{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Orr Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":18.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9636969,"projectId":9079877,"letterContent":"The addition of a dedicated Calm Corner has made a noticeable difference in the emotional climate of our classroom. With access to sensory tools, visual supports, and comfortable seating, students are now able to independently regulate their emotions when they feel overwhelmed. This has led to fewer disruptions, smoother transitions, and a more focused learning environment overall — especially for students who struggle with self-regulation or sensory overload.\r\n\r\nBecause these materials are now available, I've been able to intentionally teach and reinforce coping strategies rather than just react to behaviors. Students are learning when and how to take a break appropriately, which has empowered them to return to academic tasks more quickly and confidently. The Calm Corner has become a proactive tool for emotional growth rather than just a response to frustration, and I've seen students begin to verbalize their needs and advocate for themselves in positive ways.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, this space has shown my students that their feelings are valid and that they have the tools to manage them. Our classroom now feels more supportive, inclusive, and student-centered — and I am already seeing students build emotional resilience that will benefit them far beyond our classroom walls.","fullyFundedDate":1748024331667,"projectUrl":"project/a-quiet-corner-a-brighter-future/9079877/","projectTitle":"A Quiet Corner, A Brighter Future","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tamaño","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9636969_orig.png?crop=1290,1290,x0,y705&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1737745256231","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9636969"},{"teacherId":9636969,"projectId":9082814,"letterContent":"The addition of building blocks, sensory bins, and cooperative games has had an immediate and meaningful impact on my students' learning. During center time and structured small groups, students are now engaging more deeply in hands-on activities that strengthen their fine motor skills, problem-solving abilities, and spatial reasoning. I have already seen an increase in focus and persistence as students experiment, build, and explore with purpose rather than disengaging or becoming frustrated.\r\n\r\nThese materials have also supported stronger social and emotional growth. Students are actively collaborating, communicating, and taking turns during cooperative games and sensory play. Many of my students struggle with peer interaction, and these tools have provided natural opportunities for them to practice teamwork, express ideas, and build confidence in a safe and purposeful environment. Our classroom now feels more calm, productive, and joyful — and students are showing pride in what they can create and accomplish.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, the learning is now more meaningful and accessible for every child. My students look forward to these activities each day, and I can see how their creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration skills are thriving because of this project.","fullyFundedDate":1748205976951,"projectUrl":"project/playful-spaces-bright-futures/9082814/","projectTitle":"Playful Spaces, Bright Futures!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tamaño","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9636969_orig.png?crop=1290,1290,x0,y705&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1737745256231","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9636969"},{"teacherId":9051500,"projectId":9018396,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom has become a cleaner, safer, and more comfortable space where students can focus and thrive. The resources from \"A Clean and Healthy Classroom for Happy, Focused Students\" have made a noticeable difference in our daily routine. From sanitizing wipes and tissues to air purifiers and organizers, every item has helped create a healthier learning environment and our students feel it, too!\r\n\r\nOne memorable moment was when the students walked into the newly refreshed classroom and immediately noticed how tidy and fresh everything felt. A few of them even said, \"It smells so clean in here!\" and started taking more ownership of keeping their space neat. We've incorporated daily cleaning routines into our class jobs, and the students love being part of maintaining their environment.\r\n\r\nWith fewer distractions and better air quality, students are more focused during lessons and more engaged in group activities. We've just begun a new unit on collaborative storytelling, and it's been amazing to see how much more settled and attentive they are. These materials aren't just supplies they've become a foundation for a more focused and positive learning experience. Thank you again for investing in their well-being and success!","fullyFundedDate":1742568990655,"projectUrl":"project/a-clean-and-healthy-classroom-for-happy/9018396/","projectTitle":"\"A Clean and Healthy Classroom for Happy, Focused Students\"","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Perater","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9051500_orig.jpg?crop=1024,1024,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1704486501825","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/jperater"},{"teacherId":5046299,"projectId":8930582,"letterContent":"STEM kits in the library are transforming how students at Orr Elementary engage with science, technology, engineering, and math. These hands-on resources spark curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking across all grade levels. Whether building simple circuits, coding with robots, or exploring force and motion, students are no longer just reading about STEM—they're experiencing it firsthand.\r\n\r\nBy making STEM accessible in the library, we're reaching students who may not have these opportunities at home and giving them a safe space to explore, experiment, and collaborate. These kits promote problem-solving, teamwork, and perseverance—skills essential for success in school and in life.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, STEM kits inspire students to see themselves as inventors, engineers, and innovators. They open doors to future careers and help build confidence in learners of all backgrounds. With every kit used, students take one step closer to becoming the thinkers and leaders of tomorrow.","fullyFundedDate":1734449421030,"projectUrl":"project/stem-kits-in-the-library/8930582/","projectTitle":"STEM Kits in the Library","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ray","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5046299_orig.jpg?crop=1160,1160,x0,y243&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1621803606221","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5046299"},{"teacherId":5046299,"projectId":8182463,"letterContent":"On behalf of the students and staff at Orr Elementary, I want to express our heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation of STEM kits, crayons, markers, and the supply basket for our library. Your thoughtful contribution has made a profound impact on our students and their learning experience.\r\n\r\nThe resources you provided have transformed our library into a hub of creativity, curiosity, and engagement. The STEM kits have sparked countless moments of wonder as students explore hands-on projects, building critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The crayons and markers have unleashed their artistic potential, allowing them to express themselves and bring their ideas to life in vivid color. The supply basket ensures that every student has access to the tools they need to succeed, making our library a welcoming and inclusive space for all.\r\n\r\nThanks to your support, our students are more engaged than ever. They look forward to visiting the library, eager to dive into new activities and explore their interests. Your generosity is not just providing supplies—it's inspiring a love of learning that will stay with them for years to come.\r\n\r\nThank you for being a vital part of our school community and for investing in the future of our students. We are deeply grateful for your kindness and support.","fullyFundedDate":1715170284237,"projectUrl":"project/building-books-in-bright-colors/8182463/","projectTitle":"Building Books in Bright Colors","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ray","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5046299_orig.jpg?crop=1160,1160,x0,y243&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1621803606221","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5046299"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_16467","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":663,"numTeachers":40,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":33,"percentWhite":3,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":61,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"16.6:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":81.9,"schoolId":16467,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Orr Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Orr Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/texas/tyler-independent-school-district/orr-elementary-school/16467"}
Join the 83 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Orr Elementary School is
an urban public school
in Tyler, Texas that is part of Tyler Independent School District.
It serves 663 students
in grades Pre-K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 16.6:1.
Its teachers have had 34 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. Each classroom request for funding was created by a classroom teacher and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
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
94%
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.
Orr Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Dec 5, 2025
DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students
in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.
Orr Elementary School
$12,883
raised using DonorsChoose
34
projects
funded
16
teachers
funded
83
donors
4
projects
for
basic supplies
3
projects for
technology
2
projects for
books
2
projects
for
art supplies
Orr Elementary School has received support from
68 individuals from Texas and
15 individuals out-of-state.