{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Maurice Sendak Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":16.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":1218944,"projectId":9071209,"letterContent":"While I won't know the results of my portfolio scores until December 7th, I am glad to have been given the opportunity to pursue something that few teachers are willing to consider due to its rigor and level of dedication. Thank you for helping make this opportunity possible.\r\n\r\nI am hoping for certification, but nonetheless, I know I have grown as a teacher who is knowledgeable about the needs of our students and what quality teaching entails. I have grown professionally and that alone is a reward in itself.","fullyFundedDate":1747142974148,"projectUrl":"project/my-students-deserve-a-national-board-cer/9071209/","projectTitle":"My Students Deserve a National Board Certified Teacher","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Villalpando Berreth","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1218944_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1515787162602","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsberreth"},{"teacherId":628156,"projectId":9461365,"letterContent":"Thanks to the toner you helped fund, my students now get to see their learning come to life in full color! I'm able to print games, practice sheets, and photos that make lessons more hands-on and exciting. The kids especially love seeing their work displayed on our bulletin boards and sharing printed projects with their families. One student who struggles with reading has been so motivated by the colorful word and picture cards—we've seen a big boost in his confidence during small-group learning.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has truly made our classroom brighter and more engaging. Thank you for making this possible!","fullyFundedDate":1757423961878,"projectUrl":"project/help-us-keep-learning-in-full-color/9461365/","projectTitle":"Help Us Keep Learning in Full Color!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Orello","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp628156_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1450414149820","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/orello235"},{"teacherId":628156,"projectId":9466542,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for generously supporting our classroom by funding ink for our printer. This may seem like a small item, but it makes a huge difference in our daily learning environment. With your help, I'm able to prepare and print engaging lessons, colorful visuals, and hands-on activities that bring our kindergarten curriculum to life. From literacy centers to math games and science exploration sheets, printed materials are essential tools for making learning accessible and exciting for young learners.\r\n\r\nYour support also allows my students to take pride in their work by printing out their own projects—something that helps them feel accomplished and more connected to their learning. Whether it's a story they wrote, a pattern they created, or a certificate they earned, being able to see their work in print is incredibly motivating for them.\r\n\r\nThanks to your donation, the ink supply will last us at least half the school year, ensuring consistent access to these valuable resources. We are so grateful for your kindness and investment in our classroom. Your generosity truly helps us build a brighter and more creative learning experience every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1753932764102,"projectUrl":"project/got-ink-we-need-some/9466542/","projectTitle":"Got Ink? We Need Some!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Orello","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp628156_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1450414149820","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/orello235"},{"teacherId":7227183,"projectId":8628677,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom has been transformed! With the addition of quality headphones, students now have the tools they need to fully engage in personalized and focused learning experiences every single day.\r\n\r\nHeadphones have made a huge difference, especially for our English learners and students who need extra support. They can now listen to stories, follow along with interactive lessons, and replay instructions at their own pace. This has helped boost confidence, comprehension, and independence.\r\n\r\nYou've helped create a quieter, more focused classroom environment where students are excited to \"plug in\" and take charge of their learning. Thank you for making this possible—your support is helping students unlock their full potential every day!","fullyFundedDate":1725079679907,"projectUrl":"project/unlock-your-potentialplug-into-learning/8628677/","projectTitle":"Unlock Your Potential—Plug into Learning with Headphones!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Roque","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7227183_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1589780987206","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7227183"},{"teacherId":7227183,"projectId":8610110,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom has been transformed into a dynamic, collaborative learning space! The whiteboards you helped provide have become an essential part of our daily learning—and we truly love them.\r\n\r\nThe whiteboards have empowered our students to take ownership of their learning. During math lessons, students now work in pairs or small groups to solve problems on the boards, allowing them to visualize their thinking and explain their reasoning to their peers.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, our classroom feels more alive, interactive, and student-centered than ever before. Thank you for believing in our students and helping us build a space where learning is both fun and meaningful!","fullyFundedDate":1725077749270,"projectUrl":"project/we-love-whiteboards/8610110/","projectTitle":"We Love Whiteboards!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Roque","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7227183_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1589780987206","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7227183"},{"teacherId":1218944,"projectId":9286010,"letterContent":"We are loving the new Cricut machine. Students are generating a wealth of language as they see their creations come to life. They are learning cooperative skills, practicing sharing, and best of all, they are using their imagination and taking pride in their work. These paper cut-outs are being used at the art/writing center and has become their center of choice. \r\n\r\nIn addition to the cut-outs, students get to see their names in vinyl which they are using to label items such as pencil boxes, cubbies, etc. Thank you so much for this generous donation. The Cricut will serve my students for many years to come!!","fullyFundedDate":1746787209266,"projectUrl":"project/pre-k-could-use-a-cricut/9286010/","projectTitle":"Pre-K Could Use a Cricut!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Villalpando Berreth","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1218944_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1515787162602","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsberreth"},{"teacherId":1218944,"projectId":8331832,"letterContent":"My students have benefited so much from our beautification project. They have learned the importance of caring for living things as well as how to plant and care for plants and flowers. It has been so rewarding to see their interest grow along with their plants. They have also learned about overwatering, too much sun, and how they serve as insect food and habitats. This project has provided positive learning experiences not only for my students, but for any students who use our play yard. It is so important that small children be exposed to how plants grow and provide beauty and sustenance for living things.","fullyFundedDate":1715170377388,"projectUrl":"project/well-help-beautify-our-planet/8331832/","projectTitle":"We'll Help Beautify Our Planet!