{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Wilkes Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":33.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9528718,"projectId":9853348,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of cash boxes to our classroom. Your support has already made a meaningful difference in the way my students are learning and engaging with math. For many of my students, this is the very first time they have ever seen or handled coins. Until now, money related lessons were entirely abstract – pictures in a book or numbers on a page. With the cash boxes you provided, my students can finally explore real-world math in a hands-on way. They are learning to count, sort, and are quickly building confidence as they discover how money works. \r\n\r\nBecause of your kindness, my students are developing essential life skills while experiencing the joy of learning through exploration. Your donation has brought both opportunity and enthusiasm into our classroom, and I am deeply grateful for your belief in my students and their potential. Thank you for making such a lasting impact.","fullyFundedDate":1763595710114,"projectUrl":"project/making-cents-helping-2nd-graders-organi/9853348/","projectTitle":"Making Cents: Helping 2nd Graders Organize and Understand Money","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sawyer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9528718"},{"teacherId":7800049,"projectId":9608395,"letterContent":"The student store items are fabulous. The students love earning ROARS. ROAR tickets are our school's positive behavior system, and the students use them like money. It is so fun every Friday to have the students count their ROARs and shop. Some even like to save them for a larger prize the next week.\r\n\r\nThe students love seeing the different prizes each week. Sometimes it is colored pencils or large fun erasers. Another week they might be shopping for small stuffies or plastic toy cars and dolls. They love bringing home goodies they have earned in the classroom to show their parents. They have a sense of receiving something good for their positive behavior.\r\n\r\nThank you so much for your generous donation to help us continue our successful student store. The prizes are very sought after.","fullyFundedDate":1758851976590,"projectUrl":"project/rewards-for-doing-the-right-thing/9608395/","projectTitle":"Rewards for Doing the Right Thing!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Peters","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7800049_orig.png?crop=386,386,x0,y15&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1690599954992","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7800049"},{"teacherId":7800049,"projectId":9608554,"letterContent":"We are so lucky to have donors like you. We love our two new carpets—they make the room feel so clean and beautiful. The math carpet is in our calendar area, and the ABC rug is in the front of our classroom by the whiteboard. The carpets arrived so quickly that I was able to welcome the students into our new space with them already installed.\r\n\r\nThe students were so happy to sit on clean, comfortable carpets. They love when we play \"What number or letter am I thinking of?\" The students guess using the clues I give them about which letter or number I have chosen. It is a great way for them to ask questions and use deductive reasoning to figure out the answer. It's a fun way to get students on the carpet and engaged.\r\n\r\nThank you so much for your donation that helped us buy this invaluable resource.","fullyFundedDate":1755749508676,"projectUrl":"project/space-to-learn-and-grow/9608554/","projectTitle":"Space to learn and grow","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Peters","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7800049_orig.png?crop=386,386,x0,y15&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1690599954992","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7800049"},{"teacherId":7906188,"projectId":7397610,"letterContent":"Thank you feels far too small for what your generosity has given my classroom. When you chose to donate water bottles to my fourth graders, you weren't just providing a simple item—you were meeting a daily need that directly shapes their learning, confidence, and well-being. You created a ripple effect of care that my students feel every single day, and I want to share with you what your gift has truly meant.\r\n\r\nIn our classroom, hydration isn't just about quenching thirst—it's about readiness to learn. Many of my students come to school without access to a reliable water bottle. Some forget theirs, some have old bottles that leak, and some have never had one of their own. Before your donation, I watched students leave the room multiple times a day to use hallway fountains, losing instructional minutes and breaking their focus. Others tried to share or improvise with cups that spilled on desks and materials. It was a constant barrier that quietly chipped away at learning time and comfort.\r\n\r\nYour donation changed all of that.\r\n\r\nWhen those water bottles arrived, my students' faces lit up—not just because they were receiving something new, but because it belonged to them. For some children, it was the first time they had something that felt personal, dependable, and designed for their needs. They immediately filled them up, proudly wrote their names, and placed them next to their workspaces as if claiming a small piece of ownership within the classroom.\r\n\r\nWhat you may not see from the outside is how this small object transformed our daily rhythm. Students stay in the room more. They stay focused longer. Our lessons flow without constant interruption, and transitions are smoother and calmer. Kids who struggled to stay hydrated are now drinking consistently throughout the day—something that improves mood regulation, energy, and cognitive performance. Fourth graders might not use those words, but they feel it. I see it in their engagement, their stamina, and the way they settle into their learning with more ease.