{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Pleasant Valley Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":13.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10400475,"projectId":10001570,"letterContent":"Thank you for your contribution to the project: Vertical Spaces in 5th! The addition of vertical whiteboards in our classroom has had a powerful impact on students' daily learning experiences. From the moment they walk in, there is a noticeable excitement as they see the boards ready for use. This enthusiasm carries throughout the day, as students eagerly engage with lessons in a more active and hands-on way. The boards have transformed the classroom into a space where learning feels dynamic, visible, and shared.\r\n\r\nStudents have taken great pride in using the whiteboards responsibly, understanding that they are valuable tools that support their growth. They work thoughtfully, ensuring the boards are used appropriately and cared for, which has strengthened their sense of ownership and accountability. More importantly, the vertical space encourages collaboration—students gather to solve problems, explain their thinking, and learn from one another. Whether working through math problems, brainstorming ideas in writing, or exploring concepts in science, they are consistently communicating and building understanding together.\r\n\r\nAcross all subject areas, these whiteboards have become an essential part of our learning environment. They promote movement, discussion, and deeper engagement, allowing students to express their ideas more freely and confidently. The ability to see and respond to each other's thinking in real time has enriched classroom conversations and strengthened critical thinking skills. Thank you for helping create a space where students are excited to learn, collaborate meaningfully, and grow every day.","fullyFundedDate":1768172663025,"projectUrl":"project/vertical-spaces-in-5th/10001570/","projectTitle":"Vertical Spaces in 5th!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Tesoro","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10400475"},{"teacherId":7677822,"projectId":9687955,"letterContent":"When I began my teaching journey, I had graduated from Stanford University with my BA in Sociology and then followed up with my Master's in Elementary Education from University of Nevada, Reno. I returned to the District where I began my education journey as a student to give back as an educator. My goal was to create the same love of learning in all the students I would teach.\r\n\r\nAfter 20 years in the profession, teaching at 4 different schools and 3 different grades, and successfully raising our own 3 children to be graduates of the Washoe County School District, I knew it was time to further my knowledge again. Pursuing my National Board Certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards was the next logical progression. I began this journey in August and will submit my written components by May 16 and take my comprehensive exam on June 15. I will share my final results when I receive them in December!\r\n\r\nAs a teacher, this is the most challenging project I have ever taken on. I have worked tirelessly creating, improving and reflecting on my practices as an educator. It is a true honor to have been given this opportunity to learn more and become even better for my current and future students. Thank you so very much for your generous donation and your support to pursue excellence in my practice. I am forever grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1766786329330,"projectUrl":"project/becoming-the-best-teacher-i-can-be/9687955/","projectTitle":"Becoming the Best Teacher I Can Be!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Demosthenes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7677822_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1607454164464","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/gaelendemosthenes"},{"teacherId":7677822,"projectId":9999333,"letterContent":"We are so grateful for your generosity. We will be studying Pioneers in our final quarter of 4th grade this year. With your donations, you have allowed the knowledge to come to life for our 63 students.\r\n\r\nEach student will create their own wagon and clothespin pioneer doll with the materials we purchased with your donation. They learn all about why people came to Nevada in the 1800's and what it took to get here. Then, they apply that knowledge to their personal creations.\r\n\r\nWe culminate this activity by creating a Pioneer Museum that other classrooms visit throughout the day and that parents visit at the end of the day. The students love to show off all they learned and teach about the Pioneers as they share their creations.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your help in making this project a reality for our students.","fullyFundedDate":1768524172101,"projectUrl":"project/experiencing-pioneer-life-through-creati/9999333/","projectTitle":"Experiencing Pioneer Life Through Creating Clothespin Dolls and Pioneer Wagons","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Demosthenes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7677822_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1607454164464","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/gaelendemosthenes"},{"teacherId":8111263,"projectId":9999346,"letterContent":"Thank you so very much for your generous donation. These new nonfiction books were just what our classroom library needed! I am so happy to watch my eager third grade readers have so many new options to engage and challenge them.\r\n\r\nThe first day I opened the books was so exciting...we had so many new titles that every child was able to select their first choice of books to begin. As time has gone by, they've been able to find more and more great books. They have told me so many times that they love our new books!\r\n\r\nThank you again!","fullyFundedDate":1768185287516,"projectUrl":"project/new-nonfiction-needed/9999346/","projectTitle":"New Nonfiction Needed!