{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"West Gate Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":27.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":2773665,"projectId":9464273,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my gifted learners are now designing and printing their own puzzles with our new 3D printer. Students explore geometry, logic, and engineering by creating pieces that fit with precision, testing prototypes, and refining designs. The colorful filament excites them, while vacuum bags preserve materials for future projects. One English learner has found confidence leading design discussions, and a twice-exceptional student thrives on problem-solving through iteration. Your support has turned imagination into innovation, empowering students to be creators, not just solvers.","fullyFundedDate":1756999552008,"projectUrl":"project/print-me-a-puzzle/9464273/","projectTitle":"Print Me A Puzzle","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Murphy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2773665_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1491586648800","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-zunno"},{"teacherId":8583002,"projectId":9417603,"letterContent":"Since the beginning of the school year, I've been working hard to get to know my students while managing their behavior and supporting their learning. About 90% of my students are below grade level, so our main focus has been building oral and speaking language skills to strengthen their literacy foundation. I'm also collaborating in small groups with other specialists to help students grow in reading and writing. \r\n\r\nI have rearranged the classroom a few times to find the best setup for learning, and after observing, the principal preferred that students sit in rows for now. This structure helps maintain focus and order until they are ready to work collaboratively in small groups or participate in a classroom circle. Many students still need to develop stronger social and communication skills to engage in academic discussions appropriately, so we are continuing to work toward that goal.\r\n\r\nThank you for your continued support.","fullyFundedDate":1754235305761,"projectUrl":"project/move-your-mind-lift-your-mood/9417603/","projectTitle":"Move Your Mind, Lift Your Mood","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. D","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8583002_orig.jpg?crop=1418,1418,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1719100063730","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8583002"},{"teacherId":8583002,"projectId":9403532,"letterContent":"I'm so sorry it took me a little while to write back — this school year has started out very busy! We have a new principal and a lot of staff turnover, so things have felt a bit overwhelming as we all adjust. Our school is Title I, and we serve many students who are working hard to reach grade level; in fact, only eight of our seventy-seven fifth graders are currently reading at grade level.\r\n\r\nThe technology and tools you've helped us get are making a real difference in our classroom environment. I used the sticker maker to label many items around the room, and the students really appreciate being able to see and read the words clearly. The fidget spinners have also been helpful for calming and focus. Some of the items we haven't had the chance to use yet—like the skin-tone markers—but we're planning to use them around the holidays when we have a bit more time for creative projects.\r\n\r\nI also started using the calming strips, but my students found them a little too fun and peeled them off the desks! I'm thinking of creative ways to make them more durable so students can still use them for focus and relaxation. Thank you so much for your generosity—it truly helps make our classroom a more supportive, engaging place for learning. The PowerPoint pointer and slide changer have been a real hit—I use them every day, and it's so helpful to be able to change slides from anywhere in the room while I'm teaching.","fullyFundedDate":1750200938754,"projectUrl":"project/readers-who-feel-seen-tools-for-focus-a/9403532/","projectTitle":"Readers Who Feel Seen: Tools for Focus and Representation","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. D","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8583002_orig.jpg?crop=1418,1418,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1719100063730","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8583002"},{"teacherId":10043188,"projectId":9377683,"letterContent":"These decorations have truly transformed our classroom into a happy and positive environment where students feel safe, valued, and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nWe've already seen the impact during our morning meetings and group activities—students are more engaged, cooperative, and proud of their space. The cozy reading corner, colorful wall displays, and organized learning zones have helped foster a sense of community and ownership.\r\n\r\nNext, we're using this refreshed environment to launch a kindness and community-building project. Students will create \"kindness posters\" to hang around the room, write notes of encouragement to classmates, and practice daily affirmations. These activities build on the welcoming atmosphere and help reinforce positive social-emotional skills.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping us create a space that inspires joy, connection, and learning every day","fullyFundedDate":1748479707958,"projectUrl":"project/grooving-into-kindergarten/9377683/","projectTitle":"Grooving into Kindergarten","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cleaver","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10043188"},{"teacherId":2560287,"projectId":9549606,"letterContent":"We are thrilled to share the incredible impact your generosity has had on our school community through your support of our recent supply project.\r\n\r\nThanks to your donations, our teachers now have access to essential materials in their workroom—items like pens, sticky notes, paper clips, markers, staplers, and tape dispensers. These seemingly simple tools have made a profound difference in their daily routines. With these resources readily available, teachers can now plan, prepare, and copy materials more efficiently, allowing them to focus more time and energy on what matters most: their students.