Coleman Elementary School in San Rafael, California on DonorsChoose

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I am excited to use some of the tools donated to support the projects. This month, we will be diving into different art projects around Hispanic Heritage Month as we learn about the cultural significance behind this celebration. We will also be having some fun with our new Coco Loteria game to learn about this traditional game played in Spanish-speaking countries.\r\nThank you again for all your generosity and for supporting the learning of my students!","fullyFundedDate":1752773169594,"projectUrl":"project/books-games-and-art-fun/9419734/","projectTitle":"Books, Games, and Art Fun!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Acuna","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10058331"},{"teacherId":9828574,"projectId":8924506,"letterContent":"All students entered this textile unit having background knowledge of the Miwok people and I was under the assumption students had some exposure to weaving. \r\n\r\nTk student learned about and made God's Eyes after learning how the tradition started in Mexico and that some people believe they are being watched by their ancestors and/or God. I introduced the concept of an omnipresence by asking student what they know about Santa, and once they identified that he's always watching, we expanded on that concept. After my first class I learned that I should have numbered the sticks 1,2,3,4 to aid students in the concept of following a pattern to make a design. My next classes went much smoother and most students were able to create the art \"correctly\" while a few made art in their own style. Students were so proud of themselves and teachers are reporting they're are asking for materials in class and that making God's Eyes are now a \"center\" during choice time. Some of my older students saw them and are making them too. \r\n\r\nK-3rd grade are using looms to weave tapestries. I had premade looms for kinder already then 1st, 2nd and 3rd graders made their own out of cardboard. It was SLOW going at first, but students were super excited. I am teaching various knots, weaves, and techniques, and students are able to apply them if it's accessible to them. It took serval weeks for students to gain the confidence in their skills to take risks. I am just starting to see some students incorporate shapes beside stripes and \"found\" materials like strips of cloth, ribbon, and organic materials. I've had so many students say this is their favorite project and my classroom is a buzz during lunch with student who want to continue working on theirs or do another one. I'm hearing that parents are being asked to get materials for students to use at home! \r\n\r\n4th graders are making keychains/phone case holders and 5th graders are making hanging plant holders by weaving various knots and patterns. \r\n\r\nNot only I am teaching about indigenous peoples and a textile art, I've realized how much support students need in their fine motor skills, spacial awareness, and social emotional development. I found I had to rethink my expectations and outcomes and start by teaching basic skills and addressing belief systems about what students are capable of. My new objectives include, \"I can do difficult things\", \"I can follow multi-step directions\",\" I can problems solve on my own or advocate for myself and seek help\", etc. While I still hope student art looks pleasing, it's my priority to help students feel proud, confident, empowered, and can learn to take risks, fail and try again, and understand how the skills you learn in art are applicable in the day-to-day.\r\n\r\nMy next steps are to continue using the materials to make friendship bracelets, woven vases for paper flowers, stitch pillows and bags, etc. I did hear one student complain that weaving a hanging basket wasn't art, and it got me thinking that at the end of the unit while we reflect and share out work, I do need to ask questions about how students think these weaving skills could help them in the future. I have started to compile a collection of pillows, rugs, boots and sweaters from my personal collection to show how interior and fashion designers using weaving for products. I'm also compiling images to explain how architects and engineers use weaves to create stronger structures and everyday items. This unit does not stop here and it will be woven into our conceptual thinking and skillset from here on out. \r\n\r\nThank you so much for your generous donation and for inspiring me to think both short and longterm and beyond this one project.","fullyFundedDate":1733239684603,"projectUrl":"project/multicultural-weaving/8924506/","projectTitle":"Multicultural Weaving","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tracy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9828574"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_4318","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":662,"numTeachers":15,"percentFrplEligible":60,"percentAsian":3,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":33,"percentIndigenous":1,"percentLatinx":53,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"44.1:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":85.5,"schoolId":4318,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Coleman Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Coleman Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/san-rafael-city-elementary-school-district/coleman-elementary-school/4318"}

About this school

Coleman Elementary School is an urban public school in San Rafael, California that is part of San Rafael City Elementary School District. It serves 662 students in grades K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 44.1:1. Its teachers have had 24 projects funded on DonorsChoose.

Equity Focus School

Support towards this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Public School

Title 1

Grades K - 5

662 Students

15 Teachers

800 Belle Ave

San Rafael, CA 94901 View local requests

http://coleman.srcs.org/

Evidence-based impact

Inspire teachers to stay in the classroom and boost student achievement.¹

Give to this school

Ms. Vero, a DonorsChoose teacher for 9 years.

Kindergarten teacher at PS81 - Robert J. Christen School in Bronx, NY

Coleman Elementary School Teachers on DonorsChoose

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Coleman Elementary School Demographics

60%

of students receive free or reduced price lunch

Source: the National Center for Education Statistics

58%

of students are Black, Latino, Native American, or Asian

Schools in districts that mainly serve students of color receive substantially less state and local support than similar districts that serve primarily White students. Learn more about this gap, why it exists, and how you can help close it.

Coleman 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.