\r\n\r\nThere's also something deeply human about having your own water bottle. It's practical, yes—but it also communicates dignity and care. It tells students that someone out there believes their learning is worth investing in. Many of my kids come from backgrounds where they don't always get brand-new items or personal supplies. These bottles became a small source of pride, a reminder that their needs matter.\r\n\r\nYour contribution didn't just solve a logistical problem; it strengthened our classroom community. It taught my students about generosity, about people they may never meet choosing to support their growth. It's the kind of lesson that stays with them long after the school day ends.\r\n\r\nFrom improved hydration to increased instructional time, from smoother routines to boosted confidence, your donation made a tangible difference in the lives of real children who are working hard every day. Thank you for believing in them. Thank you for believing in this classroom. Your kindness becomes part of our story—a story of support, opportunity, and the quiet power of meeting essential needs.","fullyFundedDate":1687431991967,"projectUrl":"project/hydration-nation-water-bottles-needed/7397610/","projectTitle":"Hydration Nation: Water Bottles Needed","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ahle","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7906188_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y108&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1649010794351","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7906188"},{"teacherId":7906188,"projectId":8412403,"letterContent":"Thank you feels far too small for what your generosity has given my classroom. When you chose to donate water bottles to my fourth graders, you weren't just providing a simple item—you were meeting a daily need that directly shapes their learning, confidence, and well-being. You created a ripple effect of care that my students feel every single day, and I want to share with you what your gift has truly meant.\r\n\r\nIn our classroom, hydration isn't just about quenching thirst—it's about readiness to learn. Many of my students come to school without access to a reliable water bottle. Some forget theirs, some have old bottles that leak, and some have never had one of their own. Before your donation, I watched students leave the room multiple times a day to use hallway fountains, losing instructional minutes and breaking their focus. Others tried to share or improvise with cups that spilled on desks and materials. It was a constant barrier that quietly chipped away at learning time and comfort.\r\n\r\nYour donation changed all of that.\r\n\r\nWhen those water bottles arrived, my students' faces lit up—not just because they were receiving something new, but because it belonged to them. For some children, it was the first time they had something that felt personal, dependable, and designed for their needs. They immediately filled them up, proudly wrote their names, and placed them next to their workspaces as if claiming a small piece of ownership within the classroom.\r\n\r\nWhat you may not see from the outside is how this small object transformed our daily rhythm. Students stay in the room more. They stay focused longer. Our lessons flow without constant interruption, and transitions are smoother and calmer. Kids who struggled to stay hydrated are now drinking consistently throughout the day—something that improves mood regulation, energy, and cognitive performance. Fourth graders might not use those words, but they feel it. I see it in their engagement, their stamina, and the way they settle into their learning with more ease.\r\n\r\nThere's also something deeply human about having your own water bottle. It's practical, yes—but it also communicates dignity and care. It tells students that someone out there believes their learning is worth investing in. Many of my kids come from backgrounds where they don't always get brand-new items or personal supplies. These bottles became a small source of pride, a reminder that their needs matter.\r\n\r\nYour contribution didn't just solve a logistical problem; it strengthened our classroom community. It taught my students about generosity, about people they may never meet choosing to support their growth. It's the kind of lesson that stays with them long after the school day ends.\r\n\r\nFrom improved hydration to increased instructional time, from smoother routines to boosted confidence, your donation made a tangible difference in the lives of real children who are working hard every day. Thank you for believing in them. Thank you for believing in this classroom. Your kindness becomes part of our story—a story of support, opportunity, and the quiet power of meeting essential needs.","fullyFundedDate":1721229962404,"projectUrl":"project/hydration-nation-water-bottles-needed/8412403/","projectTitle":"Hydration Nation: Water Bottles Needed","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ahle","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7906188_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y108&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1649010794351","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7906188"},{"teacherId":9528718,"projectId":9137954,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of math manipulatives to our classroom. Your support has brought math to life for my students in a way that textbooks alone simply cannot. \r\n\r\nWith these hands-on tools, my students are able to explore mathematical concepts through active, tactile learning. Whether they are building numbers with place value blocks, exploring patterns with tiles, or solving problems with counters, these manipulatives have transformed abstract ideas into concrete understanding. I've seen students light up with \"aha!