{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Ponderosa Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":10.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":7989204,"projectId":9706277,"letterContent":"My students were SO excited to see the new classroom rug when they arrived at school that morning. They commented on how bright the colors are and how clean and soft it is. They have been thoughtful about keeping it in good condition, including getting dirt and grass off their shoes after recess before coming to the rug.\r\n\r\nMy 2nd graders are really enjoying using the new, clean rug to gather, work, and read (a lot of my students like to lie on their tummy while reading). The rug even served as our stage when we performed our Reader's Theater play, \"The Ugly Pumpkin\", in the fall. We are so grateful to use this rug all throughout the day, everyday. Thank you!!!","fullyFundedDate":1758839698511,"projectUrl":"project/a-clean-inviting-space-to-gather/9706277/","projectTitle":"A Clean, Inviting Space to Gather","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Zhu","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7989204"},{"teacherId":326323,"projectId":9711411,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, my students now have access to vibrant, high-quality reading and supportive materials that make learning feel engaging and attainable. As a reading intervention teacher, I work with students who need extra support to build foundational reading skills. Color printing allows me to create clear, visual resources—such as phonics charts, decodable texts, sight word games, and comprehension tools—that help students make connections more easily and stay focused during instruction. For many of my students, these printed materials provide structure and clarity that digital tools alone cannot replace. Having personalized, colorful materials helps my students feel capable and proud of their progress.\r\n\r\nMany of my students do not have access to books or learning materials at home, so these printed resources often become a crucial support. Your donation has made everyday lessons into meaningful, engaging experiences that help students feel successful as readers. Thank you for investing in their confidence, growth, and love of learning.","fullyFundedDate":1758839698027,"projectUrl":"project/bring-reading-to-life-with-color/9711411/","projectTitle":"Bring Reading to Life with Color!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Murphy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/dodson"},{"teacherId":357937,"projectId":9820770,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for these books! I have an extensive classroom library of more than 1,000 books. But sometimes, you just need to freshen things up in terms of some new series and also new copies of older series. \r\n\r\nWith the addition of these books, I've been able to add some brand new high-interest series, an older but also high-interest series, and some highly-engaging science graphic novels.\r\n\r\nThese are the kinds of books that keep my students reading and also deepen their scientific knowledge.","fullyFundedDate":1760739222207,"projectUrl":"project/books-for-our-classroom-library/9820770/","projectTitle":"Books for Our Classroom Library!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Murphy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/murphy"},{"teacherId":357937,"projectId":9463810,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation. We were in great need of new headphones for students to use. These headphones are both high quality and cool enough that students want to use them. \r\n\r\nWe have several district programs that students use to strengthen their academic skills in math and reading, including Raz Kids, Newsela, and iReady. Headphones are a necessity. \r\n\r\nIt used to be that getting students to put on the old headphones was a challenge, but with the new ones, students want to wear them.","fullyFundedDate":1754259436858,"projectUrl":"project/headphones-for-learning/9463810/","projectTitle":"Headphones for Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Murphy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/murphy"},{"teacherId":10113595,"projectId":9540765,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donations to give my students an outdoor classroom! These whiteboards have made a big impact on making my PE space more welcoming for all students. With these whiteboards I have been able to cut down on instructions, I have been able to give more visuals, I have been able to post pictures, images and directions as reminders for all, and I have been able to start a whole new program at my school. The biggest impact these whiteboards have given me is being able to start my Run Across America Challenge.\r\n\r\nThe big whiteboard that I was able to get because of all of you has helped me get my Run Across America Challenge going. On this whiteboard I have glued a map of the USA and I am tracking each grade levels PE laps. This whiteboard allows everyone a visual into their progress in this challenge. With this whiteboard I have so many students more excited to run their laps in PE and some even trying to run a mile daily! The whiteboard has also given me a talking point for adults as they walk by my class which has helped me connect with parents and volunteers as well. \r\n\r\nWithout your support none of these things would have been possible. I am beyond grateful for the impact you have made for me and my students. I cannot wait to see what all I can do with these items as the year goes on. Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You all are amazing!","fullyFundedDate":1755365736566,"projectUrl":"project/help-me-give-my-superstars-an-outdoor-pe/9540765/","projectTitle":"Help Me Give My Superstars an Outdoor PE Classroom!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cox","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10113595_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754417425939","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10113595"},{"teacherId":9924442,"projectId":9601250,"letterContent":"When my students first walked into the room and saw our new flexible seating and sensory tools, their faces lit up with excitement. They were eager to try the Flex-Space Comfy Floor Table Zone and explore the different fidget/sensory items. Having the option to choose where and how to sit has made a huge difference in their focus. The flexible seating has helped students stay engaged throughout our speech and language sessions.\r\n\r\nThe new materials have also supported meaningful language growth and social interaction. The gears activity, for example, has been a wonderful way to target expressive and pragmatic language goals. Students practice using a variety of vocabulary such as adjectives and verbs, turn-taking, and problem-solving together as they build and create. \r\n\r\nThe fidget tools (e.g. stress balls, squishies, and pop fidget toys) have become an essential part of our sessions. They've helped students regulate allowing them to stay calm and focused during activities. These tools have truly transformed the atmosphere of our sessions, creating a space where students feel comfortable, motivated, and confident. Thank you for helping make this positive change possible in our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1755733705578,"projectUrl":"project/flexible-seating-sensory-integration-f/9601250/","projectTitle":"Flexible Seating & Sensory Integration for All Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Taryn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9924442_orig.jpg?crop=1365,1365,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1739572013894","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9924442"},{"teacherId":6131520,"projectId":9522535,"letterContent":"Thank you for donating to my project. My 4th graders received lots of wonderful materials to help start the year off. Some of my students cannot supply their own materials for the classroom, so with your support, I was able to ensure they each got what they needed. \r\n\r\nAll of the materials have been shared and used already this year. For example, the markers and sharpies have been used multiple times for art projects. The name plates are still on desks so each students has their own place in the classroom. Dividers help give them privacy when completing work or when they may need less distractions. We will continue to use these throughout the year. \r\n\r\nThank you again for supporting my classroom and students.","fullyFundedDate":1755733704780,"projectUrl":"project/supplies-for-my-superstars/9522535/","projectTitle":"Supplies for My Superstars","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Farac","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6131520_orig.jpg?crop=2142,2142,x0,y357&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755652898966","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6131520"},{"teacherId":3822948,"projectId":9236117,"letterContent":"Thank you for your book donations. We were excited to give these books to all the Literacy Intervention students to take home and keep over this past summer. They still come back and tell us how much they liked the books and \"can read\" now!\r\n\r\nThe Elephant and Piggie anthologies are gold to our students. They adore these characters and were absolutely stoked to get a \"big book\" of all their favorite titles. We've even had students bring back their anthologies and want to take time to reread some of their favorite books in the anthology.\r\n\r\nThank you for your donations and support of these students with their summer reading.","fullyFundedDate":1743995945303,"projectUrl":"project/celebrating-literacy-elephant-and-piggi/9236117/","projectTitle":"Celebrating Literacy: Elephant and Piggie Books for Summer Reading","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Advincula","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3822948_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y90&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1602303436320","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3822948"},{"teacherId":10237754,"projectId":9674882,"letterContent":"Thanks to your incredible generosity, our classroom now shines even brighter with creativity and joy! The painting easels you helped fund have transformed how my transitional kindergarten students experience art, self-expression, and collaboration.\r\n\r\nThese easels have opened the door to so many learning moments. My students are not only practicing fine motor skills as they hold brushes and mix paints, but they're also learning to share materials, take turns, and celebrate each other's work. \r\n\r\nEvery day, I see the positive impact of your kindness. You've given my students the chance to imagine, create, and express themselves in ways that will shape their love for learning for years to come. Thank you for believing in the power of early education and for helping me give my students a bright, colorful start to their school journey.","fullyFundedDate":1757549722761,"projectUrl":"project/inspire-little-artists-with-a-classroom/9674882/","projectTitle":"Inspire Little Artists With a Classroom Painting Easel","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Riley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10237754"},{"teacherId":1270889,"projectId":9621752,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our new cubbies have completely transformed our classroom environment. Before we had them, students often struggled to keep their supplies and materials organized. Now, every student has their own personal space to store their belongings, which has brought calm and structure to our room.