{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"McDowell Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":15.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9511949,"projectId":9286458,"letterContent":"Thanks to your support, I was able to attend a top-tier professional development course focused on English Language Development and effective language instruction. This experience gave me research-backed strategies to better meet the needs of my students, many of whom are navigating the challenges of learning English while managing the realities of low-income households.\r\nA highlight of the course was learning how to integrate students' home languages into lessons—making learning more meaningful, engaging, and empowering. I immediately applied these strategies in the classroom, and students are showing increased confidence in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.\r\nYour support didn't just fund a course—it transformed my teaching. Students now experience instruction that celebrates their language and culture, giving them the skills and self-assurance to thrive academically and beyond.","fullyFundedDate":1747848692240,"projectUrl":"project/help-empower-young-language-learners-thr/9286458/","projectTitle":"Help Empower Young Language Learners Through Powerful Teaching! 💬📚","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tejada","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9511949_orig.jpg?crop=730,730,x184,y88&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1713237120429","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/iratitejada"},{"teacherId":1241200,"projectId":9545394,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom with this reading project. The novel Holes has helped my students strengthen important literacy skills, including understanding plot structure, recognizing and developing themes, and analyzing characters' motivations and growth. As multilingual learners, they are also picking up new vocabulary and beginning to use these words in their own writing, which has been exciting to see. Your generosity has made it possible for them to learn through a shared text that is both engaging and meaningful.\r\n\r\nIn our classroom, reading is a combination of choice, exploration, and modeling. Students always have access to books they choose themselves, but each week I also introduce a new genre to help broaden their interest and confidence as readers. Holes, as a realistic fiction novel, allows them to connect with characters and situations that feel real while still keeping the mystery and adventure that keep them turning pages.\r\n\r\nMany students have especially enjoyed being read to each day. They love settling in as I read a chapter aloud, modeling intonation and expression. This shared reading experience builds excitement, strengthens comprehension, and creates a sense of community around books. Your support has given my students the opportunity to grow as thoughtful readers and for that, we are incredibly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1755460715985,"projectUrl":"project/digging-into-great-books-bringing-holes/9545394/","projectTitle":"Digging Into Great Books: Bringing Holes to Our Classroom!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Nealon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1241200_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1507676922576","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-nealon"},{"teacherId":9867669,"projectId":9734782,"letterContent":"I cannot thank you enough for donating these tripods and ipad adapters for my students! They absolutely love them!\r\n\r\nThis is the first year I have added stop motion animation to my curriculum. I teach visual arts to 1500 students a year and we cover as many styles of art as possible in the time we have together. Lessons and projects include: drawing, painting, sculpting, photography, weaving, sewing, etc. Adding animation to our 4-6 grade rotation has been so much fun! \r\n\r\nThe stop motion animation lesson dives into the animation world with a spotlight on the brilliant artist Tim Burton. Every student knows Tim Burton movies but they don't know how he makes his stop motion animations. The lesson is trendy, relevant, engaging, and unique. It introduces students to the world of filmography and animation. \r\n\r\nWith these tripods students can keep their ipads in one place (and still) while they work on their animations. It makes them feel like professionals while they focus on their setting, storyline, characters, and photography. \r\n\r\nStudents upload their animations to a google drive and then we play them back for the whole class to enjoy. Students then vote on their \"Academy Award Winner\" and the winner gets an award certificate. We see some real talent in these classrooms. Tim Burton would be so proud!\r\n\r\nI would like to extend my sincerest thank you for donating these tripods and adapters. These supplies will be enjoyed by art students for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1758832509991,"projectUrl":"project/tripods-for-young-film-makers/9734782/","projectTitle":"Tripods for Young Film Makers!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kris","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9867669_orig.png?crop=264,264,x0,y83&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755891080281","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9867669"},{"teacherId":9867669,"projectId":9642095,"letterContent":"My favorite way to begin a lesson is to start with a book! Most of the time I try to choose a book that is relevant to the lesson, if possible. Reading a book to my students reels them in and gets them engaged for the lesson. It stimulates their interest, gives them visuals, and entertains them. Often there are mini lessons in the story or relations to real life situations. Sometimes there is humor in the stories too, which children love.\r\n\r\nWe love all the books you donated, but a couple of my favorites are \"How to Spot and Artist\" and \"Mix it Up.\" \"How to spot an artist\" is funny and engaging and at the end of the book it reveals that everyone is an artist, including the ones that are reading this book right now! I pair the \"Mix it Up\" book with my color theory lessons, along with \"Mouse Paint\" and \"Mixed.