{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"George Washington Battles Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":27.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9458427,"projectId":9317567,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation! My third graders were so excited to receive our new highlighters and colored pencils. These simple supplies have quickly become part of our daily learning. We use our highlighters daily in reading, writing, math, and science. This helps students to focus on key details and better organize their thinking. Colored pencils add creativity and clarity to our lessons, whether we're documenting our observations during science or adding color to our multiplication arrays.\r\n\r\nToday, my students even used their colored pencils during a lesson on the distributive property, making their work both colorful and meaningful. Your support has made learning more engaging, hands-on, and fun for everyone. Thank you for helping make our classroom a brighter, more inspired place to learn!","fullyFundedDate":1755203425090,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-essentials-for-learning-highl/9317567/","projectTitle":"Classroom Essentials for Learning: Highlighters, Colored Pencils, and Pencil Boxes","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Benitez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9458427_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1707124247673","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/battlesbenitez"},{"teacherId":8336261,"projectId":9418644,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our project, Exercise for Mental Agility! Because of you, my students will have the equipment they need to get moving, work together, and build both their physical health and mental well-being.\r\n\r\nExercise is such an important outlet for my students. It helps them release stress, boost their confidence, and return to the classroom ready to focus and learn. With the new supplies, they'll have the chance to stay active in positive, structured ways that also strengthen teamwork and perseverance.","fullyFundedDate":1750256228648,"projectUrl":"project/exercise-for-mental-agility/9418644/","projectTitle":"Exercise for Mental Agility","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Van Sant (Butler)","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8336261_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1650219303942","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/miss-butlers-learners"},{"teacherId":9458427,"projectId":9317521,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support in funding our classroom set of whiteboard markers, student whiteboards, and erasers. These simple but important tools have already made a huge difference.\r\n\r\nMy students use the whiteboards in many ways daily: practicing math facts, spelling words during word work, and responding to questions in reading groups. Looking ahead, we'll continue using the whiteboards in small reading groups, especially as we strengthen phonics and decoding skills through UFLI. In math, the boards have become a quick way to build fact fluency, and students love how interactive and engaging practicing together is. \r\n\r\nYour generosity has given my students a resource that makes learning more engaging, interactive, and fun every single day. Thank you for making such a positive impact on their education.","fullyFundedDate":1747032903248,"projectUrl":"project/tools-for-learning-whiteboards-markers/9317521/","projectTitle":"Tools for Learning: Whiteboards, Markers, and Erasers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Benitez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9458427_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1707124247673","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/battlesbenitez"},{"teacherId":8336261,"projectId":9324621,"letterContent":"The moment the classroom rug arrived, my students' excitement was palpable—they gathered around it with wide eyes and beaming smiles. Since then, this simple addition has completely transformed our classroom. The colorful, soft surface has become a welcoming hub for our learning community. It's where we gather for morning meetings, share stories, collaborate on projects, and even take a moment to catch our breath when things feel overwhelming. More than just a rug, it has helped define our space, creating a sense of coziness and belonging—making our classroom feel more like a safe, inviting home. \r\nDonorsChoose\r\n\r\nThis renewed sense of comfort and connection has had a visible, positive effect on student behavior and engagement. Students are more eager to participate, express their ideas, and take academic risks, knowing they are supported in a nurturing environment. The rug has fostered a cozy atmosphere that promotes collaboration, calm, and respectful interaction—essential foundations for both social-emotional growth and academic success. You've given my students a place to feel centered, valued, and ready to learn—and for that, I am deeply thankful.","fullyFundedDate":1747516417179,"projectUrl":"project/improved-classroom-climate-through-carpe/9324621/","projectTitle":"Improved Classroom Climate through Carpet","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Van Sant (Butler)","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8336261_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1650219303942","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/miss-butlers-learners"},{"teacherId":8336261,"projectId":9256108,"letterContent":"I am writing to extend my deepest gratitude for your generous support of our \"Interactive Notebooks\" project. Your contribution has made a significant impact on our classroom and has enriched the educational experience of my students.\r\n\r\nThanks to your kindness, we received composition notebooks, colored paper, glue sticks, and other essential materials to facilitate engaged and deep learning through interactive notebooks. The moment the materials arrived, the excitement among the students was palpable. They eagerly began customizing their notebooks, and it was heartwarming to see their eyes light up with curiosity and enthusiasm.