{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Sunset Hills Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":13.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9723030,"projectId":9702034,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity through DonorsChoose, our TK and Kindergarten students are fully immersed in hands-on STEM learning, and the impact has been incredible.\r\n\r\nThe moment the supplies arrived — color masking tape, color dry erase markers, 2-inch hole punches, playdough, fun pencils, googly eyes, Penguin Unplugged coding stones, glue sticks, Post-it notes, and small magnet/dry erase boards and reward stickers— the room buzzed with excitement. Students' eyes grew wide as they asked, \"Are these really ours?\" They couldn't wait to start creating. The colorful materials immediately sparked their curiosity and imagination.\r\n\r\nOne of our favorite classroom moments so far has been during our \"Design a Penguin Path\" coding project using the Penguin Unplugged coding stones. Students worked in teams to create a path on the floor using color masking tape, then used the coding stones to plan step-by-step directions to guide their \"penguin\" across the path. They drew their algorithms on Post-it notes and practiced revising their plans when their penguin didn't reach the correct destination. Watching four- and five-year-olds debug their thinking was truly amazing!\r\n\r\nWe also used playdough, googly eyes, glue sticks, and fun pencils during a STEM challenge where students designed and built their own \"problem-solving creature.\" They used the 2-inch hole punch to create design elements and recorded their creature's special features on the small magnet/dry erase boards using the colorful dry erase markers. This activity combined engineering, creativity, and early writing skills in such a meaningful way.\r\n\r\nWhen students first explored the materials, they handled them with such care and pride. They understood that these were special tools for learning. The sense of ownership has boosted both their responsibility and confidence.\r\n\r\nNext, we are beginning a \"Build Our Own City\" project. Students will use masking tape to map roads on the floor, design buildings with collaborative materials, and create coded routes between community landmarks using the penguin coding stones. They will plan, test, revise, and present their designs — just like real engineers and computer scientists.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, our youngest learners are developing critical thinking, collaboration, and perseverance skills in joyful, hands-on ways. You have helped transform our classroom into a vibrant STEM lab where imagination and learning go hand in hand.","fullyFundedDate":1767045130868,"projectUrl":"project/little-stem-learners/9702034/","projectTitle":"Little STEM Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Pitcher","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9723030_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y158&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757461047827","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9723030"},{"teacherId":10045505,"projectId":9940538,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of Kwik Stix Tempera Paint, Elmer's Glue Sticks, and pencils to our preschool classroom. Your gift has brought so much color, creativity, and confidence to our youngest artists.\r\n\r\nWe recently used the new materials for two special projects. First, we created giant flower paintings inspired by Georgia O'Keeffe. The children used their pencils to draw large, close-up flower shapes. Then they filled them in with the Kwik Stix Tempera Paint. The paint sticks were perfect for little hands: bright, smooth, and easy to control. Watching the children carefully color petal by petal was such a joyful moment. \r\n\r\nNext, we explored background and foreground inspired by Kehinde Wiley. The students created bold, colorful backgrounds first, then added their main subject on top, learning that the \"background\" goes behind and the \"foreground\" comes forward. Using the Elmer's Glue Sticks, they carefully attached their subjects over their painted designs. Seeing them begin to understand spatial concepts at such a young age was incredible.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the new supplies laid out, their eyes lit up. There were excited whispers and lots of \"Can we use these today?\" The Kwik Stix were especially thrilling, they are such a fun product to use, very satisfying!\r\n\r\nAs our next step, we will continue building fine motor skills and creative confidence through layered art projects. The children will experiment with combining drawing, painting, and collage to tell simple visual stories. Because of your generosity, they have quality materials that make success possible and learning joyful.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in early childhood creativity. You are helping these young students see themselves as artists from the very beginning.","fullyFundedDate":1764857803894,"projectUrl":"project/help-my-little-artists-learn-big-art/9940538/","projectTitle":"Help My Little Artists Learn Big Art!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Parkes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10045505_orig.jpg?crop=2126,2126,x433,y554&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1748467514643","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/creativesparkes"},{"teacherId":9723030,"projectId":9928120,"letterContent":"We are using the new resources during our preschool STEM centers, where learning looks a lot like play! One favorite moment was when students built towers and bridges and excitedly tested to see if they were \"strong enough.\" When a tower fell, we heard lots of giggles—and then students eagerly tried again. They counted pieces, shared materials, and cheered each other on while building and rebuilding.