{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Dennis Ortwein Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":35.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":6911445,"projectId":9989780,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, \"Small Tools, Big Impact for Growing Minds.\" Because of your generosity, our classroom has been transformed into a more organized, creative, and supportive learning environment where every student has the tools they need to succeed.\r\n\r\nThe storage baskets and fabric bins you provided have made an immediate difference. Our classroom materials are now clearly organized and easily accessible, which helps students build independence and responsibility. Instead of waiting for help, they can find what they need quickly and stay focused on learning. This simple change has saved valuable instructional time and reduced distractions.\r\n\r\nYour donation of crochet hooks, scissors, glue guns, glue sticks, tapes, push pins, clips, and craft materials has opened the door for hands-on learning and creativity. Students are now able to engage in fine motor activities, STEM challenges, and art projects that strengthen problem-solving skills and perseverance. These \"small tools\" allow students to design, build, create, and revise their work—skills that are essential for growing confident learners.\r\n\r\nThe pony beads, key rings, lanyard clips, and mini craft supplies are being used for goal-setting tools, classroom jobs, and student-made projects. Students are creating items that represent their learning goals and achievements, which gives them a sense of ownership and pride in their progress. These activities also support collaboration and communication as students share materials and ideas with one another.\r\n\r\nYour support of our sensory tools—chair bands, fidgets, stress cubes, bumpy rings, and sticky hands—has had a powerful impact on student focus and self-regulation. Many of our learners benefit from movement and tactile input to stay engaged. These tools help students manage their energy in positive ways so they can concentrate on reading, writing, and math. Because of you, students who previously struggled to sit and attend are now more comfortable, confident, and successful.\r\n\r\nThe sand timers are helping students develop time-management skills and build stamina during independent work. The batteries ensure our classroom tools are always ready to use. Even the small rewards like erasers, desk pets, and treats play an important role in celebrating effort, kindness, and growth. Recognizing positive behavior motivates students and helps build a supportive classroom community.\r\n\r\nBeyond the materials themselves, your kindness has shown our students that people they may never meet believe in them and care about their education. We talk often about gratitude, and your donation has given us a real-life example of generosity in action. Students are inspired to work harder, help one another, and take pride in their classroom because they know others have invested in their success.\r\n\r\nEvery item you provided is being used daily, and each one contributes to a classroom where students feel safe, prepared, and excited to learn. What may seem like small tools truly are making a big impact on growing minds.\r\n\r\nOn behalf of my students and our entire classroom community, thank you for your support, your generosity, and your belief in our learners.","fullyFundedDate":1768060209200,"projectUrl":"project/small-tools-big-impact-for-growing-mind/9989780/","projectTitle":"Small Tools, Big Impact for Growing Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Marcotte","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6911445_orig.png?crop=1544,1545,x0,y226&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723403953129","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsmarcottestem"},{"teacherId":7976363,"projectId":9990227,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our classroom has truly transformed into a space that feels warm, inviting, and ready for learning. The new green futon and soft rugs immediately turned part of our room into a calm-down and reading corner. When the students walked in and saw it for the first time, they gasped and asked, \"Is that for us?!\" Several students went straight to the rug, sat down with a book, and did not want to leave. For my learners, especially those who benefit from sensory supports having a cozy, safe place to regulate and refocus has already made a noticeable difference in transitions and independent reading time.\r\n\r\nWe are also using the new Phonics board games, math games, bingo, and classic board games like Sorry! and Trouble during centers and social skills groups. These games have made practicing addition, subtraction, multiplication, and phonics feel fun instead of intimidating. One student who typically avoids math volunteered to lead a round of Addition & Subtraction Bingo and proudly helped peers check their answers. The electric pencil sharpener, handwriting paper, cardstock, and laminating pouches are supporting daily instruction helping us create durable visuals, task cards, and structured materials that meet a variety of learning needs in our classroom.\r\n\r\nOur new books, Big, A Bad Case of Stripes, Kindness Is My Superpower, Charlotte's Web, The One and Only Ivan, The Wild Robot, and Who Is LeBron James? are already sparking meaningful conversations about empathy, perseverance, confidence, and character traits. Next, students will use these texts for a character study project where they will identify traits, compare characters, and create written responses using our new cardstock for publishing. Because of you, our students are not only building academic skills they are growing in confidence, kindness, independence, and joy. Thank you for helping us create a classroom designed for comfort, growth, and everyday student success.","fullyFundedDate":1768079772724,"projectUrl":"project/a-classroom-designed-for-confidence-gro/9990227/","projectTitle":"A Classroom Designed for Confidence, Growth, and Everyday Student Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Welch","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7976363_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1733537580910","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7976363"},{"teacherId":4695342,"projectId":9491893,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generosity with helping to supply my students with supplies to help regulate their nervous system. From the moment the boxes arrived, the students were curious to see what was inside. They were even more excited as we opened the boxes to reveal balance boards, swivel chairs, and a yoga mat station.