{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Julie Korenstein Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":23.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9163189,"projectId":10168950,"letterContent":"Here's a polished response you can use for this second set of materials:\r\n\r\n---\r\n\r\nThe new books in our classroom, including texts about volcanoes and Earth's layers, help students build important foundational literacy skills such as identifying main ideas, describing key details, and learning new science vocabulary. These texts also support students in asking questions and making predictions, which strengthens both their reading comprehension and scientific thinking.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom is active and engaging. During read-alouds, students participate in turn-and-talk discussions, use sentence frames to share their ideas, and connect the text to our hands-on investigations. Students also explore books independently, using pictures, diagrams, and text features to better understand complex topics like the solar system and Earth's structure.\r\n\r\nMany of my students—especially those who thrive with visual and interactive learning—are especially excited about these new books. They love connecting what they read to the motorized solar system model and galaxy projector, which brings concepts like planets, stars, and space to life. These experiences make reading more meaningful and help all students feel successful and engaged.","fullyFundedDate":1774461211539,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-science-for-curious-first-grade/10168950/","projectTitle":"Hands-On Science for Curious First Graders","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Chhipa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9163189_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1697933119120","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9163189"},{"teacherId":9163189,"projectId":10159691,"letterContent":"The new books in our classroom, like Kaboom! A Volcano Erupts, introduce important early literacy skills such as asking and answering questions, identifying key details, and building vocabulary connected to science topics like Earth's layers and volcanoes. Students also practice making connections between the text and our hands-on learning, which helps deepen their understanding and engagement.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom is interactive and student-centered. We gather together for read-alouds where students turn and talk, share their thinking, and participate in discussions using sentence frames. Students also explore books independently and with partners, using pictures and text features to support comprehension.\r\n\r\nSome of my students, especially those who benefit from visual and hands-on learning, are especially excited about these new books. They love connecting what they read to the rock collection, Earth models, and magnifying glasses, which makes learning feel real and meaningful.","fullyFundedDate":1774054974632,"projectUrl":"project/exploring-earths-wonders-minerals-roc/10159691/","projectTitle":"Exploring Earth’s Wonders: Minerals, Rocks, and Volcanoes","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Chhipa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9163189_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1697933119120","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9163189"},{"teacherId":8521154,"projectId":10122516,"letterContent":"Thank you for the books for our classroom small groups. Your support is making a meaningful difference in our students' learning. These books are helping create engaging, focused reading experiences, and the students are excited to use them during small group time. We truly appreciate your generosity! My students have read multiple chapter books and are curious about reading more books. This gives them the opportunity to be expose to more literature and multisyllabic words. I appreciate all the support towards my wonderful scholar readers and the impact you are making in our community. Thank you again for the wonderful donation.","fullyFundedDate":1773855886021,"projectUrl":"project/impressive-scholar-readers/10122516/","projectTitle":"Impressive Scholar Readers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Reynoso","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8521154_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x29,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1699071061152","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-reynoso3rdgradescholars"},{"teacherId":8521154,"projectId":10142795,"letterContent":"Thank you for the instruments and the meaningful impact you are making in our classroom. Your generosity has truly enriched our students' learning experience. They are excited, engaged, and eager to explore and play new instruments, and it has brought so much joy and creativity into our classroom. We are incredibly grateful for your support! The student will be able to use them and learn how to play during our music time. I have a diverse group of students that have many strengths in Arts. Thank you again for the donation and the wonder support.","fullyFundedDate":1774223164806,"projectUrl":"project/our-musical-toolbox/10142795/","projectTitle":"Our Musical Toolbox","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Reynoso","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8521154_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x29,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1699071061152","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-reynoso3rdgradescholars"},{"teacherId":9163189,"projectId":10133961,"letterContent":"Technology in our classroom helps bring abstract space concepts to life in a way that is engaging and accessible for all learners. Our moon phase and solar system posters give students clear, visual references that support vocabulary, sequencing, and understanding of patterns. The solar system carpet is especially exciting because students can physically interact with it—walking planet to planet and making connections through movement. This has been particularly impactful for hands-on learners and students who need extra support, including English learners. These students have really connected with the visuals and interactive elements, helping them build confidence and deepen their