Periwinkle Elementary School in Albany, Oregon on DonorsChoose

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My students are learning how to manage emotions, resolve conflicts, and appreciate the unique qualities that make each person special.\r\n\r\nThank you, Donors Choose community, for making it possible for my students to grow not only as readers, but as thoughtful, compassionate people. Your support is truly shaping a more caring and connected classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1759003101695,"projectUrl":"project/growing-through-stories-together/9433761/","projectTitle":"Growing Through Stories Together","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Zemba","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4582607_orig.jpg?crop=2022,2022,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1750123453357","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4582607"},{"teacherId":10059950,"projectId":9423819,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to our classroom. Your support has made a profound impact on our students from the very first day of school.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, our classroom library is filled with books that celebrate belonging, acceptance, curiosity, and perseverance. These stories helped our students feel welcomed and seen from the start—creating a sense of safety and community that set the tone for the year. As we've continued reading and discussing these books, students are building courage and independence, developing grit, and embracing the idea that it's okay to not have mastered something—yet.\r\n\r\nThe addition of the stools has also transformed our space. They offer students a comfortable, flexible seating option during independent reading and work time. Sitting lower to the ground and without the structure of a traditional chair helps many students feel safer and more at ease. It's a simple change that has had a powerful effect on helping students feel like they truly belong here.\r\n\r\nThank you again for believing in our students and in the power of an inclusive, growth-focused learning environment. Your generosity continues to shape our classroom every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1750774656076,"projectUrl":"project/promoting-independence-and-emotional-nee/9423819/","projectTitle":"Promoting Independence and Emotional Needs Through Flexible Seating and Literature","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Wolf","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10059950"},{"teacherId":4582607,"projectId":9433668,"letterContent":"When our new movement resources arrived, my students could hardly contain their excitement. They were eager to try the scoop seat, use the floor spots, and other tools that give them the chance to move while they learn. Right away, I saw smiles, laughter, and—most importantly—focus. Students who normally have a hard time sitting still were able to channel their energy in a positive way.\r\n\r\nThese resources have already made a huge difference in our daily routines. During reading groups, I watched one student who often struggles to stay engaged using the fidgets. Instead of getting distracted, they were able to stay with their group for the entire lesson. Another student, who usually needs frequent breaks, now uses the fidgets pillow and body band to stay regulated and on task.\r\n\r\nThe next step for my class is learning how to use these tools responsibly and independently. 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Instead of just reading about science, technology, engineering, and math, my students can now experience these subjects in action—testing ideas, making discoveries, and learning from mistakes.\r\n\r\nThe impact is already clear: students are more engaged, more collaborative, and more eager to take risks in their learning. Your support has helped bring STEM to life in our classroom, and it is giving my students the confidence and skills they will carry into the future.","fullyFundedDate":1750871358083,"projectUrl":"project/stem-kits-and-materials/9418303/","projectTitle":"STEM Kits and Materials","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Zemba","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4582607_orig.jpg?crop=2022,2022,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1750123453357","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4582607"},{"teacherId":4582607,"projectId":9418206,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom project! 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About this school

Periwinkle Elementary School is an urban public school in Albany, Oregon that is part of Greater Albany Pub Sch Dist 8j. It serves 325 students in grades K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 14.1:1. Its teachers have had 11 projects funded on DonorsChoose.

Equity Focus School

Support towards this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Public School

Grades K - 5

325 Students

23 Teachers

2196 21st Ave SE

Albany, OR 97322 View local requests

http://periwinkle.albany.k12.or.us

Evidence-based impact

Inspire teachers to stay in the classroom and boost student achievement.¹

Give to this school

Ms. Vero, a DonorsChoose teacher for 9 years.

Kindergarten teacher at PS81 - Robert J. Christen School in Bronx, NY

Periwinkle Elementary School Teachers on DonorsChoose

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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.

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Periwinkle Elementary School Demographics

64%

of students receive free or reduced price lunch

Source: the National Center for Education Statistics

23%

of students are Black, Latino, Native American, or Asian

Schools in districts that mainly serve students of color receive substantially less state and local support than similar districts that serve primarily White students. Learn more about this gap, why it exists, and how you can help close it.

Periwinkle 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.