{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Kratz Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":35.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":2845956,"projectId":9809477,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for providing a button maker and supplies for our library! Your generosity gives students a fun, hands-on way to celebrate their accomplishments. Earning a button for meeting a reading goal or showing leadership helps students see that their hard work matters. These small tokens of recognition build confidence, encourage perseverance, and make learning feel joyful and rewarding.\r\n\r\nThe button maker also gives students the chance to design and create their own buttons. This encourages creativity, problem-solving, and ownership of their learning. Thanks to the DonorsChoose Community, our library is now an even more engaging place where students can explore, create, and celebrate both their achievements and their imagination.","fullyFundedDate":1766247818191,"projectUrl":"project/button-up-for-reading-library-incentive/9809477/","projectTitle":"Button Up for Reading: Library Incentives That Motivate and Inspire!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Elder","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2845956_orig.jpg?crop=1344,1344,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1651236924185","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/elderb"},{"teacherId":2845956,"projectId":9732448,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping us create a Calm Corner in our library! Your support has given students a cozy space where they can breathe, reset, and focus. Fidgets, sensory putty, timers, weighted stuffed animals, and soft seating help students manage big emotions and return to reading with greater attention and confidence. This space has turned anxious energy into calm focus and given students practical strategies they can use every day to succeed.\r\n\r\nBecause of the Calm Corner, I have been able to spend more time teaching and guiding students while they practice self-regulation independently. Students of all backgrounds, including English language learners and neurodivergent learners, are using the space to build reading stamina and enjoy stories more fully. Thanks to the DonorsChoose Community, our library is now an even more welcoming, inclusive, and joyful place where every student can thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1759686144299,"projectUrl":"project/story-time-serenity-spot/9732448/","projectTitle":"Story Time Serenity Spot","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Elder","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2845956_orig.jpg?crop=1344,1344,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1651236924185","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/elderb"},{"teacherId":2845956,"projectId":9362609,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our library with essential cleaning supplies! Because of your generosity, our library is now a cleaner, safer, and more welcoming space for all students. Items like Kleenex, Germ-X, Clorox wipes and spray, and Mr. Clean erasers help us keep surfaces germ-free and ensure that students can focus, stay healthy, and enjoy their time exploring books and learning together.\r\n\r\nWith these supplies, I've been able to spend more time teaching and guiding students, rather than worrying about cleaning or managing germs. A fresh, well-cared-for environment helps students feel valued and ready to engage in reading, projects, and collaborative learning. It also reinforces that their space, and their learning, matters.\r\n\r\nOur students are curious, creative, and full of energy, and your support helps them thrive every day. Thanks to the DonorsChoose Community, our library is not only sparkling clean but also a space where imagination, discovery, and learning can flourish. We are so grateful for your generosity and the positive impact it has made in our students' lives.","fullyFundedDate":1757278340561,"projectUrl":"project/sparkle-shine-supplies-for-a-fresh-c/9362609/","projectTitle":"Sparkle & Shine: Supplies for a Fresh, Clean Library","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Elder","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2845956_orig.jpg?crop=1344,1344,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1651236924185","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/elderb"},{"teacherId":2845956,"projectId":9171173,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our library and for providing headphones and organizers for our students. Your generosity has made it possible for every child to fully engage in digital reading programs, audiobooks, and language-learning tools in a focused and meaningful way. For our diverse group of learners, including many English language learners, this technology provides essential support such as modeled fluent reading, vocabulary development, and the ability to replay or slow down text to strengthen comprehension.\r\n\r\nThe excitement has been incredible to see. Students love putting on their headphones and immersing themselves in stories. Some who were hesitant about using digital tools at first have completely warmed up to them and now seek them out independently. I've watched students build confidence after practicing with audio support, and that confidence carries over into classroom reading and discussions.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, our library is more organized, more accessible, and better equipped to meet the needs of every learner. You are not just providing equipment, you are helping students grow as readers, develop independence, and discover the joy of learning in ways that work best for them. Thank you for making such a meaningful difference in their lives.","fullyFundedDate":1742949037662,"projectUrl":"project/loud-and-clear-headphones-for-young-rea/9171173/","projectTitle":"Loud and Clear: Headphones for Young Readers!