{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Kester Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":15.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":1005846,"projectId":10231022,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity in funding our new classroom color printer! Your support has completely transformed the way my students view and share their hard work, and I am so excited to share the impact of your gift. \r\n\r\nAt the end of last year, we put the printer to work for our space research project. My students were tasked with researching different celestial bodies—from the rings of Saturn to distant supernovas. After gathering their facts, they took on the roles of graphic designers to create beautiful, tri-fold informational brochures. \r\n\r\nBefore your donation, a project like this would have been printed in grayscale, which At the end of last year, we put the printer to work for our space research project. My students were tasked with researching different celestial bodies. After gathering their facts, they took on the roles of graphic designers to create beautiful, tri-fold informational brochures. \r\n\r\nBefore your donation, a project like this would have been printed in grayscale, which simply doesn't do justice to the vibrant colors of our universe. Thanks to you, our classroom was buzzing with excitement as students watched their constellations, galaxies, and planets print out in brilliant, full color. Holding a professionally printed, colorful brochure that they designed themselves filled my students with an immense sense of pride and ownership over their learning. \r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our classroom and for showing my students that their work is valuable and worth seeing in full color. We are deeply grateful for your kindness!","fullyFundedDate":1777989019035,"projectUrl":"project/color-our-world/10231022/","projectTitle":"Color Our World","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Baba","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-baba"},{"teacherId":319302,"projectId":10181027,"letterContent":"The \"Making Learning Fun With Creative Classroom Resources!\" project has made a meaningful difference in my students' learning experiences. The resources purchased through Teachers Pay Teachers have brought fresh, engaging activities into our classroom that challenge, inspire, and motivate students to learn in new ways.\r\n\r\nThese materials have sparked creativity and confidence in unexpected ways. Art-based activities encouraged students to explore drawing and self-expression, while also inspiring them to create meaningful writing pieces to accompany their artwork. \r\n\r\nThe resources have energized our lessons and supported learning across multiple subjects. Most importantly, they have helped create a classroom where students are excited to participate, curious to discover new ideas, and confident in sharing their thinking.\r\n\r\nThank you for making these engaging learning experiences possible. Your generosity has helped bring creativity, hands-on learning, and joy into our classroom. We are truly grateful for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1775573266049,"projectUrl":"project/making-learning-fun-with-creative-classr/10181027/","projectTitle":"Making Learning Fun With Creative Classroom Resources!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Wong","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/319302"},{"teacherId":8193077,"projectId":10180453,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom through Donors Choose! We are so excited to have our new magnetic whiteboard, magnetic whiteboard erasers, and magnetic ten frames.\r\n\r\n\r\nWe use these materials every day, and they have become a huge part of our small group instruction. The whiteboard allows students to practice skills, share their thinking, and receive immediate feedback, while the magnetic ten frames make math concepts much more hands-on and engaging.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has provided us with materials that make learning more interactive and meaningful for our students. We truly appreciate your support and the difference you are making in our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1775316344205,"projectUrl":"project/magnetic-tools-for-mighty-mathematicians/10180453/","projectTitle":"Magnetic Tools for Mighty Mathematicians","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Neuhaus","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8193077_orig.jpg?crop=2396,2396,x1582,y245&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1637730740341","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8193077"},{"teacherId":1331070,"projectId":10355766,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom has been transformed into a flexible learning space where every student can thrive! The chair leg wobble have made an incredible difference—students who need movement can now rock and wiggle while staying focused on their work, helping them regulate their bodies and concentrate better throughout the day. Our floor cushions have created cozy reading spots where children curl up with books during independent reading time, making literacy feel comfortable and inviting. And my teacher planner has become an essential tool for organizing engaging, standards-aligned lessons that meet each student's needs. You've given my kindergarteners the gift of choice, comfort, and movement—all of which help their growing minds stay engaged and ready to learn. Thank you for believing in our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1787177750002,"projectUrl":"project/movement-tools-for-kindergarten-success/10355766/","projectTitle":"Movement Tools for Kindergarten Success","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Castañeda","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1331070_orig.jpg?crop=740,740,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1782523188009","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1331070"},{"teacherId":503576,"projectId":9936142,"letterContent":"The materials we received from this project have been amazing! They were for a new way of doing rewards in my class. And there was enough stuff for me to use this year as well. The students LOVE playing BINGO and picking out prizes. Everyone gets a BINGO card but if they have earned money in their \"account\" they can buy extra BINGO cards. It has been a huge hit!