{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Lavern Gaynor Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":37.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9488093,"projectId":9770429,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our third-grade classrooms at Lavern Gaynor Elementary are fully stocked and ready for learning each day. The printer paper is already being used across all third-grade classes for weekly math assessments, reading passages, writing drafts, and review packets. The construction paper has brought lessons to life—students recently used it to create colorful main idea and details projects that now proudly hang in our hallway. Seeing their work displayed has filled them with pride and ownership over their learning.\r\n\r\nWhen the supplies arrived, students were genuinely excited. Something as simple as paper represents opportunity—to write, create, revise, and showcase their thinking.","fullyFundedDate":1760643494749,"projectUrl":"project/from-tests-to-projects-we-need-paper/9770429/","projectTitle":"From Tests to Projects: We Need Paper!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Martinez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9488093_orig.jpg?crop=1079,1079,x0,y89&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1711396698460","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9488093"},{"teacherId":9488093,"projectId":9770400,"letterContent":"Thank You for Supporting \"Testing Day Boost: Snacks to Succeed!\"\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, our testing days feel calmer and more positive. Before we begin each major exam, my students know they have a snack ready to fuel their minds. Halfway through our long assessments, we pause for a quick, structured snack break. That small moment to recharge makes a big difference—students return refreshed, refocused, and ready to give their best effort. Thanks to your support, these snacks carried us through our second round of progress monitoring testing, and we still have enough to support students during end-of-year assessments.\r\n\r\nYour kindness has helped transform stressful testing days into opportunities for confidence and perseverance. Instead of worrying about hunger or fatigue, my students can concentrate on using the strategies we've practiced all year, from citing text evidence to carefully checking their math work. As we prepare for our final round of state and district exams, we feel supported, encouraged, and ready to succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1760643494591,"projectUrl":"project/testing-day-boost-snacks-to-succeed/9770400/","projectTitle":"Testing Day Boost, Snacks to Succeed!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Martinez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9488093_orig.jpg?crop=1079,1079,x0,y89&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1711396698460","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9488093"},{"teacherId":10160689,"projectId":9550921,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity. We used the vinyl to cut out \"Safety Patrol\" and we added this to each vest in the front and back. We added the school's mascot (sea turtle) and the school initials (LGE) in the front lapels. \r\n\r\nThe students were so surprised to see the new vests. They couldn't believe they didn't have to continue to wear the old vests that were torn and truly worn out. The old vests were of a mesh material and the Velcro straps didn't close well. The new vests either have a zipper (which they loved) or two sets of Velcro straps that help the vests stay in place. The new vests are made of a highly reflective material that is durable and functional. \r\n\r\nThe students are thrilled to wear their new vests. One student said to me, \"they are so bright, they are fluorescent\". I told her that this will help them stand out when they are helping the students out of their cars in the early morning. They look so proud wearing their vests. The younger students look at them and feel a sense of pride in watching their older school mates helping them and looking out for their wellbeing. \r\n\r\nI am so grateful for your support and generosity. The gesture helps the school's Safety Patrols feel good about the work they are performing. Your generosity tells the students that they are special.","fullyFundedDate":1762995393247,"projectUrl":"project/safety-patrols-unified-and-polished/9550921/","projectTitle":"Safety Patrols Unified and Polished!","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Gomez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10160689"},{"teacherId":985671,"projectId":9561733,"letterContent":"The new STEAM Ahead centers have been a huge hit! \r\n\r\nI introduced the diamond art right away and this really attracted some older students to the media center. The sea turtle project I chose will take most of the year for the students to complete. They are about halfway done now. This station really helps the students develop their fine more skills.\r\n\r\nThe Legos were a hit with all ages, but particularly my 1st, 2nd and 3rd graders. It was so cool to see how creative they could be and the problem-solving skills they used when they couldn't connect the pieces the way the wanted. The kinder students struggled a little so I believe I will add some larger pieces next year.\r\n\r\nWe will be introducing the microscope and slides next month. The original microscopes that I purchased were not very kid friendly, so this station was delayed.\r\n\r\nI cannot thank you enough for your generosity. Your donation has breathed new life into our STEAM Ahead program.","fullyFundedDate":1755522439668,"projectUrl":"project/steam-ahead/9561733/","projectTitle":"STEAM Ahead","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Weeks","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp985671_orig.jpg?crop=1537,1537,x0,y117&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1611601556267","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/985671"},{"teacherId":10198086,"projectId":9746613,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our \"Smart Spaces for 3rd Graders\" project! My students were absolutely thrilled when the colorful caddies and book bins arrived and immediately wanted to help organize our classroom. I teach three classes of science and social studies, and the color-coded bins have made it easy for each class to access and return materials independently, keeping transitions smooth and learning time focused.\r\n\r\nIn my homeroom, our classroom jobs system has come to life thanks to these resources. Our \"supply monitors\" take their roles very seriously and proudly keep each caddy organized, knowing exactly how many items belong in each section. It has been amazing to see their leadership, responsibility, and attention to detail grow. These materials have helped create a more organized, student-centered, and welcoming learning environment. Thank you for making such a meaningful impact on my students and our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1760283801555,"projectUrl":"project/smart-spaces-for-3rd-graders/9746613/","projectTitle":"Smart Spaces for 3rd Graders","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Henches-Moore","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10198086"},{"teacherId":10277177,"projectId":9754805,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping us turn our ideas into masterpieces! My students have truly benefited from your generosity and support. We have used the donated materials to create many meaningful projects this semester across all grade levels.