\r\n\r\nIn addition, the notebooks, dry erase markers, and glue sticks provided for our students have transformed classroom engagement. Students now have the tools they need to participate actively in lessons, express their ideas, and complete hands-on activities with confidence. These supplies have helped foster creativity, organization, and collaboration across grade levels.\r\n\r\nThis project has supported every corner of our school—from kindergarten through fifth grade, including our ESOL and SPED classrooms. Your contribution has helped create a more organized, productive, and inspiring environment for both educators and learners.\r\n\r\nWe are deeply grateful for your support. Your kindness is not only seen in the materials we now have—but felt in the smiles, the smoother lessons, and the renewed energy throughout our school.","fullyFundedDate":1757625401694,"projectUrl":"project/supplies-for-success/9549606/","projectTitle":"Supplies for Success!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Parnis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2560287_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1554728090343","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2560287"},{"teacherId":10052622,"projectId":9403846,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support for my classroom. You have helped create a calm, joyful, and inclusive space where my students truly feel safe and seen.\r\nWhen the materials arrived, their excitement was contagious. Students lit up seeing all the new materials that positively impacts their learning environment. \r\n\r\nThe flexible seating and calming posters have made such a difference, especially for students who need a quiet moment to reset. The ice packs, prize box items, and sensory tools show them they are cared for in every way—not just as students, but as people.\r\n\r\nEven during recess, the new games and fine motor activities have brought laughter, teamwork, and learning all in one.\r\nThanks to you, our classroom is more than just a place to learn—it's a place where kids feel loved, valued, and excited to be every day. We couldn't have done this without you.","fullyFundedDate":1750349718800,"projectUrl":"project/the-best-year-yet-for-the-greatest-3rd-g/9403846/","projectTitle":"The Best Year Yet for the Greatest 3rd Graders","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Snyder","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10052622_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1749444835025","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10052622"},{"teacherId":2773665,"projectId":9210058,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting the \"Brain Bins\" project! These bins, filled with engaging games and puzzles, have become a powerful tool for enriching the learning experience of our talented students in 1st through 3rd grade, especially those who don't qualify for formal gifted services but still crave challenge and stimulation. The moment the bins were introduced into classrooms, students were immediately drawn to them. Their eyes lit up with curiosity as they explored the colorful, hands-on materials. Instead of being handed another worksheet after finishing their work early, they now have the opportunity to dive into logic puzzles, strategy games, and brain teasers that keep their minds active and engaged.\r\n\r\nOne of the most memorable moments came from a second-grade classroom where a student who typically rushes through assignments just to be \"done\" discovered a pattern-based puzzle in the bin. He spent nearly 20 minutes working through it, completely absorbed, and proudly announced when he solved it. His teacher later shared that this was the first time she had seen him so focused and self-motivated during independent time. \r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we're planning to rotate the Brain Bins between classrooms every few weeks to keep the materials fresh and exciting. Teachers are also beginning to use the bins as part of small group rotations, allowing them to work with students who need extra support while others are meaningfully engaged. The next step is to gather student feedback on their favorite games and puzzles so we can continue to tailor the bins to their interests and needs. Thanks to your support, we've created a sustainable, enriching resource that empowers students to think critically, collaborate, and enjoy learning, all without adding extra work for our already busy classroom teachers. Your generosity has made a lasting impact, and we are so grateful!","fullyFundedDate":1746532366387,"projectUrl":"project/brain-bins/9210058/","projectTitle":"Brain Bins","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Murphy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2773665_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1491586648800","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-zunno"},{"teacherId":2773665,"projectId":9321363,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom has been enriched in ways that go far beyond academics. The math games you helped provide have become a vital part of our enrichment activities for gifted learners. My students crave deeper, more challenging opportunities to stretch their thinking. These games have offered engaging, hands-on experiences that promote critical thinking, strategy, and creativity. \r\n\r\nOne particularly heartwarming moment came when one of my students, who is blind, discovered the game Otrio. This game, with its tactile pieces of varying sizes, allowed her to fully participate alongside her peers. She was thrilled to be able to identify the pieces by touch and quickly grasped the strategy involved. Watching her confidently play and even win a few rounds was a powerful reminder of the importance of inclusive, accessible learning tools. These moments of connection and empowerment are exactly what your donation has made possible. Your support has helped create a classroom where every student, regardless of background or ability, feels challenged, included, and inspired. Thank you for being a part of our journey!","fullyFundedDate":1746716910453,"projectUrl":"project/math-magic/9321363/","projectTitle":"Math Magic","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Murphy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2773665_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1491586648800","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-zunno"},{"teacherId":2773665,"projectId":9136566,"letterContent":"I am thrilled to share the incredible impact that your generous contributions have had on our school through the \"Genius in the Making\" project. Your support has truly transformed the learning environment in our general education classrooms and provided invaluable resources that have enriched the educational experience for many students.