{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Thelma Bedell Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":12.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9969269,"projectId":9553214,"letterContent":"First off thank you so much for your donation. The whole month of February our students began their hockey unit. For a small town in southern California, we are not accustomed to the game. It was a great new sport to introduce them to, and they all thoroughly enjoyed it. \r\n\r\nEach student was ecstatic that they all got a brand new hockey stick that they got to use. No one was fighting over equipment because we had enough for everyone. Students were able to select the same color stick as their friends and teammates which made grouping easier. \r\n\r\nWhile our first go around with the unit was very new and an intro course, all the students are looking forward to learning more about the game. Students were even going home to watch hockey videos and games on TV. We definitely have a growing interest in this sport at our school. All because of your help.","fullyFundedDate":1755731776439,"projectUrl":"project/pe-supplies/9553214/","projectTitle":"PE Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Coach Z","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9969269_orig.jpg?crop=400,400,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1742847051426","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9969269"},{"teacherId":9969269,"projectId":9173158,"letterContent":"First off thank you for your donation. We have finally began our Yoga unit in PE. This school year I finally have a classroom of my own, so it allows us a great space with enough room for all of us to work our practice. We utilize the classroom 2-3 times a month to work our yoga practice.\r\n\r\nSafe to say, our students are now hooked. Each class as soon as they walked in was overjoyed that they each had their own yoga mat to practice on. It was literally like Christmas morning for our students. They all treat the equipment like it is their own. It is a great way to let them feel like they have ownership of their new practice. \r\n\r\nMoving forward we will gradually progress into more advance movements. The idea is that each student will take pride and ownership of this new practice and bring it with them outside of school, allowing them to work the movements on their own. Ideally we will have a few hundred kids practicing yoga after they have left our elementary school.","fullyFundedDate":1746457524439,"projectUrl":"project/school-yoga/9173158/","projectTitle":"School Yoga","teacherDisplayName":"Coach Z","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9969269_orig.jpg?crop=400,400,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1742847051426","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9969269"},{"teacherId":3092233,"projectId":10065171,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for donating and funding our project. We were absolutely thrilled when we received the news that our project had been funded and that we would be getting new rolling carts for our classroom. It was such an exciting moment for us, and we could hardly wait for them to arrive!\r\n\r\nAs soon as the carts came in, we were eager to start reorganizing all of our supplies. The new bins have made such a big difference in keeping everything neat, organized, and easy to access. Now, instead of searching through crowded shelves or misplaced materials, we can quickly find exactly what we need.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, our classroom feels more organized and efficient, which helps us stay focused and ready to learn. It has truly made our daily routines smoother and more enjoyable. We are so grateful for your support and for investing in our classroom. Thank you again for making a meaningful difference for us!","fullyFundedDate":1769780474019,"projectUrl":"project/supply-stop/10065171/","projectTitle":"Supply Stop","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Payan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3092233_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1475623650066","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/valerie-payan"},{"teacherId":3092233,"projectId":9900910,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for funding our project. It means so much to us that you value not only our art education but our interest in expanding our knowledge of art education. I used the Teachers Pay Teachers gift card to purchase bit sized art lessons that will help us incorporate art a lot more in our class and learn about different art techniques. We have already started with a winter art project and love how it turned out. The art supplies that were also part of this project are definitely going to help us. Thank you so much for supporting our class.","fullyFundedDate":1768536805953,"projectUrl":"project/art-explorers-journey-through-the-great/9900910/","projectTitle":"Art Explorers: Journey Through the Greats","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Payan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3092233_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1475623650066","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/valerie-payan"},{"teacherId":3092233,"projectId":9555585,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project and our classroom. We can't thank you enough. We were so excited to receive our items in the mail. Our new flags look amazing on our wall. The colors are so vibrant. Our new timers are the best. They are very easy to use and it is easier to change the batteries. The best part is they have an off button which will help save the battery. We can't wait to use these. They were so excited to see me open the box with them. I think they were most excited about the whiteboard markers because of how often we use them. Again, thank you again for supporting our education.","fullyFundedDate":1763236976786,"projectUrl":"project/please-please-please-help-us-with-the/9555585/","projectTitle":"Please, Please, Please Help Us With the Supplies We Need","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Payan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3092233_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1475623650066","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/valerie-payan"},{"teacherId":8052800,"projectId":9673170,"letterContent":"I'm using the hydroponic systems in the classroom so students can observe the growth of plants using only water, light, and nutrients. The students have been keeping a plant journal, documenting the plants' growth from the time the seeds were placed into the hydroponic system to the time they sprouted. They were very excited to see these tiny seeds growing in the classroom. They couldn't believe how such tiny seeds could grow into a plant with just water and light. \r\n Since students can't take the classroom hydroponic system home, they created their own hydroponic system to take home and share their learning with family.