{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Garden City Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":21.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":3590455,"projectId":9691826,"letterContent":"Thank you very much for your support in bringing this project to fruition. Every trimester, I meet with all the teachers in our school to discuss the support needs of each student. The number of requests for support during whole group lessons on the floor is remarkable. Students struggle with sitting on the floor and staying in their space. Usually, I have to choose which students to support because I only have one chair to offer. Thanks to you, I was able to support every student who needed the help!\r\n\r\nI met with each student receiving the chair to show them how to use it. They were all thrilled to receive their special chair and use it in the classroom! The smile on their face was so cute, and their eyes truly lit up. I check in with each student who uses the chair weekly, and they all say it is so much easier to learn! I spoke with one teacher, and she said how great it has been to have the student join the carpet for learning because of the chair, rather than sitting at his desk in the back of the room as he was before.\r\n\r\nI am excited to continue problem-solving every roadblock that arises and ensure that every student has the opportunity to learn and grow. I want to work to remove every barrier and allow their true brilliance to shine!","fullyFundedDate":1758811954264,"projectUrl":"project/support-our-core/9691826/","projectTitle":"Support Our Core","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hartman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3590455_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1461882945637","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3590455"},{"teacherId":6168509,"projectId":9483011,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support in providing classroom materials for my students. Because of your kindness, every student in our classroom now has access to the tools they need to learn, grow, and succeed each day.\r\n\r\nThe materials you helped provide are used daily across reading, writing, math, and hands-on learning activities. Students are more engaged, confident, and eager to participate because they have the proper supplies to fully take part in lessons—without worrying about what they may not have at home.\r\n\r\nYour donation has helped create an equitable learning environment where all students feel prepared and included. It has allowed me to focus on teaching and supporting each child rather than worrying about limited resources. Most importantly, it has helped foster a classroom culture where students feel valued, capable, and excited about learning.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in my students and believing in their potential. Your generosity truly makes a difference in our classroom, and we are incredibly grateful for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1758636836563,"projectUrl":"project/together-we-can-create-a-thriving-learni/9483011/","projectTitle":"Together We Can Create a Thriving Learning Environment","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Johnson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6168509_orig.jpg?crop=2034,2034,x0,y128&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757796921970","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/j-johnson2"},{"teacherId":9601085,"projectId":9881797,"letterContent":"Because of No Child Hungry: Snacks for Students in School, my classroom has become a place where students can focus on learning without worrying about hunger. The snacks are available daily and are often used during long learning blocks, after recess, or when a student comes to school without having had enough to eat. One moment that truly stayed with me was when a student quietly asked for a snack, then visibly relaxed and re-engaged in their work just minutes later. These small moments have made a huge difference in attention, behavior, and confidence.\r\n\r\nWhen the snacks first arrived, students were incredibly excited—but also deeply grateful. Many of my students rely on school for consistent meals, and having snacks readily available made them feel safe and supported. They understood that these resources were there to help them learn and succeed, not as a reward or privilege. For families facing financial hardship, this support removes a heavy burden and ensures that no child feels left out or distracted by hunger during the school day.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, our next steps include continuing to build strong routines around learning stamina, independence, and self-advocacy. Students are learning to recognize when their bodies need fuel and to ask for help appropriately. Most importantly, they are able to fully participate in reading, math, and collaborative activities without hunger getting in the way. You didn't just provide snacks—you provided equity, dignity, and the ability for every child to learn. Thank you for caring for our students in such a meaningful way. 💙","fullyFundedDate":1762874347204,"projectUrl":"project/no-child-hungry-snacks-for-students-in/9881797/","projectTitle":"No Child Hungry: Snacks for Students in School","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Czaja","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9601085_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y386&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1721500417905","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9601085"},{"teacherId":9601085,"projectId":9760379,"letterContent":"Because of Peace, Positivity, and Plenty of Color, our classroom has been filled with creativity, calm, and meaningful self-expression. We use the art supplies daily during writing extensions, social-emotional learning time, and calm-down moments. One of my favorite moments was watching students create colorful drawings to represent how they were feeling that day, then proudly share their artwork with classmates using kind words and reflections. The colors have truly become a language for emotions, storytelling, and connection.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials arrived, the excitement was immediate—students' eyes lit up as they explored the markers, crayons, and paper with huge smiles. Many of my students don't have access to quality art supplies at home, so having these resources in the classroom made them feel valued and included. They treated the materials with care and respect, understanding that these supplies were special tools meant to help them learn, relax, and express themselves in positive ways.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, our next steps include using art to deepen literacy and social-emotional learning. Students will continue illustrating stories, creating visual responses to read-alouds, and using color to regulate emotions during challenging moments. You didn't just provide art supplies—you helped create a peaceful, inclusive space where every child feels safe to express who they are. Thank you for bringing so much color, joy, and positivity into our classroom. 