{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Sycamore Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":20.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":6394821,"projectId":9606482,"letterContent":"I am writing this letter with sincere excitement and deep gratitude—thank you! Because of your support, the Building Bigger project has been fully funded and is already transforming our students' capacity to create.\r\n\r\nBefore your donation, our students were constantly constrained by the internal size of our laser cutter. We were limited to materials no thicker than two inches, which meant incredible ideas for projects like custom skate decks, large wooden signs for school events, or tall commemorative trophies were literally too big to fit. That limitation stifled their creativity and confined them to small desktop projects.\r\n\r\nThe Riser Base immediately changed that.\r\n\r\nThe moment we installed the Riser Base, we removed the bottom panel of the machine and gave our students back their imagination. Now, they can process pieces that are over five inches tall and much wider than before!\r\n\r\nThis transformation has had an immediate impact on their learning:\r\n\r\nStudents are now grappling with applied geometry and scaling problems. They are moving from designing 2D coasters to engineering full-scale product components, which requires much more rigorous attention to measurement and tolerance.\r\n\r\nA small, but meaningful impact came in the form of personalizing baseball mitts. These would not originally fit in the laser engraver, but now the riser has given us the space we need to personalize gloves for every student.\r\n\r\nThe ability to work on larger and non-standard blanks (like bottles or tumblers with the rotary tool) allows them to start thinking about marketable products and small-batch production, directly linking their classroom skills to career opportunities.\r\n\r\nThis Riser Base isn't just an accessory; it's a barrier remover. It has elevated our classroom from a prototyping lab to a true fabrication center, empowering our students to tackle ambitious, real-world projects.\r\n\r\nWe are so grateful for your willingness to invest in providing high-level, challenging technology for our students. Thank you for continuing to show them that their education is worth this kind of incredible investment.\r\n\r\nWith immense thanks,","fullyFundedDate":1757622770292,"projectUrl":"project/building-bigger/9606482/","projectTitle":"Building Bigger","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Patino","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6394821_orig.jpg?crop=1211,1211,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723852913386","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/jmpatino"},{"teacherId":3081634,"projectId":9277220,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generosity and supporting our project. Your special funding has shifted learning for the kids. \r\n\r\nThe color printer and accessories has brought light and love to learning for the kids. Student work and learning posters can now be printed in color to color code the students learning. \r\n\r\nNow only are students able to use the items, but teachers have been benefiting. Teachers can design and create assignments with the ability to use color to enrich student learning. Teachers have printed out name tags, break activities, and math anchor charts to use with the kids. \r\n\r\nThank you again!","fullyFundedDate":1747238293204,"projectUrl":"project/a-world-with-color/9277220/","projectTitle":"A World With Color","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lu","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3081634_orig.jpg?crop=490,490,x1088,y357&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1693892215027","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3081634"},{"teacherId":6394821,"projectId":9137949,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous donation, our classroom received an xTool S1 Laser Engraver, and it has already made a meaningful impact! While the nature of the machine means students don't use it directly, it has become a powerful tool for enhancing their learning and creativity.\r\n\r\nOne of our first projects was creating custom medals for our Run Club participants, complete with the club logo. This summer, I launched a Maker Lab for students in grades 1 through 6, where they've been designing and building their own creations. For younger students, I used the laser cutter to prepare parts for small houses and cars they could personalize and assemble. One memorable moment was helping a 6th grader bring his sketch of a \"monster house\" to life—we turned his drawing into a laser-cut model he could build and decorate. I've also used the engraver to create appreciation gifts for our office staff and a retiring teacher, which added a personal and heartfelt touch.\r\n\r\nWhen the laser cutter first arrived, the students were thrilled! Although it came late in the school year, they were full of ideas and excitement about what we could do with it. One student, who loves making Pac-Man figures out of paper, was especially excited when I surprised him with laser-cut cardboard versions of his designs. He thought it was \"very cool!\"\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, I'm exploring ways to integrate the laser engraver into cross-curricular projects. Geometry, surface area, and volume in math are natural fits, but I'm also considering how it could enhance storytelling in ELA or bring historical artifacts to life in social studies. There are so many possibilities, and I'm excited to find the most engaging and practical ways to use this tool to enrich our students' learning.\r\n\r\nThank you again for helping bring this incredible resource into our classroom. Your support is truly appreciated!","fullyFundedDate":1746836239242,"projectUrl":"project/creativity-unleashed/9137949/","projectTitle":"Creativity Unleashed","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Patino","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6394821_orig.jpg?crop=1211,1211,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723852913386","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/jmpatino"},{"teacherId":5230343,"projectId":9132979,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for our supplies to our classroom. We are forever grateful for donors supporting teachers and the wonderful students we teach everyday. Teaching is a very challenging and demanding job, however when we have others who stop and think to give back to our profession it makes our job more meaningful and special.