\r\n\r\nThe students were overjoyed! Their eyes lit up, smiles spread across their faces, and they couldn't wait to get started. They were eager to touch, explore, and create right away. The materials sparked instant curiosity, and the classroom buzzed with excitement and happy chatter.\r\n\r\nNext, students will take on playful STEM challenges like building ramps to see what rolls fastest, stacking and balancing materials, and discovering patterns. They'll make guesses, test their ideas, and proudly share what they discover. These joyful experiences are helping them grow early STEM skills like problem-solving, teamwork, and perseverance—all while having so much fun learning. THANK YOU, thank you so much!","fullyFundedDate":1764453358112,"projectUrl":"project/magnetic-architecture-for-the-littlest-b/9928120/","projectTitle":"Magnetic Architecture for the Littlest Builders","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Pitcher","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9723030_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y158&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757461047827","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9723030"},{"teacherId":10008274,"projectId":9587338,"letterContent":"I wanted to take a moment to thank you again and to share how we've been using the wonderful resources you helped bring into our classroom. Our students have already begun working toward their spring performance, and the new materials are helping us build the foundational skills we'll need to shine on stage.\r\n\r\nWhen the recorders first arrived, the students were absolutely thrilled. Many of them had been counting down the days until they could finally play them! We've now had a couple of lessons, and they are thoroughly enjoying learning the basics of recorder playing. Their excitement has brought so much energy into our music room, and it is wonderful to see them so eager to participate.\r\n\r\nAs for what comes next, we have some exciting steps ahead. After Thanksgiving, students will begin learning their first three notes on the recorder. You'd be surprised at how many songs can be played with just those notes — including Hot Cross Buns, Merrily We Roll Along, and even the intro to Eye of the Tiger! The students can't wait to start playing real songs, and your generosity is what made this learning possible.\r\n\r\nThank you for supporting our young musicians and for giving them the chance to experience the joy of making music.","fullyFundedDate":1755741499339,"projectUrl":"project/recorders-in-reach-playing-our-first-no/9587338/","projectTitle":"Recorders in Reach: Playing Our First Notes","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Adamson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10008274_orig.jpg?crop=1082,1082,x158,y759&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1745899987377","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10008274"},{"teacherId":10008274,"projectId":9294238,"letterContent":"On behalf of the music program, the students and staff of Sunset Hills Elementary school, thank you for your donation towards our risers. The risers were delivered on Friday and built this weekend. Students saw them on Monday, and to say they were excited is an understatement. The joy on their faces and in their words said it all. Several commented how excited they were that their parents would be able to see them better when they performed or spoke about how excited they were to have more room for their performances. Each student stood a little taller, more confident, filled with joy and a desire to create beautiful music with their classmates this year. \r\n\r\nOur music lessons began this week and next week they will get a glimpse into what performances they are working toward this year. These performances are such a highlight of the school year. It is a great way to connect our community with our school and to show off all that the students have learned in music class this year. I am so grateful that our community continues to support music and arts education. Students getting exposure to the arts is so important and opens the door to more possibilities in their future. \r\n\r\nOnce again, we appreciate your support tremendously. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.","fullyFundedDate":1752586596000,"projectUrl":"project/rise-up-building-a-stage-for-every-voic/9294238/","projectTitle":"Rise Up: Building a Stage for Every Voice","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Adamson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10008274_orig.jpg?crop=1082,1082,x158,y759&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1745899987377","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10008274"},{"teacherId":9723030,"projectId":9271389,"letterContent":"Wow, oh wow! Giggling, jumping and lets face it...screaming with excitement from all these boxes! And that's just me! My student (400 of them) were just as excited when they came into the class and saw the boxes stacked sky high with all the materials! We are in for an AMAZING year because of you!\r\n We were down to the nitty gritty with our markers that I acquired a few years ago (so not quite sure how old they are) and actually had to throw most of them away. I hate the feeling of throwing learning tools away but we had no choice. The students were OVER THE MOON when they discovered that we now have 16 colors to work with and not just the 7 basic colors. Projects will be bursting with color.