{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Bear Mountain Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":21.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9132105,"projectId":9047933,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our \"Collaborative Space for Learning\" project! The day the new furniture and materials arrived, my students were bursting with excitement. Their eyes lit up as they explored the flexible seating options and started imagining how they could use the space for group work and learning. One student said, \"This looks like a classroom in a movie!\" Your donation completely transformed our learning environment into one that supports creativity, communication, and collaboration.\r\n\r\nWe've already been using the new space during our science investigations and reading rotations. Students now have the freedom to move, gather in small groups, and take ownership of their learning. During a recent weather and climate group project, students used the collaborative area to build posters, analyze real-world data, and present their findings to the class. The space encouraged them to communicate their ideas clearly and work as a team. These resources have helped foster independence, responsibility, and stronger social-emotional connections among classmates.\r\n\r\nNext, we plan to use our new collaborative setup for peer revision during writing workshops and group math talks to share problem-solving strategies. Because of your support, students now have a comfortable, engaging, and functional environment where learning feels meaningful and connected. Thank you for helping us create a classroom that truly supports 21st-century learning!","fullyFundedDate":1746786438315,"projectUrl":"project/collaborative-space-for-learning/9047933/","projectTitle":"Collaborative Space for Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Moreno","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9132105_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1715752080045","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9132105"},{"teacherId":9132105,"projectId":9048030,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom library through the \"The World in Pages\" project! The moment the box of new books arrived, my students swarmed around it with curiosity and excitement—asking, \"Can we check these out today?\" These new titles have added so much variety and representation to our shelves, helping students see themselves in stories and explore new perspectives far beyond our classroom walls. From Native American folktales to social-emotional learning stories and fun chapter books like Junie B. Jones and Ivy and Bean, these books have opened up meaningful conversations in our daily reading time.\r\n\r\nIn our classroom, reading is more than just a quiet activity—it's a shared experience. We read independently, in small groups, and aloud together. I've introduced new vocabulary strategies, character trait analysis, and text-to-self connections using these books, and my students are becoming more confident in expressing their thoughts and questions. One student who used to shy away from reading now proudly brings her new favorite book to our morning circle, eager to read a page aloud. Another student, who has struggled with engagement, now asks to visit the class library more often thanks to the exciting new choices. These books are not only improving reading skills—they're building a genuine love for reading.\r\n\r\nYour donation gave my students the chance to explore the world through literature. Thank you for giving them stories to connect with, learn from, and be inspired by. Your kindness truly turned pages into possibilities.","fullyFundedDate":1746786466297,"projectUrl":"project/the-world-in-pages/9048030/","projectTitle":"The World in Pages","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Moreno","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9132105_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1715752080045","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9132105"},{"teacherId":9132105,"projectId":9048031,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our \"Phonics and Beyond\" project! When the materials arrived, my students were overjoyed—many of them couldn't believe all of it was just for our classroom. The colorful phonics games, decodable readers, and literacy tools immediately grabbed their attention. One student even said, \"This looks like fun AND learning!\" From that moment, I knew these resources would make a big difference.\r\n\r\nWe've been using the materials during our guided reading and literacy centers. The phonics games have been especially effective in helping students practice blending and segmenting sounds in a way that feels playful rather than pressured. One memorable moment came during a small-group station when a struggling reader successfully read a full decodable sentence on their own using the tools—we all clapped, and his smile said it all. These kinds of victories are happening more often thanks to your donation.