{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Summerwind Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":52.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":7287151,"projectId":9646339,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for providing the learning materials included in this project! My speech and language scholars loved learning about unique animals and mythical creatures. The books were used to introduce the creatures-narwhals, axolotls, and unicorns. The themed games were perfect for engaging the students, practicing social skills, and developing language. The STEM building materials sparked their imagination and engineering skills while encouraging cooperative play. Once again, thank you for your interest and generosity! We are so fortunate to have your support!","fullyFundedDate":1757676661241,"projectUrl":"project/unique-critters-and-mythical-creatures/9646339/","projectTitle":"Unique Critters and Mythical Creatures","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gilmer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7287151_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1595355080659","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7287151"},{"teacherId":7287151,"projectId":9465745,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation and support! This project provided great opportunities for my speech and language scholars to develop and demonstrate compassion by learning to see the world through the eyes of others. \r\n\r\nThe books, games and toys from the \"A Little Spot\" and \"Scribble\" series allowed us to visualize emotions and tackle concepts such as empathy, compassion, and kindness in a colorful, fun, and engaging way. \r\n\r\nMy scholars loved expressing themselves by creating scribble stones! As they created they talked about with whom they would share their stone and why they chose that person. \r\n\r\nOnce again, thank you for providing us with this amazing opportunity!","fullyFundedDate":1754504316284,"projectUrl":"project/teaching-compassion-with-a-little-spot/9465745/","projectTitle":"Teaching Compassion with “A Little Spot” and Scribble Stones","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gilmer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7287151_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1595355080659","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7287151"},{"teacherId":9226031,"projectId":9770297,"letterContent":"Thank you for bringing the magic of winter into our special education classroom. Because of your generosity, my students enjoyed hands-on, multi-sensory learning experiences that made reading, creativity, and connection come alive.\r\n\r\nWe read The Magical Snowflake, Snowman Paul and Kate's Olympic Dream, and Biscuit's Snow Day Race, which sparked meaningful conversations about perseverance, teamwork, and friendship. Students also created snowman and snowflake crafts that strengthened fine motor skills and allowed them to express themselves in joyful, creative ways.\r\n\r\nEach student received a small winter gift filled with items like stickers, slime, pencils, and mini sensory fidgets. These gifts brought big smiles and helped students feel seen, valued, and supported. Thanks to you, our classroom was filled with warmth, excitement, and inclusive learning opportunities throughout the winter season.","fullyFundedDate":1763679244812,"projectUrl":"project/snow-much-fun-winter-stories-and-crafts/9770297/","projectTitle":"Snow Much Fun: Winter Stories and Crafts for Special Learners!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cheney","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9226031_orig.jpg?crop=1957,1957,x139,y566&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1697578046282","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9226031"},{"teacherId":9226031,"projectId":9403376,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, my students now have the support they need to move from moments of being overwhelmed to calm, focused learning. With sensory tools like the Rainbow Fidget Tube and suction fidgets available in our classroom, students can regulate their bodies in real time and return to learning more quickly. These tools have helped reduce emotional meltdowns, increase time-on-task, and allow students to stay in the classroom where they feel safe and supported.\r\n\r\nYour support also helped create a more inclusive and welcoming learning environment through books that celebrate diversity in race, identity, and ability. My students now see themselves reflected in the stories we read, which helps them feel valued and understood. At the same time, they're learning to appreciate and respect experiences that may be different from their own. These books have sparked thoughtful conversations, empathy, and a stronger sense of community in our classroom.\r\n\r\nThanks to you, our classroom has become a place where students feel calm, accepted, and confident. Your kindness has made a lasting impact, and my students and I are truly grateful for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1758820773468,"projectUrl":"project/helping-all-students-feel-seen-heard-a/9403376/","projectTitle":"Helping All Students Feel Seen, Heard, and Safe","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cheney","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9226031_orig.jpg?crop=1957,1957,x139,y566&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1697578046282","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9226031"},{"teacherId":7287151,"projectId":9468192,"letterContent":"Many thanks for helping my students make progress toward their communication \"goals\"! Your interest, donation, and support are truly appreciated.