{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Downer Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":26.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8497632,"projectId":9342296,"letterContent":"Your generosity has completely transformed reading in our classroom. Typically, it can be a challenge to get every student engaged in the standard school curriculum, but this class set of books completely changed the dynamic. \r\n\r\nMy students were fully immersed, begging to \"read more!\" at the end of every single chapter. Because of their intense engagement, we flew through the text much faster than I ever anticipated.\r\nThese texts introduced critical analysis skills that go far beyond standard reading comprehension. \r\n\r\nBy diving into true historical events and people, my students learned how to make historical comparisons and critically evaluate the information they are taught. They began to notice whose stories are highlighted and whose are missing, developing the sharp analytical skills needed to recognize when BIPOC voices are erased or intentionally left out of traditional history lessons. \r\n\r\nThis book didn't just teach them how to read; it taught them how to question, critique, and think like true historians.\r\n\r\nBy engaging so deeply with this text, my fourth graders proved to the world that students are never too young to read about and understand racism. They showed that they are fully capable of navigating complex, heavy histories, and they discussed these hard topics with an incredible amount of empathy and care for one another. This project gave them a space to feel validated and empowered by the truth. I am so excited to see how they take these lessons out into the world and put them into practice. Thank you for giving my students a text that truly respects their intelligence and honors their identities","fullyFundedDate":1749151808245,"projectUrl":"project/stamped-for-kids-teaching-antiracism-j/9342296/","projectTitle":"Stamped for Kids: Teaching Antiracism, Justice History in 4th Grade","teacherDisplayName":"Mx. Joy Diaz Noriega","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8497632_orig.jpg?crop=1080,1080,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724907567473","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mx-joy"},{"teacherId":8497632,"projectId":9340967,"letterContent":"Cajas de cartón is an all-time favorite for every fourth-grade class I have taught, and your generosity made it possible for each student to have their own copy. In our classroom, daily reading is an active, shared experience. With these books, our whole-class reading sessions turned into vibrant book clubs. Every student could follow along and dive deeply into the text. Having individual copies also allowed them to take the book home, extending their learning outside school hours as they worked on their end-of-book projects.This book introduced critical reading and life skills to my students. Beyond practicing reading comprehension and vocabulary, this book taught them how to analyze historical contexts and think critically about the world around them. The story prompts deep discussions about identity, socioeconomic challenges, migration, agriculture, farmers, labor and history. By examining the narrative, students learned to connect literature to real-world issues, developing empathy and critical thinking skills that they will carry with them long after fourth grade.This book has made a profound impact, particularly on our immigrant students and the children of immigrants who see their own families' journeys reflected in the pages. For the first time, many students felt truly seen in a piece of school literature. They have learned that the immigrant experience is filled with power, love, pain, resilience, and joy. Watching my students connect their own identities to Francisco Jiménez's story has been incredibly moving. Thank you for validating their lives and helping them discover the power of their own voices!","fullyFundedDate":1747212261725,"projectUrl":"project/cajas-de-cartn-amplifying-migrant-stor/9340967/","projectTitle":"Cajas de Cartón: Amplifying Migrant Stories in 4th Grade","teacherDisplayName":"Mx. Joy Diaz Noriega","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8497632_orig.jpg?crop=1080,1080,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724907567473","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mx-joy"},{"teacherId":8497632,"projectId":9145113,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity! When the boxes arrived and we unpacked the massive mesh storage bag, my fourth graders were absolutely thrilled. Seeing their faces light up at the sight of brand-new basketballs, junior footballs, and bright neon soccer balls was a moment I will never forget. They immediately wanted to test out the colorful jump ropes and couldn't wait to get outside. Your support instantly turned our recess and physical education time into a high-energy, joyful environment where every single student was eager to move and play. \r\n\r\nWe are already putting these fantastic resources to use to build healthy habits, confidence, and teamwork. During our structured physical education time, the students have been using the yoga mats and light dumbbells to learn foundational fitness and core strength movements. A particularly exciting moment in our classroom has been introducing the digital stopwatches. The students have taken on leadership roles, timing each other during drills and while running laps, which has taught them how to encourage their peers and work collaboratively as a team. \r\n\r\nOur next steps are to move from basic skill-building into student-led team games and fitness tracking. Over the next year, students will use the stopwatches to monitor their personal growth in jump-roping endurance and drill speeds. \r\n\r\nMany of my students do not have access to organized sports outside of school, and by giving them these tools, you have provided them with an equitable space to thrive physically, socially, and emotionally. Thank you for making this possible!","fullyFundedDate":1746785849774,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-4th-graders-through-sports-n/9145113/","projectTitle":"Empowering 4th Graders Through Sports: New Equipment for Active Play","teacherDisplayName":"Mx. Joy Diaz Noriega","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8497632_orig.jpg?crop=1080,1080,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724907567473","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mx-joy"},{"teacherId":8497632,"projectId":9351131,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our 4th grade classroom!