{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Salem Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":21.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10077824,"projectId":9460186,"letterContent":"Thank you once again for funding my DonorsChoose project. Your contribution has allowed for a large enhancement in the delivery of the \"Little Spot\" social-emotional curriculum that I utilize with my students. The students love having the stuffed plush to pass around while reading the matching book, and find the books engaging.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, though, these books have already allowed multiple students to practice different emotional regulation strategies in tandem with the book. These strategies are then showing up in their tough moments in the classroom and when interacting with peers, and allowing them to regulate their emotions more independently. The goal is for them to learn enough that they no longer need social work support, and these books are aiding in that process for several of my students. \r\n\r\nThank you for caring about the social, emotional, and behavioral well-being of students. Without your support, my students would not be accessing this curriculum nearly as effectively.","fullyFundedDate":1752789218297,"projectUrl":"project/a-little-bit-of-emotional-regulation/9460186/","projectTitle":"A Little Bit of Emotional Regulation!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Greffe","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10077824_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1752355444479","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10077824"},{"teacherId":2557045,"projectId":9556628,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for donating the classroom set of Stink chapter books to our students. We enjoyed reading the story so much together! This gave our class a chance to share a story together, at the same level, all while giggling and comprehending as a class. Students looked forward to this time each day and loved discussing Stink and his character traits that helped him to solve problems. \r\nWe appreciate your kindness toward our class. The students were able to benefit and grow from your generosity. Students were so excited to learn of your generosity and we will look to pay it forward as a class. Thank you, thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1762604348161,"projectUrl":"project/giggling-through-a-good-book/9556628/","projectTitle":"Giggling Through a Good Book","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Leja","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2557045_orig.jpg?crop=855,856,x0,y8&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1628715913898","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-leja"},{"teacherId":9091247,"projectId":9457640,"letterContent":"Since introducing the new resources in my classroom, I have noticed a significant positive impact on my students' engagement and self-regulation. The swing has become a versatile tool that allows students to take calm breaks, reset when frustrated, and even serves as a motivating incentive for completing tasks. Similarly, the sensory table is used in multiple ways: for structured activities such as search-and-find exercises, like locating letters within the sensory bin, and as a calming tool to support sensory regulation.\r\n\r\nThe initial reaction from students was incredibly telling—when they first saw the swing and sensory table, their eyes lit up with curiosity and excitement. They immediately asked when they could use them, and both have quickly become preferred options during break time. These resources have not only enhanced motivation and participation but have also provided meaningful supports that help students manage their emotions and remain engaged in learning. We are so grateful for your donation!","fullyFundedDate":1755688679001,"projectUrl":"project/swinging-into-success-sensory-tools-for/9457640/","projectTitle":"Swinging Into Success: Sensory Tools for Special Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mazur","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9091247_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1752202367190","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9091247"},{"teacherId":9025668,"projectId":9539133,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to our \"Read for Beads\" program. We are incredibly grateful for your support in helping us make reading fun and accessible for our students.\r\n\r\nBecause of your contribution, this has become an incredibly motivating experience for our class. It has been wonderful to watch the students setting ambitious reading goals and, more importantly, sticking with them. Students are diligently reading, adding their completed titles to their book lists, and earning new beads every step of the way.\r\n\r\nThe necklaces are already filling up, and the excitement in the room is contagious. We cannot wait to continue adding to our necklaces throughout the year and watching our students grow as readers.\r\n\r\nThank you again for making this possible.","fullyFundedDate":1758821684118,"projectUrl":"project/5th-graders-read-for-beads/9539133/","projectTitle":"5th Graders Read for Beads","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Prokop","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9025668_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1683383205303","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9025668"},{"teacherId":3527640,"projectId":9647331,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donations to our classroom project! Your support truly makes a difference in the day-to-day experience of my students, and I can't tell you how much we appreciate it. Each item you helped provide has brought a little extra joy, organization, and functionality to our learning environment.