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Elder","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2845956_orig.jpg?crop=1344,1344,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1651236924185","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/elderb"},{"teacherId":8676277,"projectId":9703804,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity. Our students and teachers are actively using the regulation tools in classrooms, specials, and even in the hallways. Not only do these tools help students stay calm and regulate their emotions, but they also support focus and concentration.\r\n\r\nMany of our students have difficulty keeping their hands or feet still during instruction time. Simple tools such as small fidgets or bands under their desks have made a meaningful difference by helping them stay engaged and attentive in class.\r\n\r\nTeachers truly appreciate that they did not have to spend their own money to purchase these regulation tools. As we know, educators often use personal funds to support their classrooms, and this support has made a significant impact on both teachers and students.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your generosity and commitment to our school community.\r\n\r\nSincerely,\r\nCarla Theiss","fullyFundedDate":1759416945143,"projectUrl":"project/regulation-tools-for-my-students/9703804/","projectTitle":"Regulation Tools for My Students","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Theiss","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8676277"},{"teacherId":10064517,"projectId":9434798,"letterContent":"These gifts have been such a blessing for my students and my office spaces. My students have been able to use fidgets, coloring supplies, and literature to work on self regulation skills, calming strategies, and overall activities for enrichment. \r\n\r\nSome things my students have been very excited to have are multicultural pencils and markers.\r\n\r\nDue to HIPPA and other guidelines, I have limited pictures, however I have been utilizing these items daily! As students continue to use these items I look forward to sharing more updates!","fullyFundedDate":1755705054660,"projectUrl":"project/mental-health-matters/9434798/","projectTitle":"Mental Health Matters","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Speckmeyer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10064517_orig.jpg?crop=222,222,x0,y10&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1750951408975","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10064517"},{"teacherId":2845956,"projectId":9367539,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project! The stickers have already made a big difference in our library. Students were so excited when they realized they could earn them for positive behaviors like listening, cooperating, and taking care of books. What seems like a small reward has quickly become a big motivator!\r\n\r\nThese cheerful rewards are helping create a positive, welcoming space where students feel noticed and proud of their efforts. We're already seeing more focus, kindness, and excitement during library time.\r\n\r\nNext, we'll be connecting stickers to literacy goals—like exploring new genres and recommending books to friends—so students stay motivated to grow as readers. Your generosity has turned something simple into something powerful, and we're so grateful!","fullyFundedDate":1750773697133,"projectUrl":"project/stick-with-great-behavior/9367539/","projectTitle":"Stick With Great Behavior!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Elder","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2845956_orig.jpg?crop=1344,1344,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1651236924185","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/elderb"},{"teacherId":2845956,"projectId":9114720,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support! Because of you, our library shelves have been transformed with new clear book bins that make our collection more engaging and accessible for all 550 of our students.\r\n\r\nWhen the bins first arrived, students were so excited to see books displayed forward-facing, almost like in a bookstore. Many of our more reluctant readers immediately began pulling books off the shelves that had caught their eye—books they may have overlooked before. \r\n\r\nAlready, we are noticing an increase in book circulation and more students lingering in the library, browsing until they find \"just the right book.\" These bins have truly helped students take ownership of their reading choices, building confidence and enthusiasm each time they check out a book.\r\n\r\nAs we move forward, our next step is to keep guiding students in exploring new genres and authors. Now that books are easier to find, students are more willing to step outside their comfort zones—whether that means trying a new graphic novel series, picking up a tall tale, or diving into historical fiction. We are so excited to see where these reading journeys will take them!\r\n\r\nYour generosity has not only improved the way our library looks, but more importantly, it has helped inspire a love of reading that we hope will last a lifetime.","fullyFundedDate":1746787110476,"projectUrl":"project/turn-those-books-around/9114720/","projectTitle":"Turn Those Books Around!