{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Del Mar Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":24.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10319772,"projectId":10204854,"letterContent":"Thank you again for your generous donation. It's been a hot summer and we are so grateful to have shade umbrellas in the Life Lab and at the farm. Being comfortable outside is an important first step toward creating a welcoming learning environment, allowing my students to spend more time learning outdoors. Your kindness has given them a space where they can explore, collaborate, and discover while staying safe\r\n\r\nYour generosity is more than a gift of umbrellas—it is a gift of opportunity. Thank you for believing in my students and investing in experiences that will inspire curiosity, creativity, and confidence for years to come. We are deeply grateful for your support and will continue to put these wonderful new learning spaces to good use.","fullyFundedDate":1778612860718,"projectUrl":"project/shade-at-the-farm-and-life-lab/10204854/","projectTitle":"Shade at the Farm and Life Lab","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Laura","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10319772_orig.jpg?crop=960,960,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760735706465","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/laura-zonis"},{"teacherId":10319772,"projectId":10197956,"letterContent":"From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for making our outdoor classroom a more welcoming and comfortable place to learn. Your generous support has provided umbrellas that will create much-needed shade in our Life Lab and on our school farm, allowing my students to spend more time learning outdoors without the discomfort of the hot sun. Your kindness has given them a space where they can explore, collaborate, and discover while staying safe and comfortable.\r\n\r\nMy students are curious, enthusiastic learners who thrive when they can experience lessons with their hands in the soil and their eyes on the natural world around them. Whether they are planting seeds, observing insects, collecting data, or caring for our garden, these shaded areas will help them stay focused and engaged in meaningful, hands-on learning. Having comfortable outdoor spaces means we can extend our lessons beyond the classroom walls and create memorable experiences that foster a lifelong appreciation for science, agriculture, and the environment.\r\n\r\nYour generosity is more than a gift of umbrellas—it is a gift of opportunity. Thank you for believing in my students and investing in experiences that will inspire curiosity, creativity, and confidence for years to come. We are deeply grateful for your support and can't wait to put these wonderful new learning spaces to good use.","fullyFundedDate":1778024618202,"projectUrl":"project/shade-in-the-garden/10197956/","projectTitle":"Shade in the Garden","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Laura","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10319772_orig.jpg?crop=960,960,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760735706465","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/laura-zonis"},{"teacherId":10319772,"projectId":10194027,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support our students are now able to spend more time learning and creating in our school garden comfortably under the new umbrella. The added shade has made a huge difference during warmer days allowing us to extend our garden time and continue hands-on activities without needing to rush back inside. Most recently students gathered together under the umbrella while making special Mother's Day gifts and it created such a calm space for them to work, talk, and enjoy being outdoors together.\r\n\r\nAs we move into the spring and summer months we will continue using the umbrella during all of our garden activities and outdoor lessons. Students will use the space for planting, observing growth, art projects, and collaborative learning experiences. Your support has helped create a more comfortable outdoor environment where students can learn, explore, and build lasting memories together.","fullyFundedDate":1776281620022,"projectUrl":"project/cool-kids-thriving-garden/10194027/","projectTitle":"Cool Kids, Thriving Garden","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Laura","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10319772_orig.jpg?crop=960,960,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760735706465","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/laura-zonis"},{"teacherId":4985163,"projectId":10121792,"letterContent":"I cannot express the pleasure I had when we were able to get these games funded this year. My students, particularly my fifth graders about to transfer to middle school, greatly needed a fun, tactile way to practice foundational math concepts. \r\n\r\nLet me tell you about the games we got. \r\n\r\nMath Ahoy is a game that teaches addition and subtraction at different levels while earning fun coin points for answering questions correctly with the support of the pop-it ten frames. \r\n\r\nRocket Race is a space-themed take on Chutes and Ladders which uses squishy planets to move across space by answering questions comparing numbers, identifying expanded form, and counting. \r\n\r\nSquishy Time Rescue allows the students to travel along a trail of gemstones using squishy sea creatures by answering questions identifying analog and digital times. \r\n\r\nFinally, the most used game we have had so far is Number Ninja, a multiplication and division take on the game of Uno. My older students have greatly reinforced their multiplication facts and are finally beginning understanding the concept of division by using multiplication. The large, colorful and tactile pop-it multiplication chart is a great tool to use to support while they are learning. \r\n\r\nI will use these games every year with each new crop of learners and am so thankful for our community donors. They have already made a world of difference","fullyFundedDate":1772643673699,"projectUrl":"project/tactile-foundational-math-games/10121792/","projectTitle":"Tactile Foundational Math Games","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gross","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4985163_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1511504385728","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/r-gross"},{"teacherId":9623479,"projectId":9839452,"letterContent":"We are so grateful for the addition of our 3 water and sand sensory tables in our new outdoor learning area. It