{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Norma Coombs Alternative Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":31.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10170922,"projectId":10134670,"letterContent":"The generous donations have made a meaningful difference in my classroom by providing students with engaging resources that support literacy development and organization. The Phonics Skill-Building Book Sets give my beginning readers access to level-appropriate books that strengthen phonics skills and build confidence. The classroom book display has created an inviting, organized reading area where students can independently access books. The expandable 3-ring binders have helped us keep important materials organized. The Daily Paragraph Editing books provide consistent opportunities for students to practice grammar, editing, and writing. Together, these resources have created a more organized, literacy-rich classroom and have given my students additional opportunities to practice essential reading and writing skills while becoming more confident, independent learners.","fullyFundedDate":1784298671892,"projectUrl":"project/building-strong-readers-and-writers/10134670/","projectTitle":"Building Strong Readers and Writers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Villagrana","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10170922"},{"teacherId":7712132,"projectId":10343774,"letterContent":"The nut mats have made a wonderful difference in our classroom. Our students use them every day during rest time, and they absolutely love having their own comfortable space to relax and recharge. The mats are light enough for the students to collect and carry independently, allowing them to choose where they would like to rest. This also gives them a sense of responsibility and independence. One end of each mat is slightly raised with a built-in pillow, making it especially comfortable for our young students. They also enjoy having the choice of using either the green side or the red side. We will continue using these mats every day during rest time, rest is so important for young children because it gives them the opportunity to re-energize and return to the classroom ready to learn participate and engage in the rest of their day. We are so grateful for these mats and the comfort, independence and positive rust experience they provide our students.","fullyFundedDate":1784298738403,"projectUrl":"project/nap-mats/10343774/","projectTitle":"Nap Mats","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Flores","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7712132_orig.png?crop=661,661,x261,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1700844854590","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7712132"},{"teacherId":10170922,"projectId":9865042,"letterContent":"Our students were very excited when the new materials arrived! The moment they saw the jumbo Jenga, cornhole boards, volleyball equipment, and the giant Connect Four, and all the other items their energy immediately filled the space. A group of students gathered around the jumbo Jenga and quickly turned it into a lesson in teamwork and strategy, discussing which blocks to remove and cheering each other on as the tower wobbled higher and higher. On the volleyball court, students practiced communication and coordination, encouraging each other and celebrating every win. These activities created a fun environment where students were not only active but also building collaboration and problem-solving skills.\t\r\nThe materials have also become part of our current classroom projects focused on teamwork, sportsmanship, and healthy activity. Students rotate through stations where they practice different games like cornhole for hand-eye coordination and Connect Four for strategic thinking. Along the way, they reflect on what makes a good teammate and how communication helps them succeed in both games and classroom work. Moving forward, students will continue using these resources during structured activity days and small group challenges, where they'll design their own mini-tournaments and set goals for teamwork and participation. We're excited to keep building opportunities for students to learn, move, and connect with one another thanks to your generous support.","fullyFundedDate":1765148415584,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-big-fun-to-our-playground/9865042/","projectTitle":"Bringing Big Fun to Our Playground!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Villagrana","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10170922"},{"teacherId":10418141,"projectId":10058048,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to our school. Because of your support, our students now have gloves to protect their hands and a 50-foot rope that we use during outdoor activities like tug-of-war.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the new materials, they were incredibly excited. Tug-of-war is one of their favorite activities, and having proper gloves made them feel prepared and safe while playing. It quickly turned into a fun and memorable moment as students cheered each other on and worked together as teams.\r\n\r\nBeyond the fun, these resources are helping us build teamwork, cooperation, and perseverance. Students are learning how to communicate, encourage one another, and work together toward a common goal. Activities like tug-of-war also help them stay active and engaged during recess and group challenges.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, we will continue using the rope and gloves during team-building activities and outdoor games that promote collaboration and healthy physical activity. Your generosity has made a meaningful difference in creating positive experiences for our students.