{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Donald E Suburu School","outOfStateSupporters":43.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9560229,"projectId":9317319,"letterContent":"Having an iPad in our Transitional Kindergarten classroom has truly transformed the way my students learn and interact with new concepts. We've been able to use it for letter-sound practice, math games, and story apps that make lessons more engaging and accessible. My English learners and students with speech needs especially benefit, as the iPad provides interactive models for language development and offers tools that help them build confidence in their communication skills. It has allowed me to tailor activities to each child's level, making learning more personalized and meaningful.\r\n\r\nBeyond academics, the iPad has given my students new ways to express themselves and share their growth. They love recording their voices, drawing, and listening to stories, and it has quickly become a favorite tool in our daily routines. I've seen students light up with excitement as they master skills through the interactive apps, and parents have loved hearing about how technology is being used to support their children's progress. Having this resource in our classroom has been such a gift, helping us bring learning to life and preparing my students for the digital world ahead.","fullyFundedDate":1748377863097,"projectUrl":"project/building-the-foundation-for-learning/9317319/","projectTitle":"Building the Foundation for Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Rappleye","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9560229_orig.jpg?crop=1358,1358,x491,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1717352704195","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9560229"},{"teacherId":9843610,"projectId":9243220,"letterContent":"A bookshelf filled with books will have a powerful impact on our TK classroom. At this age, children are developing a love for stories, language, and learning. Having an organized, inviting space where books are displayed at their eye level encourages students to explore independently and make choices that build ownership in their learning.\r\n\r\nThe books themselves provide countless opportunities for growth:\r\n\t•\tLanguage Development: Listening to and looking through books helps children expand their vocabulary, sentence structure, and comprehension skills.\r\n\t•\tEarly Literacy Skills: Exposure to print, pictures, and stories lays the foundation for recognizing letters, sounds, and concepts of print.\r\n\t•\tSocial-Emotional Growth: Books about friendship, emotions, and problem-solving help children build empathy and understand their own feelings.\r\n\t•\tLove of Reading: Having books readily available makes reading a joyful, everyday part of the classroom, sparking curiosity and lifelong learning.\r\n\r\nThe bookshelf will also help create a cozy, organized reading corner where students can feel calm, safe, and inspired. This space will nurture their imagination, independence, and excitement for school.\r\n\r\nBy supporting this project, you are giving our youngest learners the gift of stories, knowledge, and a strong foundation for future success.","fullyFundedDate":1754328407768,"projectUrl":"project/help-us-build-a-classroom-library-for-li/9243220/","projectTitle":"Help Us Build a Classroom Library for Lifelong Readers!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Rappleye","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9843610"},{"teacherId":9843610,"projectId":8955519,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom project! Because of your kindness, our students now have access to drying racks, paint, playdough, and playdough tools — resources that are already making a tremendous difference in our learning environment.\r\n\r\nThese materials have transformed our art and sensory play areas into vibrant spaces of creativity and discovery. The drying racks have helped us keep our masterpieces organized and safe, giving students a true sense of pride when they see their artwork displayed. The paint invites them to explore color and texture, and it's been incredible to hear the language they use to describe their work — building both confidence and communication skills.\r\n\r\nThe playdough and tools have quickly become favorites. They provide hands-on opportunities to strengthen fine motor skills, learn shapes, letters, and numbers, and engage in rich imaginative play. Perhaps even more powerful is the collaboration happening during these activities — students are sharing, problem-solving, and learning from one another in meaningful ways.\r\n\r\nThanks to your support, we've created a classroom environment where learning is joyful, accessible, and deeply engaging. You've given my students the tools to express themselves, build foundational skills, and feel proud of what they create. I'm incredibly grateful — and so are they.","fullyFundedDate":1739366788712,"projectUrl":"project/creative-corner-supporting-young-artis/8955519/","projectTitle":"\"Creative Corner: Supporting Young Artists With Drying Rack and Tools!\"","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Rappleye","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9843610"},{"teacherId":9560229,"projectId":9111989,"letterContent":"Since receiving your support, our classroom has transformed into a mini-laboratory. The children have been carefully planting seeds, observing their growth, and tracking changes with wide-eyed excitement. They've learned about the life cycle of plants, the importance of water, sunlight, and soil, and even the patience required to watch something grow. These experiences have sparked meaningful conversations about the environment, responsibility, and the interconnectedness of all living things.\r\n\r\nWatching my students carefully water their seedlings, measure tiny sprouts, and document their observations in their science journals has been incredibly inspiring. For many of them, this is their first opportunity to take on the role of a scientist, and the pride they feel is palpable.\r\n\r\nA Lasting Impact\r\nYour support has not just impacted these students today—it has laid the foundation for a lifetime of learning. You've helped me create a classroom where curiosity is nurtured, and every question is valued. Thank you for investing in their futures and believing in the power of education.