{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Norman R Brekke Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":26.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9154897,"projectId":9451896,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation! Our classroom has been transformed by the addition of a calming corner and a cozy place to read. Students were thrilled to see the new space and now enjoy spending their reading time there or taking a break when they need it. The calming area has quickly become a favorite spot for relaxation and reflection, and the carpet area is perfect for diving into a good book. Your support has made a meaningful difference in creating a welcoming and supportive environment for our learners. We truly appreciate your kindness!\r\nSince introducing this space, we've noticed a positive change in our classroom atmosphere. Students are learning to self-regulate and take ownership of their emotional well-being. Having a designated area where they can pause, breathe, and reset has helped them return to learning with renewed focus and confidence. It's incredible to see how something so simple can have such a big impact on their day.\r\nYour generosity will continue to make a lasting difference for our students, helping them feel safe, supported, and excited to learn every single day. Many thanks!","fullyFundedDate":1759507402366,"projectUrl":"project/creating-a-calming-area-for-focus-and-co/9451896/","projectTitle":"Creating a Calming Area for focus and Comfort","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rodriguez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9154897_orig.jpg?crop=995,995,x63,y314&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1752452677535","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9154897"},{"teacherId":10334147,"projectId":9878145,"letterContent":"The donation of LCD writing tablets and laminating materials has already made a remarkable difference in my 4th–5th grade special education classroom. When my students unboxed the tablets themselves, their faces lit up with pure excitement. Many of them gasped, smiled, and immediately began exploring the screens with curiosity and joy. For students who often need extra motivation and hands-on support, this moment was truly special—it gave them a sense of ownership, independence, and pride. The LCD tablets now serve as a highly engaging tool for practicing writing, math, drawing, and STEM design work without the pressure of making mistakes.\r\n\r\nThe laminator and laminating sheets have been equally transformative. With them, I can create sturdy, reusable resources that support each student's unique learning needs—visual schedules, communication cards, behavior supports, and personalized academic tools. These materials are especially helpful during STEM lessons, where laminated task cards, diagrams, and instruction steps allow students to revisit information as they work through challenges at their own pace. The durability of the materials means that students can use them daily, confidently and independently, without fear of tearing or wearing them out.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, these donated items have enriched our STEM instruction and brought new energy into our classroom. The LCD tablets allow students to quickly sketch ideas during engineering challenges, diagram science concepts, and work through math processes visually. Combined with reusable, laminated STEM centers and manipulatives, my students are now more engaged, collaborative, and eager to explore. Your generosity has not only provided us with valuable tools but has also empowered my students to see themselves as confident thinkers, creators, and problem-solvers. We are truly grateful for the joy and opportunities you have given them.","fullyFundedDate":1764647298919,"projectUrl":"project/write-create-and-shine/9878145/","projectTitle":"Write, Create, and Shine","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Henke","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10334147"},{"teacherId":10334147,"projectId":9861447,"letterContent":"The donated items have had a tremendous impact on my 4th–5th grade special education students by helping create a more organized, accessible, and supportive learning environment. The plastic storage bins allow us to keep our materials clearly sorted and easy to reach, which has reduced classroom clutter and made transitions between activities smoother. This level of organization helps my students—many of whom rely on structured, predictable environments—feel more secure and confident as they move through their day.\r\n\r\nThe sensory and play-based materials, including play dough, putty, galaxy slime, magnetic tiles, and Mr. Potato Head, have become essential tools for hands-on learning and emotional regulation. These items encourage creativity, fine motor skill development, and cooperative play while also serving as calming supports for students who need sensory input to stay focused and grounded. The magnetic tiles and slime, in particular, support early STEM and science exploration by allowing students to experiment with building, structure, and the properties of materials in a fun, accessible way. The fidgety feet chair bands have also been incredibly helpful, allowing students with high energy or attention needs to move in a controlled way without disrupting their learning.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, the social-emotional books have strengthened our ability to teach coping strategies, empathy, and self-regulation. These books spark meaningful conversations that help students build the emotional awareness and communication skills necessary for both academic success and healthy peer relationships. Altogether, these donations have enriched our classroom community in ways that directly support student growth, comfort, curiosity, and joy. My students and I are deeply grateful for the generosity that made this possible.\r\n\r\nOur next steps include integrating the social-emotional books into weekly lessons to support discussion, reflection, and role-playing activities. Students will practice strategies for identifying emotions, communicating their needs, and working cooperatively in groups. At the same time, we'll extend our STEM learning by using magnetic tiles and other hands-on materials to complete small engineering challenges. These activities will encourage students to problem-solve with peers, regulate their emotions during challenges, and celebrate their successes.","fullyFundedDate":1762267667064,"projectUrl":"project/social-emotional-regulation-and-stem/9861447/","projectTitle":"Social Emotional Regulation and STEM","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Henke","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10334147"},{"teacherId":9154897,"projectId":9792045,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible support of our Donors Choose project! Because of your generosity, our class now has soccer goals, soccer balls, tennis balls, tennis rackets, Velcro catchers, and fun balls with tails. These additions have completely transformed our Physical Education time.