{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Old River Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":12.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10276507,"projectId":9753201,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our Storyworks subscription has made a huge difference in our classroom. Each issue introduces important reading skills—like close reading, vocabulary building, analyzing text features, and making inferences—in a way that feels exciting and accessible for my students.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom is now active and joyful. Students annotate articles, discuss them in pairs or small groups, and perform the plays together. They love that each issue gives them something new to discover, whether it's a high-interest nonfiction article or a gripping short story.\r\n\r\nYour support has given my students engaging, meaningful reading experiences. Thank you for helping them grow as readers and thinkers!","fullyFundedDate":1759463204935,"projectUrl":"project/reading-fun/9753201/","projectTitle":"Reading Fun!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Fogg","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10276507_orig.png?crop=553,553,x0,y11&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1764730607327","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10276507"},{"teacherId":9967842,"projectId":9245389,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous contribution to our DonorsChoose project focused on sensory time! Your support means the world to us and will have a direct, meaningful impact on our students' daily learning experience.\r\nSensory activities are essential for helping students self-regulate, stay engaged, and feel safe and supported throughout the school day. Because of you, our classroom will now have the tools and materials needed to create a calming, inclusive environment where every child can thrive.\r\nWhether it's through sensory bins, fidget tools, or soft lighting and textures, your donation is helping meet the unique needs of our learners — and for that, we are truly grateful.\r\nThank you again for believing in our classroom and making a difference in our students' lives!","fullyFundedDate":1744922883220,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-needs/9245389/","projectTitle":"Sensory Needs","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cordova","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9967842_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1741877768088","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9967842"},{"teacherId":7443593,"projectId":9212941,"letterContent":"Thank you once again for your kind and generous donation of paper for my classroom. This incredible donation has allowed me to do engaging art projects, book study units, and memory books to commemorate our year of school. During our Open House this past year, our families were astounded at the beautiful memory books their children had completed to capture our learning for the year. \r\n\r\nMy students are always excited when I can provide them with engaging resources like colored paper and card stock. They love all the different mediums we use for projects and art. \r\n\r\nAs we go forward with our learning, the paper donations will continue to enhance our learning and provide an engaging tool for students when we study authors, complete math tasks, and display our beautiful work in our classroom. We will forever be thankful for the donors who support our learning!","fullyFundedDate":1746785972882,"projectUrl":"project/did-someone-say-paper/9212941/","projectTitle":"Did Someone Say Paper?","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bickham","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7443593_orig.jpg?crop=1242,1242,x0,y206&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1642353989199","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7443593"},{"teacherId":7443593,"projectId":9299093,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity and support of my students. Because of your donation, my students have access to basic supplies to make their learning more engaging and accessible. These special folders are being utilized as a part of a take home reading program to promote literacy. The dry erase boards allow for a collaborative and engaging learning environment. These basic supplies allow all aspects of the classroom to run smoothly and allow learning to take place optimally. \r\n\r\nMy students could not have been more excited to use their new tools this school year. They have become incredibly excited about learning. We will continue to utilize these basic supplies all year as we continue to learn and grow together. Thank you once again!","fullyFundedDate":1746785766723,"projectUrl":"project/back-to-the-basics/9299093/","projectTitle":"Back to the Basics","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bickham","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7443593_orig.jpg?crop=1242,1242,x0,y206&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1642353989199","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7443593"},{"teacherId":9967842,"projectId":9165870,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my classroom has been transformed into a more comfortable and supportive learning environment. The sensory-friendly seating you provided has given my students with moderate to severe disabilities a way to regulate their bodies and stay engaged in learning for longer periods of time.\r\n\r\nOne of the most touching moments was when a student who usually struggles to sit through circle time eagerly chose a wobble chair and was able to participate from start to finish without needing frequent breaks. Another student who is sensitive to noise and movement now feels safe and calm in a cozy seat, allowing them to focus on stories and activities with their peers. These small changes have made a big difference in their ability to learn and feel included.