{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Highland Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":33.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8655526,"projectId":9840931,"letterContent":"The table lamps, placed throughout the room, have also created little pockets of calm. Students have mentioned that the lighting helps their eyes feel more relaxed and that it \"makes writing feel easier.\" It's incredible how something as simple as light can change the whole mood of a classroom. When students feel comfortable, they are more willing to take risks in their writing, stay engaged in reading, and remain on task longer.\r\n\r\nBeyond academics, the emotional atmosphere of the room has shifted in the best way. The lamps make the classroom feel warm, inviting, and safe. Students walk in each morning with smiles, noticing the glow and settling into their routines with more ease. There's a sense of pride in the space now, as if they feel the classroom was created with them in mind. They often comment on how \"nice\" or \"calm\" it looks, and those small remarks show just how much the environment influences their day.\r\n\r\nOverall, these lamps didn't just brighten the room; they brightened the students' experience of learning. They brought excitement, comfort, and a renewed sense of focus that has touched every corner of our classroom. The impact has been real, long-lasting, and incredibly positive. Thank you for helping make our classroom a place where students feel happy, calm, and ready to learn.","fullyFundedDate":1762266348180,"projectUrl":"project/helping-students-stay-bright/9840931/","projectTitle":"Helping Students Stay Bright","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Díaz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8655526_orig.jpg?crop=642,642,x0,y160&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673417708060","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8655526"},{"teacherId":8655526,"projectId":9503768,"letterContent":"Having hygiene supplies available in the classroom has a powerful and lasting impact on 5th grade students. At this age, children are beginning to experience many physical, emotional, and social changes as they prepare to enter middle school. These changes often come with new needs and insecurities about their appearance and personal hygiene. Providing access to hygiene supplies helps remove these barriers and ensures that every student feels comfortable, confident, and supported throughout the school day.\r\n\r\nBeyond the immediate benefits, having hygiene supplies teaches valuable life skills. Students learn the importance of self-care, personal responsibility, and maintaining healthy habits that will carry them into adolescence and beyond. Teachers can use these moments to have meaningful conversations about health, wellness, and self-respect, helping students develop a sense of pride in caring for themselves and others.\r\n\r\n\r\nIn short, the hygiene cart may seem like a small addition, but its effects are profound. It gives students the confidence to show up as their best selves, the freedom to focus on learning, and the reassurance that their school community cares deeply about them. When students feel good about themselves, they do better academically, socially, and emotionally. By supporting their hygiene needs, we're not just providing supplies—we're fostering self-worth, building resilience, and empowering our 5th graders to step into their next chapter with confidence and pride.","fullyFundedDate":1757683086724,"projectUrl":"project/fresh-start-to-5th-grade-2025/9503768/","projectTitle":"Fresh Start to 5th Grade 2025","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Díaz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8655526_orig.jpg?crop=642,642,x0,y160&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673417708060","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8655526"},{"teacherId":8655526,"projectId":9481758,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for restocking our art supplies for the school year! Your generous support has truly brightened our dual language classroom and brought new excitement to our students. The moment they saw the fresh watercolor sets, their faces lit up with joy. Having new, high-quality materials has made a world of difference in how our students approach creative projects. They are eager to explore color, technique, and expression during art time, and it has reignited their passion for hands-on learning.\r\n\r\nOur dual language students benefit greatly from art, as it provides another powerful way to express ideas and emotions across two languages. Many of our projects blend creativity with language learning—students label their artwork in English and Spanish, write reflections, and discuss artistic choices in both languages. These experiences help build vocabulary, confidence, and collaboration skills, while encouraging them to take pride in their bilingual abilities.\r\n\r\nThe watercolor paints have already become a classroom favorite. Students are learning how to mix colors, experiment with light and shading, and create pieces inspired by our reading and cultural lessons. The quality of the supplies has helped them feel proud of their finished work and encouraged them to take better care of materials.\r\n\r\nI am especially excited to use the Magic Model Clay in an upcoming project! We plan to create small sculptures that represent each student's identity and interests—a perfect opportunity to connect art, self-expression, and writing. Later in the year, we will use the tiles you helped fund to create beautiful, personalized Mother's Day gifts. These will not only be meaningful keepsakes but also a celebration of creativity, family, and gratitude.