has been an immediate favorite for children as they are fully engaged in this wonderful sensory experience; scooping, pouring, and discovering as they play. Our staff are also happy for not having to sweep or mop up any mess off the ground. \r\nWe are using bird seed as a sensory material which the bird and squirrel population are very excited about. The wildlife attraction is a bonus for the children to witness. \r\nThank you for making this special resource possible. Your generosity has truly enriched our students' learning and play!","fullyFundedDate":1771029166192,"projectUrl":"project/outdoor-play-where-messy-cooperation-h/9839452/","projectTitle":"Outdoor Play - Where Messy Cooperation Happens","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sandee","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9623479_orig.jpg?crop=329,329,x39,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1722738189789","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/sandee-manuel"},{"teacherId":10402032,"projectId":10147966,"letterContent":"Now that the school year has come to an end and our students are enjoying their summer break, I wanted to take a moment to thank you for your incredible generosity. Your support provided my middle school special education students with resources that enriched our classroom and created meaningful learning experiences throughout the year. The materials became a valuable part of our daily lessons, helping students build academic, communication, and independent living skills while increasing their confidence and engagement.\r\n\r\nOne of the highlights of the year was seeing my students' excitement when the new materials arrived. They were eager to explore them and quickly incorporated them into our classroom routines. Watching students become more engaged, participate with confidence, and celebrate their successes reminded me how much a well-equipped classroom can make a difference.\r\n\r\nAs the school year has ended, I have also moved on from this school and am beginning a new chapter in my teaching career. I will always be grateful for the opportunity to have worked with these amazing students, and your generosity played an important role in making their year a success. Thank you for investing in our classroom and for helping create meaningful learning experiences that will stay with both my students and me. Your kindness and support are deeply appreciated.","fullyFundedDate":1773972086830,"projectUrl":"project/special-day-class-decompress-options/10147966/","projectTitle":"Special Day Class Decompress Options","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Johnson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10402032"},{"teacherId":10396058,"projectId":10009457,"letterContent":"Your contribution to my class has given us exciting and new activities to explore. The tent is set up in my dramatic play area and has been a total hit with the kids. Students have been exploring different types of imaginary play like farmers market, camping, house, family and more! The tent provides not only a fun place for them to use imaginary play, but also provides a calming/cozy space for children that are overstimulated and just need a quiet space. Many students are using it as a book nook and \"cool down\" space when they need to take a break, which is really helpful for them when they are regulating their emotions. \r\nThe dodecahedron (12 sided dice) is a huge success for our outdoor play time. It's great for their gross motor development and helps them focus on a specific type of movement. It provides opportunities for students to move (and get their wiggles out) in a structured and safe way as a whole class. I have had repeated requests to use this tool because it's just so much fun! Thanks for your contribution in making this possible for these students, and for future students in my community!","fullyFundedDate":1769369259934,"projectUrl":"project/social-emotional-learning-guided-through/10009457/","projectTitle":"Social-Emotional Learning Guided Through Imaginary and Sensory-Based Activities","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tripp","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10396058"},{"teacherId":10396058,"projectId":9980816,"letterContent":"Your donation has made a huge impact in our class. The sensory table and sensory tunnel have been extremely fun for students to explore. \r\n There was so much anticipatory excitement before the materials arrived, and profound excitement once I received the materials. The students get to use these materials throughout the week and it is amazing for me to witness their level of engagement, cooperative play, and the overall joy they are having. \r\nThank you for making these opportunities possible for my students, and for the future students in my community!!","fullyFundedDate":1768057393839,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-learning-to-promote-cognitive-a/9980816/","projectTitle":"Hands-on Learning to Promote Cognitive and Physical Development","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tripp","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10396058"},{"teacherId":9623479,"projectId":9991229,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom. We are thrilled with the new bookshelf that displays book covers, making it easy for little ones to see and choose the books that interest them. The day it arrived was extra special, students eagerly helped assemble the bookshelf and even had fun incorporating the packaging into part of their play.\r\n\r\nYour donations have already made learning more engaging and creative. We used the liquid watercolors for a sensory activity by coloring cooked spaghetti in vibrant shades while learning the letter \"N\" for noodles. The bright tempera paints were also a big hit, especially for one of our students with very limited mobility. She loved feeling the cool paint with her hands and watching the colors spread across the paper.\r\n\r\nWe're also very excited to use the large-format paper for a collaborative art project where children can swing while dragging oil pastels to create a one-of-a-kind piece of artwork. Your generosity helps us create joyful, hands-on learning experiences for our students every day. \r\nThank you for making this possible!","fullyFundedDate":1772072550825,"projectUrl":"project/art-supplies-and-new-reading-corner/9991229/","projectTitle":"Art Supplies and New Reading Corner","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sandee","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9623479_orig.jpg?crop=329,329,x39,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1722738189789","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/sandee-manuel"},{"teacherId":9623479,"projectId":9675533,"letterContent":"Second Step is one of my favorite curricula to use with young children. When I accepted my position at Del Mar, I had to build my classroom from scratch. I'm now incorporating the stories from the curriculum into our morning circle routine, and they've become an important part of our day.