🎨💙","fullyFundedDate":1762266362521,"projectUrl":"project/peace-positivity-and-plenty-of-color/9760379/","projectTitle":"Peace, Positivity, and Plenty of Color","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Czaja","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9601085_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y386&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1721500417905","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9601085"},{"teacherId":9601085,"projectId":9866449,"letterContent":"Because of Breathe, Draw, Believe: Supporting Student Mental Health, our classroom has become a calmer, safer space where students are learning how to understand and manage their emotions. We use the art materials, calming tools, and mindfulness resources daily during our calm-down moments, transitions, and after challenging situations. One especially meaningful moment was watching a student independently choose a quiet drawing activity and deep breathing instead of shutting down—then proudly return to learning feeling regulated and ready.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the materials, they were immediately drawn in with excitement and curiosity. They felt special knowing these resources were just for them and that their feelings truly matter. Many of my students face stressors outside of school, and having dedicated mental health supports in the classroom helps them feel secure and supported. The smiles, gentle focus, and relaxed shoulders said more than words ever could—these tools were exactly what they needed.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, our next steps include teaching students to independently identify emotions, choose calming strategies that work for them, and reflect through drawing and writing. As we continue building social-emotional skills like empathy, self-regulation, and resilience, students are gaining confidence not only as learners, but as people. You didn't just fund supplies—you helped nurture mental wellness, emotional safety, and belief in themselves. Thank you for investing in our students' hearts and minds. 💙","fullyFundedDate":1762266249394,"projectUrl":"project/breathe-draw-believe-supporting-stude/9866449/","projectTitle":"Breathe, Draw, Believe: Supporting Student Mental Health","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Czaja","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9601085_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y386&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1721500417905","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9601085"},{"teacherId":9601085,"projectId":9859600,"letterContent":"Because of Warm for Winter: Keeping Kids Cozy Outside!, my students are able to fully enjoy recess, outdoor learning, and fresh air—even on the coldest Minnesota days. The hats, mittens, and winter gear are used daily and have made a huge difference. Instead of staying inside or rushing through recess because they are cold, students are now running, playing, and laughing outside with confidence and comfort. One moment that truly stood out was seeing a student proudly zip up their coat, pull on warm mittens, and say, \"Now I can stay out the whole time!\"\r\n\r\nWhen the winter gear arrived, the reaction was pure joy and relief. Students were excited, but also clearly comforted knowing they had what they needed to stay warm. For many of my students, winter gear can be difficult for families to afford or replace, so having access to these items at school made them feel supported and cared for. They understood that people outside our classroom believed in them and wanted them to be safe, healthy, and included—no matter the weather.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, our next steps include continuing outdoor play, movement breaks, and winter science observations without worrying about who has proper clothing. Students are learning responsibility by caring for their gear and independence by getting dressed on their own. Most importantly, they are able to participate equally with their peers. You didn't just help keep students warm—you helped create equity, confidence, and joyful moments every single day. Thank you for making such a meaningful difference in our classroom. 💙❄️","fullyFundedDate":1761754730072,"projectUrl":"project/warm-for-winter-keeping-kids-cozy-outsi/9859600/","projectTitle":"Warm for Winter: Keeping Kids Cozy Outside!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Czaja","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9601085_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y386&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1721500417905","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9601085"},{"teacherId":9601085,"projectId":9691435,"letterContent":"Because of Microscope Explorers: Building Curiosity Through Science, my second graders have transformed into real scientists. We are using the microscopes during hands-on investigations where students observe leaves, sand, fabric, and even the tiny details of classroom objects they see every day but never truly noticed before. One of the most powerful moments was hearing a student gasp and say, \"There's a whole world inside this!\" Students are sketching what they observe, labeling details, and asking thoughtful questions—exactly what authentic science learning should look like.\r\n\r\nWhen the microscopes first arrived, the excitement was electric. Students gathered around, eyes wide, buzzing with curiosity and anticipation. Many of my students had never seen or used a microscope before, and holding one in their hands made them feel important and capable. They treated the materials with incredible care, understanding that these tools were special and meant for real learning. For students in an economically disadvantaged community, access to high-quality science equipment like this is truly transformative.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, our next steps include deeper investigations into living and nonliving things, comparing observations, and using evidence to explain what we see. Students will continue building scientific vocabulary, practicing careful observation, and developing confidence as problem-solvers and critical thinkers. You didn't just fund microscopes—you sparked curiosity, empowered young scientists, and opened doors to future learning. Thank you for believing in my students and investing in their wonder and potential. 🧪💙","fullyFundedDate":1758079250351,"projectUrl":"project/microscope-explorers-building-curiosity/9691435/","projectTitle":"Microscope Explorers: Building Curiosity Through Science","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Czaja","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9601085_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y386&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1721500417905","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9601085"},{"teacherId":9601085,"projectId":9448004,"letterContent":"Because of Hydration, Headphones & Happiness, our classroom feels calmer, healthier, and more joyful every single day. Students now keep water bottles at their desks and take intentional hydration breaks, which has helped them stay focused and energized during learning. The headphones have been a game changer during literacy centers and independent work time—students are able to fully concentrate, block out distractions, and feel successful working at their own pace. One of my favorite moments was during reading rotations when a student looked up and said, \"I can finally hear my story and think at the same time!\" That confidence boost was priceless.