{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Grayling Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":25.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8927394,"projectId":9344634,"letterContent":"Your generous donation of the scanner has already had a remarkable impact on the students who face challenges with reading. It has empowered them to tackle their assignments independently, fostering a sense of pride and accomplishment that they may not have experienced before. This newfound confidence allows them to engage more actively in their learning, reducing their reliance on additional support. The scanner has truly become a valuable tool in their educational journey, enabling them to access materials in a way that suits their needs.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, the chew necklaces you provided have been a fantastic resource in the classroom. They've been put to good use, and some of them are already showing signs of wear due to the enthusiastic use by my more intense chewers. It's heartwarming to see how these simple tools have contributed to a more focused and comfortable learning environment for the students. Thanks to your kindness, my classroom is now better equipped with the resources necessary for each student to thrive and succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1757092228315,"projectUrl":"project/learning-for-all-with-support/9344634/","projectTitle":"Learning for All With Support","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gurzynski","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8927394_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673882449919","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8927394"},{"teacherId":8927394,"projectId":9348021,"letterContent":"In the world of children, few things bring as much joy as food. The students in my classroom are certainly no exception to this rule. That's why your generous donation of snacks has made such a positive impact in our learning environment. These tasty treats not only satisfy their cravings but also play a crucial role in enhancing their concentration during lessons. When their bellies are full, they are much more engaged and ready to tackle the challenges of their schoolwork.\r\n\r\nMoreover, the variety of snacks has sparked excitement and camaraderie among the students. They eagerly share their favorites and often discuss the different flavors and textures, which fosters a sense of community in the classroom. This shared experience not only makes learning more enjoyable but also helps build friendships. Your thoughtful contribution has truly transformed our classroom atmosphere, making it a more vibrant and productive space for everyone involved. Thank you for your support; it really makes a difference!","fullyFundedDate":1749476991731,"projectUrl":"project/snack-time/9348021/","projectTitle":"Snack Time","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gurzynski","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8927394_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673882449919","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8927394"},{"teacherId":8927394,"projectId":9470442,"letterContent":"It's truly remarkable how quickly supplies can dwindle in a classroom setting. As we begin to enter the cold season, we find ourselves facing a wave of new germs, which inevitably leads to sniffles and sneezes. This is where tissues become an essential item, providing much-needed comfort for our noses during this time of year. The soft, gentle texture of these tissues has been a lifesaver, making it easier for everyone to cope with the seasonal sniffles.\r\n\r\nThis year, we've already made great use of the generous donations we've received, which include not just tissues but also paints, sensory stickers, wipe containers, reusable Ziploc bags, and posters and a book. It's incredible to think that we've utilized so many supplies in such a short time, especially considering that the school year has just begun. Each item has contributed to creating a vibrant and engaging learning environment, allowing us to explore creativity and maintain cleanliness in our classroom.\r\n\r\nYour contributions have truly set a positive tone for the year ahead, and we are immensely grateful for your support. It's heartwarming to see how these donations have already made a difference, fostering a sense of community and collaboration among the students. As we continue through the school year, we look forward to making the most of these resources and creating memorable experiences together. Thank you for being a vital part of our classroom journey!","fullyFundedDate":1753996325145,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-supplies/9470442/","projectTitle":"Classroom Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gurzynski","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8927394_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673882449919","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8927394"},{"teacherId":8927394,"projectId":9404305,"letterContent":"The students in my classroom light up with excitement each day when the Believe In Yourself neon sign flickers to life. It's more than just a decoration; it serves as a daily reminder of positivity and self-empowerment. The vibrant glow of the sign sets a welcoming tone, encouraging the kids to embrace their individuality and strive for their best. It's amazing to see how something as simple as a neon sign can create such a warm and inviting atmosphere, making the classroom feel like a safe haven for all.\r\n\r\nIn addition to the neon sign, the various posters adorning the walls showcase a rich tapestry of ethnicities, reflecting the diverse backgrounds of the students. These visuals play a crucial role in fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels represented and valued. The posters not only celebrate different cultures but also spark conversations among the students, allowing them to learn from one another and appreciate their unique heritages. This sense of representation is vital in helping each child understand that they are an integral part of the classroom community.