\r\n\r\nThank you once again for your generosity and for believing in the importance of education. Your support has made a tangible difference in our classroom, and we are truly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1746785762313,"projectUrl":"project/interactive-notebooks/9256108/","projectTitle":"Interactive Notebooks","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Van Sant (Butler)","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8336261_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1650219303942","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/miss-butlers-learners"},{"teacherId":8336261,"projectId":9270800,"letterContent":"I am writing to extend my deepest gratitude for your generous support of our \"Water Balloons for Community Building\" project. Your contribution has made a significant impact on our classroom and has enriched the educational experience of my students.\r\n\r\nThanks to your kindness, we received the resources needed to organize engaging water balloon activities that served as a joyful culmination to our school year. The moment the materials arrived, the excitement among the students was palpable. They eagerly anticipated the upcoming events, and it was heartwarming to see their eyes light up with anticipation and enthusiasm.\r\n\r\nThank you once again for your generosity and for believing in the importance of education and community building. Your support has made a tangible difference in our classroom, and we are truly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1746785543482,"projectUrl":"project/water-balloons-for-community-building/9270800/","projectTitle":"Water Balloons for Community Building","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Van Sant (Butler)","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8336261_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1650219303942","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/miss-butlers-learners"},{"teacherId":8336261,"projectId":9263198,"letterContent":"I am writing to extend my deepest gratitude for your generous support of our \"Fighting Against Food Insecurity: One Snack at a Time\" project. Your contribution has made a significant impact on our classroom and has enriched the educational experience of my students.\r\n\r\nThanks to your kindness, we received the necessary resources to begin addressing food insecurity within our community. The moment the materials arrived, the excitement among the students was palpable. They eagerly engaged in organizing and preparing snack packs, and it was heartwarming to see their eyes light up with purpose and enthusiasm.\r\n\r\nYour support goes beyond just providing materials; it has ignited a passion for social justice and community engagement that will have a lasting impact on my students' lives. They now approach challenges with increased compassion and determination, and I have no doubt that this will translate into continued efforts to make a positive difference in the world around them.\r\n\r\nThank you once again for your generosity and for believing in the importance of education and community building. Your support has made a tangible difference in our classroom, and we are truly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1745509498946,"projectUrl":"project/fighting-against-food-insecurity-one-sn/9263198/","projectTitle":"Fighting Against Food Insecurity: One Snack at a Time","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Van Sant (Butler)","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8336261_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1650219303942","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/miss-butlers-learners"},{"teacherId":8336261,"projectId":9138909,"letterContent":"I am writing to extend my deepest gratitude for your generous support of our \"Engineering Resources for Community Building\" project. Your contribution has made a significant impact on our classroom and has enriched the educational experience of my students.\r\n\r\nThanks to your kindness, we received engaging engineering and community-building resources, including STEM toys like magnetic tiles. These materials have transformed our soft start mornings into dynamic sessions that set a positive tone for the day. The moment the resources arrived, the excitement among the students was palpable. They eagerly explored the new materials, and it was heartwarming to see their eyes light up with curiosity and enthusiasm.\r\n\r\nYour support goes beyond just providing materials; it has ignited a passion for learning and teamwork that will have a lasting impact on my students' academic journey. They now approach challenges with increased confidence and enthusiasm, and I have no doubt that this will translate into improved skills and a greater appreciation for collaboration.\r\n\r\nThank you once again for your generosity and for believing in the importance of education and community building. Your support has made a tangible difference in our classroom, and we are truly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1746475005688,"projectUrl":"project/engineering-resources-for-community-buil/9138909/","projectTitle":"Engineering Resources for Community Building","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Van Sant (Butler)","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8336261_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1650219303942","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/miss-butlers-learners"},{"teacherId":8336261,"projectId":9249584,"letterContent":"I am writing to extend my deepest gratitude for your generous support of our \"Library Builders\" project. Your contribution has made a significant impact on our classroom and has enriched the educational experience of my students.\r\n\r\nThanks to your kindness, we received a wonderful selection of library-building books and a novel that has become a cornerstone of our social studies curriculum. The moment the books arrived, the excitement among the students was palpable. They eagerly explored the new additions, and it was heartwarming to see their eyes light up with curiosity and enthusiasm.\r\n\r\nYour support goes beyond just providing books; it has ignited a passion for reading and learning that will have a lasting impact on my students' academic journey. They now approach reading with increased confidence and enthusiasm, and I have no doubt that this will translate into improved literacy skills and a greater appreciation for literature.