{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Thomas Tolbert Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":31.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":7176654,"projectId":10100960,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our classroom has been filled with color, celebration, and confidence! The Astrobrights cardstock has already been transformed into durable sight word flashcards, math practice games, writing prompts, and bright certificates that celebrate student growth. Since the paper is sturdy, we are able to reuse materials throughout the week, making small-group instruction more engaging and hands-on.\r\n\r\nWhen my second graders first saw the sticker collection, their eyes lit up. From scratch-and-sniff rewards to neon, sports, and glitter designs, the excitement was immediate. Students now earn stickers for mastering sight words, completing math practice, participating in discussions, and showing kindness. What may seem small to adults feels huge to them. I have watched hesitant learners beam with pride after earning a sticker for improvement, not just perfection.\r\n\r\nThese materials have strengthened our classroom culture in powerful ways. Students are more motivated to take academic risks, celebrate one another, and push themselves toward growth. We are continuing to use the cardstock to create new literacy centers and interactive review games, and the stickers remain a daily tool for encouragement and belonging. Because of you, my students are learning that effort matters and that their hard work is seen.","fullyFundedDate":1771811755645,"projectUrl":"project/small-stickers-big-confidence/10100960/","projectTitle":"Small Stickers, Big Confidence!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Salguero","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7176654_orig.jpg?crop=500,500,x340,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755057537186","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/be-a-hero"},{"teacherId":7176654,"projectId":10091390,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our classroom has transformed in ways that may seem small on the surface—but have made a powerful difference for my second graders. The magnetic dry erase markers and erasers are now part of our daily routine during phonics, math problem-solving, and sentence-building practice. Instead of passively watching from their seats, students eagerly come to the board to write, revise, erase, and try again. That simple act of standing up and engaging with their learning has built confidence and encouraged risk-taking in a beautiful way.\r\n\r\nThe Dymo label tape has helped me create clearly organized, labeled spaces throughout our classroom. Bins, folders, word walls, and supply areas now have a defined home. This structure has increased my students' independence—they can find materials on their own, stay focused longer, and take ownership of their learning environment. In a dual language classroom where clarity and consistency matter, this organization has made our transitions smoother and our learning time more intentional.\r\n\r\nAnd the copy paper—something so basic—has ensured that every child has access to daily writing practice, reading responses, math work, and small-group activities without limitation. No student has to \"make do\" or skip practice. Because of you, my students have the tools they need to fully participate, grow their literacy skills, and feel proud of their work.\r\n\r\nYour support has reinforced an important message in our classroom: you matter, your learning matters, and you deserve the tools to shine. Thank you for believing in my students and investing in their success.","fullyFundedDate":1771031327219,"projectUrl":"project/little-tools-big-learning-wins/10091390/","projectTitle":"Little Tools, Big Learning Wins","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Salguero","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7176654_orig.jpg?crop=500,500,x340,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755057537186","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/be-a-hero"},{"teacherId":7176654,"projectId":9966882,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our \"Focused Lunar New Year Learning Tools for Math and Reading\" project. Because of your generosity, my second-grade dual language students were able to fully engage in meaningful Lunar New Year learning experiences in both English and Spanish. When the materials arrived, my students were so excited to use their very own staplers to assemble their bilingual Lunar New Year learning packets. They felt proud and independent organizing their reading passages about zodiac animals and traditions, along with math problem sets connected to Lunar New Year themes.\r\n\r\nThe digital timer quickly became an essential part of our learning stations. During rotations, students solved themed word problems, practiced close reading, and discussed cultural traditions with partners while managing their time independently. The highlighters helped students identify key vocabulary, important details, and operation words in both English and Spanish. I saw increased focus and confidence as students highlighted text evidence and broke down math problems step by step.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, I was able to create structured, culturally responsive lessons that promoted independence, organization, and engagement. These tools will continue to support our classroom as we explore new units and build strong academic habits for the rest of the year. Thank you for investing in my students and helping bring culturally meaningful learning to life.","fullyFundedDate":1766259883768,"projectUrl":"project/focused-lunar-new-year-learning-tools-fo/9966882/","projectTitle":"Focused Lunar New Year Learning Tools for Math and Reading","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Salguero","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7176654_orig.jpg?crop=500,500,x340,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755057537186","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/be-a-hero"},{"teacherId":7176654,"projectId":9965827,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, my students are now experiencing Lunar New Year learning in a more engaging, interactive, and meaningful way. The document camera and Promethean ActivPanel remote have transformed how I deliver instruction in our dual language classroom. Instead of simply describing vocabulary, math models, and cultural traditions, I can now project texts, student work, and real-time problem solving so every child can clearly see, hear, and participate.