{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Henry Oyama Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":31.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9406902,"projectId":9643627,"letterContent":"The math center has transformed the way my students engage with learning, especially during small-group intervention. With hands-on tools like dry erase boards, place value mats, and math games, students who were once hesitant now eagerly participate and take ownership of their learning. The ability to try, erase, and try again has helped them build confidence—something many of them desperately needed. I am seeing students who were two to three years behind begin to take risks, ask questions, and proudly show their thinking. Their growth is not only academic but also emotional. They feel supported, capable, and excited to learn in a way that simply wasn't possible before.\r\n\r\nI've seen a noticeable boost in their confidence—students who once avoided participating are now eager to show their thinking and take academic risks. Small-group intervention has become far more effective because students can manipulate materials, receive immediate feedback, and build understanding through meaningful, interactive practice. Even incorporating games like Uno has strengthened their number sense, collaboration, and problem-solving skills while keeping math fun. The transformation has been truly inspiring.","fullyFundedDate":1760879328608,"projectUrl":"project/a-new-math-center/9643627/","projectTitle":"A New Math Center","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. O","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9406902_orig.jpg?crop=656,656,x73,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724725525947","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/o-headphones"},{"teacherId":9406902,"projectId":9233498,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous gift of brand-new books for our 4th grade classroom! Because of your donation, my Title I students now have a complete class set of Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief, the full Percy Jackson series, books on Greek mythology, Chocolate Fever, The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings set, and The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind. These stories have transformed our guided reading time, bringing excitement, adventure, and curiosity into every corner of our classroom.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom is now filled with joy, curiosity, and engagement. You'll often see students reading aloud in small groups, writing reflections in their journals, or acting out scenes to bring the stories to life. One student who usually struggles with reading comprehension has connected deeply with Percy Jackson and now volunteers to read aloud more often. Another, who loves science, has been captivated by The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind and has already started brainstorming inventions she might create one day.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has given my students not just books, but opportunities to dream, imagine, and grow. Thank you for making guided reading an adventure and for helping my students build both literacy skills and a lifelong love of reading.","fullyFundedDate":1746786450557,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-guided-reading-library/9233498/","projectTitle":"Classroom Guided Reading Library","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. O","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9406902_orig.jpg?crop=656,656,x73,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724725525947","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/o-headphones"},{"teacherId":9406902,"projectId":9232096,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity in supporting our Title I classroom with new books! Because of your gift, my 4th graders now have access to exciting stories like the Harry Potter series, Holes, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Pete the Cat, The War with Grandpa, and Matilda. These books have instantly become treasures in our classroom, sparking curiosity and inspiring even our most reluctant readers to dive into a story.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom is interactive, joyful, and full of discovery. Students use these texts to practice important skills like identifying character traits, comparing themes across stories, and making predictions about what might happen next. For example, when reading Holes, students practiced cause-and-effect thinking while discussing how the characters' pasts connect to their present. With Matilda and Harry Potter, they explored the theme of perseverance and the power of imagination. Even Pete the Cat gives younger or developing readers the chance to practice fluency and confidence in a fun, low-pressure way.\r\n\r\nThe excitement around these books has been amazing. One student who used to avoid independent reading now proudly carries Charlie and the Chocolate Factory home each night, eager to talk about Willy Wonka's factory the next day. Another student, who often struggles with comprehension, has found success following along with The War with Grandpa and sharing predictions during group discussions. These small moments are reminders of the confidence and joy that come when children see themselves as readers.\r\n\r\nThanks to you, our reading block is no longer just about practicing skills—it's about experiencing the magic of stories together. Your gift has given my students the chance to laugh, wonder, and learn through books they might never have had the chance to read otherwise. We are truly grateful for your generosity and the impact it has made in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1746785689111,"projectUrl":"project/books-to-inspire-reading-in-english/9232096/","projectTitle":"Books to Inspire Reading in English","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. O","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9406902_orig.jpg?crop=656,656,x73,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724725525947","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/o-headphones"},{"teacherId":9406902,"projectId":9233880,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity in providing my 4th grade Title I students with a class set of headphones, a basket to keep them organized, and a replacement classroom calendar. These resources may seem simple, but they are already making a powerful difference in our daily learning.