{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Parkside Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":20.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9915808,"projectId":9367642,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my 5th graders will have engaging books like Bud, Not Buddy, The Wild Robot series, Brown Girl Dreaming, and Restart to inspire reading and thoughtful discussion. The markers and supplies will let students create colorful charts, posters, and projects that showcase their learning and brighten our classroom. Ink and daily essentials ensure I can print lessons, practice pages, and student work. Your support not only equips our classroom but also motivates my students to love learning!","fullyFundedDate":1755741467747,"projectUrl":"project/books-markers-and-bright-minds/9367642/","projectTitle":"Books, Markers, and Bright Minds!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Taylor","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9915808_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1742718050570","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9915808"},{"teacherId":9163704,"projectId":9455251,"letterContent":"When my students first saw the new set of 26 alphabet puppets, their faces lit up. They gasped and giggled, pointing and whispering as I introduced the first one. Since then, the puppets have become a highlight of our daily \"Letter of the Day\" routine. Each morning, a new puppet makes a surprise entrance to reveal its letter, and the excitement is contagious.\r\n\r\nThe puppet whispers clues into my ear and challenges the class to guess a hidden item that begins with that day's letter — grapes for Gg, marshmallows for Mm, and so on. The children laugh, cheer, and search the room until they find the mystery surprise. Once they find it, the puppet introduces our matching alphabet book for story time.\r\n\r\nThese playful routines have turned phonics lessons into joyful, hands-on experiences that my students look forward to every day. The puppets help them connect letters and sounds through laughter, curiosity, and imagination — making learning truly magical.\r\n\r\nNext, we'll use the puppets in small groups for sound games, storytelling, and vocabulary hunts, giving students even more ways to practice letter-sound connections and share what they've learned. Thank you again for your support. It means everything.","fullyFundedDate":1753772150178,"projectUrl":"project/abc-puppets-bringing-the-alphabet-to-li/9455251/","projectTitle":"ABC Puppets: Bringing the Alphabet to Life!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hamalian","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9163704_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1740064147788","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mshamalian"},{"teacherId":7882953,"projectId":9468639,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our DonorsChoose project! Because of you, my 5th grade class now has a full set of Bud, Not Buddy and several sensory cushions to support student focus and comfort. Your kindness has made a big impact, and I wanted to share how your donation is being used in our classroom.\r\n\r\nWe've just started reading Bud, Not Buddy, and the students are already hooked! This novel offers so many rich opportunities for teaching important reading skills. As we read, we're focusing on making inferences, understanding character development, identifying themes, and exploring figurative language. Bud, Not Buddy is also helping us build background knowledge about the Great Depression and issues of resilience and identity—topics that spark deep classroom discussions.\r\n\r\nReading time in our classroom is interactive and engaging. Students sit in small groups or gather on the carpet with their books in hand, often using their new sensory cushions. These cushions have helped several students stay focused and comfortable during reading time, especially those who benefit from subtle movement or sensory input.\r\n\r\nOne student in particular, who has struggled with focus in the past, now looks forward to reading every day and participates more confidently in group discussions. Another student told me this was the first book they've ever felt connected to—and that they didn't want to put it down!\r\n\r\nYour support has not only brought new books into our classroom, but also new enthusiasm and energy for reading. Thank you for believing in our students and in the power of literature to inspire and teach. We are so grateful for your generosity.","fullyFundedDate":1754002937082,"projectUrl":"project/comfort-and-belonging/9468639/","projectTitle":"Comfort and Belonging","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Fernandez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7882953_orig.jpg?crop=1270,1270,x0,y76&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1623698485718","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7882953"},{"teacherId":9915808,"projectId":9205530,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my classroom is now fully stocked with the tools we need to start the year strong. The new bulletin board rolls, magnetic shelves, mail center, and dry erase boards have transformed our space into an organized, colorful, and inviting environment. My students lit up with excitement when they walked in and saw the changes—it instantly gave them a sense of pride and ownership over their learning space.\r\n\r\nThe bright displays and functional storage make our classroom feel like a place where big ideas and creativity can thrive. These resources have already made a positive difference in our routines, helping students stay engaged, organized, and excited about learning. I am so grateful for your kindness and investment in our classroom community.","fullyFundedDate":1746785992860,"projectUrl":"project/equipping-my-students-for-success-with-e/9205530/","projectTitle":"Equipping My Students for Success with Essential Classroom Tools","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Taylor","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9915808_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1742718050570","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9915808"},{"teacherId":233224,"projectId":9108713,"letterContent":"When I first saw that your family had donated to our project, \"If you Give a Student a Mouse,\" I was so excited. It warmed my heart to see that your family cares as much as I do about making technology easily accessible to my third grade students. Imagine my surprise when I saw that your family donated a second time, fully funding our project! My students and I are so thankful! Your generosity means so much!