{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Thunder Mountain Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":13.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9630602,"projectId":9457543,"letterContent":"Establishing an efficient and effective organizational system has made a tremendous difference in our classroom this year. What began as a simple effort to make materials more accessible and reduce clutter has evolved into a foundational part of how our classroom functions each day. Students now have clear systems for locating, using, and returning materials, which allows them to begin their work quickly and focus their energy on learning rather than searching for supplies. The overall atmosphere of the room has become calmer, more focused, and far more productive as a result.\r\n\r\nBefore implementing this system, students often spent valuable instructional minutes trying to locate materials, asking where items were stored, or waiting for me or a classmate to assist them. Those small delays added up over the course of the day and created unnecessary frustration for both students and teachers. By designing an organizational structure that prioritizes clarity, consistency, and accessibility, those interruptions have been minimized. Every student now knows exactly where pencils, notebooks, folders, and classroom tools belong. Labels, color-coding, and designated spaces for frequently used items have transformed what used to be a time-consuming process into a seamless routine.\r\n\r\nThe benefits extend far beyond saving time. An organized environment has helped foster a stronger sense of responsibility and independence among students. They have learned to take ownership of their materials and respect shared classroom resources. Students no longer rely solely on adult direction to find what they need; instead, they move confidently through their daily routines. This shift in responsibility has boosted their self-confidence and allowed them to develop essential executive functioning skills such as planning, organization, and time management — skills that will serve them well beyond the classroom.\r\n\r\nAn effective organizational system also creates a more inclusive learning environment. When materials are clearly labeled and procedures are consistent, all students — regardless of learning style or ability — can participate fully and independently. Students who might struggle with attention or working memory, for example, benefit from the predictable structure and visual cues that help them stay on task. This structure reduces anxiety and cognitive overload, allowing students to focus their mental energy on comprehension, problem-solving, and creativity.\r\n\r\nThe overall classroom climate has improved as well. Transitions between activities are smoother, and students are better able to shift from one task to another without losing focus. The reduction in chaos and clutter has created a more peaceful, inviting atmosphere that supports concentration and collaboration. When students feel that their environment is organized and purposeful, they tend to mirror those qualities in their behavior and academic habits. The sense of calm order benefits not just individual students but the entire class community.\r\n\r\nIn short, implementing an efficient and effective organizational system has had a profound impact on our learning environment. It has increased instructional time, improved student independence, and created a more positive and productive atmosphere for everyone. What once felt like a simple classroom management strategy has proven to be a key factor in shaping a successful, student-centered learning space. The experience has reaffirmed the importance of structure and intentional organization as essential foundations for academic growth and classroom harmony.","fullyFundedDate":1753378786699,"projectUrl":"project/center-organization/9457543/","projectTitle":"Center Organization","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Manuppella","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9630602"},{"teacherId":9630602,"projectId":9441124,"letterContent":"Your recent donation of books to our 5th grade classroom has made a meaningful difference for both students and the learning environment. For some, it sparked curiosity about a new author or subject they hadn't tried before, while for others it became a shared story that encouraged group discussion, critical thinking, and empathy.\r\nThe book also enriched classroom instruction—I am able to weave it into lessons, connect themes to writing prompts, and use it as a springboard for deeper conversations. \r\nBeyond academics, the donation reminded students that their community values their education. Knowing that someone cared enough to contribute to their classroom gave them a sense of encouragement and belonging, strengthening the classroom culture.","fullyFundedDate":1751672407279,"projectUrl":"project/building-readers/9441124/","projectTitle":"Building Readers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Manuppella","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9630602"},{"teacherId":9630602,"projectId":9427467,"letterContent":"Your recent donation of books to our 5th grade classroom has made a meaningful difference for both students and the learning environment. For some, it sparked curiosity about a new author or subject they hadn't tried before, while for others it became a shared story that encouraged group discussion, critical thinking, and empathy.\r\nThe book also enriched classroom instruction—I am able to weave it into lessons, connect themes to writing prompts, and use it as a springboard for deeper conversations. \r\nBeyond academics, the donation reminded students that their community values their education. Knowing that someone cared enough to contribute to their classroom gave them a sense of encouragement and belonging, strengthening the classroom culture.","fullyFundedDate":1750800043967,"projectUrl":"project/creating-readers/9427467/","projectTitle":"Creating Readers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Manuppella","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9630602"},{"teacherId":10033339,"projectId":9348130,"letterContent":"I would like to express my sincerest gratitude for your generous donation to our classroom. The students have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to engage in painting activities during center time, and their enthusiasm for creating artwork for their parents or our classroom wall has been remarkable. The popularity of this activity, has resulted in a consistent waiting list, demonstrating the student's eagerness to participate. Witnessing their creativity and attention to detail as they carefully handle the paint and try to keep the easel clean, has been a pure delight. They take pride in their new materials. \r\n\r\nYour support in providing microscopes has significantly enhanced our math and science curriculum. Students are eager to utilize the microscopes, using their emerging STEM skills to investigate scientific concepts. They thoroughly examine the slides with their shapes, lines and patterns and are fascinated by the discovery that an onion possesses a skin like layer like human skin. \r\nI express my sincere appreciation for your thoughtfulness and commitment to nurturing the development of our early learners. Thank you, thank you, thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1748459771121,"projectUrl":"project/creative-minds-need-you/9348130/","projectTitle":"Creative Minds Need You","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jennifer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10033339"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_49557","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":432,"numTeachers":28,"percentFrplEligible":66,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":65,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":28,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"15.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":86.5,"schoolId":49557,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Thunder Mountain Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Thunder Mountain Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/colorado/mesa-county-valley-school-district-51/thunder-mountain-elementary-school/49557"}
Join the 37 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Thunder Mountain Elementary School is
a suburban public school
in Grand Junction, Colorado that is part of Mesa County Valley School District 51.
It serves 432 students
in grades K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 15.4:1.
Its teachers have had 19 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Share and help support Thunder Mountain Elementary School
Boost support for this school! Share this page with friends, family, alumni, and fellow supporters. Every connection helps teachers get the supplies they need and shows how much your community cares about its students.
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Every donation funds real needs — pencils, books, lab equipment, art supplies, and more — helping students learn and thrive. We ship supplies directly to the school, and you'll see exactly where each dollar goes.
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
29%
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.
Thunder Mountain Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Jan 14, 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.
Thunder Mountain Elementary School
$8,389
raised using DonorsChoose
19
projects
funded
11
teachers
funded
37
donors
7
projects for
books
1
project
for
art supplies
Thunder Mountain Elementary School has received support from
32 individuals from Colorado and
5 individuals out-of-state.