\r\n\r\nIn our classroom, technology is a key tool for helping students with different needs succeed. With the headphones, students can now focus during online lessons, literacy programs, and math practice without being distracted by the sounds of their peers' devices. For example, when practicing reading fluency, students listen to passages and record themselves—something that works so much better with individual headphones. This has allowed shy or struggling readers to build confidence privately, at their own pace. The most exciting part for students is the independence the headphones give them. They feel like real \"scholars\" when they put them on and dive into their lessons. One student who often struggles with background noise now proudly finishes her online reading lessons without needing extra reminders to stay on task. Another student, who receives additional support services, has especially warmed to this technology because he can follow along with text read-aloud features without feeling singled out from his peers.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has created a classroom where every student—regardless of learning style or need—can engage meaningfully in lessons. Thank you for investing in their success and for giving them the tools to focus, learn, and feel proud of their progress.","fullyFundedDate":1746622930892,"projectUrl":"project/durable-elementary-headphones-needed/9233880/","projectTitle":"Durable Elementary Headphones Needed","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. O","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9406902_orig.jpg?crop=656,656,x73,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724725525947","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/o-headphones"},{"teacherId":9406902,"projectId":9236807,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom with brand new PE equipment! Because of your generosity, our students now have volleyballs, jump ropes, basketballs, air pumps, and even coach whistles to keep our games organized and safe. These resources have truly transformed our physical education time.\r\n\r\nThe moment my students saw the new equipment, their faces lit up with excitement. They couldn't wait to get started—some ran to grab the basketballs to practice dribbling and shooting, while others raced to test their jump rope skills. The coach whistles added structure to our activities, and students quickly began listening for signals to start or stop games. One special moment was watching a group of students who don't always join in enthusiastically pick up the volleyballs and play together as a team—it was a wonderful example of how the right tools can invite everyone to participate.\r\n\r\nWe are using these resources not just for play, but for building important skills like teamwork, communication, and perseverance. For example, during volleyball practice, students are learning how to encourage one another and celebrate each small success. In basketball drills, they are practicing patience and focus while improving hand-eye coordination. Even jump ropes are becoming a way for students to set personal goals and track their progress over time. Your generosity has done more than provide equipment—it has given my students the tools to stay healthy, active, and connected with each other. Thank you for investing in their well-being and helping them discover the joy of movement.","fullyFundedDate":1746786409448,"projectUrl":"project/pe-equipment-for-elementary-teacher/9236807/","projectTitle":"PE Equipment for Elementary Teacher","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. O","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9406902_orig.jpg?crop=656,656,x73,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724725525947","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/o-headphones"},{"teacherId":9406902,"projectId":9253260,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous contribution that allowed us to purchase new books for our classroom library. Your gift has made a real difference for my 4th graders, many of whom are Title I students who don't always have access to a variety of books at home. Because of your support, my students can choose to read adventures like Peter Pan, spooky tales like Hocus Pocus, and classics such as Frankenstein, Dracula, and The Bad Seed. These are building essential reading skills. Students are practicing reading fluency, strengthening vocabulary, and learning how to analyze characters, setting, and theme. They are also developing critical thinking by comparing different genres, making predictions, and discussing how stories can reflect both imagination and real-life choices. For example, when reading Peter Pan, we talked about the idea of what responsibilities come with age. And with The Bad Seed, students reflected on character change and the power of making better choices. In our classroom, reading is an interactive experience. Students don't just sit silently with their books; they build comprehension, and write reflections that connect the stories to their own lives.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has given my students the gift of imagination, critical thinking, and a lifelong love for reading. Thank you for investing in their futures and for helping them see that books can be just as exciting—if not more—than the movies.","fullyFundedDate":1746786456517,"projectUrl":"project/stop-streaming-start-reading/9253260/","projectTitle":"Stop Streaming Start Reading","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. O","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9406902_orig.jpg?crop=656,656,x73,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724725525947","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/o-headphones"},{"teacherId":9406902,"projectId":8722077,"letterContent":"Thank you for your wonderful donation. It came in time for the students' Benchmark tests. I was able to create small group and individual study aid material for my classroom. My students are English language learners so their ability to read was from kindergarten level to early fourth-grade reading level. The study materials made it possible for my students to test higher than the district in both reading and math, and it was all due to the materials you sent to my classroom. Thank you so much. My English language learning students were so happy to study aids they could reuse or have in multiple languages.