{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Gulf Gate School","outOfStateSupporters":23.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10396019,"projectId":10134885,"letterContent":"I have now been able to enjoy these tools with two of my groups. We're only in the first weeks of a new school year, and my new students have already gotten use out of these sensory items. The affirmation cards were great to use during the first week; we chose one every day and worked to make that message our motto for the day. Moving forward, we are selecting one a week and then on Fridays we are writing the ways we accomplished it or remembered it. I've had students with anxiety use the breathing cards and the stickers have been fantastic for them to take along with them. Each student got a sensory strip sticker to put on their desk with a reminder to \"breathe\" \"focus\" or \"relax\". They chose the word that resonated with them the most. \r\n\r\nFifth grade is a fun year, but it is also heavy with change. Students are emotional, they have pressure of testing and grades, they're deciding on middle schools, home and family life can be tough, and of course there is always friend drama happening. While it may seem small, having these tools makes a huge difference in helping students regulate their emotions. I have many students who just need a few minutes touching something soft to calm down or a couple squeezes of something squishy. My students are introduces to these tools and get to all touch them, play with them, read the cards, then learn how they are used appropriately. I am so incredibly grateful to have this bin for my students to use when needed. \r\n\r\nThank you so much for your generosity. I truly believe that emotional well-being is a huge factor in student performance and these small tools can help make all the difference in their day.","fullyFundedDate":1773839147537,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-bin-and-calming-cards/10134885/","projectTitle":"Sensory Bin and Calming Cards","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Zelepos","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10396019"},{"teacherId":8337925,"projectId":9798275,"letterContent":"This project made an amazing impact on every kindergarten student at our school! Being able to experience learning first hand has such a positive impact on students, especially kindergartners. They were thrilled to have Painted Lady caterpillars to observe and they loved how small they were when they first arrived. They were able to observe them grow and make their chrysalides. Then they anxiously awaited for them to emerge as butterflies and be released in our school garden! Having such an up-close learning experience is priceless!! Thank you so much for your kindness and generosity.","fullyFundedDate":1770078765875,"projectUrl":"project/lets-get-buggy-we-are-kindergarten-ent/9798275/","projectTitle":"Let's Get Buggy! We Are Kindergarten Entomologists!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Korzecki","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8337925_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1712880756827","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8337925"},{"teacherId":8337925,"projectId":10098304,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your kindness and support of my kindergarten students! The rewards were a huge hit with my students. They loved being able to spend their golden tickets that they earned for amazing behavior. They were so excited with all the prizes that it was hard for them to pick. Needless to say, they were able to shop several times because of their wonderful behavior. The containers will last a really long time and made it so easy for them to see their choices. I even have enough prizes to start the year next year.","fullyFundedDate":1772258120416,"projectUrl":"project/paws-up-for-pawsitive-behavior/10098304/","projectTitle":"Paws Up for \"Paw\"sitive Behavior!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Korzecki","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8337925_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1712880756827","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8337925"},{"teacherId":8337925,"projectId":10127637,"letterContent":"Wow!! Thank you so much!! These reading tools kept my kindergartners engagement high while practicing their reading skills and made our reading group time even better! \r\nThey used the magnetic wands to pick up magnetic alphabet chips to blend sounds to make and read words. They put on their magic reading glasses to become reading experts. They stretched out words as they read with their slinky coils. The pop its allowed them to pop and blend individual sounds into words.\r\n\r\nThey were so engaged and loved all of our new reading tools!!","fullyFundedDate":1772773962974,"projectUrl":"project/kindergarten-reading-tool-time/10127637/","projectTitle":"Kindergarten Reading Tool Time","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Korzecki","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8337925_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1712880756827","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8337925"},{"teacherId":8337925,"projectId":10156551,"letterContent":"Your generosity made our spring insect unit come alive! My students loved the new magnifying glasses! They are the perfect size for my kindergarteners and are so easy for them to use. They loved being able to see our ants, ladybugs, caterpillars and butterflies up close! \r\nThe new net was perfect! I was able to keep huge milkweed plants in it for our monarch caterpillars. We successfully raised and released over 20 Monarch butterflies! \r\nThe magnifying glasses and net will be used for many, many years to come! \r\nThank you so much!","fullyFundedDate":1773839147166,"projectUrl":"project/eggs-caterpillars-and-butterflies-an-u/10156551/","projectTitle":"Eggs, Caterpillars and Butterflies: An Up-Close View","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Korzecki","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8337925_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1712880756827","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8337925"},{"teacherId":8337925,"projectId":10135622,"letterContent":"Thank you so much! My students loved receiving their end of the year books (and I included a special message inside) and bracelets! After a wonderful kindergarten year of learning and growing, my students and I definitely became a Classroom Family! \r\n\r\nSo many families have reached out to me letting me know how special the book and bracelet are!