{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Lavern Gaynor Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":41.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8479725,"projectId":10240647,"letterContent":"Thank you again for supporting my class with the Science reading resources! We've already read through many of the Nat Geo booklets and the students love to have access to them in my reading corner. \r\nAlso the posters are up in both my classroom and my science lab and make their environment colorful and informative! Although we are only a few weeks into the school year, the materials you provided will help not only this years students but those to come. \r\nScience is off to a great start this year!","fullyFundedDate":1778008253337,"projectUrl":"project/science-and-reading-make-an-impact/10240647/","projectTitle":"Science and Reading Make an Impact","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Williams","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8479725_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y80&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1750976824607","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8479725"},{"teacherId":1038080,"projectId":10538450,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our project, \"Brighten Our Corner with Brand New Toner.\" Because of your generosity, my third-grade students now have access to colorful, high-quality learning materials that make instruction more accessible, engaging, and effective.\r\nThe benefits of these visual supports in math, reading, and writing have been truly remarkable and are making a meaningful difference in student learning. Many of my students receive special education services and benefit from visual supports that break complex tasks into manageable steps. Your donation has allowed me to consistently create and provide those supports throughout the school day.\r\nIn math, students are using color-coded charts to help them make sense of rounding and identify patterns in multiplication. In reading and writing, students use a Beginning-Middle-End organizer with green, yellow, and pink sections to organize their ideas and successfully plan written responses. Using color ink as an instructional tool is building conceptual understanding while also increasing confidence and independence.\r\nThe attached photographs show these resources in action. The color supports help students focus on what is most important, reduce confusion, and increase participation. What may look like simple color on a page has become a powerful instructional tool that helps students access grade-level content and experience success.\r\nYour support is more than toner and ink. It has provided equitable access to learning and has allowed me to create materials tailored to the unique needs of my students. Thank you for investing in their growth, confidence, and achievement. Your generosity is making a meaningful difference every day.","fullyFundedDate":1787797805324,"projectUrl":"project/brighten-our-corner-with-brand-new-toner/10538450/","projectTitle":"Brighten Our Corner with Brand New Toner","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Carter","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1038080_orig.jpg?crop=1401,1401,x38,y163&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1684284209699","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1038080"},{"teacherId":985671,"projectId":10112488,"letterContent":"This grant allowed me to purchase a large selection of books for our book vending machine. Each month, two students from each classroom are awarded golden tokens that allow them to come and choose a book from the machine. They are recognized for their efforts and achievements in reading.\r\n\r\nThe wonderful thing about the golden tokens and the vending machine is that the novelty of it is appealing to all grade levels. All of my students want to be able to get a book from the machine! It is refreshing to see children excited about getting a new book of their own choosing and watching them take time to carefully look at all the books available. They are very thoughtful in their selection.\r\n\r\nI am grateful for the generosity that allowed me to select books that I know my students will enjoy. Every book they earn is also another opportunity for them to have a book they can share and enjoy with their family.","fullyFundedDate":1773262103348,"projectUrl":"project/who-wants-a-good-book/10112488/","projectTitle":"Who Wants a Good Book?","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Weeks","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp985671_orig.jpg?crop=1537,1537,x0,y117&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1611601556267","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/985671"},{"teacherId":10198086,"projectId":10173340,"letterContent":"Thank you SO much for supporting my students, bringing flexible seating and sensory tools into our classroom! They were incredibly excited to see the new seating choices, and these items have become a meaningful part of our routine. The floor chairs, cushions, wiggle seats, and sensory tools give students options for finding a space where they can feel focused, comfortable, and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nI have especially loved seeing students begin to recognize what helps them learn best. During independent work and small-group rotations, students can choose seating or tools that allow them to move appropriately, regulate their energy, and refocus without having to step away from their learning. These resources have also given us opportunities to practice responsibility and self-awareness; this helps with students learning that flexible seating/sensory tools aren't simply rewards, but tools they can choose when they need support being successful.