\r\n The donation of headphones were very much needed. So much of our day involves technology, therefore it is important the students have access to headphones that prepare them for the lessons they have to do on their devices.\r\n In addition the white copy paper is also important to have readily available. The students use the paper to complete maps to help organize their thinking with the comprehension in the stories they read. In addition we can use the white paper to create projects and activities that align with the standards we teach.","fullyFundedDate":1746926494728,"projectUrl":"project/we-are-all-ears/9132979/","projectTitle":"We Are All Ears!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Mouradian","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5230343_orig.jpg?crop=294,294,x0,y223&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1597603789249","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-mouradian"},{"teacherId":5115320,"projectId":9121480,"letterContent":"Thank you. On behalf of the students and staff at Sycamore, I would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your generous support in providing funding for our school supplies. Thanks to your contribution, we are now able to purchase essential items such as snacks,prizes, and other motivational materials that will help us recognize and celebrate our students' achievements. \r\nYour generosity makes a real difference in our school community. The ability to print awards and provide tangible incentives not only boosts student morale but also encourages them to strive for excellence. Your support helps us foster a positive and inspiring learning environment where every student feels valued and motivated. Thank you once again for your kindness and commitment to education. \r\nWe truly appreciate your partnership in helping our students succeed.\"\r\nThank you again for believing in our project and for investing in our future. Your generosity is making a real difference!","fullyFundedDate":1742823861291,"projectUrl":"project/we-win/9121480/","projectTitle":"We Win!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Shaw","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5115320_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1516856439507","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5115320"},{"teacherId":2315120,"projectId":9105966,"letterContent":"Thank you for caring about my students as much as I do. Because I work with intervention students, any type of manipulative helps them to understand and engage better. My math students are having a lot of fun using the new magnetic ten frames to help them to add and subtract. In one of my reading groups, students are using the magnetic wands and chips to help them blend new words. If students are engaged, then they will definitely learn more. \r\n\r\nFinally, the pencil charms are a big hit with my students. They love working hard to earn these as rewards. Thanks again for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1741878049622,"projectUrl":"project/engaging-supplies/9105966/","projectTitle":"Engaging Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Shoemaker","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2315120"},{"teacherId":6394821,"projectId":8806473,"letterContent":"Thanks to your incredible generosity, our students have been filled with excitement and energy as they explore the new softball equipment! The gloves and balls you provided have already greatly impacted our physical education program. Having enough gloves for everyone means that each student can participate fully when we practice playing catch. Seeing the entire group engaged, working together, and growing their skills is wonderful.\r\n\r\nThe variety of balls is perfect for our needs. The wiffle balls are excellent for teaching the basic mechanics of throwing and hitting without the weight of a heavier ball, making them ideal for beginners. The soft-touch softballs have been a game-changer, providing a safe and effective way for students to practice more advanced skills without fear of injury. It's amazing how quickly they've gained confidence and improved their technique.\r\n\r\nOur school has a tradition of hosting a Teacher-vs-Student softball game to celebrate our 6th graders at the end of the year. Unfortunately, we'd moved away from this beloved event in recent years because students hadn't had the opportunity to practice or develop the necessary skills. With this new equipment, we're thrilled to revive the tradition and give our students something to look forward to as they prepare for this special milestone.\r\n\r\nThank you for supporting our classroom and helping us create these incredible opportunities for learning and growth. Your contribution has made a lasting difference, and we couldn't be more grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1729742595943,"projectUrl":"project/sealions-softball-team/8806473/","projectTitle":"Sealions Softball Team","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Patino","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6394821_orig.jpg?crop=1211,1211,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723852913386","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/jmpatino"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_92683","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":366,"numTeachers":16,"percentFrplEligible":84,"percentAsian":2,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":5,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":89,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"22.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":79.4,"schoolId":92683,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Sycamore Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Sycamore Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/orange-unified-school-district/sycamore-elementary-school/92683"}
Join the 277 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Sycamore Elementary School is
an urban public school
in Orange, California that is part of Orange Unified School District.
It serves 366 students
in grades Pre-K - 6 with a student/teacher ratio of 22.9:1.
Its teachers have had 168 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
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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
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.
Sycamore Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Dec 5, 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.
Sycamore Elementary School
$80,961
raised using DonorsChoose
168
projects
funded
32
teachers
funded
277
donors
16
projects
for
basic supplies
23
projects for
technology
22
projects for
books
6
projects
for
art supplies
Sycamore Elementary School has received support from
220 individuals from California and
57 individuals out-of-state.