{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Azalea Gardens Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":45.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":992508,"projectId":9814637,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project! Your generosity made a meaningful difference for my English Language Learner (ELL) students and their families. With your help, we were able to provide snacks as incentives during our family engagement and learning events—something small but incredibly powerful in helping everyone feel welcome, comfortable, and excited to participate.\r\n\r\nBecause of your donation, students were more motivated to attend sessions and stay engaged, and their families felt included and valued as partners in their child's learning. Many parents shared that the snacks made the events feel warm and community-oriented, which helped them relax and participate more confidently, even when English is still new to them. Several students told me they felt \"special\" and \"noticed,\" which means more than you can imagine.\r\n\r\nYour support didn't just provide snacks—you helped create an environment where students could practice language skills, connect with their families, and build confidence in a safe and supportive space. You made our learning community stronger.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our classroom and for supporting our ELL families. Your kindness truly made an impact, and we are all grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1763498716492,"projectUrl":"project/supporting-our-ell-family-engagement-nig/9814637/","projectTitle":"Supporting Our ELL Family Engagement Night!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Serafine","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp992508_orig.jpg?crop=309,309,x121,y54&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1744402631472","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-serafine"},{"teacherId":9901121,"projectId":9663622,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, my students now have a wonderful way to celebrate their hard work and perseverance! The snack packs you helped provide have brought so much joy and encouragement to our classroom. My students tackle challenging history lessons and assessments every day, and these small rewards have become a meaningful reminder that their efforts do not go unnoticed. Having a treat to look forward to has truly brightened their days and given them the extra motivation to keep striving for excellence, even when the material is tough.\r\n\r\nWhat has been most exciting to see is how these simple snacks have helped build our classroom community. Students cheer each other on, celebrate one another's successes, and take real pride in their growth. The positive energy and smiles that come from earning a reward have made our classroom a more supportive, uplifting space.","fullyFundedDate":1758202849708,"projectUrl":"project/fueling-learning-with-rewards/9663622/","projectTitle":"Fueling Learning with Rewards","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jones","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9901121"},{"teacherId":9901121,"projectId":9621522,"letterContent":"Thanks to your incredible generosity, my students now have the tools they need to focus and thrive during technology-based lessons! The new class set of headphones has completely transformed the learning environment. What was once a room full of competing sounds from videos and interactive programs is now a calm and focused space where every student can engage with their own learning. These headphones have allowed my students to work independently and concentrate deeply—whether they're listening to historical documentaries, completing digital reading assignments, or practicing key skills in geography.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting part for my students has been the sense of ownership and independence that comes with using the headphones. They love being able to adjust the volume, replay parts of a video, or follow along at their own pace without distractions.","fullyFundedDate":1758202827479,"projectUrl":"project/tech-for-focus/9621522/","projectTitle":"Tech for Focus","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jones","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9901121"},{"teacherId":9901121,"projectId":9621595,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our \"Snack Packs for Smiles and Success\" project! Because of your generosity, our classroom has been filled with extra joy, excitement, and yes—plenty of sweet and salty treats!\r\nThe Impact in Our Classroom\r\nThese treats have become more than just snacks—they're now part of how we build classroom community and give students a little motivation when they need it most. Whether it's for finishing a tough assignment, participating in class, or just making it through a long day, having a stash of fun treats has made a big difference.","fullyFundedDate":1755734427013,"projectUrl":"project/snack-packs-for-smiles-and-success/9621595/","projectTitle":"Snack Packs for Smiles and Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jones","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9901121"},{"teacherId":6697960,"projectId":7999348,"letterContent":"The donation of Better Than Paper, bulletin board sets, and bulletin board borders has truly transformed our school environment into a more welcoming and engaging space for students. The durable Better Than Paper allows us to create vibrant bulletin boards that last all year without fading, tearing, or needing constant replacement. This not only saves time and resources but also ensures that our classrooms and hallways consistently look bright, inviting, and ready for learning.\r\n\r\nBulletin board sets and borders add an extra touch of warmth and creativity, turning plain walls into spaces that celebrate student work, highlight important information, and reflect the themes we are studying. These displays make students feel proud to see their contributions showcased and help foster a sense of belonging within the school community. Together, these materials create an atmosphere where students and families feel valued, supported, and excited to be part of our school.","fullyFundedDate":1699551397493,"projectUrl":"project/addicted-to-bulletin-boards/7999348/","projectTitle":"Addicted to Bulletin Boards","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Brinkley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6697960"},{"teacherId":6697960,"projectId":4427425,"letterContent":"This project has had a powerful impact on my students, especially given the unique makeup of our school community. With such a large military population, my classroom is filled with students from diverse backgrounds, each bringing their own experiences and perspectives. Many of these students face challenges, such as limited access to resources at home, which can make it harder for them to reach their full potential. The donated dictionaries have given my students a tool they can rely on daily, helping them strengthen their reading and writing skills—skills that are critical not only in school but in every aspect of life.\r\n\r\nIn social studies, my students are asked to analyze challenging primary source documents, from the Declaration of Independence to Thomas Paine's Common Sense. These texts are filled with complex vocabulary that often feels overwhelming. With the new dictionaries, students no longer have to skip over unfamiliar words. Instead, they can look them up, build their vocabulary, and deepen their understanding of the material. This empowers them to engage in meaningful discussions, draw their own conclusions, and think critically about history. Thanks to the generosity of DonorsChoose supporters, my students are better equipped to grow as readers, writers, and thinkers—skills that will serve them well far beyond my classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1568159784666,"projectUrl":"project/what-does-that-mean-learning-new-vocab/4427425/","projectTitle":"What Does That Mean? Learning New Vocabulary Through Historical Documents","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Brinkley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6697960"},{"teacherId":6697960,"projectId":9368338,"letterContent":"Having folders with pockets and prongs, binders, and highlighters provides my students with the tools they need to stay organized and successful throughout the school year. The folders allow them to keep important papers, assignments, and handouts in one place, while the prongs help secure pages that need to be kept long-term, such as reference sheets or ongoing projects. Binders give students a larger, more structured space to separate subjects or units, making it easier to access materials quickly and keep track of their progress. These simple tools build strong organizational habits that will benefit students well beyond the classroom.