{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Bernice Mathews Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":52.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9347626,"projectId":10044853,"letterContent":"My 2nd grade class is enjoying our new phonics resources very much! We are so thrilled to have these materials enhance our phonics instruction. The phonics folders with the spelling patterns have really helped my students encode words and use what they have learned from our phonics instruction during their independent writing. We just recently had to write an opinion paper, and having those folders with the vowel teams, r-controlled vowels, and other spelling patterns have truly helped with their spelling and giving them the tools to independently sound out and correctly spell words. \r\n\r\nWhen my students saw the packages with new materials they were so excited to open them and dig right in. They were so happy to have their very own phonics materials and special journals for their writing and special words list. These materials really gave my students a sense of ownership in their learning. They became independent with using these resources, such as pulling out their word journal if they needed help spelling a word that was already in their journal.\r\n\r\nMy students will continue using these materials for the remainder of the year. They will continue adding to their word journal, using the dry erase boards for any decoding and encoding in our upcoming phonics lessons, as well as using the phonics folders for helping them with letter sounds and building. \r\n\r\nThank you again for your generosity and for helping my students grow!","fullyFundedDate":1769106785531,"projectUrl":"project/building-phonics-adventures/10044853/","projectTitle":"Building Phonics Adventures","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Brum","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9347626"},{"teacherId":10404757,"projectId":10023486,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom has been transformed in ways that truly impact daily learning. With the addition of Clorox sprays, organization bins, and LEGO sets, we've been able to create a cleaner, more structured, and more engaging learning environment. We use the Clorox sprays regularly to keep our shared spaces and materials sanitized, helping students feel safe and ready to learn. The organization bins have made a huge difference in keeping supplies accessible and easy to manage, while the LEGOs have become a favorite during hands-on lessons and collaborative problem-solving activities. One memorable moment came during a recent lesson where students used the LEGOs to design and build solutions to a challenge—there was so much excitement as they worked together, tested ideas, and celebrated their creations.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, the students' reactions were priceless. They were especially thrilled about the LEGOs and immediately began imagining what they could build. At the same time, they noticed how organized and fresh our classroom felt with the new bins and cleaning supplies. That sense of pride and excitement helped set a positive tone, and students have taken more responsibility for keeping our classroom clean and organized.\r\n\r\nAs we move forward, these resources will continue to support our current projects and daily routines. Students will use the LEGOs for more advanced, student-led STEM challenges, while the organization bins will help them independently access and return materials. The Clorox sprays will remain an important part of maintaining a healthy classroom environment. Your support has not only provided essential tools but has also helped create a space where students can learn, collaborate, and thrive. Thank you for being such an important part of our journey.","fullyFundedDate":1768706547995,"projectUrl":"project/helping-our-classroom-stay-organized-in/10023486/","projectTitle":"Helping Our Classroom Stay Organized, Inspired, and Ready to Learn","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cencer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10404757"},{"teacherId":8106906,"projectId":10031121,"letterContent":"Thank you for helping me to procure much needed items for my students. Nevadan teachers do not make enough salary to afford the many needed items for the teaching of their students. The $500 was a help to offset the $3,000-$5,000 I annually spend myself. \r\n When my students and I opened the boxes and took out the items - it was Christmas. So exciting for them!\r\n Smiling, my students write in their journals with their fancy pens and adventure away with their activities. It has been good for them.","fullyFundedDate":1768696960857,"projectUrl":"project/stem-adventures/10031121/","projectTitle":"STEM Adventures","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Annie Ricks","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8106906_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1690589715582","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8106906"},{"teacherId":9352708,"projectId":9993589,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our classroom has been filled with excitement, comfort, and joy. Your support made it possible for my students to have access to flexible seating that truly makes learning fun and relaxing —and I cannot thank you enough.\r\n\r\nFrom the moment the supplies arrived, my students' faces lit up. They were eager to sit and learn in ways that simply wouldn't have been possible without you. One of the biggest highlights has been our new flexible seating options, especially the extra large bean bag chair. My students absolutely love it! \r\nHaving the choice to sit comfortably has helped them stay focused, relaxed, and ready to learn.","fullyFundedDate":1768767594424,"projectUrl":"project/flexible-seating-for-focused-minds/9993589/","projectTitle":"Flexible Seating for Focused Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Simons","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9352708_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1699117306188","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9352708"},{"teacherId":10328248,"projectId":10034955,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom! Because of you, my students are using these new resources every day in meaningful ways. During circle time, we use the materials for our \"Feelings Check-In,\" helping students express their emotions and build communication skills. The binders are now used to organize morning work, IEP goal worksheets, and work samples, making our daily routines more structured and effective. I also used the laminating film and Velcro to create durable, hands-on learning materials that students can use again and again.