\r\n\r\nWhen the seating first arrived, my students' faces lit up with excitement. Some immediately tried out the new chairs, rocking or bouncing with big smiles, while others gently explored the textures and shapes. It was wonderful to watch each student find the seating option that worked best for them.\r\n\r\nOur next step is to continue using this flexible seating during group lessons, literacy activities, and independent work. By practicing choice-making and self-regulation with these tools, my students are learning skills that will support them both in school and in life.\r\n\r\nThank you again for giving my students comfort, joy, and the tools they need to succeed. Your support has truly made a difference in our classroom community.","fullyFundedDate":1746785515726,"projectUrl":"project/the-sensory-friendly-seating-project/9165870/","projectTitle":"The Sensory-Friendly Seating Project","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cordova","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9967842_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1741877768088","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9967842"},{"teacherId":6162482,"projectId":8970206,"letterContent":"My students now love to read! Thank you for captivating a love of reading in them with their new bean bag chairs and books. The students ask if they go to the reading center above all the other centers. They sit comfortably in the bean bags with a great book very easily. \r\n I know that as a Kindergarten teacher, this love of reading will support them throughout their lives, and will help them succeed in life. Thank you for making a difference in so many students' lives- not just this year, but for a lifetime.","fullyFundedDate":1739366811536,"projectUrl":"project/read-and-relax/8970206/","projectTitle":"Read and Relax","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Coleman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6162482_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1690526570545","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6162482"},{"teacherId":6853485,"projectId":9128632,"letterContent":"I am so incredibly grateful for your generosity in helping bring a sensory tunnel to our classroom for my students with special needs. From the moment it arrived, it has been a source of joy, comfort, and learning for my students.\r\n\r\nThey absolutely love it—whether they're crawling through, relaxing inside, or playing with friends, the sensory tunnel has quickly become a favorite part of our day. Because it's such a popular spot, we take turns using it, which has given my students the opportunity to practice important social skills like turn-taking and patience in a fun, motivating way.\r\n\r\nThe tunnel has also become a wonderful tool for teaching positional words such as inside, outside, over, and through. It's amazing to see how this one simple resource can spark engagement, support sensory regulation, and build both social and academic skills at the same time.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students and helping create a classroom where they can learn, grow, and feel safe. Your kindness has made a meaningful difference in their lives every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1741735988954,"projectUrl":"project/a-cozy-sensory-tunnel-for-safe-and-sooth/9128632/","projectTitle":"A Cozy Sensory Tunnel for Safe and Soothing Movement","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jones","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6853485_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1649345548068","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6853485"},{"teacherId":7443593,"projectId":9058071,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity. I cannot express how grateful I am for your support of my students. The books donated to my classroom were used for an extensive research project on dinosaurs. Students utilized the new books to research dinosaurs in each period. They gathered information about the dinosaurs' habitats, physical characteristics, diets, and fun facts. After their research, they completed their research report for our school's Open House event. \r\n\r\nThese books have allowed students to expand their knowledge of text features, as well as diving further into main idea and key details in informational, nonfiction texts. In addition, students were able to use the chapter books in small group to focus on skill such as character analysis and traits, retelling, and central message. My students have thoroughly enjoyed every new piece of literature added to our classroom because of your generous donations.","fullyFundedDate":1739366813890,"projectUrl":"project/take-a-look-its-in-a-book/9058071/","projectTitle":"Take a Look! It's in a Book!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bickham","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7443593_orig.jpg?crop=1242,1242,x0,y206&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1642353989199","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7443593"},{"teacherId":508188,"projectId":9074724,"letterContent":"Thank you for your donation to my classroom. My students and I love the rug and I can use it for many years to come. Thank you for helping my wish of having a classroom carpet come true!\r\nStudents love to sit on it and I can use it for whole class activities as well as reading, both silently and read alouds (right now we are reading Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone). It is also a great place for students when we are doing math lessons or math tasks, and when they need a break from their desks.