\r\n\r\nThe large photo cards provide strong visual support for the topics we discuss, and the students are fully engaged. I know I have their full attention when all eyes are on the image in my hands. Teaching children to recognize and understand their emotions lays the foundation for learning, positive relationships, and healthy development.\r\nThank you for your kindness!","fullyFundedDate":1766602854763,"projectUrl":"project/teaching-kids-to-listen-learn-and-lead/9675533/","projectTitle":"Teaching Kids to Listen, Learn, and Lead with Kindness","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sandee","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9623479_orig.jpg?crop=329,329,x39,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1722738189789","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/sandee-manuel"},{"teacherId":3939579,"projectId":9515427,"letterContent":"We are loving all of our new reading and math games. The students are choosing to play them during our learning workshops as well as during their indoor recess and Free Choice time! I love to see kids choosing educational games during their independent time. \r\n\r\nWhen I first unboxed the games, the students could not believe their eyes! There are so many new games and activities for them to choose from. Your generous donations have definitely enhanced our learning and play time this year. \r\n\r\nWe are currently learning about spelling and reading words with long vowels as well as learning about place value to the tens place and counting coins in math. These are some of the more popular games in the new collection so far. \r\n\r\nAgain, thanks to your generosity we are learning and growing in first grade!","fullyFundedDate":1763601833523,"projectUrl":"project/learning-through-play/9515427/","projectTitle":"Learning Through Play","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Pomrantz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3939579"},{"teacherId":10319772,"projectId":9924791,"letterContent":"With our new resources, we've been able to take learning beyond the classroom walls and into the natural world. We recently used the materials during a field trip scavenger hunt and bird-watching exploration. Students worked in small teams to identify local plants and birds, record observations, and discuss habitats. One special moment that stood out was when a group quietly spotted a bird they had only seen in books before. They quickly flipped through their guides, compared markings, and proudly confirmed their discovery together. It was hands-on, collaborative, and filled with genuine curiosity.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the materials, their faces lit up. They were very excited and kept saying how they felt like real scientists heading out on an important mission. Having high-quality tools in their hands gave them a sense of responsibility and pride. It elevated the experience from a simple outing to meaningful field research.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, we are continuing to build on that excitement. Our next steps involve deeper exploration of the natural world around us. Students are keeping observation journals, tracking changes in local wildlife, and asking new questions about ecosystems and habitats. \r\n\r\nYour contribution didn't just provide materials—it sparked curiosity, confidence, and a lasting connection to the world outside our classroom. Thank you for helping our students see themselves as explorers and scientists.","fullyFundedDate":1767119323190,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-the-world-into-focus-binocular/9924791/","projectTitle":"Bringing the World Into Focus: Binoculars for Young Scientists!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Laura","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10319772_orig.jpg?crop=960,960,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760735706465","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/laura-zonis"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_66120","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":337,"numTeachers":16,"percentFrplEligible":68,"percentAsian":2,"percentBlack":2,"percentWhite":33,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":58,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":2,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"21.1:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":75.1,"schoolId":66120,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Del Mar Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Del Mar Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/live-oak-school-district/del-mar-elementary-school/66120"}
Join the 341 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Del Mar Elementary School is
a suburban public school
in Santa Cruz, California that is part of Live Oak School District.
It serves 337 students
in grades Pre-K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 21.1:1.
Its teachers have had 93 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
337 Students
16 Teachers
1959 Merrill StContact info is sourced from our partners at MDR Education, and DonorsChoose updates our site ahead of each school year.
Boost support for this school! Share this page with friends, family, alumni, and fellow supporters. Every connection helps teachers get the supplies they need and shows how much your community cares about its students.
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Every donation funds real needs — pencils, books, lab equipment, art supplies, and more — helping students learn and thrive. We ship supplies directly to the school, and you'll see exactly where each dollar goes.
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
62%
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.
Del Mar Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Jul 29, 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.
Del Mar Elementary School
$54,129
raised using DonorsChoose
93
projects
funded
23
teachers
funded
341
donors
4
projects
for
basic supplies
4
projects for
technology
16
projects for
books
4
projects
for
art supplies
Del Mar Elementary School has received support from
256 individuals from California and
85 individuals out-of-state.