\r\nThe excitement in our classroom is contagious! Students are thrilled to learn new games and practice teamwork. For the first time ever, our school has a real soccer goal, and the kids couldn't be happier. They've been running, kicking, and cheering each other on, it's amazing to see their confidence and joy grow with every game.\r\nYour donation has given us opportunities to stay active, build skills, and create lasting memories. Thank you for making this possible and for investing in our students' health and happiness. We truly appreciate your kindness and support!","fullyFundedDate":1761308256399,"projectUrl":"project/active-bodies-bright-minds/9792045/","projectTitle":"Active Bodies, Bright Minds!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rodriguez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9154897_orig.jpg?crop=995,995,x63,y314&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1752452677535","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9154897"},{"teacherId":9154897,"projectId":9844072,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation! Your support allowed my students to experience STEM activities in a way they never had before. On a rainy day, instead of being glued to devices, they explored hands-on games and activities that sparked creativity and teamwork.\r\nIt was incredible to watch their imaginations come alive as they built, problem-solved, and laughed together. They loved it so much that they begged to keep playing and are now working hard to earn a \"Fun Friday\" filled with these STEM challenges.\r\nYour contribution is helping open their minds to a world where learning can be exciting and fun—without screens. We are truly grateful for your kindness and for making this possible!","fullyFundedDate":1761493952158,"projectUrl":"project/stem-tastic-builders-sparking-skills-th/9844072/","projectTitle":"STEM-tastic Builders: Sparking Skills Through Play!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rodriguez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9154897_orig.jpg?crop=995,995,x63,y314&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1752452677535","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9154897"},{"teacherId":9154897,"projectId":9790741,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom project! Because of you, my students now have access to engaging STEM materials and the inspiring book Odder, a story that's already sparking curiosity and meaningful conversations.\r\nThe hands-on experiments are bringing science to life in ways that excite and empower my students. They're building, exploring, and discovering with joy and confidence. And Odder has captured their imaginations, helping them connect literacy with science in a truly special way.\r\nYour kindness is making a lasting impact on our classroom. Thank you for believing in our students and helping us create a space where learning is active, joyful, and full of wonder.","fullyFundedDate":1759764426028,"projectUrl":"project/from-story-to-science-exploring-the-sea/9790741/","projectTitle":"From Story to Science: Exploring the Sea with Odder","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rodriguez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9154897_orig.jpg?crop=995,995,x63,y314&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1752452677535","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9154897"},{"teacherId":9154897,"projectId":9486460,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to our classroom! Your support means the world to us and has already made a big difference in our learning environment. Thanks to you, my students now have access to:\r\n\r\nNotebooks to capture their thoughts and ideas,\r\nPencil and crayon sharpeners to keep their tools ready for creativity,\r\nLCD tablets that bring a new level of engagement to our lessons,\r\nPencil pouches to help them stay organized,\r\nAnd colored paper that adds vibrancy to our projects and activities.\r\n\r\nThese supplies have brought excitement, joy, and a renewed sense of pride to our classroom. My students feel seen, supported, and inspired to do their best work every day. Your kindness has not only provided materials but has also sent a powerful message: that their education matters and that there are people who believe in them.\r\nFrom all of us, thank you for being a part of our learning journey. We are truly grateful!","fullyFundedDate":1757515762420,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-young-learners-with-essential/9486460/","projectTitle":"Empowering Young Learners with Essential Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rodriguez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9154897_orig.jpg?crop=995,995,x63,y314&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1752452677535","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9154897"},{"teacherId":5090695,"projectId":9571556,"letterContent":"My students are always so exited to see the boxes of goodies get delivered to our classroom. They love using the cushions on the floor for partner and group work. And, now that I have a class set of the cushions, everyone can use one! I personally love the storage units for them. It helps keep them organized and clean. It also makes them easy to more around the classroom to wherever they are needed.\r\nThe extra tubs are wonderful for helping me continue to keep my classroom library organized. I am able to store groups of book titles together and it makes it easier for the students to find what they are looking for.\r\nI look forward to teaching fractions this year and being able to use the magnetic manipulatives to have a better visual for my class. The bookmarks are always welcomed because we use them in library books as well as the text books.\r\nThank you again!!!","fullyFundedDate":1757565186559,"projectUrl":"project/storage-and-organization/9571556/","projectTitle":"Storage and Organization","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gonzales","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5090695_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1516311567031","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-igonzales"},{"teacherId":4128301,"projectId":9015972,"letterContent":"Thank you for your support! The color printer has been a valuable tool in creating an engaging learning environment for my students. I have been able to create games and activities for students to use during literacy and math centers. During free play, there is a dramatic play center open to students. I have printed different materials to create different scenarios. For the calming corner, I have created visuals that guide students when experiencing different emotions. This year I will be using the printer to print materials for the letter of the week sensory activities table, and I will also be adding more resources to the science center`more interesting for students. I will continue to create more dramatic play scenarios and centers. Having the printer in the classroom has been wonderful! When I am done planning, I am quickly able to start creating the materials needed to bring activities to life, and