{"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"}],"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 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 TrailContact info is sourced from our partners at MDR Education, and DonorsChoose updates our site ahead of each school year.
Boost support for this school! Share this page with friends, family, alumni, and fellow supporters. Every connection helps teachers get the supplies they need and shows how much your community cares about its students.
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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
12%
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.
Ophir Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Dec 25, 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
11
projects
funded
11
teachers
funded
7
donors
1
project
for
basic supplies
2
projects for
technology
Ophir Elementary School has received support from
6 individuals from Montana and
1 individual out-of-state.
