{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Desert Heights Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":49.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":7782559,"projectId":9989185,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our classroom has transformed into a calm, engaging learning space where students can truly focus and grow. We use the headphones daily during literacy centers so students can access online reading programs and listen to digital texts without distractions. The whiteboards, pens, and writing supplies are now part of our everyday phonics routine — students practice tapping out sounds, mapping words, and writing complete sentences with confidence. The flexible seating options have made a noticeable difference, especially during small-group instruction. Students who need movement are able to sit on yoga ball cushions or relax in the bean bag chair while staying engaged in learning.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, my students were beyond excited. They immediately noticed the calming lights and newly organized learning spaces. Several students said it felt like \"a real reading classroom.\" Watching them carefully choose their flexible seating spots and eagerly grab their whiteboards for phonics practice was such a powerful moment. They felt proud, important, and motivated — and that excitement has carried into their daily effort.\r\n\r\nNext, we are continuing to build stronger reading fluency and writing stamina. Students are working on decoding more complex word patterns and writing complete, detailed sentences independently. The new resources allow me to provide targeted small-group instruction while the rest of the class remains engaged and focused. Because of you, my students are not only growing academically — they are developing confidence as learners, which will support them far beyond first grade. Thank you for investing in their success.","fullyFundedDate":1768234105097,"projectUrl":"project/calm-spaces-and-literacy-tools-for-growi/9989185/","projectTitle":"Calm Spaces and Literacy Tools for Growing First Grade Readers","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Jones","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7782559_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1721712470059","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7782559"},{"teacherId":8261661,"projectId":9989459,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom! Because of you, my students now have wiggle chairs, headphones, markers, bulletin board paper, and pencil pouches that are already making a big difference in our daily learning.\r\n\r\nThe wiggle chairs have helped students stay focused and comfortable during lessons, and the headphones allow them to work independently without distractions. The new markers, bulletin board paper, and pencil pouches have helped us stay organized and excited about our work. Our classroom feels more welcoming, engaging, and ready for learning because of your kindness.\r\n\r\nFrom my students and me, thank you for believing in us and for helping create an environment where all learners can be successful. We are so grateful for your support and generosity!\r\n\r\nWith sincere appreciation,\r\nJessica Erickson\r\nand the Students in Our Classroom","fullyFundedDate":1768099542845,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-supplies/9989459/","projectTitle":"Classroom Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Erickson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8261661_orig.jpg?crop=897,897,x534,y1370&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1641341748917","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8261661"},{"teacherId":9433146,"projectId":10006862,"letterContent":"The kids are loving all of the items that they have gotten. They have used the headphones while doing testing this month. It really helps them focus on what they need to instead of being distracted by other children. The noise canceling headphones have come in handy so many times. They helped one child in particular by letting her self regulate. Noise triggers her so by having these it helps not let her escalate and help her keep calm. \r\n\r\nThe alphabet soup has proven to be a major hit with the kids. The love to be able to open and pull out the items that match the letters. Being able to hold items helps them remember and recognize letters. The snacks \r\nthat we received have been very helpful in having some our kids work for chips. This incentive helps motivate them in working.\r\n\r\nEverything that we have received has been greatly appreciated and continues to help my students grow. Thank you again.","fullyFundedDate":1768212557671,"projectUrl":"project/being-more-independent-in-the-classroom/10006862/","projectTitle":"Being more independent in the classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jenn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9433146_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1705102508353","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9433146"},{"teacherId":7941714,"projectId":9815554,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support of our funded project. Because of your investment, we were able to make a meaningful difference for the families and individuals we serve.\r\nThrough this project, we expanded access to essential resources and created opportunities that directly supported learning and growth at home. Participants received materials and guidance designed to meet their needs, empowering them to build skills, confidence, and routines that extend beyond traditional settings. Families reported increased engagement, stronger connections to learning, and greater confidence in supporting literacy development at home.\r\nYour funding allowed us not only to deliver these resources, but also to strengthen relationships with families and reinforce the importance of consistent, home-based learning. The impact of your support continues to ripple outward as participants apply what they have learned in their daily lives.