Prestonwood Elementary School in Dallas, Texas on DonorsChoose

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This collection is a powerful mix of informational text and science content that is helping my students develop essential skills beyond just reading the words on the page.\r\n\r\nUnderstanding Text Structure: The TIME FOR KIDS and Science Readers sets (Physical Science and Earth and Space Science) introduce students to key informational text structures like cause and effect, compare and contrast, and sequence. This helps them process complex ideas, not just memorize facts.\r\n\r\nIntegrating Literacy and Science: The Simple Machines books (on Pulleys, Wheels, and Levers) allow us to dive deep into scientific concepts while practicing close reading. Students are learning to identify the main idea and supporting details in a technical text, a crucial skill for 3rd grade and beyond.\r\n\r\nDeveloping Mapping and Spatial Skills: The National Geographic World Atlases and the Ultimate Space Atlas are used to practice interpreting captions, reading keys/legends, and analyzing different types of maps (e.g., political vs. physical). These skills build their global awareness and critical thinking.\r\n\r\nWhat Reading Looks Like in Our Classroom\r\nWith these new books, reading time has become more dynamic and student-led:\r\n\r\nIndependent Research and Choice: These texts have become the primary source during our science units. Instead of relying only on one textbook, students can select a Science Reader to research erosion, simple machines, or solar system bodies. This student choice increases engagement significantly.\r\n\r\nWorld Awareness: The atlases are constantly off the shelves. 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They love the detailed images and diagrams, and it has inspired several students to ask more complex questions about the universe.\r\n\r\nThank you again for making such a profound difference in the day-to-day learning and excitement in our classroom. Your generous contribution has provided my 3rd graders with the resources they need to become skilled readers, critical thinkers, and lifelong learners.","fullyFundedDate":1756480959579,"projectUrl":"project/booksnot-just-pages-they-are-portals/9567907/","projectTitle":"Books...Not Just Pages! 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About this school

Prestonwood Elementary School is an urban public school in Dallas, Texas that is part of Richardson Independent School District. It serves 479 students in grades Pre-K - 6 with a student/teacher ratio of 16.0:1. Its teachers have had 12 projects funded on DonorsChoose.

Public School

Title 1

Grades Pre-K - 6

479 Students

30 Teachers

6525 La Cosa Dr

Dallas, TX 75248 View local requests

http://www.richardson.k12.tx.us/administration/sch

Direct, proactive support

Empower teachers at Prestonwood Elementary School to request what their students need.

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Ms. Vero, a DonorsChoose teacher for 9 years.

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

Prestonwood Elementary School Teachers on DonorsChoose

Mrs. Cambere

Mrs. Gibb

Mrs. Sanez

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Prestonwood Elementary School Demographics

38%

of students receive free or reduced price lunch

Source: the National Center for Education Statistics

46%

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.

Prestonwood 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.