{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"McKinley School","outOfStateSupporters":25.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10213634,"projectId":9638288,"letterContent":"Your generosity has made such a huge impact for the kids in speech therapy at McKinley School. The posters have created a lively atmosphere in the therapy room, and the toys and games have given us plentiful activity options to target their goals. My kindergarten students in particular show huge benefit from the articulation mirror and visual cue set, as they are able to match their \"mouth shape\" to what they see in the examples.\r\n Your contribution toward a laminator and sheets has also been a huge benefit. I have been able to make reusable and erasable practice sheets, as well as decks of playing cards with articulation targets printed on them. The older elementary students love being able to practice their sounds while playing Go Fish and War!\r\n Thank you so much again for your support. The kids have definitely felt a difference, and I am humbled by the trust and confidence you have shown in my ability to provide meaningful, evidence-based services.","fullyFundedDate":1756042272855,"projectUrl":"project/helping-students-find-their-voice/9638288/","projectTitle":"Helping Students Find Their Voice","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rachel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10213634_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755802448524","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10213634"},{"teacherId":3557323,"projectId":9777396,"letterContent":"We are immensely grateful for your donation to our Grateful Geometrical Goober project. With your help, we were able to practice in very fun and enjoyable manner very important standards for 6th graders. \r\n\r\nFinding the area, volume, and surface area is a significantly challenge for youngsters. Especially when the classes also have many students with IEP ( Individualized Learning Plans) as it is the case with my classes. This activity indeed helped them to develop the skills in a more engaging way. They were laughing, being creative, and learning together. \r\n\r\nThanks again from the bottom of my heart.❤️","fullyFundedDate":1760562617521,"projectUrl":"project/the-three-gs-my-greatfull-geometrical/9777396/","projectTitle":"The Three G's! My Greatfull Geometrical Gobbler.","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. De Souza","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3557323"},{"teacherId":9431744,"projectId":9500440,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donations of books and classroom resources. These materials have truly made a difference in my students' learning experience. The new books have opened up meaningful opportunities for reading practice, discussion, and comprehension development. My students are now engaging with texts that challenge them to think critically, make connections, and explore new ideas in ways that build both confidence and curiosity.\r\n\r\nIn our classroom, reading is an active and interactive experience. We read together in small groups, discuss characters and themes, and practice vocabulary and fluency through guided lessons. The new resources have made it easier for me to individualize instruction and meet the diverse learning needs of my students. It's amazing to see how their excitement for reading has grown — even those who once struggled are now eager to pick up a book.\r\n\r\nOne student in particular has really taken to one of the new series, proudly reading aloud and sharing predictions with classmates. Seeing that joy and confidence blossom reminds me why your support matters so much. Thank you again for helping create a classroom where students not only learn to read but love to read.","fullyFundedDate":1754074592726,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-vibes-only-where-learning-com/9500440/","projectTitle":"Classroom Vibes Only: Where Learning Comes to Life!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Callum","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9431744_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1745888205249","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9431744"},{"teacherId":9211866,"projectId":9669950,"letterContent":"This project has truly energized our classroom and brought our solar car engineering unit to life! The new materials have allowed my students to safely and confidently dive into hands-on STEM learning. The protective eyewear keeps them safe as they experiment and build, while the Chompsaw has made it possible to cut and shape cardboard precisely for their solar car designs. The chalk markers have added a creative flair as students label their prototypes and decorate their team boards, and the folders help them stay organized by keeping their writing samples and engineering plans in one place. The notebooks have become an essential tool for recording data, tracking progress, and reflecting on design improvements—turning each lesson into an opportunity for discovery and problem-solving.\r\n\r\nMy students were so excited when they saw their solar car kits! They immediately began planning what they would build and couldn't wait to start using the new tools. It was inspiring to see how eager they were to take on the role of engineers—testing ideas, making adjustments, and collaborating to find creative solutions. The materials have made our classroom feel like a real makerspace, where students can think critically, take risks, and learn through exploration.\r\n\r\nThe day I took my students outside to race their cars was truly amazing! Students tested and raced their completed solar cars, analyzing speed, efficiency, and design performance. They used their notebooks to reflect on what worked well and brainstorm ways to make their cars even faster. The Teachers Pay Teachers gift card has allowed me to access high-quality STEM resources and writing supports that align perfectly with our lessons. Thanks to your generosity, my students are not just learning about science—they're living it! Your support has made this project an unforgettable experience that inspires curiosity, creativity, and confidence every day.","fullyFundedDate":1756930975552,"projectUrl":"project/sun-powered-speedsters-our-solar-car-ch/9669950/","projectTitle":"Sun-Powered Speedsters: Our Solar Car Challenge!