{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Lorna J Kesterson Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":26.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":4363381,"projectId":9989333,"letterContent":"Thank you for helping my student turn their science research into a stop motion animation movie. The students learned about a range of science topics, then got to transform the information into a movie. This gave them an opportunity to be creative, work with peers, and create something new. \r\nYour donation allowed them to build their sets and create their movies. They had the materials needed to display their ideas. It made their ideas something that they could share with other students. \r\nThe movies are now playing in the lunchroom for the whole school to see. Students are able to enjoy the movies and learn some science that they may have not been exposed to already.","fullyFundedDate":1768056304045,"projectUrl":"project/turning-science-into-movies/9989333/","projectTitle":"Turning Science into Movies","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Donald","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4363381_orig.jpg?crop=816,816,x0,y119&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673378872700","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4363381"},{"teacherId":8133472,"projectId":9990795,"letterContent":"My students have fully embraced our new classroom resources, and they've quickly become part of our daily routines. The marble run and stacked cups are favorites during collaborative building challenges, where students practice problem-solving, teamwork, and creativity. One memorable moment was watching a group redesign their marble path multiple times until it finally worked. Another highlight has been the \"Super Sonic Vacuum Cleaner\", (we hyped it up for our students) students are so excited about this responsibility that we now assign it through a random drawing each week, turning it into a job they truly value.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, the excitement was immediate. Students eagerly explored each item and showed great care and respect. This led to meaningful conversations about gratitude and the importance of taking care of shared resources.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, we will continue using these materials for both academic and social-emotional learning. Students will engage in more structured STEM challenges and rotate classroom responsibilities, helping them build collaboration, responsibility, and a strong sense of ownership in their learning environment.","fullyFundedDate":1768100502500,"projectUrl":"project/from-wiggles-to-wonder-tools-for-focus/9990795/","projectTitle":"From Wiggles to Wonder: Tools for Focus, Creativity, and Calm","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Castillo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8133472_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1715452882984","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8133472"},{"teacherId":5957743,"projectId":10036123,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the much needed resources! We were out of white board markers and needed them desperately to do our day to day school work for phonics, review, and sometimes for fun!\r\n\r\nAlso, we needed headphones. We haven't had a full class set this year and it's crucial for MAP testing to have them. I have wanted a class set for three years and now our lives are much easier. Students use them daily for reading and math acceleration and interventions. It makes it much easier for them to concentrate and the classroom is quieter. Thank you for these resources!","fullyFundedDate":1768765091685,"projectUrl":"project/1st-grade-classroom-supplies/10036123/","projectTitle":"1st Grade Classroom Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gibson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5957743_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1699065297868","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5957743"},{"teacherId":8139833,"projectId":9991034,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom and making this project possible. Your generosity is already making a meaningful difference in the lives of my students.\r\n\r\nI love how unique, curious, and expressive my students with autism are. They work hard every day to understand their emotions, communicate their needs, and feel safe in a busy school environment. Many of my students experience sensory overload or big feelings that can make learning challenging without the right support.\r\n\r\nBecause of your kindness, we now have social-emotional learning (SEL) materials such as the Little Spot books, paint, hug balls, Pete the Cat set, timers, coloring books, sensory bins, and glitter. These tools give my students concrete ways to recognize their emotions, practice calming strategies, and regulate their bodies and minds.\r\n\r\nWith these resources, I am already seeing students become more confident and engaged. They are learning how to manage their feelings, reduce anxiety, and participate more fully in classroom activities. These are skills that will support them not only in school, but throughout their lives.\r\n\r\nYour support is helping create a safe, nurturing environment where my students can grow, learn, and thrive. Thank you for believing in them and investing in their success.","fullyFundedDate":1768074601374,"projectUrl":"project/supporting-emotional-regulation-for-kids/9991034/","projectTitle":"Supporting Emotional Regulation for Kids with Autism","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Camarena","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8139833"},{"teacherId":3846441,"projectId":9991132,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom has been transformed into an even more engaging and hands-on learning environment. My students have been using the new resources daily, and one standout moment came during a recent lesson where they were able to actively explore concepts that were previously only discussed. For example, during a small-group activity, students used the materials to collaborate, problem-solve, and share their thinking with one another. It was incredible to see their confidence grow as they took ownership of their learning.