\" moments as they discover new strategies and deepen their number sense. \r\n\r\nThe impact on my teaching has been just as powerful. I can now differentiate instruction more effectively, provide visual and kinesthetic support for struggling learners, and foster deeper engagement across all ability levels. The manipulatives have also encouraged more collaboration, discussion, and critical thinking during math lessons. \r\n\r\nYour donation has made a real and lasting difference. You've helped create a more interactive, supportive, and joyful math learning environment – and for that, we are truly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1747074567764,"projectUrl":"project/math-manipulatives-for-hands-on-learning/9137954/","projectTitle":"Math Manipulatives For Hands-On Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sawyer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9528718"},{"teacherId":9528718,"projectId":9126705,"letterContent":"I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation of social-emotional learning books and tools to our classroom. Your support has made a meaningful difference in both my students' lives and my teaching practice. \r\n\r\nThanks to your contribution, my students now have access to engaging, age-appropriate resources that help them explore emotions, develop empathy, and build healthy ways to navigate conflict. The stories and hands-on tools you provided have quickly become essential parts of our daily routines. I've watched students refer to strategies from the books during real-life moments, use calming tools to regulate themselves, and take pride in solving disagreements more respectfully and independently. \r\n\r\nAs a teacher, having these materials has empowered me to integrate SEL into our day-to-day learning more naturally and effectively. I've seen growth in classroom community, cooperation, and overall emotional awareness. For some students, especially those who struggle with emotional expression, these resources have been life changing. They now have shared language and tangible strategies to express themselves in positive, constructive ways. \r\n\r\nThank you for believing in the importance of emotional development in education. Your kindness and investment in my students' growth have had a lasting impact, and we are truly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1742670698082,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-young-learners-with-social-em/9126705/","projectTitle":"Empowering Young Learners With Social Emotional Resources","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sawyer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9528718"},{"teacherId":9528718,"projectId":9125856,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for your generous donation of cleaning supplies and organization materials to our classroom. Your thoughtful contributions have made a meaningful impact on our learning environment. \r\n\r\nThanks to your support, we now have the tools to keep our classroom clean, organized, and welcoming for every student. Each item has helped us maintain a safe, structured, and positive space for learning and growth. \r\n\r\nYour generosity not only supports our daily routines but also teaches our students the value of community and the importance of caring for shared spaces. It's inspiring to know that there are people like you who believe in and support the work being done in our schools. \r\n\r\nOn behalf of my students and myself, thank you once again for your kindness and support. We are truly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1743619076892,"projectUrl":"project/a-clean-organized-and-engaging-learnin/9125856/","projectTitle":"A Clean, Organized, and Engaging Learning Space","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sawyer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9528718"},{"teacherId":9528718,"projectId":9124158,"letterContent":"I am thrilled to share the incredible impact your donation of new chapter books has had on our classroom! From the moment these books arrived, our room has been filled with excitement, curiosity, and the joyful sounds of students diving into new stories. \r\n\r\nFor many second graders, this is their first opportunity to read a longer story with deeper characters, conflicts, and themes. Having books of their own boosts both confidence and motivation. They are developing a love of reading, practicing comprehension skills, and building vocabulary – all essential foundations for their education. \r\n\r\nYour donation has made it possible for students to discover the magic of reading and experience the joy of finishing a book on their own. Beyond academics, these books are fostering connections. Every day, I see students chatting about characters, laughing together over funny scenes, and even recommending favorites to friends. Your contribution has sparked friendships and meaningful conversations that create a positive and inclusive classroom environment. \r\n\r\nYour donation has not only filled our classroom library with new books but has also shown our students that people in their community care deeply about their education and future. Knowing they have supporters like you motivates them to work hard, reach higher, and dream bigger. \r\n\r\nThank you again for your generosity. With your support, we are shaping enthusiastic readers and lifelong learners, and we are so grateful to have you as a part of our community.","fullyFundedDate":1744234866765,"projectUrl":"project/minecraft-babysitters-club-and-animal-r/9124158/","projectTitle":"Minecraft, Babysitters Club and Animal Rescue Friends","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sawyer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9528718"},{"teacherId":9528718,"projectId":9124140,"letterContent":"I am thrilled to share the incredible impact your donation of new chapter books has had on our classroom! From the moment these books arrived, our room has been filled with excitement, curiosity, and the joyful sounds of students diving into new stories. \r\n\r\nFor many second graders, this is their first opportunity to read a longer story with deeper characters, conflicts, and themes. Having books of their own boosts both confidence and motivation. They are developing a love of reading, practicing