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, we plan to incorporate these tools into our vocabulary and fluency-building units. The readers will support students as we move into more complex texts, and the hands-on games will continue to build foundational skills in fun and engaging ways. Your support didn't just fund materials—it gave my students opportunities to feel confident, excited, and proud of their growth in reading. Thank you for helping us move phonics forward and beyond!","fullyFundedDate":1746786365798,"projectUrl":"project/phonics-and-beyond/9048031/","projectTitle":"Phonics and Beyond","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Moreno","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9132105_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1715752080045","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9132105"},{"teacherId":9132105,"projectId":9053527,"letterContent":"Dear Donors,\r\n\r\nThank you so much for your generous support of our \"Tools for Success\" project! The resources you helped fund have already made a noticeable impact in our classroom. As soon as the materials arrived, my students' eyes lit up with excitement. Their first reactions were filled with smiles, curiosity, and a lot of \"Can we use these today, Miss Moreno?\"\r\n\r\nWe've already put the materials to good use in several ways. For example, the new tools have helped us organize our independent learning stations, making transitions smoother and learning more engaging. During one math lesson, students used the new materials to practice their multiplication facts and collaborate on problem-solving games. These resources have supported not only academic growth but also student confidence and independence.\r\n\r\nOne specific moment that stood out was during a reading block when a student who usually struggles with staying focused said, \"This makes it easier for me to follow along—I feel like I can do it now.\" That sense of ownership and success is exactly what this project was all about.\r\n\r\nNext, we plan to integrate these tools into our science unit on weather and climate. Students will use them to collect observations, take notes, and present their findings in group projects. Your donation has set a strong foundation for ongoing learning and exploration.\r\n\r\nThank you again for investing in our classroom. You truly are helping build the future—one tool, one student at a time.","fullyFundedDate":1746786312987,"projectUrl":"project/tools-for-success/9053527/","projectTitle":"Tools for Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Moreno","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9132105_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1715752080045","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9132105"},{"teacherId":9132105,"projectId":9155939,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom project! Your donations have truly made a difference in our daily learning environment, and I wanted to share just how impactful your contributions have been.\r\n\r\nWhen the new Fellowes Levado adjustable desk arrived, my students were instantly curious. We turned it into a mini lesson on ergonomics and why workspace comfort matters for focus and productivity. Now, I use it for small group instruction and conferencing with students—it's the perfect space to gather and check in on progress, and students love being invited to the \"teacher table\" to share their work.\r\n\r\nThe digital timers have helped bring more structure and independence to our learning routines. During our centers and rotations, students now manage their own time more confidently. One student even said, \"I feel like a real scientist using the timer!\"—we love that!\r\n\r\nAs for the snacks, they've become a huge part of supporting our learners, especially on long testing days or during special reward activities. The peanut-free snack packs, Pringles cups, Nabisco fun shapes, and fruit snacks were a hit from day one. When the boxes arrived, the classroom buzzed with excitement and gratitude. Several students cheered when they saw their favorite treats—and it has brought comfort to students with allergies to know they have safe, fun options too.\r\n\r\nYour donation also covered essential supplies like black ink cartridges, which ensure that student work, family letters, and learning tools can keep flowing without interruption. It might not be flashy, but it's a critical part of keeping our classroom running smoothly!\r\n\r\nNext steps: Right now, my students are working on end-of-unit presentations for our science project on weather and climate. We'll be using the timers to practice our speaking parts, the desk for displaying visual aids, and the snacks to celebrate our hard work after presentations. Thanks to you, we have the tools (and treats!) we need to make learning meaningful and fun.\r\n\r\nThank you again for being such a vital part of our classroom community. Your generosity supports not only supplies—but also smiles, confidence, and joyful learning.","fullyFundedDate":1746718591737,"projectUrl":"project/essential-classroom-supplies/9155939/","projectTitle":"Essential Classroom Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Moreno","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9132105_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1715752080045","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9132105"},{"teacherId":9065260,"projectId":8247089,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our DonorsChoose project, \"A Welcoming Place.\" Your generosity has helped create a classroom environment where my students feel safe, supported, and excited to learn each day.\r\n\r\nThe Flagship Carpets Smiley Seating Rug has completely transformed our learning space. It gives each child their own cozy, colorful spot where they can feel a sense of belonging and structure during group lessons, story time, and morning meetings. The cheerful design and clear layout make transitions smoother and help foster a warm, inclusive atmosphere from the moment students walk in.