{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Desert Heights Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":49.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9347538,"projectId":9989562,"letterContent":"Our classroom has been transformed into a hive of activity and comfort, and it is all thanks to your incredible generosity. When the boxes first arrived, the excitement was palpable. My students were especially thrilled by the vibrant \"candy-colored\" floor pillows; they immediately began claiming their favorite colors and creating cozy nooks for our daily independent reading time. Seeing them rush to the reading corner, pillows in hand, has been a highlight of our week. It has turned a once-stark corner of the room into a sought-after sanctuary where students can truly lose themselves in a book.\r\n\r\nWe have already put the STEM kits to good use. Recently, a group of students used the Bridge Builders and Marble Runners to explore physics and engineering. Meanwhile, the FingerFocus highlighters have become a game-changer for my emerging readers—the \"magic\" of the colorful wands makes tracking text feel like a fun activity rather than a chore. The new storage bins and clipboard holders have also helped us create a much more organized, professional-feeling environment where every student knows exactly where to find the tools they need to succeed.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we are moving into a major unit on community service and local ecology. We'll be using the laminating pouches and heavy-duty tape to create durable, weather-resistant educational signs for our school campus as part of our project to protect local bird populations. The bubble wands are waiting in the wings as a special celebration for when we finally install our nesting spaces! These resources have not only provided immediate joy but have built the foundation for an organized and inspiring home stretch of the school year. Thank you for believing in my students.","fullyFundedDate":1768183046079,"projectUrl":"project/creating-an-engaging-and-organized-class/9989562/","projectTitle":"Creating an Engaging and Organized Classroom","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":10075573,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, my students were able to bring their vision of protecting local bird populations to life in a meaningful and hands-on way. When the materials first arrived, students were immediately excited—especially the birdhouse kits and binoculars. They eagerly gathered around, asking questions and making plans for how they would design and build safe, welcoming spaces for birds on our campus. One of the most memorable moments was watching students carefully paint and assemble their birdhouses while discussing where birds might feel safest. They took true ownership of the project, treating it not just as an activity, but as a responsibility to care for living things in our shared environment.\r\n\r\nSince receiving these resources, students have been actively working in teams to build, decorate, and prepare birdhouses for installation around the school. They have also begun using the binoculars and clipboards to observe bird activity, recording what they see and discussing patterns in where birds visit. This has turned into an ongoing, student-led inquiry project where they are learning to be patient observers, thoughtful caretakers, and problem-solvers. The addition of bird seed has allowed them to continue supporting local wildlife beyond the initial build, reinforcing the importance of long-term care and stewardship.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, students are excited to expand this work by monitoring the birdhouses over time and sharing their findings with other classes. They are planning to create presentations and displays to raise awareness about protecting animals and caring for shared outdoor spaces within our school community. Thanks to your support, this project has become more than a lesson—it is an authentic experience that has empowered students to see themselves as leaders who can make a positive impact on the world around them.","fullyFundedDate":1770405509339,"projectUrl":"project/student-led-community-service-protectin/10075573/","projectTitle":"Student-Led Community Service: Protecting Local Birds and Building Habitats","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":9987321,"letterContent":"We are already using the new resources to create a welcoming and engaging classroom where students feel proud and excited to learn. Recently, students worked on \"All About Me\" canvases using the crayons, markers, watercolor sets, and washi tape, which helped them build fine motor skills, express their creativity, and share their personalities with the class. When they first saw the materials, their faces lit up—students eagerly explored the art supplies, listened to read-alouds from books like Chicka Chicka Boom Boom and Oh, The Places You'll Go!, and were excited to use the headphones and classroom organizers to focus and keep their space neat. Next, we will continue using these materials to integrate art with literacy and math lessons, display student work on bulletin boards, and encourage independent learning and reflection. These resources are helping students build confidence, creativity, literacy, and a love of learning every day.","fullyFundedDate":1768000255988,"projectUrl":"project/fueling-bright-minds-help-us-build-the/9987321/","projectTitle":"“Fueling Bright Minds: Help Us Build the Classroom They Deserve”","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sachs","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7941714"},{"teacherId":9484581,"projectId":9997055,"letterContent":"The students are so excited to be able to use the materials from this project when they need to regulate their emotions. They seek out these new resources and it has helped them calm themselves down. For example, one student comes in when his emotions take over and uses the Lincoln Logs to calm his brain and body. It is so nice to see student learning how to regulate their emotions.\r\n\r\nI have also used the soccer balls and goals for the younger grades to work on teamwork and good sportsmanship and it has been going well. Having proper equipment has help with following the rules of the game and being kind to each other. \r\n\r\nThank you so much for your donation. We couldn't do it without you.","fullyFundedDate":1768516505544,"projectUrl":"project/learning-to-manage-emotions-and-be-a-goo/9997055/","projectTitle":"Learning to Manage Emotions and Be a Good Sport","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Veil","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9484581_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1721446166936","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9484581"},{"teacherId":8231122,"projectId":9999638,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your donation! I used it to buy many basic classroom supplies for daily use. The colored file folders were utilized to create individual student schedules. The different colored file folders allowed me to use a different color for each day of the week, creating an organized environment within the classroom. \r\n\r\nI used the velcro strips and velcro dots to create things like token boards, matching books for individual students, and first/then boards. The lamination pages also were used so I could laminate these materials for long-term use.","fullyFundedDate":1768185894444,"projectUrl":"project/supplies-for-spectacular-students/9999638/","projectTitle":"Supplies for Spectacular Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Paulson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8231122_orig.jpg?crop=731,731,x0,y19&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1659426930268","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8231122"},{"teacherId":10404502,"projectId":10048886,"letterContent":"On behalf of my students and myself, I would like to take time and thank all of you who donated to my project! My whole class was so excited to see that we received more games to help them learn but most importantly have fun. So far with these new toys, they are learning how to follow sequencing from pictures, how to count, more or less and how to wait and take turns. \r\n\r\nLearning how to share has also become part of our daily goals with these new games as well as playing with each other. It has been awesome seeing our kids use their words and voice what they want, asking each other if they can join or asking another student if they would like to play with them\r\n\r\nThank you so much! You truly make a difference in our students lives!","fullyFundedDate":1771031406278,"projectUrl":"project/learn-by-play/10048886/","projectTitle":"Learn by Play!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Faby","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10404502"},{"teacherId":7987062,"projectId":9991849,"letterContent":"This donors choose project has had an immediate and meaningful impact on my classroom by improving both student engagement and daily efficiency. On of the most valuable additions has been the chart paper, which I use create interactive anchor charts with student input. Instead of static visuals, students now actively contribute their thinking, making the charts more meaningful and easier to reference during lessons. This has strengthened their understanding and ownership of the material, especially during whole group and small group instruction. \r\n\r\nThe addition of Velcro bar stools for my Scout area has also transformed the way students collaborate and engage in special seating. Students are excited to use this space, and it has become a productive area for discussion, partner work, and focused learning. Along with this, students are able to see the whole classroom sitting in seats where they are able to point out students who follow expectations. \r\n\r\nFinally, the large classroom clock has been a simple but powerful tool. Students can now independently manage their time without constantly asking, \"what time is it?\". This has increased their independence and helped transitions run more smoothly (especially when I forget them.). Overall, these resources have created a more organized, engaging, and student-centered learning environment where both students and I can focus more fully on learning.","fullyFundedDate":1768153163929,"projectUrl":"project/we-got-ears-say-cheers/9991849/","projectTitle":"We Got Ears Say Cheers","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Krysten Hoffman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7987062_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1699232648335","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7987062"},{"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"}],"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"}