{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Otero Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":54.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10009597,"projectId":9300383,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donations to our first-grade classroom. Your support has made a tremendous difference in helping my students—many of whom come from low-income families in this Title 1 school—build the independence and confidence they need to thrive. The addition of headphones has allowed students to focus during independent learning activities, such as reading and math computer programs, without distractions. This has been especially beneficial for students who need extra support or a quieter space to process information at their own pace.\r\n\r\nThe shelves, stools, and organization materials have created a more structured and student-friendly classroom environment. Students are now able to access and return supplies on their own, choose flexible seating that supports their learning style, and take responsibility for keeping our classroom tidy and organized. These seemingly small changes have empowered students to make choices, take initiative, and manage their own learning materials—skills that are crucial both inside and outside the classroom. Your donations have truly helped set the foundation for lifelong learning and independence, and for that, we are incredibly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1746930818415,"projectUrl":"project/executive-functioning-skills-and-indepen/9300383/","projectTitle":"Executive Functioning Skills and Independence","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. James","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10009597_orig.png?crop=100,100,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746136285400","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10009597"},{"teacherId":7923980,"projectId":9115079,"letterContent":"My students and I used the wonderful resources you were able to provide with your donation. All grade levels were able to engage in a 3D modeling clay project where they made birds, dragon eyes, fish, donuts, and more! \r\n\r\nWhen I first shared with my fifth graders that they got to use a new material, polymer clay, they were so excited. We are making pendants and beads for necklaces with a theme. So many great creations are being made.\r\n\r\nOur next steps for the upcoming school year is to give different types of air dry clay a try. I will continue to advocate for my school to get the kiln replaced so my students can have access to true ceramics materials. Until then, we will continue to sculpt and make art with what we can. \r\n\r\nThank you for helping make that happen.","fullyFundedDate":1739685202287,"projectUrl":"project/access-to-the-arts-for-every-child/9115079/","projectTitle":"Access to the Arts for Every Child","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Fangmeier","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7923980_orig.jpg?crop=2232,2232,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1693925236180","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7923980"},{"teacherId":5578518,"projectId":8570701,"letterContent":"I would like to extend a heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation of STEM supplies to my classroom. Your kindness and thoughtfulness have a made a tremendous difference in creating a more engaging and joyful learning environment for my students. \r\n\r\nThe supplies you provided have already brought smiles and excitement to the children. They are tools for learning, collaboration, and creativity.\r\n\r\nOne memorable moment was watching a group of boys make towers with the building straws. Their teamwork skills were impressive.","fullyFundedDate":1727462968152,"projectUrl":"project/teamwork-makes-the-dream-work/8570701/","projectTitle":"Teamwork Makes the Dream Work!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Allan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5578518_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723004371910","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5578518"},{"teacherId":9251298,"projectId":8569273,"letterContent":"We want to take this opportunity to extend our heartfelt thanks for your generous contributions, which have made a tremendous impact on our school community. The bike racks you provided will serve as a fantastic resource, encouraging students to ride their bikes to school while promoting a healthy and active lifestyle. The water bottles for our 5th graders will ensure they stay hydrated throughout the school day, enabling them to focus on their learning and activities. Additionally, the hand soap for our classrooms supports our ongoing efforts to maintain a clean, safe, and healthy environment for all.\r\n\r\nYour thoughtful support not only addresses immediate needs but also enhances the overall experience for our students and staff. These contributions demonstrate your dedication to our mission and inspire us to continue striving for excellence. Thank you for playing such an important role in helping us create a positive and enriching learning environment. We are truly grateful for your generosity and commitment to our school community!","fullyFundedDate":1727463022405,"projectUrl":"project/ms-rossettis-essential-supply-list/8569273/","projectTitle":"Ms Rossetti's Essential Supply List","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rossetti","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9251298"},{"teacherId":4674953,"projectId":8560566,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom for Back to School season. Having the essentials to kick off our year is so important to teachers as well as students as we have the youngest learners in our classrooms in kindergarten. \r\nThe biggest impact that your donation had was on our ability to access the technology that we are provided with. We are fortunate as a Title 1 school to provide a laptop for every student to use while they are at school. Unfortunately, headphones are not part of the technology provided. Your donation has ensured all students have access to headphones to help them use their technology more efficiently and effectively.\r\nWe appreciate your generosity and commitment to our students and could not have been so successful without you!","fullyFundedDate":1723082083283,"projectUrl":"project/guess-whos-back-kinders-back/8560566/","projectTitle":"Guess Who's Back, Kinder's Back!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Begley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4674953_orig.jpg?crop=750,750,x0,y57&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1552674065027","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/crayonsforkindergarten"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_54158","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":330,"numTeachers":24,"percentFrplEligible":76,"percentAsian":2,"percentBlack":14,"percentWhite":27,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":42,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"13.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":45.1,"schoolId":54158,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Otero Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Otero Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/colorado/harrison-school-district-two/otero-elementary-school/54158"}
Join the 182 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Otero Elementary School is
an urban public school
in Colorado Springs, Colorado that is part of Harrison School District Two.
It serves 330 students
in grades K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 13.8:1.
Its teachers have had 78 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
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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
58%
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.
Otero 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.
Otero Elementary School
$51,780
raised using DonorsChoose
78
projects
funded
45
teachers
funded
182
donors
5
projects
for
basic supplies
5
projects for
technology
11
projects for
books
4
projects
for
art supplies
Otero Elementary School has received support from
82 individuals from Colorado and
100 individuals out-of-state.