\r\nI am so appreciative of your donation!","fullyFundedDate":1739366805842,"projectUrl":"project/cultivating-community-a-class-carpet/9074724/","projectTitle":"Cultivating Community: A Class Carpet","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Escobar","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp508188_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1450444608922","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/nikki-escobar"},{"teacherId":6853485,"projectId":9123711,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous contribution to our classroom projects! Your support continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of my students with special needs. I am thrilled to share our vision for this project, which focuses on providing sensory support to support academic and emotional success within the classroom. For my students sensory regulation provides them the chance to build essential skills in a safe and healthy way. it helps them to regulate their bodies and emotions while engaging with their peers. Your contribution makes it possible for us to provide a safe space for my students to Foster their confidence and connection. Every donation, no matter the size, makes a lasting impact on my student's ability to thrive both inside and outside the classroom. Your kindness helps ensure that every child has the chance to grow, play, and learn in a way that meets their needs. Thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1740509182823,"projectUrl":"project/creating-a-cozy-comforting-classroom-s/9123711/","projectTitle":"Creating a cozy, comforting classroom: sensory support for all","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jones","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6853485_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1649345548068","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6853485"},{"teacherId":6853485,"projectId":9010854,"letterContent":"I cannot thank you enough for the generous gift of outdoor materials for our students. The excitement on their face is when they saw the new equipment was absolutely priceless! Before receiving these materials, our playground had only a small structure, and many of the kids had grown board with it. Now, with the new equipment, they are more engaged than ever. Running, laughing, and playing together in ways that we had not seen before. These materials have given them the opportunity to not only be active but to build important social and teamwork skills. It has been incredible to watch students who were once hesitant to engage now participating in different forms of play. Whether they are working together, taking turn, or even engaging in parallel play, they are out there interacting, growing, and having fun. These moments of connection and movement are so valuable, and we are beyond grateful for the positive impact this has made on our students daily experiences. Thank you so much for making a difference in our playground and in our students lives. Your generosity has brought so much joy to our school and we are truly appreciative!","fullyFundedDate":1739366801252,"projectUrl":"project/play-with-purpose-building-skills-throu/9010854/","projectTitle":"Play With Purpose: Building Skills Through Outdoor Fun","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jones","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6853485_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1649345548068","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6853485"},{"teacherId":6853485,"projectId":9010802,"letterContent":"I wanted to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for your generosity in providing our classroom with new sensory materials. The impact on my students has been truly remarkable. From the moment we introduce the materials, I saw an immediate change in my students engagement and emotional regulation. Their faces lit up with excitement as they explored the different textures, movements, and interactive elements. What was once a space filled with big emotions and occasional struggles to self-regulate transformed into an environment of calm, focus, and joy. These materials have given my students the tools they need to manage their emotions in a healthy, making our classroom a place where they can feel safe, supported, and ready to learn. It has been incredible to watch them not only find comfort in these resources but also build important skills through Hands-On play. Thank you so much for making such a meaningful difference in their daily lives. Your kindness has brought so much joy to our classroom, and we are truly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1739292589715,"projectUrl":"project/fidget-focus-flourish-supporting-spec/9010802/","projectTitle":"Fidget, Focus, Flourish: Supporting Special Learners Through Sensory Play","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jones","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6853485_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1649345548068","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6853485"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_94701","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":826,"numTeachers":31,"percentFrplEligible":70,"percentAsian":10,"percentBlack":5,"percentWhite":19,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":55,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"26.6:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":87.2,"schoolId":94701,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Old River Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Old River Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/panama-buena-vista-union-school-district/old-river-elementary-school/94701"}
Join the 172 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Old River Elementary School is
an urban public school
in Bakersfield, California that is part of Panama - Buena Vista Union School District.
It serves 826 students
in grades Pre-K - 6 with a student/teacher ratio of 26.6:1.
Its teachers have had 137 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
70%
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.
Old River Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Dec 4, 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.
Old River Elementary School
$113,926
raised using DonorsChoose
137
projects
funded
40
teachers
funded
172
donors
5
projects
for
basic supplies
13
projects for
technology
23
projects for
books
5
projects
for
art supplies
Old River Elementary School has received support from
150 individuals from California and
22 individuals out-of-state.