\r\n\r\nThe Lakeshore Fractions Hands-On Teaching Kit has brought math to life in a way that's both fun and meaningful. With these tactile tools, my young learners are better able to visualize and grasp early fraction concepts through play, experimentation, and teamwork. For many of my students, especially those learning English as a second language, this kind of hands-on learning is essential—and now, it's a daily part of our math time.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, our classroom isn't just a place to learn—it's a place to feel welcome, to grow, and to belong. Thank you for helping us build that kind of space.","fullyFundedDate":1709439885118,"projectUrl":"project/a-welcoming-place/8247089/","projectTitle":"A Welcoming Place","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Helen Abigail Sanchez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9065260_orig.jpg?crop=2308,2308,x322,y594&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1688414420414","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9065260"},{"teacherId":9596246,"projectId":8854704,"letterContent":"The sensory books donated to my TK-K special education classroom have been an incredible resource for introducing important early literacy skills. These books are designed to engage students with tactile elements, bright visuals, and interactive features, which help make learning to read both fun and accessible for my students. These books introduce foundational concepts such as letter recognition, vocabulary, basic storytelling, and sequencing. They also support the development of fine motor skills as students explore the textures and move through the pages. These multisensory experiences help reinforce the connection between spoken and written language in a way that is meaningful and engaging for young learners.\r\n\r\nIn my classroom, reading looks like a highly interactive and dynamic activity. We often read together as a group, where students can explore the sensory features of the books, touching and feeling the textures, lifting flaps, or pressing buttons that make sounds. These elements keep students engaged and help them focus while also building a connection to the text. There are certain students, particularly those with sensory needs, who have especially enjoyed these books. For example, one student who struggles with attention and focus has become much more engaged during reading time, using the sensory features of the books to better connect with the story. Another student who has difficulty with fine motor skills has shown growth in using their hands more purposefully as they explore the textures and lift the flaps. Thanks to the donation, these books are helping create a more inclusive and exciting reading experience for all of my students.","fullyFundedDate":1731940400958,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-adventures-interactive-books-fo/8854704/","projectTitle":"Sensory Adventures: Interactive Books for Special Needs Kids","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cisneros","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9596246_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1722047457698","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9596246"},{"teacherId":9596246,"projectId":8804501,"letterContent":"The iPads donated to my TK-K classroom by The Campbell Foundation have been incredibly helpful in enhancing my students' learning experience. Technology in the classroom provides a variety of interactive, engaging tools that are great for my young learners. The iPads allow students to explore educational apps that help them practice essential skills like letter recognition, numbers, shapes, and even early literacy and math. Using the iPads in small groups has allowed for more personalized learning, where students can work at their own pace, receiving immediate feedback, and mastering concepts in a fun, hands-on way.\r\n\r\nWhat excites my students the most about the iPads is the interactive and colorful nature of the apps, which make learning feel like play. The touch-screen interface is very intuitive for them, and they love the ability to tap, swipe, and manipulate digital elements on the screen. Some students, particularly those who are more tactile or visual learners, have really warmed to the iPads and shown significant growth. For example, a few of my students who struggled with attention and focus during traditional activities have shown more engagement when working on the iPads. They seem to connect more easily with the material and are excited to share their progress with the class. The iPads have made learning feel more accessible and motivating, especially for those students who benefit from interactive and individualized instruction.","fullyFundedDate":1731940524092,"projectUrl":"project/enhancing-learning-and-engagement-with-i/8804501/","projectTitle":"Enhancing Learning and Engagement with iPads for Special Education Class","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cisneros","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9596246_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1722047457698","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9596246"},{"teacherId":9596246,"projectId":8747913,"letterContent":"Since receiving the individual schedules, my TK-K students have been adjusting to the classroom routine with more confidence and independence. The schedules help them understand what to expect throughout their day, giving them a sense of security and control. This has been especially important for my younger students, who thrive on consistency and structure. By visually seeing their day laid out, they're able to follow along with transitions more smoothly, from circle time to learning centers and snack breaks. It's been a great tool to reinforce the importance of routine and keep them on track.