{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Smiley Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":19.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9931440,"projectId":9543472,"letterContent":"Thank you once again for your generosity. My student love to sing while playing their musical instruments. On music days, they beg to play their new instruments and can't wait to learn a new song. \r\n\r\nThe children all had big smiles on their faces when they saw their instruments and realized that we now had enough instruments for each student. They love hitting their rhythm sticks, boomwhackers, and hand drums. They can't wait to shake their bells and ring their triangles. Every music day, it never fails that at least 2-4 students say that music is their favorite part of the day.\r\n\r\nWe are currently working on different holiday songs and practicing keeping a beat as well as continued practice with listen and following directions.","fullyFundedDate":1755881715378,"projectUrl":"project/play-that-funky-music/9543472/","projectTitle":"Play That Funky Music","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Riguis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9931440"},{"teacherId":7890441,"projectId":9412272,"letterContent":"want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation of beginning-of-the-year supplies for our Transitional Kindergarten class. Your support helped us start the school year feeling prepared, excited, and ready to learn!\r\n\r\nMy students and I have been using the new materials in so many ways. Our calendar helps students explore numbers, counting, and patterns. every student has their own pencil box and they loved being in charge of their own supplies!\r\n\r\nRight now, we're working on a unit about community helpers, and the supplies you helped provide are being used daily for our storytelling and art projects. The students are using their creativity to design their own \"helper hats\" and write about how they can help others in our school and neighborhood.\r\n\r\nYour kindness made a meaningful difference in our classroom. Thank you for helping us begin the year with excitement, confidence, and the tools we need to learn and grow.","fullyFundedDate":1758608258408,"projectUrl":"project/schools-back-in-session/9412272/","projectTitle":"School's Back in Session!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Burdick","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7890441_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1762286736013","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7890441"},{"teacherId":10050362,"projectId":9397442,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for our new whiteboard easel! We've been using it daily to create anchor charts together, work through math lessons, and guide small group writing. Having a mobile board makes learning more interactive and flexible for my students.\r\n\r\nThe kids were so excited when they first saw it! They love writing on the big board and sharing their thinking with the class. This tool has already made our lessons more engaging, and we look forward to building a library of charts we can use all year long.","fullyFundedDate":1749772561302,"projectUrl":"project/whiteboard-easel-for-kindergarten-classr/9397442/","projectTitle":"Whiteboard Easel for Kindergarten Classroom!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sobe","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10050362_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1749089323815","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10050362"},{"teacherId":8563399,"projectId":9344826,"letterContent":"I am beyond grateful for your generous support of our classroom through DonorsChoose! Thanks to you, our students are now equipped with an incredible variety of hands-on, engaging, and educational materials that make learning both fun and meaningful.\r\n\r\nFrom exploring engineering with Snap Circuits and building creativity with LEGO sets and Magna-Tiles, to developing problem-solving skills through STEM kits and math games, your donation has truly transformed the learning environment. The PicassoTiles marble run, Play-Doh, stacking cups, and sidewalk chalk have brought an extra layer of excitement to both indoor and outdoor learning activities.\r\n\r\nOur classroom is now better organized too, with the help of the white plastic storage bins and an ECR4Kids mobile storage cabinet, which help keep our materials accessible and our space inviting. Students have also enjoyed journaling in the mini notepads, expressing themselves through music with rhythm sticks, and diving into imaginative play with our new animal-themed Magna-Tiles sets.\r\n\r\nBecause of your kindness, students now have access to a wide range of resources that support STEM education, literacy, creativity, and collaboration. These materials don't just meet academic needs—they also spark curiosity, boost confidence, and bring joy to learning every day.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our students and for believing in the power of education. Your gift has made a lasting difference.","fullyFundedDate":1752586576488,"projectUrl":"project/from-curiosity-to-creation-hands-on-lea/9344826/","projectTitle":"From Curiosity to Creation: Hands-On Learning in Action","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hickman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8563399_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1730067844527","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-hickmans-kindercrew"},{"teacherId":10050362,"projectId":9415403,"letterContent":"When my kindergarteners first saw our new soft start materials, their faces lit up with excitement! They couldn't wait to dive into the puzzles, building blocks, playdough, and art supplies you made possible. Each morning, students now enter the classroom calmly, choose an activity that interests them, and begin their day feeling settled and engaged. Instead of rushing into academics right away, they get a chance to ease into learning and practice independence, problem-solving, and creativity.\r\n\r\nThe impact has been incredible. Students who were once anxious about saying goodbye in the morning now look forward to exploring their favorite activities. I've seen quiet students open up while building with a partner, and others proudly share their creations with the class. These resources have truly transformed our mornings into a joyful, welcoming time where relationships and confidence grow.