{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Fort Clarke Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":36.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8565960,"projectId":7333640,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for your generous support in providing flexible seating for our Exceptional Student Education (ESE) classroom. Your investment has made a profound impact on the learning environment, emotional well-being, and academic success of our students. I want to take a moment to share just how transformational this contribution has been.\r\n\r\nESE students often face unique challenges that affect their ability to learn in traditional classroom settings. Many of our students struggle with attention, sensory processing, anxiety, or mobility concerns. Standard desks and chairs can feel restrictive, overstimulating, or uncomfortable—often creating barriers rather than fostering success. Flexible seating has been a game-changer.\r\n\r\nSince incorporating flexible seating options—such as wobble stools, bean bags, floor cushions, and standing desks—we've seen remarkable changes in student behavior, engagement, and confidence. Students who once found it difficult to remain focused for extended periods now demonstrate longer attention spans, improved task completion, and greater motivation to participate. Simply put, giving students a choice in how and where they learn empowers them to take ownership of their learning.\r\n\r\nFlexible seating has also significantly improved our classroom community and culture. Students now collaborate more naturally, transition more smoothly, and express greater self-awareness about their individual needs. For example, a student with autism who previously needed frequent movement breaks now thrives at a standing desk where he can shift his weight freely while remaining engaged. Another student with ADHD finds comfort in a wobble stool that allows subtle movement, which helps her concentrate without disrupting others. These small changes in furniture have made a huge difference in how our students experience school every day.\r\n\r\nWhat's even more powerful is the increase in student voice. Flexible seating has given our ESE students the opportunity to advocate for themselves in ways we hadn't anticipated. They are learning to recognize and communicate their sensory needs, build confidence in their choices, and develop executive functioning skills that will benefit them far beyond the classroom.\r\n\r\nYour support has not only enhanced academic outcomes—it has validated our students' individuality. It has created an inclusive space where students feel seen, heard, and respected. 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Your investment has made a profound impact on the learning environment, emotional well-being, and academic success of our students. I want to take a moment to share just how transformational this contribution has been.\r\n\r\nESE students often face unique challenges that affect their ability to learn in traditional classroom settings. Many of our students struggle with attention, sensory processing, anxiety, or mobility concerns. Standard desks and chairs can feel restrictive, overstimulating, or uncomfortable—often creating barriers rather than fostering success. Flexible seating has been a game-changer.\r\n\r\nSince incorporating flexible seating options—such as wobble stools, bean bags, floor cushions, and the flexible seating tables you helped to fund—we've seen remarkable changes in student behavior, engagement, and confidence. Students who once found it difficult to remain focused for extended periods now demonstrate longer attention spans, improved task completion, and greater motivation to participate. Simply put, giving students a choice in how and where they learn empowers them to take ownership of their learning.\r\n\r\nFlexible seating has also significantly improved our classroom community and culture. Students now collaborate more naturally, transition more smoothly, and express greater self-awareness about their individual needs. For example, a student with autism who previously needed frequent movement breaks now thrives at a standing desk where he can shift his weight freely while remaining engaged. Another student with ADHD finds comfort in a wobble stool that allows subtle movement, which helps her concentrate without disrupting others. 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Join the 111 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Fort Clarke Middle School is
a suburban public school
in Gainesville, Florida that is part of Alachua County School District.
It serves 840 students
in grades 6 - 8 with a student/teacher ratio of 15.3:1.
Its teachers have had 54 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
52%
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.
Fort Clarke Middle 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.
Fort Clarke Middle School
$22,738
raised using DonorsChoose
54
projects
funded
12
teachers
funded
111
donors
10
projects
for
basic supplies
15
projects for
technology
5
projects for
books
3
projects
for
art supplies
Fort Clarke Middle School has received support from
70 individuals from Florida and
41 individuals out-of-state.