{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Theuerkauf Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":15.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8092229,"projectId":10270297,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our kindergarten classroom! The dramatic play toys and materials have already made such a wonderful impact on our students this year.\r\n\r\nWe have used these materials for themed learning activities, dramatic play centers, and open-ended play throughout our school day. My kindergarteners love having opportunities to use their imaginations, take on different roles, and create their own stories together. While they are playing, they are also practicing important skills like sharing, taking turns, communicating with friends, problem-solving, and building their vocabulary.\r\n\r\nThese materials have helped make our classroom a more engaging, playful, and welcoming place to learn. It has been so special to watch students learn through play while building friendships and confidence at the same time.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping give my kindergarteners these meaningful learning experiences. We are so grateful for your generosity and support of our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1778641276383,"projectUrl":"project/play-pretend-and-learn/10270297/","projectTitle":"Play, Pretend, and Learn","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Garvey","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8092229_orig.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1632698037844","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8092229"},{"teacherId":6072007,"projectId":10184279,"letterContent":"Thanks to you, our classroom library went from empty shelves to a room full of readers — and I want to share what that's actually looked like this year.\r\n\r\n\r\nIt might surprise you how much teaching happens through books that look like \"just fun reading.\" A few examples from the sets you funded:\r\n\r\n- Dog Man and Wings of Fire (graphic novels) are doing quiet, powerful work with our most reluctant readers. Because the art carries so much of the story, students are practicing *inferencing* — reading facial expressions, panel sequencing, and visual pacing to understand plot and emotion, even when the words alone might feel hard. It's a real reading skill, and it's one that traditional chapter books can't teach the same way.\r\n- Science Comics and Who Would Win? are built around comparison and cause-and-effect — kids are naturally practicing nonfiction text features (diagrams, labels, sidebars) and using evidence to make arguments (\"a great white shark would beat a killer whale because...\"). That's the exact skill we ask them to use in persuasive writing, and they're rehearsing it for fun.\r\n- The Native American stories and biographies of athletes like Simone Biles open up conversations about perspective and identity — whose story is being told, and how the author chose to tell it. These become natural entry points for discussing point of view and author's purpose, concepts that show up constantly on state reading assessments.\r\n\r\nNone of this feels like a lesson to the kids. That's the magic of it.\r\n\r\nBefore this project, independent reading time was a struggle — kids drifting, unable to find anything that hooked them. Now it looks completely different: students picking up a graphic novel where they left off the moment they walk in, kids trading Who Would Win? books back and forth to argue over the matchups, and quiet moments where a student who used to avoid reading altogether is fully absorbed in a book of their choice.\r\n\r\nWe've also started using some of these titles as a bridge into harder texts- a student who falls in love with Wings of Fire is far more willing to try a prose fantasy novel next, because they already trust that reading can be for them.\r\n\r\nEvery single student has found something on those shelves that felt like theirs- that was really the whole goal, and it's happening. A few standouts:\r\n\r\n- Our most reluctant readers have gravitated hard toward the graphic novels — several who used to need constant redirection during independent reading now ask to keep reading past the timer.\r\n- The STEM-curious kids have practically claimed the Science Comics and Who Would Win? sets as their own, often reading them together and debating the outcomes out loud.\r\n- Students have lit up seeing themselves represented — a book featuring a Native American story or an athlete like Simone Biles isn't just a good read for them, it's a signal that their story belongs in a book, too.\r\n\r\nThank you for making that possible. You didn't just fill a shelf, you built a room where every kid in it can find a reason to love reading.","fullyFundedDate":1778002141749,"projectUrl":"project/fueling-5th-grade-minds-with-a-high-inte/10184279/","projectTitle":"Fueling 5th Grade Minds With a High-Interest Classroom Library","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Burton","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6072007_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1775247044760","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6072007"},{"teacherId":9208852,"projectId":10193196,"letterContent":"These materials made such a meaningful difference in helping us care for our garden beds over the summer. Because we were able to keep the plants watered and maintained while school was out, students returned to a garden that was still healthy, green, and growing.\r\n\r\nStudents were so excited to come back and see that the plants they had helped grow were still thriving! They loved checking on how much everything had grown and seeing the results of the care that continued over the summer. It was a wonderful way to reconnect students with the garden and show them that their hard work had a lasting impact.