{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Bella Vista Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":19.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":534029,"projectId":9207288,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generosity. My students are more motivated, engaged, and excited to learn. The reward items have made a big difference in our classroom by turning everyday learning into something fun and meaningful.\r\n\r\nWith these prizes, I can recognize students for their effort, improvement, and positive behavior. This has helped build their confidence and encourages them to keep trying their best.\r\n\r\nI've also seen better participation and a stronger sense of community in the classroom. The positive environment has made our classroom a happier and more encouraging place to learn.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping bring joy, motivation, and success to my students!","fullyFundedDate":1745496313699,"projectUrl":"project/engaging-math-and-critical-thinking-game/9207288/","projectTitle":"Engaging Math and Critical Thinking Games for Third Graders","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Thai","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/534029"},{"teacherId":534029,"projectId":9312400,"letterContent":"This project has had a positive impact on my students by helping them feel motivated, recognized, and excited about learning. My students respond strongly to encouragement, and these rewards give them a fun and meaningful way to see their hard work pay off.\r\n\r\nUsing small prizes like toys, school supplies, and treats allows me to celebrate effort and progress regularly. This has led to increased participation, better focus, and more confidence in the classroom. Students who were once hesitant are now more willing to try and get involved.\r\n\r\nThe project has also created a more positive classroom environment. Students enjoy celebrating each other and feel proud of their achievements. Overall, it has helped build a classroom where students feel valued, supported, and inspired to do their best.","fullyFundedDate":1746469967712,"projectUrl":"project/work-hard-celebrate-big/9312400/","projectTitle":"Work Hard, Celebrate Big!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Thai","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/534029"},{"teacherId":534029,"projectId":9842716,"letterContent":"Thank you for making this project possible. Many of my students would not have received a gift this holiday season, so the joy and excitement of unwrapping something of their own was truly special.\r\nThese gifts continue to support creativity and learning in our classroom each day. The books, puzzles, and art supplies are used daily, encouraging collaboration and engagement. Most importantly, your generosity helped my students feel seen, valued, and cared for. Thank you so much. My students were very happy.","fullyFundedDate":1767394265744,"projectUrl":"project/help-bring-holiday-joy-winter-gifts-for/9842716/","projectTitle":"Help Bring Holiday Joy: Winter Gifts for My Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Thai","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/534029"},{"teacherId":9043125,"projectId":9854598,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our resource room students. We have been using the new materials daily to build reading and writing skills in small groups. One memorable moment was when a student who usually hesitates to participate used the new supports to complete a reading activity and confidently share their answers. When the materials first arrived, students were excited and eager to use them, which has led to greater engagement and focus during lessons.\r\n\r\nAs we move forward, we are using these resources to support a reading comprehension and writing project where students practice organizing their ideas and expressing their understanding. Your generosity is helping us create a more supportive and engaging learning environment, and we are truly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1767041660422,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-essentials/9854598/","projectTitle":"Classroom Essentials","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Montoya","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9043125"},{"teacherId":6846601,"projectId":9734813,"letterContent":"A sincere thank you for the donation you gave to our school! It is a pleasure to receive such kindness and generosity. \r\nThe donation you gave was for our school in Oakland, CA. Our school is the best! It is charming on the outside and in...with character in both the design (teal tile throughout the hallways) and, more importantly, the students. We have a diverse school that prides itself on honoring and including ALL learners and students. Being BELLA at Bella Vista means being your best at all times! \r\nOur school library is where your donation went. A sweet space that now has additional comfy seating for students to enjoy! Thank you as it has added a great amenity to an already wonderful reading space for students.","fullyFundedDate":1767394266805,"projectUrl":"project/reading-in-the-library/9734813/","projectTitle":"Reading in the Library","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cashion","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6846601_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1696777682248","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6846601"},{"teacherId":801990,"projectId":9685468,"letterContent":"The students just lifted 150 pounds of clay up 6 flights of stairs to the room. When they piled up the clay, wire, books, tools, and glaze, they were so excited. \r\n\r\nArt has become an \"If you have extra time\" subject. Having these lovely, \"beyond budget\" items in our classroom has been exciting. Yesterday we researched simple pinch pots to make. We needed our clay, formed a pot, and repaired the cracks. The students giggled, helped each other, and shared dreams of what they would make next. Everyone went home with a smile.\r\n\r\nCreating should be a subject in school. It leads to smiles and hope. Thank you for choosing our grant and making a class of 30 really happy!","fullyFundedDate":1765473735538,"projectUrl":"project/awesome-art/9685468/","projectTitle":"Awesome Art","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Barry-Hansen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp801990_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1557979546407","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/801990"},{"teacherId":801990,"projectId":9685469,"letterContent":"Thank you very much for picking our grant! We would not be able to continue the garden at our school, if it were not for your kind donations. The classroom and garden club are organizing seeds, turning soil, changing water nozzles, planting seeds and labeling garden markers. They re-organized the garden shed and all of the tools are protected from the rain!\r\n\r\nThe students are excited to start the tomatoes, design a flower garden, and push seeds for spring, fall, and the future. The students are excited to go to the garden, and love the tasks they complete. \r\n\r\nMost of all the students love picking flowers, oranges, apples and various herbs and vegetables to donate to the cafeteria or cook to eat.\r\n\r\nKnow that your donations will not only help us this year, but in the years to come!","fullyFundedDate":1767394265718,"projectUrl":"project/glorious-garden/9685469/","projectTitle":"Glorious Garden","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Barry-Hansen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp801990_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1557979546407","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/801990"},{"teacherId":4718307,"projectId":9529282,"letterContent":"The new equipment that was purchased - largely with YOUR help - has been so motivating for my students. Practicing object control skills such as throwing, striking and catching, is so productive when all students have their own equipment. Students can learn at their own pace and enjoy their learning and practice time.