{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Side Creek Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":44.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8951606,"projectId":9032529,"letterContent":"I want to sincerely thank you for your generous donation to our classroom project. Your support truly means the world to both me and my students. The original goal of the project was to purchase a Kindle to support literacy instruction in small groups. Unfortunately, after trying the Kindle in our classroom setting, I realized it wasn't the best fit for the learning environment I wanted to create for my students.\r\n\r\nWith your donation, I was able to exchange the Kindle and purchase 10 high-quality, hands-on learning games that directly support early literacy development. These games have already made a tremendous difference during small group instruction. They provide students with fun, interactive ways to engage with foundational reading skills, including sight word recognition, blends and digraphs, CVC word building, and phonological awareness.\r\n\r\nThese skills are the building blocks of reading, and having access to materials that make practicing them exciting and meaningful is invaluable. I've watched students who were once hesitant to participate in reading activities eagerly jump into these games, laughing, collaborating, and most importantly—learning. Their confidence as readers is growing every day because of resources like these.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has not only provided materials but has given my students more opportunities to succeed and to feel proud of themselves as they master new skills. The impact of your donation will continue to be felt throughout this school year and beyond as these games will remain an essential part of our literacy routines.\r\n\r\nThank you again for believing in our classroom and for investing in the growth of young learners. Your kindness and commitment to education is deeply appreciated.","fullyFundedDate":1745847003035,"projectUrl":"project/e-reader/9032529/","projectTitle":"E Reader","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lerner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8951606_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y715&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753140293340","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8951606"},{"teacherId":9243403,"projectId":8568819,"letterContent":"How are you and your students using the new resources? Share a specific classroom project or moment.\r\nThe new supplies have been so helpful in our daily learning! The clipboards are perfect for flexible seating and group work—students love using them for writing activities around the room. The skin-tone markers have been a big hit during our \"All About Me\" art project where students created self-portraits that truly reflected who they are. The new rug has become our cozy gathering space for morning meetings, read-alouds, and class discussions.\r\n\r\nHow did your students react when they first saw the materials?\r\nThey were so excited! You would have thought it was a holiday. They couldn't wait to use the markers and clipboards, and when they saw the new rug, they all ran over and sat down with big smiles. It made them feel proud and cared for.\r\n\r\nWhat are the next steps for your students on a current classroom lesson or project?\r\nWe're continuing to build a strong classroom community. With the new materials, we're working on group projects, creative writing, and more interactive lessons. The rug has helped turn our classroom into a more welcoming space where students feel ready to learn and share. Thank you for helping us grow!","fullyFundedDate":1723161605941,"projectUrl":"project/help-improve-my-home-away-from-home/8568819/","projectTitle":"Help Improve My Home Away From Home.","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Reynolds","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9243403_orig.jpg?crop=720,720,x260,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1722997235110","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9243403"},{"teacherId":9243403,"projectId":9217271,"letterContent":"How is the technology helping your students learn?\r\nThe donated headphones have made a huge difference in our classroom! They help students stay focused and minimize distractions during independent work and small-group instruction. Whether they're listening to a read-aloud, participating in an interactive lesson, or practicing literacy and math skills on educational apps, the headphones allow each student to engage more deeply with their learning. They're especially helpful during assessments or when students are working at different paces, giving everyone a chance to concentrate and succeed.\r\n\r\nWhat about the new product is most exciting to your students?\r\nThe students were so excited when the headphones arrived! What thrilled them most was the sense of independence they now have—they feel more in control of their learning. They also love that they can hear videos and audio clearly without classroom noise getting in the way. For many, it made learning feel more fun and personal. The sleek look and comfortable fit of the headphones made them feel like real tech users!\r\n\r\nAre there particular students who have especially warmed to this new technology, and how so?\r\nYes, absolutely! A few of my quieter students who often get overwhelmed by classroom noise have really embraced the headphones. One student in particular, who used to struggle with focus during reading activities, now beams with confidence as he listens to audiobooks and follows along. Another student who's learning English has been using language apps with the headphones, and it's helped improve her vocabulary and pronunciation dramatically. It's incredible to see them more engaged and proud of their progress.","fullyFundedDate":1744032896248,"projectUrl":"project/engaging-listeners-in-the-classroom/9217271/","projectTitle":"Engaging Listeners in the Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Reynolds","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9243403_orig.jpg?crop=720,720,x260,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1722997235110","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9243403"},{"teacherId":8951606,"projectId":8861039,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity in supporting our classroom through DonorsChoose! Because of your donation, my students now have access to engaging phonics games and interactive activities that make learning both fun and effective.\r\n\r\nThese materials have already made a tremendous impact. During small group time, my students are eagerly playing the games you helped provide — building their understanding of sounds, letters, and early reading skills. It has been such a joy to watch them learn while having fun, and I know these resources will continue to benefit them throughout the school year.\r\n\r\nYour support has truly made a difference in fostering a love for reading in my young learners. Even a small donation has led to big smiles, boosted confidence, and meaningful progress. Thank you for believing in my students and investing in their education.","fullyFundedDate":1733610427522,"projectUrl":"project/phonics-unlocked-the-key-to-reading-suc/8861039/","projectTitle":"Phonics Unlocked: The Key to Reading Success","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lerner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8951606_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y715&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753140293340","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8951606"},{"teacherId":7388871,"projectId":8729027,"letterContent":"In order to use whole group efficiently having some of these extra Cube pictures for those who are little antsy have made a good impact some of them still are antsy in whole group however they're more contained so thank you so much for helping these kids. \r\n\r\n\r\nThe students that are benefiting these cute chairs are special ed students and we just do not have enough chairs to help those students. Now with these additional two chairs in my classroom I could support my future kids within the class\r\nThank you so much","fullyFundedDate":1727013403393,"projectUrl":"project/seating-is-hard-but-manageable-with-some/8729027/","projectTitle":"Seating Is Hard but Manageable With Some Help","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Dannielle","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7388871_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1628279271648","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7388871"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_53468","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":512,"numTeachers":24,"percentFrplEligible":71,"percentAsian":7,"percentBlack":16,"percentWhite":20,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":40,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"21.3:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":55.4,"schoolId":53468,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Side Creek Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Side Creek Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/colorado/aurora-public-school-district/side-creek-elementary-school/53468"}
Join the 112 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Side Creek Elementary School is
an urban public school
in Aurora, Colorado that is part of Aurora Public School District.
It serves 512 students
in grades K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 21.3:1.
Its teachers have had 67 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!
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
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
63%
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.
Side Creek 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.
Side Creek Elementary School
$45,165
raised using DonorsChoose
67
projects
funded
30
teachers
funded
112
donors
1
project
for
basic supplies
10
projects for
technology
12
projects for
books
1
project
for
art supplies
Side Creek Elementary School has received support from
62 individuals from Colorado and
50 individuals out-of-state.