\r\n\r\nThese materials will continue to support my students as we build independence, confidence, and strong learning habits. Thank you for investing in my students and giving them more ways to feel successful in our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1775837922376,"projectUrl":"project/seating-for-success-tools-for-focus-and/10173340/","projectTitle":"Seating for Success: Tools for Focus and Emotional Growth","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Henches-Moore","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10198086"},{"teacherId":1038080,"projectId":10203596,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our classroom set of The Boxcar Children. Because of your generosity, my third-grade students were able to participate in their very first novel study, an experience that helped build both reading confidence and excitement for learning.\r\nWe began the book as a traditional read-aloud, with students listening as I read each chapter aloud. As we reached Chapter 3, A New Home in the Woods, students became increasingly invested in the story and eager to learn what would happen next to Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny. To build reading fluency and confidence, I began providing short excerpts for students to read along with me and practice independently.\r\nAlthough we had the novels available, I intentionally waited to distribute them until students had become invested in the story through our read-aloud. This approach proved successful, as students were already eager to learn what would happen next and had developed a strong understanding of the main characters. When they finally received their own copies of The Boxcar Children, there was a noticeable sense of excitement throughout the classroom. Students proudly followed along in the text, revisited favorite moments, and became increasingly confident readers as our novel study continued.\r\nAs part of the novel study, we created a character analysis organizer where students collected evidence about what the characters said, did, and thought. They used these observations to better understand each character's motivations and development throughout the story. Together, we also mapped the beginning, middle, and end of the novel, helping students strengthen their understanding of story structure and sequencing.\r\nOne of my favorite moments was seeing students who were initially hesitant about chapter books become excited participants in discussions and reading activities. This novel study became much more than a reading lesson; it served as a boost of confidence that prepared students for future novel studies and helped them see themselves as successful readers.\r\nThank you for providing an opportunity that fostered literacy growth, engagement, and a love of reading. Your support helped make our first classroom novel study a meaningful and memorable experience.","fullyFundedDate":1785180308541,"projectUrl":"project/a-classic-chapter-book-journey-begins/10203596/","projectTitle":"A Classic Chapter Book Journey Begins","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Carter","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1038080_orig.jpg?crop=1401,1401,x38,y163&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1684284209699","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1038080"},{"teacherId":985671,"projectId":10158447,"letterContent":"At the beginning of the year I had mentioned to my students that we would be adding a Lego station during our STEAM Ahead program. I could tell by the excited reactions that it was going to be a hit, but I could never have anticipated how popular they really would be! \r\n\r\nBoys and girls across all grade levels loved them! It was so exciting to watch them collaborate and help each other. They were so creative!\r\n\r\nI hope to add more this upcoming year because it was so popular, and maybe start challenges like creating an animal habitat or working together to connect two towers.","fullyFundedDate":1773862509782,"projectUrl":"project/building-brains-with-lego/10158447/","projectTitle":"Building Brains with LEGO","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Weeks","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp985671_orig.jpg?crop=1537,1537,x0,y117&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1611601556267","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/985671"},{"teacherId":8528502,"projectId":10010628,"letterContent":"Imagine walking into a classroom where students are excitedly sketching designs, building models, creating colorful displays, and eagerly explaining their thinking to one another. Instead of simply completing a worksheet, they are creating something they are proud of and showcases their understanding. That is the learning environment your generosity has helped make possible.\r\nThanks to your support, my students had the opportunity to bring their learning to life through meaningful, hands-on projects. Whether creating dream bedrooms, designing informative posters, or illustrating stories through comic strips, students are applying what they have learned in classroom in creative ways that deepen their understanding. The project materials have encouraged collaboration, problem-solving, and perseverance as students plan designs, create models, and proudly present their finished work. Rather than memorizing facts, students are using critical thinking and creativity to show their knowledge in authentic ways.\r\nOne student, who had always found math challenging, truly blossomed during our area and perimeter project. Instead of simply solving problems on a worksheet, she used the project materials to design the layout of a dream bedroom, carefully calculating the area and perimeter of each piece. As she measured, revised, and explained her mathematical thinking, her confidence grew with every step. By the end of the project, she proudly presented her work to the class and said, \"I didn't know math could be this fun!