\r\n\r\nBuilding a community with my students and families is a yearly goal of mine and I hope for that bond to continue beyond the school year. This project made that possible!!","fullyFundedDate":1773194585029,"projectUrl":"project/kindergarten-kommunity/10135622/","projectTitle":"Kindergarten \"K\"ommunity","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Korzecki","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8337925_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1712880756827","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8337925"},{"teacherId":7641914,"projectId":9981762,"letterContent":"Our classroom library project has completely transformed the way my students experience reading each day. Before receiving these materials, many students had limited access to engaging, high-interest books at their independent reading levels. The starter set of books, book boxes, classroom décor, and cozy carpet space have helped create a warm, inviting literacy environment where students are excited to read and eager to learn.\r\nSeveral students who were previously reluctant readers are now among the first to choose books each day. One student who struggled to stay engaged during reading time now eagerly asks to take books home and proudly shares what he has read with the class. Another student, who often lacked confidence in reading aloud, has become more willing to participate because she found books that truly interest her. Watching students connect personally with literature and develop a genuine love of reading has been one of the greatest outcomes of this project.\r\nThis project has done much more than provide classroom materials—it has helped build a community of readers. Your generosity has given my students a welcoming space where they can grow academically, socially, and emotionally through the power of books. Thank you for helping make reading a meaningful and joyful part of our classroom every day.","fullyFundedDate":1772224840066,"projectUrl":"project/dr-ss-class-library/9981762/","projectTitle":"Dr. S’s Class Library","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Santostefano","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7641914_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1605197673009","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7641914"},{"teacherId":9997641,"projectId":9978038,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our classroom has been transformed into a space full of curiosity, creativity, and hands-on learning. The \"Hands-On STEM Bins for Little Engineers\" have quickly become one of the most exciting parts of our day!\r\n\r\nFrom the moment the bins were introduced, my students' faces lit up with excitement. They couldn't wait to explore each material, and the room was immediately filled with questions, ideas, and teamwork. It was incredible to see even my quieter students jump in, collaborate, and confidently share their thinking.\r\n\r\nWe have been using the STEM bins during our learning centers, where students work together to design and build structures, solve challenges, and test their ideas. One of our favorite moments was a building challenge where students had to create the tallest tower that could stand on its own. Watching them problem-solve, adjust their designs, and cheer each other on was truly special. They weren't just playing—they were thinking like real engineers!\r\n\r\nYour support has helped strengthen critical skills like problem-solving, communication, and perseverance. Students are learning that it's okay to make mistakes and try again, which is such an important life lesson.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we are excited to continue using these materials for more complex challenges. Our next step is incorporating simple science concepts, like forces and motion, into our STEM activities. Students will be designing ramps and testing how different materials affect speed and distance—turning their play into deeper learning experiences.\r\n\r\nThank you for giving my students the opportunity to explore, create, and grow. Your kindness is making a lasting impact in our classroom every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1768433843641,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-stem-bins-for-little-engineers/9978038/","projectTitle":"Hands-On STEM Bins for Little Engineers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Teresky","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9997641_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y876&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1744384345814","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9997641"},{"teacherId":10396019,"projectId":9980694,"letterContent":"We are so thankful for your donation towards our color printer. We are provided with a black and white printer in our classrooms and the ability to make black and white copies, but with intricate science diagrams, these often are not as helpful for students. Having color has helped students see body systems, images of weathering and erosion, and clouds. These small details are much harder to see when in black and white. I've also been able to print out our learning objectives in color which make them more appealing to students. \r\n\r\nWe use interactive notebooks quite frequently in both math and science. Students also keep graphic organizers that they can refer to for math in these notebooks. Colored versions of these graphic organizers help give students clues for solving math. For example, in learning about the order of operations, our graphic organizer is color coded to help students see the important steps. Before having a color printer I would have to have students add the color themselves, which took precious instructional time. \r\n\r\nIn science we recently learned about weather and precipitation. Seeing rain, snow, sleet, and hail in color made a huge difference in differentiating what they look like, particularly sleet and hail. When we learned about the human body and saw red vs blue, it was obvious in color, but less so in black and white. \r\n\r\nThe students in my class have noticed the difference in our materials. Even when we play games that align with our curriculum, they have noted that the colors make everything easier to see and more engaging. \r\n\r\nI truly believe that having the ability to provide my students with color has benefitted them in understanding. Thank you so much for your generosity.","fullyFundedDate":1769191962232,"projectUrl":"project/color-copies-for-math-and-science/9980694/","projectTitle":"Color Copies for Math and Science!