{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Manatee Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":41.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9774223,"projectId":9657014,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of my classroom project. Your donation has made a meaningful and immediate difference for my special education students. In our small-group setting, every material, every piece of furniture, and every tool you helped provide plays an important role in creating an environment where my students can learn, grow, and feel truly valued.\r\n\r\nThe supplies and flexible furniture you funded are more than just items in a classroom—they are supports that help my students feel safe, comfortable, and confident. Many of my learners need calm, structured spaces to regulate their emotions and stay focused. With the new seating, organizational tools, and instructional materials, they now have an environment that meets their sensory needs, encourages independence, and allows them to engage more deeply in their work.\r\n\r\nI have already seen a positive change: students who once struggled to settle now eagerly choose a comfortable spot to learn. Small victories—like a child who can finally sit and complete a task without frustration—are happening every day because of you. The space now feels warm, welcoming, and joyful, and my students walk in with smiles knowing they are in a place designed with their success in mind.\r\n\r\nYour kindness shows my students that people believe in them. It reminds them that they matter, they deserve support, and they are capable of great things. Thank you for helping create a classroom where every child can feel proud, encouraged, and ready to grow.\r\n\r\nWe are truly grateful for your generosity.","fullyFundedDate":1758815054525,"projectUrl":"project/learning-with-love-a-supportive-space-f/9657014/","projectTitle":"Learning With Love: a Supportive Space for Special Education.","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Radlovacki","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9774223_orig.jpg?crop=341,341,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1727109567105","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-radlovacki"},{"teacherId":10163344,"projectId":9560767,"letterContent":"I am so grateful for your generous support of my project, \"From Stress to Success: A Student Comfort Corner.\" The new resources have completely transformed my office into a welcoming, calming space where students feel safe and supported. When they first saw the fidgets and cozy lighting, many smiled, and their body language finally relaxed, and they talked openly.\r\n\r\nThe snacks, sensory tools, and coloring books have been especially helpful during evaluations and counseling sessions. Students who struggle with anxiety or attention are able to use these supports to stay calm and focused, making sessions more productive and positive. The noise machine and warm lighting have created an environment that feels less clinical and more like a safe haven, which helps students open up and engage more easily.\r\n\r\nBecause of your kindness, my students now have a space designed for both comfort and growth. A space that supports their mental health, builds their self-regulation skills, and allows me to better meet their individual needs. Thank you for helping me make such a meaningful difference in their daily lives.","fullyFundedDate":1754922141594,"projectUrl":"project/from-stress-to-success-a-student-comfor/9560767/","projectTitle":"From Stress to Success: A Student Comfort Corner","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sierra-Moeller","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10163344_orig.jpg?crop=3648,3648,x0,y948&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754678634789","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10163344"},{"teacherId":1327215,"projectId":9540650,"letterContent":"I want to extend my deepest gratitude for your generous support of our sensory room project. Thanks to you, our students now have access to a calming, engaging, and supportive space that has truly transformed their learning experience.\r\nFrom the moment our students first walked into the sensory room, their faces lit up with joy and curiosity. One student, who often struggles with transitions, immediately gravitated toward the tactile wall and spent several peaceful minutes exploring textures. Another student found comfort in the cozy corner with soft lighting and bean bags, using it as a safe space to regulate emotions during a challenging day. These moments have become daily occurrences, and they speak volumes about the impact your donation has made.\r\nWe've integrated the sensory room into our daily routines. Students use it for brain breaks, emotional regulation, and even as a reward for meeting goals. Recently, we completed a classroom project where students created their own \"calm kits\" inspired by the tools in the sensory room. They chose items that help them feel grounded—like fidget toys, stress balls, and visual timers—and learned how to use them proactively. It was a powerful lesson in self-awareness and emotional intelligence.\r\nLooking ahead, we're excited to build on this momentum. Our next step is to incorporate sensory strategies into academic lessons, especially in reading and math. For example, we're developing a multisensory phonics station that uses textured letters and movement-based learning to support students with dyslexia and other learning differences.\r\nYour support gave us more than materials—it gave us hope, creativity, and a renewed sense of possibility. Thank you for believing in our students and for helping us create a space where every child feels seen, supported, and empowered.\r\nWith heartfelt appreciation,","fullyFundedDate":1759162372395,"projectUrl":"project/feel-focus-flourish-sensory-supports/9540650/","projectTitle":"Feel, Focus, Flourish: Sensory Supports for Special Needs","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Bramble","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1327215_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y4&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1692966266364","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1327215"},{"teacherId":9701388,"projectId":9570925,"letterContent":"I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation that allowed us to purchase an easy-roll traffic cone cart. Your contribution has made a tremendous difference in our daily PE classes, and I am excited to share just how impactful this piece of equipment has been for both our students and staff.