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, my students are starting their days on the right foot. They are calm, happy, and ready to learn. As we continue through the school year, these materials will not only support social-emotional growth but also strengthen fine motor skills, teamwork, and creativity. I'm so grateful for your kindness and for the lasting impact you've made in my classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1754564811068,"projectUrl":"project/materials-for-kindergarten-soft-starts/9415403/","projectTitle":"Materials for Kindergarten Soft Starts","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sobe","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10050362_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1749089323815","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10050362"},{"teacherId":8479162,"projectId":9097789,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the donation you gave to my classroom. Thanks to your help, we have magnetic tiles for the students to play with. They love building cities and roads. They even got creative and worked as a class to create an entire city. This would not have been possible without your help. They also loved the city playmat. The students now have something they can use to play with their toy cars. They have even found a way to use the carpet and magnetic tiles together. They also really enjoy the pixel art. The students love creating art and then showing me and other students that they created.","fullyFundedDate":1738888334825,"projectUrl":"project/stem-toys-for-kindergarten-classroom/9097789/","projectTitle":"STEM Toys For Kindergarten Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Amparan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8479162_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1747357524071","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8479162"},{"teacherId":8563399,"projectId":9057368,"letterContent":"Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your incredible donation! The sensory table and the wide range of hands-on materials you provided have added an exciting new layer of exploration and creativity to our classroom. The kinetic sand, scoops, animal figurines, lacing beads, and fidget toys have quickly become favorites among our students. These tools invite them to engage their senses, strengthen fine motor skills, and learn through imaginative, open-ended play.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, we now have a space that supports not only academic learning but also social-emotional growth and sensory development. Whether they're pretending to make ice cream, identifying animal habitats, or simply calming their minds with squishy toys, our students are growing through play in meaningful ways. Your support helps create a classroom that feels joyful, inclusive, and full of discovery. We are so grateful for your thoughtful contribution!","fullyFundedDate":1746786305746,"projectUrl":"project/support-a-sensory-learning-activity-stat/9057368/","projectTitle":"Support a Sensory Learning Activity Station for Kindergarten Growth","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hickman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8563399_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1730067844527","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-hickmans-kindercrew"},{"teacherId":8563399,"projectId":9213676,"letterContent":"We are so appreciative of your thoughtful donation to our kindergarten classroom! Your support has allowed us to create a more organized, efficient, and engaging environment for our young learners. With the addition of storage carts, plastic bins, and file organizers, we can now keep supplies easily accessible and neatly arranged—bringing much-needed order to our busy space. This organization helps students build independence while allowing us to focus more on meaningful learning experiences.\r\n\r\nWe're also incredibly excited about the variety of educational tools you provided. From math manipulatives and dry-erase boards to the frog balance game and scratch art notes, your donation has brought hands-on learning to life in new and exciting ways. These resources are helping our students deepen their understanding of math concepts, express their creativity, and develop critical thinking skills—all through engaging, developmentally appropriate activities. Thank you for investing in their growth and curiosity!","fullyFundedDate":1746786217513,"projectUrl":"project/support-kindergarteners-with-math-suppli/9213676/","projectTitle":"Support Kindergarteners With Math Supplies for Small Group Centers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hickman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8563399_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1730067844527","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-hickmans-kindercrew"},{"teacherId":8563399,"projectId":9124400,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our kindergarten classroom! Your donation has brought so much excitement and imaginative energy into our learning space. The new dramatic play items—from the Fresh Mart Grocery Store to the Star Diner Restaurant and pretend kitchen tools—have created a vibrant environment where our students can explore real-world roles through play. These beautifully crafted materials are not only engaging but also durable, making them perfect for little hands and big imaginations.\r\n\r\nThanks to you, our classroom now has a variety of play-based learning tools that support collaboration, creativity, and important life skills. Whether students are baking cookies, caring for pets, playing house, or sorting play money, they are developing language, empathy, and problem-solving in meaningful ways. Your kindness has truly enriched their daily experiences and helped us build a joyful, hands-on learning environment. We are so grateful for your thoughtful contribution!","fullyFundedDate":1746786421221,"projectUrl":"project/help-kindergarteners-explore-create-an/9124400/","projectTitle":"Help Kindergarteners Explore, Create, and Learn Through Dramatic Play","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hickman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8563399_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1730067844527","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-hickmans-kindercrew"},{"teacherId":8563399,"projectId":9068304,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous contributions to our kindergarten classroom! Because of your support, we now have beautiful, functional furniture like the Whitney Brothers and ECR4Kids storage cabinets, the Lakeshore Comfy Floor Table Zone, and Bentwood stools that create a warm, organized, and engaging learning environment. These pieces help our young learners access materials independently and gather comfortably for collaborative activities, encouraging both autonomy and community.