\r\n\r\nHaving these cubbies has made daily routines smoother and more efficient. Students know exactly where to find their materials, and we spend less time searching for items or managing clutter. This has allowed us to focus more on learning, collaboration, and creativity. The sense of ownership each child feels over their cubby has also encouraged responsibility and pride in their work.\r\n\r\nBecause of your kindness, our classroom feels more peaceful, organized, and focused. Thank you for helping us create a space where every student can learn comfortably and confidently!","fullyFundedDate":1755733705421,"projectUrl":"project/help-our-classroom-stay-organized-and-fo/9621752/","projectTitle":"Help Our Classroom Stay Organized and Focused!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Villeneuve","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1270889_orig.jpg?crop=273,273,x211,y98&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1583810682174","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/bumblebee"},{"teacherId":1270889,"projectId":9187814,"letterContent":"A new classroom carpet with colorful spots has created a welcoming and organized space for my students to gather, learn, and build community. The spots help each child have their own place to sit, which supports focus, personal space, and positive behavior during lessons and group activities. This carpet has transformed our floor into a cozy learning zone where students can listen to stories, share ideas, and engage in hands-on learning together every day. It has made our classroom feel more like home and provide a comfortable, structured space that encourages both learning and belonging. \r\n\r\nI am so appreciative of all your support and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.","fullyFundedDate":1746463221971,"projectUrl":"project/lots-of-spots/9187814/","projectTitle":"Lots of Spots","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Villeneuve","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1270889_orig.jpg?crop=273,273,x211,y98&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1583810682174","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/bumblebee"},{"teacherId":391753,"projectId":9288509,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generosity and support for my classroom! I cannot express how nice it is to have brand new headphones for all of the students in my classroom. The students use the headphones everyday for about 30 minutes of computer time. While they are working on the computers, it frees me up to work with individual students or small groups of students. Not having to troubleshoot problems with old headphones has been a game changer.\r\n\r\nWhen I distributed the headphones to the students this year, I explained how they were a donation from people wanting to help our classroom. The students seem very grateful and are taking excellent care of their new headphones. Thanks again!","fullyFundedDate":1746463221456,"projectUrl":"project/can-you-hear-what-i-hear/9288509/","projectTitle":"Can You Hear What I Hear?","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Thorwaldson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp391753_orig.jpg?crop=1585,1585,x0,y442&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1657667791609","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/391753"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_4973","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":513,"numTeachers":25,"percentFrplEligible":27,"percentAsian":41,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":16,"percentIndigenous":1,"percentLatinx":34,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"20.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":89.3,"schoolId":4973,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Ponderosa Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Ponderosa Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/santa-clara-unified-school-district/ponderosa-elementary-school/4973"}
Join the 562 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Ponderosa Elementary School is
an urban public school
in Sunnyvale, California that is part of Santa Clara Unified School District.
It serves 513 students
in grades Pre-K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 20.5:1.
Its teachers have had 280 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Public School
Grades Pre-K - 5
513 Students
25 Teachers
804 Ponderosa AveContact info is sourced from our partners at MDR Education, and DonorsChoose updates our site ahead of each school year.
Share and help support Ponderosa Elementary School
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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.
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
76%
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.
Ponderosa Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Dec 22, 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.
Ponderosa Elementary School
$173,556
raised using DonorsChoose
280
projects
funded
48
teachers
funded
562
donors
25
projects
for
basic supplies
14
projects for
technology
58
projects for
books
9
projects
for
art supplies
Ponderosa Elementary School has received support from
502 individuals from California and
60 individuals out-of-state.