Kingsley Elementary School in Waterloo, Iowa on DonorsChoose

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What may seem like small items have made a very big difference.\r\n\r\nFrom the moment the boxes arrived, the excitement was immediate. Students gathered around with wide eyes, asking questions like, \"Are these for us?\" and \"Do we really get to have these during the day?\" Their joy was genuine, and their appreciation was clear. For some of them, having access to snacks they enjoy—and snacks they often don't get to have at home—made them feel seen and cared for. The room felt lighter, warmer, and more hopeful that day, and I wish you could have been there to witness it. The simple act of opening those boxes felt like opening doors to comfort, confidence, and consistency.\r\n\r\nWe incorporate the snacks in a few different ways depending on student needs. Some students use them first thing in the morning when they haven't eaten breakfast. Others rely on them during long stretches of learning when they start to fade or when their focus begins to slip. I've watched students who previously struggled to stay on task suddenly find themselves able to engage more deeply simply because they aren't distracted by hunger. I've seen quieter students gain the energy to participate, and I've watched more active students regulate their bodies and stay grounded longer. Hunger affects children in so many ways, and having these resources has helped us address that barrier in a way that's immediate and meaningful.\r\n\r\nOne moment that really stood out to me happened during a reading lesson. A student who often struggles to stay focused asked quietly if he could have a snack before we started. After a few bites of popcorn, he settled into his seat, opened his book, and ended up contributing more to the discussion that day than he had in weeks. Later, he told me, \"It's easier to think when my stomach doesn't hurt.\" That simple statement captured exactly why this project mattered. Your support didn't just provide food—it provided comfort, confidence, and the physical stability my students need to learn.\r\n\r\nAs we continue through the school year, these snacks will remain a steady resource for students who need them. They give us the opportunity to teach with compassion, to respond to student needs in real time, and to create a classroom environment where students feel supported not just academically but personally. Our next steps include incorporating snack times into our routines more intentionally, especially during high-focus activities like independent reading, writing, and math centers. I also plan to help students reflect on how meeting basic needs contributes to their success, helping them build awareness and healthy habits.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has helped shape a classroom where students feel cared for, valued, and ready to learn. Thank you for investing in their well-being and giving them what they need to thrive. 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About this school

Kingsley Elementary School is an urban public school in Waterloo, Iowa that is part of Waterloo Community School District. It serves 337 students in grades K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 14.0:1. Its teachers have had 5 projects funded on DonorsChoose.

Equity Focus School

Support towards this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Public School

Title 1

Grades K - 5

337 Students

24 Teachers

201 Sunset Rd

Waterloo, IA 50701 View local requests

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

Kingsley Elementary School Teachers on DonorsChoose

Mrs. Kohls

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Kingsley Elementary School Demographics

70%

of students receive free or reduced price lunch

Source: the National Center for Education Statistics

24%

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.

Kingsley Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Dec 5, 2025

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