{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Sonora Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":18.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":1735545,"projectId":9314687,"letterContent":"Thank you so very much for all the paper supplies you provided my class this year. We literally use the chart paper DAILY during our lessons for anchor charts that the students reference. I probably don't even have to tell you how popular the sticky notes are with the kids. Anything I can do to have them use a sticky note keeps them engaged.\r\n\r\nThe colored paper is used almost every time we do an art project. Those keep our room looking fun and inviting. Thank you so much for always supporting my classroom and my wonderful students. You are amazing.","fullyFundedDate":1746467228467,"projectUrl":"project/paper-power-essential-paper-supplies-fo/9314687/","projectTitle":"Paper Power: Essential Paper Supplies for Learning, Creating, and Organizing!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Garcia-Crabb","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1735545_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1504548424020","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-garcia-crabb"},{"teacherId":1735545,"projectId":9609750,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for our wobble chairs. I will have to say that at first I was rethinking my decision to get those because the kids thought they were sooooo fun it was a little crazy back there at the small group table. haha. But once the novelty wore off and we were able to keep the kids from falling all over the floor from playing on them, they are became an invaluable tool. So many students need to wiggle while they learn. I use them mostly at the back table. This table is used for many reasons including having a child sit at it to be able to concentrate better. These wobble chairs are a bonus for this matter.\r\n\r\nSometimes I have a student that actually is having one of those days that they need it at their desk during the day. It is amazing what a difference it makes with their concentration. Thank you so much for your generosity!","fullyFundedDate":1757016509737,"projectUrl":"project/wobble-to-learn/9609750/","projectTitle":"Wobble to Learn","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Garcia-Crabb","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1735545_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1504548424020","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-garcia-crabb"},{"teacherId":1735545,"projectId":9609557,"letterContent":"Thank you so very much for the Positive Behavior Management supplies. My kids LOVE to work for prizes as does any child. Our treasure chest you supplied us sits in the back of the room for them all to see all day. It is FULL off all the goodies that you supplied us as well. I have a Whoa! Board that I add a student's initials on during the day if someone does something spectacular. On Friday I chose a location on the board randomly and they get to choose from the treasure chest. We also have a table point system where the students get points at their tables all day for various things. On Friday, the table with the most points gets the treasure chest as well. I use it randomly for other things as well.\r\n\r\nI'm sure you understand the value this has for me in keep the students engaged and incented to make good choices. Thank you for saving me:)","fullyFundedDate":1755731930995,"projectUrl":"project/positive-behavior-management/9609557/","projectTitle":"Positive Behavior Management","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Garcia-Crabb","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1735545_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1504548424020","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-garcia-crabb"},{"teacherId":1735545,"projectId":9314197,"letterContent":"My students and I were so excited to start the school year off with so many of our supplies in hand thanks to you. I was able to prepare them some pencil boxes full of supplies that they are able to use all year. \r\n\r\nThe composition books are use daily to write their thinking maps in and complete writing assignments. The whiteboards are also used daily as I check their understanding during lessons. The art supplies have been used for name art that is displayed on the wall all year, California regions art, Christmas gifts, cards and so much more.\r\n\r\nThank you so much for all that you do for us!","fullyFundedDate":1747058306891,"projectUrl":"project/bright-beginnings-essential-supplies-fo/9314197/","projectTitle":"Bright Beginnings: Essential Supplies for a Successful School Year","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Garcia-Crabb","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1735545_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1504548424020","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-garcia-crabb"},{"teacherId":2025943,"projectId":9522747,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donation to my classroom. I was able to purchase many new and fun things for students to use. They love every time I show them something new we have to work with. It's really fun and exciting for them to be able to touch and use things as it's one of the best ways for them to learn as they do things. We use them regularly in our learning centers and also throughout the day when the students get to choose their activity and play. \r\n\r\nThey especially loved the doll clothes for the babies we have when they have their pretend play. The giant linking cubes were also a huge hit. They've always been used to having the small ones so when they saw giant ones, they were oohing and aaahing over it. \r\n\r\nThank you for making learning fun and engaging for our little ones!","fullyFundedDate":1757016449238,"projectUrl":"project/launching-learning-fun-for-little-ones/9522747/","projectTitle":"Launching Learning Fun for Little Ones","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Nguyen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2025943_orig.jpg?crop=764,764,x45,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1706110660033","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2025943"},{"teacherId":3827142,"projectId":9611972,"letterContent":"We cannot THANK YOU enough for your donation of 30 copies of Wonder, by R.J. Palacio! My current class and all future students, who I am so lucky to get, will have the pleasure of having their own copy, in hand, to read as a whole class. Not only am I thankful, but my students today and in the future are so grateful. \r\n \r\nEach year my students and I will read this novel together. The students have the option to volunteer to read aloud or to listen and follow along as I read it to them. Either way, the students can enjoy the story. Reading aloud to students benefits them in so many ways. Reading comprehension improves by listening and through discussion of the story elements. Reading fluency can improve by following along with the reader.