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Villalpando Berreth","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1218944_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1515787162602","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsberreth"},{"teacherId":1218944,"projectId":8416944,"letterContent":"My students have developed a love for drawing thanks to your donations. They have also improved their fine motor skills, visual discrimination, and color recognition. The oral language that has developed around art time is incredible. My English language learners are more self confident as they interact with their peers and share about one another's creations.\r\n\r\nOur room also looks more vivid and colorful. It has definitely become child-centered as their is evidence of their knowledge and creations as a result of having colorful writing and drawing utensils at their finger tips. Thank you so much to all who donated!","fullyFundedDate":1720713297427,"projectUrl":"project/marvelous-markers-for-prek/8416944/","projectTitle":"Marvelous Markers for PreK!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Villalpando Berreth","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1218944_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1515787162602","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsberreth"},{"teacherId":1218944,"projectId":9126197,"letterContent":"Thank you for helping fund our storage closet project. It has been an absolute success. My students are having a much easier time storing their belongings and respecting one anothers items. Our outdoor space looks much neater and is no longer accumulating random objects that do not belong to us. \r\n\r\nThis project has taught my students the importance of being responsible for their belongings and prevents them from plopping things on benches or tables for anyone to take. It has definitely made for an easier storage solution and sits right outside our classroom so students are reminded to grab their things before they leave for the day.","fullyFundedDate":1742909489538,"projectUrl":"project/students-need-suitable-storage/9126197/","projectTitle":"Students Need Suitable Storage","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Villalpando Berreth","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1218944_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1515787162602","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsberreth"},{"teacherId":1169953,"projectId":8374521,"letterContent":"On behalf of my second grade students I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation. People like you help fill in the gaps that our school system can't give us. Your kindness and support mean the world to us, and we are so grateful to have you as part of our learning journey.\r\nThe place value discs have made a meaningful impact on their learning of not only numeracy , but addition and subtraction with regrouping. My students are engaged in hands-on math activities that make learning fun and more engaging. Seeing their faces light up as they manipulate the discs to build numbers, compare values, and solve problems is truly priceless. \r\nThank you for believing in the power of education and for investing in our students' success.","fullyFundedDate":1715294102355,"projectUrl":"project/math-at-their-fingertips/8374521/","projectTitle":"Math At Their Fingertips","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Backos","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1169953_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1450492837609","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mary-backos"},{"teacherId":9621948,"projectId":8545467,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous donation, our classroom has been transformed with amazing new resources! The DRUMnBASE Vintage Persian Style Stage Rug has become a central hub for students to gather, creating a cozy space for group activities. The vibrant red rug has sparked excitement, with students eagerly choosing it for collaborative work and reading sessions. It's brought a new energy to the room and made learning feel more inviting.\r\n\r\nThe Honey-Can-Do Mobile Utility Cart and Lakeshore Simply Boho Bundle have helped us stay organized and comfortable. The cart keeps supplies within easy reach, allowing students to be more independent, while the colorful macaron-colored floor cushions have turned our reading corner into a cozy retreat where students can relax and focus on their lessons. These simple additions have significantly improved the learning environment.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, the Chair Bands for Fidgety Feet and other sensory tools, like the Wacky Tracks and Dry Erase Erasers, are helping students stay engaged and focused. These materials support both sensory needs and provide a productive outlet for energy, making a noticeable difference in their ability to concentrate. We're excited to continue using these tools as we dive into new projects, helping our students thrive in a creative, flexible, and supportive space. Thank you again for making all of this possible!","fullyFundedDate":1722905396916,"projectUrl":"project/support-ms-smiths-first-classroom/8545467/","projectTitle":"Support Ms. Smith's First Classroom!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Smith","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9621948_orig.jpg?crop=3647,3647,x984,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1722635646291","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9621948"},{"teacherId":7227183,"projectId":7859869,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, board games have brought both joy and learning into our classroom! These games are more than just fun—they're powerful tools that help students build critical thinking, communication, and teamwork skills in an engaging way.\r\nSince receiving this project, students have been using board games during centers, indoor recess, and small group time to practice math, reading, and problem-solving. They're learning to take turns, follow directions, and work cooperatively—all essential life skills that support academic growth.\r\n\r\nThese games also offer a much-needed break from screens, encouraging face-to-face interaction and social development. We've seen students who were once hesitant to participate now confidently joining in and helping their peers.\r\n\r\nThank you for making this possible. Your support has helped create a classroom where learning feels like play—and where every student is excited to join in!","fullyFundedDate":1697077815122,"projectUrl":"project/board-games-helping-us-learn/7859869/","projectTitle":"Board Games Helping Us Learn","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Roque","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7227183_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1589780987206","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7227183"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_7138","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":402,"numTeachers":23,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":2,"percentWhite":4,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":86,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"17.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":83.7,"schoolId":7138,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Maurice Sendak Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Maurice Sendak Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/los-angeles-unified-school-district/maurice-sendak-elementary-school/7138"}
Join the 1,009 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Maurice Sendak Elementary School is
an urban public school
in N. Hollywood, California that is part of Los Angeles Unified School District.
It serves 402 students
in grades Pre-K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 17.5:1.
Its teachers have had 280 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Boost support for our school's classrooms. Share this page with friends and family who want to make a difference. If you're a teacher, sign up to get started!
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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
88%
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.
Maurice Sendak 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.
Maurice Sendak Elementary School
$165,382
raised using DonorsChoose
280
projects
funded
44
teachers
funded
1,009
donors
23
projects
for
basic supplies
63
projects for
technology
18
projects for
books
10
projects
for
art supplies
Maurice Sendak Elementary School has received support from
845 individuals from California and
164 individuals out-of-state.