{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Wayside Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":49.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9939166,"projectId":9509525,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your support! We are using our new storage systems every single day to create a structured, student-friendly learning environment. With clearly labeled bins, organized shelves, and designated spaces for materials, students now know exactly where to find what they need — and where to return it.\r\nOne meaningful moment happened during center rotations. In the past, transitions were overwhelming and sometimes chaotic because materials were difficult to access and put away. With our new storage setup, students independently gathered their materials, completed their task, and returned everything to the correct labeled bin without adult prompting. One student even reminded a peer, \"It goes in the blue bin.\" That moment showed us that the system wasn't just working — students were owning it.\r\nThe storage has allowed us to spend less time managing materials and more time focused on instruction and meaningful engagement. The students were excited and curious! Several students immediately wanted to help organize and sort items into the new bins and drawers. For students who struggle with clutter or sensory overwhelm, the clean and structured look of the classroom brought noticeable calm. The predictability of knowing where everything belongs has increased confidence and reduced frustration during transitions and independent work time.\r\nNow that our classroom systems are in place, our next steps focus on increasing responsibility and independence. Students are practicing being \"classroom helpers\" by maintaining organization, checking supply bins, and resetting centers at the end of lessons. We are also building in self-monitoring routines — teaching students to independently gather materials, manage their workspace, and clean up without reminders. These storage solutions are helping us teach real-life executive functioning skills to my SPED students that extend far beyond our classroom. Thank you again!","fullyFundedDate":1763474837969,"projectUrl":"project/getting-organized-in-k-1/9509525/","projectTitle":"Getting Organized in K-1","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Quintero","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9939166"},{"teacherId":8336804,"projectId":9323228,"letterContent":"Thanks to the incredible generosity our PE program has been transformed! The new equipment and sturdy, organized cart have brought energy, excitement, and structure to our lessons. Students now have access to high-quality balls, jump ropes, and other materials that allow them to participate in a wider variety of physical activities and skill-building games.\r\n\r\nThe organized cart makes it easy to set up and transition between activities, giving us more instructional time and smoother routines. Most importantly, students are more engaged, active, and motivated than ever. They are developing teamwork, coordination, confidence, and healthy habits that will support them far beyond elementary school.\r\n\r\nYour support didn't just fund equipment—you invested in joyful movement, inclusivity, and lifelong wellness for every student. We are deeply grateful for the positive impact you've made on our school community.","fullyFundedDate":1746786403660,"projectUrl":"project/health-is-wealth-in-fifth-grade/9323228/","projectTitle":"Health is Wealth in Fifth Grade","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jimenez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8336804_orig.jpg?crop=392,392,x350,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1663606511361","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8336804"},{"teacherId":7502992,"projectId":9298492,"letterContent":"Our students took initiative at every stage of the project. They began by researching the needs of local animal shelters and identifying the most essential supplies. They then created flyers and digital promotions to raise awareness and gather donations from the community. Students organized supply drives at school and local businesses, sorted the items, and coordinated the delivery to the shelter. Throughout, they practiced leadership, communication, and collaboration skills.\r\nStudents learned the importance of empathy, responsibility, and community engagement. They gained insight into the needs of animal shelters and the challenges these organizations face. They also developed practical skills such as planning, teamwork, public speaking, and organizing donation efforts. Most importantly, they saw firsthand how their efforts could make a real difference in the lives of animals and the people who care for them.\r\nThe project had a meaningful impact on both the shelter and the broader community. The donated supplies directly supported the care and well-being of animals in need, while the project itself raised community awareness about animal welfare. It also inspired others—parents, peers, and local residents—to get involved and contribute, creating a ripple effect of kindness and service. The shelter expressed deep gratitude, and many students reported feeling more connected to their community and motivated to volunteer again in the future.","fullyFundedDate":1746820901107,"projectUrl":"project/warm-paws-warm-hearts/9298492/","projectTitle":"Warm Paws, Warm Hearts","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Alfaro II","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7502992_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1732738323486","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7502992"},{"teacherId":7502992,"projectId":8974361,"letterContent":"Flexible seating has significantly impacted my classroom, influencing both the physical environment and the dynamics of student learning and engagement. My students were so excited to see the different seating options in the classroom. Here are a few potential ways it affected my classroom:\r\n-Increased Student Engagement\r\n-Enhanced Collaboration\r\n-Promoted Autonomy and Responsibility\r\n-Better Comfort and Focus\r\n-Improved Classroom Atmosphere\r\n-Enhanced Teacher-Student Interaction\r\nThe next step for my students is to work on a physical education equipment list. The goal is to keep my students excited and moving for PE.","fullyFundedDate":1739366791657,"projectUrl":"project/flexible-seating/8974361/","projectTitle":"Flexible Seating","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Alfaro II","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7502992_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1732738323486","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7502992"},{"teacherId":8336804,"projectId":6845382,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom project on DonorsChoose! Your kindness means the world to my students and me. Because of you, we now have flexible seating, which will make a real difference in our daily learning.\r\n\r\nMy students were absolutely thrilled when they first saw the materials! Their eyes lit up with excitement, and many of them couldn't believe the supplies were really for them. Some students immediately started exploring and using the items—especially the cozy reading corners.\r\n\r\nYour donation doesn't just provide materials—it inspires curiosity, confidence, and joy in young learners. We are so grateful for your belief in the power of education and for investing in our future.","fullyFundedDate":1663649909432,"projectUrl":"project/5th-grade-fun/6845382/","projectTitle":"5th Grade Fun","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jimenez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8336804_orig.jpg?crop=392,392,x350,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1663606511361","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8336804"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_79385","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":675,"numTeachers":35,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":4,"percentWhite":4,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":88,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"19.3:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":51.0,"schoolId":79385,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Wayside Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Wayside Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/bakersfield-city-school-district/wayside-elementary-school/79385"}
Join the 294 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Wayside Elementary School is
an urban public school
in Bakersfield, California that is part of Bakersfield City School District.
It serves 675 students
in grades Pre-K - 6 with a student/teacher ratio of 19.3:1.
Its teachers have had 147 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
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.
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for public school teachers.
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
92%
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.
Wayside Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Mar 21, 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.
Wayside Elementary School
$72,780
raised using DonorsChoose
147
projects
funded
28
teachers
funded
294
donors
5
projects
for
basic supplies
27
projects for
technology
21
projects for
books
10
projects
for
art supplies
Wayside Elementary School has received support from
150 individuals from California and
144 individuals out-of-state.
