{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Myra Terwilliger Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":28.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8804514,"projectId":10334903,"letterContent":"I am incredibly grateful for the generosity that made this project possible for my first-grade students! These resources have helped transform our classroom into a more organized, engaging, and student-centered learning environment. The rolling storage cart, colorful paper trays, storage containers, and magnetic clips help keep our materials organized and easily accessible, allowing students to spend less time searching for supplies and more time learning. The mini fridge has also been a wonderful addition to our classroom, giving us a convenient place to store snacks and other classroom necessities. When my students first saw all of the new materials, they were so excited to explore them and immediately noticed how colorful and inviting our classroom had become.\r\n\r\nThe academic resources have been especially meaningful as we build our foundational first-grade skills. My students use the CVC word games, phonics cards, sight-word games, and word-building activities during literacy centers and small-group instruction to practice reading, spelling, and phonics in a fun and hands-on way. The math cubes give students a concrete way to practice counting, addition, subtraction, and number sense, while the jumbo magnetic writing paper allows us to model handwriting and writing skills together as a class. Pencil grips, a reliable pencil sharpener, and plenty of pencils help students feel prepared and confident during independent work. We also use the punch cards, motivational stamps, and classroom prizes to celebrate positive choices, perseverance, and academic growth. One of my favorite moments has been watching students proudly show me a word they built or a math problem they solved and then eagerly earn recognition for their hard work.\r\n\r\nOur next steps are to continue strengthening our reading, writing, and math foundations while helping students become more independent learners. We will continue using our phonics and sight-word materials during literacy centers, manipulatives during math lessons, and interactive writing activities as students develop their handwriting and written expression. We are also using *Have You Filled a Bucket Today?* to build a positive classroom community and teach students about kindness, responsibility, and how their actions affect others. These resources have given my students more opportunities to learn by doing, practice skills in different ways, and celebrate their progress. Most importantly, they have helped me create the kind of classroom where my students feel prepared, supported, and excited to learn every day.","fullyFundedDate":1782749413373,"projectUrl":"project/first-grade-first-steps-big-dreams/10334903/","projectTitle":"First Grade, First Steps, Big Dreams","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dechow","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8804514_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1778183424415","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8804514"},{"teacherId":8804514,"projectId":10276221,"letterContent":"I am so grateful to each of you who helped make this project possible for my students! As a first-year first grade teacher, creating a classroom where students feel safe, welcomed, excited to learn, and proud to be themselves has been one of my biggest goals. The pastel rainbow smiley-face carpet has quickly become one of the most loved additions to our classroom. My students gather on the carpet each day for morning meetings, read-alouds, mini-lessons, and classroom discussions. When they first saw the colorful carpet, they were so excited to find their own spots and immediately wanted to sit together and learn! It has created a special space where we can build our classroom family and begin each day connected and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nThe other resources have also become an important part of our everyday learning. The pencils, colorful Flair pens, dry-erase markers, glue sticks, and laminating pouches allow me to create engaging, hands-on activities and reusable learning materials for my students. Our reading posters help guide students as they practice reading strategies, while the positive affirmation signs remind them that it is okay to make mistakes, try again, and be themselves. The classroom decorations have helped transform our room into a bright, welcoming place that feels like their own. Even the snacks have provided special moments to celebrate effort, kindness, and accomplishments throughout the year. My students are learning that school is not just a place where we complete assignments—it is a place where we can feel supported, take risks, and grow together.