{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Ophir Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":14.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9747680,"projectId":8777890,"letterContent":"I hope this message finds you well. I want to express my gratitude for your generous grant, which has impacted my preschool students using Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems. Your support has provided a dedicated iPad equipped with essential AAC applications. \r\n\r\nThis technology has transformed how my students express their thoughts and needs when traditional communication methods are unavailable. With a speech-generating device, they can effectively communicate, fostering independence and enhancing their learning experiences.\r\n\r\nThe use of AAC tools has been a game-changer, allowing students to engage in total communication strategies. For example, during our bubble play activity, they can use core words like \"want,\" \"more,\" and \"my turn,\" as well as fringe words related to the activity. Without AAC, students would rely on less functional communication, which can be limiting and frustrating. Tailored communication boards for activities like marble runs and puzzles have sparked their enthusiasm and made learning more interactive.\r\nOne student, who initially struggled to express his needs, has shown remarkable progress since using the AAC device. He can now express his understanding of colors, letters, numbers, and shapes, even discussing the book \"Goodnight Gorilla\" during our thematic lesson on \"the zoo.\"\r\n\r\nThe iPads have also fostered a sense of community among students, encouraging them to support one another and recognize diverse communication methods. The apps have opened new avenues for social interaction, enabling deeper connections during group activities and making academic content more accessible and enjoyable.\r\nYour support has empowered students to communicate and learn in ways that were previously unattainable. Thank you for believing in my mission and providing the resources that have enhanced our classroom environment.\r\n\r\nWarm regards,\r\nShannon Childs \r\nSpeech Language Pathologist","fullyFundedDate":1733345891493,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-voices-enhancing-communicati/8777890/","projectTitle":"Empowering Voices: Enhancing Communication and Literacy for AAC Users","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Shannon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9747680_orig.jpg?crop=1080,1080,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726249781031","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9747680"},{"teacherId":9747680,"projectId":8777521,"letterContent":"I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for your generous support of our recent Donors Choose project. Thanks to your contributions, we have successfully created S and R Toolkits using the guidelines from Peachie Speechie, which have made a significant impact on my students' learning experiences. The tools provided in these kits are not just materials; they are pathways to enhanced engagement and motivation for my students, who are eager to improve their speech and language skills.\r\n\r\nFrom the very first moment my students laid eyes on the S and R Toolkits, their excitement was palpable. As they entered the classroom and spotted the colorful tools and resources, a chorus of curious voices erupted with the question, \"What's that?\" It was a beautiful moment of discovery that set the tone for the entire session. The visual appeal of the tools sparked their interest and drew them in, creating an atmosphere of enthusiasm and anticipation. As we explored each tool together, I observed their eyes light up with excitement, and it was evident that they were eager to engage with the multisensory approach these kits offer. The hands-on nature of the tools allowed them to practice the production of their sounds in a more dynamic and interactive way. They could feel the textures, see the colors, and manipulate the materials, which made the learning process not only effective but enjoyable.\r\n\r\nThe impact of the S and R Toolkits on my students' speech production has been nothing short of remarkable. Many of my students, who previously struggled with sound articulation, have shown noticeable improvements in their confidence and skills. The multisensory approach has allowed them to connect with the material on a deeper level, reinforcing their understanding of sound production through varied experiences. For instance, using visual aids alongside tactile tools has empowered them to make connections between what they see and hear, which is essential for mastering speech sounds. The excitement they exhibited while using the toolkits has translated into a more engaged learning environment where they feel comfortable practicing their speech.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, there are several next steps we can take to further this clinical approach. One potential avenue is to integrate technology into our sessions, allowing for interactive learning experiences that can enhance their understanding of speech sounds. This could include utilizing speech therapy apps or online resources that complement the tools provided in the kits. Additionally, I plan to conduct more group activities that encourage collaboration and peer feedback, as these social interactions can boost their confidence and create a supportive learning community. Furthermore, continued professional development in the area of multisensory approaches will enable me to refine my teaching strategies and implement new techniques tailored to the unique needs of my students.\r\n\r\nOnce again, I want to extend my deepest thanks for your generosity. Your support has made a tangible difference in the lives of my students and has created an engaging, multisensory learning environment that promotes their growth and development. Together, we are paving the way for a brighter future for these young learners, and I am excited to see where this journey will take us next.","fullyFundedDate":1726582837522,"projectUrl":"project/speech-to-literacy-building-foundations/8777521/","projectTitle":"Speech to Literacy: Building Foundations with S&R Toolkits","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Shannon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9747680_orig.jpg?crop=1080,1080,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726249781031","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9747680"},{"teacherId":9723195,"projectId":8729745,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to our classroom. The mobile cart has truly been a lifesaver, allowing me to keep my students engaged without the need to run back and forth to a desktop computer for our smartboard and document camera.\r\n\r\nThe addition of the colorful bracelets has also had a remarkable impact. The students are incredibly motivated to keep progressing on their multiplication facts journey, making learning even more enjoyable.\r\n\r\nYour support for our third-grade class means a lot, and we are grateful to have such wonderful donors like you who care about our students' education.","fullyFundedDate":1725312093930,"projectUrl":"project/let-me-reach-those-in-the-back/8729745/","projectTitle":"Let Me Reach Those in the Back!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Klein","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9723195"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_78450","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":170,"numTeachers":12,"percentFrplEligible":7,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":84,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":12,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"14.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"RURAL","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_REMOTE"},"inStateSupporters":85.7,"schoolId":78450,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Ophir Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Ophir Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/montana/big-sky-school-district-72/ophir-school/78450"}

Ophir Elementary School

Join the 7 supporters who believe in this school.

About this school

Ophir Elementary School is a rural public school in Gallatin Gateway, Montana that is part of Big Sky School District 72. It serves 170 students in grades Pre-K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 14.2:1. Its teachers have had 11 projects funded on DonorsChoose.

Public School

Grades Pre-K - 5

170 Students

12 Teachers

60 Windy Pass Trail

Gallatin Gateway, MT 59730 View local requests

http://www.bssd72.org

Evidence-based impact

Inspire teachers to stay in the classroom and boost student achievement.¹

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Ms. Vero, a DonorsChoose teacher for 9 years.

Kindergarten teacher at PS81 - Robert J. Christen School in Bronx, NY

Ophir Elementary School Teachers on DonorsChoose

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Ophir Elementary School Demographics

of students receive free or reduced price lunch

Source: the National Center for Education Statistics

12%

of students are Black, Latino, Native American, or Asian

Schools in districts that mainly serve students of color receive substantially less state and local support than similar districts that serve primarily White students. Learn more about this gap, why it exists, and how you can help close it.

Ophir 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.

Ophir Elementary School

$92,576

raised using DonorsChoose

projects funded

teachers funded

donors

project for basic supplies

projects for technology

Ophir Elementary School has received support from 6 individuals from Montana and 1 individual out-of-state.

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season! Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.

Ophir Elementary School

About this school

Ophir Elementary School Teachers on DonorsChoose

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Ophir Elementary School Demographics

Ophir Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Dec 5, 2025

Ophir Elementary School

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season!
Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.