Palermo Elementary School in Fulton, New York on DonorsChoose

{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Palermo Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":0.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10061323,"projectId":9427113,"letterContent":"Thank you so very much for your generous donations to our classroom. Your support has had an immediate and meaningful impact on my students and the way they learn each day. Because of your kindness, our classroom has become a more flexible, comfortable, and student-centered environment where children feel supported in discovering how they learn best.\r\n\r\nOne of the most impactful items you provided was the set of square floor mats. Due to fire code regulations, rugs are not permitted in our classroom, which can make floor seating challenging. These mats have provided a wonderful solution by offering students a comfortable, designated space to sit when they need a break from their desks. Throughout the day, students use the mats when we gather on the floor for lessons, discussions, or read-alouds. Having a soft, personal space helps them feel calm, focused, and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nThe mats are also incredibly helpful during activities such as watching educational videos, presentations, or class movies. Instead of sitting uncomfortably on the hard floor, students are able to relax while still remaining engaged with the content. Additionally, when students are working on their Chromebooks, the mats allow them to choose learning spaces where they feel they can focus best. This choice empowers them to recognize what their bodies and minds need in order to be successful learners.\r\n\r\nThe storage cart you provided has been just as valuable. It gives us a designated place to store the mats neatly and safely, helping to preserve their lifespan. Before the cart, storing flexible seating items could easily lead to bending, stuffing, or damage. Now, students are able to independently return the mats to their proper place, which prevents mishandling and teaches responsibility and care for shared classroom materials. The organization the cart provides has truly transformed how we manage our space.\r\n\r\nThe lap desks have also been a wonderful addition to our classroom. They provide students with a sturdy surface for writing while working away from their desks. The built-in compartments allow students to store books or materials they may need during the lesson. This prevents interruptions and helps students stay in their state of engagement rather than needing to get up and search for supplies. The lap desks support both comfort and focus, which has made a noticeable difference in student productivity.\r\n\r\nThe clipboards that double as whiteboards have been an exciting and space-saving tool for our students. They love using them, and the novelty keeps them motivated and eager to participate. These clipboards provide a stable writing surface while offering a flexible alternative to lap desks. Their dual purpose makes them incredibly efficient, especially in a classroom where space matters. Students feel empowered when using them, and they are more willing to take risks and participate in learning activities.\r\n\r\nOverall, your donations have allowed my students to break away from the traditional \"sit at your desk and listen\" model of learning. Instead, they are learning to understand themselves as learners. They are discovering how their bodies feel most comfortable, how they focus best, and what environments help them succeed. Having the resources to explore these needs has made them more confident, engaged, and excited about learning.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your generosity and belief in our students. Your support has truly made a lasting difference in our classroom, and we are incredibly grateful for the opportunities you have provided.","fullyFundedDate":1760408391958,"projectUrl":"project/get-them-closer-to-the-learning/9427113/","projectTitle":"Get them closer to the learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Earl","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10061323"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_22318","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":215,"numTeachers":20,"percentFrplEligible":82,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":96,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":0,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 4","studentTeacherRatio":"10.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"TOWN","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_DISTANT"},"inStateSupporters":100.0,"schoolId":22318,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Palermo Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Palermo Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-york/mexico-central-school-district/palermo-elementary-school/22318"}

About this school

Palermo Elementary School is a rural public school in Fulton, New York that is part of Mexico Central School District. It serves 215 students in grades Pre-K - 4 with a student/teacher ratio of 10.8:1. Its teachers have had one project funded on DonorsChoose.

Equity Focus School

Support towards this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Public School

Title 1

Grades Pre-K - 4

215 Students

20 Teachers

1638 County Route 45

Fulton, NY 13069 View local requests

http://www.mexico.cnyric.org

Direct, proactive support

Empower teachers at Palermo Elementary School to request what their students need.

Give to this school

Ms. Vero, a DonorsChoose teacher for 9 years.

Kindergarten teacher at PS81 - Robert J. Christen School in Bronx, NY

Palermo Elementary School Teachers on DonorsChoose

Ms. Earl

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.

See how DonorsChoose works

Palermo Elementary School Demographics

82%

of students receive free or reduced price lunch

Source: the National Center for Education Statistics

of students are Black, Latino, Native American, or Asian

Schools in districts that mainly serve students of color receive substantially less state and local support than similar districts that serve primarily White students. Learn more about this gap, why it exists, and how you can help close it.

Palermo Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Jan 17, 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.