Johnson Steam Academy in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on DonorsChoose

{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Johnson Steam Academy","outOfStateSupporters":33.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10171587,"projectId":9617055,"letterContent":"1. What are some of the skills or lessons introduced by these new texts?\r\nIn our classroom, we've been learning about getting along with each other despite our differences. The books Big and The Proudest Blue made a powerful impact on my students by helping them see how others are treated when they are different. These stories opened meaningful conversations about kindness, respect, and how words can hurt or heal. The students are learning that what we say and how we treat others truly matters.\r\n\r\n2. What does reading look like in your classroom?\r\nNot all of my students are reading independently yet, so we make time every day for a shared reading experience. Each day, I take about ten minutes to stop and read an important story aloud. Afterward, we talk about what is happening in the book and how it connects to our own classroom community. These discussions help students build comprehension, empathy, and a love for reading.\r\n\r\n3. Are there particular students who are especially enjoying the new books, and how so?\r\nMy students absolutely love these books! Several have even gone to the library to check them out and read them again at home with their families. It's been wonderful to see their excitement about reading grow and to know that the stories we share in class are sparking conversations beyond the classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1755737057666,"projectUrl":"project/ms-jubecks-class/9617055/","projectTitle":"Ms. Jubecks Class","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jubeck","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10171587"},{"teacherId":9103031,"projectId":8316993,"letterContent":"These books are fantastic resources for students for a variety of reasons:\r\n1. **Knowledge and Information**: Books are a treasure trove of information. They cover a wide range of subjects and topics, providing students with in-depth knowledge and insights that are essential for their academic growth.\r\n2. **Critical Thinking**: Reading books encourages critical thinking. Students learn to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information, which helps them develop problem-solving skills and the ability to think independently.\r\n3. **Vocabulary and Language Skills**: Regular reading expands a student's vocabulary and improves their language skills. Exposure to different writing styles and contexts helps students understand and use language more effectively.\r\n4. **Imagination and Creativity**: Books stimulate the imagination and inspire creativity. Fiction, in particular, allows students to explore new worlds, ideas, and perspectives, fostering a sense of curiosity and innovation.\r\n5. **Focus and Concentration**: Reading requires focus and concentration, skills that are crucial for academic success. As students engage with a book, they learn to concentrate for extended periods, which can improve their attention span in other areas of study.\r\n6. **Empathy and Understanding**: Books, especially novels and biographies, offer insights into the lives and experiences of others. This can help students develop empathy and a better understanding of different cultures, histories, and perspectives.\r\n7. **Stress Reduction**: Reading can be a relaxing activity that reduces stress. It provides an escape from the pressures of schoolwork and daily life, allowing students to unwind and recharge.\r\n8. **Academic Success**: Studies have shown that students who read regularly tend to perform better academically. Reading enhances comprehension skills, which are critical for understanding and excelling in all subjects.\r\nOverall, these books are invaluable tools that support the intellectual and personal development of my students, making them an essential part of education within the classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1715128096113,"projectUrl":"project/battle-of-the-books/8316993/","projectTitle":"Battle of the Books","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Steinkamp","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9103031"},{"teacherId":4666000,"projectId":8518594,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the donations that were given to my classroom. My 4th grade students are so grateful to have so many people cheering them on in their journey throughout their education. The books that my classroom received are going to be used in our upcoming literature circles. They are current books that are highly engaging amongst 4th grade students. \r\n\r\nThe students were also excited about the new flexible seating that they received and will be taking turns using them in the classroom. They are also excited to earn prizes from the prize box based on their positive behavior in the classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1722968346954,"projectUrl":"project/2024-non-fiction-literature-and-classroo/8518594/","projectTitle":"2024 Non Fiction Literature and Classroom Environment","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Murphy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4666000"},{"teacherId":1915062,"projectId":8618548,"letterContent":"On behalf of my students, I'd like to thank you for your generous donation. I've been working on getting a variety of flexible seating for a few years, adding a little bit each year. I feel like my classroom is complete now!\r\nYour kindness and support mean so much to me and my students. The flexible seating is really enhancing the learning environment. My students have several choices of places to do their work. The students love sitting in a comfy spot to read or do other work. We often work in groups, so the students can collaborate and thrive in these spaces. \r\nI am incredibly grateful for your contribution and the positive impact it has on my students' daily learning experiences. Your donation helps me create a nurturing, welcoming, and enriching environment for my students.","fullyFundedDate":1733152162613,"projectUrl":"project/flexible-seating-for-third-grade/8618548/","projectTitle":"Flexible Seating for Third Grade","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Rozendaal","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1915062_orig.jpg?crop=2448,2448,x0,y252&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1627599977743","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kellirozendaal"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_51644","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":324,"numTeachers":26,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":37,"percentWhite":38,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":8,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"12.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":66.3,"schoolId":51644,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Johnson Steam Academy on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Johnson Steam Academy","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/iowa/cedar-rapids-community-school-district/johnson-elementary-school/51644"}

About this school

Johnson Steam Academy is an urban public school in Cedar Rapids, Iowa that is part of Cedar Rapids Community School District. It serves 324 students in grades K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 12.5:1. Its teachers have had 108 projects funded on DonorsChoose.

Equity Focus School

Support towards this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Public School

Title 1

Grades K - 5

324 Students

26 Teachers

355 18th St SE

Cedar Rapids, IA 52403 View local requests

http://www.cr.k12.ia.us

Evidence-based impact

Inspire teachers to stay in the classroom and boost student achievement.¹

Give to this school

Ms. Vero, a DonorsChoose teacher for 9 years.

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

Johnson Steam Academy Teachers on DonorsChoose

See more teachers from Johnson Steam Academy

DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

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.

See how DonorsChoose works

Johnson Steam Academy Demographics

95%

of students receive free or reduced price lunch

Source: the National Center for Education Statistics

45%

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.

Johnson Steam Academy Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Dec 5, 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.