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, our classroom feels inspired and well-prepared for a full year of creative exploration. The students take pride in having materials that allow them to bring their ideas to life, and I'm grateful for how this project supports both academic and emotional growth. Every brushstroke, clay sculpture, and art project reminds us that kindness and giving can spark joy far beyond the classroom walls.\r\n\r\nOn behalf of all our bilingual learners, thank you for believing in the power of creativity and education. Your donation has made a lasting impact on our classroom, and we can't wait to share the wonderful art and memories that come from your support.","fullyFundedDate":1755745197702,"projectUrl":"project/color-our-world-dual-language-art-refil/9481758/","projectTitle":"Color Our World: Dual Language Art Refill","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Díaz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8655526_orig.jpg?crop=642,642,x0,y160&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673417708060","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8655526"},{"teacherId":3967133,"projectId":9272152,"letterContent":"Dear DonorsChoose Supporters,\r\n\r\nThank you so much for your generous donation of books and materials to support our Buddy Bench initiative. Your kindness has brought meaningful resources into our school that help students understand friendship, empathy, and inclusion in a tangible, age-appropriate way. The books you provided are already being used in classrooms, small groups, and read-alouds to teach children how to recognize when someone might need a friend and how to offer support.\r\n\r\nSince implementing the materials, we've seen a noticeable shift in the way students interact. It has been heartwarming to watch children invite others to join their games, notice when someone is sitting alone, and use language they've learned from the stories you helped supply. The Buddy Bench has become more than just a spot on the playground—it's a symbol of kindness and connection, and your donations helped bring that message to life.\r\n\r\nOne of the most rewarding parts has been witnessing students take ownership of inclusion. When a child sits on the bench, others now approach them with confidence and compassion. Teachers and recess staff have shared countless stories of new friendships forming simply because students felt empowered to reach out. These everyday moments of caring are exactly what we hope to inspire in a school community, and your support made that possible.\r\n\r\nAs the school counselor, I am deeply grateful for your generosity and the impact it has had on our students. It is a privilege to serve in a school where children are learning to lift each other up, and your donation has helped shape that culture. I truly appreciate your belief in our mission and the care you've shown for our kids. Thank you for being a part of something so meaningful.","fullyFundedDate":1747147253961,"projectUrl":"project/adding-the-sparkle-to-school-buddy-be/9272152/","projectTitle":"Adding the Sparkle to School! (Buddy Bench Education)","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sedda","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3967133_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1632017419321","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-sedda"},{"teacherId":3967133,"projectId":9195878,"letterContent":"Dear DonorsChoose Supporters,\r\n\r\nThank you from the bottom of my heart for your generous donation of Spanish books to our school library and Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program. Your support has made an immediate and meaningful difference for our students, our staff, and our families.\r\n\r\nThe excitement on the day the books arrived was unforgettable. Students gathered around the boxes, pointing out titles in Spanish with pride and joy. Many of our bilingual students have rarely seen books in their home language that reflect their lives and families. Now, thanks to you, they can pick up stories that speak directly to who they are. That sense of belonging and representation is powerful, and it matters more than words can express.\r\n\r\nOur teachers and librarian are thrilled to have culturally relevant, high-quality Spanish texts to use in instruction, literacy groups, and family engagement. These books will be used in classrooms, counseling groups, and at home, helping students strengthen both their academic skills and their identities. Families are already sharing how excited their children are to read aloud in Spanish and bring books home to siblings and grandparents.\r\n\r\nAs the school counselor, I see every day how language, access, and identity shape a child's confidence. When students see themselves reflected in books—through characters, culture, and language—they feel valued, capable, and connected. Your donation didn't just fill shelves; it lifted spirits and sent a message to our students that who they are matters.\r\n\r\nI am honored to serve in a school community that values every child, and your kindness reinforces that mission. Thank you for believing in our students and investing in their literacy, pride, and future. Your generosity will have a lasting impact far beyond this school year.","fullyFundedDate":1749062118635,"projectUrl":"project/updating-our-library-readers-are-leader/9195878/","projectTitle":"Updating Our Library! Readers are Leaders!!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sedda","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3967133_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1632017419321","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-sedda"},{"teacherId":3967133,"projectId":9195636,"letterContent":"Dear DonorsChoose Supporters,\r\n\r\nThank you from the bottom of my heart for your generous donation of Spanish books to our school library and Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program. Your support has made an immediate and meaningful difference for our students, our staff, and our families.