{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Desert Heights Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":50.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":7941714,"projectId":10288949,"letterContent":"My students are bright, curious, and full of energy. They learn best when they have opportunities to explore, create, build, and work together. With these materials, my students will have more opportunities to develop important academic and social-emotional skills through hands-on learning.\r\n\r\nThe STEM building kit will allow students to design, build, test, and problem-solve their own creations. As they work together, they will practice critical thinking, communication, perseverance, and early engineering skills.\r\n\r\nThe keychain craft kits will encourage students to express their creativity while developing fine-motor skills that are essential for kindergarten writing and classroom tasks. Sidewalk chalk and sand buckets will extend learning beyond the classroom and give students opportunities to explore, create, and practice skills through hands-on outdoor play.\r\n\r\nItems such as LED finger lights and squishy pens will be used as positive behavior incentives. These small rewards will help encourage students to make positive choices, stay focused, follow classroom expectations, and celebrate their accomplishments.\r\n\r\nEven our everyday supplies, including erasers and nameplates, will help students become more independent and keep our classroom organized and ready for learning.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, these materials will help create a classroom where students feel excited to participate, confident in their abilities, and proud of their learning. Your support will make a meaningful difference by giving my kindergarteners the tools and experiences they need to learn, grow, and discover what they can accomplish.","fullyFundedDate":1779232840062,"projectUrl":"project/creativity-in-kindergarten/10288949/","projectTitle":"Creativity in Kindergarten","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sachs","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7941714"},{"teacherId":7941714,"projectId":10193613,"letterContent":"My students are bright, curious, and full of energy. They learn best when they have opportunities to explore, create, build, and work together. With these materials, my students will have more opportunities to develop important academic and social-emotional skills through hands-on learning.\r\n\r\nThe STEM building kit will allow students to design, build, test, and problem-solve their own creations. As they work together, they will practice critical thinking, communication, perseverance, and early engineering skills.\r\n\r\nThe keychain craft kits will encourage students to express their creativity while developing fine-motor skills that are essential for kindergarten writing and classroom tasks. Sidewalk chalk and sand buckets will extend learning beyond the classroom and give students opportunities to explore, create, and practice skills through hands-on outdoor play.\r\n\r\nItems such as LED finger lights and squishy pens will be used as positive behavior incentives. These small rewards will help encourage students to make positive choices, stay focused, follow classroom expectations, and celebrate their accomplishments.\r\n\r\nEven our everyday supplies, including erasers and nameplates, will help students become more independent and keep our classroom organized and ready for learning.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, these materials will help create a classroom where students feel excited to participate, confident in their abilities, and proud of their learning. Your support will make a meaningful difference by giving my kindergarteners the tools and experiences they need to learn, grow, and discover what they can accomplish.","fullyFundedDate":1779109015049,"projectUrl":"project/great-leaders-are-readers/10193613/","projectTitle":"Great Leaders are Readers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sachs","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7941714"},{"teacherId":8261661,"projectId":10093058,"letterContent":"Dear Donors Choose Supporters,\r\n\r\nThank you so much for your generous support of our classroom project! Because of you, my students had an incredible opportunity to build and decorate their very own birdhouses and use binoculars to explore the birds in our neighborhood.\r\n\r\nThis experience brought learning to life in such a meaningful way. My students loved designing and decorating their birdhouses, and they were so proud to see their creations come together. Using the binoculars gave them the chance to slow down, observe, and discover the birds living right around us.\r\n\r\nWhat made this project especially wonderful was the excitement and curiosity it inspired. Students were asking questions, sharing what they noticed, and learning to appreciate the nature in their own community. They were able to practice creativity, teamwork, observation, and scientific thinking—all while having fun!\r\n\r\nYour generosity made this experience possible, and I am truly grateful. Thank you for helping my students create wonderful memories while learning about the world just outside our classroom.\r\n\r\nWith sincere appreciation,\r\n\r\nJessica Erickson\r\nDesert Heights 1st Grade","fullyFundedDate":1772651479366,"projectUrl":"project/enjoying-and-learning-about-birds/10093058/","projectTitle":"Enjoying and Learning About Birds","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":10398609,"projectId":10094966,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation and support of our classroom project. Because of your kindness, my students received bird houses, paint, cups, bird seed, binoculars, and many other materials that made our learning experience meaningful and memorable.