{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"McKinley Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":10.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9637131,"projectId":9560026,"letterContent":"We feel so incredibly grateful and blessed to have so many donors in our community that funded our \"let's get comfy and cozy\" project that we created. \r\n\r\nBecause of generous donors like you, we now have a beautiful new classroom rug to gather on for our classroom discussions and meetings. No more worries about being in someone else's personal space on this new rug. The students love it!!\r\n\r\nThe students are also grateful for the two new storage cabinets for our classroom. There are so many supplies and activities needed to keep all students engaged throughout the school year, and now there is a place to store these supplies.","fullyFundedDate":1755737243592,"projectUrl":"project/lets-get-comfy-and-cozy-in-our-4k-class/9560026/","projectTitle":"Let’s Get Comfy And Cozy In Our 4K Classroom!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Forseth","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9637131"},{"teacherId":2702093,"projectId":9132851,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for funding my DonorsChoose project! My students and I are enjoying getting to use all the wonderful things we received. \r\nOne of my new favorite spots in the room is our Cozy Corner. The Cozy Corner not only provides a spot for students who are not regulated to calm down and get back to learning, but also is available to all students during our small group times as a comfortable place to read independently. \r\nAnother thing we received was headphones. This year I had 3 students who were not able to provide their own headphones and we so excited to be able to have a pair to use during chromebook time. They love listening to stories being read on their chromebooks!\r\nAll of my students also have seat sacks to keep their learning materials at their spots and organized. My classroom has tables instead of desks so keeping things in their places can become challenging. However, even the most disorganized students know that all of their stuff is in their seat sacks, keeping transition times quick!\r\nFinally, additional classroom materials, like markers and Clorox wipes are used daily to keep everyone learning and healthy!","fullyFundedDate":1748366600167,"projectUrl":"project/mrs-schaefers-sensational-2nd-graders/9132851/","projectTitle":"Mrs. Schaefer's Sensational 2nd Graders","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Schaefer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2702093"},{"teacherId":8107860,"projectId":9142431,"letterContent":"Thank you for donating to my listening center project! I am so grateful for your generosity. \r\n\r\nMy students have absolutely LOVED our TonieBox. It is a speaker that plays songs and reads books when characters are placed on top of it. I used it as a \"May Do\" choice for when my students finished their literacy work. \r\n\r\nThis device made students excited to read. When matched up with a book, it was the perfect way to connect students to text without the obstacle of not being able to read yet. ALL of my students were able to use this tool. \r\n\r\nThank you again for donating to my classroom. My students absolutely love the TonieBox and ask to use it daily!","fullyFundedDate":1741228794644,"projectUrl":"project/listening-for-literacy/9142431/","projectTitle":"Listening for Literacy","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Winkel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8107860_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755699932212","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mswitak"},{"teacherId":9931271,"projectId":9130341,"letterContent":"DonorsChoose and Panda Cares have made a meaningful difference in our classroom by providing crucial resources that directly support our students' diverse needs. Their generous donations have enabled us to create a more inclusive learning environment where every child feels valued and empowered. By investing in tools and materials that celebrate diversity and promote equality, these organizations help ensure that all students have the opportunity to thrive academically and socially. Their support not only enriches the classroom experience but also fosters a culture of respect and understanding that will benefit the children far beyond this year!","fullyFundedDate":1740795905182,"projectUrl":"project/ms-vanlinns-3rd-grade-class/9130341/","projectTitle":"Ms. VanLinn's 3rd grade class","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. VanLinn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9931271_orig.png?crop=257,257,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1740520707106","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9931271"},{"teacherId":9931228,"projectId":9130229,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, Bringing STEM to Life Through Literature, Math, and Teamwork! Your support has filled our classroom with excitement, creativity, and endless opportunities for hands-on learning. From the GraviTrax Marble Runs to the magnetic building blocks and community-themed tiles, every item has become a meaningful part of our daily learning.\r\n\r\nOne of our favorite classroom moments so far was when students read a story about a character who needed to build a shelter. Using the PicassoTiles and ToyUnited Magnetic Blocks, they worked together to design and build. The SmartGames Three Little Piggies puzzle also brought a story to life in the most interactive way, as students used logic and collaboration to protect the pigs from the wolf.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has allowed the students to think critically, communicate effectively, and bring their ideas to life. Thank you for believing in them and in the power of learning through literature, problem solving and teamwork.","fullyFundedDate":1740848948059,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-stem-to-life-through-literature/9130229/","projectTitle":"Bringing Stem to Life Through Literature, Math and Teamwork","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kinney","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9931228"},{"teacherId":9295203,"projectId":9133596,"letterContent":"The resources you have donated to our classroom have made such a positive impact! First, thank you so much for the extra classroom supplies. We received colored pencils, markers, glue sticks, and erasers. They have enabled us to be able to complete regular daily work as well as fun craftivities that enhance our learning. Additionally, we received some math materials that help to make our learning more engaging.\r\n\r\nWe also received prizes for our treasure chest! The students love the Squishies and fun erasers. Each day our Mystery Student may choose a prize if s/he follows our classroom expectations and practices using English. The students were so excited to see the prizes when they arrived. This strategy has motivated them to be responsible, respectful, safe, and use more English.\r\n\r\nLastly, we received Elephant and Piggie books, puzzles, and STEM/building items for the students to use during the free choice time on Fridays. The students absolutely adore these new items. They are motivated to complete their work during the week, so they have an opportunity to use these new items during their free choice time.\r\n\r\nWe truly appreciate the donation of all the items to our classroom. It has really helped to motivate and engage students. They have been able to finish the school year strong!","fullyFundedDate":1740939726715,"projectUrl":"project/help-make-my-classroom-more-engaging/9133596/","projectTitle":"Help Make My Classroom More Engaging!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. McInnes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9295203"},{"teacherId":9932146,"projectId":9134445,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the supporting the Rading for All project. The children have enjoyed reading about the different cultures of the students in the program. It has helped them understand each other differences.