\r\nThank you for making this possible! I am excited to continue this rewards system this school year and for subsequent years.\r\n\r\nWe appreciate your generosity!","fullyFundedDate":1775513144833,"projectUrl":"project/bingo-for-behavior/9936142/","projectTitle":"BINGO for Behavior","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Perez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp503576_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1670123507204","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/monperez"},{"teacherId":8408788,"projectId":9968691,"letterContent":"Through your donation, our class was able to make memorable long lasting gifts. Our students were able to use sublimation sheets to make mugs, tumblers, and chip bags. Our class was also able to learn about the use of heat transfer tools and technology such as heat transfer markers, sublimation machines, and how images can transfer to other canvas'. Exposing students to such amazing technology at such a young age has caused such an immense impact in their creativity and curiosity to create new things. \r\nOur classroom thanks you so much for the amazing donation.","fullyFundedDate":1772467368387,"projectUrl":"project/creative-design-lab-exploring-art-and-s/9968691/","projectTitle":"Creative Design Lab: Exploring Art and STEM Through Sublimation Tumblers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cordova","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/rrcordova"},{"teacherId":6052510,"projectId":7630955,"letterContent":"TPT has influenced education by making teaching resources easier to access and helping teachers create more engaging learning experiences for students.\r\n\r\nSupporting teachers: TPT gives teachers ready-made lesson plans, activities, worksheets, and other materials, saving preparation time.\r\nHelping students learn: Many resources use engaging activities and different learning styles, which can improve student understanding and participation.\r\n\r\nProviding variety: Teachers can find materials for different subjects, grade levels, and student needs.\r\nEncouraging creativity: Teachers can share their own resources and learn new teaching strategies from other educators.\r\n\r\nMaking learning more accessible: Digital resources can be adapted or reused to meet individual students' needs.","fullyFundedDate":1696975546665,"projectUrl":"project/tpt-educational-resources/7630955/","projectTitle":"TPT Educational Resources","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Santana","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6052510_orig.jpg?crop=1205,1205,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1597171609581","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6052510"},{"teacherId":1173133,"projectId":9986599,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation toward our new backpack storage cart! Your kindness has made a meaningful difference in our kindergarten classroom. The cart gives each student a special, organized place to store their backpack, helping our classroom feel less crowded and making our daily routines smoother.\r\nBecause of your support, my students are learning valuable lessons about organization, responsibility, independence, and taking care of their belongings. They are so excited to have a designated space for their backpacks, and the added organization allows us to spend more time focused on learning and growing together. Thank you for investing in our students and helping create a classroom where they can feel proud, comfortable, and ready to learn each day!","fullyFundedDate":1778076994323,"projectUrl":"project/great-morning-start-because-of-a-cart/9986599/","projectTitle":"Great Morning Start Because of a Cart!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Perros Barrett","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1173133_orig.jpg?crop=720,720,x0,y19&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1619741739446","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-perrosbarrett"},{"teacherId":1244441,"projectId":10186805,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for making this project come to life. The students were able to record data using their magnifying lenses and markers daily to see the changes in the life cycles of mealworms and silkworms. They had so much fun doing this. It was something they looked forward to doing each day.\r\n\r\nThe items are reusable and will be used in future classes, too. We appreciate you choosing our class to make this happen. Your generosity means a lot to us. We are very grateful for your support.