\r\n\r\nThe students' reactions to having these individual schedules have been overwhelmingly positive. They enjoy checking their schedules throughout the day, and it's helping them develop a better understanding of time and the sequence of events. As they continue to familiarize themselves with the routine, the next steps involve encouraging them to take more responsibility for their schedules. This could mean helping them identify when it's time to move on to the next activity or using the schedules to build more self-reliance. I'm excited to see how they continue to grow in this structured environment and how it enhances their learning experience.","fullyFundedDate":1731940485607,"projectUrl":"project/daily-routine-visual-schedules/8747913/","projectTitle":"Daily Routine Visual Schedules","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cisneros","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9596246_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1722047457698","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9596246"},{"teacherId":9638301,"projectId":8600336,"letterContent":"The Impact of Your Donation: A Printer for Student Success\r\n\r\nThanks to your generous donation, our students now have access to a high-quality printer that is making a world of difference in their learning experience. This new printer is helping our students in ways that may not be immediately obvious but are incredibly impactful. In a world where visual and hands-on learning is essential, being able to print their projects, research, and creative work has allowed students to better express and refine their ideas. From printing detailed science reports to creating colorful presentations and posters, the printer has given our students a sense of pride in the work they produce.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting part for our students is the ability to print their own projects. For example, in art and design classes, students are able to print their artwork and display it in the classroom, which helps build their confidence. In other subjects, students are excited to print out diagrams, interactive worksheets, and even prototypes for their science experiments. The tangible result of their hard work feels real, which helps motivate them to continue engaging and pushing their creative boundaries.\r\n\r\nParticular students have really warmed to the new printer. One student, who has a passion for graphic design, has been especially excited to print out full-color designs that she's been working on. She says that having a physical copy of her work has helped her see it in a new light and pushed her to improve her skills. Similarly, a group of students working on a class project were able to print large, vibrant posters to showcase their findings, which brought their collaboration to life in a way that digital files alone couldn't.\r\n\r\nYour donation has made a profound impact by providing our students with the tools to turn their digital ideas into physical creations. It's not just a printer—it's a bridge to a more engaging, creative, and hands-on learning environment. Thank you for making this possible!","fullyFundedDate":1731940404593,"projectUrl":"project/print-for-success/8600336/","projectTitle":"Print for Success!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. PANTOJA","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9638301"},{"teacherId":9132105,"projectId":8589986,"letterContent":"The generous donations from our DonorsChoose Community have transformed our classroom into an even more engaging, organized, and student-centered learning space. With these new resources, my students have access to a wider variety of books that spark their curiosity, improve their literacy skills, and encourage meaningful discussions about emotions and character development.\r\n\r\nHow We're Using the New Resources:\r\n📚 Independent & Partner Reading: The Lakeshore Leveled Library Mobile Storage Cart keeps our classroom library organized and accessible, making it easier for students to find books that match their interests and reading levels.\r\n🤩 Social-Emotional Learning: The A Little SPOT book sets have been a fantastic tool for teaching kindness, patience, respect, and emotions. We use them in class discussions and reflective writing activities, helping students better understand their feelings and interactions with others.\r\n🦸 Exciting New Book Choices: The addition of Dog Man, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Junie B. Jones, and The Bad Guys series has ignited a love of reading for many of my students! These books have been flying off the shelves, and students are eager to swap and discuss their favorite parts with their classmates.\r\nA Special Classroom Moment:\r\nWhen my students first saw the new Dog Man and Diary of a Wimpy Kid books, their excitement was through the roof! Some students immediately grabbed a book, found a cozy spot, and started reading. One student who had struggled to find books they enjoyed is now completely hooked on The Bad Guys series, and it's amazing to see their confidence grow as a reader.\r\n\r\nWhat's Next for Our Students?