\r\n\r\nMy Spanish speaking students love that they have books available in their language. We have been able to read the English version out loud, and they can follow along with the Spanish version, this has help them learn the English language.\r\n\r\nThank you so much for helping all the children in the program grow in knowledge and reading skills.","fullyFundedDate":1740958127205,"projectUrl":"project/reading-for-all/9134445/","projectTitle":"Reading for All","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Renae","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9932146"},{"teacherId":3194102,"projectId":9128456,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for adding some much needed supplies and hands on materials for my student and classroom. The pencils, markers, and sharpener are used daily in class for everyday tasks.\r\n\r\nThe butterflies were the biggest hit with my students. They loved watching the caterpillars change and every day looked forward to seeing which step they were on and if there were any changes.\r\n\r\nI also set up a birthday cart to give students a new book on their birthdays next year to create a love of learning and literacy.","fullyFundedDate":1740500921954,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-learning-for-english-language-l/9128456/","projectTitle":"Hands-on Learning for English Language Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Coenen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3194102_orig.jpg?crop=1296,1296,x0,y216&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1572488771323","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/rcoenen"},{"teacherId":9928905,"projectId":9125247,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible support. The materials I received through GoFundMe and Pandas have truly transformed my classroom. From the moment we brought everything in, the energy and excitement among my students were undeniable. The flexible seating has given them the freedom to choose how they learn best, and the new supplies have created a more welcoming and functional space for everyone.\r\n\r\nMy students have been so inspired. We've seen real growth—not just academically, but in their confidence and engagement. The spot markers, file folders, and other resources have helped us stay organized and focused. Our classroom now feels like a space designed for learning, exploration, and creativity. Your generosity has made a lasting impact, and we are so grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1740342311216,"projectUrl":"project/miss-schmidts-2nd-grade-class/9125247/","projectTitle":"Miss Schmidt's 2nd Grade Class!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Schmidt","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9928905_orig.png?crop=355,356,x0,y3&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1740166722226","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9928905"},{"teacherId":9928682,"projectId":9128227,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of a classroom rug! It has already made a meaningful impact in our 2nd grade classroom.\r\n\r\nWe are using the rug every single day—it has quickly become the heart of our learning space. During morning meetings, read-alouds, and partner activities, the rug brings us together as a class community. One special moment was during a ELA unit: students gathered on the rug to share their answers to questions with each other. It felt like a real author's circle, and the comfort and closeness the rug provided made it a truly memorable experience.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the rug, their faces lit up with excitement. One student exclaimed, \"This is amazing!\" They were so eager to sit together and explore our new learning space. It instantly made the classroom feel more inviting and cozy.\r\n\r\n\r\nThank you for giving us a space that brings learning to life. Your support truly means the world to us.","fullyFundedDate":1746785613100,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-group-rug/9128227/","projectTitle":"Classroom Group Rug","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Fidlin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9928682"},{"teacherId":9932772,"projectId":9134612,"letterContent":"My kindergarten students LOVE the new supplies. Unpacking it all was like Christmas morning and they were ecstatic to see everything; and have done a surprisingly good job of keeping it (mostly) organized. They especially love all of the color choices they now have, between the regular colors, different shades and sparkles, there is something for everyone to use. Free time is always a favorite time of day and the amount of coloring, art projects and self expression has taken off! And we can't forget about the putty! I try to reserve the putty for students to use as a calming option and most of the time, it does its job by distracting the student and taking their mind off the negative so that they can re-join the class and turn their day around. \r\nI sincerely thank you for these resources that my classroom received and without Donors Choose, would have had to purchase on my own. Thank you for your kindness and for not only helping my classroom, but all the schools you help year after year.","fullyFundedDate":1740997800603,"projectUrl":"project/creating-with-colors/9134612/","projectTitle":"Creating with Colors","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kalkofen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9932772"},{"teacherId":9115774,"projectId":9124707,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your very generous donation! My students are having so much fun and regulating their bodies at the same time. The cardio drumming has been a huge hit and a top break request by all my students, big and small! \r\n\r\nAs one student put it, \" Wow, Mrs. Howard, I'm not sure where you got these fun new tools but they are amazing!\" This same student has learned how to use the bike to release extra energy and calm his body for learning. These successes wouldn't have been possible with out you! \r\n\r\nThank you for having such an impact on my current and future students lives.","fullyFundedDate":1740326399937,"projectUrl":"project/self-regulation-station/9124707/","projectTitle":"Self-Regulation Station","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Howard","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9115774"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_38001","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":458,"numTeachers":39,"percentFrplEligible":76,"percentAsian":18,"percentBlack":4,"percentWhite":50,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":18,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"11.7:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":89.4,"schoolId":38001,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about McKinley Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"McKinley Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/wisconsin/appleton-area-school-district/mckinley-elementary-school/38001"}
Join the 189 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
McKinley Elementary School is
an urban public school
in Appleton, Wisconsin that is part of Appleton Area School District.
It serves 458 students
in grades K - 6 with a student/teacher ratio of 11.7:1.
Its teachers have had 77 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!
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
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
40%
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.
McKinley 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.
McKinley Elementary School
$44,424
raised using DonorsChoose
77
projects
funded
45
teachers
funded
189
donors
9
projects
for
basic supplies
4
projects for
technology
19
projects for
books
4
projects
for
art supplies
McKinley Elementary School has received support from
169 individuals from Wisconsin and
20 individuals out-of-state.