\r\n\r\nAgain, thank you for your contribution to our project! You made a positive difference.","fullyFundedDate":1778874948912,"projectUrl":"project/observe-and-record-data/10186805/","projectTitle":"Observe and Record Data","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Voss","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1244441_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1683609216912","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/voss6"},{"teacherId":1244441,"projectId":10184152,"letterContent":"On behalf of the students and myself, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude for your generous support in providing resources through Teachers Pay Teachers. Your kindness has made a meaningful difference in our classroom and in the daily learning experiences of my students.\r\n\r\nThe materials obtained through Teachers Pay Teachers have already begun to positively impact my students. From interactive lessons and hands-on activities to differentiated assignments and visual learning tools, these resources help me meet students where they are academically and encourage greater participation and confidence in the classroom. Your generosity allows me to spend less time searching for materials and more time focusing on what matters most — building relationships with students and fostering meaningful learning experiences.\r\n\r\nYour compassion and commitment are truly appreciated more than words can express. Again, thank you so much!","fullyFundedDate":1775750757948,"projectUrl":"project/wonderful-resources-from-peers/10184152/","projectTitle":"Wonderful Resources From Peers!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Voss","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1244441_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1683609216912","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/voss6"},{"teacherId":9694956,"projectId":10018007,"letterContent":"I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you to everyone who contributed to helping me get my new work laptop. I honestly feel so grateful to have such supportive friends and family in my life. Your generosity truly means a lot to me, and it's not something I take for granted.\r\n\r\nThis laptop is going to make a big difference in my day-to-day work, helping me stay organized, efficient, and able to do my job the best I can. Knowing that it came from the kindness of people I care about makes it even more special.\r\n\r\nThank you again for thinking of me and being willing to help out! It really did not go unnoticed. I appreciate every single one of you more than I can fully put into words.","fullyFundedDate":1777259211519,"projectUrl":"project/behind-the-scenes-of-teaching-a-new-lap/10018007/","projectTitle":"Behind the Scenes of Teaching: a New Laptop","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Carlovsky","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9694956_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y312&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746840351638","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/carlovsky"},{"teacherId":91172,"projectId":9758009,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of toys and supplies for our classroom. Your kindness and support truly make a difference in the daily experiences of my students.\r\n\r\nThese materials are more than just toys—they help create a welcoming, engaging environment where students can learn through play, explore their creativity, and build important social and problem-solving skills. Because of you, our classroom is a more joyful and enriching place.\r\n\r\nI'm incredibly grateful for your thoughtfulness and for investing in our students' growth and happiness. Please know your contribution is appreciated every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1768242541795,"projectUrl":"project/big-ideas-in-little-hands/9758009/","projectTitle":"Big Ideas in Little Hands","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Fuentes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp91172_orig.png?crop=311,311,x283,y213&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758830428546","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/tfuentes"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_7120","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":869,"numTeachers":40,"percentFrplEligible":47,"percentAsian":12,"percentBlack":4,"percentWhite":28,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":33,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":20,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"21.7:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":85.0,"schoolId":7120,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Kester Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Kester Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/los-angeles-unified-school-district/kester-elementary-school/7120"}
Join the 1,882 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Kester Elementary School is
an urban public school
in Sherman Oaks, California that is part of Los Angeles Unified School District.
It serves 869 students
in grades Pre-K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 21.7:1.
Its teachers have had 611 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
869 Students
40 Teachers
5353 Kester AveContact 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.
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for public school teachers.
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
49%
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.
Kester Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Sep 18, 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.
Kester Elementary School
$311,401
raised using DonorsChoose
611
projects
funded
60
teachers
funded
1,882
donors
46
projects
for
basic supplies
116
projects for
technology
64
projects for
books
42
projects
for
art supplies
Kester Elementary School has received support from
1,600 individuals from California and
282 individuals out-of-state.