\r\n\r\nTo further enhance this feeling of belonging, through the generous donation I was able to incorporate inspirational pillows and bulletin board borders that feature a spectrum of skin tones. These thoughtful touches create a visually stimulating environment that resonates with the students on a personal level. The combination of these elements transforms the classroom into a space where students can express themselves freely and feel accepted for who they are. It's heartwarming to witness the positive impact these visuals have on their confidence and sense of belonging, making the classroom not just a place for learning, but a true community.","fullyFundedDate":1749678264842,"projectUrl":"project/you-belong-here/9404305/","projectTitle":"You Belong Here","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gurzynski","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8927394_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673882449919","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8927394"},{"teacherId":8927394,"projectId":9267615,"letterContent":"The use of engaging tools like Multiplication by Heart Visual Flash Cards plays a crucial role in making the learning of multiplication both enjoyable and effective for the students in my class. These flash cards transform a traditionally challenging subject into a fun and interactive experience, allowing learners to visualize numbers and their relationships. By incorporating colorful images and dynamic layouts, these cards capture the students' attention and encourage them to participate actively in their learning process. This approach not only helps in memorizing multiplication facts but also fosters a positive attitude towards mathematics, making it less intimidating and more accessible.\r\n\r\nIn addition to using visual aids, having a structured environment where students know where to stand and how to organize themselves is equally important. When students are aware of their designated spots, it creates a sense of order and focus, allowing them to concentrate better on the task at hand. This organization can be particularly beneficial during group activities or games that involve multiplication, as it minimizes distractions and promotes collaboration. By establishing clear guidelines for movement and interaction, I can enhance the overall learning experience, ensuring that every student feels included and engaged.\r\n\r\nUltimately, combining fun learning tools like flash cards with a well-organized classroom environment sets the stage for effective multiplication mastery. This dual approach not only aids in the retention of mathematical concepts but also builds essential skills such as teamwork and communication among peers. As the students navigate through their multiplication journey, they develop confidence in their abilities, paving the way for future success in mathematics and beyond. By prioritizing both enjoyment and structure, I can create a rich learning atmosphere that inspires my students to embrace challenges and strive for excellence.","fullyFundedDate":1746785341546,"projectUrl":"project/multiplication-fun/9267615/","projectTitle":"Multiplication Fun","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gurzynski","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8927394_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673882449919","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8927394"},{"teacherId":8927394,"projectId":9264210,"letterContent":"1847 characters · 264 words · 🙂 Friendly · English\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe recent donation of writing tools has proven to be incredibly advantageous for the students. As they navigate their third-grade curriculum, these young learners have embarked on the exciting journey of crafting their first personal narratives. This experience has not only sparked their creativity but has also introduced them to the essential skill of organizing their thoughts. By utilizing graphic organizers, they are learning to quickly jot down ideas, which serves as a foundation for developing their writing projects. This structured approach is helping them to articulate their stories more effectively, fostering both their writing skills and their confidence.\r\n\r\nIn addition to the notebooks, the whiteboards have become invaluable resources in the classroom. These versatile tools have been employed repeatedly as students tackle new math concepts, allowing them to visualize problems and work through solutions collaboratively. The interactive nature of the whiteboards encourages participation and engagement, making learning a dynamic experience. Furthermore, they are also being used to dissect words, enhancing the students' understanding of vocabulary and spelling. This hands-on approach not only reinforces their learning but also makes it enjoyable, as they can express their ideas freely and creatively.\r\n\r\nOverall, the impact of these writing tools extends far beyond mere supplies; they are instrumental in shaping the educational experience of the students. The combination of notebooks and whiteboards fosters a rich learning environment where creativity and critical thinking can flourish. As the students continue to explore their writing and math skills, the benefits of these resources will undoubtedly resonate throughout their academic journey, laying a strong foundation for future learning and personal expression.","fullyFundedDate":1746785671106,"projectUrl":"project/writing-galore/9264210/","projectTitle":"Writing Galore","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gurzynski","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8927394_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673882449919","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8927394"},{"teacherId":8927394,"projectId":9311541,"letterContent":"In northern Michigan, we typically experience significant snowfall each year, creating a stunning winter landscape perfect for exploration. However, navigating through deep snow can be challenging without the right gear.\r\n\r\nThanks to a generous donation, students were thrilled to receive snowshoes, which opened up new opportunities for them to discover their winter surroundings.\r\n\r\nWith these snowshoes, they can now venture into the snowy wilderness, making the most of the beautiful winter environment that surrounds them.","fullyFundedDate":1746786440473,"projectUrl":"project/winter-exploration/9311541/","projectTitle":"Winter Exploration","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gurzynski","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8927394_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673882449919","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8927394"},{"teacherId":8927394,"projectId":9025635,"letterContent":"Academic awards serve as powerful motivators for students, reminding them of their ability to overcome challenges. Throughout the year, we emphasize the importance of developing neural pathways, illustrating how initial difficulties can transform into ease with practice.