{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Emerson Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":21.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":4796955,"projectId":9735593,"letterContent":"Thanks to the generosity of our donors, our DonorsChoose project, \"Keeping Our Promethean Alive for Learning,\" has had an incredible impact on my classroom and the 10 amazing students I teach, ranging from Kindergarten through 2nd grade at a Title I school in Oakland, CA. All of my students have moderate to extensive support needs, and every day they rely on tools and technology to access learning in meaningful ways. Before receiving the new computer, our classroom Promethean interactive board was limited in its use because the old computer had become obsolete. Many lessons that were designed to be interactive and engaging could not be displayed properly, and valuable educational videos, songs, and specialized software were difficult or impossible to use. This technology gap created challenges in helping students fully engage in literacy, math, communication, and social-emotional activities tailored to their unique learning needs. Now, with a replacement computer fully connected to the Promethean board, we are able to harness the full potential of this incredible tool, transforming daily instruction into interactive, accessible, and exciting learning experiences.\r\n\r\nThe impact on my students has been immediate and profound. With the new computer, lessons are no longer static or limited; students can interact with the board, respond to prompts, and participate in group activities that reinforce their understanding and skills. For many of my students, technology is not just a teaching tool—it is an essential bridge to learning, communication, and independence. They can now engage with educational software that supports literacy by allowing them to sound out letters and words, practice reading comprehension, and build vocabulary in ways that match their individual needs. In math, students are able to manipulate numbers, shapes, and patterns on the board, helping them visualize and understand concepts that were previously abstract or inaccessible. Beyond academics, the Promethean board supports social-emotional development and motor skills, as students take turns interacting with the technology, working together, and celebrating each other's successes. I have observed increased motivation, attention, and confidence among my students since we began using the new computer, and it has allowed me to better meet each student where they are in their learning journey.\r\n\r\nPerhaps most importantly, this project has fostered a sense of excitement and inclusion in the classroom. My students thrive when lessons are engaging, multisensory, and interactive, and the Promethean board, powered by the new computer, allows me to create these experiences consistently. We can now integrate music, movement, and multimedia into our learning, which helps students who struggle with attention or communication to remain engaged and participate fully. The donors' support has not only provided a piece of technology—it has provided an opportunity for my students to experience learning in ways that honor their abilities, celebrate their progress, and give them access to the same enriching educational experiences as their peers. Thanks to this donation, my students are more motivated, more connected to the material, and more confident in their abilities. It is a daily reminder that when the right tools are in place, every student has the chance to thrive, learn, and grow.","fullyFundedDate":1759615411195,"projectUrl":"project/keeping-our-promethean-alive-for-learnin/9735593/","projectTitle":"Keeping Our Promethean Alive for Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Reyes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4796955_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1532918160451","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/roomd1"},{"teacherId":4796955,"projectId":9722014,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom has been transformed into an even more supportive, joyful, and engaging space for my students. Every item you helped bring into our room has made a visible difference in their daily experiences.\r\n\r\nThe sensory chewies have become essential tools for many of my students, giving them safe and calming outlets that allow them to regulate their bodies and maintain focus during lessons. Instead of becoming frustrated or overwhelmed, students now have strategies they can rely on to stay engaged. They are already making an impact on a student that has a behavioral plan due to her sensory needs!\r\n\r\nThe sensory toys are a huge hit—they spark curiosity and invite hands-on exploration. I've seen students collaborate, problem-solve, and practice social interaction skills while laughing and having fun. These toys have helped turn learning moments into opportunities for connection. They are a favorite amongst the students!!\r\n\r\nThe suction plates have supported my students' independence at mealtimes. Several children who once became frustrated when their food moved around are now confidently practicing self-feeding, building both motor skills and confidence in themselves.\r\n\r\nThe educational toys have been woven into our daily routines, making lessons more interactive and accessible. Whether we're working on communication, early literacy, or problem-solving, these tools give students multiple pathways to express what they know and build new skills through play.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, these resources have helped my students feel successful and celebrated every day. I see their pride when they master a new task, their smiles when they connect with a peer, and their excitement when learning feels fun and within reach.\r\n\r\nYour kindness has not only provided materials but has also given my students the message that they are valued and supported by a community that believes in them. For that, I am deeply grateful.