\r\nWe are currently working on a \"Book Buzz\" project, where students will write and present short book recommendations to their classmates. They will use the new books as their inspiration, summarizing the stories, sharing their favorite parts, and encouraging others to read them. The mobile storage cart will help keep our books easily accessible as students select titles for their projects.\r\n\r\nThese donations have had a tremendous impact on our classroom, helping my students develop their reading fluency, comprehension, and social-emotional awareness while fostering a love for books. Thank you to our DonorsChoose Community for making this possible! Your generosity has truly made a difference in our classroom, and we are so grateful! 📚✨","fullyFundedDate":1731940436355,"projectUrl":"project/building-a-love-for-reading/8589986/","projectTitle":"Building a Love for Reading.","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Moreno","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9132105_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1715752080045","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9132105"},{"teacherId":9132105,"projectId":8590479,"letterContent":"The generous donations from our DonorsChoose Community have brought so much excitement and joy to our classroom! These new resources have helped us create a more comfortable, engaging, and rewarding learning environment.\r\n\r\nHow We're Using the New Resources:\r\nClassroom Comfort & Focus: The VECELO ergonomic chair has been a game-changer! It provides a comfortable and supportive seat while I work with small groups, making one-on-one instruction more effective.\r\nTechnology & Learning: The classroom headphones allow students to engage in digital learning activities, whether listening to audiobooks, working on math fluency apps, or recording themselves reading for fluency practice.\r\nOrganization & Lesson Prep: The three-hole punch and pocket chart make it easier to prepare and display materials for interactive lessons, helping students stay organized and engaged.\r\nMotivation & Fun: The penguin bookmarks, colorful pencils, scented stickers, animal erasers, globe keychains, and sticky hands have made classroom incentives more exciting! Students eagerly work toward earning these prizes, reinforcing positive behavior, effort, and growth in their learning.\r\nA Special Classroom Moment:\r\nOne of the most heartwarming moments was when my students saw the animal erasers and scratch-and-sniff stickers for the first time—they were absolutely thrilled! Many of them started picking their favorites right away and were even more motivated to participate in class discussions and complete their assignments. Seeing their enthusiasm made me realize how meaningful these small incentives can be in encouraging engagement and effort.\r\n\r\nWhat's Next for Our Students?\r\nWe're currently working on a research and writing project where students will use their headphones to listen to informational videos and take notes. They will organize their research using materials stored in the pocket chart and then draft their reports, which they'll proudly hole-punch and compile into booklets! As they complete their work, students will get to choose fun classroom incentives as rewards for their hard work.\r\n\r\nThese donations have made a huge difference in our classroom, and I can't thank our DonorsChoose Community enough for their generosity. Your support has helped create a more engaging, organized, and exciting learning experience for all of my students! 💙✨","fullyFundedDate":1731940421016,"projectUrl":"project/tools-for-thriving/8590479/","projectTitle":"Tools for Thriving","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Moreno","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9132105_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1715752080045","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9132105"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_49744","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":749,"numTeachers":36,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":3,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":91,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"20.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"TOWN","ncesMetroType":"TOWN_FRINGE"},"inStateSupporters":78.2,"schoolId":49744,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Bear Mountain Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Bear Mountain Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/arvin-union-school-district/bear-mountain-elementary-school/49744"}
Join the 202 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Bear Mountain Elementary School is
a town public school
in Arvin, California that is part of Arvin Union School District.
It serves 749 students
in grades Pre-K - 6 with a student/teacher ratio of 20.8:1.
Its teachers have had 160 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Boost support for our school's classrooms. Share this page with friends and family who want to make a difference. If you're a teacher, sign up to get started!
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. Each classroom request for funding was created by a classroom teacher and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
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.
Bear Mountain 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.
Bear Mountain Elementary School
$115,009
raised using DonorsChoose
160
projects
funded
34
teachers
funded
202
donors
17
projects
for
basic supplies
22
projects for
technology
15
projects for
books
8
projects
for
art supplies
Bear Mountain Elementary School has received support from
158 individuals from California and
44 individuals out-of-state.