\r\nWhen the students first saw the materials, they were so excited and full of joy! They especially loved the ceiling cover, which helped create a calm and welcoming classroom environment. The sensory toys and trampoline quickly became favorites, giving students a safe way to calm down when they feel overwhelmed or frustrated. Even the popcorn treats brought so much joy and helped build a positive classroom community.\r\nMoving forward, these resources will continue to support both academic and social-emotional growth. Students will use them to build independence during morning routines, practice their skills through interactive activities, and develop better self-regulation strategies. Your generosity has truly made a lasting impact by creating a supportive, engaging, and nurturing space where my students can thrive. Thank you for being such an important part of our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1768768770866,"projectUrl":"project/tools-for-growth-sensory-motor-and-em/10034955/","projectTitle":"Tools for Growth: Sensory, Motor, and Emotional Support","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Nedic","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10328248_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768699401474","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10328248"},{"teacherId":10164151,"projectId":10017096,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our students are actively using these new resources every single day, and the impact has been immediate. We've been using them during small-group instruction and independent practice, especially to support reading comprehension and math skill building. One standout moment was during a recent intervention block when a student who typically struggles stayed fully engaged, confidently using the materials to work through a problem on their own—and proudly explaining their thinking to a peer. Moments like that are happening more often now.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the new materials, their excitement was contagious. They immediately wanted to explore everything—flipping through pages, asking questions, and jumping right in. Several students even commented on how the resources made learning feel \"easier\" and \"more fun,\" which is exactly what we hope for. Feeling excited and supported makes a huge difference in their willingness to try, even when the work is challenging.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, our next steps are focused on building consistency and confidence. Students are currently using these resources to strengthen skills tied to our ongoing classroom lessons and I-Ready goals. We'll continue incorporating them into targeted instruction, goal-setting, and progress monitoring so students can clearly see their growth over time. Your contribution didn't just provide materials—it created new opportunities for engagement, confidence, and success, and we are so grateful for the role you've played in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1768930025194,"projectUrl":"project/bm-resource-room/10017096/","projectTitle":"BM resource room","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tielynn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10164151"},{"teacherId":9348946,"projectId":9125611,"letterContent":"I am happy to share the impact the new classroom carpet is having on the students! This colorful rug has transformed our learning environment into a space where creativity and collaboration grow. With ample room to spread out, the students now have a dedicated area for building, and working together on projects. It's great for social interaction, they can build together, enjoy group story times, and even have dance parties! The soft surface also provides a comfortable space away from the harder classroom floor, offering a relaxing and cozy spot for children.\r\n\r\nThe excitement when the children first saw the new carpet was amazing. They loved the bright colors, and had conversations about their favorite colors, even deciding which part of the \"rainbow\" they wanted to sit on. This excitement has continued, and I'm seeing the students naturally gravitate towards this inviting area. Looking ahead, our next steps involve introducing a variety of flexible seating options, such as stools, pillows, bean bags, carpet squares, and wiggly seats. This will allow the children to continue enjoying this space in ways that are developmentally appropriate and supportive of their individual needs, ensuring they can learn, play, and grow comfortably.","fullyFundedDate":1742919848751,"projectUrl":"project/where-the-colors-play/9125611/","projectTitle":"Where the Colors Play","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Fortuna","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9348946_orig.jpg?crop=526,526,x0,y31&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1706164214197","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9348946"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_66406","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":398,"numTeachers":39,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":5,"percentBlack":6,"percentWhite":10,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":68,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"10.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":47.9,"schoolId":66406,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Bernice Mathews Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Bernice Mathews Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/nevada/washoe-county-school-district/bernice-mathews-elementary-school/66406"}
Join the 94 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Bernice Mathews Elementary School is
an urban public school
in Reno, Nevada that is part of Washoe County School District.
It serves 398 students
in grades Pre-K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 10.2:1.
Its teachers have had 71 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
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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
79%
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.
Bernice Mathews Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated May 1, 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.
Bernice Mathews Elementary School
$48,620
raised using DonorsChoose
71
projects
funded
48
teachers
funded
94
donors
4
projects
for
basic supplies
11
projects for
technology
12
projects for
books
3
projects
for
art supplies
Bernice Mathews Elementary School has received support from
45 individuals from Nevada and
49 individuals out-of-state.