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lake","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9211866"},{"teacherId":9211866,"projectId":9293041,"letterContent":"The new organizational resources have truly transformed our classroom into a more efficient, creative, and engaging learning space! The desk dividers have been especially helpful during independent work and assessments, allowing students to focus better and take ownership of their learning. The three-drawer storage bins and large organizer bin now hold our art supplies, STEM materials, and classroom games, making it easy for students to access what they need for hands-on projects. The zipper storage bags have been a game changer for keeping group projects and small parts neatly organized, while the presentation boards have given students a professional and exciting way to showcase their work during science and social studies presentations.\r\n\r\nMy students were happy when we got the new materials. They were eager to organize our supplies and set up their workstations. It was wonderful to see how much pride they took in keeping our classroom tidy and ready for learning. Having materials neatly stored and easy to find has not only saved valuable class time but has also encouraged students to take responsibility for our shared space.\r\n\r\nWe will be using these resources as we prepare for our upcoming science fair and art showcases. The dividers support independent work, the bins keep our materials organized, and the presentation boards will allow students to proudly display their hard work. Thanks to our generous donors, our classroom is now a more structured, creative, and inspiring place to learn every day!","fullyFundedDate":1746798603786,"projectUrl":"project/keep-it-together-organized-focused-r/9293041/","projectTitle":"Keep It Together: Organized, Focused & Ready to Shine!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lake","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9211866"},{"teacherId":9211866,"projectId":9334580,"letterContent":"Our new popcorn machine and cotton candy maker have brought so much excitement and joy to our class and school community! We've been using them as special rewards during school celebrations and our recent Movie Night. Students have been earning popcorn and cotton candy treats for meeting their academic and behavior goals, which has created a positive and motivating classroom atmosphere. It's been a great way to celebrate their hard work and show them that their effort truly pays off.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the popcorn and cotton candy machines, their faces lit up with pure excitement! They couldn't believe that they had access to these machines. When the smell of freshly popped popcorn fills the room, it reminds me why I love creating joyful, memorable learning experiences. These moments have helped build a stronger classroom community and given students something to look forward to after all their hard work.\r\n\r\nWe also used the machines to support our PTA fundraisers and family events. Students took part in managing the popcorn and cotton candy sales. This hands-on experience will not only reinforce our lessons in math, communication, and teamwork but also teach them responsibility and entrepreneurship. Thanks to our generous donors, these resources are helping my students learn, lead, and celebrate together!","fullyFundedDate":1748408324593,"projectUrl":"project/popping-with-purpose-celebrations-and-c/9334580/","projectTitle":"Popping with Purpose: Celebrations and Community Building","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lake","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9211866"},{"teacherId":10007998,"projectId":9706235,"letterContent":"Having new books in a classroom has significantly improved student engagement and motivation to read. Students have access to fresh, high-interest texts, and are developing a genuine love for literature. These bright, clean books that reflect students' cultures, interests, and real-life experiences has helped my students make meaningful connections. \r\n\r\nFor our classroom, especially since we are in an under-resourced community, new books represent equity—ensuring all students have the tools they need to thrive academically and develop a lifelong love for learning.","fullyFundedDate":1759377074185,"projectUrl":"project/building-bright-futures-one-book-at-a-t/9706235/","projectTitle":"Building Bright Futures, One Book at a Time","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Brenda Sandoval","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10007998"},{"teacherId":10003282,"projectId":9263830,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your donations. I am a teacher who was affected by the fires and lost all of my materials. You generously helped me give my students necessary item for our classroom. \r\n\r\nMy students received journals and were able to decorate them with stickers, washi tape, markers, colored pencils. They love to show off their creations. \r\n\r\nYou also provided necessary items that we use daily such as paper, pencils, rulers, post it's, highlighters. These really help my students out because most of my students are not able to but their own supplies.","fullyFundedDate":1745379869852,"projectUrl":"project/fifth-grade-stars/9263830/","projectTitle":"Fifth Grade Stars","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Bracamonte","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10003282"},{"teacherId":10003282,"projectId":9290841,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the books. I am