\r\n\r\nOur next steps are to continue building strong reading, writing, and math foundations while developing independence and confidence as learners. With the support of these resources, I can continue creating interactive lessons, reusable activities, and meaningful classroom experiences that meet my students where they are. Most importantly, your generosity has helped me create a classroom where my first graders know that they belong, their ideas matter, and they can accomplish great things. Thank you for investing in my students and helping make their first-grade experience so special!","fullyFundedDate":1778196693452,"projectUrl":"project/20262027-school-year/10276221/","projectTitle":"2026/2027 School Year","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dechow","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8804514_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1778183424415","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8804514"},{"teacherId":10504192,"projectId":10277017,"letterContent":"All of the students were so happy to have a filled pencil pouch ready at their desk the first day of school. They loved all the crayons, colored pencils, and pencils. We have used the pencil pouches many times throughout the day and they will be used throughout the entire year. The tissues and Lysol wipes are necessities and have been used to keep our classroom clean and catch those sneezes! We've used our individual classroom dry erase boards every day so far and the students love using the expo markers and colorful dry erase erasers. I used the laminating sheets to laminate name tags to have ready for their first day of school. Thank you for setting my class up for success!","fullyFundedDate":1778205292840,"projectUrl":"project/2026-2027-school-year/10277017/","projectTitle":"2026-2027 School Year","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Spring","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10504192_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1778201661674","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10504192"},{"teacherId":9267706,"projectId":9775827,"letterContent":"Thank you for making our project, STEM Explorers: Building Curiosity Through Play for PreK Learners, a reality! Your generosity has brought exciting STEM materials into our preschool ESE classroom, where children ages 3–5 learn best through exploration and hands-on experiences. The moment we introduced the new materials, the classroom was filled with excitement. My students couldn't wait to build, experiment, sort, and investigate. It was wonderful to watch them work together, ask questions, solve problems, and celebrate their discoveries with big smiles and proud voices.\r\n\r\nWe are already using these resources during our STEM exploration centers and small-group lessons. One of our favorite activities has been working together to design and build structures that can support different objects. Students eagerly tested their ideas, made changes when something didn't work, and proudly shared their creations with their classmates. These experiences are helping them develop critical thinking, communication, fine motor skills, and perseverance while making learning meaningful and fun.\r\n\r\nAs we continue through the school year, these STEM materials will become an important part of our weekly themes and inquiry-based learning. Our next steps include exploring simple engineering challenges, making predictions during science investigations, and encouraging students to record their observations through drawings and conversations. Your generosity is inspiring curiosity, creativity, and confidence in my young learners, and you have helped create opportunities for them to become lifelong problem-solvers. Thank you for investing in their future!","fullyFundedDate":1760717002074,"projectUrl":"project/stem-explorers-building-curiosity-throu/9775827/","projectTitle":"STEM Explorers: Building Curiosity Through Play for PreK Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Eubank","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9267706"},{"teacherId":9267706,"projectId":9486834,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity in supporting our project, Centers Refresh for Authentic Learning through Play. Because of your kindness, my preschool students with exceptionalities now have engaging, hands-on center materials that encourage them to explore, create, communicate, and learn through play. The excitement on their faces when they discovered the new materials was priceless! They immediately began exploring together, sharing ideas, and practicing important social and communication skills while learning.\r\nThese new center materials have already transformed our classroom. During center time, I have watched students who are typically hesitant become more confident as they build, sort, pretend, and solve problems with their classmates. Through these authentic play experiences, they are strengthening language, early literacy, math, fine motor, and social-emotional skills in ways that are meaningful and fun. As we continue our learning throughout the year, these materials will be incorporated into our weekly themes, giving students countless opportunities to practice new skills, work cooperatively, and build independence. Your generosity is helping create a classroom where every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed. Thank you for making a lasting difference in the lives of my students!","fullyFundedDate":1758815790679,"projectUrl":"project/centers-refresh-for-authentic-learning-t/9486834/","projectTitle":"Centers Refresh for Authentic Learning through Play","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Eubank","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9267706"},{"teacherId":9209690,"projectId":9830922,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your kindness and support of our classroom. Because of your generosity, our students now have access to materials that help make learning more engaging, organized, and meaningful each day. We are truly grateful for your investment in our students and their success.\r\n\r\nYour donations have already made a positive impact in our classroom. Students have been enjoying the board and card games, as well as the social-emotional learning games, which have helped them practice turn-taking, communication, problem-solving, and managing emotions in fun and interactive ways. The sensory tools and toys have been especially helpful in supporting students who need calming breaks or extra focus throughout the day.