\" The students love to read an adventure that ties in with the lesson. \"Mix it Up\" is about mixing primary colors, but it is presented in an interesting way. It has me shaking, tilting, smearing, opening, and closing the book to pretend that I am mixing the colors. A super fun and visually stimulating books that is perfect to read right before a color theory lesson! After the lesson, studio time, and clean up, if there are any extra minutes, students are able to revisit these books and read them themselves on the carpet.\r\n\r\nI would like to extend my sincerest thank you to you for donating these books. These books will be enjoyed by art students for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1757607668312,"projectUrl":"project/beautiful-books-to-inspire-childrens-ar/9642095/","projectTitle":"Beautiful Books to Inspire Children's Art!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kris","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9867669_orig.png?crop=264,264,x0,y83&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755891080281","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9867669"},{"teacherId":3660721,"projectId":9582637,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting this project. Having a well stocked physical education and recess cart is very important for students. Not only does it help them stay healthy, be active and have good experiences with their peers, it also helps keep them from getting into trouble from boredom. I couldn't supply the students with all the balls, jump ropes, and other supplies without donors like you. The students and families are very grateful for your contribution to this project and for caring about our students.","fullyFundedDate":1760464592987,"projectUrl":"project/playground-equipment-for-recess/9582637/","projectTitle":"Playground Equipment for Recess!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Costello","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3660721_orig.jpg?crop=606,606,x34,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1674599645667","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3660721"},{"teacherId":3660721,"projectId":9719693,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting this project. Having a well stocked physical education and recess cart is very important for students. Not only does it help them stay healthy, be active and have good experiences with their peers, it also helps keep them from getting into trouble from boredom. I couldn't supply the students with all the balls, jump ropes, and other supplies without donors like you. The students and families are very grateful for your contribution to this project and for caring about our students.","fullyFundedDate":1760464594314,"projectUrl":"project/physical-education-equipment-for-healthy/9719693/","projectTitle":"Physical Education Equipment for Healthy Bodies and Minds!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Costello","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3660721_orig.jpg?crop=606,606,x34,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1674599645667","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3660721"},{"teacherId":9483161,"projectId":9627038,"letterContent":"My fifth graders were so excited when they saw the new board games! They immediately wanted to explore the materials and start playing. We are using the games during learning centers and small-group activities to practice collaboration, strategic thinking, and problem-solving in a fun, engaging way. It's been amazing to watch them explain rules to each other, support their classmates, and reflect on their strategies. These resources have created meaningful, hands-on learning experiences. Next, students will continue using the games to develop critical thinking and communication skills, and eventually they will design and test their own board games connected to our classroom lessons.","fullyFundedDate":1758832509153,"projectUrl":"project/game-on-leveling-up-learning-in-our-cla/9627038/","projectTitle":"Game On! Leveling Up Learning in Our Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lorente","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9483161"},{"teacherId":3660721,"projectId":9725880,"letterContent":"On behalf of our school community, I want to extend our deepest gratitude for your generous donation that made it possible to purchase a new computer for my classroom. Your support has had an immediate and meaningful impact on both our educator's professional work and our students' daily learning experiences. The upgraded technology has dramatically improved the efficiency with which I can complete essential tasks such as grading, lesson planning, and communication with students and parents. No longer limited by outdated software or sluggish hardware, she can now grade assignments promptly and provide timely, constructive feedback—something that has already enhanced student engagement and accountability. This new computer also allows her to integrate a wider range of educational tools and digital resources into her curriculum, offering students interactive and engaging experiences that are better aligned with 21st-century learning standards.\r\n\r\nMore importantly, your investment in this technology has empowered me to dream bigger and deliver more innovative, technology-based projects that truly excite and inspire her students. Whether it's creating interactive presentations, designing collaborative research assignments using cloud-based platforms, or incorporating multimedia tools to accommodate diverse learning styles, she now has the resources to bring these ideas to life with confidence and ease. Students have noticed the change as well—they're more enthusiastic, more curious, and more engaged during lessons that use the new technology. For many of our students, especially those who may not have access to digital tools at home, these experiences are not only educational but transformative. Your support has not just equipped a classroom with a new computer; it has provided our teacher with a renewed sense of possibility and our students with opportunities they might not have otherwise had. From everyone at [School Name], thank you for believing in our mission and for being a vital part of the positive changes happening here. Your generosity is not only appreciated today—it will continue to echo in the growth and success of our students for months and years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1758832511080,"projectUrl":"project/grading-done-promptly/9725880/","projectTitle":"Grading Done Promptly!