{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Desert Hills Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":65.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":6704513,"projectId":8773501,"letterContent":"The new novels funded by this project allowed my students to dive into rich stories while building important skills such as comprehension, critical thinking, and making text-to-self and text-to-world connections. We explored character development, themes, and author's craft, while also practicing inferencing and vocabulary strategies. For my gifted learners, the books also encouraged higher-order thinking through discussion, analysis, and creative responses.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom is an active, engaging experience. Students read independently, in small groups, and as a whole class, sharing ideas and asking deep questions. Without being able to purchase multiple copies we would not have this opportunity. Novel studies give us the chance to blend reading with writing, discussion, and even hands-on projects, making the stories come alive. We celebrate reading by connecting the books to our own lives and finding joy in exploring new perspectives.","fullyFundedDate":1726717339035,"projectUrl":"project/novel-study-projects-novels-coming-to-li/8773501/","projectTitle":"Novel Study Projects Novels Coming to Life Through Art!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gregory","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6704513"},{"teacherId":7244917,"projectId":8627015,"letterContent":"Our new trays have been so wonderful to have as a great choice for students to work independently. Students use the trays daily for our quiet time in which they are able to use their journals for writing and coloring. They take them to different areas of the classroom and use them as flexible desks. \r\n\r\nWe use them for special snack days and enjoy picnics on the carpet. They will sit and use them to read books and play with play doh. The students are always eager to write and complete work with the trays. They have been a wonderful addition to our classroom resources.","fullyFundedDate":1729792758446,"projectUrl":"project/floor-trays-for-flexible-learning/8627015/","projectTitle":"Floor Trays for Flexible Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Michelle Rodriguez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7244917_orig.jpg?crop=1920,1920,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1593646529919","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7244917"},{"teacherId":7244917,"projectId":8847680,"letterContent":"Thank you so very much for your donations to my project. I have wanted trays for a long time to give us more options for learning styles. It's so important for all learners to be comfy. \r\nSo far this past semester, we have been able to use them for many different activities. We have worked on partner talking and coloring during whole group learning times. We have used them for completing journals. We have set up a few trays to support individualized learning needs for students with specific tools and visuals.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your kindness.","fullyFundedDate":1728770110433,"projectUrl":"project/fun-in-the-kitchen-center/8847680/","projectTitle":"Fun in the Kitchen Center","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Michelle Rodriguez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7244917_orig.jpg?crop=1920,1920,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1593646529919","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7244917"},{"teacherId":9540260,"projectId":8731161,"letterContent":"Thank you for generous donation. My students are using the puzzles in the science center to explore, transportation, animals, letters, numbers, and shapes. The students are using the goggles to explore like scientists and conduct experiments. My students are using the mirrors to explore symmetry, reflections, shadows, and cause and effect. The solar system viewers are being used in the science center to learn about the different planets. The arts and crafts supply center is being used during small group time to explore monthly themes such as the winter, community helpers, and transportation unit. The Books, The Mitten and Snowmen at night were used for storytime during our winter unit. These books allowed students to learn about hibernation and activities to do in snow. Students are using the emotions mirrors in the calm down corner to explore different feelings, express different emotions, and identify their own feelings. The","fullyFundedDate":1732746708251,"projectUrl":"project/steam-pre-k/8731161/","projectTitle":"STEAM Pre-K","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Karen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9540260_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1725415810204","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9540260"},{"teacherId":9540260,"projectId":8967324,"letterContent":"We use the playdoh on a daily basis for our fine motor group. The playdoh has provided a wealth of learning opportunities, as it supports children in forming letters, shapes, exploring feelings, new concepts, and of course encourages creativity and strengthens fine motor development. The laminating sheets have made it possible to create visuals for the classroom and for large and small group times. The pens have been so useful for daily use by classroom teachers and have also been added to the children's writing center. Thank you for helping my classroom have the necessary materials to provide a high quality education.","fullyFundedDate":1732556845732,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-essentials-shipment-2024-11-2/8967324/","projectTitle":"Classroom Essentials Shipment: 2024-11-25","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Karen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9540260_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1725415810204","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9540260"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_62416","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":543,"numTeachers":39,"percentFrplEligible":87,"percentAsian":4,"percentBlack":2,"percentWhite":23,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":65,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"13.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":34.4,"schoolId":62416,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Desert Hills Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Desert Hills Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-mexico/las-cruces-public-schools/desert-hills-elementary-school/62416"}
Join the 288 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Desert Hills Elementary School is
an urban public school
in Las Cruces, New Mexico that is part of Las Cruces Public Schools.
It serves 543 students
in grades Pre-K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 13.9:1.
Its teachers have had 166 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Boost support for our school's classrooms. Share this page with friends and family who want to make a difference. If you're a teacher, sign up to get started!
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. Each classroom request for funding was created by a classroom teacher and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
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
71%
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.
Desert Hills Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Dec 5, 2025
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.
Desert Hills Elementary School
$49,816
raised using DonorsChoose
166
projects
funded
9
teachers
funded
288
donors
26
projects
for
basic supplies
21
projects for
technology
21
projects for
books
19
projects
for
art supplies
Desert Hills Elementary School has received support from
99 individuals from New Mexico and
189 individuals out-of-state.