\r\n\r\nThe printer stand and storage cart have helped us organize classroom materials so that supplies are easier to access and our learning space is more structured and efficient. The writing utensils, basic school supplies, and special tools for our students with special needs are being used daily during lessons, centers, and independent work time. The cleaning supplies have also helped us maintain a safe and clean environment for everyone.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the new materials, they were excited and eager to explore everything. Many students immediately noticed the games and sensory tools, asking when they could use them. Their smiles and enthusiasm were a wonderful reminder of how much these resources mean to them.\r\n\r\nOne special moment was watching students work together during a social-emotional game. They practiced taking turns, expressing their feelings, and encouraging one another. It was amazing to see their confidence grow while building important life skills at the same time.\r\n\r\nAs we move forward, we will continue using these resources to support academic growth, positive behavior, and social development. Our next steps include using the games during small-group lessons, expanding our classroom reward system with the party favors, and incorporating more hands-on learning opportunities that meet the diverse needs of our students.\r\n\r\nThank you again for believing in our students and helping provide tools that make a real difference every single day. Your generosity has created smiles, growth, and opportunities that will continue throughout the year.","fullyFundedDate":1769177395206,"projectUrl":"project/bright-futures-start-with-the-right-tool/9830922/","projectTitle":"Bright Futures Start With the Right Tools","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Godbolt-Williams","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9209690_orig.jpg?crop=2099,2100,x1464,y11&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754440195765","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/coolkidscolor"},{"teacherId":8278675,"projectId":9769949,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of my classroom. Your donation of essential resources has made an immediate and profound impact on my students' learning experience.\r\n\r\nThe funds were instrumental in securing two crucial components of our daily operations:1\r\nPaper and Printer Ink: This ensures every student in all 4 core classes has access to necessary printed materials, like high-quality worksheets and quizzes, without delay.1\r\nSpecialized Learning Materials: This funded hands-on manipulatives, art supplies, science kit components, and supplementary reading books. These resources directly support interactive, multi-sensory lessons for over 75 students.1\r\nBeyond the physical materials, your contribution represents an investment in equitable access and effective instruction. By helping to foster a dynamic and resource-rich environment, your support directly fuels the potential of every student in our classroom.1\r\n\r\nThank you once again for being a vital partner in our mission.\r\n\r\nSincerely,\r\n\r\nCynthia Hilling\r\n\r\n[Your Title/Project Role]","fullyFundedDate":1769177394899,"projectUrl":"project/help-stock-a-dual-language-classroom/9769949/","projectTitle":"Help Stock a Dual Language Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hilling","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8278675_orig.jpg?crop=900,900,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1642618934775","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8278675"},{"teacherId":8278675,"projectId":9870823,"letterContent":"I am writing to express our deepest gratitude for your generous support of our project. Your recent donations, specifically earmarked for essential classroom resources, have made an immediate and profound impact on our students' learning experience.\r\n\r\nYour commitment to providing the necessary tools for education is truly inspiring. The funds allocated have been instrumental in securing two crucial components of our daily operations:\r\n\r\nAll the reams enable the production of high-quality worksheets, quizzes, learning packets, and important communications. Ensures every student has access to necessary printed materials without delay.\r\n\r\nFunded hands-on manipulatives, art supplies, science kit components directly support interactive, engaging, and multi-sensory lessons.\r\n\r\nBeyond the physical materials, your donation represents an investment in equitable access and effective instruction. The availability of reliable printing supplies ensures that curriculum delivery is seamless and that time is spent teaching, not troubleshooting resource shortages. Similarly, the specialized learning materials transform abstract concepts into tangible experiences, making education more accessible and meaningful for diverse learning styles.\r\n\r\nThank you once again for being a vital partner in our mission to foster a dynamic and resource-rich learning environment. Your support directly fuels the potential of every student in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1762196854376,"projectUrl":"project/dual-language-classroom-support/9870823/","projectTitle":"Dual Language Classroom Support","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hilling","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8278675_orig.jpg?crop=900,900,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1642618934775","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8278675"},{"teacherId":10047981,"projectId":9785172,"letterContent":"I wanted to send a quick note to say thank you so much for your generous support! The materials you funded for our 3rd Grade Centers are already making a huge difference in our classroom.