Viking Elementary School in Pelican Rapids, Minnesota on DonorsChoose

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One student even took their enthusiasm a step further by writing a detailed letter explaining how they would care for chicks at home, thoughtfully considering their needs, living space, and the responsibility involved. Recognizing that raising chicks requires commitment, the student acknowledged the hard work it would take, but expressed a willingness to take that on, motivated by the hope of eventually collecting eggs. Moments like this show how hands-on experiences can inspire responsibility, empathy, and purposeful learning.\r\n\r\nBeyond our classroom, the chick hatching project created a ripple effect throughout the school community. Multiple classes, including two preschool groups, were able to witness the process—from observing the eggs to seeing the chicks after they hatched. Younger students were captivated, showing both excitement and a gentle protectiveness toward the chicks. The joy on students' faces when interacting with the chicks has been unmistakable, and opening our classroom to other students has allowed even more children to share in that experience. Even those who didn't participate directly in the learning process seemed uplifted just by visiting and observing. Meanwhile, our class gained a deeper understanding of the full hatching process, learning about each stage of development and observing the changes in the eggs over time. This project has not only supported science learning but has also fostered a sense of wonder, connection, and community that extends well beyond a single classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1774386052304,"projectUrl":"project/little-eggs-big-lessons-supporting-our/9954003/","projectTitle":"Little Eggs, Big Lessons: Supporting Our Chick Project","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Snavely","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8427947_orig.jpg?crop=2320,2320,x0,y61&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1650984377718","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/snavely"},{"teacherId":10078547,"projectId":9461393,"letterContent":"I want to express my deep gratitude and thanks for your financial support in funding my classroom project! The materials funded by your donation have helped to create a sensory space with a variety of items important in supporting a multitude of learners' sensory needs and preferences. The sensory room is open and accessible to all preschool and elementary school students, allowing for a multi-tiered support system for the school. Prior to your funding of materials, the sensory room did not have many opportunities for tactile sensory experiences; the sensory bin stimuli, especially when paired with a lightbox, allow for a new experience for students to fill their sensory break time. All items are now in the sensory room for student use. When first shown the new materials, the students were very excited and wanted to try the new supports as soon as they could! Changing up sensory resources is always important in promoting motivation and engagement, especially when using the sensory room on a daily basis. I am so grateful for your contribution to funding this project, and I can assure you of the impact your support has on students in accessing and participating in their educational experience, no matter their learning needs.","fullyFundedDate":1754533468668,"projectUrl":"project/sense-ational-support/9461393/","projectTitle":"Sense-ational Support!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Meghan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10078547_orig.jpg?crop=2741,2741,x1061,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1752507601225","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10078547"},{"teacherId":9582215,"projectId":9450497,"letterContent":"On behalf of our students and staff, I want to extend our heartfelt thanks for your generous donation to help purchase decodable readers for our reading intervention program. Your support has made a meaningful difference in the lives of our young readers.\r\n\r\nThe decodable readers and accompanying literacy activities you helped fund have become an essential part of our daily instruction. These resources allow teachers to provide targeted phonics and reading practice that builds confidence and reinforces foundational skills. Students are now able to apply what they've learned and read successfully at their individual reading levels.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, our students are not only becoming stronger readers—they are also developing a genuine belief in their ability to succeed. The excitement and pride they feel when they can read a book on their own are truly inspiring.\r\n\r\nThank you once again for investing in our students' growth and in the promise of their futures. 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About this school

Viking Elementary School is a rural public school in Pelican Rapids, Minnesota that is part of Pelican Rapids Independent School District 548. It serves 468 students in grades Pre-K - 6 with a student/teacher ratio of 11.7:1. Its teachers have had 14 projects funded on DonorsChoose.

Equity Focus School

Support towards this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Public School

Title 1

Grades Pre-K - 6

468 Students

40 Teachers

1 Viking Dr

Pelican Rapids, MN 56572 View local requests

Direct, proactive support

Empower teachers at Viking Elementary School to request what their students need.

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Ms. Vero, a DonorsChoose teacher for 9 years.

Kindergarten teacher at PS81 - Robert J. Christen School in Bronx, NY

Viking Elementary School Teachers on DonorsChoose

Mrs. Johnson

Mrs. Snavely

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Viking Elementary School Demographics

61%

of students receive free or reduced price lunch

Source: the National Center for Education Statistics

46%

of students are Black, Latino, Native American, or Asian

Schools in districts that mainly serve students of color receive substantially less state and local support than similar districts that serve primarily White students. Learn more about this gap, why it exists, and how you can help close it.

Viking Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose Last updated May 1, 2026

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