{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"College Gate Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":66.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":3430077,"projectId":9308601,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible donation to our classrooms. We are so grateful that because of you, our classroom environment is less harsh, and our students now have a wonderful interschool mail delivery system.\r\n Our classes are enjoying this great writing opportunity that has not only engaged the students in conversation but has helped create a lifelong bond. The light coverings in the classrooms have helped soften the harsh lighting and have created an environment that encourages learning.\r\n By providing us with the mailboxes and doorbells, you have helped us facilitate our interschool mail delivery with our buddies class. The ceiling light diffuser we used to block the harsh light, and the window clings to block the outside world, really helped the students focus better. \r\n Thank you again for helping support our project to teach writing skills in a fun and creative way that engages students in a classroom setting that encourages learning.","fullyFundedDate":1746787251688,"projectUrl":"project/mini-mail-delivery-system-for-writing-sk/9308601/","projectTitle":"Mini Mail Delivery System for Writing Skills!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Elliott","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3430077"},{"teacherId":9158833,"projectId":9839008,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our classroom now has Impact Weighted Stuffed Toys that act as comforting \"service pets,\" along with storybooks that gently teach and model positive behavior. These resources have quickly become part of our daily routine. Students use their weighted pets during reading time, emotional-regulation breaks, and social-skills lessons. One of my favorite moments happened during a lesson on sharing: we read one of our new behavior storybooks together, and as we talked about the characters' choices, a student cradled his weighted pet and said, \"He helps me be calm so I can listen better.\" Watching the connection between comfort and learning grow in real time was incredible.\r\n\r\nThe day the materials arrived felt like a small celebration. The room filled with excitement as students carefully chose a weighted pet, introduced themselves, and settled into cozy spots to explore the new storybooks. Some students who usually have trouble focusing during read-alouds were suddenly attentive, petting their weighted toy while following along with big smiles. The combination of the calming pets and the engaging stories made the entire classroom feel softer, safer, and more connected.\r\n\r\nOur next steps include using these tools during structured social-emotional lessons, small-group reading circles, and moments when students need help regulating their bodies and emotions. We're beginning a \"Be My Best Self\" unit, where each week students pair a behavior storybook with a strategy they can practice—such as sharing, using kind words, or taking calming breaths with their service pet. Your support didn't just add materials to our room; it transformed the way my students learn, behave, and care for themselves.\r\n\r\nThank you for giving my students comfort, confidence, and the tools to grow into their best selves.","fullyFundedDate":1762504590048,"projectUrl":"project/weighted-stuff-toys-as-my-service-pet/9839008/","projectTitle":"Weighted Stuff Toys as My Service Pet","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Paasa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9158833_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724126527043","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9158833"},{"teacherId":2595183,"projectId":9741730,"letterContent":"Today I put out all our new materials for the students to explore. I loved the laughter and squeals as they played the old game \"operation\". It was great to see the students taking turns and working together. \r\nThe Mr. Potato head was a big hit with the younger students. As I sat at the table with that group we talked about all our body parts. They continued to play and enjoy building different characters.\r\nThe magnet body puzzle fascinated all grade levels. They loved showing me the different mixes of systems they put together. I was able to discuss with the students Muscles, Bones and other systems as they played.\r\nIt was a day of joyous learning, with many more to come thanks to your generous contributions.","fullyFundedDate":1762267526456,"projectUrl":"project/mr-potato-head-learns-health/9741730/","projectTitle":"Mr. Potato Head Learns Health","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Eads","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2595183_orig.jpg?crop=1440,1440,x0,y393&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1732673826566","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2595183"},{"teacherId":3430077,"projectId":9308320,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible donation to our classrooms. We are so grateful that because of you, our students now have wonderful new desk pets and sensory toys.\r\n The students were thrilled when they opened the boxes. They couldn't believe that they had new desk pets. They were so excited that there were enough that they could share between big and little buddies. They are teaching their new pets the school rules and explaining assignments. When they are feeling lonely, they have a friend to work with and one in their big buddy classroom to check in with as well. \r\n It is so hard when you have the wiggles to be able to focus on what you are supposed to be doing. The sensory toys are working well for those who have difficulty sitting still and paying attention. They are exceptionally helpful for their big buddies who are at a transitional stage of life, where they are working hard to figure out how to deal with their emotions. \r\n It's moments like these that remind me of why I teach. Your contribution has truly brought our learning to life and has made our classrooms a more vibrant and engaging place for everyone.","fullyFundedDate":1746787200812,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-toys-and-desk-pets-help-us-learn/9308320/","projectTitle":"Sensory Toys and Desk Pets Help Us Learn!