\r\n\r\nIt's been so great to see the kids dive into their new routines. Here's a bit of what's been happening thanks to you:\r\nStaying Organized: Those neon book bins and heavy-duty binders are life-savers. We've used them to set up our Centers stations, and having everything organized makes our transitions so much smoother.\r\n\r\nInteractive Learning: The voice recording buttons are easily the class favorite. The students are using them for fluency practice and communication, and it's added a really fun, hands-on element to their center time.\r\n\r\nFresh Materials: Having the toner and brightly colored paper ready to go has been a game-changer. I've been able to print out new, engaging activities for the kids without worrying about running out of supplies.\r\n\r\nYour kindness really helps create a space where these students can thrive and feel excited about learning. Thank you for supporting Myra Terwilliger Elementary and for being such an important part of our school year!","fullyFundedDate":1769177395083,"projectUrl":"project/centers-materials/9785172/","projectTitle":"Centers Materials","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Benoit","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10047981_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1748796223604","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10047981"},{"teacherId":2265713,"projectId":9754813,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support in providing five student iPads with cases for our PreK ESE classroom. Your kindness has made a meaningful and lasting impact on my students, and I am incredibly grateful.\r\nMy classroom serves young learners with exceptionalities who benefit from individualized, hands-on, and highly engaging instruction. The iPads have become an essential tool in helping my students access learning in ways that meet their unique needs. For many of them, traditional instruction can be challenging due to communication delays, sensory needs, fine motor difficulties, or attention challenges. The iPads have opened doors that were previously difficult to unlock.\r\nThe iPads have supported early literacy and math skills. Through interactive letter tracing, number recognition games, and visual storytelling apps, my students are building foundational skills while staying actively engaged. The immediate feedback these tools provide helps reinforce learning and boosts their confidence.\r\nIn addition, the iPads help support fine motor development. Many apps require tapping, dragging, tracing, and sorting—skills that strengthen hand-eye coordination and finger control. For students who struggle with pencil grip and writing tasks, this has been an encouraging and accessible starting point.\r\nMost importantly, the iPads have increased independence. Students are learning to follow visual directions, complete tasks, and transition between activities with greater confidence. Watching their sense of pride grow as they successfully complete activities on their own has been one of the most rewarding outcomes.\r\nYour generosity has given my students opportunities to learn, communicate, and grow in ways that are developmentally appropriate and tailored to their needs. You have truly made a difference in the daily lives of my young learners.\r\nOn behalf of my students and our classroom community, thank you for believing in them and investing in their future.","fullyFundedDate":1765369305927,"projectUrl":"project/communication-technology-for-all-student/9754813/","projectTitle":"Communication Technology For All Students","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Tzounakos","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2265713_orig.jpg?crop=956,956,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1694134928746","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mariatzounakos"},{"teacherId":10054466,"projectId":9408895,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our calm down corner has truly transformed our classroom environment. What was once just a small space is now a safe, welcoming area where students can pause, breathe, and reset when emotions feel overwhelming. We use the space daily during transitions, after recess, and during challenging academic moments. Students are learning how to identify their feelings, use calming tools appropriately, and return to learning with confidence. One powerful moment was when a student independently chose to use the calm down corner after feeling frustrated during a reading activity. After a few minutes with the breathing tools and reflection cards, they returned ready to participate. That growth in self-regulation would not have been possible without you.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the materials, they were so excited. They immediately noticed the soft seating, calming visuals, and sensory tools. Many of them shared that it made them feel \"safe\" and \"calm.\" It has helped normalize taking healthy breaks and has created a culture where managing emotions is seen as strength, not weakness.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, we are continuing to build social-emotional skills alongside academic learning. Our next step is teaching students to independently choose strategies that work best for them and reflect on how they feel before and after using the space. Your generosity is helping my students grow not just as learners, but as confident, emotionally aware individuals. Thank you for helping us create a classroom where every child feels supported.","fullyFundedDate":1758815791469,"projectUrl":"project/help-me-build-a-magical-first-classroom/9408895/","projectTitle":"Help Me Build a Magical First Classroom for My Students!