I do not worry about the printer not being available. Your donation has made this possible!","fullyFundedDate":1745165747286,"projectUrl":"project/color-printer/9015972/","projectTitle":"Color Printer","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Magana","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4128301"},{"teacherId":4128301,"projectId":9309246,"letterContent":"Thank you for your support! My students were excited and ready to use the different items. They were eager to try them out. Students will sit on the wobble cushions and stool while sitting at the rug. The sensory input provide by these items has supported them in being able to concentrate for longer periods of times. Some students will use them in other areas. They will want to sit on them while participating in centers. Other students will touch the wobble cushion and the tactile input will help them concentrate. A few students benefit from standing on it. The monkey noodles are very popular with the students. Students will use them while sitting in the break space. The necklaces have provided a safe and discrete outlet for oral stimulation. It has prevented students from hurting themselves or others. They are all so popular that it has provided an opportunity to practice sharing and taking turns. Thank you for making this possible through your donation!","fullyFundedDate":1746477772588,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-and-flexible-seating-support/9309246/","projectTitle":"Sensory and Flexible Seating Support","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Magana","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4128301"},{"teacherId":5090695,"projectId":9334153,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping get my last project funded. With your help I was able to purchase a new Bluetooth speaker. I use that speaker all the time to play fun dancing music when we need a brain break or soft, classical music when we are working on math or other independent work.\r\nWe also used the white board cleaner to clean the boards for the new students that will use them this school year. And, I will pass out the micro fiber cloths to my new class to help keep their whiteboards clean.\r\nThe chapter books and tubs have already been put to use. Some books, I added to my classroom library and some I kept for myself as a class read aloud.\r\nOnce again, thank you for supporting this project!","fullyFundedDate":1747512556672,"projectUrl":"project/chapter-books-and-music/9334153/","projectTitle":"Chapter Books and Music","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gonzales","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5090695_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1516311567031","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-igonzales"},{"teacherId":9874063,"projectId":9006583,"letterContent":"I hope this note finds you all well. I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for your incredibly generous donations to our third-grade classroom. Your thoughtful gifts have already made a significant impact on both my teaching and the students' learning experiences.\r\nFirst and foremost, the bookshelves have been a game-changer. They have provided us with much-needed space to organize our growing collection of books. The students are thrilled to have easy access to a variety of reading materials, and it has fostered a newfound love for reading in many of them. Watching their faces light up as they discover new stories and adventures is truly priceless.\r\nThe automatic pencil sharpener has been a lifesaver. It has not only saved us time but also ensured that the students always have sharp pencils ready for their work. This simple yet effective tool has made our daily routines smoother and more efficient, allowing us to focus more on learning and less on sharpening pencils.\r\nThe wireless voice amplifier has been an incredible addition to our classroom. It has made it so much easier for me to communicate with the students, especially during group activities and discussions. The clarity and volume it provides have ensured that every student can hear instructions clearly, which has greatly improved their engagement and participation.\r\nThe magnetic fraction pieces have been a fantastic resource for teaching math. They have made abstract concepts more tangible and easier for the students to grasp. The hands-on learning experience has been invaluable, and I have seen a noticeable improvement in their understanding of fractions.\r\nThe poster markers have been a wonderful tool for creating vibrant and engaging visual aids. They have allowed us to make our classroom more colorful and inviting, which has had a positive effect on the students' enthusiasm for learning. The markers have also been great for group projects and presentations, encouraging creativity and collaboration among the students.\r\nThe wireless doorbell has been a fun and practical addition to our classroom. It has provided an effective way to signal transitions and get the students' attention without raising my voice. The students enjoy the different chimes, and it has added an element of fun to our daily routines.\r\nThe stamps for papers have been a hit with the students. They love receiving stamps on their work as a form of positive reinforcement. It has motivated them to put in their best effort and take pride in their accomplishments. The stamps have also made grading and providing feedback more enjoyable for me.\r\nLastly, the conversation starter cards have been a fantastic tool for fostering communication and social skills. They have sparked meaningful discussions and helped the students build stronger connections with one another. The cards have also been a great way to start our morning meetings, setting a positive tone for the day.\r\nYour generosity has truly made a difference in our classroom. The students and I are incredibly grateful for your support. Thank you for investing in our education and helping us create a positive and enriching learning environment. We are excited to continue using these wonderful resources and look forward to the many ways they will enhance our learning journey.\r\nWith heartfelt thanks,\r\nKimberly Soto","fullyFundedDate":1738516497416,"projectUrl":"project/read-create-and-refresh/9006583/","projectTitle":"Read, Create, and Refresh","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Soto","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9874063"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_65977","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":588,"numTeachers":24,"percentFrplEligible":63,"percentAsian":11,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":4,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":78,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"24.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":73.8,"schoolId":65977,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Norman R Brekke Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Norman R Brekke Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/oxnard-elementary-school-district/norman-r-brekke-elementary-school/65977"}