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Elliott","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3430077"},{"teacherId":2577145,"projectId":9189524,"letterContent":"What else can I say about how incredibly generous you have been. Without people like you my students would not have had the experiences that they have had. When we got a 3D printer their entire world changed. We were able to begin a new exploration and stretch our skills in math.\r\n\r\nWhen we first got a 3D printer the students were so confused. They were not sure what it was or what they were going to be able to do with it. This was so far out of their expectations that it was like total shock and awe. They had never seen a 3D printer. What should be our first print was a very big debate, it was however a great lesson. We also had the opportunity to learn about new jobs and possible career paths. This was a fun experience to be able to look beyond elementary and towards the future.\r\n\r\nOne of the best learning experiences from this 3D printer was the chance to learn and fail. The math that has been incorporated in this project was incredible we have been able to learn many new valuable skills. The biggest skill was learning to make mistakes and be ok, when something doesn't work. We have a container of oops and that is growing. This has allowed the students to be more confident with making mistakes in class and realizing it is a learning opportunity. This is the best lesson that could never have been expected.","fullyFundedDate":1746671040535,"projectUrl":"project/3d-printing-a-whole-new-world/9189524/","projectTitle":"3D Printing a Whole New World!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Therriault","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2577145_orig.png?crop=398,398,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1598245604934","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2577145"},{"teacherId":2577145,"projectId":9301442,"letterContent":"Words cannot say how much fun this has been for my class. With your generosity and support we were able to look at the world around us with a whole new perspective. To be quite honest one of the kids favorite things is to unbox. Each day is like Christmas when we have a box to open. Although secretly I think they really wanted the box for a class project too. This unboxing was different though and some really great things happened because of this.\r\n\r\nWhen they opened the box and realized that it was a computer monitor that they could hook up to \"anything\" and see what was going on that started the ball rolling. We then of course had to rearrange our classroom to figure out where we could put it safely and still functionally. Teamwork, problem solving, SEL, managing emotions, learning to deal when your idea is not chosen. This was such an incredible lesson that I would never have expected to come from this. These little on top of the original idea projects are what makes your generosity so much more incredible.\r\n\r\nWith the microscope it is \"can we view this\" \"can I see what this is made of\". 'Ok so if I finish everything can I explore my world?\" They are very eager to see what makes things at a molecular level. Yes it is a word they now know and use regularly. Bonus scientific vocabulary lessons have been amazing. With out people like you this would not happen. You have changed some kids lives in ways you will never know.","fullyFundedDate":1747456806543,"projectUrl":"project/monitor-to-help-magnify-our-world/9301442/","projectTitle":"Monitor to Help Magnify Our World!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Therriault","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2577145_orig.png?crop=398,398,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1598245604934","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2577145"},{"teacherId":2007001,"projectId":9784297,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation and for the kind note about my son. My students are so grateful and excited about the prizes and rewards! \r\n\r\nI explained to them that their educational journey begins at home and then is enhanced by their school years. My students understand that their work everyday is a step in the right direction to achieve their daily goals, as well as their life long goals.\r\n\r\nAgain, thank you so much for inspiring my 2nd and my 3rd graders. They are so excited to work and achieve rewards for their accomplishments!","fullyFundedDate":1759786996422,"projectUrl":"project/student-rewards/9784297/","projectTitle":"Student Rewards","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Colley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2007001"},{"teacherId":9744142,"projectId":9643096,"letterContent":"As we've received the materials from our project, each item has had an impact on my students. We now have baskets for each student to store their academic materials, so we don't have to waste time looking for what we need. Everyone has everything in one place and can independently find resources during work time. The big calendar on the wall is helping us all be aware of important dates and school activities coming up, and for those students who are still learning their days of the week, they have a way to keep track of what comes next. The number of the day chart is an opportunity for all of the students to practice routines and have regular exposure to working with numbers and developing their number sense. Soon students will be using the book bags to take books home so they can have regular reading practice with their families.\r\n\r\nMost of these materials come standard at some schools in the country, but we all know that many low-income schools don't have equal access to the resources that other schools have. Thank you for helping to give my students more of what they need to have success in school. Having a calm and organized space with access to the tools we need for routines and learning makes school feel like a safe space, and all kids deserve that.