\r\n\r\nMy speech and language scholars got a \"kick\" out of the soccer-themed speech therapy sessions. They were so excited when they entered the Speech Room and saw the indoor soccer goal and soccer balls! Incorporating gross motor skills while practicing communication skills was big huge success! My scholars took shots on goal after repetitive language drills and speech sound practice activities. It was a perfect opportunity to encourage friendly competition and teamwork. They also loved the soccer ball fidget spinners and repeatedly expressed their gratitude for the generous donations.\r\n\r\nThank you for making a difference in the lives of students and educators!","fullyFundedDate":1753124356870,"projectUrl":"project/goooaaalll-spectacular-soccer-skills-in/9468192/","projectTitle":"Goooaaalll! Spectacular Soccer Skills in the Speech Room","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gilmer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7287151_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1595355080659","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7287151"},{"teacherId":7287151,"projectId":9779379,"letterContent":"Thank you Allstate Foundation for sponsoring our \"Gotta Catch 'Em All: Including Others and Spreading Kindness\" community service project! My speech and language scholars were so excited to participate in the Trunk-or-Treat Fall Festival. Watching them spread kindness to their peers and other members of our local community filled me with pride! \r\n\r\nA group of my 3rd and 4th grade students prepared the materials and helped set-up the Pokemon themed trunk-or-treat vehicle. The students handed out the treats included in this project (fruit snacks, Pokemon cards, toys, erasers) during trunk-or-treating. They had the opportunity to practce their communication skills while greeting others and handing out the treats. Their smiles and excitement were clearly evident when they engaged in acts of kindness while working together and giving to others.\r\n\r\nWe are so grateful for this experience and we can't thank you enough for inspiring and funding this school community event!","fullyFundedDate":1761074611636,"projectUrl":"project/gotta-catch-em-all-including-others-an/9779379/","projectTitle":"Gotta Catch 'Em All: Including Others and Speading Kindness","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gilmer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7287151_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1595355080659","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7287151"},{"teacherId":7287151,"projectId":9394926,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your contribution to our \"Robots: Remarkable Resources & Reinforcers\" project! Your interest and generosity are appreciated!\r\n\r\nThe robot themed board games, books, and STEM manipulatives have been a remarkable addition to our Speech Therapy sessions. The robot building game has been enjoyed by students ranging from TK-5th grade! It is a perfect reinforcer during speech sound practice and offers many opportunities for language development. The books have been engaging and informative all at once. They have encouraged turn-taking, literacy development, and comprehension skills. The STEM building materials have been great for my sensory learners! The spark imagination and encourage cooperative play.\r\n\r\nWe look forward to using these materials again during upcoming sessions and we thank you for supporting students and educators!","fullyFundedDate":1757603700903,"projectUrl":"project/robots-remarkable-resources-reinforc/9394926/","projectTitle":"Robots: Remarkable Resources & Reinforcers","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gilmer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7287151_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1595355080659","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7287151"},{"teacherId":7287151,"projectId":9503511,"letterContent":"Many thanks for your generous donation to our \"Games Galore\" project! Your interest and support are truly appreciated. Games are a great way to practice communication skills while having fun. My speech and language scholars love the new board games! The Shopping List game and Crazy Chefs game paired perfectly with our recent food themed speech therapy sessions. They were simple yet engaging and provided many opportunities to practice a variety of communication skills! Thanks again for making a difference in the lives of students and educators! We appreciate you!","fullyFundedDate":1756834177928,"projectUrl":"project/games-galore/9503511/","projectTitle":"Games Galore!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gilmer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7287151_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1595355080659","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7287151"},{"teacherId":9226031,"projectId":9313354,"letterContent":"This project goes beyond skill-building to foster a love of reading and empower students to become confident, independent learners. Structured literacy centers will provide a supportive environment where students can thrive while practicing phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension in meaningful, hands-on ways. With leveled readers, adapted books, and engaging games, every child will have access to success at their own level, eliminating barriers and celebrating progress. Tools like sentence-building kits will further strengthen language and communication skills that extend well beyond the classroom. By making learning accessible, motivating, and fun, this project lays the foundation for lifelong confidence and achievement in reading. Ultimately, this project is not just about improving literacy scores; it's about creating a predictable, supportive environment where students can regulate their emotions, work independently, and feel empowered to become confident, lifelong learners. You helped to build a solid foundation that will support their