comprehension skills, and building vocabulary – all essential foundations for their education. \r\n\r\nYour donation has made it possible for students to discover the magic of reading and experience the joy of finishing a book on their own. Beyond academics, these books are fostering connections. Every day, I see students chatting about characters, laughing together over funny scenes, and even recommending favorites to friends. Your contribution has sparked friendships and meaningful conversations that create a positive and inclusive classroom environment. \r\n\r\nYour donation has not only filled our classroom library with new books but has also shown our students that people in their community care deeply about their education and future. Knowing they have supporters like you motivates them to work hard, reach higher, and dream bigger. \r\n\r\nThank you again for your generosity. With your support, we are shaping enthusiastic readers and lifelong learners, and we are so grateful to have you as a part of our community.","fullyFundedDate":1744232285306,"projectUrl":"project/diary-of-a-wimpy-kid-with-pizza-and-taco/9124140/","projectTitle":"Diary of a Wimpy Kid With Pizza and Taco","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sawyer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9528718"},{"teacherId":1622110,"projectId":9302460,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, my students were able to dive into exciting and meaningful art projects using high-quality materials—something that made a noticeable difference in both their work and their confidence.\r\n\r\nOne of the most memorable moments was seeing their faces light up when they first saw the new supplies. They were genuinely thrilled to use real artist-grade tools—it made them feel like true artists. With these materials, we explored the styles and stories of both contemporary and historical artists, including Alma Thomas, Dasic Fernandez, Tim Rogers Jr., and others who celebrate African American heritage. Students created artwork inspired by these figures, bringing their own voices and creativity to life through vibrant, thoughtful pieces.\r\n\r\nBecause I didn't have to worry about where or how to find materials, I could dedicate my energy to what matters most: teaching, preparing meaningful lessons, and supporting each student's growth. Your contribution allowed that shift, and the impact has been powerful.\r\n\r\nCurrently, we're building on what we've learned—exploring new techniques and developing personal portfolios. The foundation you helped create is something we'll continue building on all year.\r\n\r\nThank you for being a part of our classroom—you've made a lasting difference.","fullyFundedDate":1750223265573,"projectUrl":"project/art-supplies-for-new-art-program/9302460/","projectTitle":"Art Supplies for New Art Program","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sarah","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1622110_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1522819722154","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/maestraclark"},{"teacherId":3832739,"projectId":9655533,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for these supplies. I know they don't sound like much, but they have been so helpful for us to stay organized and find what we need without as much trouble as when there is just a pile of stuff in their cubbies. Even though it's only been a couple of weeks, the results have been pretty dramatic.\r\n\r\nHaving the separators to slide their books, notebooks, folders, etc. has made it so easy to see what they're looking for. They aren't just able to find stuff easily, but return their books easily and have it ready for the next time. (No more messy piles of books falling out.)\r\nThe book boxes let us have books at our fingertips. Their so great because they can take several books to read at once and need to get up to switch a book multiple times during reading groups. Lastly, the cup holders are truly AMAZING and a game changer. Water bottles are not tipping over anymore and it makes desk organization way better and easier.\r\nThese materials have been fantastic. Thank you for helping us get them.","fullyFundedDate":1758233113323,"projectUrl":"project/starting-a-new-year-organized-and-ready/9655533/","projectTitle":"Starting a New Year Organized and Ready to Learn","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Salvail","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3832739_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1473399529374","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/salvail"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_88295","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":459,"numTeachers":25,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":12,"percentBlack":17,"percentWhite":14,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":40,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"18.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":66.6,"schoolId":88295,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Wilkes Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Wilkes Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/oregon/reynolds-school-district-7/wilkes-elementary-school/88295"}
Join the 658 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Wilkes Elementary School is
a suburban public school
in Portland, Oregon that is part of Reynolds School District 7.
It serves 459 students
in grades K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 18.4:1.
Its teachers have had 370 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
69%
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.
Wilkes 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.
Wilkes Elementary School
$208,932
raised using DonorsChoose
370
projects
funded
43
teachers
funded
658
donors
26
projects
for
basic supplies
47
projects for
technology
111
projects for
books
27
projects
for
art supplies
Wilkes Elementary School has received support from
438 individuals from Oregon and
220 individuals out-of-state.