{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Oakley Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":20.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":4791710,"projectId":9726762,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom reading area project. Because of you, our students now have two beautiful bookcases and a cozy rug that have truly transformed our space into a welcoming environment for learning and imagination.\r\n\r\nWe are already making great use of these new resources every day. The bookcases allow us to organize our classroom library by genre and reading level, making it easier for students to find books that interest them. The rug has become a central gathering place where we hold read-aloud sessions, partner reading, and small group discussions. One especially meaningful moment happened during a recent reading workshop when a group of students chose to sit together on the rug, excitedly sharing their books and recommending stories to one another. It was wonderful to see them so engaged and building a community of readers.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the new bookcases and rug, their reactions were priceless. They were amazed at how different the classroom looked and immediately gravitated toward the reading area. Many students expressed excitement about having a \"special place\" just for reading, and some even said it felt like a library. Their enthusiasm has carried over into their daily routines, with more students eager to spend time reading.\r\n\r\nAs we move forward, we are continuing to build on this momentum. Our next step is a classroom reading project where students will select books from the newly organized shelves, read independently or with partners, and then create short presentations or book reviews to share with the class. This will help strengthen both their comprehension and communication skills, while also encouraging them to explore new genres and authors.\r\n\r\nThank you again for helping us create a space that inspires a love of reading. Your support is making a lasting difference in our students' learning and growth.","fullyFundedDate":1762265330927,"projectUrl":"project/new-books-need-new-bookcases/9726762/","projectTitle":"New Books Need New Bookcases","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. L.","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4791710_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1533077443676","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4791710"},{"teacherId":4791710,"projectId":9878693,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support in providing gardening supplies for our classroom. Your kindness has truly made a meaningful difference in our students' learning experience.\r\n\r\nWhen the supplies arrived, the excitement in the room was immediate. Students were eager to dig in—literally! With their new tools, seeds, and materials, they quickly got to work preparing soil, planting, and learning about how things grow. For many of them, this has been their first hands-on experience with gardening, and it has sparked a lot of curiosity and enthusiasm.\r\n\r\nOne of our favorite moments so far has been watching students take ownership of their plants. They check on them daily, water them carefully, and celebrate every small sign of growth. These moments are helping them build responsibility, patience, and a deeper appreciation for nature.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we plan to continue caring for our garden while also incorporating lessons about ecosystems, nutrition, and sustainability. Students will track plant growth, make observations, and even explore how gardening connects to healthy living.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has brought learning to life in a way that is both engaging and memorable. Thank you for helping us create this opportunity for our students—we are truly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1765316252912,"projectUrl":"project/growing-scientists-exploring-life-throu/9878693/","projectTitle":"Growing Scientists: Exploring Life Through Plants and STEM","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. L.","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4791710_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1533077443676","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4791710"},{"teacherId":9017541,"projectId":9821444,"letterContent":"Because of your incredible generosity, our classroom has become a calmer, more supportive space for students who need it most. The sensory swing has quickly become an essential part of our daily routine. Students use it as a tool to regulate before challenging tasks or after moments of frustration. One powerful moment that stands out was when a student who often struggles to transition between activities used the swing for a few minutes, took deep breaths, and then returned to the group ready to participate. Instead of escalating behaviors, we're seeing students reset, refocus, and rejoin learning with confidence.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, the excitement was immediate. Students were curious about the swing, chewies, kick bands, and headphones, and we took time to model how each tool supports our brains and bodies. It was empowering for them to learn that these tools are not toys, but strategies that help them succeed. The first time a student put on the noise-canceling headphones and visibly relaxed amid the noise was incredibly moving. Students who previously struggled to remain seated are now using kick bands to release energy in a quiet, appropriate way. Chewies are helping reduce anxiety and improve attention during small-group instruction. These simple tools have already reduced disruptions and increased meaningful engagement.\r\n\r\nAs we move forward, we continue to teach students to independently choose the tools that best meet their needs. We are building self-advocacy skills by helping them recognize when they need movement, deep pressure, or a quieter space. Our calm-down area, supported by the white noise machine and sensory tools, is becoming a place where students can reset and return to learning, ready to grow. Because of you, our classroom is not just a place for academics—it is a safe, therapeutic environment where every child feels supported, understood, and capable of success. Thank you for making this possible for our students.","fullyFundedDate":1764710208776,"projectUrl":"project/calm-minds-bright-futures-sensory-reso/9821444/","projectTitle":"Calm Minds, Bright Futures: Sensory Resources for Our Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. P","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9017541_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y554&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1717015748194","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9017541"},{"teacherId":6758869,"projectId":9627282,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the generous donation of toys to our classroom. The children were absolutely thrilled, and we are so grateful for your kindness and support. Our class especially loves building materials like magnet tiles, blocks, and wooden logs, which give them endless opportunities to design, construct, and problem-solve together. These materials encourage creativity, teamwork, and imaginative thinking, and they have quickly become some of the most popular items in our room.