\" Moments like these remind me that hands-on learning gives students the opportunity to make meaningful connections and allows students to see themselves as capable, confident learners. Thank you for providing the materials that helped my students learn through creativity, exploration, and discovery.","fullyFundedDate":1768791225356,"projectUrl":"project/creative-minds-need-creative-materials/10010628/","projectTitle":"Creative Minds Need Creative Materials","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Alden","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8528502_orig.jpg?crop=1037,1037,x269,y60&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768360886877","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8528502"},{"teacherId":8528502,"projectId":10154008,"letterContent":"Imagine a classroom of students who struggle to read cheering and yelling in excitement over a book. Smiles are all around as they grasp their very own copy of a book close to their chest like a precious treasure. A book which they normally may never have picked up. Instead of being scared by the size or level, they eagerly reach for it and dive in. Well, this is the scene you helped create through your generous donation!\r\nIn our classroom, reading is both a personal journey and a shared experience. During the school year, students practiced reading aloud, discussing themes in groups, and writing reflections about what they read. Having a copy of Because of Winn-Dixie at home allows them to carry that love of reading beyond the classroom walls. Several students have already shared how much they enjoy reading on their own at night, while others are reading alongside family members—bringing the lessons of the book into their homes.\r\nOne student in particular, who was often hesitant to read independently, proudly told me she was already halfway through the book within the first week of summer. Seeing her confidence grow is exactly the kind of impact your support makes possible. Thank you for helping our students stay connected to reading and continue building the skills they need to start 5th grade strong.\"","fullyFundedDate":1773862508375,"projectUrl":"project/fostering-a-passion-for-reading/10154008/","projectTitle":"Fostering a Passion for Reading","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Alden","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8528502_orig.jpg?crop=1037,1037,x269,y60&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768360886877","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8528502"},{"teacherId":1038080,"projectId":10134039,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting this special project for my students. For the past two years, I've had the privilege of serving an incredible group of learners as their ESE inclusion teacher. Our school's Leader in Me philosophy — We belong, we learn, we grow, we lead. Together we succeed. — is more than a motto; it's a daily reminder of who my students are becoming. Your generosity has helped reinforce those values in a deeply meaningful way.\r\nThe engaging books, bookmarks, colorful gift bags, and especially the small turtle plushies have brought so much joy. The sea turtle is our school mascot, symbolizing steady progress and resilience — two qualities my students demonstrate daily. These tokens will accompany them into the summer as a reminder that they are valued, capable, and encouraged to continue reading and learning even when school is out.\r\nYour support has done more than provide materials; it has given my students affirmation, confidence, and a sense of belonging. These gifts have already sparked conversations about favorite books, summer reading plans, and personal goals — exactly the kind of empowerment we hope to build in every child.\r\nThank you for touching the hearts of young learners who are working so hard to grow. Your kindness has made a lasting impact on their school year and beyond.","fullyFundedDate":1773862508058,"projectUrl":"project/together-we-read-together-we-lead/10134039/","projectTitle":"Together We Read, Together We Lead!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Carter","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1038080_orig.jpg?crop=1401,1401,x38,y163&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1684284209699","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1038080"},{"teacherId":9236465,"projectId":10156755,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support of our afterschool program and for helping provide student incentives that motivated and encouraged our learners throughout the session. Because of your kindness and investment in our students, 86% of participants made gains on their state assessments! Your support has made a meaningful impact on student success, confidence, and achievement. We truly appreciate your partnership in helping our students thrive.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has made a lasting impact on our students' confidence, motivation, and achievement. Thank you for helping us create opportunities that inspire learning and success.","fullyFundedDate":1773685215845,"projectUrl":"project/power-up-after-school-inspiring-attenda/10156755/","projectTitle":"Power Up After School: Inspiring Attendance Through Incentives","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. DeLuca","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9236465_orig.jpg?crop=738,738,x0,y214&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1693327821664","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9236465"},{"teacherId":1038080,"projectId":10132223,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity and support of our Power Up after school program at Lavern Gaynor Elementary. Because of you, our students had the fuel they needed to stay focused, motivated, and ready to learn after a long school day.\r\nOur Power Up program was designed to give students extra support in reading and math as they prepared for the FAST state assessments. About 100 students participated, working in small groups with teachers who knew them well and could target their specific learning needs. This kind of focused instruction makes a big difference—but it happens at a challenging time of day.\r\n By the time school ends, many students are tired and hungry. The snacks you provided were a simple but powerful support. They helped students refuel, feel cared for, and transition smoothly into learning mode. Instead of worrying about hunger, students were able to concentrate, participate, and give their best effort during lessons.