\r\n\r\nEnjoy the pictures!","fullyFundedDate":1758341050971,"projectUrl":"project/tools-for-sensory-play/9722014/","projectTitle":"Tools for Sensory Play","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Reyes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4796955_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1532918160451","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/roomd1"},{"teacherId":9341842,"projectId":9033431,"letterContent":"My small group students were overjoyed by the snacks that were available, as a result of your gifts! They felt welcome and excited to come and do their work because they knew something yummy was waiting for them here.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping me create a learning environment that showed care beyond a student's ability to perform academically. By meeting a basic need, it takes some of the pressure off of my students who might not feel comfortable saying that they are hungry and can't focus.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, my students were better equipped for learning in a space that said, \"You are welcome here and you matter,\" simply with a preferred snack item to eat. Thank you, thank you, thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1738779345506,"projectUrl":"project/snacks-for-my-hard-working-small-groups/9033431/","projectTitle":"Snacks for My Hard Working Small Groups","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Melanie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9341842_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1698369694033","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/msmelaniesped"},{"teacherId":192220,"projectId":5937284,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our \"Button-Making to Practice Self-Expression and Advocate for Causes\" project! Because of your generosity, my students now have the tools to creatively express their identities, interests, and voices in a fun and meaningful way.\r\n\r\nWhen the button-making materials arrived, the excitement in the room was electric. Students immediately began brainstorming ideas—designing buttons about kindness, inclusion, and even funny sayings that reflect their personalities. One student proudly said, \"I finally made something that shows what I believe in!\"\r\n\r\nThis project has opened up opportunities for authentic dialogue around self-advocacy, social justice, and community building. The buttons have become conversation starters, and students wear them proudly around campus. It's been amazing to see shy students come out of their shells through art and messaging.\r\n\r\nThank you again for empowering my students to speak up and shine through creativity!","fullyFundedDate":1637096815829,"projectUrl":"project/button-making-to-practice-self-expressio/5937284/","projectTitle":"Button-Making to Practice Self-Expression and Advocate for Causes","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Solly","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp192220_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1483115986863","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/solly"},{"teacherId":192220,"projectId":5722249,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous contribution to our project, \"We Need Sanitizing Equipment for Safety and Health.\" Your support has made a real difference in keeping our learning environment clean, safe, and welcoming for all students.\r\n\r\nThe sanitizing equipment you helped provide has become a vital part of our daily routines. From wiping down surfaces to encouraging hand hygiene, students now have the tools and habits to help keep themselves and each other healthy. One student even remarked, \"It feels good to know we're doing our part to keep the classroom safe!\"\r\n\r\nYour kindness has helped us create not only a cleaner space but also a greater sense of responsibility and care within our classroom community. Thank you for supporting our health and learning.","fullyFundedDate":1632418760800,"projectUrl":"project/we-need-sanitizing-equipment-for-safety/5722249/","projectTitle":"We Need Sanitizing Equipment for Safety and Health","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Solly","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp192220_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1483115986863","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/solly"},{"teacherId":192220,"projectId":5754353,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our project, \"We Need Air Filtration and Sanitizing Supplies.\" Your donation made an immediate and meaningful difference in our classroom—especially during this critical time of returning to school after COVID.\r\n\r\nWhen the air purifier and sanitizing supplies arrived, my students were filled with excitement and a sense of comfort. One student said, \"It smells so clean in here now!\" These resources helped us establish a safe, welcoming environment, which was especially essential in supporting students' health and easing their transition back to in-person learning.\r\n\r\nWe've integrated these materials into our daily routine. Students now take pride in helping to sanitize our shared spaces, and we've connected this to our science unit on air quality and environmental health. Your support has made these lessons more meaningful and real.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping us create a safer, healthier space to learn and grow. We're so grateful for your generosity.","fullyFundedDate":1629842395067,"projectUrl":"project/we-need-air-filtration-and-sanitizing-su/5754353/","projectTitle":"We need Air filtration and Sanitizing Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Solly","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp192220_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1483115986863","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/solly"},{"teacherId":192220,"projectId":5090679,"letterContent":"I hope this message finds you well! On behalf of my students and myself, I want to take a moment to sincerely thank you for your generous donation to our \"Need Cleaning Supplies to Be Safe During Covid-19\" project. Your support has had a significant impact on our classroom, and I'm excited to share how these resources are making a difference.