{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Harriette Kirschen Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":57.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9813939,"projectId":9820879,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity and support in bringing our Calm Corner to life. Because of you, my students now have a dedicated space filled with calming tools, flexible seating, and a timer that helps them take meaningful breaks when they are experiencing big emotions.\r\n\r\nFrom the very first week we introduced the Calm Corner, I began to see its impact. One of my students, who often becomes overwhelmed during challenging tasks, was asked to use the space, set the timer, and quietly use the sensory tools to calm down. After a few minutes, he took a deep breath, said he felt ready, and returned to his seat to continue his work. Moments like this have become more common, and it has been incredible to watch students take ownership of their emotions in such a positive way.\r\n\r\nThe timer has been especially helpful in creating structure and independence. Students are able to manage their break time responsibly, knowing they have a clear beginning and end. The calming tools give them something tangible to focus on, helping them regulate their emotions rather than shutting down or acting out.\r\n\r\nBeyond individual moments, the Calm Corner has helped shift our classroom environment as a whole. Students are learning that it's okay to have big feelings—and more importantly, that there are healthy, respectful ways to manage them. These are lifelong skills that will help them not just in fourth grade, but as they grow into self-aware, self-regulating adults.\r\n\r\nYour support has truly made a difference in my students' daily lives. You didn't just provide materials—you helped create a safe, supportive space where students can reset, refocus, and return to learning with confidence.\r\n\r\nWe are so grateful for your kindness and belief in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1769191995319,"projectUrl":"project/keep-calm-and-learn-on/9820879/","projectTitle":"Keep Calm, and Learn On","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Bryan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9813939_orig.png?crop=900,900,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760295732291","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9813939"},{"teacherId":7634536,"projectId":9764007,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your donation to my classroom. The wiggle cushions and chair kickbands have made a tremendous impact on my classroom. I have been able to provide cushions for my students that are often unable to focus and stay in their seats for a long period of time. These cushions allow them to wiggle around without having to get off their seats. My students have expressed how much of a help they are. \r\n\r\nBecause of your donation, I have also been able to provide kickbands to student's chairs. This allows them to bounce their feet while sitting. This helps them get their energy out and be able to fidget without disrupting others. These tools are greatly impacting our classroom. Thank you again.","fullyFundedDate":1762266401692,"projectUrl":"project/wiggle-to-learn/9764007/","projectTitle":"Wiggle To Learn!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Tompkins-Price","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7634536_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1767329025852","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7634536"},{"teacherId":7634536,"projectId":9452262,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for donating the board games to our classroom! We use them during Fun Friday time and indoor recess, and they have quickly become a student favorite. The games give students a fun way to relax while also practicing important skills like taking turns, problem-solving, and communicating with their peers. \r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the games, they were so excited. There were big smiles, lots of enthusiasm, and immediate requests to start playing. We'll continue using the board games as part of our Fun Friday and indoor recess routines to encourage socialization, teamwork, and positive interactions. They've already made a noticeable impact on our classroom community, and we are so grateful to you for making this possible. Thank you for giving our students a fun and meaningful way to connect with one another!","fullyFundedDate":1758809121705,"projectUrl":"project/board-games-for-students/9452262/","projectTitle":"Board Games for Students!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Tompkins-Price","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7634536_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1767329025852","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7634536"},{"teacherId":7847417,"projectId":9326830,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my students have been diving into the world of Percy Jackson and the Olympians—and it's been nothing short of transformative in our classroom.\r\n\r\nWith a full class set, every student can follow along, annotate, and fully participate in discussions. This has allowed us to explore essential literacy skills, including identifying themes, analyzing character development, and making connections between Greek mythology and modern life. Students are practicing close reading, citing text evidence, and building the confidence to share their interpretations out loud.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom has become an interactive experience. Instead of me reading aloud while others listen, every student has the book in their hands. They follow the text, highlight passages that stand out, and eagerly jump in to predict what will happen next. Our conversations are lively, and students are discovering that books are not just assignments—they're adventures.\r\n\r\nOne of the most joyful parts of this project has been seeing particular students light up. A reluctant reader who usually avoids chapter books has not only kept pace with the class but asked if he could borrow the book over the weekend \"just to see what happens next.\" Another student, who often struggles with confidence, proudly explained to her peers how Percy's challenges reminded her of her own, showing how deeply the themes resonate.\r\n\r\nEvery child deserves to see themselves as the hero of a story, and with Percy Jackson, my students are doing just that. 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Join the 84 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Harriette Kirschen Elementary School is
an urban public school
in Modesto, California that is part of Modesto City Schools.
It serves 533 students
in grades Pre-K - 6 with a student/teacher ratio of 19.7:1.
Its teachers have had 21 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Share and help support Harriette Kirschen Elementary School
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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
91%
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.
Harriette Kirschen Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Apr 30, 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.
Harriette Kirschen Elementary School
$7,851
raised using DonorsChoose
21
projects
funded
8
teachers
funded
84
donors
2
projects
for
basic supplies
3
projects for
technology
3
projects for
books
Harriette Kirschen Elementary School has received support from
36 individuals from California and
48 individuals out-of-state.