\r\nWe saw students arrive more settled, more engaged, and more confident. The snack break became a moment to reset—allowing them to dive into reading and math with improved focus and stamina. Your support truly helped maximize every minute of instruction.\r\n At Lavern Gaynor Elementary, our mission is simple but meaningful: we belong, we learn, we grow, we lead. Your donation directly supported that mission by ensuring every student in Power Up felt comfortable, supported, and included. You helped create an environment where students could grow academically and believe in themselves.\r\nThank you for making such a meaningful impact with something so small that meant so much. Because of you, our students were able to power up—and take important steps toward success.","fullyFundedDate":1776468176069,"projectUrl":"project/a-little-snack-for-a-big-boost/10132223/","projectTitle":"A Little Snack, For A Big Boost","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Carter","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1038080_orig.jpg?crop=1401,1401,x38,y163&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1684284209699","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1038080"},{"teacherId":1038080,"projectId":10183109,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support in providing Moonshot: The Flight of Apollo 11 by Brian Floca for my third grade students. We began using this book this week, and it immediately sparked curiosity, thoughtful discussion, and excitement for learning. My students were captivated by the story of Apollo 11 and eager to explore both the text and illustrations as we read together.\r\nMany of my students benefit from explicit instruction, strong visual supports, and repeated exposure to high quality texts. Moonshot provided exactly that. The rich language, clear organization, and detailed illustrations helped students better understand complex ideas while still feeling successful. Students were able to identify the author's purpose, determine the central idea and supporting details, analyze text features, and practice summarizing key information with confidence. The nonfiction format also allowed us to focus on academic vocabulary, morphology, and using context clues in meaningful, engaging ways.\r\nThis book has proven to be more than a read aloud—it is a powerful instructional tool. Struggling readers were able to access grade level standards in a supportive environment, while on level students were challenged to think deeply about how authors communicate information. The shared text encouraged discussion, collaboration, and critical thinking, and it connected seamlessly to science and social studies learning.\r\nBecause of your generosity, my students were able to explore an inspiring real world event while strengthening the reading comprehension skills they need for long term academic success. Your support helped them take a true \"moonshot\" toward stronger literacy skills, deeper understanding, and greater confidence as readers. Thank you for believing in my students and investing in their learning.","fullyFundedDate":1775837413889,"projectUrl":"project/mission-comprehension-exploring-moonsho/10183109/","projectTitle":"Mission Comprehension: Exploring Moonshot: The Flight of Apollo 11","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Carter","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1038080_orig.jpg?crop=1401,1401,x38,y163&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1684284209699","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1038080"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_126358","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":352,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":16,"percentWhite":8,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":72,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":1,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":58.6,"schoolId":126358,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Lavern Gaynor Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Lavern Gaynor Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/florida/collier-county-public-schools/lavern-gaynor-elementary-school/126358"}
Join the 162 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Lavern Gaynor Elementary School is
a suburban public school
in Naples, Florida that is part of Collier County Public Schools.
It serves 352 students
in grades Pre-K - 5.
Its teachers have had 166 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Supporting this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.
Public School
Title 1
Data about Title 1 status comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education.
Grades Pre-K - 5
352 Students
# of teachers unavailable
2965 44th Ter SWContact info is sourced from our partners at MDR Education, and DonorsChoose updates our site ahead of each school year.
Share and help support Lavern Gaynor Elementary School
Boost support for this school! Share this page with friends, family, alumni, and fellow supporters. Every connection helps teachers get the supplies they need and shows how much your community cares about its students.
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for public school teachers.
Every donation funds real needs — pencils, books, lab equipment, art supplies, and more — helping students learn and thrive. We ship supplies directly to the school, and you'll see exactly where each dollar goes.
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
88%
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.
Lavern Gaynor Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Sep 25, 2026
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.
Lavern Gaynor Elementary School
$62,831
raised using DonorsChoose
166
projects
funded
37
teachers
funded
162
donors
31
projects
for
basic supplies
15
projects for
technology
48
projects for
books
6
projects
for
art supplies
Lavern Gaynor Elementary School has received support from
95 individuals from Florida and
67 individuals out-of-state.