understanding.","fullyFundedDate":1773702976649,"projectUrl":"project/exploring-space-through-science/10133961/","projectTitle":"Exploring Space Through Science:","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Chhipa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9163189_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1697933119120","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9163189"},{"teacherId":9163189,"projectId":10140048,"letterContent":"Our new books about planets, along with the moon phase and solar system posters, have introduced so many important skills and lessons in our classroom. Students are learning how to identify key details in informational texts, ask and answer questions, and build their science vocabulary. We are also focusing on understanding nonfiction text features such as headings, labels, and diagrams, which help students learn how to gather information from what they read. These texts also support our science learning as students explore concepts like the solar system, the phases of the moon, and how planets move in space.\r\n\r\nReading in my classroom is very interactive and engaging. We read together as a class, in small groups, and independently. Students often turn and talk with partners to share what they learned, use the posters as visual supports, and make connections between the books and what they see around the room. They also draw and write in their journals to show their understanding, which helps bring reading and science together in a meaningful way.\r\n\r\nSeveral students have been especially excited about the new books. Some of my students who are usually hesitant readers are more motivated because they are interested in space and planets. I've noticed students eagerly flipping through the books, pointing out pictures, and sharing facts with their classmates. The visuals and real-world connections have helped build their confidence and excitement for reading, making these resources a favorite in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1773358676843,"projectUrl":"project/calm-minds-ready-to-read/10140048/","projectTitle":"Calm Minds, Ready to Read!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Chhipa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9163189_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1697933119120","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9163189"},{"teacherId":9163189,"projectId":10125660,"letterContent":"My students and I have been so excited to use our new fossil books and hands-on materials! During our lessons, students explored the fossil books to learn about different types of fossils and then used the mini fossils to touch and feel as they made observations. Being able to hold and examine the fossils closely helped them better understand the textures, shapes, and details, just like real scientists. It was amazing to see them making connections between what they read and what they experienced with the materials.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the materials, their faces lit up with excitement and curiosity. They were eager to touch, explore, and ask questions. Many students immediately began sharing their own ideas about dinosaurs and fossils, and even my quieter students were fully engaged. Having real objects to hold made the learning feel meaningful and accessible for all students.\r\n\r\nNext, we will build on this experience by diving deeper into how fossils are formed and what they can tell us about the past. Students will continue observing, writing, and drawing in their science journals as they strengthen their skills in making observations and asking questions. These resources are helping my students think like scientists, stay curious, and remain excited about learning every day!","fullyFundedDate":1772634428983,"projectUrl":"project/building-leaders-one-book-at-a-time/10125660/","projectTitle":"Building Leaders One Book at a Time","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Chhipa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9163189_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1697933119120","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9163189"},{"teacherId":9163189,"projectId":10112117,"letterContent":"When my 1st grade students first saw the magnetic shelves and the double-sided whiteboards, their excitement was immediate. Many students were curious and eager to explore how the materials worked. They were especially excited that they each had their own space to write, draw, and show their thinking. The double-sided whiteboards quickly became a favorite tool because students could practice their work without worrying about making mistakes. If they made an error, they could simply erase and try again, which helped build their confidence.\r\n\r\nStudents also loved seeing the classroom become more organized with the magnetic shelves. Because materials were easy to see and reach, students felt more independent during lessons and activities. They enjoyed being able to quickly grab what they needed and return items when they were finished. This created a sense of responsibility and pride in taking care of our classroom tools.\r\n\r\nOverall, the students felt excited, motivated, and more engaged in their learning. These materials made classroom activities feel more interactive and helped students feel like active participants in their lessons.","fullyFundedDate":1772737978937,"projectUrl":"project/magnetic-learning-for-engaged-first-grad/10112117/","projectTitle":"Magnetic Learning for Engaged First Graders","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Chhipa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9163189_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1697933119120","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9163189"},{"teacherId":8521154,"projectId":10052995,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous book donation to our third-grade classroom. Your support helps our students develop a love for reading and learning. These books allow students to explore different characters, settings, and important themes such as friendship, perseverance, kindness, and courage. During our small-group reading time, students enjoy reading together, discussing the stories, and sharing their ideas about the lessons in the books. Your donation gives them the opportunity to strengthen their reading skills, build vocabulary, and