{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Pio Pico Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":32.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":7726697,"projectId":8279192,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for donating the stand-up whiteboards to my classroom! My students are already thrilled to use them during math lessons, and they have quickly become a favorite tool for solving problems and sharing ideas. These whiteboards are helping students work together more effectively in their groups, encouraging collaboration, communication, and teamwork in a way that was much harder before. Your generosity has not only provided a practical resource but also created a more engaging and interactive learning environment. We are truly grateful for your support and for making a real difference in my students' learning and growth.","fullyFundedDate":1716931882258,"projectUrl":"project/whiteboard-wonders/8279192/","projectTitle":"Whiteboard Wonders","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Flores","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7726697_orig.jpg?crop=1348,1348,x269,y137&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1617835096479","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7726697"},{"teacherId":7726697,"projectId":8644327,"letterContent":"The materials provided had a noticeable impact on student learning and classroom engagement. Pencils, erasers, and highlighters allowed students to participate more actively in writing and note-taking, helping them stay organized and confident in their work. The Clorox wipes and air freshener supported a clean and comfortable classroom environment, minimizing distractions and promoting student well-being. The LED lights created a brighter, more inviting space that helped students remain focused and reduced eye strain during lessons. Altogether, these resources enhanced both the physical environment and students' ability to learn effectively.","fullyFundedDate":1731089135816,"projectUrl":"project/writing-tools-cleanliness-and-ambience/8644327/","projectTitle":"Writing Tools, Cleanliness, and Ambience Enhancers","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Flores","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7726697_orig.jpg?crop=1348,1348,x269,y137&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1617835096479","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7726697"},{"teacherId":2004896,"projectId":9430456,"letterContent":"When my students first saw the new soccer balls, they were in awe and could hardly wait to run out to the playground and play. With clear expectations and gentle redirection, the children have been learning to use this gift to build a community of kindness, compassion, and love for one another. The addition of music to physical activity has made the experience even more exciting—at this age, children are naturally driven by music, and it brings them joy, energy, and enthusiasm for learning. This combination of movement, teamwork, and rhythm has not only helped them stay engaged but has also encouraged social skills, cooperation, and positive behavior. Some students who were once hesitant to join group activities have especially warmed up to this new resource, finding confidence and happiness while playing together.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has truly made a difference in helping us create an environment where learning is active, joyful, and filled with community spirit. We are deeply grateful for your support and ask that you please consider funding our class again this year—you are helping us give these children opportunities that will stay with them for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1752586382145,"projectUrl":"project/kicking-into-kindness-soccer-dance-an/9430456/","projectTitle":"Kicking Into Kindness: Soccer, Dance, and Teamwork for All!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Orozco","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2004896_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1720488928853","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2004896"},{"teacherId":2004896,"projectId":9284287,"letterContent":"When my students first saw the snacks you so generously provided, they could hardly believe their eyes. Their faces lit up with pure joy, and when I explained that these treats had been sent by kind-hearted people who believe in them—because they are the smartest and kindest students in the entire school—they clapped with excitement and gratitude. It was a moment of happiness that they will always remember.\r\n\r\nSince then, the snacks have become a special part of our classroom routine. Every day before recess, I carefully open each package and give each child just a couple of treats instead of the entire bag. This way, the supply lasts longer and more students can benefit from your generosity. Beyond our daily snack time, these treats have also become a way to celebrate kindness and hard work. Whenever a student goes above and beyond what is expected or shows a caring act toward others, they are rewarded with one of your donated snacks. This simple gesture has encouraged positive behavior and has strengthened the sense of community in our classroom.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we are continuing to focus on building kindness, responsibility, and cooperation through daily routines and group activities. The snacks you've provided have become a meaningful part of this learning journey, motivating students to be their best selves and to support one another. Your generosity is directly helping us meet our social-emotional learning goals while also giving the children something to look forward to each day.\r\n\r\nOn behalf of my students and myself, I want to sincerely thank you for your generosity. Please consider funding our class again this year—we are deeply grateful for your support and the difference it makes in our daily learning and growth.","fullyFundedDate":1746786957500,"projectUrl":"project/feeding-success-snacks-supplies-to-h/9284287/","projectTitle":"“Feeding Success: Snacks & Supplies to Help Young Minds Shine”","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Orozco","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2004896_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1720488928853","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2004896"},{"teacherId":8270988,"projectId":8133088,"letterContent":"The students were so excited and grateful. Thanks to your generosity, every single item listed was received, and my students were fully prepared for the winter season. A significant number of my students come to school without proper winter attire, which puts them at risk of illness during the colder months.