\r\n The outlet towers will be most helpful to be able to share more plug-in equipment. I have introduced glue guns to the students and it has changed their way of creating! It's AMAZING. We had to squeeze around a table, super close to the wall and be squished trying to share 2 glue guns...now there is room for 16! Highlighters will be used with our black light...they will glow as they design under water scenes for our robot cars to act like submarines as they code them through the deep ocean. Masking tape, paper clips sticker dots will be used in Makers Space for \"choice day'. The felt squares will be for a small sewing project for National Sewing Month (September). Thank you again, I feel so lucky!","fullyFundedDate":1746785896684,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-science-is-the-best-science/9271389/","projectTitle":"Hands-On Science is the BEST Science!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Pitcher","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9723030_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y158&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757461047827","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9723030"},{"teacherId":9723030,"projectId":9067963,"letterContent":"It's like Christmas! Full surprise mode with a touch of ugly cry! Thank you much for your help with restocking and redesigning the \"Maker Space\" area. All this came toward the end of the school year and the kids were ready to use all their designing skills to create magic! I stacked up the boxes, 7 in total, like a tall building and opened each one together. Let me tell you, there were a lot of gasps with excitement, happy cheers and antsyness (not sure if that is word but they were antsy). \r\n\r\nThe glue guns were a HIT. Many student had never used them before but that didn't stop them from creating. Who know the small foam sheet were so popular for making, houses/furniture for their stuffed animals, or jewelry. The beads made perfect end of the year keychains extra special because they got to use up to 8 beads instead of the 3 ( all we had left at the time). We used the paper straws for an Earth Day project and who doesn't need a a massive amount of glue...we do!!\r\n\r\nThe Makers Space was down to the nitty gritty, which on one hand was great because then the students had to savvy and \"used what we had\" but then it was a little heart breaking because they could not design with what they had in mind because we didn't have enough supplies. Your donation truly brightened up the classroom and their ideas. All these supplies are strictly for the Makers Space area for CHOICE day and we can't be more excited! Thank you from our STEM LAB! the young stem-sters have a bright future because of you!!","fullyFundedDate":1742946698743,"projectUrl":"project/steam-lab-mega-makers-space-revamp-a/9067963/","projectTitle":"STEAM Lab Mega “Makers Space” Revamp and Restock.","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Pitcher","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9723030_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y158&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757461047827","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9723030"},{"teacherId":9723030,"projectId":8729075,"letterContent":"Your hearts are full and thank you for sharing your generosity with my STEM classroom. As you know I teach over 400 students at my school and anything and everything helps! We are in the middle of robotics and these robots were perfect for working together to build them. WE used chop sticks to create bridges, roads, tunnels and obstacles for the robots to navigate on, in or over. The kids loved that that part. the Washi tape was to help create lines as a guide for the robot to stay on or near and it was also used as a little decor. I LOVE the adjustable table on wheels and used it the second I received it. Who knew I needed this in my life! I call it my \"wheelie demo table\". The students become more engaged as I wheel it around when I am doing demos. The table has assisted me with baking soda and vinegar explosions, elephant toothpaste messes, bioluminescence mixtures and lava lamp making. The LARGE jug of glue is so helpful instead of having 50 half empty or empty small bottle around, I can refill as I go! I also received a few other Maker Space supplies that are always much needed for my Makers.\r\nWhen I got back from winter break and saw the AMAZING news that I was chosen, I let out a small scream...well, I was in the teachers working room and others were around, so I didn't want to interrupt. But, best believe when I got home, I screamed with excitement and text everyone that news that I was chosen. I shared the news with my students the next day and we had a little \"happy dance party\"... I got to happy dance 15 times (there are 15 classes in hour school). \r\nAgain, thank you with all my heart. I really do appreciate the help and they generosity. I love my STEM teaching job and I love these students. When we finish up robotics, we will be moving into marine biology, coding, stop motion and makers space projects.","fullyFundedDate":1734640316583,"projectUrl":"project/leaders-of-steam/8729075/","projectTitle":"Leaders of STEAM","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Pitcher","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9723030_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y158&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757461047827","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9723030"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_37257","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":372,"numTeachers":22,"percentFrplEligible":8,"percentAsian":25,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":44,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":16,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"16.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":86.9,"schoolId":37257,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Sunset Hills Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Sunset Hills Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/poway-unified-school-district/sunset-hills-elementary-school/37257"}