\r\n\r\nThe Flair pens have quickly become a classroom favorite! I've designated them for use at our Very Important Student (VIS) table—a special spot where students get to sit when they've demonstrated kindness, effort, or leadership. The pens are a small but meaningful part of the experience, and my students absolutely love using them. They take great pride in writing neatly and adding colorful details to their work. It's such a simple thing, but it brings a lot of excitement and motivation to their day.\r\n\r\nThe tape dispenser has been another surprisingly valuable addition. You'd be amazed how often a good roll of tape comes to the rescue in an elementary classroom! From repairing beloved classroom library books that have been torn from frequent use, to fixing projects and posters, the dispenser has already seen a lot of action. I've even seen students take initiative when they find a ripped book—they quietly grab the tape and fix it themselves. That sense of responsibility and ownership is exactly what I hope to encourage.\r\n\r\nThe mini vacuum has been a total game-changer! We often have snacks during the day, and let's just say that crumbs and small messes are part of the daily routine. The mini vacuum has made cleanup quick, easy, and even fun. My students actually volunteer to use it, and we've turned cleanup time into a shared responsibility instead of a chore. It helps keep our room tidy and makes everyone feel proud of their space.\r\n\r\nAnd the super fun pencil sharpener—what a hit! I don't think I've ever seen kids so eager to sharpen pencils. It works so smoothly and quietly, and it's become a little highlight of the day when someone gets to use it. Having a reliable sharpener may seem small, but in a busy classroom, it keeps things running smoothly and helps students stay focused on their learning instead of struggling with dull pencils.\r\n\r\nYour donations don't just provide supplies—they help create an environment where students feel valued and excited to learn. Each item has a purpose and plays a part in building a classroom community that is positive, productive, and full of pride.\r\n\r\nFrom my students and from me, thank you again for your kindness and generosity. You've made a tangible difference in our classroom, and we are so grateful for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1758823123022,"projectUrl":"project/supplies-to-keep-our-classroom-fun/9647331/","projectTitle":"Supplies to Keep Our Classroom Fun!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Smothers","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3527640_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1459388427069","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/smothersroom"},{"teacherId":3527640,"projectId":9525020,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the donations to this project. My students appreciated all the great items that arrived. We love the fun markers and pens which have been added to my VIP (very important student) table. The snacks were the most appreciated as I have added them to my emergency snack bin. We appreciate every donation given to Donors Choose as they have helped me include items in my classroom that I otherwise would not have been able to. Thank you for your continued support! Many of these items will help my third graders for years to come!","fullyFundedDate":1755876739414,"projectUrl":"project/3rd-grade-here-we-come/9525020/","projectTitle":"3rd Grade Here We Come!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Smothers","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3527640_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1459388427069","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/smothersroom"},{"teacherId":3527640,"projectId":9395534,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your donations to this project! I can't wait to introduce desk pets into my classroom. The third graders love to take care of their desk pet as well as read and work with them in the classroom. Your donations made it possible to add extra fun materials that they can add to their desk pet home as well as additional desk pet characters. Desk pets are a great way to keep students motivated, particularly after winter break! We truly appreciate your donations to this project. My third graders will be so excited to add desk pets into our fun classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1755742160618,"projectUrl":"project/desk-pets-keep-us-motivated/9395534/","projectTitle":"Desk Pets Keep us Motivated!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Smothers","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3527640_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1459388427069","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/smothersroom"},{"teacherId":3527640,"projectId":9329438,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your donations to this project. I was able to start out my classroom on a positive note with the materials I needed to make this year successful. My third graders were so excited for all the items! The white picture mats are being used to display pictures of the third graders in the hallway! The fun pens are put at my VIP (very important student) table so they can use them during writer's workshop. We appreciate your generosity! Many of these items will help third graders for years to come!","fullyFundedDate":1753897571597,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-wish-list/9329438/","projectTitle":"Classroom Wish List","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Smothers","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3527640_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1459388427069","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/smothersroom"},{"teacherId":3527640,"projectId":9059363,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to this project! My students LOVE the science and math materials. My third graders are using the magnets to investigate force and motion as well as magnetism. My third graders really appreciate using the fraction manipulatives as it has helped make fractions much more understandable. The strong magnetic hooks are being used to hang student work on our whiteboards. We really appreciate your donations! These items will help third graders for many years to come. Thank you for helping instill a love of Math and Science in my students!","fullyFundedDate":1746617013180,"projectUrl":"project/3rd-grade-hands-on-science-and-math/9059363/","projectTitle":"3rd Grade Hands-On Science and Math!