\r\n\r\nUsing the document camera, I display Lunar New Year reading passages, bilingual vocabulary cards, cultural artifacts, and math problems inspired by real-world celebrations. My students especially love seeing their own work projected for discussion — it builds confidence and encourages thoughtful participation in both English and Spanish. The ability to model comprehension strategies and step-by-step math problem solving visually has made a noticeable difference in student understanding, particularly for my multilingual learners.\r\n\r\nThis project has helped create shared learning experiences where students collaborate, analyze, and celebrate cultural traditions together. The excitement in the room during our Lunar New Year lessons has been incredible — students are more eager to contribute, ask questions, and make connections across languages and subjects. Your support has truly strengthened equity and access in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1766359237504,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-lunar-new-year-learning-to-the/9965827/","projectTitle":"Bringing Lunar New Year Learning to the Screen","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Salguero","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7176654_orig.jpg?crop=500,500,x340,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755057537186","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/be-a-hero"},{"teacherId":7176654,"projectId":9964779,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, my students were able to fully immerse themselves in our Lunar New Year unit in ways that were interactive, meaningful, and culturally affirming. When the dry-erase boards arrived, my students were immediately excited — they could not wait to write on them! What might seem like a simple tool quickly became a powerful way for every child to actively participate. Instead of passively listening, students solved Lunar New Year–themed math story problems, practiced bilingual vocabulary connected to zodiac animals and traditions, and responded to culturally relevant reading prompts — all while confidently sharing their thinking.\r\n\r\nThe laminated bilingual materials have made an incredible difference in our classroom. Students used vocabulary cards, math mats, and reading response organizers in both English and Spanish, and many proudly taught their classmates words from languages spoken at home. One of my favorite moments was watching students collaborate on solving a math problem about a Lunar New Year celebration, eagerly explaining their reasoning and encouraging one another. The reusable materials allow us to revisit and extend lessons, ensuring that learning continues well beyond a single unit.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, I was able to create an inclusive, hands-on learning environment where every student felt seen, valued, and empowered to participate. These materials have strengthened engagement, boosted confidence, and helped my students make authentic cultural connections. Next, we will continue using these reusable tools to compare cultural celebrations around the world, deepening both academic skills and global awareness.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has created lasting opportunities for my students, and I am truly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1766246894551,"projectUrl":"project/reusable-tools-for-lunar-new-year-learni/9964779/","projectTitle":"Reusable Tools for Lunar New Year Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Salguero","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7176654_orig.jpg?crop=500,500,x340,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755057537186","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/be-a-hero"},{"teacherId":7176654,"projectId":9965123,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, my second graders are now actively using their individual dry-erase boards, markers, and erasers every single day during our Lunar New Year learning cycle. Instead of completing one-time worksheets, students are solving Lunar New Year–themed math problems by modeling addition and subtraction with red envelopes, comparing quantities of zodiac animals, and drawing visual representations to explain their thinking. They turn and talk with partners, revise their work in real time, and confidently share their reasoning with the class.\r\n\r\nIn reading, students are using their boards as thinking spaces to respond to informational texts about Lunar New Year traditions. They write key vocabulary in English and Spanish, practice retelling important details, and compare this celebration to other cultural traditions we've studied. When the materials first arrived, students were so excited to each have their own board — you could hear them say, \"We get to use these every day?\" That ownership has made a tremendous difference. They are more willing to take academic risks because they can erase, adjust, and try again.