Collins Elementary School in Pinole, California on DonorsChoose

{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Collins Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":15.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10383821,"projectId":10058698,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, \"Healthy Snack Healthy Minds.\" Your generosity has made a meaningful difference in our classroom, and my students were beyond excited when the snacks arrived. The moment they saw the boxes, their faces lit up with huge smiles and endless questions about when they could try everything. Many students immediately expressed gratitude and shared how happy they were to have healthy snack options available during the school day. It truly created a positive and caring classroom atmosphere where students felt supported and valued.\r\n\r\nThese snacks have become an important part of our daily classroom routine. As a fourth-grade teacher, I see firsthand how nutrition impacts students' focus, energy, and participation. Having access to healthy snacks has helped students stay attentive during lessons, especially during long afternoons when energy levels normally begin to drop. Students are now able to concentrate better during math, reading, writing, and collaborative group activities without worrying about being hungry. Even small moments, like sharing snack time together before independent work or after a challenging lesson, have helped build stronger classroom community and encouraged kindness among peers.\r\n\r\nOne especially memorable moment happened during our recent group projects and classroom discussions. Students were working together on reading and math activities, and I noticed how much more engaged and patient they were with one another. Instead of feeling tired or distracted, students were participating actively, asking thoughtful questions, and encouraging each other. Some students who are usually quieter became more involved in discussions and felt more confident contributing their ideas. It reminded me that meeting students' basic needs truly helps them feel ready to learn and succeed academically and socially.\r\n\r\nYour support has also helped create a more inclusive classroom environment. Not every student has consistent access to snacks during the day, so having these resources available ensures that every child feels cared for equally. The snacks have reduced stress and helped students feel comfortable knowing they can always rely on our classroom for support. For many students, this simple act of kindness has had a larger emotional impact than you may realize.\r\n\r\nAs we move forward, we will continue using these snacks to support learning, classroom community, and student well-being. We are currently working through exciting math and literacy units, collaborative projects, and hands-on activities that require focus, teamwork, and creativity. Your donation is helping students stay energized and ready to participate fully in their education each day.\r\n\r\nThank you again for believing in my students and investing in their success. Your generosity, kindness, and support mean so much to our classroom community. My students and I are deeply grateful for everything you have done to help create a healthier, happier, and more focused learning environment.","fullyFundedDate":1778602855539,"projectUrl":"project/healthy-snack-healthy-minds/10058698/","projectTitle":"Healthy Snack Healthy Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. D","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10383821"},{"teacherId":10383821,"projectId":9994333,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of our new reading rug! The moment my students saw it, their faces lit up with excitement. They could not wait to sit on it and start reading. What may seem like a simple rug has completely transformed our classroom environment. It has created a cozy, welcoming space where students feel comfortable, safe, and excited to learn.\r\n\r\nWe are now using the reading rug during our daily read-aloud time, partner reading, and small group discussions. It has quickly become our favorite gathering spot. One special moment that stood out was during our first read-aloud on the rug—students were sitting closely together, fully engaged, asking thoughtful questions, and eager to share their ideas. The rug helps define our reading area and builds a sense of community. My students now look forward to reading time even more!\r\n\r\nBecause of your kindness, my classroom feels warmer and more inviting. Our next steps include using the rug for literature circles and vocabulary games to strengthen comprehension and discussion skills. Thank you for supporting my students and helping create a space where learning truly feels joyful.","fullyFundedDate":1769178109820,"projectUrl":"project/i-am-a-new-teacherwant-to-make-class-ni/9994333/","projectTitle":"I Am a New Teacher,want to Make Class Nice","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. D","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10383821"},{"teacherId":9808241,"projectId":9680882,"letterContent":"Every Wednesday the class has a designated time to read and discuss the magazines. They find these articles interesting. For example, in the October 2025 issue of Science Spin, students learned about three different caves: Waitomo Glowworm, New Zealand, Marble caves, Chile and Son Doong Caves in Vietnam. They were most intrigued by the Glowworms that lit up the caves. These three articles lent themselves well to studying different rock formations and learning about geography.\r\n\r\nThe class really liked the September 29, 2025 Scholastic Magazine article Breakfast or Desert. They were so surprised to discover the amount of sugar in cereal. We had an extended lesson on the effects of eating too much sugar. They were also excited to watch the video about the Harlem Globetrotters after reading the Feb. 2026 article. \r\n\r\nThe magazines provide interesting topics, extensive vocabulary and references to geography, history and science. They are entertaining, educational and thought- provoking. I am appreciative to be able to share them.","fullyFundedDate":1766002956724,"projectUrl":"project/read-all-about-it/9680882/","projectTitle":"Read All About It!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Townsend","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9808241"},{"teacherId":9808241,"projectId":9645151,"letterContent":"My students have been elated that they have their own PE equipment. Many students had never played badminton before, now they are confident players. The boys are able to have more than one soccer and basketball game during recess and lunch and even PE. Most of the girls in my class used to just eat snacks during recess. Now they are jumping rope, playing basketball and badminton. It is so nice to see them active. \r\n\r\nThe unit we started about the lithosphere as part of our study of the earth included learning about crystals and rocks. We started with a KWL chart for them to record what they knew about crystals. Next students were able to observe about 20 different crystals, including geodes. They were so excited when they were able to break open their own geode. Students from the other classes were even asking for geodes. Soon they will be making their own crystals and learning more about their formation and uniqueness. \r\n\r\nFinally, I have engineers in the making. The students continuously enjoy building various structures using all the stem building kits. They are always so proud of their creations. \r\n\r\nThese materials have definitely impacted my students in so many ways. 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The wipe board supplies ensured that everyone has their own cleaning clothes and pens. \r\n\r\nThe cleaning supplies helped us start the year germ free, we all know how germy a classroom can get. 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About this school

Collins Elementary School is a suburban public school in Pinole, California that is part of West Contra Costa Unified School District. It serves 303 students in grades Pre-K - 6 with a student/teacher ratio of 20.2:1. Its teachers have had 77 projects funded on DonorsChoose.

Supporting this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Public School

Title 1

Grades Pre-K - 6

303 Students

15 Teachers

1224 Pinole Valley Rd

Pinole, CA 94564 View local requests

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Ms. Vero, a DonorsChoose teacher for 9 years.

Kindergarten teacher at PS81 - Robert J. Christen School in Bronx, NY

Collins Elementary School Teachers on DonorsChoose

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Collins Elementary School Demographics

68%

of students receive free or reduced price lunch

Source: the National Center for Education Statistics

78%

of students are Black, Latino, Native American, or Asian

Schools in districts that mainly serve students of color receive substantially less state and local support than similar districts that serve primarily White students. Learn more about this gap, why it exists, and how you can help close it.

Collins Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose Last updated May 21, 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.