{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Alder Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":35.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10041159,"projectId":9371822,"letterContent":"Thank you for your donation's. Being a small non-profit gives us a limited funds for the school years needs that are always growing. Even more limited to replace and fix bigger office items. Our classrooms were in need of a new printer for our preschoolers work as we use printed materials every day for all students. We serve a total of 45 students making materials for our 45 students and their families requires a well functioning printer!\r\n\r\nDue to your support and donations we are able to meet these needs and ensure everyday the students have the printed material they need for their learning and growth. We are filled with so much gratitude and simply so grateful for this new printer and ink!","fullyFundedDate":1758862388134,"projectUrl":"project/new-printer-for-montessori/9371822/","projectTitle":"New Printer for Montessori","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sarai","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10041159"},{"teacherId":303080,"projectId":9730616,"letterContent":"Having our own color printer in the library has already been a boon, and will continue to be so as we go through the year. The only color printer I've had access to before is a poster printer for curricular needs. Now I can make library signage, copy kids' work in color, and handle emergency printing without having to leave the room (and the students!) mid-class. We are just getting going on our author/illustrator project, so I don't have photos of that yet, but I know the kids will enjoy being able to print covers they design online. In December we will have a visit from an author/illustrator pair, and I can't wait to see what the kids are inspired to do. Thank you for your generosity!","fullyFundedDate":1758828000213,"projectUrl":"project/colorful-student-authors-and-illustrator/9730616/","projectTitle":"Colorful Student Authors and Illustrators","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gassaway","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp303080_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1530150376802","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/wendygassaway"},{"teacherId":303080,"projectId":9717055,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping us purchase a new stations cart and activities to fill it! My students are inspired to play, create, and cooperate. It makes a great incentive for classes to focus and do their work if they know we get a stations day when we're done. Kids love to cooperate on building the longest or largest device with the pipes building set. It challenges their imagination to work with such an unusual shape. Having a new cart has simplified my life and lets us spend less time with set-up and more time diving into projects. It's also made cleanup a breeze, as even young kids can put the supplies back in the right bin and then get the bin onto the shelves. I remain in grateful awe of all the people who are willing to pitch in and make classroom dreams into reality.","fullyFundedDate":1758074608582,"projectUrl":"project/library-community-centers/9717055/","projectTitle":"Library Community Centers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gassaway","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp303080_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1530150376802","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/wendygassaway"},{"teacherId":8338799,"projectId":9795198,"letterContent":"When our snack boxes arrived, the excitement in my office was immediate! My students' eyes lit up when they saw the granola bars, fruit snacks, yogurts, and popcorn—all things many of them don't always have easy access to at home. These small but meaningful treats have made such a big difference in our day-to-day routines.\r\n\r\nI work with students in grades K–5, and these snacks have become a comforting part of their SEL (Social Emotional Learning) check-ins and breaks in my counseling office. For many of my 3rd–5th graders—and even some of my younger K–2 students—having something to eat helps them transition more smoothly into our conversations and activities. It's amazing to see how a little snack can help them open up, calm down, and refocus.\r\n\r\nAt our Title I school, where many families face food insecurity, these snacks do more than just fill hungry tummies—they help meet a basic need that allows students to show up as their best selves. When kids are nourished, they're ready to learn, listen, and grow.\r\n\r\nMy hope is that these snacks continue to fuel not just their bodies, but also their motivation and confidence throughout the day. Your generosity has created a small but powerful ripple effect of care and compassion in our school community.\r\n\r\nFrom the bottom of my heart (and with full bellies all around), thank you for supporting our students' well-being!","fullyFundedDate":1760739919645,"projectUrl":"project/snacks-and-support-helping-students-fee/9795198/","projectTitle":"Snacks and Support: Helping Students Feel Safe and Seen","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jazmin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8338799_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1762467167530","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8338799"},{"teacherId":9937587,"projectId":9304796,"letterContent":"I apologize I have been out on leave and only now responding. \r\n\r\nOur teachers have been busy laminating a lot of language cards using the pouches from donors choose and printing paper. We have so many different needs of students this year such as different languages/ ASD students who need visuals and the resources provided have really helped us in implementing this. \r\n\r\nWe have been using the utility cart a lot! It's been helpful in transporting materials from cars to the classrooms and when we have heavy packages at the front office.","fullyFundedDate":1747844435570,"projectUrl":"project/laminate-away/9304796/","projectTitle":"Laminate Away!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sandi brar","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9937587"},{"teacherId":6776601,"projectId":9319205,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your support. My students and I appreciate the support from the community. This project would only be possible with the support of donors like you and the support of the community. \r\nThe recess equipment will be used throughout the school year. In order for our students to learn they also need to get out and get physical exercise. The recess equipment will be another avenue for the students to decompress. \r\nI would like to thank you again for such a generous donation to our future productive members of this society.","fullyFundedDate":1753243062274,"projectUrl":"project/recess-equipment/9319205/","projectTitle":"Recess Equipment!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Arreguin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6776601_orig.jpg?crop=2131,2131,x387,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1603742024676","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6776601"},{"teacherId":9871969,"projectId":9002753,"letterContent":"The calming space you helped us create for our classroom has been so impactful. The students can select this area any time, and it has been a vehicle for many children to learn new ways to regulate their bodies. \r\n\r\nWhen they feel they need a break, whether they're tired, upset, overstimulated, or just in the mood to be calm/mindful, they can put up their picture to show it's their turn and use the tools you helped us obtain to meet their needs of the moment. \r\n\r\nThank you so much for contributing to this project. Being aware of one's sensory needs is foundational for general functioning in this life. These children are building this skill in this space, and we couldn't be more grateful for your generosity.","fullyFundedDate":1740980775136,"projectUrl":"project/calming-space-for-preschoolers/9002753/","projectTitle":"Calming Space for Preschoolers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Murray","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9871969"},{"teacherId":303080,"projectId":8363718,"letterContent":"What a wonderful way to end our school year! Students were amazed when we greeted them at the door and instead of bringing them into the library, led them outside. There a volunteer was set up at a \"Mini S'mores\" station, handing out graham crackers and chocolate. That alone was enough to make kids' days, and we got so many hugs and thank yous and \"best day ever!