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Smothers","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3527640_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1459388427069","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/smothersroom"},{"teacherId":3527640,"projectId":9250639,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your donations to this project. My students had such a blast enjoying glow day to celebrate all of their hard work. Students played math games with the dice, read under the tables, did STEM activities and so much more! I plan to use the glow day materials other times during the year and for MANY years to come! Thank you for your generous donations which allowed my students to do something they otherwise would not have had the chance to do! We truly appreciate your generosity!! You have made a lot of third graders VERY happy!","fullyFundedDate":1745457599153,"projectUrl":"project/glow-it-up/9250639/","projectTitle":"Glow It Up!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Smothers","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3527640_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1459388427069","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/smothersroom"},{"teacherId":3527640,"projectId":9246161,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the additional book that we were able to add to our book club collection! My students were so excited to have additional titles. These books have kept our third graders motivated and excited to read. They especially love reading with small groups. Books clubs is such a great way to wrap up the school year as it gets the kids motivated to read and they gain a deeper understanding of the books they are reading by discussing it with their peers. Donors Choose have given such great opportunities that we otherwise would not have received. We are forever grateful for your donations. This project will help third graders for years to come!","fullyFundedDate":1746484649361,"projectUrl":"project/3rd-grade-book-clubs/9246161/","projectTitle":"3rd Grade Book Clubs!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Smothers","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3527640_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1459388427069","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/smothersroom"},{"teacherId":6318577,"projectId":9046841,"letterContent":"Thank YOU from the bottom of my heart for supporting this project!!! \r\nThe students are so excited about the new graphic novel books that YOUR generosity purchased for our classroom. \r\n\r\nI had the kids help me pick out! I told them the titles that we could order and they voted on the ones they would most like to read.\r\n\r\nThese books are high interest books for my upper elementary students. As soon as I put them out in my class library the kids were fighting to check them out. \r\nI can say that ALL of the books this project funded are currently in the hands of students. They are busy reading, reading, reading!\r\n\r\nThey are able to read these books with me first, then are able to bring them home to read to their families. The kids always pick the books that were purchased to read in front of others because they feel confident and proud that they can read them! \r\nAgain, thank YOU for supporting this project!!","fullyFundedDate":1746786921555,"projectUrl":"project/high-interest-graphic-novels/9046841/","projectTitle":"High Interest Graphic Novels","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Melissa Robinson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6318577_orig.jpg?crop=1757,1757,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753429988698","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6318577"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_71808","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":371,"numTeachers":21,"percentFrplEligible":37,"percentAsian":7,"percentBlack":3,"percentWhite":80,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":2,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"17.7:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_FRINGE"},"inStateSupporters":78.2,"schoolId":71808,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Salem Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Salem Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/michigan/south-lyon-community-school-district/salem-elementary-school/71808"}
Join the 197 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Salem Elementary School is
a rural public school
in Salem, Michigan that is part of South Lyon Community School District.
It serves 371 students
in grades K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 17.7:1.
Its teachers have had 106 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Boost support for our school's classrooms. Share this page with friends and family who want to make a difference. If you're a teacher, sign up to get started!
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.
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
12%
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.
Salem Elementary School 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.
Salem Elementary School
$37,798
raised using DonorsChoose
106
projects
funded
18
teachers
funded
197
donors
10
projects
for
basic supplies
8
projects for
technology
47
projects for
books
Salem Elementary School has received support from
154 individuals from Michigan and
43 individuals out-of-state.