\r\nThe students also adore the figures and animals that came with the toys because they can use them to bring their creations to life through pretend play. They enjoy creating zoos, playing house, and inventing fun scenarios that spark rich conversations and storytelling. Watching them work together and express their ideas through play has been truly wonderful. Thank you again for helping make our classroom a more engaging and joyful place to learn and grow.","fullyFundedDate":1762385445964,"projectUrl":"project/building-bright-minds-through-play/9627282/","projectTitle":"Building Bright Minds Through Play","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ayala","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6758869_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y137&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1566701859472","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6758869"},{"teacherId":8066619,"projectId":9627751,"letterContent":"Thanks to this project, my classroom has transformed into a hands-on learning space where students are building real-life skills in meaningful and fun ways. With the mini blender, toaster, kid-friendly knives, and cleaning tools, my students have been able to safely prepare simple foods while practicing independence, sequencing, fine motor skills, and teamwork. During Fat Bear Week, students made \"bear toast,\" independently toasting bread, spreading chocolate with knives, and slicing bananas. We also made \"not-so-hot cocoa\" using blended chocolate milk and prepared morning smoothies with orange juice, bananas, and yogurt. These activities have strengthened many important skills and students were able to practice measuring and following steps. We've also encouraged clean-up by using the broom and dustpan. Most importantly, this project has helped my students feel confident and successful while practicing real-world skills in a way that feels fun, meaningful, and accessible. Thank you!!","fullyFundedDate":1755734791491,"projectUrl":"project/cooking-up-life-skills/9627751/","projectTitle":"Cooking Up Life Skills","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Montano","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8066619_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1632011947916","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8066619"},{"teacherId":12612,"projectId":9711846,"letterContent":"My sincere apologies for this tardy note of gratitude! Amongst the oh-so-busy holiday season filled with our school theater production and other seasonal activities, I'm afraid I have missed my original deadline!\r\n\r\nHowever, please know that your thoughtful donation is so very much appreciated and the resources have been incredibly enjoyed! It's hard to even express teh amount of enjoyment without sounding like I'm exaggerating!\r\n\r\nThe unboxing of our new Air Toobz was very exciting! Once the package was opened the students were very surprised and extremely curious. None of them had ever seen Air Toobz before! Oh, how fun to introduce them to this delightful and versatile STEAM toy!\r\n\r\nThe very first day we charged up the motor and started creating the very best tube configurations! \r\n\r\nEvery day since, students have been creating their own personal-best tube runs for the amazingliy soft, but sturdy, balls that were included. Some students want to create the talest contraptions, some students the longest, others want to create the wildest twists and turns. Always, they love to include others, even the teacher, to participate! Problem solving and communication have been observed during every single choice time! Exactly what I had hoped for!!! \r\n\r\nThe best part? The laughter!!!!! The balls whizzing through and bouncing off of the ceiling or other objects in the classroom cause the very best giggles!!! So much fun!!! (A bonus, the balls are very soft and even when the bounce off of a human they do not hurt at all!! In fact, it results in even more laughter!)\r\n\r\nAgain, thank you for your kindness and generosity. You are truly making a difference in the lives of my favorite little five and six year old friends!!","fullyFundedDate":1758574247552,"projectUrl":"project/steam-on-in-kindergarten/9711846/","projectTitle":"STEAM On in Kindergarten!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Schlotman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp12612_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1657641037613","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-schlotman"},{"teacherId":4791710,"projectId":7330774,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donations to our classroom! Because of your kindness, my 4th graders now have paint, canvases, easels, chalk, and brushes to use for creative art projects. The excitement on their faces when they saw the new supplies was priceless. These materials have turned our classroom into a colorful and inspiring space where students can express themselves and bring their imaginations to life.\r\n\r\nYour support has also helped us build a love for reading with the new books you provided. My students are eager to explore new stories, learn about different topics, and share their favorite parts with one another. Your generosity has truly made a lasting impact on our classroom community—thank you for helping my students grow as both artists and readers!","fullyFundedDate":1683759392531,"projectUrl":"project/steam-exploring-science-and-art/7330774/","projectTitle":"STEAM: Exploring Science and Art","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. L.","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4791710_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1533077443676","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4791710"},{"teacherId":4791710,"projectId":7136494,"letterContent":"The addition of math manipulatives to my 4th-grade classroom through DonorsChoose has had a tremendous impact on my students' learning and engagement. These hands-on tools have transformed abstract math concepts into concrete, tangible experiences that my students can see, touch, and explore. Whether using fraction tiles to visualize equivalent fractions or base-ten blocks to understand place value, students are now actively involved in their learning rather than passively listening. The manipulatives have made math more accessible and less intimidating, allowing every student — regardless of learning style or ability — to grasp key concepts with confidence.