{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Gainfield Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":34.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9455809,"projectId":8956552,"letterContent":"I wanted to take a moment to share the incredible impact your support has made on our classroom through the \"Boost Creativity with Apple Pencils and Keyboard Cases for Students!\" project. While many of us are familiar with using technology at home for convenience and entertainment, its role in the classroom is truly transformative. The Apple Pencils and keyboard cases have unlocked new ways for students to express themselves, collaborate, and deepen their understanding across subjects. From sketching out science diagrams with precision to drafting essays and editing them in real-time, the technology has bridged the gap between creativity and learning in ways that traditional tools simply couldn't.\r\n\r\nWhat excites the students most is the level of control and personalization they now have in their work. The Apple Pencils, especially, have turned even the most hesitant artists into confident creators, allowing them to experiment without fear of \"messing up.\" One student, who previously struggled to stay engaged during writing assignments, has taken a newfound interest in creating digital storyboards before drafting her essays—her enthusiasm is contagious! Another student, who often found handwriting difficult, now uses the keyboard case to type out his thoughts quickly and clearly, helping him participate more fully in class discussions. It's been truly inspiring to watch these tools empower students in ways that nurture both their creativity and confidence.","fullyFundedDate":1733253931951,"projectUrl":"project/boost-creativity-with-apple-pencils-and/8956552/","projectTitle":"Boost Creativity with Apple Pencils and Keyboard Cases for Students!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hayes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9455809"},{"teacherId":9455809,"projectId":8437160,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for your generous support of our DonorsChoose project, which made it possible to create a sensory calm-down corner in our first-grade classroom. Your contribution has brought incredible new resources into our learning environment, and I want to share how these tools are making a difference every day.\r\n\r\nThe sensory corner, now a favorite spot in the room, is stocked with engaging tools like magnetic blocks, Magna-Tiles, kinetic sand, and fidgets. These materials provide my students with creative and tactile ways to take a break when they need to regulate their emotions, refocus, and return to learning.\r\n\r\nA Specific Classroom Moment\r\nOne of my favorite moments occurred on the day we unveiled the sensory corner. My students were immediately drawn to the colorful Magna-Tiles and the soothing texture of the kinetic sand. One student, who often struggles with frustration during challenging tasks, took a break to build a tower with the Magna-Tiles. After a few minutes, they returned to their desk with renewed focus and proudly completed a writing assignment that had previously felt overwhelming.\r\n\r\nHow We're Using the Sensory Tools\r\nThroughout the day, students can use the sensory corner as a calm, quiet space to reset. For example, during a recent math lesson on patterns, one student became visibly frustrated when they couldn't grasp a concept. After spending a few minutes arranging magnetic blocks into patterns, the student rejoined the group and successfully applied what they'd learned in their independent work. The tools are not just helping students calm down—they're fostering creativity and problem-solving skills as well.\r\n\r\nNext Steps\r\nWe're now building on the success of the sensory corner by incorporating these self-regulation strategies into broader social-emotional learning lessons. Using the tools, students will create \"Feelings Towers\" with Magna-Tiles to represent emotions and solutions for calming down. This activity will tie into discussions about recognizing and managing feelings, further building emotional awareness and communication skills.\r\n\r\nYour generous donation has transformed our classroom into a more supportive and inclusive space. These tools are not just helping my students navigate their emotions—they're empowering them to succeed academically and socially. Thank you for being a part of our journey and for believing in the potential of my students. Your support means the world to us.","fullyFundedDate":1726147126993,"projectUrl":"project/creating-a-calm-down-sensory-space-for-f/8437160/","projectTitle":"Creating a Calm Down Sensory Space for First Grade Students","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hayes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9455809"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_47368","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":321,"numTeachers":27,"percentFrplEligible":16,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":3,"percentWhite":83,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":7,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"11.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":65.8,"schoolId":47368,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Gainfield Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Gainfield Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/connecticut/regional-school-district-15/gainfield-elementary-school/47368"}

Gainfield Elementary School

Join the 79 supporters who believe in this school.

About this school

Gainfield Elementary School is a suburban public school in Southbury, Connecticut that is part of Regional School District 15. It serves 321 students in grades Pre-K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 11.9:1. Its teachers have had 52 projects funded on DonorsChoose.

Public School

Grades Pre-K - 5

321 Students

27 Teachers

307 Old Field Rd

Southbury, CT 06488 View local requests

http://www.region15.org/ges

Evidence-based impact

Inspire teachers to stay in the classroom and boost student achievement.¹

Give to this school

Ms. Vero, a DonorsChoose teacher for 9 years.

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

Gainfield Elementary School Teachers on DonorsChoose

See more teachers from Gainfield Elementary School

DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

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.

See how DonorsChoose works

Gainfield Elementary School Demographics

16%

of students receive free or reduced price lunch

Source: the National Center for Education Statistics

11%

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.

Gainfield Elementary 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.

Gainfield Elementary School

$30,616

raised using DonorsChoose

projects funded

teachers funded

donors

projects for basic supplies

projects for technology

projects for books

projects for art supplies

Gainfield Elementary School has received support from 52 individuals from Connecticut and 27 individuals out-of-state.

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season! Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.

Gainfield Elementary School

About this school

Gainfield Elementary School Teachers on DonorsChoose

Share & help us grow support

DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

Gainfield Elementary School Demographics

Gainfield Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Dec 5, 2025

Gainfield Elementary School

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season!
Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.