\r\n\r\nWith these supplies, students had the opportunity to create and decorate bird houses that can be used to help birds in the real world. They loved being able to use their creativity while learning how humans can make a positive impact on animals and their environments. Your support also helped make our field trip to a local park possible, where students were able to observe birds and other wildlife in their natural habitats.\r\n\r\nThis experience allowed students to become young scientists as they explored nature firsthand. They learned about different animals, their habitats, and the importance of caring for and protecting our environment. Through these hands-on experiences, students gained a deeper understanding of why keeping our outdoors clean and safe matters and how even small actions can help protect our world.\r\n\r\nThank you for giving my students an opportunity to learn in such an engaging and meaningful way. Your generosity created experiences they will remember for years to come and inspired them to care for nature and the world around them.","fullyFundedDate":1771630555214,"projectUrl":"project/birdhouses-and-big-hearts-students-ser/10094966/","projectTitle":"Birdhouses and Big Hearts: Students Serving our Environment","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lawrence","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10398609"},{"teacherId":10423671,"projectId":10072137,"letterContent":"Because of you... my classroom has been full of smiles, laughter, and so much growth.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, my students immediately lit up. Little hands were reaching, eyes were wide, and the question I kept hearing was, \"Can we try it?!\" What could have felt like hard work instantly became something exciting and inviting.\r\n\r\nOne moment that really stood out was during a small group session where we paired our new materials with a simple game and snack routine. A student who typically avoids fine motor tasks stayed engaged the entire time—tracing shapes, manipulating materials, and even asking for another turn. That moment might seem small, but it was huge progress toward their goals.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, students are building essential skills like hand strength, coordination, and early writing in ways that feel natural and fun. They don't see it as therapy—they see it as play, connection, and success.\r\n\r\nNext, we're continuing to build on this momentum by increasing independence during activities. We'll be working on skills like copying shapes, forming letters, and completing multi-step tasks—all while keeping the same playful, motivating environment you helped create. These materials are allowing me to meet students where they are and gently challenge them to grow.\r\n\r\nYour support has truly changed the energy in our sessions. Students are more confident, more willing to try, and more proud of what they can do.\r\n\r\nThank you for being part of their journey. 💛","fullyFundedDate":1770381190870,"projectUrl":"project/play-based-occupational-therapy-in-actio/10072137/","projectTitle":"Play-Based Occupational Therapy in Action","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hunter","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10423671_orig.png?crop=766,766,x192,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1770065382737","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kaetheot"},{"teacherId":9348145,"projectId":10012413,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom. Because of your kindness, our students have access to tools that truly make a meaningful difference in their daily learning and overall well-being.\r\n\r\nThe beanbags have quickly become a favorite in our classroom. They provide a comfortable and calming place for students to sit, helping them feel more relaxed and ready to learn. Flexible seating options like these support students in staying focused and regulated throughout the day. Whether used during reading time, small group instruction, or sensory breaks, the beanbags also offer a safe, quiet space for students who need a moment to reset. They have helped us create a warm, welcoming environment where students feel supported and at ease.\r\n\r\nThe number stickers have made our daily routines smoother and more successful. By giving each student a clearly assigned spot in line, transitions have become more organized and less stressful. These visual supports are especially helpful for students who benefit from structure and predictability, including many of our students with autism. In addition, the stickers provide opportunities to practice number recognition while following directions. This simple tool has increased independence, reduced confusion, and improved the overall flow of our day.\r\n\r\nThe adhesive mirror has been an incredibly valuable addition to our classroom. It supports both communication and social-emotional development by allowing students to observe and identify their own facial expressions. Students use the mirror to practice speech sounds, mouth movements, and build communication skills. It is also incorporated into daily routines to promote independence, self-awareness, and self-care. This tool provides meaningful opportunities for growth in both social and functional skills.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has had a direct and lasting impact on our students. Because of you, our classroom is a more supportive, structured, and nurturing place for every child. We are truly grateful for your support.\r\nWith sincere appreciation,