\r\n \r\nThe moral of this story is, \"Choose Kind.\" Auggie Pullman, is entering 5th grade and starting school for the first time in his life. The students can relate to this character because they are also beginning fifth grade. So many connections can be made throughout the reading and discussing of this novel. Most importantly, focusing on kindness, courage, and self-acceptance will go a long way with this age level. \r\n\r\nOnce again, I am so thankful for your donation. It will be enjoyed by many many children today and in future years.","fullyFundedDate":1757016532650,"projectUrl":"project/wonder-reading-and-discussing-the-impor/9611972/","projectTitle":"Wonder: Reading and Discussing the Importance of “Choosing Kind”","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Eadie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrseadie"},{"teacherId":8398595,"projectId":9711289,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our kindergarten and first-grade students are learning letter recognition, sound blending, and word building in a hands-on, engaging way with our new Pop It letter arcs! These colorful tools turn phonics practice into a fun sensory experience that keeps young learners excited and focused.\r\n\r\nBecause of your donation, students can now physically \"pop\" out each sound in a word, which helps them strengthen phonemic awareness and connect letters to sounds. This tactile activity supports early reading and spelling skills while also building fine motor coordination.\r\n\r\nWe've seen students who once struggled to focus during literacy lessons now eagerly volunteer to spell and read words using their Pop Its. Thank you, for making learning interactive, joyful, and meaningful for our youngest readers!","fullyFundedDate":1760107369910,"projectUrl":"project/a-reading-rainbow-of-letters-and-sounds/9711289/","projectTitle":"A Reading Rainbow of Letters and Sounds!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Turner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8398595_orig.jpg?crop=1642,1642,x0,y240&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726778587523","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-turners-class"},{"teacherId":8398595,"projectId":9508096,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support in helping bring new organizational shelves, boxes, and furniture to our literacy classroom. These additions have made a tremendous difference in the way students access and engage with hands-on materials. Now, every book, manipulative, and activity has a designated space, allowing students to find what they need quickly and independently. The classroom feels more open, inviting, and structured—creating an environment that supports focus and creativity.\r\nThe new organization has also encouraged more meaningful participation during small group and center time. With labeled bins and clearly arranged shelves, students can easily choose literacy manipulatives such as word cards, sentence builders, and story sequencing kits. This independence not only saves valuable learning time but also builds confidence as students take ownership of their materials and learning routines. The space now promotes active learning, collaboration, and exploration in a calm and orderly setting.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, these organizational tools have transformed our classroom into a place where learning feels both exciting and accessible for all students. The improved setup supports smoother transitions, reduces distractions, and helps maintain a positive, productive atmosphere throughout the day. Your donation has truly enhanced our learning community—thank you for helping us create a space where every child can thrive and feel proud of their classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1757016469626,"projectUrl":"project/organized-literacy-and-justice-for-all/9508096/","projectTitle":"Organized Literacy and Justice for ALL!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Turner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8398595_orig.jpg?crop=1642,1642,x0,y240&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726778587523","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-turners-class"},{"teacherId":1660517,"projectId":9560839,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of the Food Group series, The Crayons series, Creepy Carrots, and the many other wonderful picture books supporting social-emotional development in our kindergarten classroom. These stories have already brought so much joy and engagement to our daily read-alouds and independent reading time. Students are making connections to the characters, reflecting on their own choices, and using the books as a springboard for classroom discussions about feelings, fairness, and friendship. The book pouches have also helped students take ownership of their reading materials and treat the books with care and responsibility.