\r\n\r\nThe day our materials arrived was so exciting! They came well before the estimated date, which meant I was able to get those mice into the hands of my students right away! The children were thrilled. We did a couple of mini lessons on the proper care and use of our new mice, and they were off! I let them practice editing word docs, navigating search engines, and try them out with some learning games. They loved how much easier it was to navigate with the new mice instead of the trackpad!\r\n\r\nAdditionally, for the first time in their school career, third grade students have to do state testing. It is complex, and the material can be overwhelming. Being able to easily navigate through the test with their new mice, made it just a little less stressful for them.\r\n\r\nOnce again, thank you for your kindness and generosity. Your gift had a wonderful impact on my students.","fullyFundedDate":1739546654641,"projectUrl":"project/if-you-give-a-student-a-mousefor-the/9108713/","projectTitle":"If You Give a Student a Mouse...(For Their Chromebooks)","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hogan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp233224_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1563217029301","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/k-hogan"},{"teacherId":9163704,"projectId":9097155,"letterContent":"Because of your generous support, my Kindergarten students now have access to high-quality tools that meet them exactly where they are in their handwriting journey. With a full class set of Handwriting Without Tears chalkboards, chalk, and special double-lined paper, we've transformed handwriting practice from a frustrating task into a sensory-rich, confidence-building experience. The resistance of the chalk helps strengthen their fine motor control, and the tactile feedback gives them the awareness they need to form letters more consistently and correctly.\r\n\r\nIntroducing the big boards, sponges, and chalk was pure sensory heaven for my kids. It was novel, fun, and just different enough to grab their attention in the best way. From the very first lesson, I had wrapped attention—every student fully engaged, eager to practice, and excited to write. Each day, I see them improving—not just in their penmanship, but in their focus, confidence, and pride. They've come to understand where letters belong on the line, and for many, it's the first time they feel like real writers. These materials allow us to approach handwriting with the right mix of movement, repetition, and structure—something traditional pencils and paper alone could never offer. Thanks to you, my students are developing strong foundations that will support them not only in writing but across all areas of learning. You've made a lasting difference, and I am deeply grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1739888140678,"projectUrl":"project/write-on-chalkboards-lined-paper-for/9097155/","projectTitle":"Write On! Chalkboards & Lined Paper for Young Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hamalian","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9163704_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1740064147788","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mshamalian"},{"teacherId":9163704,"projectId":8837888,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my Kindergarten students were each able to hold their very own copy of The Three Little Pigs during our recent fairy tale unit. This simple but powerful shift transformed our read-alouds into fully immersive experiences. With a book in every lap, my students could follow along word-for-word, connect with the rhythm of the story, and begin recognizing sight words and patterns in print. They felt like real readers—and they were!\r\n\r\nWe used the books for reader's theater, acted out scenes with the puppet set (which was THE coveted item during Free Choice time), and explored multiple retellings of the classic tale—including The Three Little Pigs: An Architectural Tale, which sparked curious conversations about building materials, structure, and cleverness. Students compared and contrasted story elements, discussed characters' decisions, and proudly took their books home for family reading nights. This project also allowed us to send home meaningful literacy-based homework that children could complete alongside their parents or siblings.\r\n\r\nThank you, DonorsChoose Community, for making this possible. You gave my students the joy of ownership, the pride of participation, and the gift of storytelling—all while helping them grow as thoughtful, engaged readers.","fullyFundedDate":1727990124984,"projectUrl":"project/huffing-puffing-and-reading-our-way-th/8837888/","projectTitle":"Huffing, Puffing, and Reading Our Way Through Fairy Tales!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hamalian","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9163704_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1740064147788","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mshamalian"},{"teacherId":9163704,"projectId":8966425,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, my Kindergarten students now have access to beautiful, multicultural picture books that reflect their lives, their families, and their dreams. These books haven't just enriched our classroom—they've gone home each week in book bags, helping children and families fall in love with reading together. For many, this is their very first time having access to such meaningful and culturally relevant stories. One mother shared that these books were a godsend on long weekends when they couldn't get to the library. Another family has made reading part of their nightly bedtime routine—something they were never able to do before.