\r\n\r\nThe most exciting part of this new setup for my students is the independence it gives them during our daily morning routines. They love the fast-charging capability and the fact that they do not have to stress or feel embarrassed if they forget their cord at home. It has turned a potential moments of frustration into a seamless, positive routine. The students treat the chargers with respect because they view them as a source that keeps them connected to their learning and their peers. These chargers have made digital materials, slides, tests, and group work accessible for all of my students.","fullyFundedDate":1757727648406,"projectUrl":"project/charged-up-to-learn-powering-our-device/9351131/","projectTitle":"Charged Up to Learn: Powering Our Devices, Minds, and Dreams","teacherDisplayName":"Mx. Joy Diaz Noriega","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8497632_orig.jpg?crop=1080,1080,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724907567473","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mx-joy"},{"teacherId":437072,"projectId":9858614,"letterContent":"Thank you for the items you helped us purchase for our class store. The students really enjoyed using their PBIS points to get items.\r\n\r\nThe store is a good incentive for them to do well in class behavior and class participation. They enjoy seeing how many points they have and what they can get from the store with their points. Some students say they want to save their points for the school-wide store or for our class store. They are learning how to save and when is a good time to spend their points.","fullyFundedDate":1762362749601,"projectUrl":"project/our-class-store/9858614/","projectTitle":"Our Class Store","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Y.","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp437072_orig.jpg?crop=1674,1674,x68,y188&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1573108148272","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/vyee"},{"teacherId":6874042,"projectId":5204534,"letterContent":"These new books have made a tremendous impact on our classroom. Students are strengthening important literacy skills such as reading comprehension, vocabulary, fluency, and critical thinking while exploring engaging stories and topics. Reading time has become more interactive and joyful, with students participating in discussions, sharing favorite books, and making meaningful connections to the texts. Several reluctant readers are now showing greater confidence and excitement during independent reading time. Your generosity is helping create a classroom culture where students feel inspired to read, learn, and grow every day.","fullyFundedDate":1601303032203,"projectUrl":"project/voices-heard/5204534/","projectTitle":"Voices Heard","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lien","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6874042_orig.jpg?crop=1512,1512,x0,y166&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1598479788041","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6874042"},{"teacherId":127653,"projectId":9934277,"letterContent":"Our students were incredibly excited when they first saw the new whiteboards placed around the classroom. As soon as they realized they would be able to get up, work together, and solve problems as a team, the energy in the room changed immediately. Many students who are usually hesitant to participate became much more willing to share their thinking because they could work collaboratively with classmates in a supportive environment.\r\n\r\nWe are using the whiteboards every day during math instruction. Students work in small groups around the room to solve multi-step math problems, explain their reasoning, and compare different strategies. One of the most powerful moments happened during a fraction lesson when students worked together to solve challenging word problems. Instead of giving up when they got stuck, they used the whiteboards to try different approaches, erase mistakes, and learn from one another. This has truly promoted productive struggle and strengthened their confidence in math.\r\n\r\nThe whiteboard markers have also been essential to making this learning possible. Because the students use the boards so frequently throughout the day, the markers run out quickly, so having a steady supply is extremely important for keeping these collaborative activities going.\r\n\r\nThe next steps for our students are to continue building their mathematical reasoning and communication skills through daily collaborative problem-solving tasks. We are beginning more complex math projects where students will analyze problems, defend their solutions, and present their thinking to the class using the whiteboards. These resources have transformed our classroom into an active learning environment where every student has a voice and an opportunity to participate.","fullyFundedDate":1768503029916,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-collaborative-math-thinkers-w/9934277/","projectTitle":"Empowering Collaborative Math Thinkers With Vertical Whiteboards","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gonzalez (Ms. G.)","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp127653_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1565752369499","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/wendy"},{"teacherId":498217,"projectId":10076240,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our