{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"James Madison Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":20.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":3897335,"projectId":9131159,"letterContent":"My students cannot get enough of these books! A portion of the books were graphic novels which are always a firm favorite among 2nd graders. They allow the kids to use the many fun pictures to help decipher what they are reading, leading to improved reading skills and very high enthusiasm!\r\n\r\nThe majority of the books, however, were based around SEL (social emotional learning). Most of these are books that I read to the students and then follow with discussion and activities. We have had so many great conversations and realizations as we delve into these stories. It is a wonderful opportunity to have the kids recognize their own feelings and behaviors, as well as understanding that what we do and say can affect others in good and bad ways. Such wonderful lessons for their developing brains!\r\n\r\nI know these books and other materials will be used in my classroom for many years to come and look forward to the continuing positive impact they will have on my students.","fullyFundedDate":1740850936729,"projectUrl":"project/reading-is-fundamental/9131159/","projectTitle":"Reading is FUNdamental","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Wealand","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3897335_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1535562156551","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-wealand"},{"teacherId":3897335,"projectId":8828760,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for making a difference in our classroom. When I explained to the kids that we had a Donors Choose project funded, and what that meant, they cheered with excitement. Then, when we opened the boxes and pulled out all of the various books and supplies, it felt like Christmas morning!\r\n\r\nThe addition to our classroom of the donated books means that kids do not have to wait for another student to finish up with one of the most \"sought after\" books, because now there are so many sought after books they are spoiled for choice! I overhear the students recommending them to each other and talking about how funny they are. There is nothing better than seeing this kind of enthusiasm for reading amongst young children.\r\n\r\nOur science and art supplies were also a huge hit. The dino egg dig is always such a hands-on fun activity, and towards the end of the year, we will use the rock tumbling gems, to erode and polish our own rocks, for the kids to experience the erosion process first hand AND take a keepsake home. \r\n\r\nLearning should be fun, and thanks to your generous donation, it certainly is!","fullyFundedDate":1734099458972,"projectUrl":"project/learning-should-be-fun/8828760/","projectTitle":"Learning Should Be Fun!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Wealand","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3897335_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1535562156551","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-wealand"},{"teacherId":9023028,"projectId":8618798,"letterContent":"I would like to express how incredibly grateful we are for your support in funding our chair pockets project! Since receiving the new pockets, I've noticed a significant improvement in student organization and focus during lessons. Prior to receiving our chair pockets, students were using the top of their desks and floor for their books and papers. Because of this, transitions from one subject to the next were chaotic and messy. Students couldn't find their worksheets and books were misplaced. It was a very overwhelming/overstimulating situation. After receiving the chair pockets, transitions became seamless! The best part? Time efficiency! We can now spend more time on learning! \r\n\r\nOne student mentioned that the chair pocket makes him feel \"successful\". This just proves how much of a positive impact these pockets have had on their learning experience. Thank you again for making this possible! We are forever grateful for your kindness!","fullyFundedDate":1733252528501,"projectUrl":"project/a-place-for-everything-and-everything-in/8618798/","projectTitle":"A Place for Everything and Everything in its Place!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Castro","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9023028_orig.jpg?crop=539,539,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1695920984307","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9023028"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_55180","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":376,"numTeachers":21,"percentFrplEligible":94,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":2,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":85,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"17.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":79.6,"schoolId":55180,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about James Madison Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"James Madison Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/desert-sands-unified-school-district/james-madison-elementary-school/55180"}
Join the 98 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
James Madison Elementary School is
a suburban public school
in Indio, California that is part of Desert Sands Unified School District.
It serves 376 students
in grades Pre-K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 17.9:1.
Its teachers have had 46 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!
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
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
87%
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.
James Madison Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Dec 6, 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.
James Madison Elementary School
$24,665
raised using DonorsChoose
46
projects
funded
15
teachers
funded
98
donors
2
projects
for
basic supplies
3
projects for
technology
12
projects for
books
2
projects
for
art supplies
James Madison Elementary School has received support from
78 individuals from California and
20 individuals out-of-state.