{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Manzanita Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":28.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9779216,"projectId":8928555,"letterContent":"We got this a bit late this year to be as productive as I would have liked, but the students really enjoy watching their plants grow and learning about plant life cycles. They also are enjoying sampling the peas they grew, along with herbs, and strawberries. They also grew flowers for their mothers for Mother's Day! It will be fun to watch the growth through the cold months of winter next year and to see the fruits of their labor. Thank you again for everything! This is an important life skill for children to learn.","fullyFundedDate":1739375273843,"projectUrl":"project/greenhouse-growing-a-love-of-gardening-a/8928555/","projectTitle":"Greenhouse Growing a Love of Gardening and Self-Reliance","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Doe","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9779216"},{"teacherId":8658104,"projectId":8847133,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of new books for my special education classroom! Reading is at the heart of our learning, and these books have opened up a world of possibilities for my K-5th grade students. With these new texts, I have been able to introduce important reading skills such as comprehension strategies, vocabulary development, and fluency practice. Many of my students benefit from engaging, high-interest books that allow them to build confidence in their reading abilities while also making meaningful connections to the stories. \r\n\r\nIn our classroom, reading takes many forms—whether it's a quiet moment curled up with a book on a cozy cushion, small group discussions about a story's theme, or interactive read-alouds where students practice predicting and questioning. One student, in particular, has been especially captivated by our new books. He used to shy away from reading, but after discovering a book about animals, he now excitedly flips through the pages, eager to share fun facts with his classmates. Moments like these remind me just how powerful the right book can be in sparking curiosity and a love for learning. \r\n\r\nYour generosity has truly made a difference in our classroom. These books are not just stories on a shelf—they are tools for growth, confidence, and discovery. Thank you for believing in my students and giving them the gift of reading!","fullyFundedDate":1728010924990,"projectUrl":"project/diverse-literature-for-a-diverse-classro/8847133/","projectTitle":"Diverse Literature for a Diverse Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Nelson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8658104_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1689024409708","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8658104"},{"teacherId":8658104,"projectId":8543773,"letterContent":"I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation of sensory items for my special education classroom. The fuzzy rug, pillows, and cushions have already made a world of difference for my K-5th grade students, providing them with a comfortable and calming space where they can feel safe, focused, and ready to learn. Many of my students rely on sensory supports to help regulate their emotions and stay engaged throughout the school day, and your kindness has given them a welcoming environment that truly meets their needs. \r\n\r\nSeeing my students relax on the rug during reading time, find comfort in the soft pillows when they need a break, and use the cushions to stay seated and engaged has been such a joy. Your generosity is making a direct impact on their learning, emotional well-being, and overall classroom experience. Thank you for believing in our students and for helping create a space where they can thrive. Your support means the world to us!","fullyFundedDate":1725065185364,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-friendly-comforting-special-ed/8543773/","projectTitle":"Sensory Friendly, Comforting, Special Education Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Nelson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8658104_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1689024409708","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8658104"},{"teacherId":7104227,"projectId":9051160,"letterContent":"Thanks to your donation, my third-grade students had the incredible opportunity to dive into a four-day adventure of learning, creativity, and discovery.\r\n\r\nThroughout this exciting week, we explored the wonders of the ocean in so many ways! In reading, we dove into the book \"Sharks (A Day in the Life)\" to build our comprehension skills and identify key ideas. Our math time was equally thrilling as students used ocean-themed pencils to solve multiplication problems that led them to a pirate's treasure chest!\r\n\r\nThe STEM challenge of designing boats that float made for a super fun activity. Working in teams, students designed their boats with straws, rubber bands, and cardboard, then tested their creations' buoyancy in water. They collaborated so well together, and all groups ended up being successful with their designs on their first try. \r\n\r\nThe classroom transformation made everything feel magical. From the underwater table covers and blue garland to the shark zone party decorations and fish nets, our space was completely surrounded by the ocean theme. The students were thrilled by the new environment, which truly sparked their curiosity and made learning even more fun.\r\n\r\nThank you for making this ocean adventure possible!","fullyFundedDate":1736992207424,"projectUrl":"project/under-the-sea-an-aquatic-adventure-in-l/9051160/","projectTitle":"Under the Sea: An Aquatic Adventure in Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tiefenauer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7104227_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1583713830330","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7104227"},{"teacherId":7104227,"projectId":8617837,"letterContent":"The students really enjoyed choosing their \"one word\" for the year, inspired by the book One Word for Kids. One word that stuck out that a child chose was perseverance! It was inspiring to see how they connected with the word, and they were so proud of their personalized bracelets, which became a daily reminder to stay motivated and keep improving. \r\n The chalk markers used in our \"Monster in My Closet\" activity were a huge hit! They were vibrant and allowed the students to add tons of neat details to their monster creations. It was amazing to see how the art and writing elements came together, showcasing their creativity and helping them express their ideas in new ways.