butterfly life cycle project! Because of you, my students are officially becoming young scientists. They are already using their new journals to track daily observations, sketch illustrations, and record the incredible changes they saw. This hands-on experience is teaching them vital life science concepts alongside patience, responsibility, and empathy for living creatures. We enjoyed our release party, watching our butterflies take flight and celebrating with themed crafts and treats. Your kindness made this unforgettable experience possible!","fullyFundedDate":1774909241743,"projectUrl":"project/how-a-caterpillar-becomes-a-butterfly/10076240/","projectTitle":"How a Caterpillar Becomes a Butterfly","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Schoch","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp498217_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1639784586395","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/noi"},{"teacherId":498217,"projectId":9954811,"letterContent":"I want to express my heartfelt appreciation for providing my students with the opportunity to explore fossils through such an engaging digging activity. Your generosity in supplying the Dinosaur Fossil Kits has truly enriched our classroom experience. Each kit, with its hidden fossil, sparked excitement and curiosity, allowing my students to excavate and discover just like real paleontologists. Because of your thoughtful contribution, my students not only deepened their understanding of paleontology but also developed critical thinking skills as they hypothesized, observed, and drew conclusions from their findings. Your support has made learning exciting and memorable! Thank you again for your kindness and for making a lasting impact on our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1769447552132,"projectUrl":"project/fantastic-fossils/9954811/","projectTitle":"Fantastic Fossils!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Schoch","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp498217_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1639784586395","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/noi"},{"teacherId":499832,"projectId":10144832,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for donating to my project. My students are loving the books and will have me read them, and they will also read them as they are picture books.\r\nWe will be going on a field trip to the local library, and with all the exposure to books they are getting in my class, they will be excited to get their own library card. \r\nExposing students to literature gives them so much vocabulary and interest to learn about new and exciting things. They also get to use their imagination when we read all the fantasy books. \r\nThank you for making my classroom library richer.","fullyFundedDate":1773855595879,"projectUrl":"project/books-to-fill-my-shelves/10144832/","projectTitle":"Books to Fill My Shelves!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Trillia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp499832_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1504238923629","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/499832"},{"teacherId":499832,"projectId":10023363,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to my project. My students were very excited to use the new material they received.\r\nThey love the do.a.dot.art tempera paint. As soon as I put it out for them to use, they immediately started creating art projects. They are very creative, and it is fun to watch how each child uses their imagination to explore with paint.\r\nI also let them be creative with the cotton balls, feathers, googly eyes, etc., and they have a blast using all the art supplies.\r\nThank you again for your generosity.","fullyFundedDate":1771007286953,"projectUrl":"project/art-art-art/10023363/","projectTitle":"ART ART ART","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Trillia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp499832_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1504238923629","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/499832"},{"teacherId":498217,"projectId":9854410,"letterContent":"Thank you for allowing me to purchase new math materials to provide clear visuals and printed resources for my students using the Teachers Pay Teachers gift card. With our new math curriculum, I used these materials to support teaching, reteaching, and enrichment. These resources helped me introduce and reinforce new concepts in ways that were easier for my first graders to understand. The visual supports and structured activities made it possible for all students to participate, practice, and grow in their math skills. Thank you for helping me boost my students' math learning with materials from Teachers Pay Teachers.","fullyFundedDate":1765383713755,"projectUrl":"project/help-my-first-grade-mathematicians-grow/9854410/","projectTitle":"Help My First Grade Mathematicians Grow","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Schoch","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp498217_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1639784586395","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/noi"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_4234","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":385,"numTeachers":25,"percentFrplEligible":68,"percentAsian":3,"percentBlack":5,"percentWhite":1,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":88,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":1,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"15.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":73.7,"schoolId":4234,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Downer Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Downer Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/west-contra-costa-unified-school-district/downer-elementary-school/4234"}