\r\n\r\nAs a specialist teacher, I created the Brain Bins to be housed in general education classrooms, where they are used by early finishers and students who need enrichment beyond a worksheet. These bins are filled with puzzles and games that cater to a wide range of interests and abilities. They have become an integral part of the daily routine in these classrooms, offering students engaging and challenging activities that promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills.\r\n\r\nOne memorable moment was when a student who typically struggles with traditional academic tasks found a puzzle that he excelled at. His face beamed with pride as he completed the puzzle and received praise from his classmates. This moment of success boosted his confidence and motivated him to engage more actively in other classroom activities.\r\n\r\nIn conclusion, the \"Genius in the Making\" project has had a profound impact on our students. The Brain Bins have not only provided engaging and enriching activities but have also fostered a positive and dynamic learning environment. Your generosity has made this possible, and I am deeply grateful for your support. Together, we are nurturing the next generation of thinkers, problem-solvers, and innovators.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our classrooms and for making a difference in the lives of our students.","fullyFundedDate":1743181487054,"projectUrl":"project/genius-in-the-making/9136566/","projectTitle":"Genius in the Making","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Murphy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2773665_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1491586648800","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-zunno"},{"teacherId":9563907,"projectId":9037950,"letterContent":"When the students saw the boxes arrived to the classroom they were so excited, jumping with joy! We opened the boxes together and when they learned about the project they couldn't wait to get started. \r\n\r\nThe students used the materials purchased to create a product to sell in the grade level store. They made things like bracelets and necklaces, pipe cleaner flowers, paintings, balloon stress balls, bookmarks, animals and caterpillars on popsicle sticks. Each student got to independently pick their product and create it. They then earned coins throughout the school days leading up to the event and they got to purchase other students products. In the store, they practiced their math skills on top of their social studies topics. We always appreciate making connections and having cross curricular activities!\r\n\r\nWithout your support and generous giving, we would not have been able to do this hands on learning project. I know this will be a memory the students will take with them for a long time.","fullyFundedDate":1737494320219,"projectUrl":"project/producers-and-consumers-economic-market/9037950/","projectTitle":"Producers and Consumers: Economic Market","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rutz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9563907_orig.jpg?crop=734,734,x0,y127&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1718136492940","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9563907"},{"teacherId":2773665,"projectId":8942911,"letterContent":"While this project is still in early stages, I've seen a great reaction so far! Teachers are excited about activities for early finishers that aren't just another worksheet. Students are excited to have engaging, challenging activities to look forward to. I only have 4 Brain Bins right now, so the reach is low. I hope to put together more now that I know they have been received well. It's great knowing students are receiving the extension challenges to keep their brains busy rather than more work to burn them out!","fullyFundedDate":1733852780444,"projectUrl":"project/brain-bins-for-little-learners/8942911/","projectTitle":"Brain Bins for Little Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Murphy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2773665_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1491586648800","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-zunno"},{"teacherId":639152,"projectId":8958637,"letterContent":"Flexible seating can have many positive impacts on students, including improved focus, engagement, and physical health. It can also help students develop personal skills like self-reliance and problem-solving. \r\nBenefits of flexible seating. These chairs have improved focus. Students can move around and change positions to stay engaged and avoid boredom. \r\nIt has also increased engagement. Students feel more in control and invested in their learning. They have also Improved collaboration. Students can easily move around and interact with each other. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!","fullyFundedDate":1735245653572,"projectUrl":"project/flexible-seating-elevates-student-engage/8958637/","projectTitle":"Flexible Seating Elevates Student Engagement!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Basto","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp639152_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1476405058546","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/639152"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_39799","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":482,"numTeachers":41,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":6,"percentBlack":5,"percentWhite":6,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":80,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"11.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":72.4,"schoolId":39799,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about West Gate Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"West Gate Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/virginia/prince-william-county-public-schools/west-gate-elementary-school/39799"}