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Zelepos","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10396019"},{"teacherId":9997641,"projectId":9263215,"letterContent":"As I entered my first year of teaching, I am filled with excitement for the kind of classroom I wanted to create. To me, reading should be more than just a subject—it should be a doorway to imagination, knowledge, and confidence.\r\n\r\nMy students are naturally curious, energetic, and eager to explore new stories. I want to nurture that excitement by providing them with a comfortable, inviting space where they can truly enjoy reading. A space where they can get lost in books, build their confidence, and develop a lifelong love for learning.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, I am able to create an environment that encourages students to slow down, get comfortable, and fully engage with reading. When students feel relaxed and inspired, their connection to books grows stronger, and so does their confidence.\r\n\r\nThis project is helping turn my classroom into a place where reading feels special—where students look forward to that time of day and see themselves as readers. Your generosity is not just providing materials, but opening doors for imagination, growth, and success.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping me build a classroom where every child can discover the joy of reading.","fullyFundedDate":1745584566721,"projectUrl":"project/a-cozy-reading-corner-to-inspire-lifelo/9263215/","projectTitle":"\"A Cozy Reading Corner to Inspire Lifelong Readers! \"","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Teresky","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9997641_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y876&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1744384345814","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9997641"},{"teacherId":9997641,"projectId":9263227,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity and support of my classroom. As a first-year teacher, it means the world to me to know that there are people who believe in my students and want to help them succeed.\r\n\r\nMany of my students come to school bright, hardworking, and full of potential, but some face challenges that make it difficult to always have the basic supplies they need. Because of you, I can ensure that every student has access to the tools necessary to fully participate, learn, and grow with confidence.\r\n\r\nYour support helps remove barriers and creates a more equitable classroom where all students can focus on what truly matters—learning. Instead of worrying about what they may be missing, my students can come to school feeling prepared, supported, and excited each day.\r\n\r\nThis project is about more than just supplies—it's about giving students the opportunity to succeed, build confidence, and feel a sense of belonging in the classroom. Your kindness is making a direct and meaningful impact on their daily experience.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in my students and helping me create a classroom where every child has what they need to thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1745426244293,"projectUrl":"project/supplies-for-success-setting-our-studen/9263227/","projectTitle":"Supplies for Success: Setting Our Students Up to Shine!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Teresky","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9997641_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y876&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1744384345814","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9997641"},{"teacherId":9997641,"projectId":9891039,"letterContent":"I am so grateful for your generosity and support in bringing my classroom vision to life. As a first-year teacher, creating a warm, welcoming environment for my students has been incredibly important to me, and your donations have made that possible.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, our classroom now has cozy carpets, organized book bins, and beautiful string lights that truly transform the space. These additions have helped create an atmosphere where students feel comfortable, calm, and excited to learn each day.\r\n\r\nThe soft lighting and inviting setup have already made a difference—students are more engaged during quiet reading and centers, and they genuinely enjoy spending time in our classroom. It feels like a space where they can relax, collaborate, and be creative while still focusing on their learning.\r\n\r\nHaving an organized, cheerful classroom allows my students to thrive. They feel a sense of belonging, and that sense of \"home\" at school is something every child deserves. Your support has not only enhanced our physical space but has also positively impacted my students' attitudes toward learning.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping me create a classroom filled with warmth, color, and opportunity. Your kindness is making a lasting difference in the lives of my students every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1763866158720,"projectUrl":"project/a-brighter-space-for-brighter-futures/9891039/","projectTitle":"A Brighter Space for Brighter Futures","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Teresky","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9997641_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y876&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1744384345814","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9997641"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_47111","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":545,"numTeachers":57,"percentFrplEligible":55,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":2,"percentWhite":62,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":27,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":6,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"9.6:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":76.9,"schoolId":47111,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Gulf Gate School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Gulf Gate School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/florida/sarasota-county-school-district/gulf-gate-elementary-school/47111"}