{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Paul Laurence Dunbar School","outOfStateSupporters":46.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":3233200,"projectId":9699177,"letterContent":"Thank you all so very much for all of the amazing supplies! The students had so much fun making their sensory bottles. We had plenty of glitter, sequins, and pompoms for everyone to make their own unique creation. \r\n Social emotional learning is a big deal in kindergarten. I wanted each student to have their own calm down jar to help them in a time of need. The students are going to enjoy going to the calm down corner and shaking their bottle to regulate their feelings and emotions as needed. Thank you so much again for everything donors and Donors Choose!","fullyFundedDate":1757550305182,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-bottles/9699177/","projectTitle":"Sensory Bottles","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Weaver","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3233200_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1661689523681","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3233200"},{"teacherId":3233200,"projectId":9738341,"letterContent":"Thank you all so very much for your generosity and kindness! My kinders are ecstatic about all of the new books in our classroom library. I have enough copies of the Old Lady series for each student to choose their own book to take home and enjoy with their families. They are huge fans of Pinkalicious so those books have been very popular in the library area as well. I am super excited about the Books on Strike series and can't wait to introduce my class to those entertaining stories. Thanks again for everything donors & Donors Choose! Such an awesome surprise!","fullyFundedDate":1758678178381,"projectUrl":"project/relax-read/9738341/","projectTitle":"Relax & Read","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Weaver","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3233200_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1661689523681","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3233200"},{"teacherId":8854200,"projectId":9401599,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for donating to our extra extra read all about it project. My students and I have been able to enjoy the magazines to support our SEL, social studies, literacy, and science learning. The magazines have brought a lot more discussions to my class and really have supported students sharing their thoughts and ideas. The students increase their literacy skills when reading the articles and then also going back into the article to answer our discussion and/or work sheet questions. The students enjoy the weekly addition to our curriculum. Thank you so much for supporting my students learning.","fullyFundedDate":1751934627354,"projectUrl":"project/extra-extra-read-all-about-it/9401599/","projectTitle":"Extra Extra Read All About It!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dewey","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8854200_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1720473090692","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8854200"},{"teacherId":8149669,"projectId":9394955,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous gift of headphones for our classroom. Your kindness has made a real and immediate impact on our learning environment.\r\nHaving headphones will allow my students to concentrate and focus while using technology—something that has become an essential part of our day-to-day learning. \r\n\r\nOur iPads are used across all subject areas, especially in math, literacy, and science. The educational apps we use help reinforce important skills, provide individualized practice, and support students in filling learning gaps at their own pace.\r\n\r\nWith the addition of headphones, students can now better block out classroom noise and fully engage with their learning. They'll be able to follow detailed instructions, answer questions thoughtfully, record their voices, and immerse themselves in stories—all with greater focus and confidence.\r\n\r\nWe are truly grateful for your support. You've helped create a more focused, effective, and joyful learning experience for each of my students.","fullyFundedDate":1750255547405,"projectUrl":"project/only-for-your-ears/9394955/","projectTitle":"Only for Your Ears","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Stanko","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8149669"},{"teacherId":8149669,"projectId":9394908,"letterContent":"On behalf of our kindergarten class, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your generous contribution toward the purchase of Scholastic magazines for our students.\r\n\r\nThanks to your support, each child in our classroom now receives engaging, age-appropriate reading materials that spark curiosity, encourage early literacy, and make learning fun. These magazines have become a highlight of our weekly routine—filled with exciting stories, colorful visuals, and topics that inspire our students to ask questions and explore the world around them. The digital resources that can be shared on our Promethean Board support beginning readers with a text-to-speech feature that highlights text as it reads aloud. My students especially enjoy the video, dance break, vocabulary, and game features.\r\n\r\nYour kindness is making a real difference in our children's educational journey, helpin to instill a love of reading at an early age. We are so grateful for your belief in the power of learning and your willingness to invest in our young learners' futures.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your interest and support in helping my kindergartners gain a better understanding of current topics and to love learning about their world.","fullyFundedDate":1750255550977,"projectUrl":"project/we-love-to-use-scholastic-news/9394908/","projectTitle":"We Love to Use Scholastic News!