\r\n\r\nThank you!","fullyFundedDate":1757105325602,"projectUrl":"project/learning-to-manage-our-materials-and-tim/9643096/","projectTitle":"Learning to Manage our Materials and Time","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cinti","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9744142"},{"teacherId":9744206,"projectId":9136021,"letterContent":"I am so grateful for the support for our volcano project. Here's what we learned:\r\n\r\n* Building the volcanoes took more time and effort than I expected. Next time I will get pre-made volcanoes. (perhaps mini ones for each student)\r\n\r\n* Most students loved working in groups. It brought science to life as well as using collaborative life skills working together as a team.\r\n\r\n* The obsidian rocks were cool, but some were very sharp. I accidentally cut myself and used it as a lesson about real volcanic dangers.\r\n\r\n* The project connected perfectly to Mount Spur nearby, making science real and local.\r\n\r\nThe students were excited, focused, and fully engaged; we had a great time erupting the volcanoes. \r\n\r\nThanks a bunch!","fullyFundedDate":1742169905604,"projectUrl":"project/erupting-volcano-like-mount-spur/9136021/","projectTitle":"Erupting Volcano like Mount Spur!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kim","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9744206_orig.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726202835441","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mskim1stgrade"},{"teacherId":9744206,"projectId":9115206,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping our classroom reach for the stars. When the lap desks arrived, I made it a big surprise for the students and they were really excited.\r\n\r\nSince there were not enough for everyone, I explained that the lap desks are for students who try their best and follow our classroom expectations. To keep it fair, I draw popsicle sticks with their names, and when their name is chosen, they get to use a lap desk and sit anywhere in the room.\r\n\r\nOur classroom has a space theme, and these lap desks fit right in. They give students the chance to work in different places, either with a group or on their own. Having a comfortable spot helps them stay focused and do their best work.\r\n\r\nStudents also track their learning progress by coloring in their rocket ship charts. The lap desks have added another layer of excitement and motivation to keep moving forward.\r\n\r\nYou have made a real difference!","fullyFundedDate":1746787027195,"projectUrl":"project/lap-desks-for-out-of-this-world-learni/9115206/","projectTitle":"Lap Desks for \"Out of This World\" Learning!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kim","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9744206_orig.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726202835441","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mskim1stgrade"},{"teacherId":9744206,"projectId":9113934,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for answering \"Is it snack time yet?\" We all love a brain break with some snacks to fuel our brains. The students love seeing all the new snacks in the class pantry I love seeing the munchies too but most of all their smiles. They are always so excited when the Amazon boxes arrive. It is a mystery for all of us, but they know in the box are gifts just for them from donors who care like you.\r\nI like to use some of the snacks as math manipulatives. \r\n\r\nMost 1st graders are kinesthetic learners, so using Goldfish crackers to help with gaining counting and number sense skills. Sorting snacks in math turns snack time into a fun learning activity. \r\n\r\nYour generosity helps our class stay focused and happy. We appreciate y'all!","fullyFundedDate":1740770660355,"projectUrl":"project/is-it-snack-time-yet/9113934/","projectTitle":"Is it Snack Time Yet?","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kim","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9744206_orig.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726202835441","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mskim1stgrade"},{"teacherId":2595183,"projectId":9615845,"letterContent":"Each class has had a turn to play the game \"operation\" thanks to you. Playing games is the best way children learn. They were using kind words, laughing, taking turns, and becoming better humans. \r\n We made little brains using the modeling clay. This was a big hit! The modeling clay was a perfect sensory hands on activity. The students were so engaged and thrilled to take their little brain model home!\r\n The students love when I pull out the bins with eyes, brains, teeth etc. They will play with the items and talk about the parts. I need more of these items. \r\n Your kind contributions are making little people so happy. I love when they are smiling, laughing and learning!","fullyFundedDate":1755708821733,"projectUrl":"project/operation-health/9615845/","projectTitle":"Operation Health","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Eads","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2595183_orig.jpg?crop=1440,1440,x0,y393&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1732673826566","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2595183"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_44446","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":413,"numTeachers":20,"percentFrplEligible":74,"percentAsian":10,"percentBlack":5,"percentWhite":19,"percentIndigenous":27,"percentLatinx":7,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"20.6:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":33.1,"schoolId":44446,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about College Gate Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"College Gate Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/alaska/anchorage-school-district/college-gate-elementary-school/44446"}