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, each child received a warm blanket, a hat, gloves, a scarf, and socks, essentials that many of us take for granted. These items have not only helped keep them warm at school and at home, but also helped prevent sickness and supported their ability to learn and grow without the added challenge of being cold.\r\n\r\nYour contribution made more than a difference, it brought comfort, warmth, and joy to my classroom. With compassionate advocates like you, students can thrive even in the face of difficult circumstances. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for believing in them and for showing them that they are cared for.","fullyFundedDate":1715031129918,"projectUrl":"project/the-gift-of-a-warm-winter/8133088/","projectTitle":"The Gift of a Warm Winter!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jaramillo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8270988_orig.png?crop=270,270,x0,y12&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1752093505531","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mj123"},{"teacherId":5722518,"projectId":8853643,"letterContent":"My students have been enjoying the different games and it has really helped them to feel more motivated during math centers. Students enjoy the play based learning and they have improved their ability to recall math facts.\r\n\r\nWe also enjoyed receiving the white board erasers because students are more engaged when they use white boards to demonstrate their learning. They have been able to collaborate and work with their classmates on problem solving and critical thinking skills. We want to thank you once again. We really appreciate the donation!","fullyFundedDate":1733260560227,"projectUrl":"project/math-fluency-fun/8853643/","projectTitle":"Math Fluency Fun","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Vilchis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5722518_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1539543148073","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-vilchis"},{"teacherId":2004896,"projectId":8876327,"letterContent":"On behalf of my students in Room K-1, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks for your generous donation of blankets, gloves, and hats. The joy on my students' faces when they received their items was unforgettable. Many of them shared that they have never had a blanket of their very own, and a few were so excited that they wanted to take naps right away just to use them. Your kindness brought not only warmth but also a sense of comfort and happiness that made a lasting impression on them.\r\nWe've also been incorporating these items into our classroom learning, particularly through our social-emotional learning program, Leader in Me. This program teaches the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, and we've been focusing on Habit 7: \"Sharpen the Saw.\" During rest time, students use their new blankets to take naps and recharge, helping them return to their learning, especially reading, refreshed and ready. These moments of rest support our goal of growing as confident, capable leaders in our classroom.\r\nYour support has made an incredible impact on the lives of children who often go without necessities such as warm clothing or bedding. While the gloves and hats were sent home right away, we've kept the blankets at school for now to support our SEL lessons. On April 30th, in celebration of Día del Niño (Day of the Child), each student will take home their blanket as a special gift from you. Thank you for your generosity and for believing in the potential of my students. Your kindness is felt deeply and will surely come back to you in meaningful ways.","fullyFundedDate":1737657858573,"projectUrl":"project/a-perfect-treat-for-a-snug-and-delightfu/8876327/","projectTitle":"A Perfect Treat for a Snug and Delightful Winter.","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Orozco","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2004896_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1720488928853","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2004896"},{"teacherId":8421644,"projectId":8853865,"letterContent":"Your contribution has made an immense impact on our students. Our 5th grade students have loved using the equipment to learn foundational basketball skills, and it has sparked a new found interest in many of them. They have been taking some equipment to lunch and recess in order to play against each other.\r\nFor middle school, it has allowed them to all work 1:1 with a ball, allowing for more repetitions as well as more ball handling work. Everyone is improving!\r\nAgain, I would like to thank you for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1733271795350,"projectUrl":"project/play-ball/8853865/","projectTitle":"Play Ball!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Pedraza","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8421644_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1651028479202","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8421644"},{"teacherId":3559390,"projectId":8895157,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to our I Survived book project. Each child was able to use their own copy of an I Survive book to participate in a book club with their peers. Over the course of 6 weeks, students meet in groups daily to engage in reading discussions and were able to analyze the books they were reading. Many students found a new passion and joy for reading, and have requested to do another book club! I even had reluctant readers ask to borrow more I Survived books because they finally found a book that they were interested in! This wouldn't have been possible without you!","fullyFundedDate":1731446068114,"projectUrl":"project/i-survived5th-grade/8895157/","projectTitle":"I Survived...5th Grade","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Fernandez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3559390_orig.jpg?crop=445,445,x354,y125&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1656649805525","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3559390"},{"teacherId":8670975,"projectId":8769058,"letterContent":"Technology has significantly enhanced my students' learning by making their coding experience more