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Stanko","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8149669"},{"teacherId":3233200,"projectId":9377285,"letterContent":"Thank you again for all of your support and gratitude for my kindergarten students. Thanks to all of you, my students have all new school supplies to use this school year. They love the Crayola colored pencils and crayons and use them on a daily basis. The Ticonderoga pencils are used to complete literacy & math assignments. The glue sicks are a big hit at the art center. The markers are for special occasions and we will definitely use them for the thank you cards. Thank you again from my kinders! I couldn't have done it without all of you supporting my classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1753288491004,"projectUrl":"project/creating-with-crayola/9377285/","projectTitle":"Creating with Crayola","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Weaver","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3233200_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1661689523681","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3233200"},{"teacherId":3233200,"projectId":9699166,"letterContent":"Thank you so very much for your generous donation! It was very kind and thoughtful of you. The students were so excited and thrilled to see all the boxes arrive in our classroom. They absolutely love and adore Dr. Seuss so this graduation theme is sure to be a big hit with them, their parents, and families. Each student will receive their own tote bag, pencils, bookmarks, and a hardcover copy of \"Oh, the Places You'll Go!\" At the end of the school year, all the kindergarten students will take turns writing their names in each other's book to keep forever as a cute little yearbook and memento of their time in kindergarten.\r\n\r\nThank you so very much again for helping my students have everything they need to be successful students in my classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1757529437933,"projectUrl":"project/seussical-yearbooks/9699166/","projectTitle":"Seussical Yearbooks","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Weaver","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3233200_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1661689523681","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3233200"},{"teacherId":3233200,"projectId":9189087,"letterContent":"Thank you so very much for the Scholastic magazines! The students love them! They have such beautiful pictures to keep the students interested, engaged, and on task. We use them for science and social studies, depending on the topic. Sometimes we cut out pictures to make collages too. The magazines come with a special password for the students to access the materials at home. We love listening to the magazines being read to us online. We even have worksheets and short videos for all the different topics. Thanks again! We love our Scholastic magazines!","fullyFundedDate":1747606575496,"projectUrl":"project/scholastic-is-fantastic/9189087/","projectTitle":"Scholastic Is Fantastic","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Weaver","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3233200_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1661689523681","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3233200"},{"teacherId":9592071,"projectId":9475726,"letterContent":"I am truly grateful for your generous donation of headphones and clipboards to our classroom. These items have made a remarkable difference in how my students learn and engage throughout the day. With clipboards, students can comfortably move around and find their own space to work, allowing them to focus better and feel more at ease. This flexibility encourages independence and helps create a positive learning environment where every child feels empowered to learn in the way that suits them best.\r\n\r\nI also want to highlight the incredible impact the headphones have on my classroom, where nearly half of my students are English Language Learners (ELL). These headphones provide a quiet, distraction-free space that supports their language development by allowing them to listen closely to lessons, language programs, and reading activities. This individualized support is vital for building their confidence and skills in English. Your thoughtful gift is not only enhancing learning but also helping my students feel comfortable and successful as they grow their language abilities. Thank you for making such a meaningful contribution to our classroom community.","fullyFundedDate":1753282430832,"projectUrl":"project/hear-handle-headphones-and-clipboards/9475726/","projectTitle":"Hear & Handle: Headphones and Clipboards for Focused Learning!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Gandarilla","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9592071"},{"teacherId":9592071,"projectId":9375043,"letterContent":"I am writing to sincerely thank you for your generous donation of school supplies as we begin this new school year. In my classroom, the majority of students come from low-income families who face many challenges, including the financial strain of providing necessary school materials. Your contribution has made a tremendous difference by alleviating this pressure on parents who often struggle to purchase the supplies their children need to fully engage in learning. For many families, the cost of basic school supplies can be overwhelming, and your kindness helps ensure that no student has to start the year without the tools they need to succeed. This support not only benefits the students but also brings peace of mind to their families, knowing their children can focus on learning rather than worrying about missing essential items.