Date: May 2026
School: Frontier Elementary
Wish Delivered: Fence for playground
Teacher Katie Rutan says "This fenced play area would immediately and directly impact the lives of our preschool students and their families. Children who currently have limited or no access to outdoor play would have a safe, joyful space of their own. Teachers and support staff would be able to take their students outside with confidence. Physical and occupational therapists would have an outdoor space to incorporate into treatment sessions. And our youngest learners, many of whom are working hard every day just to access the world around them, would have a place that was built with them in mind."
Wish Amount: $3,387.16
Date: May 2026
School: West Bonner County
Wish Delivered: School AED's
Teacher Caitlin Eller says "As a school, we are committed to maintaining a safe learning environment and being prepared for emergencies. However, replacing multiple AED units presents a significant financial burden that is not currently accounted for in our budget. The unexpected recall has made this need both urgent and unavoidable. Funding from the Idaho Lottery would directly support the purchase of new, fully functional AED units, ensuring that our school is equipped to respond effectively in a cardiac emergency. This investment would not only restore a critical layer of safety but also provide peace of mind to families, staff, and the broader community."
Wish Amount: $5,553.84
Date: May 2026
School: Timberline Schools
Wish Delivered: Forestry Tools
Teacher Tyler Barron says "The forestry tools, equipment, and kits included in this list will be of great value to Timberline Schools’ science curriculum. A major goal of our science department is to make science relevant to student lives. When students are able to see the direct utility of science study, it leads to greater understanding and engagement in scientific learning. Understanding scientific processes is critical to success in higher education and many natural resources jobs. Many students at Timberline Schools will go on to enter natural resources either as Forestry Workers or support workers due to Weippe, Idaho’s location. These tools will be used across subjects 7-12, but particularly in two elective courses: Natural Resources and Environmental Science; these two courses are part of the Forestry/Natural Resources Career Pathway offerings at Timberline Schools and the addition of these tools/kits will greatly enhance learning outcomes."
Wish Amount: $650
Date: April 2026
School: South Fremont High School
Wish Delivered: Livestock supplies
Teacher Krysten Davis says "This simulator will provide my students with hands-on experience in a critical livestock management skill that is widely used in the industry. This is the type of skill that they would never be able to get real hands-on experience without this type of simulator. This ensures that all students, regardless of background or access to livestock, gain practical, real-world skills that can lead to industry certifications. I have had this simulator on my radar for years, but the cost has been a major barrier in being able to secure this model."
Wish Amount: $4,907
Date: April 2026
School: Mary McPherson Elementary School
Wish Delivered: Classroom supplies
Teacher Courtney Weaver says "This TV and Cart will address the visibility issues that my unique computer lab shape and class sizes that make it difficult for over half of my students to see. It will improve engagement and reduce instruction time so that we make the best use of our already limited time in the computer lab."
Wish Amount: $409.79
Date: April 2026
School: Canyon Springs High School
Wish Delivered: Clear Backpacks
Teacher Luci Roberson says "Our school requires students to use a clear backpack. Majority of our students cannot afford to purchase these on their own so we like to be able to provide them. Our school does not get a big budget and we do not have the money to be able to buy the backpacks on our own."
Wish Amount: $2,050
Date: April 2026
School: Idaho Arts Charter School
Wish Delivered: Buddy Benches
Teacher Erin Bass says "A Buddy Bench provides a safe, nonverbal way for students to ask for companionship, helping to reduce anxiety and normalize help-seeking behavior. Having two benches reinforces that this support is school-wide and consistently available to all students. I have seen Buddy Benches successfully used at my previous school, and students truly responded positively to them. The impact extends to all students. Those who sit on the bench gain confidence and a sense of belonging, while those who respond have opportunities to practice empathy, kindness, and leadership. My fifth graders are eager to lead by example for our younger students and are hoping to have two 60” sand-colored Buddy Benches installed on our playground by March 6, 2026. This timeline would allow them to introduce the concept to younger students while continuing to use the benches themselves. Over time, this shared responsibility strengthens peer relationships, reduces playground conflicts, and helps build a more inclusive and positive school culture."
Wish Amount: $1,927
Date: April 2026
School: Park Intermediate School
Wish Delivered: Classroom supplies
Teacher Mari Cluff says "This wish list supports the creation of an extended resource room in a rural Idaho school designed to provide students with explicit instruction in life skills, functional academics, and entrepreneurial thinking. The requested materials will allow students to engage in hands-on, real-world learning experiences that build independence, responsibility, and employability. Kitchen equipment, storage systems, and organizational tools will be used to teach daily living skills such as meal preparation, cleaning routines, inventory management, and workplace expectations, while STEM materials and a 3D printer will introduce students to design, problem-solving, and small-scale product creation, supporting entrepreneurial skills and innovative thinking."
Wish Amount: $1,434
