Challenger Elementary School in Howell, Michigan on DonorsChoose

{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Challenger Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":26.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":3165696,"projectId":8954145,"letterContent":"Wow - just WOW! The supplies I needed for my last minute Christmas parent gift did not arrive before my students left for break which is no big deal. Being in education we have to be flexible! Therefore, I decided to do a buddy activity instead. Students interviewed another classmate and then created a magnet for their buddy to display in their locker. Students were so excited to be using colored permanent markers for their magnet as well as doing something for someone else. It was nice to hear students saying, \"This is so FUN!\" \"My buddy is going to love this!\" \" I'm putting this ____ on my buddy's magnet because I found out he loves____.\" It's nice to stop and intentionally think about others.\r\n\r\nThe supply pockets for my students came just in time to start our new unit on Morphology. I pre-made the folders ahead of time and everyday leading up to the students receiving them I was asked and told numerous times, \"When are we getting those?\" \" I can't wait until we start Morphology to get the supplies!\" Many of my colleagues have taken notice of my student's organization and are ordering folder pockets themselves. This has made a remarkable difference in the lives of my students and in their learning experience. We spend time learning as opposed to getting supplies because they are right there for us. Our time on task has increased dramatically.\r\n\r\nWhat is wonderful about the supplies granted is that I can use them again next year and for several years to come! My students and future students thank you beyond words for your generosity!","fullyFundedDate":1735695971136,"projectUrl":"project/looking-ahead/8954145/","projectTitle":"Looking Ahead!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kelly","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3165696_orig.jpg?crop=827,827,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1732013967341","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3165696"},{"teacherId":3723985,"projectId":8930578,"letterContent":"We use the Magnatiles and Keva planks all the time. They are a huge hit in the classroom. Students were engaged at first sight!\r\n\r\nWe use both materials in building projects around the classroom. Students can follow designs that are pre-made or create their own in order to meet specific tasks. We often have these type of projects made as part of open ended stem questions that we are considering.\r\n\r\nStudents request to use both of these materials again and again. I can see that they will be much sought after and impactful for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1731505315784,"projectUrl":"project/blocks-for-engineering-oportunities/8930578/","projectTitle":"Blocks for Engineering Oportunities!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. I.","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3723985_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1470346377771","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/challenger"},{"teacherId":5807698,"projectId":8927670,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for your incredible gift of a complete class set of ukuleles to Challenger Elementary School. Your extraordinary generosity has transformed our music education program in ways I could never have imagined.\r\nThese ukuleles represent far more than musical instruments; they are keys to unlocking creativity, building confidence, and fostering a sense of community among my students. Many of our learners have limited access to musical education outside of the school, and your donation has opened a world of artistic expression that was previously out of reach.\r\n\r\nThe joy of learning an instrument has sparked a newfound enthusiasm for learning that extends beyond music. Some students who struggled with traditional academic subjects have found their confidence growing as they master new musical skills.\r\nThe impact goes beyond individual student growth. They've learned the value of teamwork through group practices, listening to each other, and creating music together. The sense of unity and shared accomplishment has been truly transformative.\r\n\r\nMusic class has become a highlight of the school day. Students talk about their ukulele lessons with excitement, and parents have shared how this opportunity has inspired their children to explore their creativity at home. Your gift has not just provided instruments, but has helped nurture a lifelong love of music.\r\n\r\nThe financial investment you've made in our students' education is profound. Each ukulele represents an opportunity for learning, self-expression, and personal growth. Your generosity demonstrates a deep commitment to education that extends far beyond traditional academic support.\r\n\r\nI recently just attend our state music teachers conference where I attended several sessions on ukulele. I am eager to continue bringing new skills and concepts to our student's here at Challenger. On behalf of our entire school community, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. 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About this school

Challenger Elementary School is a suburban public school in Howell, Michigan that is part of Howell Public Schools. It serves 465 students in grades K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 17.2:1. Its teachers have had 13 projects funded on DonorsChoose.

Public School

Title 1

Grades K - 5

465 Students

27 Teachers

1066 W Grand River Ave

Howell, MI 48843 View local requests

http://www.howellschools.com

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

Challenger Elementary School Teachers 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.

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Challenger Elementary School Demographics

30%

of students receive free or reduced price lunch

Source: the National Center for Education Statistics

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.

Challenger Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Dec 4, 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.