\r\n\r\nThe excitement on the day the books arrived was unforgettable. Students gathered around the boxes, pointing out titles in Spanish with pride and joy. Many of our bilingual students have rarely seen books in their home language that reflect their lives and families. Now, thanks to you, they can pick up stories that speak directly to who they are. That sense of belonging and representation is powerful, and it matters more than words can express.\r\n\r\nOur teachers and librarian are thrilled to have culturally relevant, high-quality Spanish texts to use in instruction, literacy groups, and family engagement. These books will be used in classrooms, counseling groups, and at home, helping students strengthen both their academic skills and their identities. Families are already sharing how excited their children are to read aloud in Spanish and bring books home to siblings and grandparents.\r\n\r\nAs the school counselor, I see every day how language, access, and identity shape a child's confidence. When students see themselves reflected in books—through characters, culture, and language—they feel valued, capable, and connected. Your donation didn't just fill shelves; it lifted spirits and sent a message to our students that who they are matters.\r\n\r\nI am honored to serve in a school community that values every child, and your kindness reinforces that mission. Thank you for believing in our students and investing in their literacy, pride, and future. Your generosity will have a lasting impact far beyond this school year.","fullyFundedDate":1747147629549,"projectUrl":"project/spanish-books-for-spanish-speaking-learn/9195636/","projectTitle":"Spanish Books for Spanish-Speaking Learners!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sedda","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3967133_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1632017419321","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-sedda"},{"teacherId":3967133,"projectId":9194933,"letterContent":"Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your generous donation of Spanish books to our school library and Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program. Your support has made an immediate and meaningful difference for our students, our staff, and our families.\r\n\r\nThe excitement on the day the books arrived was unforgettable. Students gathered around the boxes, pointing out titles in Spanish with pride and joy. Many of our bilingual students have rarely seen books in their home language that reflect their lives and families. Now, thanks to you, they can pick up stories that speak directly to who they are. That sense of belonging and representation is powerful, and it matters more than words can express.\r\n\r\nOur teachers and librarian are thrilled to have culturally relevant, high-quality Spanish texts to use in instruction, literacy groups, and family engagement. These books will be used in classrooms, counseling groups, and at home, helping students strengthen both their academic skills and their identities. Families are already sharing how excited their children are to read aloud in Spanish and bring books home to siblings and grandparents.\r\n\r\nAs the school counselor, I see every day how language, access, and identity shape a child's confidence. When students see themselves reflected in books—through characters, culture, and language—they feel valued, capable, and connected. Your donation didn't just fill shelves; it lifted spirits and sent a message to our students that who they are matters.\r\n\r\nI am honored to serve in a school community that values every child, and your kindness reinforces that mission. Thank you for believing in our students and investing in their literacy, pride, and future. Your generosity will have a lasting impact far beyond this school year.","fullyFundedDate":1747147750730,"projectUrl":"project/spanish-books-for-spanish-speakers/9194933/","projectTitle":"Spanish Books for Spanish Speakers!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sedda","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3967133_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1632017419321","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-sedda"},{"teacherId":8655526,"projectId":9215953,"letterContent":"When our project for seat organizers was fully funded, I knew it would make a difference for my dual language classroom—but seeing the daily impact has been even more powerful than I imagined. Organization is a skill that many students struggle with, especially at the elementary level, and it becomes even more challenging in a dual language setting where students must manage resources, assignments, and notes in two languages. Having seat organizers has truly transformed our learning environment by giving every child the tools and structure to succeed.\r\n\r\nThe seat organizers have also fostered stronger classroom routines. Because materials are stored neatly within reach, transitions are faster and more orderly. Students are able to stay engaged rather than becoming restless during downtime. In addition, the classroom itself looks more organized and welcoming, which creates a calmer environment that supports focus and positive behavior. When the classroom feels structured, students feel safe and ready to learn. Thank you again.\r\n\r\nI am so grateful to the donors who made this project possible. The seat organizers may seem like a small addition, but their impact is felt every single day in my classroom. They have reduced stress, created smoother routines, and helped my dual language students stay focused and prepared. Thank you for investing in their success and giving them the tools they need to thrive academically and personally.","fullyFundedDate":1746785341413,"projectUrl":"project/seats-in-sync-organizing-for-success/9215953/","projectTitle":"Seats in Sync: Organizing for Success!