discover the joy of getting lost in a good story. We are truly grateful for your kindness and for helping inspire a lifelong love of reading in our students.","fullyFundedDate":1772579171233,"projectUrl":"project/scholar-readers/10052995/","projectTitle":"Scholar Readers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Reynoso","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8521154_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x29,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1699071061152","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-reynoso3rdgradescholars"},{"teacherId":9163189,"projectId":10124463,"letterContent":"Books about the solar system and planets greatly support my 1st graders' learning and connect directly to our **CKLA astronomy domain** in our curriculum. These books help students build background knowledge as they learn about the Sun, Moon, and planets. The engaging pictures and simple text make complex ideas easier for young learners to understand. Students who especially loved our current CKLA domain about the solar system are excited to read these books during independent reading time. They enjoy exploring the planets in more detail and sharing new facts with classmates. These books strengthen reading skills while deepening curiosity and excitement about space and science.","fullyFundedDate":1772579801869,"projectUrl":"project/turning-pages-growing-minds/10124463/","projectTitle":"Turning Pages, Growing Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Chhipa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9163189_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1697933119120","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9163189"},{"teacherId":9163189,"projectId":10117901,"letterContent":"Stickers and trading cards support coaching in my 1st grade classroom by providing immediate, positive feedback that motivates students to try their best. When students earn a sticker or trading card for completing a task, showing kindness, or improving a skill, they can clearly see their progress. These simple rewards help reinforce expectations and encourage goal setting. During coaching moments, I use them to recognize effort, persistence, and growth rather than just correct answers. This helps students build confidence and stay engaged in learning. Over time, students begin to take pride in their progress, making coaching conversations more meaningful and helping them develop responsibility for their learning.","fullyFundedDate":1772153342011,"projectUrl":"project/rewarding-effort-growing-leaders/10117901/","projectTitle":"Rewarding Effort, Growing Leaders","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Chhipa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9163189_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1697933119120","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9163189"},{"teacherId":9163189,"projectId":10108699,"letterContent":"When our new trading cards arrived, my first graders were beyond excited. The moment I introduced them, students were leaning forward in their seats, asking how they could earn one. Instead of simply handing them out as rewards, we use the cards as part of our daily coaching system.\r\n\r\nRight now, we are working on reading fluency and solving math word problems independently. Students set small daily goals like \"I will reread if it doesn't make sense\" or \"I will draw a picture to solve.\" As I circulate, I ask coaching questions such as, \"What strategy are you using?\" and \"What will you try if it gets tricky?\" When a student demonstrates perseverance, focus, or strong strategy use, they earn a trading card. The card represents their effort and growth, not just completion.\r\n\r\nWhen they first saw the materials, their eyes lit up. But what stood out most was how quickly the excitement shifted from \"I want one!\" to \"What do I need to do to earn one?\" That mindset shift has been powerful.\r\n\r\nOur next steps are helping students track their own progress. We are beginning simple reflection sheets where they write or draw why they earned a card and what goal they want to set next. The goal is to build independence so that over time, they are coaching themselves.\r\n\r\nYour support is helping create a classroom where effort, growth, and responsibility are celebrated every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1772013381785,"projectUrl":"project/strategic-play-for-stronger-young-leader/10108699/","projectTitle":"Strategic Play for Stronger Young Leaders","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Chhipa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9163189_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1697933119120","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9163189"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_101261","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":314,"numTeachers":20,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":3,"percentBlack":2,"percentWhite":3,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":88,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"15.7:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":76.5,"schoolId":101261,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Julie Korenstein Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Julie Korenstein Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/los-angeles-unified-school-district/valley-region-elementary-school7/101261"}
Join the 336 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Julie Korenstein Elementary School is
an urban public school
in North Hollywood, California that is part of Los Angeles Unified School District.
It serves 314 students
in grades Pre-K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 15.7:1.
Its teachers have had 208 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
93%
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.
Julie Korenstein Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Apr 10, 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.
Julie Korenstein Elementary School
$85,260
raised using DonorsChoose
208
projects
funded
33
teachers
funded
336
donors
15
projects
for
basic supplies
54
projects for
technology
26
projects for
books
16
projects
for
art supplies
Julie Korenstein Elementary School has received support from
257 individuals from California and
79 individuals out-of-state.