\r\nThe salt watercolor painting activity was a first for me, and it was such a memorable experience. Watching the students create their own unique designs and marvel at how the watercolor spread on the salt was truly magical. It sparked so much excitement and curiosity, and it's definitely a project I'll be doing again with them.\r\n I'm incredibly grateful for your support! These activities provided my students with new experiences and materials that many of them hadn't had the chance to explore before. It was a joy to see their creativity shine and to share these moments together. Thank you for encouraging creativity and fun in the classroom—it truly made a difference!","fullyFundedDate":1727391255965,"projectUrl":"project/colorful-creations-in-3rd-grade/8617837/","projectTitle":"Colorful Creations in 3rd Grade","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tiefenauer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7104227_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1583713830330","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7104227"},{"teacherId":7104227,"projectId":8540289,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous donations, my students have had the opportunity to dive into some incredibly fun and educational STEM activities this year. Their enthusiasm has been contagious, and it has been truly rewarding to see them engage so deeply with each project.\r\n Our \"Rubber Duck STEM Challenge\" was an instant hit. The students loved the challenge of creating swings for their super cute rubber ducks, using their imagination and problem-solving skills. Some students were able to build a swing that worked on the first try, while others had to go back to the drawing board—showcasing the value of persistence and teamwork. Watching them work through the process with a growth mindset was a highlight!\r\n The \"Wiggling Worms\" activity also sparked lots of excitement. After reading the story, 'Wiggling Worms at Work,' the students were eager to experiment with the worms, and the bubbly reactions of baking soda and vinegar had them giggling. The worms were a bit sticky and heavy, which made it harder for them to wiggle, but they had a blast trying to make mini volcanoes in their cups. We even invited a neighboring class of third graders, which brought the total number of kids involved to 40, which made the learning even more memorable. \r\nOur \"You Wouldn't Want to Live Without Clean Water\" STEM project, where the students will build solar stills to purify water, will take place this spring, and we can't wait to try it out!\r\n STEM in the classroom has done wonders for sparking creativity, building confidence, and encouraging collaboration. Thank you again for helping make these activities possible and bringing these incredible learning opportunities to life for my students. Your support is truly appreciated!","fullyFundedDate":1727962618021,"projectUrl":"project/stem-explorations-igniting-curiosity-in/8540289/","projectTitle":"STEM Explorations: Igniting Curiosity in 3rd Grade","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tiefenauer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7104227_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1583713830330","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7104227"},{"teacherId":9779216,"projectId":8825213,"letterContent":"My students were so excited when they saw all of the new STEM/Sensory materials that were donated. They are thrilled to have access to, and use their creative minds to build with magnetic blocks, mold kinetic sand, and draw in sand using their finger on a backlit desk. Manipulating objects is a great way to explore different mediums and expand their imagination. Fine motor skill activities are encouraged every day to strengthen their Writing skill. \r\n\r\nSocial, Emotional Learning: Sharing with their peers, taking turns, and building together, all cover a variety of social skills that are important in life. Our sensory room allows them a place to go to relax, calm down, or work out their frustrations and to learn self-regulation techniques and skills.\r\n\r\nWe are looking forward to our next project, which is gardening. Studying the life cycles of plants, eating healthy, and teaching them to be self-sustaining by growing their own foods, are all life skills that are important to learn.","fullyFundedDate":1729787422678,"projectUrl":"project/teaching-life-skills-for-success/8825213/","projectTitle":"Teaching Life Skills for Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Doe","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9779216"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_87885","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":342,"numTeachers":19,"percentFrplEligible":76,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":77,"percentIndigenous":1,"percentLatinx":13,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"18.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_FRINGE"},"inStateSupporters":72.0,"schoolId":87885,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Manzanita Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Manzanita Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/oregon/three-rivers-school-district/manzanita-elementary-school/87885"}
Join the 82 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Manzanita Elementary School is
a rural public school
in Grants Pass, Oregon that is part of Three Rivers School District.
It serves 342 students
in grades K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 18.0:1.
Its teachers have had 34 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.
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
14%
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.
Manzanita Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Dec 5, 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.
Manzanita Elementary School
$11,125
raised using DonorsChoose
34
projects
funded
8
teachers
funded
82
donors
7
projects
for
basic supplies
4
projects for
technology
3
projects for
books
4
projects
for
art supplies
Manzanita Elementary School has received support from
59 individuals from Oregon and
23 individuals out-of-state.