{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Ponderosa Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":10.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":6588594,"projectId":8632555,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to our classroom. Our school was built in the 1960's and it shows. The new carpet really updates the look of our old room. \r\n\r\nThe carpet is where a lot of learning happens! From discussing books, to laying down working on group projects, to sitting around it in a circle sharing, the carpet is the major meeting area of a classroom. \r\n\r\nMy students were so shocked when they came, they didn't want to wear their shoes on the carpet to get it dirty! We were slippers inside to prevent it from getting stained from muddy shoes and we never eat on it to prevent any spills. \r\n\r\nA new carpet may seem little but in a classroom, it makes kids feel like someone is investing in them.","fullyFundedDate":1723690751639,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-carpet/8632555/","projectTitle":"Classroom Carpet","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hood","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6588594_orig.jpg?crop=271,271,x83,y244&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1595113936242","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6588594"},{"teacherId":10351214,"projectId":9897163,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for all the contributions to our Extended Learning program. All the Rubik's Cubes and \"brain games\" have been a big hit with our students. The Rubik's Cubes in particular have been the talk of the room! Some students have taken it upon themselves to teach others how to complete the sides of the Rubik's Cube. Students have even created Rubik's Cube-solving competitions where they time each other to see who can solve one side of the Rubik's Cube in the shortest amount of time. Some students have even taken it upon themselves to try to beat the record for solving a 2x2 Rubik's Cube, 0.43 seconds!","fullyFundedDate":1764377435156,"projectUrl":"project/creativity-through-manipulatives/9897163/","projectTitle":"Creativity Through Manipulatives","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Blanca","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10351214"},{"teacherId":1270889,"projectId":9614887,"letterContent":"Delivering Organization and Ownership With Classroom Mailboxes has made a meaningful difference in my classroom by giving students a clear, organized system that they truly own. Each student now has a personal mailbox, which has strengthened our daily routines for distributing work, returning assignments, and sharing important notes. This structure has reduced transition time, minimized confusion, and allowed instruction to flow more smoothly.\r\n\r\nMore importantly, the mailboxes have fostered a strong sense of responsibility and independence. Students take pride in checking and maintaining their own space, which builds ownership of their learning and encourages accountability. The project has also supported organization skills that students can carry beyond the classroom. Thanks to this resource, our classroom is more efficient, student-centered, and empowering—creating a learning environment where students feel responsible, confident, and ready to succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1755733704934,"projectUrl":"project/delivering-organization-and-ownership-wi/9614887/","projectTitle":"Delivering Organization and Ownership With Classroom Mailboxes!","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":10113595,"projectId":9633393,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation. With all the equipment you funded, we have been able to have more creative and inclusive lessons so far this year. So far the favorite items you helped us get where our nerf footballs. \r\n\r\nWhen we did our throwing and catching lesson, the nerf footballs helped all our students be successful. The footballs gave all students the chance to have a football like object that they could hold easier in their hand, see better with the bright colors, be able to hear it coming with the whistle and also not be afraid to catch it since it has a softer ball. I saw a huge increase in student success and belief in their ability to throw and catch a football all because of your generosity. \r\n\r\nWe have many more items still waiting to be used that you donated to us and I can not wait to see how they can and will impact the kids. We just recently used the whiffle balls and nets and those were also a huge hit. Thank you again for your generosity and helping make PE a more inclusive space for all students at Ponderosa Elementary.","fullyFundedDate":1756156807593,"projectUrl":"project/new-pe-equipment-for-our-superstars/9633393/","projectTitle":"New PE Equipment for Our Superstars!","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":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"}],"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":89.4,"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"}