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Costello","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3660721_orig.jpg?crop=606,606,x34,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1674599645667","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3660721"},{"teacherId":3660721,"projectId":9582577,"letterContent":"We are so excited to see this project get funded. Sixth-grade science camp is such a huge part of the sixth-grade year. During camp, there are multiple chunks of time where the students have free time and being provided with activities for them to do during that time is very helpful. There were lots of cute camp-themed activities, such as wilderness-themed Uno sets. \r\n\r\nI am also super excited to have our last night glow party again this year. It was a favorite activity last year. Building lifelong memories is easier with donors like you. Thank you again for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1758250642597,"projectUrl":"project/sixth-grade-camp-cabin-activities/9582577/","projectTitle":"Sixth Grade Camp Cabin Activities!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Costello","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3660721_orig.jpg?crop=606,606,x34,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1674599645667","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3660721"},{"teacherId":9483161,"projectId":9218022,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for making it possible for me to attend the course on language and language development. Because of your generosity, I gained invaluable insights into scaffolding strategies, techniques that help structure lessons in a way that meets students where they are and guides them toward independence. The most inspiring part was a hands-on workshop where I practiced designing scaffolded, language-rich lessons. I left energized by how small yet thoughtful adjustments like pre-teaching vocabulary, using visuals, and pacing language input can make a profound difference in student understanding and engagement.\r\n\r\nAlready, I've implemented one simple but powerful tool in my classroom: the \"Question of the Day\" scaffolded prompt. Each class, I introduce a short scenario and ask students questions like, \"What happens next?\" or \"Why did the character say that?\" These prompts encourage real language use, support vocabulary growth, and invite participation from all students. Since I started using this method, I've seen increased confidence, richer language production, and more enthusiastic participation even from students who were initially hesitant to speak up.\r\n\r\nOnce again, thank you for investing in my professional growth. Your support is making a tangible difference not just in my teaching, but in the language development and confidence of my students.","fullyFundedDate":1747873548533,"projectUrl":"project/enhancing-language-development-to-empowe/9218022/","projectTitle":"Enhancing Language Development to Empower Multilingual Learner","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lorente","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9483161"},{"teacherId":3660721,"projectId":9088266,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting this project. We are just starting a new school year, and it has been amazing to have a ton of school supplies so that the classroom is well stocked and ready for my new class. \r\n\r\nThe water bottles are going to come in very handy, and they will help keep students from leaving the classroom for water regularly. The pencil cases, pencils, etc. are also going to be very helpful. The students at my school often don't have school supplies at the beginning of the year, and it is helpful to have them here for them when they arrive.","fullyFundedDate":1747873547157,"projectUrl":"project/a-well-stocked-classroom-for-student-suc/9088266/","projectTitle":"A Well-stocked Classroom for Student Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Costello","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3660721_orig.jpg?crop=606,606,x34,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1674599645667","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3660721"},{"teacherId":9867669,"projectId":8995145,"letterContent":"My favorite way to begin a lesson is to start with a book! Most of the time I try to choose a book that is relevant to the lesson, if possible. Reading a book to my students reels them in and gets them engaged for the lesson. It stimulates their interest, gives them visuals, and entertains them. Often there are mini lessons in the story or relations to real life situations. Sometimes there is humor in the stories too, which children love.\r\n\r\nOut of the books you donated, I think my favorite is \"Mixed\" by Aree Chung. It is about the primary colors, segregated in a town. One day the yellow and blue become friends and decide to \"mix\" and so they make green. Other colors mix to make secondary and tertiary colors. The town enjoys the diversity and they all live together in the town. There are a few messages here including acceptance, inclusion, diversity, and community building. I pair this book with my color theory lessons. We often mix playdoh to start the TK or K class out with color mixing. We follow with paint and paint mixing to create a color wheel. This is all inspired by the book \"Mixed.\"\r\n\r\nI would like to extend my sincerest thank you to you for donating these books. These books will be enjoyed by art students for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1736803529072,"projectUrl":"project/art-inspiration-begins-with-beautiful-bo/8995145/","projectTitle":"Art Inspiration Begins With Beautiful Books!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kris","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9867669_orig.png?crop=264,264,x0,y83&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755891080281","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9867669"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_5148","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":305,"numTeachers":12,"percentFrplEligible":85,"percentAsian":2,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":6,"percentIndigenous":1,"percentLatinx":84,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"25.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":84.6,"schoolId":5148,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about McDowell Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"McDowell Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/petaluma-city-schools/mcdowell-elementary-school/5148"}