\r\n\r\nFrom the bottom of my heart, thank you for making this project a reality. I look forward to sharing more of our growth and discoveries with you as the year progresses.","fullyFundedDate":1746785454426,"projectUrl":"project/growing-minds-exploring-the-science-of/9111989/","projectTitle":"Growing Minds: Exploring the Science of Sprouting Seeds","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Rappleye","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9560229_orig.jpg?crop=1358,1358,x491,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1717352704195","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9560229"},{"teacherId":9560229,"projectId":9111947,"letterContent":"⸻\r\n\r\nThis past spring, our classroom transformed into a vibrant, living laboratory as students experienced the magic of metamorphosis through a live butterfly kit. The journey from tiny caterpillars to beautiful, fluttering butterflies became a powerful, sensory-rich learning experience, capturing the wonder of nature and creating lasting memories for our young learners. From the moment the larvae arrived, the excitement was palpable. Students gathered around to observe the tiny caterpillars, carefully studying their movements and behavior. Over the days and weeks, they witnessed each remarkable stage of the life cycle, from caterpillar to chrysalis, and finally to butterfly. As the caterpillars grew plump and prepared for their next phase, students eagerly shared their observations, using new vocabulary to describe the changes they noticed. This process sparked countless conversations about growth, transformation, and the mysteries of the natural world. The moment a butterfly first emerged from its chrysalis was particularly powerful. The children watched in awe as the delicate wings slowly unfolded and dried, each tiny creature a symbol of perseverance and transformation. This real-life example of metamorphosis brought the scientific concept to life in a way no textbook or video ever could, creating a deep and meaningful connection to the natural world. To support this hands-on learning, we incorporated sensory tools like kinetic sand and playdough, which allowed students to recreate the stages of the butterfly life cycle. These activities not only reinforced the science behind the transformation but also helped develop fine motor skills. Rolling out tiny caterpillars, pressing down playdough to form chrysalis shapes, and creating intricate butterfly wings with detailed patterns encouraged the use of small hand muscles, essential for early writing skills. To preserve student work and support visual learning, we used a laminator to create life cycle charts and individual student reflections. These laminated pieces served as tangible reminders of their observations and learning, proudly displayed around the classroom. The charts also became valuable teaching tools, allowing students to revisit each stage of the butterfly's journey long after the live butterflies had flown free. A Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) gift card played a crucial role in expanding our resources, providing us with interactive activities that supported language development. We selected materials specifically designed to enhance the vocabulary and language skills of our diverse learners, including those who speak English as a second language. These resources included engaging worksheets, storytelling prompts, and interactive life cycle games that reinforced key concepts while encouraging expressive language. This project extended far beyond the walls of our classroom. Many students brought their excitement and newfound knowledge home, sharing their experiences with family members. Parents reported their children excitedly recounting each stage of the butterfly's life, proudly using scientific terms like \"metamorphosis\" and \"chrysalis\" in their descriptions. Ultimately, this project fostered a deep appreciation for the natural world, encouraged scientific inquiry, and supported the development of fine motor and language skills. It reminded us of the incredible power of hands-on, experiential learning and the importance of creating opportunities for young children to connect with the living world around them.","fullyFundedDate":1746785900068,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-wonders-exploring-growth-chan/9111947/","projectTitle":"Hands-On Wonders: Exploring Growth, Change, and Creativity","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Rappleye","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9560229_orig.jpg?crop=1358,1358,x491,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1717352704195","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9560229"},{"teacherId":9560229,"projectId":8952789,"letterContent":"On behalf of my Transitional Kindergarten classroom, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation of the light table, accessories, and tools. Your support has truly brightened our learning environment, sparking creativity and curiosity in our youngest learners. The light table has quickly become a favorite among my students, providing them with countless opportunities to explore colors, shapes, and patterns in a hands-on, captivating way.\r\n\r\nYour thoughtful contribution is helping to foster critical early learning skills like fine motor development, problem-solving, and collaboration. More importantly, it's creating a space where my students can express their ideas and wonder about the world around them. Thank you for investing in their growth and imagination. Your kindness makes a lasting impact in their educational journey.","fullyFundedDate":1739366814005,"projectUrl":"project/illuminating-young-minds-light-table-t/8952789/","projectTitle":"“Illuminating Young Minds: Light Table Tools for Creative Learning”","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Rappleye","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9560229_orig.jpg?crop=1358,1358,x491,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1717352704195","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9560229"},{"teacherId":9806465,"projectId":8885740,"letterContent":"I am incredibly grateful for your kindness and generosity in supporting my classroom. Your contribution has made a meaningful impact on my students' learning experience, helping to create an engaging and supportive environment where they can thrive. Because of your generosity, I have been able to provide my students with new opportunities that enhance their education and foster their growth. Seeing their excitement and engagement each day is a direct reflection of the difference you have made.\r\n\r\nYour support means so much to me and my students. It has not only enriched our classroom but has also shown my students the power of kindness and community. Knowing that there are people who believe in their education and success is truly inspiring. Thank you for making a lasting impact—we are so appreciative of your generosity and all that you do to support learning!","fullyFundedDate":1731940404172,"projectUrl":"project/miss-rimers-first-year-of-teaching/8885740/","projectTitle":"Miss Rimer's First Year of Teaching!