\r\n\r\nThese supplies allowed our students the opportunity to have a place for them to move and let out extra energy they have built up inside. Movement allows our students to support their focus, process information, and perform better in school. Research shows that movement increases blood flow to the brain, boosting memory, attention, and even mood. The goal for this project is to continue to provide all of our students the opportunity to enjoy and use these movement materials while supporting their nervous system.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your donation and support for our students. This would not have been possible without you.","fullyFundedDate":1760638203525,"projectUrl":"project/movement-matters/9491893/","projectTitle":"Movement Matters","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Castle","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4695342_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1699465842782","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4695342"},{"teacherId":7343502,"projectId":9989822,"letterContent":"Thank you for this supply donation. My students were excited to have so many new school supplies to use.\r\n\r\nWe have already been using supplies such as the chart paper and folders. Folders are basic but for my students who are starting projects on the Seven Natural Wonders, they need to keep all of their research and findings organized. My students were so happy to have their own folder to use for all of their research and keep everything in one place.\r\n\r\nI can't wait to use all of the other supplies. Donations like this make a difference in the classroom. Sometimes it is not always about having big fancy things but just the basic day to day items that teachers and students need.","fullyFundedDate":1768100965388,"projectUrl":"project/supplies-supplies-supplies/9989822/","projectTitle":"Supplies, Supplies, Supplies!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Spittell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7343502_orig.jpg?crop=1536,1536,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1595396238235","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7343502"},{"teacherId":485664,"projectId":10007997,"letterContent":"I'd like to thank you for your generous donation. The materials you donated will help my students complete social studies and science classroom projects and games. 3-D printing. Color printed, laminated posters and games. \r\nUnfortunately, like so many school districts across the nation, our district is facing a budget shortfall and without your support, would have unable to provide the quality science and social studies donated which aid instruction. These materials will be used for many years to come and will continue to benefit numerous children in my classroom. \r\nYour generous donation is greatly appreciated. Myself, my students, and the community which I serve thank you.","fullyFundedDate":1768189942820,"projectUrl":"project/tools-for-perfect-projects/10007997/","projectTitle":"Tools for Perfect Projects","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Wolf","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp485664_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1468450987000","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-leslie-wolf"},{"teacherId":4438799,"projectId":10002459,"letterContent":"I am so excited to bring bells into our classroom! Thank you all so very much for bringing this project to life.\r\n\r\nMy students were so excited to be able to play some of the music that came with the materials and were looking to find MORE music they could play as they were creating their own bell choir. The request was for more Christmas music, which I will be going through my repertoire to find more things they can play. \r\n\r\nThe color coding of the bells also give them the idea that they could play along with Boomwhacker videos (which they love.) \r\n\r\nThank you so very much once again for you tremendous gift.","fullyFundedDate":1768193099900,"projectUrl":"project/sing-and-ring/10002459/","projectTitle":"Sing and Ring!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. O'Connell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4438799_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1494452413815","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/oconnell-ortwein"},{"teacherId":2107474,"projectId":9990011,"letterContent":"Thank you so very much for helping fund this project for our school library. We work so hard every day to make our library a place for kids. Our goal is always to help each reader find a book that they will enjoy and teach lessons that show our students how wonderful books and reading can be. Having all of these materials will allow us to continue working toward our library goal of creating life long readers. Thank you does not even begin to show our gratitude and appreciation for you. You are much appreciated!","fullyFundedDate":1768166641698,"projectUrl":"project/loving-our-library/9990011/","projectTitle":"Loving Our Library","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Aldrich","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2107474_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1497565990675","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ortweinlibrary"},{"teacherId":2107474,"projectId":9345907,"letterContent":"Thank you so very much for helping fund this project for our school library. We used these books as part of our Battle of the Books project. Our students participated in book clubs and also read these books independently throughout the year so that they were able to participate in a comprehension competition called Battle of the Books. Our students not only participated in the competition, but they came in 4th place. This was a huge accomplishment and could have never happened if it were not for the funding and generosity that we received from you and your donation. This project allowed us to have enough books for all of our students to read the books over the course of the year. They loved this competition, but more importantly, they loved reading all of these books. Thank you does not even begin to show our gratitude and appreciation for you. You are much appreciated!","fullyFundedDate":1761835030235,"projectUrl":"project/battle-of-the-books-competition/9345907/","projectTitle":"Battle of the Books Competition!