Robert Buhler","fullyFundedDate":1768402636866,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-supportive-classroom-for-autisti/10012413/","projectTitle":"Sensory-Supportive Classroom for Autistic Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Buhler","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9348145_orig.jpg?crop=1202,1202,x0,y44&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768170654413","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9348145"},{"teacherId":8228497,"projectId":10031689,"letterContent":"In a special education classroom, hands on learning materials are the foundation of learning activities to incorporate a multi sensory approach to skill practice and acquisition, as well as to increase participation and engagement with learning. Color cues, fun shapes, and visual supports are necessary for students to learn critical foundational skills and apply them in a novel manner. \r\n\r\nThe materials provided through this project have provided opportunities for my students to engage in a variety of fun activities for Social and Emotional Learning, Math, ELA, and self-help skills. The students love the number rockets and letter dinosaurs, and engage with the hands on SEL materials daily. The environmental items, like the divider and mirror, have facilitated appropriate task attention and self care tasks. The materials provided through this project are used regularly, and are appreciate by all students.","fullyFundedDate":1768700049700,"projectUrl":"project/self-management-in-life-skills/10031689/","projectTitle":"Self- Management in Life Skills","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Archer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8228497"},{"teacherId":9349917,"projectId":10022198,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity and for supporting our students. Your donation has made a meaningful difference in our classroom, and we are so grateful.\r\n\r\nWe have been using the materials every day during our speech-language sessions, and they have completely transformed student engagement. One of my favorite moments was during a small group activity using the magnetic scenes and positional word figures. Students were excitedly placing animals \"under,\" \"next to,\" and \"behind\" different objects while practicing giving and following directions. What stood out most was how naturally they began talking with one another—asking questions, describing what they were doing, and even helping each other. It truly turned learning into a fun, interactive experience.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the materials, their faces lit up with excitement. They couldn't wait to explore everything and immediately began communicating—many of them initiating conversations without prompts. For students who sometimes feel hesitant to speak, this was a huge moment. The hands-on nature of these resources made them feel confident, capable, and eager to participate.\r\n\r\nAs we move forward, we are using these materials to build even stronger communication skills. Students are beginning to create their own simple stories using the magnetic scenes and dress-up dolls, which helps them practice vocabulary, sentence structure, and creativity. With the projector, we are also able to model and share these stories as a group, encouraging discussion and deeper language use. Our goal is to continue supporting students in becoming more independent and confident communicators in real-life situations.\r\n\r\nThank you again for investing in our students and helping make learning meaningful, engaging, and fun. Your kindness is truly appreciated!","fullyFundedDate":1768689811852,"projectUrl":"project/where-language-grows-through-play-and-se/10022198/","projectTitle":"Where Language Grows Through Play and Sensory Support","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jenna","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9349917"},{"teacherId":10403732,"projectId":10017916,"letterContent":"My students with autism have benefitted most from the divided workspaces and specific expectation supports at each center. The dividers are also being used to help students focus on the task and not be distracted by other students in the classroom. They have been able to better complete tasks and learning by using the dividers. They are also able to utilize the stools for flexible seating and are more comfortable when they are able to choose the stool/chair/pillow they want to sit in. It allows them to better focus on the task. \r\n\r\nMy students are working on independent skills and social skills with their peers as well. The carpet markers help them better understand where they are supposed to stand/sit and wait. It helps them learn spacial awareness, waiting expectations, and gives them more independence when they know where they are supposed to go. \r\n\r\nTh clay and play dough tools help all of them with fine motor tasks and independence because they are able to engage in the activity for a longer period of time. \r\nThey also need access to sensory supports throughout the day.\r\n\r\nThe velcro dots have allowed me to create additional visual supports throughout the classroom for independence and content understanding.","fullyFundedDate":1768691410048,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-organization/10017916/","projectTitle":"Classroom Organization","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Brock","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10403732"},{"teacherId":10403641,"projectId":10017583,"letterContent":"Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all of our generous donors for supporting my students and believing in their potential. Your kindness helps create a calm, safe, and nurturing classroom where students with sensory needs can grow in confidence, self-regulation, and learning every day.