\r\n\r\nThank you once again for your generosity and for believing in the importance of literacy and education. Your support has made a tangible difference in our classroom, and we are truly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1744222092950,"projectUrl":"project/library-builders/9249584/","projectTitle":"Library Builders","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Van Sant (Butler)","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8336261_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1650219303942","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/miss-butlers-learners"},{"teacherId":8656573,"projectId":8886063,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping my students feel more creative and confident in their crafts. From decoding their eggs and creating the cutest bunnies to writing about them, basket ball art for battle of the books, and working on their end of year memory books-your support has made a wonderful difference. \r\nThe students love the colorful paper and enjoy having choices that spark their imagination. The new markers and sharpie have brought their art work to life, and they've been genuinely excited to see the final outcome of each project. \r\nYou have not only brightened their crafts but also their hearts. We are truly grateful!!","fullyFundedDate":1739557425675,"projectUrl":"project/creating-a-paper-trail-of-creativity/8886063/","projectTitle":"Creating a Paper Trail of Creativity","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Castillo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8656573_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1750883338044","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8656573"},{"teacherId":8336261,"projectId":9238886,"letterContent":"Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your generous support of our project, Engagement Through The One and Only Ivan. Because of you, my students had the opportunity to dive into a beautifully written story that not only sparked their imaginations but also deepened their empathy and critical thinking.\r\n\r\nThe addition of this powerful novel and related materials allowed us to build a unit rich in reading comprehension, vocabulary development, and social-emotional learning. Students explored literary elements such as point of view, character development, and figurative language through engaging discussions and writing activities. They especially loved analyzing how Ivan's voice shaped their understanding of the story and the emotions it evoked.\r\n\r\nOne highlight was our \"Perspective Journals,\" where students wrote daily entries as if they were Ivan, Ruby, or Stella. This helped them better understand character motivation and themes of friendship, freedom, and resilience. We also did a \"Zoo Design Challenge,\" integrating STEM, where students created ethical zoo environments and presented their designs to the class—practicing both teamwork and persuasive speaking.","fullyFundedDate":1744212219034,"projectUrl":"project/engagement-through-the-one-and-only/9238886/","projectTitle":"Engagement Through \"The One and Only...\"","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Van Sant (Butler)","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8336261_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1650219303942","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/miss-butlers-learners"},{"teacherId":8336261,"projectId":9220931,"letterContent":"I want to extend my deepest thanks for your generosity and support in bringing our project, Engagement Through The Wild Robot, to life. Your contributions have made a tremendous difference in my classroom.\r\n\r\nWith the addition of The Wild Robot books and related resources, my students have been more engaged than ever before. Watching their eyes light up as they connected with the story of Roz, explored themes of empathy, survival, and community, and participated in meaningful discussions has been incredibly rewarding. Many of my students, some of whom struggle with reading motivation, have found a new excitement for literacy thanks to this engaging and accessible text.\r\n\r\nBeyond academics, the book has helped build a stronger classroom community. Students have collaborated on projects, shared insights, and encouraged one another in ways that warm my teacher heart. These moments are possible because of you.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our classroom and for investing in the power of books to transform learning. Your kindness has planted seeds that will continue to grow far beyond this school year.","fullyFundedDate":1744212036014,"projectUrl":"project/engagement-throughthe-wild-robot/9220931/","projectTitle":"Engagement throughThe Wild Robot","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Van Sant (Butler)","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8336261_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1650219303942","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/miss-butlers-learners"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_53871","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":756,"numTeachers":37,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":97,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"20.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":72.9,"schoolId":53871,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about George Washington Battles Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"George Washington Battles Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/santa-maria-bonita-school-dist/george-washington-battles-elementary-school/53871"}
Join the 118 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
George Washington Battles Elementary School is
an urban public school
in Santa Maria, California that is part of Santa Maria-bonita School Dist.
It serves 756 students
in grades Pre-K - 6 with a student/teacher ratio of 20.4:1.
Its teachers have had 75 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
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!
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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.
George Washington Battles Elementary School Demographics
95%
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
98%
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.
George Washington Battles 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.
George Washington Battles Elementary School
$35,069
raised using DonorsChoose
75
projects
funded
19
teachers
funded
118
donors
13
projects
for
basic supplies
5
projects for
technology
13
projects for
books
3
projects
for
art supplies
George Washington Battles Elementary School has received support from
86 individuals from California and
32 individuals out-of-state.