\r\n\r\nOur kindergarten and first-grade students used the tempera paint to create fall pumpkins and paint their clay winter penguins. In second and third grade, students used Sharpies to design zentangle-pattern pumpkins, while our fifth graders created shattered pumpkin–themed artworks. Construction paper has been used by all grade levels—especially our younger students—to make paper shape castles while exploring the elements of art.\r\n\r\nOne especially exciting improvement is that our kindergarteners can now reach the sinks to wash their hands. This has truly been a game changer for cleanup after painting!\r\n\r\nOur students are incredibly appreciative of the new resources and materials, and they were thrilled to be the first to use them. As we close out the quarter, students are finishing their winter ornament projects: kindergarten and first grade are creating clay penguins, second and third grade are making sun catchers, and fourth and fifth grade are designing metal-embossed ornaments.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your support and for helping our students shine through creative artmaking. Your generosity has made a lasting impact on our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1758765274625,"projectUrl":"project/art-smart/9754805/","projectTitle":"Art Smart","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Feliciano","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10277177"},{"teacherId":9639528,"projectId":9585558,"letterContent":"Dear Amazing Donors,\r\nThank you from the bottom of my heart for your incredible generosity and support of my classroom. Because of you, my students now have essential supplies that not only help them learn but also make learning more engaging, organized, and joyful every day. Your donations of Expo markers, whiteboards, whiteboard posters, rainbow sleeves, and pencils have made a meaningful and visible difference in our classroom, and I want you to know just how impactful your kindness has been.\r\nSince receiving your donations, our classroom has become a more interactive and collaborative learning space. The whiteboards and Expo markers have transformed the way my students practice new skills. Instead of simply sitting and listening, they are now able to write, solve problems, and share their thinking in real time. During math lessons, students use their whiteboards to show their problem-solving steps, explain their reasoning, and practice new concepts without the fear of making permanent mistakes. They've become more confident because they can try, erase, and try again. This has been especially helpful for students who sometimes feel hesitant to participate—it's given them a safe and fun way to join in.\r\nThe whiteboard posters have been a wonderful addition as well. They allow me to create interactive anchor charts and reusable learning stations around the room. Students can write directly on them during small group activities, review sessions, and center time. This hands-on approach has helped bring lessons to life and keeps students actively involved rather than passively observing.\r\nYour donation of rainbow sleeves has also made a difference in our classroom organization. They help keep student work protected and organized while adding a fun pop of color that brightens up the room. The colors help my students stay organized and excited about their work, and the visual appeal makes our classroom a more welcoming and positive environment.\r\nThe pencils you provided might seem like a small thing, but they are incredibly important. Every day, students need reliable tools to write, think, and express themselves. Not every child is able to come to school with supplies, and because of you, I never have to worry about a student going without. This means every child can participate fully in lessons, complete their assignments, and feel prepared to learn.\r\nBeyond the supplies themselves, your support sends a powerful message to my students—that there are people in the community who believe in them and care about their education. It shows them that their learning matters, and that encouragement means more than words. Your kindness has boosted their confidence, their motivation, and their excitement for coming to school each day.\r\nThank you again for your generosity and for investing in my students' success. Your impact will be felt all year long in every lesson, every activity, and every smile when a student realizes they have the tools they need to succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1756396324393,"projectUrl":"project/interactive-math-is-more-fun/9585558/","projectTitle":"Interactive Math is more FUN!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Wood","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9639528_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723165511650","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9639528"},{"teacherId":10013920,"projectId":9560433,"letterContent":"Thanks to your incredible generosity, our kindergarten classroom is thriving with energy, focus, and smiles! Your support in providing healthy snacks has made such a meaningful difference in our daily routine and in my students' ability to learn.\r\n\r\nWe've been using the snacks each day during our morning and afternoon breaks. It's amazing how a small snack can make such a big impact—helping my students stay alert, focused, and ready to learn. One memorable moment was when a student said, \"Now I can listen better because my tummy isn't growling!\" It was such a sweet reminder of how essential your kindness is to their success.\r\n\r\nWhen the snacks first arrived, my students were so excited! Their eyes lit up as we unpacked the boxes, and they couldn't wait to see what we had. For many of them, having a consistent, healthy snack at school is a comfort that helps them feel cared for and supported throughout the day.\r\n\r\nAs we move forward, we'll continue using snack time as a moment to build community—sharing conversations, practicing manners, and preparing our bodies and minds for learning. These snacks are more than just food; they're helping create a positive, nurturing environment where every child feels ready to grow and learn.