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Perez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10054466_orig.jpg?crop=2089,2089,x1070,y1758&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1749667591082","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10054466"},{"teacherId":8278675,"projectId":9500641,"letterContent":"I am incredibly grateful for your generous support of my kindergarten dual language classroom project. Because of your kindness and belief in early childhood education, my students now have access to high-quality materials that truly enhance their learning experience. Your contribution has made a meaningful and lasting impact on our classroom community.\r\n\r\nThe goal of this project was to provide engaging, hands-on resources that support both English and Spanish language development for my kindergarten students. As a dual language classroom, it is essential that students feel equally supported in both languages while building strong academic and social foundations. Thanks to your funding, I was able to purchase materials that promote literacy, creativity, collaboration, and language growth in ways that are developmentally appropriate and culturally responsive.\r\n\r\nThe new classroom materials have already made a visible difference. Students are more engaged, confident, and excited to learn. The books, manipulatives, and learning tools allow them to practice vocabulary, reading, and problem-solving skills in both languages. These resources also support differentiated instruction, ensuring that every child—regardless of language level—has opportunities to succeed and feel valued in the classroom.\r\n\r\nBeyond academic growth, your generosity has helped create a warm, inclusive environment where students feel safe exploring language and expressing themselves. Kindergarten is a crucial year for building confidence and a love of learning, and the materials provided through this project encourage curiosity, teamwork, and independence. Students are learning not only academic skills, but also how to respect different languages and cultures, which is an invaluable life lesson.\r\n\r\nI want you to know that your support goes far beyond supplies—it sends a powerful message to my students that their education matters and that there are people who care deeply about their success. Many of my students come from diverse backgrounds, and having access to these resources helps bridge gaps and ensures equitable learning opportunities for all.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in my classroom and in the future of my students. Your generosity has strengthened our dual language program and enriched the daily learning experiences of every child in my classroom. I am truly thankful for your support, and my students and I will continue to benefit from your kindness throughout the school year and beyond.","fullyFundedDate":1758815790920,"projectUrl":"project/essentials-for-dual-language-kindergarte/9500641/","projectTitle":"Essentials for Dual Language Kindergarten Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hilling","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8278675_orig.jpg?crop=900,900,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1642618934775","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8278675"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_44708","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":724,"numTeachers":43,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":2,"percentBlack":44,"percentWhite":19,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":23,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":9,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"16.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":71.6,"schoolId":44708,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Myra Terwilliger Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Myra Terwilliger Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/florida/alachua-county-school-district/myra-terwilliger-elementary-school/44708"}
Join the 268 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Myra Terwilliger Elementary School is
a suburban public school
in Gainesville, Florida that is part of Alachua County School District.
It serves 724 students
in grades Pre-K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 16.8:1.
Its teachers have had 90 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Supporting this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.
Public School
Title 1
Data about Title 1 status comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education.
Grades Pre-K - 5
724 Students
43 Teachers
3999 SW 122nd StContact info is sourced from our partners at MDR Education, and DonorsChoose updates our site ahead of each school year.
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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
69%
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.
Myra Terwilliger Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Aug 18, 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.
Myra Terwilliger Elementary School
$63,129
raised using DonorsChoose
90
projects
funded
36
teachers
funded
268
donors
10
projects
for
basic supplies
11
projects for
technology
11
projects for
books
4
projects
for
art supplies
Myra Terwilliger Elementary School has received support from
192 individuals from Florida and
76 individuals out-of-state.