{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Thomas Jefferson Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":19.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":479839,"projectId":9843200,"letterContent":"I have been unpacking all of the treasures as they have been arriving these past few weeks and have gotten so emotional thinking of your generosity, Laxmi. You have been such a blessing to my families and I these past two years. Now more then ever, with the absolute terror that my community is facing every day with the threat of ICE and the anti immigrant agenda Trump is pushing in this country, it is more important than ever to remind our families that their voices and experiences are important and valued.\r\n\r\nI am blessed to continue this critical literacy work with the mothers in my classroom and am so excited to pass out these bags full of tresures when we have our graduation from our 10 week program after the holy days.\r\n\r\nBless you for your beautiful heart again and again, Laxmi. We appreciate you more than you know!\r\n\r\nReena","fullyFundedDate":1760962111813,"projectUrl":"project/critical-literacy-for-spanish-bilingual/9843200/","projectTitle":"Critical Literacy for Spanish Bilingual Families","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Reena","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp479839_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1567795471334","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/479839"},{"teacherId":2441110,"projectId":9561587,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our students now have the tools they need to dive deeply into our novel studies with confidence, curiosity, and creativity.\r\n\r\nWith their new Literary Explorer Kits, students can stay organized with binders and dividers, annotate and highlight key moments, and listen to audiobooks or author interviews—all of which make literature come alive in meaningful ways.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, every student—regardless of their learning style or background—can access the stories we read, participate in discussions, and feel the joy of truly understanding and connecting with a text. You've helped create a more inclusive classroom where every reader has the chance to shine.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and supporting their journey as growing scholars and thinkers. Your gift isn't just about supplies—it's about opening doors to understanding, empathy, and a lifelong love of reading.","fullyFundedDate":1754881515624,"projectUrl":"project/organized-for-the-journey-novel-studie/9561587/","projectTitle":"\"Organized for the Journey: Novel Studies Come to Life!\"","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Morgan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2441110_orig.jpg?crop=1704,1704,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1699996360687","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2441110"},{"teacherId":2335620,"projectId":8279927,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our Focus for All project! The privacy boards and stress balls have made a noticeable difference in our school community. During testing and independent work time, students now have a calm and focused environment that helps them do their best thinking. The privacy boards give each child their own little space to concentrate, while the stress balls help ease anxiety and keep hands busy in a productive way.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, the excitement was real — students immediately wanted to set up their \"focus stations.\" One student said, \"I feel like I have my own office!\" It was such a joy to see how proud they felt having tools that help them stay focused and confident during assessments and challenging tasks.\r\n\r\nOur next step is to continue building routines that help every learner find strategies that work for them — whether it's using a privacy board for focus, taking mindful breaks, or sharing self-regulation techniques with their peers. Your support has helped us create a more equitable and supportive environment for all students to learn and shine.","fullyFundedDate":1711350848436,"projectUrl":"project/focus-for-all/8279927/","projectTitle":"Focus for All","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Aragón","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2335620_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1720644062090","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/aragon"},{"teacherId":2335620,"projectId":8301563,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our Biliteracy Project! Because of your generosity, our Dual Language Immersion students now have beautiful bilingual books that they can truly connect with. It's been amazing to see how these stories open doors — students light up when they recognize words or phrases they use at home, and they're eager to share their favorite pages in both English and Spanish.\r\n\r\nIn our classroom, reading is joyful and collaborative. We read together, discuss what words mean in each language, and celebrate how language helps us understand the world — and one another. One student told me, \"Maestro, I like reading in Spanish now because it feels like me.\" That moment says it all.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping our students see themselves as readers, thinkers, and storytellers in two languages. You've made a lasting impact.","fullyFundedDate":1715170445222,"projectUrl":"project/books-for-biliteracy/8301563/","projectTitle":"Books for Biliteracy","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Aragón","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2335620_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1720644062090","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/aragon"},{"teacherId":9206655,"projectId":9582188,"letterContent":"When the new resources from our DonorsChoose project arrived, our classroom was filled with joy and curiosity. My students eagerly gathered around as I began to unpack the boxes, their eyes wide with excitement as they saw the supplies we had been waiting for. These resources have already started to transform our daily learning, creating opportunities for engagement, independence, and deeper understanding across subjects.\r\n\r\nOne of the first ways we used the materials was during our reading block. With new anchor chart paper, markers, and supplies for creating visual aids, students began to design comprehension charts connected to our novel study. We are currently reading Clayton Byrd Goes Underground by Rita Williams-Garcia, and students will use the new materials to create character maps and theme posters. For example, one group of students will work together to chart the relationship between Clayton and his family, using the large paper to map out key events in the story. They proudly displayed their poster on our reading wall, and during discussion time, they pointed to their visuals to explain their thinking. Having access to these resources will allow them to move beyond simply answering questions on paper—it gave them the ability to bring their ideas to life and share them with their peers in meaningful ways.