\r\n\r\nWe are also incredibly grateful for the wonderful selection of books you've helped bring into our classroom. From powerful social-emotional learning sets to inclusive stories that represent diverse voices and experiences, these books will spark important conversations and help students see themselves—and others—reflected in the pages. Your donation is helping to build a space where curiosity, kindness, and creativity thrive. Thank you for making such a meaningful difference in our students' lives!","fullyFundedDate":1746786501317,"projectUrl":"project/create-a-diverse-cozy-and-welcoming-li/9068304/","projectTitle":"Create a Diverse, Cozy, and Welcoming Library for Kindergarteners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hickman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8563399_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1730067844527","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-hickmans-kindercrew"},{"teacherId":7890441,"projectId":8963597,"letterContent":"Thanks to your incredible generosity, our classroom has been transformed—and I wanted to share just how much your support has meant to us.\r\n\r\nWhen the new materials arrived, my students were absolutely *thrilled*. Their eyes lit up with excitement as they unboxed the resources, and the room was instantly buzzing with curiosity and enthusiasm. For many of them, it felt like opening a door to new possibilities, and it was truly a special moment we'll never forget.\r\n\r\nWe've already put the resources to great use! One standout project was our recent \"Community Change-Makers\" unit. Students used the new books and technology tools to research local leaders, design multimedia presentations, and even create posters advocating for causes they care about. One student, who's usually quiet, took the lead in a group and confidently presented her team's project about environmental sustainability. It was a proud moment for all of us—and it wouldn't have been possible without your help.\r\n\r\nRight now, we're building on that momentum by diving into a new project focused on storytelling and digital literacy. Students are learning how to write and illustrate their own short stories, and soon, they'll be recording and sharing them as podcasts. These are skills that not only meet curriculum goals but also empower students to express themselves creatively and confidently.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, my students feel seen, supported, and excited to learn. Thank you for being such an important part of our journey. Your donation didn't just provide materials—it opened up opportunities, inspired curiosity, and helped build a stronger, more vibrant learning community.","fullyFundedDate":1739368338489,"projectUrl":"project/creative-safe-space-for-dramatic-play-r/8963597/","projectTitle":"Creative Safe-space for Dramatic Play, Reading, and Crafting","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Burdick","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7890441_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1762286736013","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7890441"},{"teacherId":8563399,"projectId":9067998,"letterContent":"Thanks to your incredible generosity, our classroom has been transformed into a hands-on STEM wonderland! The Fully Loaded Mobile STEM Station Bundle has become the heart of our learning space—our young scientists and engineers dive into it daily with curiosity and excitement. One of our favorite projects so far has been building simple machines using the magnetic builders and gears. Students worked in small teams to design and test their own contraptions, and the collaboration and creativity that came out of this activity were absolutely inspiring. It was a proud moment watching them troubleshoot, problem-solve, and celebrate their success together.\r\n\r\nWhen the STEM station first arrived, the students' faces lit up like it was a holiday morning! They couldn't wait to explore each bin and drawer, and they immediately started brainstorming all the things they wanted to build. The mobile aspect of the station allows us to take our learning wherever inspiration strikes—whether it's near the reading corner, by the window for natural light, or even outside on a sunny day. Looking ahead, our next steps involve a mini STEM fair, where students will choose a real-world problem to explore and build a prototype solution using the materials you helped provide. Your support has ignited a love of discovery in my students, and I can't wait to see where their imaginations take them next.","fullyFundedDate":1739992206196,"projectUrl":"project/help-ignite-curiosity-stem-station-for/9067998/","projectTitle":"Help Ignite Curiosity: STEM Station for Kindergarten","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hickman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8563399_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1730067844527","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-hickmans-kindercrew"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_34902","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":628,"numTeachers":25,"percentFrplEligible":64,"percentAsian":9,"percentBlack":7,"percentWhite":24,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":50,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"25.1:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":80.5,"schoolId":34902,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Smiley Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Smiley Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/redlands-unified-school-district/smiley-elementary-school/34902"}
Join the 41 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Smiley Elementary School is
an urban public school
in Redlands, California that is part of Redlands Unified School District.
It serves 628 students
in grades Pre-K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 25.1:1.
Its teachers have had 27 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
66%
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.
Smiley 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.
Smiley Elementary School
$19,549
raised using DonorsChoose
27
projects
funded
7
teachers
funded
41
donors
4
projects
for
basic supplies
1
project for
books
1
project
for
art supplies
Smiley Elementary School has received support from
33 individuals from California and
8 individuals out-of-state.