\r\n\r\nIn addition to easing the burden on families, your donation has had a profound impact on me as an educator. Too often, I have found myself using my own limited resources and income to buy supplies so that my students have what they need to participate fully in classroom activities. This personal expense can be difficult to manage, especially when trying to provide a rich, engaging learning environment for every child. Thanks to your generosity, I am able to redirect my energy and resources toward teaching and creating meaningful lessons rather than scrambling to cover basic classroom needs. Your contribution has empowered me to build a classroom that is not only well-stocked but also warm, welcoming, and inclusive. It sends a clear message to my students that they are valued and supported, which boosts their confidence and enthusiasm for learning.\r\n\r\nBeyond the financial relief, your donation has helped transform the classroom into a happier and more inviting space where all students feel equipped and ready to thrive. When every student has the supplies they need—whether it's pencils, notebooks, art materials, or other essentials—they can fully participate and express their creativity without hesitation or embarrassment. This creates a positive atmosphere that encourages collaboration, curiosity, and a love for learning. A well-prepared classroom sets the stage for academic growth and personal development, allowing students to reach their full potential. Your generosity directly contributes to this nurturing environment, fostering student success and a sense of belonging for all.\r\n\r\nThe impact of your donation extends far beyond the physical supplies. It symbolizes hope and community support, showing my students that people care about their education and well-being. This encouragement motivates them to work hard, dream big, and believe in their abilities. For many of my students, having the right materials is a crucial first step toward academic achievement and future opportunities. Your support helps level the playing field, ensuring that economic hardship does not limit a child's access to a quality education. I am deeply grateful for your partnership in this mission to provide equitable learning experiences and for helping create a classroom where every child can succeed and grow with confidence.","fullyFundedDate":1749277467031,"projectUrl":"project/starting-on-the-right-foot/9375043/","projectTitle":"Starting on the Right Foot","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Gandarilla","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9592071"},{"teacherId":3233200,"projectId":9415418,"letterContent":"Thank you all so very much for all of your help, support, and generosity! I couldn't have done it without all of you! Thanks to you, my kinders now have a beautiful Mickey Mouse Clubhouse themed classroom to learn in. My kinders love all of the new decorations. I am going to use all of the Mickey Mouse trinkets for a classroom store. Students will earn pretend money for behaving and completing assignments to then shop for Mickey Mouse merch. The Mickey fruit snacks have been a real hit at snack time. Thank you all again for everything you do!","fullyFundedDate":1757378361977,"projectUrl":"project/welcome-mouseketeers/9415418/","projectTitle":"Welcome Mouseketeers!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Weaver","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3233200_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1661689523681","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3233200"},{"teacherId":3233200,"projectId":9189213,"letterContent":"Thank you so very much for helping my kinder students have what they need to be successful in their academic studies! Thank you for your support, generosity, and kindness! I couldn't have done it without you all! Thanks to you, my students now have brand new headphones for their school devices. We use the headphones daily. We are currently administering math assessments on their iPads. My students are able to focus and concentrate on the questions because they all have headphones. We use them for our reading and math games too. Thanks again everyone!","fullyFundedDate":1748629221936,"projectUrl":"project/can-you-hear-me-now/9189213/","projectTitle":"Can You Hear Me Now?","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Weaver","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3233200_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1661689523681","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3233200"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_50151","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":391,"numTeachers":29,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":33,"percentWhite":3,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":59,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"13.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":53.9,"schoolId":50151,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Paul Laurence Dunbar School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Paul Laurence Dunbar School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/connecticut/bridgeport-public-schools/paul-lawrence-dunbar-elementary-school/50151"}
Join the 640 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Paul Laurence Dunbar School is
an urban public school
in Bridgeport, Connecticut that is part of Bridgeport Public Schools.
It serves 391 students
in grades Pre-K - 8 with a student/teacher ratio of 13.5:1.
Its teachers have had 228 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!
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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
93%
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.
Paul Laurence Dunbar 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.
Paul Laurence Dunbar School
$105,541
raised using DonorsChoose
228
projects
funded
65
teachers
funded
640
donors
23
projects
for
basic supplies
18
projects for
technology
31
projects for
books
16
projects
for
art supplies
Paul Laurence Dunbar School has received support from
345 individuals from Connecticut and
295 individuals out-of-state.