\" comments. \r\n\r\nAfter kids finished their snacks, we led them into the library. The room was dark, with only the starry skies for light. I'd gathered camping and nature books, both those you supplied and some we already had, and students chose from those, then got a flashlight to read by. In some classes, we gathered around a fake fire and read a camping book or scary stories. In other classes, we built our own fires using paper bag logs and tissue paper flames.\r\n\r\nFor the grand finale, we gathered each class in front of the forest backdrop for a group photo. Once they had checked out books, cleaned up, and returned the flashlights, each kid got a national parks sticker to keep. \r\n\r\nAs his class lined up, one second grader looked up at me solemnly and said, \"I guess this was a very special day.\" How right he was. The best part is knowing that we can do something very similar each May, with our star projector, camping books, and mini flashlight sets. I truly believe this will become a cherished tradition at our school.","fullyFundedDate":1719433832603,"projectUrl":"project/the-great-library-campout/8363718/","projectTitle":"The Great Library Campout","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gassaway","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp303080_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1530150376802","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/wendygassaway"},{"teacherId":9843811,"projectId":8956069,"letterContent":"Your generosity is blooming in our preschool garden!\r\n\r\nThe children (and staff!) were thrilled when the materials you funded arrived ... just in time for spring! Our little gardeners rolled up their sleeves, moved soil, planted flowers and veggies, and even welcomed a wiggly worm farm. They loved learning how worms help our garden grow (and, of course, getting their hands dirty!).\r\n\r\nBest of all, your gifts will keep growing with us! The tools, planters, and worm farm will be used year after year, helping new classes of children discover the magic of gardening. Every seed planted, every worm observed, and every flower picked will build a lasting love for nature.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping us nurture both plants and young minds. Your support connects our students to the lifelong joy of gardening. We couldn't do it without you!","fullyFundedDate":1741291548224,"projectUrl":"project/preschool-outdoor-classroom-supplies/8956069/","projectTitle":"Preschool Outdoor Classroom Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Vivian","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9843811"},{"teacherId":9820860,"projectId":8915192,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom has become a place where reading feels magical. The new books and supplies you helped provide are being used daily to build essential literacy skills—like decoding, comprehension, fluency, and vocabulary. These materials are especially important in a special education setting, where every student learns differently and benefits from hands-on tools, visual supports, and engaging, accessible texts.\r\n\r\nReading in our room doesn't always look traditional—students might be reading aloud with a partner, using finger-tracking tools to follow along, or listening to an audiobook while building confidence. These books have helped us meet students at their level and grow their love for reading.\r\n\r\nOne student in particular, who used to resist reading time, now rushes to the book bin to grab her favorite new story. Another student has started choosing to read during free time—something that felt impossible just months ago. These moments of joy and growth are because of you.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping us create a space where all students feel empowered to learn, explore, and succeed through reading!","fullyFundedDate":1731095626930,"projectUrl":"project/creating-magic-in-special-education-eve/8915192/","projectTitle":"Creating Magic in Special Education: Every Gift Counts","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kaitlyn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9820860_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y231&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1741628207810","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9820860"},{"teacherId":9726129,"projectId":8838327,"letterContent":"The English Language Learners at Alder Elementary learn phonics, high-frequency words, and set phrases from picture books. They make connections with the text, practice sequencing and retelling, and just have fun escaping into new worlds.\r\n\r\nNewcomers are learning about food through Eric Carle's \"The Hungry Caterpillar,\" while first graders are changing their perspective through William Joyce's \"George Shrinks.\" Soon fourth and fifth graders will do a novel study via Peter Brown's \"The Wild Robot.\"\r\n\r\nStudents of all ages enjoy the picture books from this project and it's thanks to your generous donation! From the staff and students of Alder, we genuinely appreciate your kindness.","fullyFundedDate":1728454510880,"projectUrl":"project/adventures-in-english-through-picture-bo/8838327/","projectTitle":"Adventures in English Through Picture Books","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cocquio","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9726129_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726185589750","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9726129"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_88297","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":340,"numTeachers":29,"percentFrplEligible":71,"percentAsian":11,"percentBlack":11,"percentWhite":11,"percentIndigenous":1,"percentLatinx":54,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"11.7:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":64.1,"schoolId":88297,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Alder Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Alder Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/oregon/reynolds-school-district-7/alder-elementary-school/88297"}
Join the 618 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Alder Elementary School is
an urban public school
in Portland, Oregon that is part of Reynolds School District 7.
It serves 340 students
in grades K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 11.7:1.
Its teachers have had 138 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Boost support for this school! Share this page with friends, family, alumni, and fellow supporters. Every connection helps teachers get the supplies they need and shows how much your community cares about its students.
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Every donation funds real needs — pencils, books, lab equipment, art supplies, and more — helping students learn and thrive. We ship supplies directly to the school, and you'll see exactly where each dollar goes.
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
77%
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.
Alder Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Dec 19, 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.
Alder Elementary School
$75,129
raised using DonorsChoose
138
projects
funded
40
teachers
funded
618
donors
5
projects
for
basic supplies
27
projects for
technology
13
projects for
books
2
projects
for
art supplies
Alder Elementary School has received support from
396 individuals from Oregon and
222 individuals out-of-state.