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Díaz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8655526_orig.jpg?crop=642,642,x0,y160&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673417708060","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8655526"},{"teacherId":3967133,"projectId":9203656,"letterContent":"I wish you could have seen the kiddo's faces when I brought those books to our library. They seriously cheered! I had never heard of those Girl Survive books and they kids love them! And the Boxcar Children, and the Harry Potter, and every single book! \r\n\r\nI am so excited to be able to add to our school's library because of your kindness and genrosity. Books are essential to a child making connections, expanding horizons, and feeling inspired. Thank you so much for making this opportunity to happen for my wonderful students. \r\n\r\nWe are blessed because of your kindness! <3","fullyFundedDate":1743619647607,"projectUrl":"project/library-magic-updated-books-to-inspire/9203656/","projectTitle":"Library Magic: updated books to inspire young minds!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sedda","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3967133_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1632017419321","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-sedda"},{"teacherId":3967133,"projectId":8817248,"letterContent":"Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your generosity. I have worked at my school for the last ten years. It is the lowest SES school in our district. It is also the most diverse. My students speak many languages and have beautiful, vibrant cultures and traditions. \r\n\r\nI love them all and I'm so blessed to be their School Counselor \r\n\r\nBecause of Donor's Choose I have been able to offer them amazing resources they just wouldn't have otherwise. \r\n\r\nAnd that is because of amazing, generous people like you. Thank you so much for seeing the needs of my students and being so kind. I'm so appreciative.\r\n\r\nI see books change kids lives. Literally. Thank you tremendously for allowing that light into the lives of my beautiful students.","fullyFundedDate":1727975307163,"projectUrl":"project/books-that-celebrate-our-diversity/8817248/","projectTitle":"Books That Celebrate Our Diversity!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sedda","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3967133_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1632017419321","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-sedda"},{"teacherId":3967133,"projectId":8938076,"letterContent":"Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your generosity. I have worked at my school for the last ten years. It is the lowest SES school in our district. It is also the most diverse. My students speak many languages and have beautiful, vibrant cultures and traditions. \r\n\r\nI love them all and I'm so blessed to be their School Counselor \r\n\r\nBecause of Donor's Choose I have been able to offer them amazing resources they just wouldn't have otherwise. \r\n\r\nAnd that is because of amazing, generous people like you. Thank you so much for seeing the needs of my students and being so kind. I'm so appreciative.","fullyFundedDate":1736992515814,"projectUrl":"project/mochi-student-store-magic/8938076/","projectTitle":"Mochi Student Store Magic!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sedda","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3967133_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1632017419321","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-sedda"},{"teacherId":3967133,"projectId":8250031,"letterContent":"Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your generosity. I have worked at my school for the last ten years. It is the lowest SES school in our district. It is also the most diverse. My students speak many languages and have beautiful, vibrant cultures and traditions. \r\n\r\nI love them all and I'm so blessed to be their School Counselor \r\n\r\nBecause of Donor's Choose I have been able to offer them amazing resources they just wouldn't have otherwise. \r\n\r\nAnd that is because of amazing, generous people like you. Thank you so much for seeing the needs of my students and being so kind. I'm so appreciative.","fullyFundedDate":1719180193433,"projectUrl":"project/supporting-sensory-sweetness/8250031/","projectTitle":"Supporting Sensory Sweetness!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sedda","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3967133_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1632017419321","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-sedda"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_88189","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":465,"numTeachers":26,"percentFrplEligible":65,"percentAsian":4,"percentBlack":5,"percentWhite":28,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":53,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"17.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":66.5,"schoolId":88189,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Highland Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Highland Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/oregon/gresham-barlow-joint-sd-10/highland-elementary-school/88189"}
Join the 200 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Highland Elementary School is
a suburban public school
in Gresham, Oregon that is part of Gresham-barlow Joint SD 10.
It serves 465 students
in grades K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 17.9:1.
Its teachers have had 123 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
62%
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.
Highland Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Dec 4, 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.
Highland Elementary School
$59,770
raised using DonorsChoose
123
projects
funded
15
teachers
funded
200
donors
8
projects
for
basic supplies
7
projects for
technology
44
projects for
books
11
projects
for
art supplies
Highland Elementary School has received support from
133 individuals from Oregon and
67 individuals out-of-state.