\r\n\r\nThank you for supporting our school and giving our students opportunities to learn, play, and grow together!","fullyFundedDate":1769645750302,"projectUrl":"project/pulling-together-teamwork-through-play/10058048/","projectTitle":"Pulling Together: Teamwork Through Play","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jessica","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10418141"},{"teacherId":7712132,"projectId":9894530,"letterContent":"We put our fence barriers on this small grassy area we have out back of our classroom. With the barriers, we are able to create a physical and visual safety precaution that lets students know the parameters of the activity area. It also helps create a safe garden area to tend to our raised garden beds. We utilize the outside area as an outdoor classroom as much as we can, and these fences allow us to spend more time outside doing educational activities. If the shared playground is already being used, we are able to go to the back side of the classroom and use this space too. The students enjoy digging in the dirt, planting, watching the birds and squirrels and just having a safe space to do structured activities.","fullyFundedDate":1763550335910,"projectUrl":"project/fence-barrier/9894530/","projectTitle":"Fence Barrier","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Flores","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7712132_orig.png?crop=661,661,x261,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1700844854590","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7712132"},{"teacherId":10381355,"projectId":9954634,"letterContent":"The impact of snacks at Norma Coombs has been a big help for our students. Due to the fires here in Pasadena, California, many families are still displaced and living farther from school. The snacks help keep students comfortable, focused, and supported throughout the school day during this challenging time. Supplies for TK and Kindergarten students will be a great help, especially if students get lost on campus. Name tags and lanyards provide important support for incoming students by helping staff quickly identify and assist them. Norma Coombs extends heartfelt thanks to our donors. Your continued support is truly a blessing and makes a meaningful difference for our students.","fullyFundedDate":1765726703246,"projectUrl":"project/supporting-nces/9954634/","projectTitle":"Supporting NCES","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Vasquez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10381355"},{"teacherId":7777371,"projectId":9872734,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donations to our TK class. Receiving the trucks, books about buildings, and imagination dress-up construction clothes has had a meaningful impact on our students and their learning.\r\n\r\nThe trucks have inspired hours of cooperative play, problem-solving, and creativity. Children are building roads, working together, and using rich language as they plan and construct. The books about buildings have sparked curiosity and thoughtful conversations about how structures are made, who builds them, and why they are important in our community.\r\n\r\nThe construction dress-up clothes have been especially powerful in encouraging imaginative play. Our students proudly take on the roles of builders, engineers, and helpers, building confidence as they explore real-world careers through play. We've seen growth in social skills, storytelling, and teamwork as children learn together in these engaging ways.\r\n\r\nYour kindness has helped create a joyful, hands-on learning environment where our students feel excited, capable, and inspired every day. We are truly grateful for your support and for helping us nurture curiosity and imagination in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1763587261111,"projectUrl":"project/little-builders-designing-our-first-str/9872734/","projectTitle":"Little Builders: Designing Our First Structures","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Deidra","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7777371_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1656291798009","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7777371"},{"teacherId":7712132,"projectId":9863145,"letterContent":"Thank you for your donations. This has been one of the best Donors Choose I ever had funded. The students absolutely love going to \"gardening club\", as we call it. A few times a week, we collaborate with the first grade class and help maintain the flowers they planted by watering them and keeping them healthy. We were also able to plant our own mint and lettuce plants right outside our classroom door. Not only is \"gardening club\" educational, but it gives the students a chance to get outside to learn something new. The connection to nature helps regulate them and learn about plants and nature. Thank you again.","fullyFundedDate":1761761359824,"projectUrl":"project/watering-cans/9863145/","projectTitle":"Watering Cans","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Flores","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7712132_orig.png?crop=661,661,x261,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1700844854590","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7712132"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_28654","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":387,"numTeachers":19,"percentFrplEligible":77,"percentAsian":4,"percentBlack":16,"percentWhite":11,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":60,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":7,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"20.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":68.2,"schoolId":28654,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Norma Coombs Alternative Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Norma Coombs Alternative Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/pasadena-unified-school-district/norma-coombs-alternative-elementary-school/28654"}
Join the 198 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Norma Coombs Alternative Elementary School is
an urban public school
in Pasadena, California that is part of Pasadena Unified School District.
It serves 387 students
in grades Pre-K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 20.4:1.
Its teachers have had 115 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Supporting this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.
Public School
Title 1
Data about Title 1 status comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education.
Grades Pre-K - 5
387 Students
19 Teachers
2600 Paloma StContact info is sourced from our partners at MDR Education, and DonorsChoose updates our site ahead of each school year.
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Norma Coombs Alternative Elementary School Demographics
77%
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
80%
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.
Norma Coombs Alternative Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Oct 20, 2026
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.
Norma Coombs Alternative Elementary School
$51,727
raised using DonorsChoose
115
projects
funded
19
teachers
funded
198
donors
14
projects
for
basic supplies
6
projects for
technology
6
projects for
books
9
projects
for
art supplies
Norma Coombs Alternative Elementary School has received support from
135 individuals from California and
63 individuals out-of-state.