\r\n\r\nBeyond improving comprehension, the manipulatives have also sparked excitement and collaboration in the classroom. Students are eager to work together, discuss strategies, and explain their reasoning using the materials. This interactive approach has deepened their understanding and built a stronger sense of mathematical community. Thanks to the generosity of DonorsChoose supporters, my classroom has become a more dynamic, inclusive, and joyful place to learn math.","fullyFundedDate":1674224249284,"projectUrl":"project/the-only-way-to-learn-math-is-to-do-math/7136494/","projectTitle":"The Only Way To Learn Math is To Do Math","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. L.","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4791710_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1533077443676","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4791710"},{"teacherId":10191506,"projectId":9627379,"letterContent":"I can't thank you enough for supporting our classroom. The new materials have made such a difference for my students. They use them every day and seem to be really enjoying them.\r\nThe fine motor games have become favorites. The Feed-the-Animals game and magnetic alphabet fishing game keep them engaged while they work on coordination and hand strength. The Do-A-Dot markers are also a big hit my students love using them to create colorful art in the classroom.\r\nIt's been amazing to see how much they're learning without even realizing it. The activities feel like play to them, but they're building important skills at the same time. We'll keep using these materials as part of our daily fine motor and hands-on learning centers. Thank you again for giving my students the tools to grow, explore, and learn in ways that are fun for them.","fullyFundedDate":1755789151732,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-learning-flexible-seating/9627379/","projectTitle":"Hands-On Learning & Flexible Seating","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gonzalez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10191506_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755655535098","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10191506"},{"teacherId":4791710,"projectId":9556234,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to our 4th-grade classroom! We are so excited to have our praying mantis eggs, anole lizards and tank, tadpoles, butterfly kit, and new books. These wonderful materials have turned our classroom into a living science lab, sparking curiosity and excitement every day. The students love observing the animals and learning about life cycles, habitats, and how to care for living things.\r\n\r\nYour kindness has brought science to life in a way that textbooks never could. Watching our tadpoles grow and our butterflies emerge has made learning truly hands-on and unforgettable. The books have helped us connect our real-life observations to what we're reading, deepening our understanding and love for nature. Thank you for helping us create these amazing learning experiences—we are so grateful for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1757693583710,"projectUrl":"project/wild-about-stem-inspiring-4th-graders-t/9556234/","projectTitle":"Wild About STEM: Inspiring 4th Graders Through Live Animal Experiences","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. L.","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4791710_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1533077443676","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4791710"},{"teacherId":12612,"projectId":9564506,"letterContent":"Your donation to providing my kindergarten students with new essential items that promote improved fine motor skills is very much appreciated.\r\nThe new pencil sharpener has been such a wonderful tool! We knew our old one was not doing well, but the nice point to our pencils after using this new machine is truly impressive! Did you know kindergarten students can be impressed with a sharp pencil point? Now you do!\r\nThe newly designed scissors for struggling students have been so nice for two students in particular that have a very undeveloped scissor hold. We are making improvements and they are able to more fully participate now!\r\nWe have not used our fresh crayons yet, but they are ready for our refill mid year and we are so grateful for them.\r\nWe are still awaiting the do-a-dot-markers, but we know those will be so fun to use for our fall and holiday projects as well as game based learning in all areas.\r\nYou have made a difference in our classroom and we celebrate your kindness!","fullyFundedDate":1756184315871,"projectUrl":"project/essentials-for-fine-motor-skills-growth/9564506/","projectTitle":"Essentials for Fine Motor Skills Growth","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Schlotman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp12612_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1657641037613","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-schlotman"},{"teacherId":9657648,"projectId":8660634,"letterContent":"My students thoroughly enjoyed learning with hands on materials! They loved working together in class and also challenging each other with new activities that they had never participated in. The most challenging was building robots! They would go home and talk about their designs with their families and I enjoyed hearing the feedback about their excitement to learn. We also were able to do a project on growing plants with the see-through gardening set and workbook. It reminded my students of when they made garden gloves in 2nd grade but with the rigor of 3rd grade expectations! Thank you for giving my students the love of learning!","fullyFundedDate":1726660176631,"projectUrl":"project/stem-materials/8660634/","projectTitle":"STEM Materials","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hamachi","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9657648_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724370380202","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9657648"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_4164","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":371,"numTeachers":19,"percentFrplEligible":52,"percentAsian":5,"percentBlack":3,"percentWhite":20,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":64,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"19.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":79.3,"schoolId":4164,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Oakley Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Oakley Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/oakley-union-elementary-school-district/oakley-elementary-school/4164"}