animals set is a huge hit at Choices Time. We are so thankful for your donations and all the help to get our year started off right. We know you have a lot of choices in who to help in Oakland, the Bay Area, and in the world and we are honored to have been chosen by you.","fullyFundedDate":1750214446938,"projectUrl":"project/seat-sacks-and-beginning-year-items/9384458/","projectTitle":"Seat Sacks and Beginning Year Items!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cox","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4056842_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1479139211936","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4056842"},{"teacherId":5570494,"projectId":9418341,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support in helping us get the materials we need to keep our classroom organized. Your donations have made it possible for us to create a clean, structured, and efficient learning environment where everything has its place. These tools not only help keep our space tidy, but they also play an important role in teaching our students the value of organization, responsibility, and independence. Your kindness is helping us build lifelong habits that will benefit our students far beyond the classroom. We truly appreciate your support!","fullyFundedDate":1755811201652,"projectUrl":"project/organization-for-a-new-year/9418341/","projectTitle":"Organization for a New Year","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rose","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5570494_orig.jpg?crop=2437,2437,x10,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1605912738613","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5570494"},{"teacherId":5570494,"projectId":9444781,"letterContent":"We are incredibly grateful for your generous donations to our class library. Thanks to your support, our shelves are now filled with a wide range of diverse books that reflect the many cultures, voices, and experiences that make up our world. These stories not only spark a love for reading but also help our students feel seen, heard, and valued. Your contribution has created a welcoming space where every child can find books that resonate with them and open their minds to new perspectives. Thank you for making such a meaningful difference in our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1755706936367,"projectUrl":"project/engaging-and-diverse-books/9444781/","projectTitle":"Engaging and Diverse Books","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rose","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5570494_orig.jpg?crop=2437,2437,x10,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1605912738613","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5570494"},{"teacherId":5570494,"projectId":9448997,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donations to our class library! Your support has made a meaningful difference by helping us build a diverse and engaging collection of books that inspire curiosity, creativity, and a love of reading among our students. Each book added to our shelves brings new opportunities for learning, imagination, and growth—and it wouldn't be possible without your kindness. We are truly grateful for your contribution and the positive impact it has on our classroom community.","fullyFundedDate":1753097038224,"projectUrl":"project/filing-in-our-classroom-library/9448997/","projectTitle":"Filing in Our Classroom Library","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rose","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5570494_orig.jpg?crop=2437,2437,x10,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1605912738613","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5570494"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_3940","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":412,"numTeachers":20,"percentFrplEligible":91,"percentAsian":18,"percentBlack":33,"percentWhite":7,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":28,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"20.6:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":77.6,"schoolId":3940,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Laurel Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Laurel Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/oakland-unified-school-district/laurel-elementary-school/3940"}
Join the 683 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Laurel Elementary School is
an urban public school
in Oakland, California that is part of Oakland Unified School District.
It serves 412 students
in grades Pre-K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 20.6:1.
Its teachers have had 275 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
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.
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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
79%
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.
Laurel Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Dec 27, 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.
Laurel Elementary School
$151,704
raised using DonorsChoose
275
projects
funded
40
teachers
funded
683
donors
37
projects
for
basic supplies
27
projects for
technology
53
projects for
books
30
projects
for
art supplies
Laurel Elementary School has received support from
530 individuals from California and
153 individuals out-of-state.