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Aker","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8111263_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1767932639280","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8111263"},{"teacherId":8168764,"projectId":9491720,"letterContent":"I am deeply grateful for your generous donation of primary journals to our classroom! These journals have been such a valuable tool for our first graders.\r\n\r\nThe primary journals have helped my students develop correct pencil placement and proper handwriting techniques from the very beginning. As students use the journals regularly, they're building strong foundational writing skills and learning to communicate their thoughts and ideas through writing. 📝\r\n\r\nYour donation has made a real difference in supporting our students' writing development and success. I truly appreciate your investment in our classroom and our students' learning!","fullyFundedDate":1761936242315,"projectUrl":"project/words-in-bloom-my-writing-garden/9491720/","projectTitle":"Words in Bloom: My Writing Garden","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Mothershead","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8168764"},{"teacherId":8168764,"projectId":10028842,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for donating vertical thinking whiteboards and sound square magnets to our classroom! These tools have been incredibly impactful for our first graders.\r\n\r\nStudents are now learning while standing up and collaborating with each other in ways I hadn't seen before. Whether we're working on ELA or math, these whiteboards have transformed how my students engage with learning. They're more active, more interactive, and more excited about the work we're doing together! 💛\r\n\r\nYour generosity has made a real difference in our classroom culture and learning experience.","fullyFundedDate":1768691960343,"projectUrl":"project/vertical-thinking-classrooms/10028842/","projectTitle":"Vertical - Thinking Classrooms","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Mothershead","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8168764"},{"teacherId":8168764,"projectId":9491829,"letterContent":"I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation of seat cushions to our first-grade classroom!\r\n\r\nThese cushions have made such a meaningful difference in our learning environment. They provide our students with flexible seating options and the extra comfort and support they need throughout the day. When students are comfortable, they can focus better on their learning, participate more actively, and simply enjoy being in the classroom.\r\n\r\nYour thoughtfulness has truly enhanced our educational experience, and I see the positive impact every single day. Our students are happier, more engaged, and better able to concentrate on the important work we're doing together.\r\n\r\nThank you so much for investing in our classroom and our students' success. Your generosity means the world to us! 💛","fullyFundedDate":1755747199533,"projectUrl":"project/seats-that-move-empower-learning-with-f/9491829/","projectTitle":"Seats That Move: Empower Learning with Flexible Floor Cushions","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Mothershead","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8168764"},{"teacherId":1527246,"projectId":10002086,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for providing such wonderful reading incentives that got students excited to read, stretch their goals, and work towards being the top readers in their classrooms for this year's Nevada Reading Week! Books and prizes are part of the exciting celebration held at the end of our reading week when top readers are announced. Having brand new books that they are excited to read makes rewarding students so joyful!\r\n\r\nAdditionally, the reading cushions are very beloved in Library. You will see through the shared photographs that students find creative ways to use them to get cozy for reading time in Library!\r\n\r\nThank you! We are so grateful!","fullyFundedDate":1768176527829,"projectUrl":"project/creating-excited-readers-with-new-books/10002086/","projectTitle":"Creating Excited Readers With New Books and Reading Week Prizes!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lazzari","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1527246_orig.jpg?crop=1000,1000,x0,y163&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1767995616883","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1527246"},{"teacherId":2493162,"projectId":9761272,"letterContent":"Because of your support, I have been able to fully engage in the National Board Certification process, and it has truly elevated my teaching. I am using the standards and reflection cycles to analyze student work more intentionally, design instruction that is systematic and data-driven, and ensure that every lesson aligns closely to my students' individualized goals. This process has strengthened my ability to scaffold learning, adjust in real time, and advocate more effectively for my students with exceptional needs. I am more purposeful in how I plan, assess, and respond, always asking, \"How do I know this is working, and what does this student need next?\"\r\n\r\nOne of my favorite classroom moments happened during a small-group lesson when a student who typically hesitates to participate confidently explained his thinking using a strategy I had explicitly modeled and practiced as part of my refined instructional approach. Seeing his confidence grow, and watching his peers respond with encouragement was a powerful reminder of how intentional, reflective teaching directly impacts student success. Looking ahead, I am excited to continue growing in culturally responsive practices and strengthening student self-advocacy skills so my learners can better articulate their needs and celebrate their progress. Thank you for investing in my professional growth; your generosity is creating lasting change not just in my practice, but in the daily experiences and achievements of my students.","fullyFundedDate":1764727479065,"projectUrl":"project/students-deserve-the-highest-level-of-te/9761272/","projectTitle":"Students Deserve the Highest Level of Teaching!