{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Graham Mesa Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":27.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":7902253,"projectId":9415844,"letterContent":"When our new classroom supplies arrived, my 4th graders could hardly contain their excitement! They were thrilled to see boxes filled with fresh pencils, glue sticks, and markers—simple items that make a big difference in helping every student feel prepared and confident. The illuminated globe instantly caught their attention. We turned off the lights to see it glow, and there were plenty of \"wows\" and \"that's so cool!\" moments as students traced the continents and discovered where different countries are located. It's already become a favorite tool during our social studies lessons.\r\n\r\nThe Snap Circuits kits have been another huge hit. During our recent science unit on electricity, students worked in small groups to build complete circuits. Watching their faces light up (almost as brightly as the bulbs they powered!) was an unforgettable moment. They proudly shared their designs with classmates, showing off how their teamwork made the circuits work. These hands-on experiences have deepened their understanding of how energy flows and made science truly come alive in our classroom.\r\n\r\nThe new timers have also helped students take more ownership of their learning, whether they're tracking experiment times or practicing independent reading stamina. And thanks to the storage boxes, everything now has a home—keeping our space organized and easy to navigate.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, my students have the tools they need to explore, create, and stay curious. You've helped turn our classroom into a place where learning feels like discovery every single day!","fullyFundedDate":1757543336287,"projectUrl":"project/change-of-subjects/9415844/","projectTitle":"Change of Subjects","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Westerlind","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7902253"},{"teacherId":7902253,"projectId":8560973,"letterContent":"When our new classroom resources arrived, my students were immediately excited to see how they could use them in their learning. The lap desks were an instant hit—students loved having the freedom to choose a cozy spot to read, write, or collaborate. During our independent reading block, one student shared that the lap desk \"makes it feel like I have my own little office.\" It's been wonderful to see how this flexibility has encouraged focus and independence in their work.\r\n\r\nThe calm-down ball has also quickly become a favorite tool. We introduced it as part of our emotional regulation strategies, and students now know they can use it when they need a quiet moment to reset. Having that option has noticeably reduced frustration and helped create a calmer classroom environment. Meanwhile, the electric pencil sharpener has become a classroom hero—no more lost learning time or broken pencil drama!\r\n\r\nFor me, the portable monitors have been a tremendous help. They've made grading, lesson planning, and organizing digital materials far more efficient, allowing me to devote more energy to working directly with students. Our next step is to continue building on this flexible, student-centered environment—using these tools to strengthen independence, self-regulation, and productivity in everything we do.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping us create a classroom where every student can thrive. Your generosity has made a daily difference in how we teach, learn, and grow together.","fullyFundedDate":1723126480703,"projectUrl":"project/enhancing-our-classroom-with-essential-t/8560973/","projectTitle":"Enhancing Our Classroom with Essential Tools for Success","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Westerlind","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7902253"},{"teacherId":9038008,"projectId":9583040,"letterContent":"The students are loving the snacks and organizational items that were donated. Specifically, the snacks that were delivered in a fancy turquoise box, it was like I was opening a present for them every time. All the snacks were neatly on display and they got to choose from a variety of nutritional granola bars!! The loved it! \r\n The clear 3-tiered drawers allow students to be able to see the supplies they need without question and are easily accessible. \r\n The little baskets and cups make everything feel fresh, clean, and organized. It is important to teach students organizational skills at a young age. It is something they may not experience at home. I believe it is an important life skill and helps relieve stress when you know where everything is! Thank you for helping us do that!\r\n\r\nWe look forward to more projects in the future!","fullyFundedDate":1757543331925,"projectUrl":"project/we-know-where-everything-is-with-a-full/9583040/","projectTitle":"We Know Where Everything Is With a Full Belly!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hudson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9038008"},{"teacherId":10005422,"projectId":9620413,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom now has exciting reward incentives like Squishmallows and 3D-printed toys that have truly motivated our students. When the materials first arrived, the students were delighted and immediately drawn to the colorful, soft Squishmallows and the cool 3D-printed toys. These rewards have become a fun way to celebrate their hard work and achievements, creating a positive and encouraging classroom atmosphere.