{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Gerald R Ford Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":15.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8385480,"projectId":9317721,"letterContent":"The Restocking Imaginative Play Tools project had and is still creating a meaningful impact on the past and current TK students by supporting their natural curiosity and love for hands-on learning. They were super excited to receive new tools, and that excitement has translated into deeper engagement during play. As they use materials like magnetic tiles and kinetic sand, they are actively exploring concepts such as how magnets work through observation and investigation, while also designing and building their own creative structures. This imaginative play is helping them think critically, ask questions, and engage more deeply in STEM learning.\r\n\r\nAt the same time, these experiences are strengthening other important skills. Students are talking about their creations, telling stories, and building language and communication skills. They are also developing early math understanding through shapes, patterns, and spatial awareness, while practicing collaboration and problem-solving with peers. These tools are currently creating an engaging environment where students are learning across multiple domains through play.","fullyFundedDate":1746488270066,"projectUrl":"project/restocking-imaginative-play-tools/9317721/","projectTitle":"Restocking Imaginative Play Tools","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kenmuir","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8385480_orig.jpg?crop=530,530,x535,y180&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1649297693058","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8385480"},{"teacherId":10112323,"projectId":9537671,"letterContent":"Because of your incredible generosity, our TK–2nd grade Extensive Support Needs classroom now has bean bags, weighted items, and sensory tools that are already making a meaningful difference each day. We use the bean bags as part of our calm-down corner, where students can take safe breaks and practice regulating their emotions before returning to learning. The weighted lap pads and sensory tools are especially helpful during whole-group lessons, helping students stay grounded and focused while we work on early literacy and math activities. During a recent lesson on shapes and counting, I saw students who typically struggle to remain seated stay engaged and participate while using their new supports—such a powerful moment!\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, my students' faces lit up with excitement and curiosity. They immediately wanted to explore the textures and try out the cozy seating. One student who often has difficulty transitioning gently hugged a weighted item and said it made them feel \"calm.\" Watching them naturally gravitate toward tools that help them feel safe and regulated was incredibly heartwarming. Your generosity gave them not just materials, but comfort and confidence.\r\n\r\nNext, we are continuing to build independence by teaching students how to recognize when they need a sensory break and choose the right tool for their body. We are practicing using our calm-down space during social-emotional lessons and applying those skills during academic centers. Because of you, my students are developing self-regulation skills that will support them far beyond our classroom. Thank you for believing in them and investing in their growth.","fullyFundedDate":1764719556547,"projectUrl":"project/tools-for-calm-supporting-big-feelings/9537671/","projectTitle":"Tools for Calm: Supporting Big Feelings in Little Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Rojas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10112323"},{"teacherId":1761742,"projectId":9564271,"letterContent":"The new toys have become the heartbeat of our Free Choice time. It is a joy to watch kindergarteners navigate the complexities of sharing and teamwork. Whether they are building elaborate structures or engaging in imaginative play, these items encourage them to:\r\n\r\nThe Little Spot book series has helped with our social-emotional learning. Kindergarten is a time of \"big feelings,\" and these books give my students a concrete vocabulary for what they are experiencing.\r\n\r\nWe are beyond grateful for your investment in our classroom. In kindergarten, we aren't just teaching academics; we are teaching children how to be good humans. Your donations have provided the tactile and visual tools necessary to make those lessons stick.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students and for helping us cultivate a culture of kindness that will stay with them long after they leave my room.","fullyFundedDate":1758827947158,"projectUrl":"project/cultivating-kindness/9564271/","projectTitle":"Cultivating Kindness","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hualde","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1761742_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1572614006325","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1761742"},{"teacherId":1761742,"projectId":9303235,"letterContent":"The Magna-Tiles are an incredible tool for helping my students visualize and build the world of their stories. Students work together to construct detailed settings—from dinosaurs in a forest to road construction—and then use these three-dimensional structures as inspiration. By building the environment first, they are able to think more deeply about the details, characters, and events of their narratives.\r\n\r\nAfter their settings are complete, they bring their stories to life by writing and drawing in their journals. The tactile experience of building with the Magna-Tiles helps them to connect with the setting on a deeper level, resulting in more detailed and more engaging stories. This process not only strengthens their writing skills but also fosters collaboration, problem-solving, and a sense of ownership over their work.\r\n\r\nYour donation has done so much more than provide a classroom with a new toy. It has given my students a tangible way to build their imaginations, develop their writing confidence, and cultivate their love for storytelling. 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Join the 187 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Gerald R Ford Elementary School is
a suburban public school
in Indian Wells, California that is part of Desert Sands Unified School District.
It serves 615 students
in grades Pre-K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 19.2:1.
Its teachers have had 50 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Supporting this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.
Public School
Title 1
Data about Title 1 status comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education.
Grades Pre-K - 5
615 Students
32 Teachers
44210 Warner TrlContact info is sourced from our partners at MDR Education, and DonorsChoose updates our site ahead of each school year.
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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
61%
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.
Gerald R Ford Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated May 23, 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.
Gerald R Ford Elementary School
$38,285
raised using DonorsChoose
50
projects
funded
14
teachers
funded
187
donors
1
project
for
basic supplies
5
projects for
technology
15
projects for
books
3
projects
for
art supplies
Gerald R Ford Elementary School has received support from
158 individuals from California and
29 individuals out-of-state.