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Aldrich","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2107474_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1497565990675","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ortweinlibrary"},{"teacherId":2107474,"projectId":7390037,"letterContent":"Thank you so very much for helping fund this project for our school library. We used these books as part of our Battle of the Books project. Our students participated in book clubs and also read these books independently throughout the year so that they were able to participate in a comprehension competition called Battle of the Books. Our students not only participated in the competition, but they were part of the final four. This was a huge accomplishment and could have never happened if it were not for the funding and generosity that we received from you and your donation. This project allowed us to have enough books for all of our students to read the books over the course of the year. They loved this competition, but more importantly, they loved reading all of these books. Thank you does not even begin to show our gratitude and appreciation for you. You are much appreciated!","fullyFundedDate":1689081890762,"projectUrl":"project/comprehension-competition-part-1/7390037/","projectTitle":"Comprehension Competition Part 1","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Aldrich","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2107474_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1497565990675","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ortweinlibrary"},{"teacherId":9031029,"projectId":9774894,"letterContent":"Your generous donations have enabled our Innovators to expand their creativity and foster a safe environment for their exploration. Our new supplies and 3D printer have enabled our Innovators to print more designs more efficiently, producing high-volume prints for our school community while also printing project-based and house-themed designs, holiday gifts for their families, and ride prototypes.\r\nOur Innovators have gained experience in safely and confidently managing the machine, while also teaching younger Innovators to do the same. I appreciate your commitment to supporting the next generation of Innovators.","fullyFundedDate":1760666512167,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-young-scholars-through-stem-s/9774894/","projectTitle":"Empowering Young Scholars through STEM Solutions and 3D Innovation","teacherDisplayName":"Mx. Vazquez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9031029_orig.jpg?crop=609,608,x0,y115&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1683590633044","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mx-vazquez"},{"teacherId":6911445,"projectId":9913519,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom. Because of you, my students now have access to high-quality Teacher Pay Teachers resources, individual headphones, and comfortable seating cushions, and the impact has been immediate and meaningful. Your kindness has helped transform our classroom into a more engaging, supportive learning environment.\r\n\r\nThe Teacher Pay Teachers gift cards have allowed me to provide fun, interactive, and differentiated supplemental lessons that truly meet my students where they are. My students absolutely LOVE these activities and are always excited to see what we will be working on next. The headphones have been essential for independent learning, online activities, and focused listening, helping students stay engaged and confident during lessons.\r\n\r\nThe seat cushions have become a daily favorite and are used throughout the school day. They help students stay comfortable, focused, and ready to learn during both whole-group and independent work time. Your generosity has made a lasting difference in our classroom, and my students and I are incredibly grateful for your support. Thank you for believing in our learners and helping them thrive!","fullyFundedDate":1764692160356,"projectUrl":"project/learning-is-fun/9913519/","projectTitle":"Learning Is Fun!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Marcotte","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6911445_orig.png?crop=1544,1545,x0,y226&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723403953129","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsmarcottestem"},{"teacherId":4438799,"projectId":9572127,"letterContent":"Thank you so very much for giving us the opportunity to color our musical world, with your donation of a color printer, paper, laminating sheets, and pencil boxes. With these materials I have been able to create musical centers for my general education students as well as special education boxes for my students that need a little extra help learning the musical concepts at hand. \r\n\r\nStudents are using these items in class to play matching games, identify musical notes and other musical concepts. They are flourishing thanks to you.","fullyFundedDate":1760693826441,"projectUrl":"project/color-my-musical-world/9572127/","projectTitle":"Color My Musical World!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. O'Connell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4438799_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1494452413815","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/oconnell-ortwein"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_122077","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":828,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":14,"percentBlack":11,"percentWhite":24,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":30,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":64.1,"schoolId":122077,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Dennis Ortwein Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Dennis Ortwein Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/nevada/clark-county-school-district/dennis-ortwein-elementary-opening-fall-2018-/122077"}