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, the excitement was immediate and contagious. Students were eager to explore everything, asking questions and making connections right away. Many of them expressed how special it felt to have new tools just for them, which created a renewed sense of motivation and pride in our classroom.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, we are now able to take our learning even further. Our next steps include building on these skills through more in-depth projects, where students will continue to apply what they've learned in creative and meaningful ways. We are currently working toward a collaborative project that will allow students to showcase their understanding while using these resources to deepen their thinking.\r\n\r\nYour contribution has made a lasting impact, not just on our classroom, but on each student's confidence and enthusiasm for learning. Thank you for being a part of our journey!","fullyFundedDate":1768080971675,"projectUrl":"project/supplying-bright-minds/9991132/","projectTitle":"Supplying Bright Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Salas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3846441_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1472938446273","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3846441"},{"teacherId":9579403,"projectId":9614199,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my Seat Sacks for Success project. These seat sacks have made a wonderful difference in our classroom by helping eliminate overcrowding in students' desks. Instead of digging through messy desks, students now have an organized space where their most-used materials are easy to access.\r\n\r\nBecause the seat sacks hang right on the backs of their chairs, students can quickly grab items like privacy folders, headphones, and whiteboards when we need them. This simple change has helped save instructional time and keeps our classroom running more smoothly. Your generosity has helped create a more organized and efficient learning environment for my students, and we are truly grateful for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1755745319082,"projectUrl":"project/seat-sacks-for-success/9614199/","projectTitle":"Seat Sacks for Success","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Spindel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9579403_orig.jpg?crop=1944,1944,x0,y648&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1719799517240","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9579403"},{"teacherId":10400676,"projectId":10002878,"letterContent":"Our class was buzzing with a very specific kind of electricity as we introduced our Sport Stacking Unit. When I first pulled out the sets of vibrant, neon stacking cups, the reaction was immediate and infectious. That initial wave of curiosity quickly turned into high-energy engagement as they realized these weren't just ordinary cups, but specialized tools designed for lightning-fast movement. It was one of those fun teaching moments when every single student, regardless of their usual athletic interests, was leaning in, eager to get their hands on the equipment.\r\n\r\nSince that first day, we have been using the cups to master intricate patterns like the 3-3-3 and the 3-6-3, which require students to use both their left and right hands independently. Beyond the fun, these movements are actually \"brain food\" by forcing students to cross the midline of their bodies, we are strengthening the neurological pathways that help them track words across a page during reading and maintain steady hand control during writing. It's been incredible to see them realize that \"fast hands\" in the gym lead to a \"focused mind\" in the classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1768178876869,"projectUrl":"project/speed-stacking-at-our-elementary/10002878/","projectTitle":"Speed Stacking at Our Elementary","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Freeman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10400676"},{"teacherId":6516144,"projectId":10066333,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation! When the boxes first arrived, the atmosphere in the room was electric. My students were hovering near the door, eyes wide, asking, \"Is that for us?\" As we unboxed the button maker and the colorful playground balls, one student shouted, \"It's like a giant birthday party for the whole class!\" Seeing their faces light up was a powerful reminder to them that there is a whole community of supporters invested in their happiness and success.\r\n\r\nWe have hit the ground running with these new tools. The art and writing supplies have turned our daily assignments into vibrant projects, but the button maker has been the surprise superstar. We are working on designing buttons to be used as rewards for the whole school.\r\n\r\nA Specific Moment: Just last week, a student who usually struggles to stay engaged in writing worked diligently for three days to earn \"Game Time.\" When they finally sat down to play one of the new board games with a peer, the sense of pride and social connection was palpable. It wasn't just about the game; it was about the goal they reached to get there.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has set the stage for our next big endeavor. We are currently starting a unit on \"Identity and Community.\" Students will be using the writing and art supplies to create autobiographical posters, and as a culminating activity, each student will design and manufacture a custom button that represents their unique contribution to our classroom. Meanwhile, our new playground balls are helping us practice sportsmanship and teamwork every single day during recess.