{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Luther Burbank Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":18.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":6644089,"projectId":9856534,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, something truly magical has happened in our classroom.\r\n\r\nAbout half of my class have officially become Harry Potter fanatics. During free reading time, it is one of my favorite moments of the day to look up and see 8–10 students scattered across the room, each with a different book from the series open in front of them. Some are still with Harry in Chapter 3; others have already raced ahead into later books. They trade theories at recess. They debate houses. They draw Hogwarts crests and Dobby and Hedwig on handmade thank-you cards (which I've attached!). Reading has become something they choose.\r\n\r\nBut beyond the excitement, these books are doing serious academic work.\r\n\r\nUsing our novel study framework, students are developing critical reading skills in structured ways:\r\n\r\nPoint of View (Chapters 1–5): Students analyze events from different perspectives and complete \"Three Points of View\" activities, helping them understand how narration shapes meaning.\r\n\r\nCharacter Analysis (Chapters 6–9): They examine motivations, traits, and changes in characters using text evidence.\r\n\r\nFigurative Language (Chapters 10–13): We identify and interpret similes, metaphors, and descriptive language.\r\n\r\nPlot & Theme (Chapters 14–17): Students track rising action and discuss themes like courage, friendship, loyalty, and choice.\r\n\r\nAcademic Vocabulary: Words like peculiar, bewildered, ferociously, and timidly are not just memorized — they are used in writing and discussion.\r\n\r\nWritten Responses: After each chapter, students answer comprehension and analysis questions in complete sentences, citing evidence from the text.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom looks like this:\r\nStudents begin with a quickwrite connection to their own lives. We read together, stopping to discuss character decisions or surprising plot turns. Students annotate, whisper-read in pairs, and sometimes act out scenes. Then they write — defending their thinking with evidence. It's energetic, thoughtful, and joyful.\r\n\r\nOne student who typically struggles to stay focused during independent work now asks if he can read during transition time. Another student who was hesitant to read aloud volunteered to read Hagrid's dialogue because \"he's my favorite character.\" A few students who rarely talk during discussion are suddenly eager to debate whether Snape can be trusted.\r\n\r\nFor many of my students, this is the first time they've experienced being completely absorbed in a book.\r\n\r\nYour generosity didn't just provide novels — it created readers.\r\n\r\nThese books will remain in our classroom library for years to come, meaning many future groups of students will experience this same spark. Thank you for helping us build not just skills, but lifelong readers.","fullyFundedDate":1766511278067,"projectUrl":"project/reading-is-magical-harry-potter-in-ever/9856534/","projectTitle":"Reading Is Magical: Harry Potter in Every Student’s Hands","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Ainsworth","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6644089"},{"teacherId":5112989,"projectId":9788653,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your donation of funds toward sensory toys, school supplies and snacks. \r\n\r\nHaving supplies at the ready for when students need them is such a big help. I have several students who have very low hunger tolerance, so having a big bag of snacks that kids like helps to prevent meltdowns or \"hangry\" kids is a must. \r\n\r\nGiving students options for sensory or even reward breaks is another way to keep the learning environment calm for all students. I appreciate the magnatiles, stress balls and Lego set because it gives students a break from writing or listening to a teacher talk. The Legos and Magnatiles have especially been a big hit during students' \"free choice\" time on Fridays. Students use different parts of their brains, work on social skills and keep their hands busy. \r\n\r\nFinally, having a steady supply of whiteboard markers and erasers makes math and spelling time so much easier, so that we don't have to constantly fumble to find a working marker or eraser. \r\nThank you again for your generositity, it truly has made a difference for me and my students this year.","fullyFundedDate":1760746031492,"projectUrl":"project/ready-to-learn-with-snacks-sensory-toys/9788653/","projectTitle":"Ready to Learn with Snacks, Sensory Toys and School Supplies!