\r\n\r\nThanks to your contribution, we now have the cleaning supplies necessary to maintain a safe and healthy environment. We use the disinfectants and cleaning materials regularly between lessons, ensuring that every student has a clean space to learn and thrive. This has been especially important as we continue to navigate the challenges of maintaining health protocols during the pandemic.\r\n\r\nOne of the first things my students noticed when we received the supplies was the bright, colorful sanitizing wipes and sprays—many of them were excited to help clean their desks and shared a sense of pride in keeping the classroom safe. It was wonderful to see how motivated and responsible they became, taking ownership of maintaining their learning space.\r\n\r\nCurrently, we're using the supplies in combination with a hands-on science project about hygiene and germs, where students actively practice and learn about cleanliness. This is such a meaningful way to engage them in a topic that directly impacts their health and learning environment. They're learning to make connections between the importance of cleanliness and their well-being.\r\n\r\nAs we continue to work on this project, your support is allowing us to keep the focus on learning while ensuring safety is a priority. Thank you again for being a vital part of our classroom. We are so grateful for your belief in our students' success and for helping us create a safe, supportive space for them to learn.\r\n\r\nWarm regards,","fullyFundedDate":1597179249715,"projectUrl":"project/need-cleaning-supplies-to-be-safe-during/5090679/","projectTitle":"Need Cleaning Supplies to Be Safe During Covid-19","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Solly","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp192220_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1483115986863","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/solly"},{"teacherId":4617569,"projectId":9082305,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for believing in this project! Now that we are finished with our ELPAC testing, I can honestly say that the fidget tools and snacks played a huge role in the success of our emergent bilingual scholars. Anytime I saw a student start to get nervous or struggle with a question, I was able to provide them with a snack or something to play with! This eased their anxiety and allowed them to do their best. This encouragement wouldn't have been possible without your support, and I am so grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1738343255768,"projectUrl":"project/snacks-for-success/9082305/","projectTitle":"Snacks for Success!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Dexter","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4617569_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1689033215185","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/sydneydexter"},{"teacherId":4429126,"projectId":9018175,"letterContent":"It has been great to receive all of the much-needed materials for our classroom! The kids were very excited to get their trifold writing folders. They want to use them all the time, not only for spelling words, but also so they can have a little more privacy while working.\r\n\r\nAnd, the containers are great for use during rainy day recesses and also for morning centers. They carry the materials in convenient carrying boxes and are easy to access and put away! Now I can have multiple containers for the Legos so kids can have their own set and there is less arguing over sharing! Other containers hold puzzles or blocks of various sizes.\r\n\r\nWe also use the plastic sleeves for white boards that hold their erasers and dry erase markers. It is really helpful for getting in some math or spelling practice with these white boards.","fullyFundedDate":1735361971839,"projectUrl":"project/this-and-that/9018175/","projectTitle":"This and That","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Keen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4429126_orig.png?crop=364,364,x0,y45&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1591588687634","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-a-keen"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_3923","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":332,"numTeachers":13,"percentFrplEligible":74,"percentAsian":4,"percentBlack":38,"percentWhite":22,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":17,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"25.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":78.1,"schoolId":3923,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Emerson Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Emerson Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/oakland-unified-school-district/emerson-elementary-school/3923"}
Join the 930 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Emerson Elementary School is
an urban public school
in Oakland, California that is part of Oakland Unified School District.
It serves 332 students
in grades Pre-K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 25.5:1.
Its teachers have had 240 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Boost support for our school's classrooms. Share this page with friends and family who want to make a difference. If you're a teacher, sign up to get started!
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
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.
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
59%
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.
Emerson Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Dec 6, 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.
Emerson Elementary School
$172,051
raised using DonorsChoose
240
projects
funded
52
teachers
funded
930
donors
23
projects
for
basic supplies
30
projects for
technology
28
projects for
books
10
projects
for
art supplies
Emerson Elementary School has received support from
726 individuals from California and
204 individuals out-of-state.