{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Pepper Drive Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":17.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9298974,"projectId":9581264,"letterContent":"Now that the school year has come to an end, I want to take a moment to sincerely thank you for your generous contribution to our Calming Cloud calming corner. This was my first year as a school social worker, and I was building my counseling space from the ground up. Your support helped create a welcoming, safe environment where students could learn healthy ways to regulate their emotions.\r\n\r\nThroughout the year, students were able to use the Calming Cloud during scheduled wellness breaks. Teachers signed students up when they needed time to reset, and some even used visits to the calming corner as an incentive for positive behavior and hard work. It quickly became a valuable resource that students looked forward to using.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials arrived, my students were so excited! The fidgets, bean bag, and tent immediately caught their attention and made the space feel cozy, calming, and inviting. They couldn't wait to explore the new tools and practice calming strategies.\r\n\r\nAs we look ahead to next school year, I hope to continue expanding the calming corner by adding more movement-based resources. These tools will provide students with additional healthy ways to channel big emotions, build self-regulation skills, and return to class ready to learn.\r\n\r\nThank you again for investing in the social-emotional well-being of my students. Your generosity has made a meaningful difference in their school experience.","fullyFundedDate":1761375288712,"projectUrl":"project/the-calm-cloud/9581264/","projectTitle":"The Calm Cloud","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Villafaña","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9298974_orig.jpg?crop=1999,2000,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1695737718208","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9298974"},{"teacherId":10061027,"projectId":10154796,"letterContent":"I want to express my deepest gratitude for your incredible generosity in funding our project. Because of you, every single one of my fifth graders was able to use a copy of Holes by Louis Sachar and Percy Jackson: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan during our novel studies. I am so excited to use these for the coming years. \r\n\r\nAs a Title 1 classroom, having brand-new, individual copies of these books for every student is a game-changer. In the past, the lack of resources meant we had to share texts, which often left some of my struggling or reluctant readers feeling left behind. Now, during our shared reading time, the environment is completely equitable. Every student has a book in their hands, turning the pages together, and tracking the words as we dive into these stories.\r\n\r\nWe have already seen an incredible shift in the classroom dynamic. Students who used to identify as \"non-readers\" are now the ones leading our class discussions. Holes has opened up amazing conversations about fate, justice, and friendship, while the fast-paced world of The Lightning Thief has completely hooked my reluctant readers. The excitement in the room is palpable, hearing a room full of fifth graders collectively groan when reading time is over and beg for \"just one more chapter\" is a feeling that never gets old.\r\n\r\nYour support did more than just buy books; you kept a fire burning for a group of vibrant, resilient children who are discovering a lifelong love for reading. Thank you for investing in their education, their confidence, and their futures.","fullyFundedDate":1773632744776,"projectUrl":"project/demigods-and-desert-holes-engaging-our/10154796/","projectTitle":"Demigods and Desert Holes: Engaging Our 5th Grade Readers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Inuganti","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10061027_orig.jpg?crop=807,807,x319,y23&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756587405711","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10061027"},{"teacherId":5855847,"projectId":10028331,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our classroom has been transformed into a space where students can truly feel calm, supported, and ready to learn. From the moment the materials arrived, my students were filled with excitement—eyes wide, smiles big, and curiosity everywhere. The wobble stools have quickly become a favorite, giving students the movement they need while staying engaged during lessons. The sensory \"hug balls\" and foot fidgets are helping students regulate their bodies in real time, allowing them to remain focused and participate more confidently in their learning.\r\n\r\nOne of the most meaningful moments happened during a small group lesson when a student who typically struggles with frustration was able to independently choose a sensory tool, calm their body, and rejoin the activity without shutting down. The calming tent has become a safe space where students can reset and return to learning with a sense of control and confidence. These tools are not just \"extras\"—they are essential supports that are helping my students access their education in ways that truly meet their needs.\r\n\r\nAs we move forward, we are continuing to build routines around self-regulation and independence. Students are learning how to identify their needs, choose appropriate supports, and stay engaged in their academic tasks. Your support has made it possible for my classroom to be a place where every child feels seen, supported, and capable. We are so grateful, and we look forward to sharing even more growth and success with you.","fullyFundedDate":1769178086718,"projectUrl":"project/calm-bodies-ready-minds-sensory-tools/10028331/","projectTitle":"Calm Bodies, Ready Minds: Sensory Tools for Our Special-Education Class","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Takeeia Perry","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5855847_orig.jpg?crop=687,687,x0,y91&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768411520307","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5855847"},{"teacherId":10061027,"projectId":9426420,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for your incredible generosity. Because of your support, our classroom has been transformed into a space where students can focus on growing, rather than worrying about their basic needs.\r\n\r\nBeing a Title 1 school, many of my students face food insecurity. Having a consistent supply of snacks has been a complete game-changer. When a student's stomach isn't growling, their mind is free to engage with the lesson. Your contribution has ensured that every child in my room is \"Fed and Ready to Learn.\"\r\n\r\nThe Impact of Your Gift:\r\n\r\nOur Classroom Library: Transitioning from teaching middle school math to 5th grade meant starting my literacy resources from scratch. At the beginning of the year, my shelves were nearly empty. Now, thanks to you, those books are organized and being devoured by eager readers!\r\n\r\nHealth and Confidence: It sounds simple, but the spray deodorant has been a lifesaver. Fifth graders are at that \"in-between\" age where they are becoming more active and self-conscious. Being able to reapply after recess and lunch has given them the confidence to return to the classroom feeling fresh and ready to work.\r\n\r\nFocus and Security: The snacks provide a safety net. My students know that if they missed breakfast or didn't have enough at home, they are safe and cared for here.","fullyFundedDate":1764738218836,"projectUrl":"project/focused-fed-and-ready-to-learn/9426420/","projectTitle":"Focused, Fed, and Ready to Learn!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Inuganti","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10061027_orig.jpg?crop=807,807,x319,y23&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756587405711","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10061027"},{"teacherId":5665544,"projectId":9690244,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for all of your support here in our classroom! We have been busy at work using and learning about our new classroom tools!\r\n\r\nMany students have been using the stools as learning tools when their bodies need some movement breaks. They help them to focus and use a different part of their body to engage in their learning needs. In our classroom we have a lot of needs and students with ADHD and emotional immaturity. These additions to our classroom have helped all students tremendously with adding additional wiggle options and allowing them to guide their bodies to have the support they need to function within the classroom setting. 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Join the 128 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Pepper Drive Elementary School is
a suburban public school
in El Cajon, California that is part of Santee School District.
It serves 633 students
in grades Pre-K - 8 with a student/teacher ratio of 17.6:1.
Its teachers have had 26 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Supporting this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.
Public School
Title 1
Data about Title 1 status comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education.
Grades Pre-K - 8
633 Students
36 Teachers
1935 Marlinda WayContact info is sourced from our partners at MDR Education, and DonorsChoose updates our site ahead of each school year.
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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
46%
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.
Pepper Drive Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Jul 15, 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.
Pepper Drive Elementary School
$14,380
raised using DonorsChoose
26
projects
funded
16
teachers
funded
128
donors
1
project for
technology
5
projects for
books
1
project
for
art supplies
Pepper Drive Elementary School has received support from
106 individuals from California and
22 individuals out-of-state.