\r\n\r\nYour contribution has given our students something special to look forward to as they engage in their lessons. As we continue with our current projects, the Squishmallows and 3D-printed toys serve as meaningful incentives that inspire students to stay focused and collaborate well. We're excited to keep building on this momentum, using these rewards to encourage curiosity, effort, and creativity throughout the school year.","fullyFundedDate":1756300686140,"projectUrl":"project/engage-and-inspire-reward-incentives-fo/9620413/","projectTitle":"Engage and Inspire: Reward Incentives for Every Learner","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. McKeon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10005422_orig.jpg?crop=358,358,x138,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1747071147020","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-mckeon3"},{"teacherId":9240254,"projectId":9293140,"letterContent":"Our Math, Movement, and Motivation project has brought a whole new energy to math time! With the new resources, my students are up, moving, and engaging with math in hands-on ways instead of staying stuck at their desks. The excitement in the room when we first used the materials was incredible; students were cheering each other on and asking when we could do it again.\r\n\r\nOne of my favorite moments was watching a group of students who normally shy away from math suddenly light up during a game of \"Proof!\" They were laughing, moving, and solving problems faster than I'd ever seen them do on paper. The combination of movement and math has made a huge difference in how they approach learning—it feels fun and achievable.\r\nLooking ahead, we'll be using these tools to launch math stations that mix physical activity with problem-solving challenges. This will give students more chances to practice in ways that match their learning styles while keeping the energy positive. Thanks to your support, math has become something my students are motivated to jump into!","fullyFundedDate":1746785854109,"projectUrl":"project/math-movement-and-motivation/9293140/","projectTitle":"Math, Movement, and Motivation!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Clover","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9240254_orig.jpg?crop=1045,1045,x173,y475&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1694012787836","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/aclover"},{"teacherId":9240254,"projectId":9280915,"letterContent":"When the books and cozy supplies for our reading nook arrived, my students could hardly wait to dive in. The first day, they gathered around the new book, carefully choosing titles that caught their eye. Some curled up with pillows, while others paired up to share a story together. It was such a joy to see students who don't always get excited about reading find a spot that felt safe and inviting, and then settle into a book with genuine interest.\r\n\r\nOne of my favorite moments was during our \"Independent Read\" time when a student who usually struggles to stay focused sat curled up in the nook and read quietly for the entire block. Later, they proudly shared with the class about finishing their very first chapter book. The cozy space and new choices have made reading feel special—something to look forward to instead of a chore.\r\n\r\nAs we continue through the school year, we're using the nook not just for independent reading but also for small group book clubs and partner reading projects. Our next step is launching literature circles, where students will read and discuss books together, practicing deeper comprehension and conversation skills. Thanks to your generosity, they have a comfortable, engaging space that makes these experiences feel exciting and meaningful.","fullyFundedDate":1746785827090,"projectUrl":"project/books-books-books/9280915/","projectTitle":"Books, Books, Books","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Clover","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9240254_orig.jpg?crop=1045,1045,x173,y475&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1694012787836","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/aclover"},{"teacherId":7902253,"projectId":7757584,"letterContent":"When the new materials arrived, my students were eager to explore everything—especially the colorful storage cases. We organized each ArtBin with labels for different subjects and tasks, allowing students to easily grab what they need when transitioning between classrooms or activities. The whiteboard erasers, microfiber cloths, and GorillaPads were small but powerful additions that made our spaces feel more efficient and calm. The improvements were immediately noticeable—students moved with more purpose, stayed focused, and spent less time searching for supplies or cleaning up disorganized areas.