accessible and engaging. With the addition of a computer mouse, students were able to navigate their coding program with greater ease, allowing them to focus on the logic and creativity behind their projects rather than struggling with controls. This program not only introduced them to coding but also integrated environmental and data literacy, helping them develop essential skills in analyzing and presenting information. By conducting surveys, entering data, and creating bar and pie charts, students gained a deeper understanding of how data can be used to drive awareness and change. What excited my students the most was the opportunity to create Public Service Announcements (PSAs) using their coding program. They took ownership of their learning by designing messages that reflected their research and findings, reinforcing the real-world impact of their work. \r\n\r\nTheir enthusiasm for the program extended beyond the initial project, as they started using the platform to create presentations for other subjects, including Spanish Language Arts and Social Studies. This cross-curricular application demonstrated how technology can empower students to take initiative and apply their learning in meaningful ways. Certain students, particularly those who initially struggled with touchpads or trackpads, especially benefited from the introduction of a computer mouse. It leveled the playing field, allowing them to fully engage with the program without technical frustrations. Additionally, students with a natural curiosity for technology or a passion for storytelling thrived in this environment, using coding as a creative outlet to express their ideas. By integrating technology in a hands-on and purposeful way, my students not only developed their coding skills but also built confidence in their ability to analyze data, communicate effectively, and think critically across subjects.","fullyFundedDate":1726762330960,"projectUrl":"project/enhancing-fifth-grade-coding-experiences/8769058/","projectTitle":"Enhancing Fifth Grade Coding Experiences with Wireless Computer Mouses","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Reynoso","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8670975_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1679960519736","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8670975"},{"teacherId":8421644,"projectId":8853976,"letterContent":"Thank you for your donations toward this project. Our students have been so excited to use the volleyballs for PE, and also for recess! They have been very excited to take the skills they are learning out to their recreational play! As a teacher, it is always wonderful to see our students apply the skills outside of the learning environment. As a donor, I hope you feel a sense of pride in supporting these students in learning to play new games, and become more adept athletes. Doing activities like volleyball has inspired a lot of our students to look for recreational teams in their communities, as well as free courts they can use in their free time.","fullyFundedDate":1730999830211,"projectUrl":"project/future-volleyball-olympians/8853976/","projectTitle":"Future Volleyball Olympians","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Pedraza","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8421644_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1651028479202","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8421644"},{"teacherId":8651410,"projectId":8477676,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support of our school garden and student-run farmers market project! Your contribution is helping us create a vibrant, hands-on learning space where students can cultivate not just plants, but also compassion, teamwork, and a deeper understanding of their community.\r\n\r\nWith the tools, seeds, and equipment provided, our students are learning the value of patience, responsibility, and cooperation as they work together to nurture the garden. This living classroom is already sparking meaningful discussions about food insecurity, sustainability, and the importance of giving back. Seeing their hard work translate into fresh produce that will be shared with the community through our farmers market is empowering them to become changemakers in their own neighborhoods.\r\n\r\nYour generosity is making a real impact—helping students connect with nature, develop empathy, and experience the fulfillment of supporting others. We are deeply grateful for your belief in our mission and can't wait to share our journey with you as our garden continues to grow!","fullyFundedDate":1728759483018,"projectUrl":"project/growing-compassion-a-school-garden-and/8477676/","projectTitle":"Growing Compassion: A School Garden and Farmers Market Initiative","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Garcia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8651410_orig.jpg?crop=655,655,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1661657943861","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8651410"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_59372","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":447,"numTeachers":20,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":98,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 7","studentTeacherRatio":"22.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":67.9,"schoolId":59372,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Pio Pico Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Pio Pico Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/santa-ana-unified-school-district/pio-pico-elementary-school/59372"}
Join the 364 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Pio Pico Elementary School is
an urban public school
in Santa Ana, California that is part of Santa Ana Unified School District.
It serves 447 students
in grades Pre-K - 7 with a student/teacher ratio of 22.4:1.
Its teachers have had 223 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!
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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
98%
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.
Pio Pico 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.
Pio Pico Elementary School
$68,259
raised using DonorsChoose
223
projects
funded
34
teachers
funded
364
donors
21
projects
for
basic supplies
24
projects for
technology
35
projects for
books
19
projects
for
art supplies
Pio Pico Elementary School has received support from
247 individuals from California and
117 individuals out-of-state.