\r\n\r\nThese tools have transformed engagement in our classroom. Every student now has equal access to materials that promote discussion, confidence, and active participation. Your support has made our Lunar New Year study interactive, inclusive, and deeply meaningful.","fullyFundedDate":1766413918411,"projectUrl":"project/interactive-dry-erase-learning-for-lunar/9965123/","projectTitle":"Interactive Dry-Erase Learning for Lunar New Year","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Salguero","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7176654_orig.jpg?crop=500,500,x340,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755057537186","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/be-a-hero"},{"teacherId":10250476,"projectId":9702015,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom! Because of your generosity, we now have a laminator and laminating pouches that have completely transformed the way our 3rd graders engage with learning. The laminator allows us to turn worksheets, learning games, and classroom materials into durable resources that students can use over and over. This means more interactive lessons, more practice opportunities, and more chances for students to learn by doing.\r\n\r\nThe laminator has made learning more engaging for everyone, and it has opened up new ways for creativity and collaboration. Your support has given our students confidence, pride, and new ways to explore their learning. We are deeply grateful for your generosity and for helping make our classroom a brighter, more interactive place.","fullyFundedDate":1758202640937,"projectUrl":"project/mistakes-shouldnt-diminish-student-lear/9702015/","projectTitle":"Mistakes Shouldn't Diminish Student Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Pugh","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10250476_orig.jpg?crop=1025,1025,x0,y366&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757452569959","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10250476"},{"teacherId":3832071,"projectId":9702006,"letterContent":"The technology has been very helpful because students enjoy seeing the work they have completed, which builds pride and engagement during counseling lessons. The colors really pop on the boards, making activities more visually appealing and helping students stay focused and interested. What excites students most is that these materials can be used year after year, creating consistency and familiarity in our counseling space. While no particular group of students has responded differently, all students benefit from having engaging, reusable tools that support learning, reflection, and emotional growth","fullyFundedDate":1762285747327,"projectUrl":"project/heating-up-counseling/9702006/","projectTitle":"Heating up Counseling","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. MENDY","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3832071_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1474490384775","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3832071"},{"teacherId":7176654,"projectId":9584130,"letterContent":"Thank you for fully funding Hydration and Warmth: Keeping Students Ready to Learn. This project was requested to support students' basic needs so they could fully engage in learning throughout the day. Many of my second-grade dual language students are active, learning for extended periods, and benefit greatly from consistent access to hydration and a comfortable classroom environment.\r\n\r\nThe materials were used exactly as intended. Reusable water bottles and carriers allowed students to stay hydrated during instruction, transitions, outdoor learning, and school activities, reducing distractions and helping students maintain focus. In ELA, this supported sustained attention during reading, writing, and language development in both languages. In math, students were better able to remain engaged during problem-solving, modeling, and collaborative work without interruptions caused by fatigue or discomfort.\r\n\r\nThe electric kettle was used during special reading sessions and writing workshops to create a calm, welcoming environment, particularly on cold days. These moments supported listening, discussion, reflection, and community-building—important elements of second-grade learning. Beyond ELA and math, the project supported student wellness, self-regulation, and readiness to learn across all subject areas.\r\n\r\nThank you for supporting a project that recognized the connection between student well-being and academic success. Your generosity helped ensure students could show up each day ready to learn, participate, and grow.","fullyFundedDate":1758229745531,"projectUrl":"project/hydration-and-warmth-keeping-students-r/9584130/","projectTitle":"Hydration and Warmth: Keeping Students Ready to Learn","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Salguero","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7176654_orig.jpg?crop=500,500,x340,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755057537186","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/be-a-hero"},{"teacherId":7176654,"projectId":9646166,"letterContent":"Thank you for fully funding Seat Sacks, Ready Minds. This project was requested to help create a calmer, more organized classroom where second-grade dual language students could access their materials quickly and independently. When supplies were stored far from student seats, transitions became rushed and valuable instructional time was lost.\r\n\r\nThe seat sacks were used exactly as intended. Each student now has a personal, labeled space attached to their chair for folders, notebooks, independent reading books, and pencils. In ELA, this allowed students to smoothly transition into reading, writing, and language activities in both languages without interruption. In math, students could immediately access materials needed for problem-solving, practice, and explaining their thinking, supporting lesson flow and engagement.\r\n\r\nBeyond ELA and math, the seat sacks supported executive-function skills that are especially important in second grade, including organization, responsibility, and independence. They also reduced classroom traffic, protected student work, and created more consistent routines across all subject areas and small-group activities.