\r\n\r\nOne moment that stood out was during our morning routine, when a student confidently walked in, grabbed the correct bin for their group, and set up their materials without needing any direction. This simple act highlighted how much ownership and independence these resources have supported. Looking ahead, we're working on a student-led organization system where they'll manage and maintain the bins weekly. These materials didn't just tidy our classroom—they've helped shape habits that support responsibility, confidence, and a smoother day for everyone. Thank you for making that possible!","fullyFundedDate":1693418158561,"projectUrl":"project/organization-tools-to-the-rescue/7757584/","projectTitle":"Organization Tools to the Rescue","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Westerlind","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7902253"},{"teacherId":9632910,"projectId":8576029,"letterContent":"I cannot express how grateful my students and I are for your generous donation to our classroom. Your support meant the world to us as we worked to overcome the challenges brought on by the pandemic.\r\n\r\nThe Apple TV and organizational tools have made a tremendous difference in our learning environment. With the Apple TV, I was able to move freely throughout the classroom, providing more personalized instruction and engaging students in dynamic, interactive lessons. The ability to display visuals and collaborate in real time made learning more accessible and exciting for my students.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, the organizational tools helped my students rebuild essential skills such as time management, task prioritization, and goal setting—things that were greatly impacted during their early years of remote learning. These resources empowered them to take ownership of their learning, stay on track, and build confidence in their abilities.\r\n\r\nBecause of your kindness, my students have an engaging, structured, and supportive classroom where they could thrive. Thank you for believing in them and for helping to create an environment where they felt connected, capable, and excited to learn.","fullyFundedDate":1727463007015,"projectUrl":"project/re-engaging-young-minds-supplies-for-ki/8576029/","projectTitle":"Re-engaging Young Minds: Supplies for Kids Impacted by Covid Lockdown","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Statler","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9632910"},{"teacherId":8595144,"projectId":8925542,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity and support! The TV, stand, and connection cable you provided have been a game changer for our classroom. These tools have completely transformed how I teach small groups and how my students engage with their learning.\r\n\r\nWith the TV, I can now display instructional materials, visual aids, and examples in a way that ensures every student in the group can see and follow along. Whether it's a math problem, a reading passage, or an interactive activity, having everything clearly visible on the screen has improved focus and understanding. Meanwhile, the ability to keep key concepts or reminders displayed on the TV while using the projector for ongoing work has made multitasking in lessons so much more efficient.\r\n\r\nThe students absolutely love the new setup! They are especially excited when I use the TV to show interactive videos or colorful visuals that bring our lessons to life. One student, in particular, who struggled to stay engaged during small group sessions now actively participates because the technology helps make the material more accessible and engaging for them. It's been amazing to see their confidence and enthusiasm grow!\r\n\r\nThank you again for helping create a more dynamic and inclusive learning environment for my students. Your support is truly making a lasting impact!","fullyFundedDate":1733842926694,"projectUrl":"project/technology-set-up/8925542/","projectTitle":"Technology Set Up","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gonzalez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8595144"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_98849","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":424,"numTeachers":21,"percentFrplEligible":37,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":45,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":53,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"20.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"TOWN","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_FRINGE"},"inStateSupporters":72.9,"schoolId":98849,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Graham Mesa Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Graham Mesa Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/colorado/garfield-school-district-re2/graham-mesa-elementary-school/98849"}
Join the 48 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Graham Mesa Elementary School is
a rural public school
in Rifle, Colorado that is part of Garfield School District Re2.
It serves 424 students
in grades K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 20.2:1.
Its teachers have had 109 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
53%
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.
Graham Mesa Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Dec 6, 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.
Graham Mesa Elementary School
$64,344
raised using DonorsChoose
109
projects
funded
44
teachers
funded
48
donors
20
projects
for
basic supplies
23
projects for
technology
7
projects for
books
9
projects
for
art supplies
Graham Mesa Elementary School has received support from
35 individuals from Colorado and
13 individuals out-of-state.