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, the excitement in the room was palpable. Some students clapped and cheered, while others immediately began brainstorming how we might use the supplies for upcoming projects. One student even said, \"we have everything we need to show what we know.\" That moment reminded me how important it is for students to feel proud of their learning environment, and how something as simple as having the right tools can make them feel seen, valued, and capable.\r\n\r\nThe next steps for my students involve continuing to use these resources to expand on our current projects and to prepare for upcoming units. In writing workshop, for example, students are working on biographies. The chart paper and markers are helping them brainstorm and organize their research before drafting. Later in the spring, we will shift into opinion writing, and students will use the same tools to create persuasive posters and presentations. \r\n\r\nLooking ahead, I am particularly excited about how these resources will support student collaboration. Our classroom thrives on group projects, discussions, and interactive learning. Having the right materials means that students can focus on their creativity and critical thinking rather than being limited by a lack of tools. Whether it's building an affirmation wall for social-emotional learning, designing math storyboards to explain problem-solving strategies, or creating visual art to connect with literature, these supplies will continue to enrich our classroom culture and academic growth.\r\nThanks to the generosity of our donors, my students not only have what they need to learn—they also feel inspired and empowered to take risks, share their voices, and work together. These resources are more than just materials; they are helping to build confidence, joy, and a sense of community in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1756571021531,"projectUrl":"project/180-degrees-of-impact-sparking-student/9582188/","projectTitle":"180 Degrees of Impact: Sparking Student Potential","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Teacher Jameelah","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9206655_orig.jpg?crop=1199,1199,x191,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1734118685413","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9206655"},{"teacherId":9112316,"projectId":9080177,"letterContent":"The moment the boxes arrived, my classroom was electric with excitement. When my students saw the brand new whiteboards, markers, and especially the fidget tools, their faces lit up with pure joy. One student exclaimed, \"We get to use these? For real?\" The immediate impact was a powerful surge of motivation and the palpable feeling of being valued. They couldn't wait to get their hands on the new supplies, and that enthusiasm has translated directly into their engagement. We are using these resources every single day; the whiteboards have transformed our lessons into interactive activities where every student can simultaneously practice ELA skills, from vocabulary games to collaborative story mapping.\r\n\r\nYour support has done more than just supply our classroom; it has empowered my students to become more confident and joyful learners. The fidget tools have been a quiet game-changer, allowing several of my students to self-regulate and focus during independent reading time, which has significantly increased their stamina and comprehension. As for what's next, we are currently diving into a novel study. Using our new ELA tools, we are creating character analysis maps on the whiteboards and will soon begin drafting our own persuasive essays about the book's themes. Your donation has provided the very tools that make this deep, collaborative learning possible. Thank you for investing in their education and for believing in us.","fullyFundedDate":1746785935739,"projectUrl":"project/creating-a-classroom-of-possibilities/9080177/","projectTitle":"Creating a Classroom of Possibilities","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Moxie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9112316_orig.jpg?crop=2298,2298,x292,y725&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1738011678582","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9112316"},{"teacherId":2441110,"projectId":9032096,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom! Your donation made it possible for us to receive much-needed tools for success, student incentives, and healthy snacks—and the impact has been incredible.\r\n\r\nWith the materials funded through your kindness, we were able to create a more focused, supportive, and energized learning environment. The organizational tools and supplies are helping students stay on track and take ownership of their learning. Whether it's using planners, folders, or new materials to complete assignments, our classroom is running more smoothly and efficiently thanks to you.\r\n\r\nThe incentives—from small prizes to positive behavior rewards—have made a huge difference in motivation and morale. Students are more engaged, showing kindness, and working hard to meet goals because they know their efforts are recognized and celebrated.\r\n\r\nAnd of course, the snacks have been a game changer. For students who come to school without breakfast or need a boost in the afternoon, having a healthy snack available helps them focus, participate, and feel cared for. It's a simple gesture that truly supports both their bodies and their brains.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has created real, tangible benefits in our classroom. On behalf of all of us—thank you for believing in our students and helping them succeed.\r\n\r\nWith gratitude,","fullyFundedDate":1736996613925,"projectUrl":"project/tools-to-inspire-motivate/9032096/","projectTitle":"Tools to Inspire & Motivate","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Morgan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2441110_orig.jpg?crop=1704,1704,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1699996360687","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2441110"},{"teacherId":2441110,"projectId":9080807,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, my students were able to experience the world of The Wild Robot by Peter Brown in a way that sparked imagination, deep discussion, and a true love of reading.\r\n\r\nFrom the moment we began reading, my students were captivated by Roz the robot's journey of survival, friendship, and self-discovery. They asked thoughtful questions about nature, technology, and emotions, and many saw parts of themselves in the characters. It was amazing to witness how this story encouraged empathy, critical thinking, and teamwork.\r\n\r\nWe tied the book into lessons on ecosystems, robotics, and even creative writing. Students wrote their own alternate endings and discussed themes like community, adaptation, and kindness. One student said, \"I didn't know a robot could make me feel this much!\"\r\n\r\nYour donation didn't just provide books—it provided memories, inspiration, and meaningful learning moments. Thank you for making it possible.","fullyFundedDate":1738275391913,"projectUrl":"project/were-wild-for-the-wild-robot/9080807/","projectTitle":"We're Wild for The Wild Robot!