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Elder","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2845956_orig.jpg?crop=1344,1344,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1651236924185","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/elderb"},{"teacherId":554593,"projectId":9307596,"letterContent":"My students are already diving into the new resources with so much excitement! One of their favorite activities has been exploring the sensory table filled with kinetic sand. They love hunting for hidden alphabet letters, which combines play with purposeful learning. As they dig, scoop, and search, they're practicing letter recognition while also strengthening fine motor skills and building focus. It's been amazing to see how engaged they are, what feels like play to them is actually helping develop the foundational academic and social-emotional skills they need for success.","fullyFundedDate":1746699623345,"projectUrl":"project/marvelous-materials-for-mini-minds/9307596/","projectTitle":"Marvelous Materials for Mini Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Belger","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp554593_orig.jpg?crop=2268,2268,x0,y37&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746126155721","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/bbelger"},{"teacherId":554593,"projectId":9308211,"letterContent":"My students were absolutely thrilled when they first saw the alphabet puzzles and games! Their faces lit up with excitement, and they couldn't wait to dive in and start playing. They especially loved the variety of activities from catching letters in the fishing game to matching ice pops and dinos. These resources immediately drew them in, turning our literacy centers into an adventure. It was such a joy to see their eagerness to learn and the confidence they began to build from the very first day we used them.","fullyFundedDate":1753978536677,"projectUrl":"project/abc-adventures-building-brains-with-cup/9308211/","projectTitle":"ABC Adventures: Building Brains with Cupcakes and Critters","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Belger","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp554593_orig.jpg?crop=2268,2268,x0,y37&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746126155721","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/bbelger"},{"teacherId":554593,"projectId":9293182,"letterContent":"This project will have a lasting impact on my kindergarten students by establishing meaningful routines that foster both independence and learning. The bright, engaging voice-recording buttons will give students the opportunity to start each day reviewing letters, numbers, phonemes, and more, building critical foundational skills in a fun, hands-on way. \r\nThese \"busy buttons\" not only make learning interactive but also empower students to take ownership of their morning routine. At the same time, they create space for me to complete important start-of-day tasks while still connecting with each child. Thanks to your support, our mornings will be smoother, our learning stronger, and our classroom community even more joyful!","fullyFundedDate":1746551020592,"projectUrl":"project/in-a-push-of-a-button/9293182/","projectTitle":"In a Push Of a Button","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Belger","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp554593_orig.jpg?crop=2268,2268,x0,y37&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746126155721","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/bbelger"},{"teacherId":9837812,"projectId":9004954,"letterContent":"I can't thank you enough for your incredible generosity in bringing my DonorsChoose project to life! When the materials arrived, the excitement in my classroom was electric. \r\nWe've been putting the new resources to use right away. My students are able to learn in a way that works for them while also taking care of their sensory needs. This makes school a safe and inclusive space for all of my students.\r\n\r\nYour support gave my students more than just materials — it gave them the message that their education matters and that their ideas are worth investing in. Thank you for being part of our learning journey. We're just getting started, and I can't wait to see where these new resources will take us next!","fullyFundedDate":1744387842394,"projectUrl":"project/new-special-education-class/9004954/","projectTitle":"New Special Education Class","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Alisha","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9837812"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_77910","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":474,"numTeachers":34,"percentFrplEligible":73,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":50,"percentWhite":14,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":23,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"13.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":65.0,"schoolId":77910,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Kratz Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Kratz Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/missouri/ritenour-school-district/kratz-elementary-school/77910"}
Join the 586 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Kratz Elementary School is
a suburban public school
in Saint Louis, Missouri that is part of Ritenour School District.
It serves 474 students
in grades K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 13.9:1.
Its teachers have had 172 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Boost support for this school! Share this page with friends, family, alumni, and fellow supporters. Every connection helps teachers get the supplies they need and shows how much your community cares about its students.
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Every donation funds real needs — pencils, books, lab equipment, art supplies, and more — helping students learn and thrive. We ship supplies directly to the school, and you'll see exactly where each dollar goes.
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
73%
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.
Kratz Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Mar 19, 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.
Kratz Elementary School
$67,744
raised using DonorsChoose
172
projects
funded
47
teachers
funded
586
donors
12
projects
for
basic supplies
25
projects for
technology
16
projects for
books
7
projects
for
art supplies
Kratz Elementary School has received support from
381 individuals from Missouri and
205 individuals out-of-state.