{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Explore Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":35.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8791915,"projectId":9027634,"letterContent":"We've been using the new recess equipment during our movement breaks and earned extra recess time! One specific moment that stood out was watching a group of students who normally sit out during free play suddenly light up with excitement as they explored the new equipment. They've been creating their own games using cones, jump ropes, and hula hoops—turning the playground into a space full of creativity and collaboration.\r\n\r\nThe excitement was instant! Students literally cheered when they saw the bins filled with new equipment. One kindergartener shouted, \"This is the best day ever!\" while a group of older students immediately started planning a mini obstacle course. Their enthusiasm has translated into more movement, more smiles, and better behavior during transitions.\r\n\r\nNow that the equipment is part of our daily routine, we're focusing on student-led play and leadership. Middle schoolers are starting to lead warm-ups and organize games for younger students, helping to build confidence and community. Our next step is creating a \"Recess Game Book\" written and illustrated by students to document the creative ways they're using the equipment—combining physical education with literacy and student voice!","fullyFundedDate":1741046855057,"projectUrl":"project/explore-through-physical-activity/9027634/","projectTitle":"Explore Through Physical Activity","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Kroonenberg","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8791915_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1722866865504","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8791915"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_41226","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":557,"numTeachers":20,"percentFrplEligible":64,"percentAsian":5,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":23,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":66,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"27.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":64.2,"schoolId":41226,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Explore Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Explore Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/colorado/mapleton-school-district-1/explore-elementary-at-bertha-heid/41226"}
Join the 81 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Explore Elementary School is
a suburban public school
in Thornton, Colorado that is part of Mapleton School District 1.
It serves 557 students
in grades K - 8 with a student/teacher ratio of 27.8:1.
Its teachers have had 27 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. Each classroom request for funding was created by a classroom teacher and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
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
71%
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.
Explore Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Dec 4, 2025
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Explore Elementary School
$16,127
raised using DonorsChoose
27
projects
funded
23
teachers
funded
81
donors
2
projects
for
basic supplies
2
projects for
books
1
project
for
art supplies
Explore Elementary School has received support from
52 individuals from Colorado and
29 individuals out-of-state.