\r\n\r\nHaving a thriving garden ready for students at the start of the school year has allowed us to continue building excitement around sustainability, responsibility, and hands-on learning. We are so grateful for the support that helped make this possible!","fullyFundedDate":1779375856934,"projectUrl":"project/growing-sustainability-schoolwide-summe/10193196/","projectTitle":"Growing Sustainability Schoolwide: Summer Care and Composting for Our Garden","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gallagher","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9208852_orig.jpg?crop=1365,1365,x0,y341&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1692582265440","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9208852"},{"teacherId":4381570,"projectId":10270078,"letterContent":"Our first Exploration Friday was a huge success! When students saw the new building materials and games, they were immediately excited and eager to get started. Students worked together to build a tall Magna-Tile tower, carefully balancing and testing their designs. Others built Lincoln Log cabins and enjoyed playing Jenga, practicing teamwork, communication, patience, and managing frustration when their towers came tumbling down!\r\n\r\nThese new resources are giving students a chance to learn through hands-on exploration while strengthening important STEAM and social-emotional skills. I loved watching students share ideas, problem-solve together, and encourage one another as they brought their creations to life.\r\n\r\nWe are just getting started! Each Friday, we will introduce new materials and challenges. Next, students will explore Connect 4, marble runs, and building blocks, giving them new opportunities to design, test, revise, and collaborate. Thank you for helping make Exploration Fridays possible and for giving my students the opportunity to learn, create, and have fun together!","fullyFundedDate":1786937755502,"projectUrl":"project/exploration-fridays-building-minds-co/10270078/","projectTitle":"Exploration Fridays: Building Minds & Community Through Play","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Stewart","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4381570_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1777751383415","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/meyerholzstewart"},{"teacherId":9208852,"projectId":10201267,"letterContent":"Our new science comic books have already brought so much excitement and curiosity into our classroom! Students are using these books during independent reading, partner reading, and science connections throughout the week. They are especially helpful because the colorful visuals, facts, and storylines make science topics feel engaging and easier to understand.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the books, they were so excited to look through the different topics and choose one that sparked their interest. Many students immediately started sharing fun facts with each other, pointing out pictures, and making connections to things we have learned in class, like plants, animals, weather, and the natural world.\r\n\r\nThese books are helping students build reading stamina while also growing their background knowledge in science. A special classroom moment was seeing students who do not always choose nonfiction become excited to read because the comic format felt fun, approachable, and interesting.\r\n\r\nNext, students will continue using these books to explore science topics, share new learning with classmates, and make connections between reading and our classroom science lessons. These resources are helping us grow curious readers and confident young scientists, one comic at a time!","fullyFundedDate":1778611257171,"projectUrl":"project/growing-scientists-one-comic-at-a-time/10201267/","projectTitle":"Growing Scientists One Comic at a Time","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gallagher","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9208852_orig.jpg?crop=1365,1365,x0,y341&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1692582265440","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9208852"},{"teacherId":9208852,"projectId":10167208,"letterContent":"This project has made a meaningful impact by giving my students access to engaging chapter books that help them grow as readers, thinkers, and discussion partners. Through these books, students are practicing important skills like identifying character traits, making inferences, summarizing chapters, understanding theme, noticing how characters change, and supporting their ideas with text evidence.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom happens through independent reading, partner reading, small book clubs, and teacher-led discussions. These chapter books are helping students build reading stamina, follow longer plots, and have deeper conversations about what they read.\r\n\r\nStudents have been so excited to choose \"real\" chapter books and talk about the characters and stories with their classmates. These books are helping hesitant readers feel more motivated and confident, while also giving stronger readers a chance to challenge themselves.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping us build a classroom library that inspires curiosity, confidence, and a love of reading!","fullyFundedDate":1775090530624,"projectUrl":"project/building-big-thinkers-with-meaningful-ch/10167208/","projectTitle":"Building Big Thinkers With Meaningful Chapter Books","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gallagher","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9208852_orig.jpg?crop=1365,1365,x0,y341&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1692582265440","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9208852"},{"teacherId":4381570,"projectId":10243643,"letterContent":"My students were so excited when the stools arrived! They were eager to try them out, and within the first day, the stools were already being used during math small groups, partner discussions, and reading instruction.