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials arrived, one of my students excitedly said, \"It's Christmas once again!\"—a moment that truly captured the joy and impact of your generosity.\r\n\r\nI am also deeply grateful to the State of Nevada, which is proud to champion Nevada's educators through Senate Bill 90, sponsored by Senator Marilyn Dondero Loop and supported by the Legislature, Governor Joe Lombardo, and State Superintendent Victor Wakefield. This investment reflects a true appreciation for educators and a strong commitment to Nevada's children.\r\n\r\nIt is an honor to receive this support as I continue giving my best to my students each day.","fullyFundedDate":1768678357109,"projectUrl":"project/confident-learners/10017583/","projectTitle":"Confident Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lawrence","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10403641_orig.png?crop=139,139,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768970200519","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10403641"},{"teacherId":9347534,"projectId":9990918,"letterContent":"Our classroom has been making wonderful use of the new resources, especially during our social skills lessons. My students with autism have been actively working on identifying emotions using picture cards and practicing inferencing by answering questions about what others might be thinking or feeling. These activities have led to some really meaningful moments. Students are beginning to recognize emotions not only in the materials but also in each other. In addition, some of my students have greatly benefited from the vibrating pillow, which has become a helpful tool for self-regulation and staying calm and focused during sessions.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, my students were incredibly excited. They were eager to explore everything and immediately asked to try each new item. The wobbly chairs quickly became a favorite, helping students stay engaged and focused during speech activities. They even take turns using them, which has been a great opportunity to practice patience and sharing. It was truly heartwarming to see their enthusiasm and appreciation for the new tools that support their learning.\r\n\r\nAs we move forward, we will continue building on these skills by working on sequencing, emotional regulation, and answering questions with greater independence. Students will also keep practicing their individual speech and language goals using these engaging materials. These resources have already made such a positive impact, and we are excited to keep growing and learning with them in our daily lessons.","fullyFundedDate":1768159801332,"projectUrl":"project/confident-communication/9990918/","projectTitle":"Confident Communication","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Paola","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9347534_orig.jpg?crop=320,320,x0,y40&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757292737970","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9347534"},{"teacherId":10398609,"projectId":9989549,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom has transformed into a more flexible, engaging, and supportive learning environment for my students. The new materials are being used every single day to help students build independence and stay focused during both whole-group and small-group instruction. For example, during our literacy centers, students are now able to rotate through activities more smoothly using the organized materials and flexible seating options. One special moment that stood out was seeing a student who typically struggles to stay on task become fully engaged while using the new setup—he proudly completed his work and even asked for more!\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the new resources, their excitement was immediate and contagious. They were eager to explore, and many expressed how \"comfortable\" and \"fun\" the classroom felt. This sense of ownership has already made a positive impact on their confidence and willingness to learn.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we will continue using these materials to strengthen our literacy skills, especially as we work on reading comprehension, writing, and collaborative learning. The next steps include expanding our small-group instruction and giving students more opportunities to take charge of their learning through independent and partner activities.\r\n\r\nYour support has truly made a difference—not just in how our classroom looks, but in how my students feel and learn every day. Thank you for being part of our journey!","fullyFundedDate":1768155822872,"projectUrl":"project/flexible-seats-focused-minds/9989549/","projectTitle":"Flexible Seats, Focused Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lawrence","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10398609"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_61221","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":451,"numTeachers":32,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":2,"percentBlack":3,"percentWhite":27,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":51,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":8,"percentMultiracialImputed":6,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"14.1:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":50.0,"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"}