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Loader","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2493162_orig.jpg?crop=1034,1034,x266,y547&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1763231757807","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2493162"},{"teacherId":512816,"projectId":10001403,"letterContent":"These books have been such an incredible gift to my classroom!\r\n\r\nFirst, they have completely transformed our literature circles. My students are LOVING having new, high-interest novels to choose from. Because the books are available at a variety of reading levels, every single student can access a story that feels \"just right\" for them. That has made such a difference in their confidence, fluency, and overall comprehension.\r\n\r\nThe novels have also strengthened our discussions in ways I couldn't have imagined. Students are asking deeper questions, making meaningful connections, and learning how to respectfully share and respond to different perspectives. They are building critical thinking skills while also building community.\r\n\r\nEvery single day, I see students excited to grab their book and talk with their group. The engagement is real, and it's powerful. THANK YOU for giving my students the opportunity to fall in love with reading and grow as thoughtful readers and classmates. We appreciate you so much!","fullyFundedDate":1768167795111,"projectUrl":"project/get-ready-get-reading-discuss/10001403/","projectTitle":"Get Ready! Get Reading! Discuss!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Montgomery","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp512816_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768191973676","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/andreamontgomery"},{"teacherId":6823512,"projectId":10001515,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your kindness and generosity. Our classroom would not be the same without your thoughtful and considerate donations.\r\n\r\nThanks to you, we were able to organize our anchor chats with the chart stand. It has given us more space on our white board. We absolutely love the Zingo! Word Builder game—it makes creating and reading words fun and engaging while learning through play.\r\n\r\nThe stickers are wonderfully smelly. they have helped reinforce positive behaviors and work completion. \r\n\r\nAs always, we truly appreciate everything that was donated. Your support makes a meaningful difference in our classroom each and every day.","fullyFundedDate":1768177278085,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-refresh/10001515/","projectTitle":"Classroom Refresh","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Esch","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6823512_orig.jpg?crop=272,272,x38,y171&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1633025036352","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/esch"},{"teacherId":2493162,"projectId":9917856,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom has become an even more engaging and supportive place to learn. We use the geared manipulative clocks daily during math rotations, where students physically move the hour and minute hands to model elapsed time and real-world scenarios. One powerful moment occurred during a small-group lesson when a student who had struggled with telling time for weeks suddenly exclaimed, \"I get it now!\" as he turned the gears and saw how the hour hand shifts as the minutes pass. Being able to see and feel the movement helped him connect the abstract concept to something concrete. The guided reading strips have also helped students track print more confidently, strengthening focus and fluency during independent reading.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the new materials, their excitement was immediate. The sensory discs, fidgets, and modeling foam were met with wide eyes and huge smiles. What stood out most, though, was how quickly these tools helped create a calmer learning environment. Students use the squishies and sensory supports during independent work and small groups to help regulate their energy and maintain attention. Our enhanced token economy system has been incredibly motivating, students eagerly work toward earning stickers, mini puzzles, or stretchy toys, celebrating their progress and building confidence along the way.\r\n\r\nAs we move forward, students are applying their time-telling skills to solve multi-step word problems and real-life math scenarios, such as planning schedules and calculating durations. In reading, they are building stamina and fluency as they use guided strips to track increasingly complex texts. The next step is integrating these skills into project-based learning activities where students design their own \"daily schedule\" challenges and present solutions to the class. Because of your support, my students not only have the tools they need to succeed, they have the confidence, focus, and excitement to keep growing every day.","fullyFundedDate":1764727479359,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-tools-for-special-education-bui/9917856/","projectTitle":"Sensory Tools for Special Education: Building Focus, Confidence, and Independence","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Loader","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2493162_orig.jpg?crop=1034,1034,x266,y547&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1763231757807","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2493162"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_83106","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":289,"numTeachers":25,"percentFrplEligible":17,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":82,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":13,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"11.6:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":86.8,"schoolId":83106,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Pleasant Valley Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Pleasant Valley Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/nevada/washoe-county-school-district/pleasant-valley-elementary-school/83106"}