{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Arellanes Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":17.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8458004,"projectId":8437148,"letterContent":"With the introduction of our utility carts, there is now a sense of ownership and independence associated with our math sessions. The moment the kids saw our carts set up and placed at the end of their table group, it was clear they were very excited and proud of what we had brought in for them. They quickly realized that this wasn't any old storage cart but rather a resource center tailor-made for them. This can be seen in one kid who expressed their gratitude for having their tools \"within arm's reach.\"\r\n\r\nWe have now been using these carts as the fuel for our rotational math activities. One of the best examples of that happened when we were learning about equivalent fractions. Instead of wasting precious minutes preparing materials, children could easily get the fraction cubes and fraction tiles whenever they had to model the problem. This seamless process helped us keep our momentum going, creating a learning environment where kids had plenty of time to explore and not wander around the classroom looking for something to help them solve problems.\r\n\r\nAs we proceed, our mathematicians are all geared up to explore decimal place value and multi-step problem solving. Having these carts as part of our daily routine ensures that, even as we make the problems tougher, the way ahead to solve them is clearly laid out for us. More than mere storage containers, they are helping us create an environment of self-reliance and excellence. It is only thanks to your help that my students can focus solely on their wonderful abilities!","fullyFundedDate":1720810876958,"projectUrl":"project/manipulative-and-differentiation-carts-f/8437148/","projectTitle":"Manipulative and Differentiation Carts for Groups","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Forkin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8458004_orig.jpg?crop=993,993,x157,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1652127627790","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8458004"},{"teacherId":8458004,"projectId":9324085,"letterContent":"The transformation of our library corner was instant. When the students entered and saw the new calming area rug, the group exclaimed an audible \"Whoa!\" They saw more than a piece of classroom furniture they saw an invitation. One of my students took a book from our library and sat down and said, \"Now it feels like a real library.\" The rug has transformed a transitional space into a true destination, so my students can feel ownership and pride in their reading space.\r\n\r\nWe are now using the rug as our main \"hub\" for daily read-alouds and community book discussions. One of my favorite moments of the week was when we shared a complex mentor text to read. Instead of being distracted by hard floors or cramped desks, students could spread out comfortably, allowing for a much deeper level of engagement. I noticed that the \"calming zones\" on the rug were helping them naturally self-regulate their personal space and resulted in a much more focused and respectful dialogue about the themes we were uncovering in the text.\r\n\r\nFor the future, this \"Literacy Zone\" is going to become our meeting place for literature circles and research projects. Since they already have access to a collection of over 1,900 books, they have an exclusive place to discuss books, exchange ideas, and enjoy \"book tastings\" as they choose new books to read. Thanks to your donation, we are not only getting a carpet but, in fact, creating an oasis for my fourth graders where they can build the endurance needed for reading for a long time.","fullyFundedDate":1746786391494,"projectUrl":"project/creating-a-cozy-literacy-zone-for-lifelo/9324085/","projectTitle":"Creating a Cozy Literacy Zone for Lifelong Readers","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Forkin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8458004_orig.jpg?crop=993,993,x157,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1652127627790","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8458004"},{"teacherId":8458004,"projectId":9323871,"letterContent":"We have integrated these chairs into our daily literacy rotations, and the impact on focus has been remarkable. Just this week, during a targeted lesson on morphology and word-building, I watched a student who typically struggles with restlessness settle into a rhythmic, subtle lo-fi music while she focused on deconstructing complex multisyllabic words. Instead of spending her energy trying to sit perfectly still, the wobble chair allowed her to self-regulate. It's been incredible to see how a little bit of physical \"wiggle\" can lead to a lot of mental breakthroughs during our intensive reading and grammar interventions.\r\n\r\nWe've added these chairs into our daily literacy rotations and the impact on focus has been incredible. This week alone, I saw a student that normally has difficulty sitting still become engrossed in a rhythmic, subtle lo-fi music as she deconstructed complex multisyllabic words in a focused lesson on morphology and word-building. The wobble chair allowed her to self-regulate instead of using up her energy trying to sit perfectly still. During our intensive reading and grammar interventions, we have been amazed to see how a little physical \"wiggle\" has led to lots of mental breakthroughs.\r\n\r\nWe've added these chairs into our daily literacy rotations and the impact on focus has been incredible. This week alone, I saw a student that normally has difficulty sitting still become engrossed in a rhythmic, subtle lo-fi music as she deconstructed complex multisyllabic words in a focused lesson on morphology and word-building. The wobble chair allowed her to self-regulate instead of using up her energy trying to sit perfectly still. During our intensive reading and grammar interventions, we have been amazed to see how a little physical \"wiggle\" has led to lots of mental breakthroughs.","fullyFundedDate":1746786182316,"projectUrl":"project/functional-seating-for-literacy-small-g/9323871/","projectTitle":"Functional Seating for Literacy Small Groups","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Forkin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8458004_orig.jpg?crop=993,993,x157,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1652127627790","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8458004"},{"teacherId":10073816,"projectId":9452886,"letterContent":"Our new reading nook has already made such a difference thanks to you! When my students walked in and saw the cozy seating, soft lighting, and book displays, they were so excited. Even former students stopped by and joked, \"Why didn't you do this when we were in your class? We would've loved this!\"\r\n\r\nStudents now use the space every day for independent reading, partner reading, and quiet work time. During ELD time, students who work independently grab a floor cushion and can comfortably sit anywhere in the classroom. They do the same during math time, and they are so eager for free time just to pick a book and settle into the saucer chair, the bench, or a cushion.\r\n\r\nOur next steps include using the nook during our upcoming reading unit, where students will choose books, write reflections, and share book talks.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping us create a warm, inviting space that inspires students to read. Your support has made our classroom feel truly special.","fullyFundedDate":1752200193698,"projectUrl":"project/reading-adventure-help-us-create-a-co/9452886/","projectTitle":"Reading = Adventure: Help Us Create a Cozy Classroom Library","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cabrera","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10073816_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1752042331066","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10073816"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_40016","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":292,"numTeachers":17,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":2,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":97,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"17.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":82.6,"schoolId":40016,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Arellanes Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Arellanes Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/santa-maria-bonita-school-dist/arellanes-elementary-school/40016"}
Join the 121 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Arellanes Elementary School is
a suburban public school
in Santa Maria, California that is part of Santa Maria-bonita School Dist.
It serves 292 students
in grades Pre-K - 6 with a student/teacher ratio of 17.2:1.
Its teachers have had 62 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
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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
97%
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.
Arellanes Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Apr 30, 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.
Arellanes Elementary School
$59,832
raised using DonorsChoose
62
projects
funded
14
teachers
funded
121
donors
16
projects for
technology
9
projects for
books
3
projects
for
art supplies
Arellanes Elementary School has received support from
100 individuals from California and
21 individuals out-of-state.
