{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"James Whitcomb Riley Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":19.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":2407045,"projectId":9155994,"letterContent":"In my classroom, reading is one of the most joyful and anticipated parts of our day. Through these new bilingual books, my students have been able to strengthen essential literacy skills such as comprehension, vocabulary development, and making text-to-self and text-to-world connections all while reading in both Spanish and English. The diverse range of stories has allowed me to expose students to different worlds, traditions, and lifestyles, helping them see the richness of cultures beyond their own. Reading time has become a space where curiosity thrives, and students eagerly engage in discussions about the characters and themes we explore together.\r\n\r\nSince adding these new books, I've noticed a wonderful shift in my students' attitudes toward reading. They now look forward to silent reading every day and often ask if they can borrow books to take home. Many parents have shared that their children are reading more on their own and showing a newfound excitement for stories, especially because they find the books interesting and relatable. 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They loved learning about distant places, and how other peoples' culture, while different, holds similarities to their own. \r\n\r\nMy bulleting board came to life with the multicultural faces border. This border helped create an inclusive environment where all students feel welcome and acknowledged. Students enjoy seeing themselves represented on the border with multicultural faces on it.","fullyFundedDate":1746492437050,"projectUrl":"project/celebrating-different-cultures/9046327/","projectTitle":"Celebrating different cultures","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Estrada","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9402818"},{"teacherId":2356567,"projectId":8710063,"letterContent":"My students have used the technology to practice important skills specifically in writing. For example, my students know what a narrative, informative and opinion writing looks like. My students were able to access beautiful poems from poets all over the world. They learned about how poets expressed themselves about nature, animals and other subjects. Students made projects created either collaboratively or independently. There are just so many things going on in my classroom that I wished you could see. The learning I've seen this year is so inspiring and admirable. I couldn't have made this happen without you!\r\n\r\nThank you so much for helping my students develop themselves as learners, writers and scholars. My students are excited about learning everyday because of your help and support. Thank you for being there for teachers and students. It truly makes a difference every day for all of us knowing that we are all one working together toward the same goal of learning and being good citizens. 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James Whitcomb Riley Elementary School

Join the 118 supporters who believe in this school.

About this school

James Whitcomb Riley Elementary School is a suburban public school in Lakewood, California that is part of Long Beach Unified School District. It serves 430 students in grades Pre-K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 30.7:1. Its teachers have had 26 projects funded on DonorsChoose.

Equity Focus School

Support towards this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Public School

Title 1

Grades Pre-K - 5

430 Students

14 Teachers

3319 Sandwood St

Lakewood, CA 90712 View local requests

Evidence-based impact

Inspire teachers to stay in the classroom and boost student achievement.¹

Give to this school

Ms. Vero, a DonorsChoose teacher for 9 years.

Kindergarten teacher at PS81 - Robert J. Christen School in Bronx, NY

James Whitcomb Riley Elementary School Teachers 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.

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James Whitcomb Riley Elementary School Demographics

59%

of students receive free or reduced price lunch

Source: the National Center for Education Statistics

84%

of students are Black, Latino, Native American, or Asian

Schools in districts that mainly serve students of color receive substantially less state and local support than similar districts that serve primarily White students. Learn more about this gap, why it exists, and how you can help close it.

James Whitcomb Riley 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.

James Whitcomb Riley Elementary School

$14,640

raised using DonorsChoose

projects funded

teachers funded

118

donors

projects for basic supplies

projects for technology

projects for books

project for art supplies

James Whitcomb Riley Elementary School has received support from 95 individuals from California and 23 individuals out-of-state.

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season! Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.

James Whitcomb Riley Elementary School

About this school

Equity Focus School

James Whitcomb Riley Elementary School Teachers on DonorsChoose

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DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

James Whitcomb Riley Elementary School Demographics

James Whitcomb Riley Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Dec 5, 2025

James Whitcomb Riley Elementary School

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season!
Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.