{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Hillcrest Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":70.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":2030059,"projectId":9688377,"letterContent":"Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your generous contribution toward providing headphones for our 4th grade reading classroom. Your support has made an immediate and meaningful impact on our students and their learning experience, and we are deeply grateful for your kindness and belief in their potential.\r\n\r\nIn today's classroom, focused learning can be a challenge. Our students come from a wide range of academic backgrounds, and many are working diligently to close learning gaps while building confidence as readers. The headphones you helped provide allow each child to fully engage in their i-Ready reading lessons without distractions. With the ability to hear instructions clearly and work at their own pace, students are now better able to concentrate, process information, and take ownership of their learning.\r\n\r\ni-Ready is an essential tool in our reading instruction because it meets students where they are and supports individualized growth. However, without proper resources, its effectiveness can be limited. Your generosity has ensured that every student has equal access to this valuable program. As a result, students are more focused, more motivated, and more confident as they work through lessons tailored to their specific needs. We are already seeing increased engagement and steady progress as students practice foundational skills and push toward grade-level expectations.\r\n\r\nBeyond academic gains, the headphones have given our students a sense of dignity and independence. They feel prepared, equipped, and capable. For many, this simple tool has removed barriers that once made learning frustrating or overwhelming. Instead, our classroom is filled with determination, perseverance, and the quiet hum of focused minds at work.\r\n\r\nYour investment reaches far beyond a single lesson or school day. By helping our students make the reading gains needed now, you are supporting their long-term academic success and confidence as learners. Strong reading skills open doors in every subject area, and your generosity is helping ensure those doors remain open.\r\n\r\nPlease know that your support does not go unnoticed. Every time a student puts on their headphones and confidently logs into i-Ready, they are benefiting directly from your kindness. On behalf of our students, families, and classroom community, thank you for partnering with us in this important work.\r\n\r\nWe are incredibly thankful for your generosity and your commitment to helping our students grow, succeed, and believe in themselves.","fullyFundedDate":1758382461345,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-reading/9688377/","projectTitle":"Hands on Reading","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Massey","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2030059_orig.jpg?crop=642,642,x8,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1744855533021","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2030059"},{"teacherId":2030059,"projectId":9549307,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous contribution to help purchase headphones for our classroom. Your support has made an immediate and meaningful difference for my students. With these new headphones, they can fully engage in their online learning programs, work independently without distractions, and access the tools they need to grow as readers and thinkers.\r\n\r\nYour kindness not only provided essential materials—it showed my students that their learning matters to people beyond our classroom walls. We are deeply grateful for your generosity and belief in our work.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our classroom and for helping create a focused, successful learning environment for all of my students.\r\n\r\nWith appreciation,\r\nMeredith Massey","fullyFundedDate":1755307421591,"projectUrl":"project/helping-every-student-hear-clearly-with/9549307/","projectTitle":"Helping Every Student Hear Clearly with Headphones","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Massey","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2030059_orig.jpg?crop=642,642,x8,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1744855533021","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2030059"},{"teacherId":2030059,"projectId":9148333,"letterContent":"I wanted to take a moment to share just how impactful the addition of wobble stools and yoga ball seating has been for my classroom of 44 fourth-grade students. Thanks to your support and generosity, our learning environment has been transformed into a space where students feel empowered, engaged, and truly supported in their learning styles.\r\n\r\nFrom the moment the wobble stools and yoga balls were introduced, my students were excited. For many of them, simply being able to choose their seat gave them a sense of ownership and control over their learning environment. This small shift made a big difference. The option to select a seat that best fits their needs helped build independence, responsibility, and confidence in their decision-making.\r\n\r\nOne of the most noticeable changes has been the increase in student engagement. With the freedom to wiggle, bounce, or shift while seated, students were able to stay focused for longer periods of time without distracting their classmates. Many of my students have a high need for movement, and rather than being a disruption, these flexible seating options allowed them to meet that need in a productive way. It was amazing to watch students who previously struggled to stay seated or focused during lessons now actively participating and completing work with greater success.\r\n\r\nThe wobble stools, in particular, became a favorite among students who benefit from subtle motion. They could gently rock and move without ever leaving their workspace. The yoga balls offered a fun and functional alternative, giving students who needed more physical feedback a comfortable and dynamic place to sit. Both options supported better posture, core strength, and focus—and the students loved them.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, this seating variety met the needs of all learners in the classroom. Whether a child needed to bounce, fidget, sit still, or stretch out, there was something available for them. Students were more attentive during lessons, participated more in discussions, and showed improved stamina during independent work time. The atmosphere in our room shifted to one of calm productivity, and the sense of community grew as students learned to respect each other's choices and needs.\r\n\r\nI cannot thank you enough for helping to make this happen. What may seem like a simple classroom change truly made a lasting impact. The joy, comfort, and increased focus I've seen in my students because of the wobble stools and yoga balls have been invaluable. I look forward to building on this foundation and continuing to support the diverse needs of all my students.\r\n\r\nThank you again for being part of our journey. 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Join the 523 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Hillcrest Elementary School is
a suburban public school
in Lake Wales, Florida that is part of Polk County School District.
It serves 690 students
in grades Pre-K - 3 with a student/teacher ratio of 13.0:1.
Its teachers have had 220 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Share and help support Hillcrest Elementary School
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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.
Hillcrest Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Feb 7, 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.
Hillcrest Elementary School
$89,409
raised using DonorsChoose
220
projects
funded
48
teachers
funded
523
donors
6
projects
for
basic supplies
5
projects for
technology
35
projects for
books
2
projects
for
art supplies
Hillcrest Elementary School has received support from
152 individuals from Florida and
371 individuals out-of-state.