\r\nWe are deeply grateful for your commitment and belief in this work. Your partnership made this project possible, and your support has created lasting benefits for those we serve.","fullyFundedDate":1763052306443,"projectUrl":"project/literacy-at-home/9815554/","projectTitle":"Literacy at Home","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sachs","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7941714"},{"teacherId":10404502,"projectId":10021762,"letterContent":"My students were so excited when we received the boxes! they kept telling me to open them, once I did, they cheered for everything! they even cheered for the laminating film and tack it bottles! \r\n\r\nThey were very eager to start playing and most importantly learn by play!! Students with speech delays were trying to communicate with their peers and it was amazing to see them understand each other. Our students don't usually play together, but today they actually asked each other to play! \r\n\r\nI am looking forward to the happiness and growth these new tools will bring to my classroom!!","fullyFundedDate":1768623536641,"projectUrl":"project/different-is-beautiful/10021762/","projectTitle":"Different is Beautiful!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Faby","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10404502"},{"teacherId":7941714,"projectId":9398863,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation! My students are so excited about our new supplies! The art supplies from this project will help my students tap in to their creative sides and use their imaginations to expand their thinking and learning! \r\n\r\nWith these supplies, my students will be able to better engage with classroom curriculum, improve their academic skills, and increase their collaboration with their peers. I truly appreciate your support of my classroom and students! Thank you for making this year a success!","fullyFundedDate":1754090315518,"projectUrl":"project/creative-kinders-growing-through-art-an/9398863/","projectTitle":"Creative Kinders: Growing Through Art and Imagination","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sachs","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7941714"},{"teacherId":7782559,"projectId":9767461,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my first graders have become true Reading Buddies and young authors! The new books, blank books, and headphones have completely transformed our literacy time and inspired my students to read, write, and share stories with joy and confidence.\r\n\r\nIn our classroom, reading is active, engaging, and full of excitement. Students practice reading fluently with the new headphones during independent reading time and small groups. They are developing skills like expression, comprehension, and vocabulary as they listen to modeled fluent reading and follow along in their books. During writing time, students use the blank books to create and illustrate their own stories, applying what they've learned from the books they read. These young authors are learning about character, setting, sequence, and story structure in a hands-on way.\r\n\r\nOne of my favorite parts of this project has been watching students beam with pride as they share their stories and choose books for our Take Home Library bags. Because of your support, our classroom has become a place where literacy connects learning and service. My students are not only growing as readers and writers—they are also giving back through a community service project that shares books and joy with families throughout our school.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping my students experience the power of reading and the joy of serving others through books.","fullyFundedDate":1759773779662,"projectUrl":"project/first-grade-reading-buddies-take-home-l/9767461/","projectTitle":"First Grade Reading Buddies: Take Home Library","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Jones","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7782559_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1721712470059","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7782559"},{"teacherId":7782559,"projectId":9521261,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom is now filled with the sound of focused learning! The new headphones have made a tremendous difference in how our students engage with technology. Each child can now work on individualized reading and math programs without distractions, allowing them to truly \"tune in\" to their learning.\r\n\r\nTechnology plays such an important role in our classroom. With these headphones, students can listen to stories, practice phonics, and build their fluency through interactive lessons—all at their own pace. It's amazing to see their faces light up when they log in and hear their favorite learning games and reading passages clearly.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting part for students has been being able to work independently while still feeling connected to the lesson. One student in particular, who often struggles with focus, now stays engaged much longer because he can block out background noise and follow along with confidence.\r\n\r\nThank you for giving our learners the tools they need to succeed. Your kindness and generosity are helping them grow into confident, capable, and excited learners every day!","fullyFundedDate":1761059300716,"projectUrl":"project/helping-young-learners-tune-in-with-head/9521261/","projectTitle":"Helping Young Learners Tune In with Headphones!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Jones","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7782559_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1721712470059","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7782559"},{"teacherId":7941714,"projectId":9323391,"letterContent":"This project has had a profound impact on my students, both in terms of their academic growth and their excitement for learning. One of the most noticeable changes has been the way it has increased their love of learning. When students are genuinely eager to engage with instructional materials, their progress is accelerated, and their confidence begins to grow. The supplies provided through this project have created opportunities for students to work on their foundational reading skills in ways that feel hands-on, meaningful, and fun. Instead of viewing reading instruction as something they \"have\" to do, students are beginning to see it as something they \"get\" to do. This shift in mindset is one of the most powerful outcomes of the project.