\r\n\r\nThe stools have made a huge difference in how we use our classroom space. One memorable moment was during a math lesson on volume and measurement. Students worked in small teams to solve real-world problems and explain their thinking to one another. Because the stools are lightweight and easy to move, students were able to quickly gather into groups, collaborate, and then transition back to independent work without wasting instructional time. I also use the stools daily when pulling small groups for targeted reading support, which has helped create a more focused and comfortable learning space for students.\r\n\r\nAs we move into the final weeks of the school year, students will continue using the stools during project-based learning activities, literature discussions, and end-of-year collaborative projects. We are beginning an Arts Focus Project, and the stools are helping students work together more effectively as they plan, discuss, and create. Your generosity has truly helped transform our classroom into a more flexible and student-centered learning environment.","fullyFundedDate":1777933529059,"projectUrl":"project/flexible-seating-for-collaboration-sma/10243643/","projectTitle":"Flexible Seating for Collaboration & Small Group Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Stewart","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4381570_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1777751383415","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/meyerholzstewart"},{"teacherId":8092229,"projectId":10163416,"letterContent":"The funding for the Cheetah Garden watering cans has had a positive impact on both student learning and the care of our school garden. Students are able to take an active role in watering and maintaining the garden, helping build responsibility, teamwork, and pride in their school environment. The watering cans also support hands-on learning opportunities connected to science, sustainability, and plant life cycles. With the proper tools available, students can more consistently care for the garden, helping it thrive as an engaging outdoor learning space for all Cheetahs.","fullyFundedDate":1773979620956,"projectUrl":"project/the-cheetah-garden-project/10163416/","projectTitle":"The Cheetah Garden Project","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Garvey","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8092229_orig.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1632698037844","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8092229"},{"teacherId":9208852,"projectId":9898332,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our classroom library has become a space where students are excited to read and grow as readers each day!\r\n\r\nWith these new books, students are building important skills like reading with fluency and expression, identifying the main idea, describing characters, and explaining their thinking using evidence. These texts also support rich discussions and vocabulary development as students share their ideas with one another.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom is active and joyful. Students choose books that interest them, read independently or with partners, and enjoy our cozy library space. It's a calm, welcoming environment where they feel comfortable taking risks as readers.\r\n\r\nSome students who were previously hesitant about reading are now among the most engaged. Having access to high-interest books has made a huge difference—they are more confident, motivated, and excited to read.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping us build a classroom full of confident, enthusiastic readers! 📚💛","fullyFundedDate":1773033465792,"projectUrl":"project/growing-confident-readers-with-engaging/9898332/","projectTitle":"Growing Confident Readers With Engaging Books and Cozy Library Spaces","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gallagher","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9208852_orig.jpg?crop=1365,1365,x0,y341&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1692582265440","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9208852"},{"teacherId":9208852,"projectId":9899098,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support of \"From Pencils to Paint: Helping Young Learners Do Their Best,\" my second graders now have the essential tools they need to learn, create, and connect every single day. Having consistent access to quality art and classroom supplies has allowed our students to feel prepared, confident, and proud of their work. Instead of worrying about sharing or running out of materials, students are fully immersed in learning.\r\n\r\nOne especially meaningful impact has been the launch of our Wednesday Art Club. During Art Club, students use the donated supplies to collaborate on creative projects designed to build lasting friendships. They sit in small groups, share materials, talk through ideas, and celebrate one another's work. I've watched students who don't always play together during recess connect over watercolor paints and colored pencils. It has become a special mid-week community builder in our classroom.\r\n\r\nWe are also using these materials during our book circles, where students draw key events from the stories they read. After discussing a chapter, students illustrate an important moment and explain why it mattered. This has strengthened both comprehension and discussion skills. One student recently shared, \"Drawing it helped me understand what really happened!\" It was such a powerful reminder that creativity deepens thinking.