Jefferson Elementary School in Appleton, Wisconsin on DonorsChoose

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You don't see the groups of students who rarely interact during the school day learning how to communicate, compromise, and celebrate each other as teammates. And what you don't see - staff who now have the tools and resources needed to run safe and successful games where they can focus on supporting learning because we aren't worried about if the kickball will be flat or if someone will trip over old, ripped bases. \r\n\r\nThrough these games, students are practicing essential social‑emotional skills: teamwork, empathy, problem‑solving, and how to handle a game that doesn't go the way they hoped. They're learning how to be good sports, how to encourage others, and how to manage frustration in a healthy way. The equipment has given them a safe, structured way to grow—not just physically, but socially and emotionally.\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, the excitement was immediate. Their enthusiasm filled the room, and many of them couldn't believe that this equipment was truly for them. Their excited cheers could be heard through the school. \r\n\r\nAs we move forward, this equipment will continue to make an appearance in our day to day activities. We will be able to expand our academic time to include more social emotion learning and bringing the importance of moving everyday to the forefront. The equipment you provided will continue to be the foundation for these lessons—helping students build confidence, resilience, and stronger relationships with one another.\r\n\r\nThank you for giving our students the chance to grow in ways that reach far beyond the gym. Your generosity has created moments of joy, courage, and connection that will stay with them long after the games end.","fullyFundedDate":1763399876869,"projectUrl":"project/playground-balls-for-outdoor-play/9867141/","projectTitle":"Playground Balls for Outdoor Play","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Zellmer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10284549"},{"teacherId":627000,"projectId":9147098,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of STEM supplies! We are incredibly grateful for the tape, batteries, bubble wrap, LEGO storage, and the exciting \"build your own robots\" kits. Each item will play a big role in helping our students explore, create, and innovate in hands-on and meaningful ways.\r\n\r\nThese resources not only support our STEM activities but also spark curiosity, encourage problem-solving, and bring learning to life. The students are already buzzing with excitement about the new projects they'll be able to tackle—and your support is what makes that possible.\r\n\r\nThank you again for investing in our future scientists, engineers, and creators. 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About this school

Jefferson Elementary School is an urban public school in Appleton, Wisconsin that is part of Appleton Area School District. It serves 264 students in grades K - 6 with a student/teacher ratio of 8.8:1. Its teachers have had 9 projects funded on DonorsChoose.

Equity Focus School

Support towards this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Public School

Title 1

Grades K - 6

264 Students

30 Teachers

1000 S Mason St

Appleton, WI 54914 View local requests

http://www.aasd.k12.wi.us

Direct, proactive support

Empower teachers at Jefferson Elementary School to request what their students need.

Give to this school

Ms. Vero, a DonorsChoose teacher for 9 years.

Kindergarten teacher at PS81 - Robert J. Christen School in Bronx, NY

Jefferson Elementary School Teachers on DonorsChoose

Mrs. Ehmke

Ms. Zellmer

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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.

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Jefferson Elementary School Demographics

76%

of students receive free or reduced price lunch

Source: the National Center for Education Statistics

34%

of students are Black, Latino, Native American, or Asian

Schools in districts that mainly serve students of color receive substantially less state and local support than similar districts that serve primarily White students. Learn more about this gap, why it exists, and how you can help close it.

Jefferson Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Feb 23, 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.