\r\n\r\nWith these new resources, students are practicing essential early literacy skills that form the building blocks of lifelong reading success. The materials support instruction in phonics, letter formation, and the identification of letter names and sounds. These skills may seem small in isolation, but together they form the foundation for reading fluency and comprehension. When a child can confidently recognize letters, connect them to their sounds, and blend those sounds to for","fullyFundedDate":1748543971650,"projectUrl":"project/readers-today-leaders-tomorrow/9323391/","projectTitle":"Readers Today, Leaders Tomorrow","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sachs","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7941714"},{"teacherId":9347538,"projectId":9326775,"letterContent":"Our classroom has been buzzing with excitement thanks to your generous donations of pencils, crayons, and watercolor paints! The first day the supplies arrived, my students' faces lit up with joy—they could hardly wait to open the boxes and start creating. Several students immediately said, \"Now we can make our art even more colorful!\"\r\n\r\nThe fresh pencils have also been a small but powerful gift—my students now have the tools they need daily to write stories, solve math problems, and practice new skills with confidence. It has made our classroom feel better prepared and cared for.\r\n\r\n Thank you for giving my students the opportunity to learn with joy and creativity. Your support has made a lasting difference in their education and in our classroom community.","fullyFundedDate":1747412012509,"projectUrl":"project/little-leaders-community-project-first/9326775/","projectTitle":"Little Leaders Community Project: First Graders Mentoring Kindergarten Readers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Neumann","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9347538_orig.jpg?crop=878,878,x164,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1698882575589","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9347538"},{"teacherId":7782559,"projectId":9298595,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, Little Readers, Big Impact! Because of your generosity, our 1st graders have been able to become proud reading mentors for their kindergarten buddies—and it has been incredible to watch the learning and confidence bloom on both sides.\r\n\r\nWhen the books and supplies arrived, the excitement was contagious. Our 1st graders were so eager to dive into their new \"mentor\" roles. One student exclaimed, \"I get to be the teacher today!\" From the very first reading session, you could see how empowering it was for them to share their reading skills and model a love for books.\r\n\r\nThe materials you provided allowed each mentoring pair to have their own set of books and reading tools, making the experience personal and meaningful. It's been heartwarming to see the relationships forming—kindergartners look forward to every session, and our 1st graders take their roles seriously, helping with decoding, asking questions, and even celebrating progress.\r\n\r\nNext, our students will be working on creating a \"Reading Buddy Journal\" to reflect on their experiences and capture their favorite moments. We'll also host a Reading Buddy Celebration Day, where each pair will share a favorite book with families and staff.\r\n\r\nThis project has truly made a lasting impact—helping students grow as readers, leaders, and friends. Thank you for making this possible!","fullyFundedDate":1746473207038,"projectUrl":"project/little-readers-big-impact-1st-graders/9298595/","projectTitle":"Little Readers, Big Impact: 1st Graders Mentoring Kindergarten Buddies","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Jones","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7782559_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1721712470059","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7782559"},{"teacherId":7941714,"projectId":8927904,"letterContent":"I want to extend a heartfelt thank you for your generosity in supporting my classroom! The books and small group manipulatives you provided have already made a tremendous impact on my students' learning.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the new books and manipulatives, their eyes lit up with excitement! They immediately began exploring the materials, flipping through books, and eagerly asking when they could start using them in our lessons. It was such a joy to see their enthusiasm for learning grow in that moment.\r\n\r\nOne of our first projects using the new resources has been in our small group reading and math centers. The books have helped build fluency and comprehension skills, while the hands-on manipulatives have made math concepts more tangible and engaging for my students. In one memorable lesson, a group of students worked together using counting cubes to model addition problems, excitedly explaining their thinking to each other. Seeing them collaborate and take ownership of their learning was truly inspiring. Thank you again for your kindness and generosity—your support has brought so much joy and learning into our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1733276732433,"projectUrl":"project/inspiring-creativity-and-learning-in-our/8927904/","projectTitle":"Inspiring Creativity and Learning in Our Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sachs","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7941714"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_61221","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":474,"numTeachers":32,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":3,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":29,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":49,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"14.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":50.5,"schoolId":61221,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Desert Heights Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Desert Heights Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/nevada/washoe-county-school-district/desert-heights-elementary-school/61221"}