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Morgan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2441110_orig.jpg?crop=1704,1704,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1699996360687","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2441110"},{"teacherId":4828182,"projectId":9015244,"letterContent":"I really appreciate your generous contribution to get the Educational Books for our students with Special Needs. Each day, our young children can have access to appropriate Literature that reflects each day story.\r\n Students are learning about feelings, colors, shapes, alphabet, farm animals, dinosaurs, weather, days of the week, months of the year, and holidays.\r\n Our books make a difference in our students interest to engage in looking each page, discovering the pictures, words, and can pass each page in their own. \r\n You make a difference!","fullyFundedDate":1736178856125,"projectUrl":"project/educational-books-preschool-special-day/9015244/","projectTitle":"Educational Books: Preschool Special Day Class Moderate/Severe","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Carlos De Silin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4828182_orig.jpg?crop=505,505,x259,y256&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1633216112309","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4828182"},{"teacherId":479839,"projectId":9000565,"letterContent":"Thank you once again Keira for funding our project to get books into the hands of my students. They were overjoyed to get the board books especially because so many of them have little siblings and cousins at home that they like to read to and it is also wonderful that all the books are bilingual so they can practice reading them in both languages.\r\n\r\nThey also loved the magic boards, as we use them to practice our spelling words and being able to have one at home strengthens the home school connection and they are able to show their families how we practice in the classroom!\r\n\r\nYou are such an angel in our lives, Keira! Bless you infinitely!","fullyFundedDate":1740666365560,"projectUrl":"project/support-bilingual-readers/9000565/","projectTitle":"Support Bilingual Readers!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Reena","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp479839_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1567795471334","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/479839"},{"teacherId":479839,"projectId":9132540,"letterContent":"I am literally in tears after packing the beautiful literacy bags for my mothers and their children. This gift will be so cherished by all and we are actually having a ceremony after the class tomorrow that I am teaching around critical literacy to the mamis to present them with everything! From the beautiful multicolored reusable gift bags to the magnetic double sided whiteboards to the magic boards to the boxes of paint sticks to the incredible bilingual family coloring books to bananagrams en español to the beautiful affirmation cards in spanish with discussion prompts on the back, this is a gift of pure treasures!\r\n\r\nOne of the goals of the class is to model and remind the parents the importance of spending quality time with our children, whether that be through reading or any other activities. All of these materials promote bonding and unity amongst our families and I could not be any more grateful for your incredible generosity Keira!","fullyFundedDate":1741122438968,"projectUrl":"project/supporting-bilingual-families-in-literac/9132540/","projectTitle":"Supporting Bilingual Families in Literacy","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Reena","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp479839_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1567795471334","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/479839"},{"teacherId":9206655,"projectId":8994760,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom has come alive with new energy and learning! One of the most meaningful ways we've used the new materials was during a recent biography writing project. Students were able to use the anchor chart paper to map out their ideas and plan their writing in collaborative groups. The Expo markers and erasers helped keep our thinking visible and editable during peer feedback sessions, and the lamination sheets made it possible for students to preserve their final drafts and display them proudly in our classroom.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, the students were so excited—they couldn't believe the supplies were just for us! One student said, \"It feels like we're real authors now,\" as they used the colorful markers to plan out their timelines and writing structure.\r\n\r\nNext up, students will be using watercolor paper and supplies to create visual poetry inspired by our class read-aloud, Chains, and our ongoing unit on the American Revolution. They'll combine their writing with expressive watercolor illustrations to bring their poems to life—merging history, art, and personal voice.\r\n\r\nYour support made all of this possible. Thank you for investing in our classroom and our creativity!","fullyFundedDate":1734726055264,"projectUrl":"project/creative-minds-building-a-space-to-insp/8994760/","projectTitle":"Creative Minds: Building a Space to Inspire and Thrive","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Teacher Jameelah","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9206655_orig.jpg?crop=1199,1199,x191,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1734118685413","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9206655"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_4003","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":558,"numTeachers":25,"percentFrplEligible":81,"percentAsian":13,"percentBlack":11,"percentWhite":4,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":63,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"22.3:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":80.5,"schoolId":4003,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Thomas Jefferson Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Thomas Jefferson Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/san-leandro-unified-school-district/thomas-jefferson-elementary-school/4003"}
Join the 514 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Thomas Jefferson Elementary School is
a suburban public school
in San Leandro, California that is part of San Leandro Unified School District.
It serves 558 students
in grades Pre-K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 22.3:1.
Its teachers have had 185 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
87%
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.
Thomas Jefferson Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Dec 7, 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.
Thomas Jefferson Elementary School
$120,200
raised using DonorsChoose
185
projects
funded
49
teachers
funded
514
donors
24
projects
for
basic supplies
10
projects for
technology
37
projects for
books
6
projects
for
art supplies
Thomas Jefferson Elementary School has received support from
414 individuals from California and
100 individuals out-of-state.