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rimer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9806465"},{"teacherId":9610893,"projectId":8779911,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous contribution to our classroom! With your support, we were able to create a more organized and engaging learning space for our students. The magnetic hooks have provided a designated place for backpacks, helping keep our classroom clutter-free and making transitions smoother. The colorful folders have made a huge difference in keeping student work organized—homework, classwork, and important papers now have a proper place, making it easier for students to stay on top of their learning.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the new materials, their faces lit up with excitement! They eagerly chose their favorite folder colors, and we had a great conversation about the importance of organization. It has been wonderful to see them take responsibility for their materials with such enthusiasm. The classroom now feels more structured, which has had a positive impact on their focus and participation.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, we will continue to build on these organizational habits to help students develop independence and responsibility. These resources have already made our learning environment more efficient and enjoyable, and I can't wait to see the continued impact they have throughout the school year. Thank you again for your kindness and support—it truly makes a difference!","fullyFundedDate":1731515919865,"projectUrl":"project/organized-and-colorful/8779911/","projectTitle":"Organized and Colorful","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Brian","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9610893_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1722215585565","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9610893"},{"teacherId":1632170,"projectId":8403856,"letterContent":"Thank you very much for your donation to our project. With the art supplies we have learned about different artists and created art inspired by them. \r\n\r\nWith the STEM supplies, my students have learned to work together in creating large structures. \r\n\r\nWhile art and building materials might not seem essential in a classroom, it allows students to use their creative side of their brains. Throughout a school day, students are expected to use their analytical side of their brains. I am thrilled to give my students the opportunity to be creative.","fullyFundedDate":1716242105966,"projectUrl":"project/stem-art-supplies-help-us-develop-crea/8403856/","projectTitle":"STEM & Art Supplies Help Us Develop Creativity","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Whitestone","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1632170_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1536763209124","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-whitestone"},{"teacherId":9560229,"projectId":8812194,"letterContent":"Here's an example response tailored for a TK (Transitional Kindergarten) classroom:\r\n\r\nThanks to your generous support, this project has brought incredible opportunities to our young learners! The technology is making a meaningful difference in their early learning journey in ways that are both fun and impactful.\r\n\r\nHow is the technology helping students learn?\r\n\r\nIn our TK classroom, technology is used to introduce foundational skills in engaging, age-appropriate ways. Interactive learning apps help students practice letter recognition, counting, and fine motor skills, while digital storytelling tools encourage language development and creativity. This hands-on approach keeps their attention while helping them build skills they'll need for future academic success.\r\n\r\nWhat about the new product is most exciting?\r\n\r\nThe most exciting feature for our students is how interactive it is! Whether it's a touch-screen activity that allows them to \"pop\" letter balloons or games that provide instant feedback when they solve a puzzle, they love how they can actively engage with the content. They especially enjoy choosing avatars and earning virtual rewards, which keeps them motivated and excited to learn.\r\n\r\nYour contribution is truly shaping how these young learners experience their first steps in education. Thank you for helping to make learning joyful and meaningful for our students!","fullyFundedDate":1731940427122,"projectUrl":"project/technology-is-important-even-for-the-you/8812194/","projectTitle":"Technology Is Important Even for the Youngest of Learners!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Rappleye","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9560229_orig.jpg?crop=1358,1358,x491,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1717352704195","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9560229"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_66807","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":735,"numTeachers":29,"percentFrplEligible":72,"percentAsian":6,"percentBlack":4,"percentWhite":11,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":68,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"25.3:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":56.8,"schoolId":66807,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Donald E Suburu School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Donald E Suburu School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/lakeside-union-school-district/donald-e-suburu-school/66807"}
Join the 539 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Donald E Suburu School is
an urban public school
in Bakersfield, California that is part of Lakeside Union School District.
It serves 735 students
in grades Pre-K - 6 with a student/teacher ratio of 25.3:1.
Its teachers have had 338 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
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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
78%
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.
Donald E Suburu 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.
Donald E Suburu School
$241,976
raised using DonorsChoose
338
projects
funded
52
teachers
funded
539
donors
10
projects
for
basic supplies
14
projects for
technology
15
projects for
books
8
projects
for
art supplies
Donald E Suburu School has received support from
306 individuals from California and
233 individuals out-of-state.