{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Portola Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":18.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10181775,"projectId":9609936,"letterContent":"When I was hired, the room was a blank slate. There were desks, chairs, and a cabinet. I put together colorful bulletin boards and was given a classroom library from a teacher, but that was all there was. It was a good start but not enough.\r\n\r\nThe items on my list gave my students a safe and exciting learning environment. They got excited every time a box was delivered and cheered every time I opened one and told them what they were for.\r\n\r\n**The yoga balls and wobble cushions allow them to find seating that supports their learning style. (The chair bands have been fabulous for my kids that need to move!)\r\n**The blue rug, bean bags and floor cushions have made for a comfy library space, for silent reading and group work.\r\n**The floor seats and saucer chairs have been a huge hit! Whether silent reading, working in pairs, or spending time with our first grade buddies, they love these.\r\n**The mailbox system, whiteboard and magnet have provided students with independence, and supporting their organizational skills. From collecting graded assignments to declaring their need for school lunch, I'm working with them to build their independence away from me holding their hands, to them taking initiative.\r\n**Our color printer has become a staple for student projects, and allowed for them to be completed in class. Students printed their first major writing project, pictures of attractions for their California Regions project, and have allowed us the ability to print \"on the spot\" when I can't leave the class to make copies. \r\n**The ergonomic chair has been a life saver for me, as I work with students and spend countless hours in my classroom (prepping my lessons, grading their work, and communicating with parents and staff).\r\n\r\nMy room has become a haven for my students. A place they love to come to, a place that makes them smile, and there's nothing more a teacher could ask for. Each and every day our donations get put to good use!","fullyFundedDate":1755746797398,"projectUrl":"project/something-for-everyone-in-our-classroom/9609936/","projectTitle":"Something for everyone (in our classroom).","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Shmueli","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10181775"},{"teacherId":5861271,"projectId":9300962,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support of my classroom project. Your kindness has provided my students with materials that fuel their creativity, curiosity, and love for learning in STEAM.\r\n\r\nWith the variety of tapes, safety scissors, glue sticks, and building supplies you donated, my students now have the tools to experiment, build, and create with confidence and joy. The new storage solutions will help keep our space organized and empower each child to take ownership of their work and keeping our classroom environment organized.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, my students—each unique and talented—can explore engineering, art, and math in hands-on ways that inspire them to grow as young scientists, artists, and problem solvers. Your support truly makes a difference in their learning journey and brightens their future.","fullyFundedDate":1746563707638,"projectUrl":"project/organized-inspired-and-ready-to-learn/9300962/","projectTitle":"Organized, Inspired, and Ready to Learn!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Calonico","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5861271_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1676437463095","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/portola-calonico"},{"teacherId":9734355,"projectId":9301312,"letterContent":"I want to sincerely thank you for your generous donation of printer ink, storage boxes, and other essential supplies for my 5th-grade classroom. Your support made a tremendous difference in creating an organized and well-equipped learning environment.\r\n\r\nWith these resources, it became much easier for me to guide my students toward independence. The printer ink ensured I could provide consistent, high-quality materials, while the storage boxes helped keep our classroom supplies tidy and accessible—encouraging students to take responsibility for their own learning tools.\r\n\r\nThanks to your kindness, I had the joy of watching my students thrive as confident, independent learners. Your contribution truly empowered them to take ownership of their education, which is invaluable at this stage.\r\n\r\nThank you again for investing in their growth and success. Your impact will be felt throughout their educational journey.","fullyFundedDate":1746563707759,"projectUrl":"project/essentials-for-classroom-efficency-and-i/9301312/","projectTitle":"Essentials for Classroom Efficency and Independence","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gaven","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9734355_orig.png?crop=616,616,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1725650370704","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-gaven"},{"teacherId":5861271,"projectId":9039512,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our STEAM-based DonorsChoose project! Because of your contributions, our 5th-grade students have been able to dive into exciting hands-on activities that blend science, technology, engineering, art, and math in meaningful and memorable ways.\r\n\r\nWith your help, students explored real-world science by creating their own bath bombs while learning about acid-base reactions using safe, household materials. Their eyes lit up as they observed the fizzing, bubbling reactions—many even connected it to everyday products and started asking deeper questions about chemistry! In our sustainability art unit, students transformed discarded materials into expressive artwork, thinking critically about the impact of waste and the power of creativity to inspire change. The journals you helped fund gave them a space to reflect, plan, and share their ideas proudly.\r\n\r\nDuring our Outdoor Education program, students participated in Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) activities that focused on teamwork, communication, and self-awareness. These moments—whether building a group challenge or writing in their journals around a campfire—fostered connection and resilience. The Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) gift cards allowed us to bring fresh, high-quality STEAM lessons into the classroom that met a wide range of student needs and interests. Students who sometimes struggle in traditional lessons truly shined during these projects.