success for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1750542573826,"projectUrl":"project/reading-to-learn-interactive-literacy-c/9313354/","projectTitle":"Reading to Learn: Interactive Literacy Centers for Special Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cheney","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9226031_orig.jpg?crop=1957,1957,x139,y566&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1697578046282","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9226031"},{"teacherId":9226031,"projectId":9396339,"letterContent":"Incorporating sensory supports and equity-focused literature into our day isn't just about comfort or curriculum, it's about dignity, understanding, and building a classroom culture rooted in inclusion. For many of my students, the chance to see their race, culture, or disability reflected in a book is a powerful moment. Pairing that with the sensory tools they need to feel calm and safe helps create a learning environment where they can thrive. My students will not only learn to read, but learn to love themselves, their classmates, and the rich diversity of the world around them.\r\n\r\nIn our classroom, we talk a lot about kindness, fairness, and celebrating what makes each of us unique. Thanks to you, those conversations will be more meaningful, and more accessible than ever before. Thank you for believing in equity, inclusion, and the power of early education.","fullyFundedDate":1757423934070,"projectUrl":"project/making-learning-visual-art-supplies-for/9396339/","projectTitle":"Making Learning Visual: Art Supplies for Special Education","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cheney","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9226031_orig.jpg?crop=1957,1957,x139,y566&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1697578046282","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9226031"},{"teacherId":7287151,"projectId":9616662,"letterContent":"Thanks a million for showing us the money! Your interest, support, and generous donation are appreciated! \r\n\r\nThe items provided by this project included incentives of varied value, including plushies, mini pets, erasers, and more. They have been added to our Speech Room Rewards economy system and students have already been putting their financial literacy skills to work. They are so motivated by the new rewards They are working hard to earn and manage their points. \r\n\r\nThank you for making financial literacy a hands-on learning experience! We appreciate you!","fullyFundedDate":1756607417107,"projectUrl":"project/financial-literacy-using-a-classroom-eco/9616662/","projectTitle":"Financial Literacy Using a Classroom Economy System","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gilmer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7287151_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1595355080659","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7287151"},{"teacherId":7287151,"projectId":9472810,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping me welcome my students back to school! Your interest, support, and generosity are truly appreciated!\r\n\r\nThe basic school supplies, including folders, dry erase table dots, markers, stickers, rewards, and more, provided us with a great start! The colorful, poly folders were used to create individual speech therapy folders. My students enjoyed choosing and decorating their folders, which will be used for the entire school year. They used the name tags and motivational stickers to individualize their folder. The dry erase markers and table dots have already been put to use as well. Items such as the pencils, erasers, and bookmarks, have been added to our Speech Room Rewards. The mini bears have been added to our Bear Box and are a new favorite!\r\n\r\nOnce again, thank you for your generosity! We appreciate you!","fullyFundedDate":1753923009607,"projectUrl":"project/speech-room-basics/9472810/","projectTitle":"Speech Room Basics","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gilmer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7287151_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1595355080659","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7287151"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_54877","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":569,"numTeachers":29,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":2,"percentBlack":20,"percentWhite":5,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":68,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"19.6:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":47.7,"schoolId":54877,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Summerwind Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Summerwind Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/palmdale-school-district/summerwind-elementary-school/54877"}
Join the 539 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Summerwind Elementary School is
a suburban public school
in Palmdale, California that is part of Palmdale School District.
It serves 569 students
in grades Pre-K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 19.6:1.
Its teachers have had 246 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
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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
90%
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.
Summerwind Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Jan 7, 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.
Summerwind Elementary School
$77,433
raised using DonorsChoose
246
projects
funded
27
teachers
funded
539
donors
33
projects
for
basic supplies
44
projects for
technology
41
projects for
books
15
projects
for
art supplies
Summerwind Elementary School has received support from
257 individuals from California and
282 individuals out-of-state.