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cumbie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5112989_orig.jpg?crop=596,596,x0,y149&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1630963314640","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5112989"},{"teacherId":5112989,"projectId":9430021,"letterContent":"I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude for your donation towards the classroom rug. Not only does it look beautiful and inviting, but it provides ample space for students to sit in their own area. It makes management easy, because of the colored spaces. \r\n\r\nStudents use this rug daily for whole group lessons, buddy reads, writing, etc. I love to see students spread out all over the rug while they collaborate on writing, or even just sitting up closer to the teacher to help with focus. It has made a big difference in our classroom, both in how it looks but the overall flow of the day as well. \r\n\r\nThank you so much.","fullyFundedDate":1758687406702,"projectUrl":"project/a-cozy-classroom-rug-for-curious-minds/9430021/","projectTitle":"A Cozy Classroom Rug for Curious Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cumbie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5112989_orig.jpg?crop=596,596,x0,y149&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1630963314640","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5112989"},{"teacherId":9704341,"projectId":9598545,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to our classroom. Your support has made a meaningful difference for our students, and we are truly grateful.\r\nOur classroom is behavior-intensive, where students work hard each day to build self-regulation and social skills. The donated items have become an essential part of our token board system, allowing students to earn rewards through positive behaviors and teamwork. Having access to these items has motivated our students and helped them successfully work through social difficulties while playing and learning together.\r\nThe weighted blankets have been especially impactful. We use them during mindfulness and calming activities, as well as during story time, and they have greatly supported our students in regulating their bodies and emotions. We are already seeing students become more focused, calm, and ready to learn.\r\nDue to our school facing a significant financial deficit, we were unable to provide many of these essential items. Now that we are almost halfway through the school year, we can clearly see the positive difference your donations have made in our classroom environment and in our students' daily success.\r\nWe are incredibly appreciative of your generosity and kindness. Thank you for supporting our students and helping us create a classroom where they can grow, learn, and thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1758831621019,"projectUrl":"project/big-feelings-brave-choices-highlight/9598545/","projectTitle":"\"Big Feelings, Brave Choices\" (Highlights Emotional Regulation and Empowerment)","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lana","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9704341"},{"teacherId":8208901,"projectId":9390008,"letterContent":"I am pleased to inform you that the library beautification project at Luther Burbank Elementary School is now complete, thanks to your generous support.\r\n\r\nThe new rug for the reading corner was introduced to our K-2nd grade students today. Its cozy texture and vibrant colors have already been noticed and are greatly appreciated, providing a comfortable and inviting space for story time.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, to engage our older students, three book display towers have been set up. These displays feature a \"if you like this book, you'll love these\" theme, designed to highlight books that are often overlooked. This initiative has already shown success, with previously idle books being checked out by our 5th graders in just one library session. I plan to rotate the themes and genres on display throughout the school year.\r\n\r\nYour contributions have made a significant impact on our school community. These new additions will be enjoyed by our students for many years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1749070682182,"projectUrl":"project/beautify-our-library/9390008/","projectTitle":"Beautify Our Library","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kelly","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8208901"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_5177","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":321,"numTeachers":16,"percentFrplEligible":78,"percentAsian":4,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":7,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":85,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"20.1:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":81.6,"schoolId":5177,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Luther Burbank Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Luther Burbank Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/santa-rosa-city-school-district/luther-burbank-elementary-school/5177"}
Join the 206 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Luther Burbank Elementary School is
an urban public school
in Santa Rosa, California that is part of Santa Rosa City School District.
It serves 321 students
in grades Pre-K - 6 with a student/teacher ratio of 20.1:1.
Its teachers have had 64 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
89%
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.
Luther Burbank Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Feb 28, 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.
Luther Burbank Elementary School
$27,963
raised using DonorsChoose
64
projects
funded
23
teachers
funded
206
donors
3
projects
for
basic supplies
1
project for
technology
8
projects for
books
7
projects
for
art supplies
Luther Burbank Elementary School has received support from
168 individuals from California and
38 individuals out-of-state.