\r\n\r\nYour support has made a lasting difference in our classroom. Thank you for helping us finish the year with joy, curiosity, and growth!","fullyFundedDate":1737260128601,"projectUrl":"project/innovative-minds-fueling-5th-grade-stea/9039512/","projectTitle":"Innovative Minds: Fueling 5th Grade STEAM Dreams","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Calonico","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5861271_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1676437463095","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/portola-calonico"},{"teacherId":9734355,"projectId":8746208,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of tech materials to our classroom. Your support has made a significant impact on our students' learning experiences. The self-organizers you provided have helped them manage their projects more effectively, fostering a sense of responsibility and organization that is crucial for their academic success.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, the speakers have enhanced our video learning sessions, allowing students to immerse themselves fully in the content. Your contributions have not only enriched their educational journey but have also inspired them to engage more deeply with technology and collaborative projects. We truly appreciate your kindness and commitment to our students' growth.","fullyFundedDate":1731522120687,"projectUrl":"project/enhancing-learning-environments-tech-an/8746208/","projectTitle":"Enhancing Learning Environments: Tech and Organization for Student Success!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gaven","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9734355_orig.png?crop=616,616,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1725650370704","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-gaven"},{"teacherId":5861271,"projectId":8748806,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support of our DonorsChoose project. Your contribution is making a significant difference in the lives of my 5th-grade English language learners who are working hard to adapt to a new language and culture.\r\n\r\nThanks to your donation, I was able to provide my students with hands-on games, interactive learning activities, and organizational tools that make learning English more engaging and enjoyable. The $100 Teachers Pay Teachers gift card will allowed me to access a variety of digital resources tailored specifically for English language learners, including graphic organizers, vocabulary-building games, and language development activities.\r\n\r\nThese materials will create a fun and supportive environment where my students can practice their language skills, build confidence, and fully engage with their peers and academic work. Your support is empowering these eager learners to overcome language barriers and thrive both in the classroom and socially.\r\n\r\nThank you once again for your kindness and generosity. We are excited to put these resources to use and watch our students grow in confidence and fluency.","fullyFundedDate":1726619499506,"projectUrl":"project/reading-writing-and-thriving-resource/8748806/","projectTitle":"Reading, Writing, and Thriving: Resources for 5th Grade Ell Students","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Calonico","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5861271_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1676437463095","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/portola-calonico"},{"teacherId":9734355,"projectId":8746209,"letterContent":"We are incredibly grateful for your generous contribution of under the desk storage for our classroom. Your support has significantly improved our students' organization and space management, allowing them to focus on their learning without the distractions of clutter. The new storage solutions have empowered them to take ownership of their workspace, fostering a more productive and creative environment.\r\n\r\nThank you once again for your kindness and commitment to enhancing our students' educational experience. Your generosity has made a tangible difference in their daily lives, and we appreciate your partnership in supporting our mission to provide the best possible learning environment.","fullyFundedDate":1726101738289,"projectUrl":"project/5th-grade-items/8746209/","projectTitle":"5th Grade Items","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gaven","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9734355_orig.png?crop=616,616,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1725650370704","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-gaven"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_4594","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":325,"numTeachers":13,"percentFrplEligible":19,"percentAsian":50,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":23,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"25.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":81.7,"schoolId":4594,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Portola Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Portola Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/san-bruno-park-school-district/portola-elementary-school/4594"}
Join the 104 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Portola Elementary School is
a suburban public school
in San Bruno, California that is part of San Bruno Park School District.
It serves 325 students
in grades Pre-K - 6 with a student/teacher ratio of 25.0:1.
Its teachers have had 28 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Public School
Grades Pre-K - 6
325 Students
13 Teachers
300 Amador AveContact info is sourced from our partners at MDR Education, and DonorsChoose updates our site ahead of each school year.
Boost support for our school's classrooms. Share this page with friends and family who want to make a difference. If you're a teacher, sign up to get started!
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
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
73%
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.
Portola Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Dec 5, 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.
Portola Elementary School
$25,965
raised using DonorsChoose
28
projects
funded
5
teachers
funded
104
donors
3
projects
for
basic supplies
6
projects for
technology
3
projects for
books
1
project
for
art supplies
Portola Elementary School has received support from
85 individuals from California and
19 individuals out-of-state.