\r\n\r\nHighlighters are another resource that makes a big difference. Students use them to mark key information in readings, notes, and study guides, helping them focus on what's most important and retain material more effectively. Together, these supplies reduce stress, support independence, and allow students to take ownership of their learning. Thanks to the generosity of DonorsChoose participants, my students have the resources they need to stay prepared, confident, and engaged all year long.","fullyFundedDate":1757663791428,"projectUrl":"project/starting-off-right/9368338/","projectTitle":"Starting Off Right","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Brinkley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6697960"},{"teacherId":6697960,"projectId":8498431,"letterContent":"Having folders with pockets and prongs, binders, and highlighters provides my students with the tools they need to stay organized and successful throughout the school year. The folders allow them to keep important papers, assignments, and handouts in one place, while the prongs help secure pages that need to be kept long-term, such as reference sheets or ongoing projects. Binders give students a larger, more structured space to separate subjects or units, making it easier to access materials quickly and keep track of their progress. These simple tools build strong organizational habits that will benefit students well beyond the classroom.\r\n\r\nHighlighters are another resource that makes a big difference. Students use them to mark key information in readings, notes, and study guides, helping them focus on what's most important and retain material more effectively. Together, these supplies reduce stress, support independence, and allow students to take ownership of their learning. Thanks to the generosity of DonorsChoose participants, my students have the resources they need to stay prepared, confident, and engaged all year long.","fullyFundedDate":1723671326871,"projectUrl":"project/lets-get-organized/8498431/","projectTitle":"Let's Get Organized","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Brinkley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6697960"},{"teacherId":9901121,"projectId":9329945,"letterContent":"My students' faces lit up as they realized these treats were a special way to celebrate their hard work on our challenging district history assessments. We've already used the snacks as rewards for students who scored in the \"green\" on their unit exams, which is a big accomplishment on these tough assessments. This project has created more than just a snack break — it has built a classroom culture of encouragement and motivation. Instead of dreading assessments, students now see them as an opportunity to push themselves, knowing their efforts will be recognized and celebrated.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we will continue using these treats throughout the year to reward and motivate students as they complete each district assessment. The reward cart is now a permanent part of our classroom routine, and I know it will inspire even more students to strive for excellence.\r\n\r\nThank you so much for supporting my students and helping me create a positive and motivating learning environment. Your generosity has made a real difference in celebrating their success and encouraging them to keep reaching higher!","fullyFundedDate":1746902489741,"projectUrl":"project/rewarding-hardworking-students/9329945/","projectTitle":"Rewarding Hardworking Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jones","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9901121"},{"teacherId":6697960,"projectId":8077560,"letterContent":"The donation of Better Than Paper, bulletin board sets, and bulletin board borders has truly transformed our school environment into a more welcoming and engaging space for students. The durable Better Than Paper allows us to create vibrant bulletin boards that last all year without fading, tearing, or needing constant replacement. This not only saves time and resources but also ensures that our classrooms and hallways consistently look bright, inviting, and ready for learning.\r\n\r\nBulletin board sets and borders add an extra touch of warmth and creativity, turning plain walls into spaces that celebrate student work, highlight important information, and reflect the themes we are studying. These displays make students feel proud to see their contributions showcased and help foster a sense of belonging within the school community. Together, these materials create an atmosphere where students and families feel valued, supported, and excited to be part of our school.","fullyFundedDate":1707998606038,"projectUrl":"project/addicted-to-bulletin-boards/8077560/","projectTitle":"Addicted to Bulletin Boards","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Brinkley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6697960"},{"teacherId":6753475,"projectId":6706387,"letterContent":"This project has made a great difference in my classrooms environment. In my school having a new white board believe it or not encourages the students to want to go to the board and write. When they first saw that they were getting a new board they were overwhelmed with excitement and even more so when I told them that it was through a donation.\r\n\r\nThe cool lights help create a cool environment with out the florescent light being so bright all the time. I am so grateful to the donors for bringing this dream to life.","fullyFundedDate":1661982433272,"projectUrl":"project/hip-and-trendy-lights-and-board/6706387/","projectTitle":"Hip and Trendy: Lights and Board","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Arrington","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6753475_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1572179361890","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6753475"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_34843","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":792,"numTeachers":65,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":2,"percentBlack":40,"percentWhite":27,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":20,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"12.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":54.3,"schoolId":34843,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Azalea Gardens Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Azalea Gardens Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/virginia/norfolk-public-schools/azalea-gardens-middle-school/34843"}
Join the 335 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Azalea Gardens Middle School is
an urban public school
in Norfolk, Virginia that is part of Norfolk Public Schools.
It serves 792 students
in grades 6 - 8 with a student/teacher ratio of 12.2:1.
Its teachers have had 161 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
62%
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.
Azalea Gardens Middle School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Dec 9, 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.
Azalea Gardens Middle School
$81,089
raised using DonorsChoose
161
projects
funded
38
teachers
funded
335
donors
34
projects
for
basic supplies
27
projects for
technology
17
projects for
books
12
projects
for
art supplies
Azalea Gardens Middle School has received support from
182 individuals from Virginia and
153 individuals out-of-state.