\r\n\r\nAs students engage in new tasks, they often find that what once seemed daunting becomes manageable after repeated effort. This process not only fosters resilience but also reinforces the idea that perseverance leads to success.\r\n\r\nThese awards celebrate the dedication and hard work that students put into their studies. By recognizing their achievements, we encourage them to continue striving for excellence and to embrace the journey of learning.","fullyFundedDate":1745269500843,"projectUrl":"project/academic-achievement-award/9025635/","projectTitle":"Academic Achievement Award","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gurzynski","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8927394_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673882449919","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8927394"},{"teacherId":8927394,"projectId":9144995,"letterContent":"The bird books have come in extremely handy. The students have loved looking at them and then we took them outside with us one time to read and they were trying to find the birds they were reading about in their outdoor environment. Some of the books provided where the birds lived at certain times of the year and the students started talking about if they had seen the bird this year or not in our northern territory. \r\n\r\nIt is so much fun to watch the students be so engaged in reading and learning.","fullyFundedDate":1744220121285,"projectUrl":"project/we-love-birds/9144995/","projectTitle":"We Love Birds!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gurzynski","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8927394_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673882449919","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8927394"},{"teacherId":8927394,"projectId":9151119,"letterContent":"The students have had so much fun reading the biographies. A few of them said \"hey this is ...\". We really enjoy being able to go outside and read since the weather is nicer. Thank you so much for providing these biographies so that they are able to dig deeper into their studies about individuals that helped shape our society to what it is today. \r\n\r\nAs a teacher it is always a beautiful sight to watch the students get excited to read. When they see a book about something that they already know a little about, their eyes light up and, they want to share the book with others.","fullyFundedDate":1744220121054,"projectUrl":"project/we-read-biographies/9151119/","projectTitle":"We Read Biographies","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gurzynski","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8927394_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673882449919","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8927394"},{"teacherId":8927394,"projectId":8981655,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for making the prize closet a reality! The students love working toward their next prize and love being able to choose what their prize is. \r\n\r\nHaving the prize closet has calmed them during many of these cold snowy days when their energy is bursting and yet they are stuck inside due to temps being too cold. \r\n\r\nIt has allowed us to keep the learning moving forward and on track so that we can be the best we can and continue to grow our minds even when we struggle to stay focused.","fullyFundedDate":1733242309840,"projectUrl":"project/you-get-a-prize/8981655/","projectTitle":"You Get A Prize!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gurzynski","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8927394_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673882449919","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8927394"},{"teacherId":8927394,"projectId":8697062,"letterContent":"Thank you for the classroom snacks. The students have enjoyed them as we have gone through the last couple of months. The snacks have provided much needed brain fuel to keep them going.\r\n\r\nI remember one time when the students recently were very excited about the meat sticks because we were finishing up our field trip snowshoeing and they were ready for a snack. When they noticed the snack was meat sticks they started cheering. This brought a smile to my face and I let them know who provided them so that they knew where snacks come from.","fullyFundedDate":1733250510538,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-snacks/8697062/","projectTitle":"Classroom Snacks","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gurzynski","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8927394_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673882449919","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8927394"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_67489","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":624,"numTeachers":44,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":92,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":3,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 4","studentTeacherRatio":"14.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"RURAL","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_REMOTE"},"inStateSupporters":74.5,"schoolId":67489,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Grayling Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Grayling Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/michigan/crawford-ausable-school-district/grayling-elementary-school/67489"}
Join the 251 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Grayling Elementary School is
a rural public school
in Grayling, Michigan that is part of Crawford Ausable School District.
It serves 624 students
in grades K - 4 with a student/teacher ratio of 14.2:1.
Its teachers have had 98 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Boost support for our school's classrooms. Share this page with friends and family who want to make a difference. If you're a teacher, sign up to get started!
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
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
3%
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.
Grayling Elementary 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.
Grayling Elementary School
$45,736
raised using DonorsChoose
98
projects
funded
37
teachers
funded
251
donors
6
projects
for
basic supplies
7
projects for
technology
18
projects for
books
1
project
for
art supplies
Grayling Elementary School has received support from
187 individuals from Michigan and
64 individuals out-of-state.