\r\n\r\nThank you for bringing these resources—and this joy—into our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1770054233551,"projectUrl":"project/help-us-become-well-rounded-children/10066333/","projectTitle":"Help Us Become Well Rounded Children!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Zeiders","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6516144"},{"teacherId":6291047,"projectId":10001738,"letterContent":"My students were so excited to see their snack box and treasure chest filled to the brim! It brought so much joy and motivation to our classroom. They are eager to earn positive points and work toward their rewards, which has created such a positive and encouraging learning environment. They are also much more comfortable and focused during reading and math small groups thanks to our new stools—and they absolutely love the bright colors! Your support has truly made a difference in both their learning and their day-to-day comfort. Thank you so much for your generosity and care for our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1768236542270,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-essentials/10001738/","projectTitle":"Classroom Essentials","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Fox","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6291047"},{"teacherId":3286882,"projectId":9990207,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for funding my project. This is such a great boost to my classroom with much-needed supplies. I let the students open all the boxes and materials, and they had such a great time! \r\n\r\nI have already used the Cricut mat to create a bulletin board. Using the Cricut has saved me hours of tedious cutting! The other items will be used in their birthday cups and for testing motivation!\r\n\r\nI have set everything up and am so grateful to be \"stocked up.\" My students deserve the best, and I'm so happy that you helped provide it for them.","fullyFundedDate":1768090286531,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-learning/9990207/","projectTitle":"Hands-On Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Casey","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3286882_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1463600883162","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kinder"},{"teacherId":1988166,"projectId":9580791,"letterContent":"Your donation to our classroom has sparked so much joy for all of us. The day our package arrived felt like Christmas. Curiosity and excitement filled the room. We opened our boxes at the end of the day and the students were so excited to come to school the next day knowing we had new learning games to play. This donors choose project has brought magic into our classroom. \r\n\r\nBecause of your support, students are now strengthening foundational skills like letter recognition, phonics, counting, number sense, and problem-solving. These resources allow students to practice at their own pace while collaborating with classmates, building both academic and social skills.\r\n\r\nThese materials will be used for many years to come and help many students along the way learn their foundational skills through play. Thank you again for all of your support in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1759193727096,"projectUrl":"project/play-to-learn-building-brains-through-g/9580791/","projectTitle":"Play to Learn: Building Brains Through Games!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. AhQuin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1988166_orig.png?crop=324,324,x0,y34&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1684988883840","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-soma"},{"teacherId":3286882,"projectId":9815855,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for fully funding my project and making it possible to bring these amazing Lakeshore Learning resources into our kindergarten classroom! The phonics kits, ABC Mystery Box, and Launch & Learn materials have already made such a meaningful difference for my students.\r\n\r\nThe phonics kits give my students hands-on, engaging practice as they build letter–sound connections and develop early reading skills. The ABC Mystery Box has quickly become a class favorite—students are excited to explore, make predictions, and strengthen their alphabet knowledge in a playful, memorable way. The Launch & Learn materials help turn abstract concepts into concrete learning experiences, allowing my students to actively participate, talk about their thinking, and build confidence as learners.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, my students are learning through exploration, movement, and joy every single day. Thank you for investing in our classroom and supporting the foundation of literacy for these young learners. Your kindness truly helps launch a lifelong love of learning.","fullyFundedDate":1762305272627,"projectUrl":"project/abcs-of-kindergarten/9815855/","projectTitle":"ABC's of Kindergarten!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Casey","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3286882_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1463600883162","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kinder"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_68351","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":535,"numTeachers":39,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":6,"percentBlack":13,"percentWhite":24,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":37,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"13.7:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":73.7,"schoolId":68351,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Lorna J Kesterson Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Lorna J Kesterson Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/nevada/clark-county-school-district/lorna-kesterson-elementary-school/68351"}