\r\n\r\nMy students have a new sense of confidence. They know they can do well in English and in math. The supplies and materials from the ELA project helped my students do their absolute best. I can create more classroom materials to practice vocabulary translation, math, and reading annotations, create student reference packets, and create wall reference materials. Thank you so much for helping me create materials that help my students. I am helping them achieve new reading levels and approach benchmark goals before they move on to the next grade. Thank you and God Bless!","fullyFundedDate":1739373216563,"projectUrl":"project/english-language-reading-and-decoding-su/8722077/","projectTitle":"English Language Reading and Decoding Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. O","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9406902_orig.jpg?crop=656,656,x73,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724725525947","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/o-headphones"},{"teacherId":9406902,"projectId":8853701,"letterContent":"The students received jump ropes, a basketball, a volleyball, a tether ball, and soccer balls with a large carry bag. The students were able to organize their recess into an activity instead of just sitting and eating. The students were playing together and creating their own original games. The students have been more inclusive with each other and with other students on the playground. The playground has had less aggression and rumors leading to fights. The students are communicating with each other. They are developing their hand signals or exchanging languages.\r\n\r\nSports has the students speaking and acting more confidently. The students are active and attend more classes. My English language learners were able to use sports to get out their frustration and stress. The sports balls provide a social-emotional break in the middle of the day for the students. The increase in sports activity has helped the students to focus on topics because their stamina is growing. The students have benefitted so much physically and mentally from this donation. The class didn; t have any sport equipment. Thanks to you and your donation the atmosphere changed and te students were eager to come to school. Thank you so much! God bless you!","fullyFundedDate":1730388121975,"projectUrl":"project/sport-balls-for-4th-graders-physical-edu/8853701/","projectTitle":"Sport Balls for 4th Graders Physical Education","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. O","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9406902_orig.jpg?crop=656,656,x73,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724725525947","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/o-headphones"},{"teacherId":9406902,"projectId":8914141,"letterContent":"Thanks to your donations the students have been able to engage in team sports. The students have never experienced a team environment before in school. It has encouraged students to be more outgoing, confident, and empathetic to their classmates. The students have learned to play basketball, soccer, and touch football. The students have learned appropriate behaviors and the rules for playing a fair game. The sports balls are a wonderful new addition to our classroom. Organized activities have been helpful for the students to learn different skills and to develop an interest in sports.\r\nThe students have been more active and focused during lessons. Many students are now coming to school more often. The activity has helped the students engage with each other despite language barriers. I have Engish learners but I also have students who are not Spanish speakers because they are below grade-level reading. The activities have built friendships among the students. The sports have encouraged communication either in English, or Spanish, body language signals, or a combination among the students in teams. The teamwork has been wonderful to witness and has been reflected inside the classroom. Thank you so much for this gift. God bless you!","fullyFundedDate":1730926567613,"projectUrl":"project/engaging-in-team-sports/8914141/","projectTitle":"Engaging in Team Sports","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. O","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9406902_orig.jpg?crop=656,656,x73,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724725525947","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/o-headphones"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_72864","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":339,"numTeachers":20,"percentFrplEligible":87,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":2,"percentWhite":5,"percentIndigenous":3,"percentLatinx":85,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"17.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_FRINGE"},"inStateSupporters":68.1,"schoolId":72864,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Henry Oyama Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Henry Oyama Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/arizona/tucson-unified-school-district/henry-oyama-elementary-school/72864"}
Join the 182 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Henry Oyama Elementary School is
a rural public school
in Tucson, Arizona that is part of Tucson Unified School District.
It serves 339 students
in grades Pre-K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 17.0:1.
Its teachers have had 78 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
90%
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.
Henry Oyama Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Dec 5, 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.
Henry Oyama Elementary School
$31,487
raised using DonorsChoose
78
projects
funded
33
teachers
funded
182
donors
4
projects
for
basic supplies
6
projects for
technology
10
projects for
books
Henry Oyama Elementary School has received support from
124 individuals from Arizona and
58 individuals out-of-state.