\r\n\r\nWhen the boxes arrived, the excitement was immediate. Students' eyes widened as we unpacked the paint sticks, paper, and supplies. They couldn't wait to organize everything and begin creating. There was a true sense of ownership, like these tools were opening new possibilities for them. Their joy and anticipation made the moment unforgettable.\r\n\r\nWith these resources, we're continuing to plan fun seasonal art projects that connect to our learning and build classroom community. From autumn landscapes to spring garden art, students are using creativity to express what they're learning in literacy, science, and math.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, these supplies are helping students see themselves as capable artists, thoughtful readers, and supportive friends. Your generosity has done more than provide materials, it has strengthened friendships, deepened comprehension, and brought daily joy into our classroom.\r\n\r\nThank you for making that possible for our second graders. Your support truly makes a difference. 💛","fullyFundedDate":1767151940647,"projectUrl":"project/from-pencils-to-paint-helping-young-lear/9899098/","projectTitle":"From Pencils to Paint Helping Young Learners Do Their Best","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gallagher","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9208852_orig.jpg?crop=1365,1365,x0,y341&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1692582265440","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9208852"},{"teacherId":9208852,"projectId":9871771,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom garden has become a living, breathing extension of our curriculum—and an incredibly meaningful learning space for my students.\r\n\r\nHow we're using the new resources\r\nWe are using these materials during our gardening and science block. Students work in small groups to plant seeds, observe growth, measure changes, and record their thinking through drawings and simple reflections. One especially powerful moment was when students noticed their first sprouts pushing through the soil. They immediately began asking questions like, \"Why did this one grow faster?\" and \"What do plants need the most?\"—leading to rich, student-driven discussions rooted in real observations rather than a textbook.\r\n\r\nStudent reactions\r\nWhen students first saw the materials, their excitement was instant and contagious. Many had never held gardening tools or planted seeds before, and they were eager to get their hands dirty. I heard comments like, \"This feels like we're real gardeners!\" and \"I can't wait to see what happens tomorrow.\" The sense of ownership and responsibility was immediate—students carefully handled the tools, reminded each other of plant care routines, and proudly checked on \"their\" plants each day.\r\n\r\nWhat's next\r\nNext, students will continue observing plant growth while connecting their learning to larger ideas about sustainability, ecosystems, and caring for our environment. This work will culminate in a creative project where students share what they've learned through writing, art, and performances connected to our Garden Show. They are also beginning to think about how the skills they're learning—patience, responsibility, and collaboration—apply beyond the garden and into their everyday lives.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, learning has moved beyond the classroom walls and into an experience that students will remember for years to come. Thank you for helping us grow curiosity, confidence, and a love for learning—one plant at a time. 🌱💚","fullyFundedDate":1763244968254,"projectUrl":"project/growing-a-sustainable-future-second-gra/9871771/","projectTitle":"Growing a Sustainable Future: Second Graders Become Young Farmers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gallagher","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9208852_orig.jpg?crop=1365,1365,x0,y341&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1692582265440","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9208852"},{"teacherId":1573144,"projectId":9248628,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the wonderful picture books you donated! Our students were so excited to explore them, especially the ones about feelings. These stories have been a great way to help the kids talk about their emotions in a way they really understand. We've used the books during story time and even in our calm-down area.\r\n\r\nThe books have also been a great tool for building early writing skills. After we read, the kids often draw pictures or try to write about the characters and emotions we talked about. It's helping them make those early connections between reading, writing, and their own experiences. We're so grateful for your support—it's made a big difference in our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1744258705239,"projectUrl":"project/big-feelings-little-books/9248628/","projectTitle":"Big Feelings, Little Books","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Julie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/jpham"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_4861","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":321,"numTeachers":18,"percentFrplEligible":39,"percentAsian":20,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":17,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":47,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":13,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"17.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":84.5,"schoolId":4861,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Theuerkauf Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Theuerkauf Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/mountain-view-whisman-school-district/theuerkauf-elementary-school/4861"}