\r\n\r\nStories that highlight acts of kindness, problem-solving in friendships, and acceptance of differences help children practice empathy and cooperation both inside and outside the classroom. With a well-rounded and diverse selection of high-quality books, we can intentionally guide students toward building strong interpersonal skills, embracing diversity, and becoming caring, thoughtful members of their community. Your support has made these meaningful learning opportunities possible, and this project will continue to impact students for years to come. We are deeply grateful for your generosity and commitment to early learners.","fullyFundedDate":1755704448148,"projectUrl":"project/the-kind-in-kindergarten/9560839/","projectTitle":"The Kind in Kindergarten","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Fenn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1660517_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1458160768351","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/hfish"},{"teacherId":1660517,"projectId":9236189,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of the Pigeon book series and the Elephant and Piggie collection by Mo Willems. These books have quickly become student favorites during story time, independent reading, and partner reading. My kindergarteners are drawn to the expressive characters, playful dialogue, and familiar situations that mirror their own experiences. The books have sparked laughter, rich conversations, and a growing excitement for reading that is extending beyond our classroom library.\r\n\r\nBeyond enjoyment, these stories have given students a meaningful way to learn important life lessons in a developmentally appropriate way. Through the characters' adventures, they are exploring themes such as sharing, cooperation, problem-solving, kindness, self-control, perseverance, and how our actions affect others. Students are beginning to recognize and name feelings, make more positive choices, and build stronger friendships as a result of these powerful stories. Your support has helped nurture both a love of reading and the social-emotional learning that is essential in kindergarten. We are so grateful for your contribution to our students' growth.","fullyFundedDate":1746787041543,"projectUrl":"project/books-for-buddies/9236189/","projectTitle":"Books for Buddies","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Fenn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1660517_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1458160768351","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/hfish"},{"teacherId":1660517,"projectId":9194359,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous gift of LEGO bricks, baseplates, and the Kanoodle game for our kindergarten classroom. These materials have already brought so much excitement and engagement to our learning space. The students are using the LEGO sets to build creative structures, practice fine motor skills, and collaborate with their peers during partner and small-group play. The baseplates have helped them design more intentional creations, plan ahead, and take pride in their work as they see their ideas come to life. Kanoodle has also become a class favorite, encouraging students to think critically and solve puzzles in fun, developmentally appropriate ways.\r\n\r\nThese new materials are helping us stretch learning beyond traditional paper-and-pencil tasks. Students are using the bricks for counting, sorting, patterning, and storytelling, while also building problem-solving skills and perseverance. They are learning to take turns, share materials responsibly, and communicate their ideas with one another, skills that are essential in both academics and social-emotional development. Your generosity has had a meaningful impact on our classroom community, and we are so grateful for your support in helping our youngest learners grow.","fullyFundedDate":1743053549489,"projectUrl":"project/building-collaboration/9194359/","projectTitle":"Building Collaboration","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Fenn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1660517_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1458160768351","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/hfish"},{"teacherId":1924385,"projectId":9363825,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity and for bringing so much organization and excitement to our classroom through Donors Choose. Your thoughtful contributions have already made a significant impact, and we are all so grateful for your support.\r\n\r\nThanks to you, our learning space has been transformed. The new carts and bookshelf have helped us organize our materials, creating a more focused and efficient environment. Students are taking pride in their new pencil pouches and notebooks, and the Sharpies are in constant use for projects and assignments. We've even started our \"Jolly Rancher Wars,\" and the students are more motivated than ever to collaborate and stay on task for a chance to win a sweet treat for their table. It's a fun and effective incentive that wouldn't be possible without you.","fullyFundedDate":1757016490248,"projectUrl":"project/new-grade-same-kids-big-dreams/9363825/","projectTitle":"New Grade, Same Kids, Big Dreams","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Selstad","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1924385_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1482246671125","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-selstad"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_92286","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":376,"numTeachers":19,"percentFrplEligible":78,"percentAsian":5,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":13,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":74,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"19.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":81.5,"schoolId":92286,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Sonora Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Sonora Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/newport-mesa-unified-school-district/sonora-elementary-school/92286"}
Join the 389 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Sonora Elementary School is
an urban public school
in Costa Mesa, California that is part of Newport Mesa Unified School District.
It serves 376 students
in grades Pre-K - 6 with a student/teacher ratio of 19.8:1.
Its teachers have had 310 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
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
79%
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.
Sonora Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Jan 19, 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.
Sonora Elementary School
$162,524
raised using DonorsChoose
310
projects
funded
31
teachers
funded
389
donors
49
projects
for
basic supplies
37
projects for
technology
90
projects for
books
18
projects
for
art supplies
Sonora Elementary School has received support from
317 individuals from California and
72 individuals out-of-state.