\r\n We will continue to use the hydroponic systems in the classroom throughout the school year and try different seeds. Let's keep growing","fullyFundedDate":1759598867554,"projectUrl":"project/indoor-garden/9673170/","projectTitle":"Indoor Garden","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Saldivar","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8052800"},{"teacherId":3092233,"projectId":9851590,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for funding our entire project! We are so grateful to have people like you in this world who value education. When we received our headphones we couldn't contain our excitement. We had to try them out right away. They worked perfectly! Now we are able to use our reading program daily to help improve our reading. \r\nWe also loved our new tennis balls for the bottom of our chairs. The current tennis balls are old and falling apart. They are also constantly falling off of our chairs. These new ones are going to help keep our chairs nice and quiet while we move around our room.","fullyFundedDate":1761431448049,"projectUrl":"project/micd-up-for-success/9851590/","projectTitle":"Mic'd Up For Success","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Payan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3092233_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1475623650066","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/valerie-payan"},{"teacherId":3092233,"projectId":9711531,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for giving to our project. We are so excited to start using our headphones and iPads on a daily basis. My students were so excited when I opened the box and they were able to start using the adapters right away. They worked perfectly. \r\n\r\nAgain, thank you so much for your support. We can't express how grateful we are for your support. We can't wait to start using our iPads daily. We have been waiting all year to start using our iPads and the different programs we use. We can't wait to use our programs!","fullyFundedDate":1759247925568,"projectUrl":"project/power-up-with-adapters/9711531/","projectTitle":"Power Up With Adapters","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Payan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3092233_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1475623650066","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/valerie-payan"},{"teacherId":8052800,"projectId":9177746,"letterContent":"I used the resources by giving my students treats/snacks during testing at the beginning of the school year and during the first trimester assessments. I also gave them a snack before morning recess at the start of the year. My students were very excited to receive these treats. \r\n Although the project was funded over the summer, the snacks were useful because students are assessed early in the year to determine their current academic levels. Thanks again for the generosity of the people, the students truly enjoyed the treats!!","fullyFundedDate":1752687876978,"projectUrl":"project/snacks-for-state-testing/9177746/","projectTitle":"Snacks For State Testing","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Saldivar","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8052800"},{"teacherId":10039673,"projectId":9367796,"letterContent":"Our class expresses deep gratitude for the materials we have been able to use to help us regulate, meditate & socialize! Our students have had the opportunity to regulate themselves with the use of a spinning chair, sensory sacks and weighted blankets. Because of these amazing materials, the students have been able to be more engaged in lessons and complete more assignments. There are a few students who have required extra pressure to help them feel comfortable and safe, the weighted blanket and sensory sacks have been a great tool for them. \r\n\r\nWhen our students first saw the materials, they were over the moon! The students had a chance to work on their social skills and learn to take turns. Overall, their attitudes towards each other and about school have improved drastically. In the beginning of the year, the students were timid and had a hard time controlling their emotions. Now they are comfortable and able to regulate! Thank you again for the support in our special education class.","fullyFundedDate":1747711142337,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-seekers/9367796/","projectTitle":"Sensory Seekers","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ruiz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10039673"},{"teacherId":10039793,"projectId":9368099,"letterContent":"There are no words to adequately express my thanks to you and the DonorsChoose.org program for the opportunity to positively impact my students' learning experiences. My project was titled \"Getting Students Organized\" and that is exactly what is currently happening in my classroom with the addition of the new binders, dividers, and sheet protectors that came as a result of your generosity.\r\nThe supplies have allowed the students to take ownership of quality work. They are so excited when they get to file something in their binders under the correct section! They are able to keep their writing, math notes, and literature study materials organized where they can easily find them. These materials have greatly improved the homework turn in rate as well!\r\nAgain, thank you for your donation and continued support for education. Our students enjoy every bit of use they get from each resource donated. The resources are a constant reminder of people's love, generosity, and compassion for education. Thank you for being so generous and allowing our classroom to be a recipient of such kindness. \r\nPlease see attached photos and thank you notes from my students!\r\nWith gratitude,\r\nMs. McCann","fullyFundedDate":1747707711824,"projectUrl":"project/getting-students-organized/9368099/","projectTitle":"Getting Students Organized!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McCann","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10039793_orig.jpg?crop=1200,1200,x0,y200&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1747701093872","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10039793"},{"teacherId":9969263,"projectId":9173139,"letterContent":"Our students have fully immersed themselves in our calming space and it has immensely support their social emotional needs. They now have a safe tools to assist in de-escalating and to helping regroup themselves.\r\nWhen our students first saw the materials, they were so excited! Our little ones wanted to jump right in, so we had a few teaching moments to teach them how to use the materials to help regulate themselves. Our older students took quickly to the materials and knew exactly what it was for. \r\nIn the future, I would to be able to expand a calming space by adding more seating and furniture to truly create space the oozes cool and calm.","fullyFundedDate":1746723161787,"projectUrl":"project/comfy-and-cozy-calming-corner/9173139/","projectTitle":"Comfy and Cozy Calming Corner","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Courtney","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9969263"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_40892","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":309,"numTeachers":15,"percentFrplEligible":67,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":8,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":88,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"20.6:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"TOWN","ncesMetroType":"TOWN_FRINGE"},"inStateSupporters":87.5,"schoolId":40892,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Thelma Bedell Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Thelma Bedell Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/santa-paula-unified-school-district/thelma-bedell-elementary-school/40892"}
Join the 104 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Thelma Bedell Elementary School is
a town public school
in Santa Paula, California that is part of Santa Paula Unified School District.
It serves 309 students
in grades Pre-K - 6 with a student/teacher ratio of 20.6:1.
Its teachers have had 56 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
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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
89%
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.
Thelma Bedell Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Mar 21, 2026
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.
Thelma Bedell Elementary School
$19,888
raised using DonorsChoose
56
projects
funded
13
teachers
funded
104
donors
11
projects
for
basic supplies
9
projects for
technology
3
projects for
books
5
projects
for
art supplies
Thelma Bedell Elementary School has received support from
91 individuals from California and
13 individuals out-of-state.