\r\n\r\nMy students were very excited to play with the new pickleballs, bouncy balls and trainer footballs! Engagement has been especially high in my classes since the equipment arrived. Best of all - my students are learning and having fun with each other. They are ready to move on to group games!","fullyFundedDate":1755706880304,"projectUrl":"project/fun-for-all/9529282/","projectTitle":"Fun For ALL","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sanchez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4718307_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673881860133","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4718307"},{"teacherId":10061570,"projectId":9427652,"letterContent":"As we enter our 10th week of the school year, I want to express enormous gratitude on behalf of myself and my 4th-grade scholars at Bella Vista Elementary School! Because of your generosity our classroom has become a comfortable environment for learning. The air conditioning unit has made a huge impact on the usually stuffy, overheated room in this otherwise lovely and spacious 100-year-old school building. \r\n\r\nThe impact is evident every day when students come in after recess from a remarkably sunny, warm, mostly unshaded playground. They all sigh in relief when settling in and preparing to continue their lessons and activities. \r\n\r\nHaving a cool space in a geographical area where the summer weather can last through October is no small thing. Providing a welcoming, comfortable space for scholars to learn and interact in positive ways has been a high priority for me this year. The young people in my class already contend with many obstacles that can distract them from being interested and invested in their academics and compassionate social interactions. \r\n\r\nThe simple act of turning on the air conditioner turns our space into a welcoming place for all of us. It is a gift made possible by you that gives us comfort every day. Please know you have made a giant difference in our school lives, and I can't thank you enough! The students are so excited to share a thank-you poster with you that they are currently working on. Please check back soon for their creation of sincere appreciation!","fullyFundedDate":1752531005679,"projectUrl":"project/staying-cool-in-school-when-it-gets-hot/9427652/","projectTitle":"Staying Cool in School When it Gets Hot","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Aimee","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10061570_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1752459828052","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10061570"},{"teacherId":9648767,"projectId":9284255,"letterContent":"The new supplies have made a huge difference in our classroom routines and student engagement! We've been using the sensory items as part of our calm-down corner, helping students self-regulate and return to learning ready and focused. The learning flash cards have been a great tool during small group work—students love using them during literacy and math centers. And the play food has completely transformed our dramatic play area! One of our favorite moments was when students created a pretend restaurant, taking turns being chefs, customers, and servers while practicing language, sharing, and social skills.\r\nTheir eyes lit up with excitement! They immediately started exploring the items and coming up with ideas for how to use them. One student hugged a sensory toy and said, \"This is my favorite thing ever!\" The play food especially sparked so much creativity and laughter—it was pure joy to watch them dive into pretend play and use their imaginations.","fullyFundedDate":1746699706766,"projectUrl":"project/help-us-speak-learn-and-shine-all-2025/9284255/","projectTitle":"Help us Speak, Learn, and Shine all 2025!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Brooks-Hunter","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9648767_orig.jpg?crop=1019,1019,x98,y692&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723429288961","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9648767"},{"teacherId":10111257,"projectId":9532857,"letterContent":"Thank you for much for your past donation! Your donation has helped in so many ways and there are not enough words to express how appreciative I am. Your donation has helped transform the school counseling space and program at my school in different ways. It has helped create a safe and comfortable space for students to do a number of things, including hanging out with their friends during lunch, host small group sessions, and allow students to openly express their feelings. When I started the year, I was excited to be my school's first school counselor but also overwhelmed by the thought of having to start from scratch. Now, after receiving such generous support, I feel more certain about the direction of the school's counseling program :-)","fullyFundedDate":1755209571112,"projectUrl":"project/mental-health-matters-creating-our-scho/9532857/","projectTitle":"Mental Health Matters! Creating Our School's First Counseling Space!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Yu","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10111257"},{"teacherId":801990,"projectId":9417579,"letterContent":"Change is hard for a teacher, but STEM units rock! We were so excited to change out a unit for bridge building this trimester. There is nothing more engaging than engineering projects in the elementary classroom.\r\n\r\nThe students will be engaged researching bridge building, as well as building structurally sound mini bridges with balsa wood, wire, and pins. STEM activities are inclusive and fun.\r\nThank you for providing the luxurious items for our Bridge Building Project. Know that year after year, students in my class will be reading the books and building bridges.","fullyFundedDate":1757898807182,"projectUrl":"project/stem-structures/9417579/","projectTitle":"STEM Structures","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Barry-Hansen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp801990_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1557979546407","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/801990"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_3912","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":379,"numTeachers":19,"percentFrplEligible":89,"percentAsian":37,"percentBlack":24,"percentWhite":3,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":24,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"19.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":80.2,"schoolId":3912,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Bella Vista Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Bella Vista Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/oakland-unified-school-district/bella-vista-elementary-school/3912"}
Join the 966 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Bella Vista Elementary School is
an urban public school
in Oakland, California that is part of Oakland Unified School District.
It serves 379 students
in grades Pre-K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 19.9:1.
Its teachers have had 388 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
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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
85%
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.
Bella Vista Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Apr 9, 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.
Bella Vista Elementary School
$268,385
raised using DonorsChoose
388
projects
funded
67
teachers
funded
966
donors
57
projects
for
basic supplies
32
projects for
technology
64
projects for
books
40
projects
for
art supplies
Bella Vista Elementary School has received support from
775 individuals from California and
191 individuals out-of-state.