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, the excitement was immediate and contagious. My second graders cheered, clapped, and carefully explored every item with wide eyes and huge smiles. They felt seen and supported—like someone outside our classroom truly cared about their comfort and success. For many of my students, these were brand-new resources they don't have access to at home, which made the moment even more meaningful. They understood right away that these tools were meant to help them learn, grow, and feel good while doing it.\r\n\r\nThanks to you, we're moving forward with more independence and confidence as we dive deeper into reading comprehension, writing projects, and personalized learning on our devices. Students are practicing stamina, self-regulation, and responsibility while using their headphones and staying hydrated throughout the day. Your generosity didn't just provide supplies—it created a classroom environment where students feel calm, capable, and ready to learn. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for making such a powerful difference in our day-to-day lives. 💙","fullyFundedDate":1758636723622,"projectUrl":"project/hydration-headphones-happiness/9448004/","projectTitle":"Hydration, Headphones & Happiness!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Czaja","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9601085_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y386&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1721500417905","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9601085"},{"teacherId":9989018,"projectId":9715364,"letterContent":"Thank you SO much for donating individual whiteboards and erasers for my 2nd graders! These tools give every student a quick, engaging way to practice skills, share ideas, and show their thinking without fear of mistakes. They also love using them to doodle as opposed to the typical pencil and paper. They especially support learners who do best with visual and hands-on activities. Your donation has boosted confidence in a lot of students, and brings more participation and joy to our classroom. We also use them for math every single day! We are so grateful!","fullyFundedDate":1758636596514,"projectUrl":"project/building-confidence-with-individual-whit/9715364/","projectTitle":"Building Confidence with Individual Whiteboards","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wellner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9989018_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1743639739366","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9989018"},{"teacherId":9989018,"projectId":9351525,"letterContent":"Thank you SO much for donating these hands-on science materials for my 2nd graders! Your generosity gives every student the chance to explore, experiment, and learn in ways where they are fully engaged. These tools help all of them to let their curiosity shine, they now look forward to science days! Your support has brought so much excitement and equity, as all my students are able to use the games/materials! We are truly grateful for the opportunities you've created and the impact you've made on our class and their learning!","fullyFundedDate":1757538522944,"projectUrl":"project/stem-sparking-curiosity-in-science-all/9351525/","projectTitle":"STEM- Sparking Curiosity in Science All Around!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wellner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9989018_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1743639739366","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9989018"},{"teacherId":9989018,"projectId":9224649,"letterContent":"My students were so excited when I showed them all the new math games we could play! We kicked off our first math game day, and the room was filled with laughter, teamwork, and the happy sounds of second graders problem-solving together. They loved this instead of a typical work page or iPad assignment.\r\n\r\nThese games have transformed our math block by turning practice into play. My students now use them in small groups with me to reinforce addition, subtraction, place value, and problem-solving skills. Even students who are usually hesitant during math lessons are participating and building confidence when they play and use hands on materials.\r\n\r\nNext, we'll be using these games to review for our upcoming unit assessments in a way that feels fun and motivating instead of stressful. Thank you for bringing so much joy and engagement to math time in our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1746785576306,"projectUrl":"project/math-manipulatives-to-encourage-non-tech/9224649/","projectTitle":"Math Manipulatives to Encourage Non-Technology Games!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wellner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9989018_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1743639739366","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9989018"},{"teacherId":9601085,"projectId":9650023,"letterContent":"When our package of headphones and whiteboards arrived, my students could hardly contain their excitement! Right away, they put on the headphones to dive into reading programs and math practice without distractions. For many of my students, who come from busy, shared households, this was their first time experiencing focused, quiet learning that feels truly their own. The whiteboards have also transformed lessons—students now eagerly show their thinking during math and writing, and I can instantly see who needs extra support.\r\n\r\nOne student who often struggles to stay engaged now beams with pride when he can write an answer on his whiteboard and hold it up with confidence. Another student who usually finds noise overwhelming has been able to focus better than ever thanks to her new headphones. These simple tools have created a calmer, more effective learning environment where every child has a voice and a chance to shine.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, my classroom is more equitable and more joyful. Technology and hands-on tools are no longer barriers but bridges, helping my students stay engaged, focused, and successful. Thank you for meeting an urgent need and making such a lasting impact in our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1757009109674,"projectUrl":"project/urgent-classroom-tools-headphones-whi/9650023/","projectTitle":"Urgent Classroom Tools: Headphones & Whiteboards for Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Czaja","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9601085_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y386&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1721500417905","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9601085"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_75575","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":366,"numTeachers":29,"percentFrplEligible":65,"percentAsian":30,"percentBlack":32,"percentWhite":5,"percentIndigenous":1,"percentLatinx":24,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"12.6:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":78.7,"schoolId":75575,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Garden City Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Garden City Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/minnesota/osseo-independent-school-district-279/garden-city-elementary-school/75575"}