\r\n\r\nThank you for supporting a project that turned simple organization into more time spent learning. Your generosity helped create a classroom environment where students are prepared, focused, and ready to learn every day.","fullyFundedDate":1756484267284,"projectUrl":"project/seat-sacks-ready-minds/9646166/","projectTitle":"Seat Sacks, Ready Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Salguero","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7176654_orig.jpg?crop=500,500,x340,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755057537186","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/be-a-hero"},{"teacherId":7176654,"projectId":9646335,"letterContent":"Thank you for fully funding Inked for Learning, Labeled for Success. This project was requested to ensure my second-grade dual language students consistently had access to clear, organized, and visually supportive learning materials. Reliable printer ink and labeling supplies were needed to remove barriers that limited instructional flexibility and student independence.\r\n\r\nThe materials were used exactly as intended. In ELA, color-printed reading passages, writing organizers, anchor charts, and take-home materials supported comprehension, vocabulary development, and language acquisition in both languages. Visual clarity was especially helpful for emerging bilingual learners. In math, students used printed practice pages, models, and problem-solving resources that allowed them to show work, explain thinking, and revisit strategies during instruction.\r\n\r\nLabels were used to organize folders, book bins, materials, and classroom systems, supporting smoother transitions and helping students independently manage their learning tools. Beyond ELA and math, these materials supported small-group instruction, centers, projects, and family communication across all subject areas.\r\n\r\nThank you for supporting a project that turned everyday printing and organization into meaningful learning opportunities. Your generosity helped create a classroom that is organized, accessible, and focused on student success.","fullyFundedDate":1757682341980,"projectUrl":"project/inked-for-learning-labeled-for-success/9646335/","projectTitle":"Inked for Learning, Labeled for Success","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Salguero","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7176654_orig.jpg?crop=500,500,x340,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755057537186","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/be-a-hero"},{"teacherId":7176654,"projectId":9646128,"letterContent":"Thank you for fully funding Desk Organizers = More Learning. This project was requested to address a simple but important need in my second-grade dual language classroom: organization. During centers, small groups, and daily instruction, misplaced supplies and clutter were taking time away from learning. The goal was to create a system that promoted independence, responsibility, and smoother transitions.\r\n\r\nThe desk organizers were used exactly as intended. Each table group now has clearly labeled compartments for pencils, notebooks, math tools, and reading materials. In ELA, this allowed students to quickly access writing tools, reading responses, and language materials, supporting writing, editing, and literacy routines in both languages. In math, students independently retrieved manipulatives and tools needed for problem solving, modeling, and explaining their thinking without interruptions.\r\n\r\nBeyond academics, the organizers supported executive-function skills that are essential in second grade, such as organization, responsibility, and self-management. They also created calmer routines, reduced lost materials, and increased instructional time across all subject areas, including project work and collaborative activities.\r\n\r\nThank you for supporting a project that turned everyday classroom routines into more time spent reading, writing, and problem-solving. Your support made a meaningful difference in how our classroom functions and how students engage in their learning.","fullyFundedDate":1756484440820,"projectUrl":"project/desk-organizers-more-learning/9646128/","projectTitle":"Desk Organizers = More Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Salguero","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7176654_orig.jpg?crop=500,500,x340,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755057537186","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/be-a-hero"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_17071","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":302,"numTeachers":32,"percentFrplEligible":84,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":28,"percentWhite":2,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":64,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"9.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":69.0,"schoolId":17071,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Thomas Tolbert Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Thomas Tolbert Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/texas/dallas-independent-school-district/thomas-tolbert-elementary-school/17071"}
Join the 71 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Thomas Tolbert Elementary School is
an urban public school
in Dallas, Texas that is part of Dallas Independent School District.
It serves 302 students
in grades Pre-K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 9.4:1.
Its teachers have had 65 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
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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
92%
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.
Thomas Tolbert Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Feb 26, 2026
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.
Thomas Tolbert Elementary School
$20,166
raised using DonorsChoose
65
projects
funded
24
teachers
funded
71
donors
18
projects
for
basic supplies
22
projects for
technology
3
projects for
books
Thomas Tolbert Elementary School has received support from
49 individuals from Texas and
22 individuals out-of-state.