East Elementary School in Punta Gorda, Florida on DonorsChoose

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Thank you all again!","fullyFundedDate":1669776465822,"projectUrl":"project/paper-scissors-paint-oh-my/6921458/","projectTitle":"Paper, Scissors & Paint, Oh My!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wallace","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp782404_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1507863652247","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-carolynanderson"},{"teacherId":782404,"projectId":6679150,"letterContent":"Thank you so very much for supporting this project! Without generous people like you and Donor's Choose, this would not have been possible! Taking pictures of my students is so import! It creates relationships with my students and we celebrate success with those \"Kodak Moments \"! \r\nI love hearing my students ask to take a picture of their ideas and achievements! \r\nLooking back at memories from the current and previous school year truly helps to motivate my students! \r\nThank you Donors Choose and the community you have created for public education!","fullyFundedDate":1666316759668,"projectUrl":"project/light-up-your-face-with-gladness/6679150/","projectTitle":"\"...Light Up Your Face with Gladness\"","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wallace","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp782404_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1507863652247","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-carolynanderson"},{"teacherId":9846144,"projectId":8963332,"letterContent":"I'm thrilled to share how Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices are making a significant difference for our non-verbal students.\r\n\r\nWe began by introducing single-message devices to familiarize both students and teachers with integrating AAC into daily classroom activities. Students used these devices to greet peers and staff in the morning and say goodbye at the end of the day. We also placed buttons around the room to facilitate requests for bathroom breaks and water. One teacher placed a single-message device and a visual next to her student iPad station to allow students to independently request the use of an iPad.\r\n\r\nAs students and teachers gained confidence, we progressed to iTalk 2 and 4 devices, which enabled students to answer \"yes\" or \"no\" questions and expand their ability to name and request multiple items. For instance, during a playdough activity, students used color-coded buttons to articulate their desired colors, with the device stating, \"I want blue, green, yellow, red.\" They then used the Big Mack to proudly share their creations by using the button to say, \"Look what I made.\"\r\n\r\nThrough the use of the devices, we have observed an increase in communication and engagement and a decrease in unwanted behaviors.\r\n\r\nWe are so thankful for the resources from our donors and school that have made this progress possible. We look forward to continuing to support our students' communication development.","fullyFundedDate":1734554934556,"projectUrl":"project/give-all-students-a-voice/8963332/","projectTitle":"Give ALL Students a Voice!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Millard","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9846144_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1733406559867","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9846144"},{"teacherId":9687649,"projectId":8674408,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donation to the East Elementary staff. With your support, I have worked hard to create The Lending Library. This is a space for teachers to come down and select flexible seating options that benefit their students and work well within the classroom environment. \r\n\r\nOn behalf of the teachers and students at East Elementary, I want to thank you so much for contributing to The Lending Library. Thanks to your support, our classrooms now have flexible seating options that allow students to choose comfortable, engaging learning spaces that best suit their needs. When the materials arrived, the excitement was undeniable—students eagerly explored the different seating choices, and their enthusiasm was contagious! Watching them settle into their preferred spots has been incredible, fostering a sense of ownership over their learning environment.\r\n\r\nOne of the most memorable moments since receiving these resources was during a recent literacy activity, where students could select a cozy spot to dive into their books. Students remained engaged and focused longer than ever with wobble stools, floor cushions, kick bands, and beanbag chairs. 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About this school

East Elementary School is a suburban public school in Punta Gorda, Florida that is part of Charlotte County Public School District. It serves 814 students in grades Pre-K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 18.5:1. Its teachers have had 41 projects funded on DonorsChoose.

Equity Focus School

Support towards this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Public School

Title 1

Grades Pre-K - 5

814 Students

44 Teachers

27050 Fairway Dr

Punta Gorda, FL 33982 View local requests

http://www.yourcharlotteschools.net/ees

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

East Elementary School Teachers on DonorsChoose

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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.

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East Elementary School Demographics

95%

of students receive free or reduced price lunch

Source: the National Center for Education Statistics

17%

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.

East Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Dec 4, 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.