\r\n\r\nIn the classroom, the impact is just as powerful. My students now know the difference between fiction and nonfiction and are eager to return their book bags each week just so they can pick out new stories. It's become \"what we do at home,\" and that was my deepest hope—for reading to become a joyful, shared part of their family life. One little girl who wears a hijab lit up when she saw The Proudest Blue. She said, \"She looks like me!\" Two other books—one about Selena and another about Quinceañeras—were so popular they were lovingly \"fought over.\" These stories matter. Your gift has changed the lives of 26 children and their families. They will never be the same again—and that is a beautiful thing.\r\n\r\nAs a teacher, this project has strengthened the bond between home and school in ways I couldn't have imagined. Parents know I care deeply about their children, and that literacy is more than a classroom goal—it's a community effort. Thank you for believing in that vision. Thank you for changing lives.","fullyFundedDate":1733404375809,"projectUrl":"project/building-young-readers-a-take-home-book/8966425/","projectTitle":"Building Young Readers: a Take-Home Book Bag Program for Kindergarteners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hamalian","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9163704_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1740064147788","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mshamalian"},{"teacherId":6647351,"projectId":5199460,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your very charitable donations to my classroom. I felt very supported and acknowledged by receiving these classroom supplies. With your donations my students will be able to learn through many academic styles. \r\n I actually heard of the supplies arriving to school before they arrived. The school administrator was concerned I had ordered items over my budget. The next day the items started arriving. Every time I received a box I opened it in front of the class. They were just as excited as I was to see what would come that day. If it was paper I would explain to them how we would use it and if it was something we could use I would let them use it that day. I wanted them to understand that all these items were for them to use. They would be used to help us learn how to understand letters, sounds and how to write.\r\n One of the items received was foam clay. The students get to use this every Wednesday. First we make the letter of the week, some times we make our names. After working they get to play with the foam. They love making mustaches and beards. Often they create colorful creatures.","fullyFundedDate":1601524920603,"projectUrl":"project/colorful-and-educational-color-carpet/5199460/","projectTitle":"Colorful and Educational Color Carpet","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Zapata","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6647351"},{"teacherId":9915808,"projectId":9097258,"letterContent":"Wow! I can't thank you enough for your generosity. Your support has made such a difference in our classroom in so many ways!\r\n\r\nThe snacks have been a huge hit—pretzels have become our go-to writing fuel during essay time. Something about having a little snack while brainstorming and drafting really helps keep my students focused and motivated.\r\n\r\nThe printer has been a total game-changer! Printing instantly in the classroom has saved us so much time. Since it's quite a journey for me to walk to print elsewhere, having this resource right here makes preparing materials easier for both me and my students. It's been a lifesaver!\r\n\r\nOne of the most meaningful additions has been the anxiety book. More than 90% of my students struggle with anxiety, and having this resource in our classroom has given us a way to start important conversations and provide support. It's already making an impact.\r\n\r\nThank you for everything. Your generosity has not only provided us with resources but also with comfort, ease, and encouragement. We are truly grateful! #Theproudfamily","fullyFundedDate":1739888141352,"projectUrl":"project/inspiring-growth-and-creativity-in-a-div/9097258/","projectTitle":"Inspiring Growth and Creativity in a Diverse Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Taylor","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9915808_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1742718050570","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9915808"},{"teacherId":9783935,"projectId":8839874,"letterContent":"I would like to send you a heart felt thank you, for donating to our \"Independent Reading Choices for Newcomers\" project. It has meant the world for my Newcomers and a lot of my other English Language Learner students, to have books/stories they enjoy reading, also offered in Spanish. Having these book choices available in our classroom library has made a great impact on my students. My Newcomer students, are no longer feeling excluded from being able to find and experience the love for books. Thanks to you, they are now given the opportunity to choose a book of their choice and find the enjoyment in reading. \r\n\r\nMy students have shown growth in reading fluency and comprehension. They are able to read their \"free choice\" books and are able to hold conversations with their classmates, about the books they've read. This has improved their reading comprehension skills, as well as verbal skills in English. \r\n\r\nThanks to you and your generosity, my Newcomer students no longer find books just to look at the pictures. They now have the opportunity to finds books they can read.","fullyFundedDate":1729052331694,"projectUrl":"project/independent-reading-choices-for-newcomer/8839874/","projectTitle":"Independent Reading Choices for Newcomers!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Buenafe","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9783935"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_4180","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":565,"numTeachers":28,"percentFrplEligible":78,"percentAsian":8,"percentBlack":11,"percentWhite":3,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":71,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"20.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":80.0,"schoolId":4180,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Parkside Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Parkside Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/pittsburg-unified-school-district/parkside-elementary-school/4180"}