{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Ocean Knoll Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":19.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":3302248,"projectId":9605915,"letterContent":"Thank you for your donation toward a class set of \"Fish in a Tree\" by Lynda Mullaly Hunt. Having a copy of the book in every student's hands was a dream come true. My class begged to read the book together every day. To enter Ally, the main character's, world through Ms.Hunt's masterful writing. And not only did we enjoy Ally's story, we were able to extend what we love about Ally's world into our community. \r\nIn the book, characters fight for understanding and inclusion after being labeled dyslexic, Autistic, or \"weird.\" My class talked openly about learning and physical challenges that they or a loved one might have and how people often only pay attention to the DISabilities, rather than their abilities. So, we put on a Dis/Ability Awareness presentation to counter this bias. Students researched topics from dyslexia to vision and hearing impairment to Cerebral Palsy to diabetes, and created posters to teach others about the deficit based lens vs the strength based lens toward each. They also researched people who overcame these challenges to live their dreams. We presented their findings to the whole school. \r\nYour donation not only brought great literature into the hands of my students, it taught them empathy and understanding in a deep, meaningful, and everlasting way. 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These experiences helped students see themselves, and each other, reflected in our classroom learning.\r\n\r\nAs we continue our study of world cultures, the next steps for my students include deepening these connections through projects that explore global food, music, and celebrations. We will soon be creating a World Culture Fair, where each group will research a region, share what they have learned, and teach their peers how to play a traditional game from that area. Your donations have made this kind of immersive, meaningful learning possible—you have quite literally put the world in our hands. Thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1755717924167,"projectUrl":"project/the-world-in-their-hands/9469545/","projectTitle":"The World in Their Hands","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kusiak","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp324088_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753111633546","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/324088"},{"teacherId":10175818,"projectId":9592205,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom project! My first graders are absolutely thrilled about the new books and prizes your donations made possible. The moment the boxes arrived, their faces lit up with excitement and curiosity—they couldn't wait to dive into the stories and explore new adventures through reading.\r\n\r\nYour kindness is helping us build a classroom filled with imagination, joy, and a true love for learning. The books you've provided are helping my students strengthen their reading skills and discover the magic of stories, while the special prizes are motivating them to reach their goals and celebrate their successes.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, my students feel seen, supported, and inspired to dream big every day. We are deeply grateful for your generosity and the difference you've made in our little classroom community.","fullyFundedDate":1755901581821,"projectUrl":"project/fueling-young-minds-with-books-motivat/9592205/","projectTitle":"Fueling Young Minds with Books & Motivation","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Smith","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10175818"},{"teacherId":10181272,"projectId":9607768,"letterContent":"When my students first saw the weighted Hugimals, cozy beanbag seats, and lap desks, their faces lit up with excitement. 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Join the 133 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Ocean Knoll Elementary School is
an urban public school
in Encinitas, California that is part of Encinitas Union School District.
It serves 492 students
in grades K - 6 with a student/teacher ratio of 19.7:1.
Its teachers have had 24 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Public School
Title 1
Data about Title 1 status comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education.
Grades K - 6
492 Students
25 Teachers
910 Melba RdContact info is sourced from our partners at MDR Education, and DonorsChoose updates our site ahead of each school year.
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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
39%
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.
Ocean Knoll 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.
Ocean Knoll Elementary School
$12,354
raised using DonorsChoose
24
projects
funded
10
teachers
funded
133
donors
1
project
for
basic supplies
13
projects for
books
Ocean Knoll Elementary School has received support from
107 individuals from California and
26 individuals out-of-state.