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your generosity and for helping meet such an important need in our classroom. Your support truly nourishes both hearts and minds!","fullyFundedDate":1754862244734,"projectUrl":"project/fuel-minds/9560433/","projectTitle":"Fuel Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Keegan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10013920"},{"teacherId":10013920,"projectId":9391360,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our kindergarten classroom has been buzzing with excitement and learning! The new phonics resources you helped provide have truly transformed the way my students engage with reading.\r\n\r\nWe've been using our new letter tiles, magnetic boards, and phonics games during small-group literacy centers. One of our favorite activities has been our \"Build a Word Challenge,\" where students use the tiles to sound out and create new words. You should see their faces light up when they realize they've just read or built a word all on their own! During our first lesson with the materials, several students cheered and clapped when they found their names or sight words they recognized—it was such a joyful moment.\r\nThese resources have made learning phonics much more hands-on and interactive, allowing my students to practice blending sounds and recognizing patterns in a way that feels like play. I've already noticed a boost in their confidence and enthusiasm during reading time.\r\n\r\nNext, we'll be using these materials to explore word families and rhyming patterns. The students are eager to see how many words they can create using the same ending sounds. Their excitement for learning is contagious, and it's all thanks to you.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has made a lasting impact in our classroom—helping little learners take their first big steps toward becoming confident readers. We are so grateful for your kindness and support!","fullyFundedDate":1752283191662,"projectUrl":"project/phonics-fun-for-little-learners-equippi/9391360/","projectTitle":"Phonics Fun for Little Learners: Equipping Our Kindergarten Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Keegan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10013920"},{"teacherId":9696769,"projectId":9523431,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous contribution to our classroom. Your support has truly helped create a calmer, more comfortable learning environment for my students. The small rug in our reading area makes the space so much more inviting. The tennis balls on our chair legs have also made an immediate difference. Our classroom is noticeably quieter and more peaceful, allowing students to stay focused and feel more at ease throughout the day.\r\n\r\nThe social-emotional learning books you provided have already sparked meaningful conversations. My students are eagerly engaging with stories that help them explore their feelings, build empathy, and strengthen their confidence. These books give us daily opportunities to connect, reflect, and learn in ways that truly matter.\r\n\r\nThank you again for investing in our classroom and supporting the well-being of my students. Your kindness has made a lasting impact on our learning community, and we are deeply grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1754275137980,"projectUrl":"project/calm-and-comfortable-classroom-community/9523431/","projectTitle":"Calm and Comfortable Classroom Community","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Soronow","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9696769"},{"teacherId":10051787,"projectId":9520671,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation! Our class has been able to expand our knowledge on how to manage and control our emotions by using supplies added to our calm corner. We have been able to use the tools donated to us to calm our nerves and emotions. Our class has also been able to hold each other and ourselves accountable on following directions and creating a welcoming and safe space to earn incentives and free time where we are able to enjoy playing with the board games that were donated. \r\n\r\nAllowing students to earn rewards and free time to play with the board games pushes them to be the best they can be in the classroom while the tools for the calm corner allows them to learn to regulate their emotions independently. The students were super excited to start using the board games and start earning incentive prices. This has shown growth in accountability and teamwork. \r\n\r\nThe next steps for our classroom and a current classroom lesson is continuing strengthening our ability to control our emotions and nerves while also helping and encouraging our classmates.","fullyFundedDate":1754532038404,"projectUrl":"project/rewards-calm-assistance/9520671/","projectTitle":"Rewards & Calm Assistance","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Melendez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10051787_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754351106453","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10051787"},{"teacherId":10160689,"projectId":9550686,"letterContent":"Thank you on behalf of the students at Lavern Gaynor Elementary School for your generous donation of gardening resources. We have been able to use the gloves every day to work on our garden. We filled the raised beds with the soil and received a donation of tomato plants which we carefully planted. We also planted corn and sunflower seeds. We have some avocado seeds starting to show roots and we are excited about seeing our garden grow. \r\nOur Gardening Club officially meets on a monthly basis, however the garden can't wait that long to be tended. Therefore, the students give up their recess time to water the plants, take out the weeds, and nurture the plants. They spend time in the garden admiring nature and sharing the love of plants. The students have been given a purpose and they take their job of caring for the garden very seriously. The tomatoes are starting to flower and bud out. The excitement is palpable when they share what they see in the plants and they can't believe that they have been able to grow plants (tomatoes, carrots, sweet potatoes, basil, corn, avocado tree, mango tree, and flowers) in this urban setting. \r\nI am hopeful that the skills they are learning, not only gardening, but caring for life and sharing these experiences with classmates, is something they will appreciate all of their lives.","fullyFundedDate":1754770635337,"projectUrl":"project/gardening-connecting-with-nature/9550686/","projectTitle":"Gardening & Connecting With Nature","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Gomez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10160689"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_126358","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":374,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":94,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":14,"percentWhite":7,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":75,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":62.6,"schoolId":126358,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Lavern Gaynor Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Lavern Gaynor Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/florida/collier-county-public-schools/lavern-gaynor-elementary-school/126358"}