now able to expose my students to great literature in a variety of genres. \r\n\r\nMy students show so much enthusiasm when they have new books that haven't been read by anyone yet. I enjoy watching them when they choose these books. They are taking great care of them so they last us a while. \r\n\r\nThese books have also provided me with a wider selection when choosing which books to read on First Chapter Friday. I am also able to show students different strategies authors use when writing.","fullyFundedDate":1745867215053,"projectUrl":"project/first-chapter-friday-books/9290841/","projectTitle":"First Chapter Friday Books","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Bracamonte","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10003282"},{"teacherId":9431744,"projectId":9401098,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donations of books and classroom resources. These materials have truly made a difference in my students' learning experience. The new books have opened up meaningful opportunities for reading practice, discussion, and comprehension development. My students are now engaging with texts that challenge them to think critically, make connections, and explore new ideas in ways that build both confidence and curiosity.\r\n\r\nIn our classroom, reading is an active and interactive experience. We read together in small groups, discuss characters and themes, and practice vocabulary and fluency through guided lessons. The new resources have made it easier for me to individualize instruction and meet the diverse learning needs of my students. It's amazing to see how their excitement for reading has grown — even those who once struggled are now eager to pick up a book.\r\n\r\nOne student in particular has really taken to one of the new series, proudly reading aloud and sharing predictions with classmates. Seeing that joy and confidence blossom reminds me why your support matters so much. Thank you again for helping create a classroom where students not only learn to read but love to read.","fullyFundedDate":1757691000147,"projectUrl":"project/building-our-best-year/9401098/","projectTitle":"Building Our Best Year","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Callum","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9431744_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1745888205249","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9431744"},{"teacherId":9431744,"projectId":9451694,"letterContent":"Several of my students have really connected with the new technology. For example, one of my students who typically struggles with reading has become more motivated because the program celebrates every correct response with visual and audio rewards. Another student who is usually hesitant to participate has shown newfound independence—logging in without prompts and taking pride in completing tasks. It's been inspiring to see how technology gives each student a personalized learning path that encourages confidence, persistence, and joy in learning.","fullyFundedDate":1753043922186,"projectUrl":"project/organized-for-success-ink-sensory-sto/9451694/","projectTitle":"Organized for Success: Ink & Sensory Storage for IEP Support","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Callum","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9431744_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1745888205249","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9431744"},{"teacherId":10218266,"projectId":9642994,"letterContent":"With the supplies that you graciously donated. I have been able to foster a more welcoming space. With snacks, games and fun fidget toys that the students have enjoyed. The most used items have been the putty and Uno. The students have also enjoyed all of the snacks. Takis are a favorite with the older students that I work with. \r\nWhen first introducing the new items they were surprised and grateful to have new activities and items to use during our sessions. They always ask if they are able to use them even when I forget to set them out. \r\nThinking into the future of what new tools can be used to promote a more inclusive counseling space for my students.","fullyFundedDate":1757035860339,"projectUrl":"project/social-emotional-tools/9642994/","projectTitle":"Social-Emotional Tools","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Perry","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10218266_orig.jpg?crop=3648,3648,x0,y912&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756664037414","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10218266"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_28292","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":935,"numTeachers":35,"percentFrplEligible":83,"percentAsian":6,"percentBlack":18,"percentWhite":8,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":62,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"26.7:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":74.8,"schoolId":28292,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about McKinley School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"McKinley School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/pasadena-unified-school-district/mckinley-school/28292"}
Join the 305 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
McKinley School is
an urban public school
in Pasadena, California that is part of Pasadena Unified School District.
It serves 935 students
in grades K - 8 with a student/teacher ratio of 26.7:1.
Its teachers have had 119 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
86%
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.
McKinley 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.
McKinley School
$88,523
raised using DonorsChoose
119
projects
funded
38
teachers
funded
305
donors
12
projects
for
basic supplies
16
projects for
technology
12
projects for
books
9
projects
for
art supplies
McKinley School has received support from
228 individuals from California and
77 individuals out-of-state.