{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Santiago Steam Magnet Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":9.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":3699398,"projectId":9455591,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support of our fifth‑grade learning community. Because of you, our students were able to work with maps that center Native perspectives and help them understand the land they live on in a more meaningful way. The Turtle Island map and the U.S. Tribal Nations map became everyday tools as students learned state locations, traced rivers, and connected geography to tribal histories and origin stories. Your contribution also gave students the resources they needed to research tribal communities and share their learning with confidence. The whiteboard U.S. map, clipboards, and privacy partitions supported every project unit—helping students focus, jot down ideas during fieldwork, and think quietly before joining group discussions.\r\n\r\nYour support brought so much energy and possibility into our classroom. Our students are curious, creative problem‑solvers, and the tools you helped provide made their learning feel hands‑on, engaging, and real. They explored Native histories from multiple angles, used their clipboards to investigate the world around them, and learned how to balance independent thinking with collaborative teamwork. You helped create a space where students see themselves as designers, historians, and changemakers. And the best part is that the impact doesn't end with this year—these resources will continue to support future fifth graders, allowing your generosity to ripple forward and strengthen learning for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1754010231851,"projectUrl":"project/help-5th-graders-see-native-american-his/9455591/","projectTitle":"Help 5th Graders See Native American History","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Menke","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3699398_orig.jpg?crop=713,713,x0,y48&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1564898377607","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-nobles"},{"teacherId":2559300,"projectId":9683146,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our students didn't just receive filament — they received the freedom to create, experiment, and bring their learning to life in ways that simply weren't possible before.\r\n\r\nHands‑On History for 5th Grade\r\nWith fresh filament available, our 5th graders stepped straight into the past.\r\n\r\nOne class designed branding irons, just like California ranchers once used, connecting local history to modern design tools.\r\n\r\nAnother group created miniature Revolutionary War soldiers, using them to simulate troop movements and strategies.\r\nThese prints transformed abstract history lessons into tactile, memorable experiences that students still talk about.\r\n\r\nScientific Creativity in 6th Grade\r\nOur 6th graders used the filament to design and print animals for their science projects.\r\nInstead of drawing or cutting out pictures, they engineered accurate 3D models that demonstrated structure, adaptation, and biome connections. The pride they felt holding their finished models was unmistakable.\r\n\r\nSchoolwide Engagement Through PBIS\r\nBeyond academic projects, the filament became a powerful motivator for positive behavior.\r\nStudents across grade levels earned the chance to print animals, creatures, and custom designs as PBIS rewards.\r\nFor many, this was their first experience turning a digital idea into a real object — and it sparked curiosity, confidence, and joy.\r\n\r\nA Ripple Effect of Creativity\r\nYour support didn't just supply materials. It opened a door.\r\n\r\nStudents learned to prototype, revise, and problem‑solve.\r\n\r\nThey collaborated, shared ideas, and helped each other troubleshoot.\r\n\r\nThey saw themselves as makers — capable of shaping the world around them.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, countless students experienced the thrill of creating something from nothing. Thank you for fueling their imagination and giving them tools that make learning unforgettable.","fullyFundedDate":1761950999139,"projectUrl":"project/plastic-with-purpose-fueling-student-de/9683146/","projectTitle":"Plastic with Purpose: Fueling Student Design","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Wilke","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2559300_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1473701250853","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kyle-wilke"},{"teacherId":2559300,"projectId":9356161,"letterContent":"Thanks to your support, our students at Santiago STEAM Magnet School are enjoying the new disc golf course. We've set up 6 of the 9 baskets, and students are already taking ownership of the space by helping design the tee signs.\r\n\r\nWhen the equipment first arrived, students were excited to see something new on campus. They were eager to try their first throws and quickly began learning the basics of grip, release, and aim. As they practice, they're starting to notice how angle and force affect their throws, sparking curiosity and problem‑solving.\r\n\r\nA highlight so far has been watching students collaborate on the tee sign designs. They are thinking about how to make the course clear and welcoming for others, combining creativity with responsibility.\r\n\r\nOur PE teachers are now exploring ways to integrate the disc golf course into one of their upcoming units. This will give students more structured opportunities to build skills and connect physical activity with strategy.\r\n\r\nThe next steps include finishing the installation of the remaining baskets, finalizing student‑created tee signs, and beginning organized activities led by PE teachers.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has provided students with a resource that encourages activity, teamwork, and creativity. Thank you for helping us bring this project to life.","fullyFundedDate":1757099905439,"projectUrl":"project/steam-in-flight-a-disc-golf-course-for/9356161/","projectTitle":"STEAM in Flight: A Disc Golf Course for Students","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Wilke","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2559300_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1473701250853","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kyle-wilke"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_91348","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":485,"numTeachers":14,"percentFrplEligible":68,"percentAsian":9,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":32,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":40,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":16,"gradesServed":"K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"34.6:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":90.4,"schoolId":91348,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Santiago Steam Magnet Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Santiago Steam Magnet Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/saddleback-valley-unified-school-district/santiago-elementary-school/91348"}
Join the 157 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Santiago Steam Magnet Elementary School is
a suburban public school
in Lake Forest, California that is part of Saddleback Valley Unified School District.
It serves 485 students
in grades K - 6 with a student/teacher ratio of 34.6:1.
Its teachers have had 42 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Supporting this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.
Public School
Grades K - 6
485 Students
14 Teachers
24982 Rivendell DrContact info is sourced from our partners at MDR Education, and DonorsChoose updates our site ahead of each school year.
Share and help support Santiago Steam Magnet Elementary School
Boost support for this school! Share this page with friends, family, alumni, and fellow supporters. Every connection helps teachers get the supplies they need and shows how much your community cares about its students.
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for public school teachers.
Every donation funds real needs — pencils, books, lab equipment, art supplies, and more — helping students learn and thrive. We ship supplies directly to the school, and you'll see exactly where each dollar goes.
Santiago Steam Magnet Elementary School Demographics
68%
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
49%
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.
Santiago Steam Magnet Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Aug 19, 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.
Santiago Steam Magnet Elementary School
$24,830
raised using DonorsChoose
42
projects
funded
18
teachers
funded
157
donors
6
projects
for
basic supplies
11
projects for
technology
4
projects for
books
Santiago Steam Magnet Elementary School has received support from
142 individuals from California and
15 individuals out-of-state.
