{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Sunflower Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":9.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9566296,"projectId":9110858,"letterContent":"Thank you for your continued support and interest in our reading program! I'm excited to share how the new texts have positively impacted our students.\r\n\r\nThe introduction of these books has significantly enhanced our students' reading fluency. By incorporating fun tongue twisters, engaging poems, and additional fluency books, we have made reading an enjoyable experience. These activities not only help increase the rate at which students can read but also foster a sense of confidence in their abilities.\r\n\r\nIn our classroom, reading sessions are vibrant and interactive. Students are encouraged to explore various genres, and we often engage in shared reading, where we discuss themes and characters. This collaborative approach helps deepen their understanding and appreciation for literature.\r\n\r\nSeveral students have shown remarkable enthusiasm for the new texts. For instance, one student has particularly enjoyed the poetry selections, often sharing their favorite lines with the class. This has sparked a love for reading that is contagious among their peers.\r\n\r\nOnce again, thank you for your generous contributions. They truly make a difference in our students' learning experiences!","fullyFundedDate":1739910215517,"projectUrl":"project/fabulous-friends-fund-fun-fluency-practi/9110858/","projectTitle":"Fabulous Friends Fund Fun Fluency Practice","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Arends","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9566296_orig.jpg?crop=830,830,x230,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1752516634293","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9566296"},{"teacherId":9566296,"projectId":9015805,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your ongoing support and generosity towards our classroom initiatives. I am excited to share how your donation has positively impacted our students.\r\n\r\nThanks to your contribution, each student now has access to quality classroom headphones. This resource has significantly enhanced our learning environment by allowing students to engage with technology in a more independent manner. They can now focus on their individual tasks, whether it's listening to educational videos, engaging with interactive lessons, or practicing their language skills without distractions.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting aspect for our students has been the ability to personalize their learning experiences. Many have expressed joy in being able to listen to their favorite educational podcasts or music while completing assignments. This has not only made learning more enjoyable but has also fostered a sense of ownership over their education.\r\n\r\nI have noticed particular students who have truly embraced this new technology. For instance, one student who previously struggled with concentration has shown remarkable improvement. The headphones have allowed him to immerse himself in his work, leading to increased confidence and participation in class discussions.\r\n\r\nYour contribution has made a real difference in our classroom, and I am incredibly grateful for your support. Thank you for believing in our students and enhancing their learning experiences.","fullyFundedDate":1736010874434,"projectUrl":"project/hear-ye-hear-ye-help-us-hear-our-indep/9015805/","projectTitle":"Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Help Us Hear Our Independent Activities!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Arends","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9566296_orig.jpg?crop=830,830,x230,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1752516634293","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9566296"},{"teacherId":9566296,"projectId":9012827,"letterContent":"Thank you for your continued support and generosity. I am excited to share how the new texts, including Roald Dahl's classics like Matilda and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, as well as Because of Winn-Dixie, Bridge to Terabithia, and Percy Jackson: The Lightning Thief, have positively impacted our students.\r\n\r\nThese books have introduced a variety of skills and lessons that are crucial to our students' development. For instance, they foster comprehension and vocabulary skills through engaging narratives that resonate with our learners. The characters and themes allow for rich discussions and critical thinking, which are essential components of our literacy curriculum.\r\n\r\nIn our classroom, reading looks vibrant and collaborative. We have implemented WIN Groups (What I Need), which enable students to select book club options tailored to their reading levels. This choice not only empowers them but also promotes a love for reading. Students eagerly participate in discussions, share insights, and develop a deeper understanding of the texts.\r\n\r\nParticularly, I've noticed several students who are thriving with these new titles. For example, one student who previously struggled with reading has found joy in Because of Winn-Dixie, connecting deeply with its themes of friendship and community. Another student has been captivated by Percy Jackson, which has sparked a newfound enthusiasm for reading and storytelling.\r\n\r\nWe are grateful for the opportunity to enhance our literacy program with these wonderful texts and are committed to providing our students with the best possible learning experiences.\r\n\r\nThank you once again for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1734728797594,"projectUrl":"project/help-us-take-an-adventure-without-leavin/9012827/","projectTitle":"Help Us Take an Adventure Without Leaving Our Classroom!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Arends","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9566296_orig.jpg?crop=830,830,x230,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1752516634293","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9566296"},{"teacherId":9566296,"projectId":8989286,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donation to help support the sensory needs throughout kindergarten through fifth grade at Sunflower Elementary. With your donation, we were able to purchase weighted lap pads that help provide sensory support, as well as several fidget bands that assist students in focusing and staying on task at their seats. We were also able to purchase small, triangular pencils for our littlest Eagles to help support their writing development. \r\n\r\nYour support makes a significant difference in our students' learning experiences.","fullyFundedDate":1733934665490,"projectUrl":"project/help-us-give-our-students-additional-sen/8989286/","projectTitle":"Help Us Give Our Students Additional Sensory Support!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Arends","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9566296_orig.jpg?crop=830,830,x230,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1752516634293","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9566296"},{"teacherId":9566296,"projectId":8699975,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donation to help extend vocabulary efforts within our classroom. With these dictionaries, we have been able to enhance our lessons on morphology and phonics by mixing and matching prefixes, suffixes, and roots, which has greatly aided our understanding of various word parts.\r\n\r\nWe have incorporated these dictionaries into our reading curriculum by looking up unfamiliar words and adding them to our dictionaries. Additionally, they are proving invaluable in our math journals, as they help us better understand math vocabulary. We are also utilizing these resources across our science and social studies curriculums.\r\nYour support is greatly appreciated!","fullyFundedDate":1731431019800,"projectUrl":"project/very-demure-vocabulary-instruction/8699975/","projectTitle":"Very Demure Vocabulary Instruction","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Arends","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9566296_orig.jpg?crop=830,830,x230,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1752516634293","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9566296"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_61132","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":444,"numTeachers":28,"percentFrplEligible":48,"percentAsian":2,"percentBlack":5,"percentWhite":61,"percentIndigenous":2,"percentLatinx":12,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"15.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":90.9,"schoolId":61132,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Sunflower Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Sunflower Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/kansas/lawrence-unified-school-district-497/sunflower-elementary-school/61132"}
Join the 33 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Sunflower Elementary School is
an urban public school
in Lawrence, Kansas that is part of Lawrence Unified School District 497.
It serves 444 students
in grades K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 15.9:1.
Its teachers have had 7 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Public School
Grades K - 5
444 Students
28 Teachers
2521 Inverness DrContact info is sourced from our partners at MDR Education, and DonorsChoose updates our site ahead of each school year.
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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
21%
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.
Sunflower 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.
Sunflower Elementary School
$2,667
raised using DonorsChoose
7
projects
funded
4
teachers
funded
33
donors
1
project for
technology
4
projects for
books
Sunflower Elementary School has received support from
30 individuals from Kansas and
3 individuals out-of-state.