\r\n\r\nBefore we received the cone cart, setting up for our PE activities was often a time-consuming and physically demanding process. Cones are one of the most versatile and frequently used tools in our PE program—they mark boundaries, create obstacle courses, designate safe zones, and define areas for small-group games. However, with many cones spread across our fields, and playground areas, simply transporting and organizing them took up a large portion of our limited class time.\r\n\r\nThanks to your donation, the new easy-roll cone cart has completely transformed the way we set up and clean up our activity spaces. The cart allows us to efficiently transport a large number of cones in one trip, drastically cutting down the time it takes to prepare for each lesson. What once required multiple","fullyFundedDate":1755085770496,"projectUrl":"project/rolling-to-fitness/9570925/","projectTitle":"Rolling to Fitness","teacherDisplayName":"Coach Santiago","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9701388"},{"teacherId":9717518,"projectId":9559034,"letterContent":"Thank you for the donation to help make our classroom a positive learning environment for everyone. We are using the materials donated for our learning every day. \r\n\r\nWe use the number cards, file folders, file trays, and 100 number pop it for math activities. We use the pocket chart for Vocabulary words and sight words to display. We are using the bookmarks in our text books to make it easy to find pages. \r\n\r\nWe are using the bouncy balls, pop it bracelets, temporary tattoos, and squishies in the treasure box. We love earning rewards for our hard work! \r\n\r\nThanks again for donating. We appreciate your generosity!","fullyFundedDate":1757162441744,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-essentials-for-positive-learni/9559034/","projectTitle":"Classroom Essentials for Positive Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Seckora","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9717518_orig.png?crop=398,398,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1729874808931","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9717518"},{"teacherId":9720030,"projectId":9594673,"letterContent":"My students and I truly appreciate your generosity. The Focus tools have already been successfully used. The whisper phones and mirrors are helping our students with articulation errors to see and also hear themselves themselves more clearly. This helps build their error awareness skills to that they can hear mistakes and correct them immediately. \r\nThe squirrel game helps students enjoy their time speech as they work on their language goals! They get so excited when it's their turn! The poppits are used as counters so everytime they practice correctly they can pop a bubble. At the end of the session, they like to compare themselves against how they did last session.\r\nOur older elementary students really enjoy the conversation cubes when they practice how to take turns talking without interrupting or taling too long and not including their conversation partner. \r\nAnd the sand kits are a favorite of all ages and requested EVERY session :)\r\nThank you so very much!","fullyFundedDate":1755358847978,"projectUrl":"project/hocus-focus-on-language/9594673/","projectTitle":"Hocus Focus on Language","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Shatzman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9720030_orig.jpg?crop=1677,1677,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1725047395500","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9720030"},{"teacherId":9400558,"projectId":9532325,"letterContent":"My students have been thrilled to have the items we purchased from your Donors Choose donations. The sensory supplies help keep students regulated. My students absolutely love their new arts and crafts supplies. We have had so much fun creating amazing projects. The arts and class supplies have let us explore our creativity and will be continued to use all year.\r\nMy students absolutely love their new arts and crafts supplies. We have had so much fun creating amazing projects. My students have been thrilled to have the items we purchased from your Donors Choose donations. The craft punches and scissors. The seat cushions are perfect for carpet time. This allows two students at a time to choose different types of seating. The beads and lacing activities are helping my students to develop fine motor skills. My students love to work for time at the fine motor table.","fullyFundedDate":1754774906719,"projectUrl":"project/fine-motor-fun/9532325/","projectTitle":"Fine Motor Fun","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Adams","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9400558_orig.jpg?crop=1157,1157,x0,y77&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1701709325054","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9400558"},{"teacherId":663467,"projectId":9580203,"letterContent":"Thank you again for the resources you purchased for my position this year. I work with a variety of students in grade levels and academic areas. The resources have helped to make a difference in my teaching and their learning. The materials help supplement what is happening in the regular classroom. \r\nThe students have enjoyed using the materials and helps make them feel a part of my classroom and adds to a smooth transition for them. \r\nThe students are making progress in their learning; reading and math skills. They come in to the room ready to work and learn. \r\nThank you again for your support to my classroom and our school. It is very much appreactied!","fullyFundedDate":1756178293096,"projectUrl":"project/resources-for-a-new-position/9580203/","projectTitle":"Resources for a New Position","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Walters","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp663467_orig.jpg?crop=2737,2737,x0,y391&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1725064386905","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/663467"},{"teacherId":9720030,"projectId":9320704,"letterContent":"Your generosity in helping bridge the funding gap for new tests is greatly appreciated. Without yuor support, I would not be able to use this test instrument to assist with differential diagnosis for students with learning disabilities and language impairments.\r\n\r\nThe assessment is straight forward and easy to use. It's also student friendly and uses norm-referenced dynamic assessments. The short stories written for the test queries are relatable to all children as they are writte about common childhood daily events like going to the swiiming pool and forgetting your towel. Because of this, my students have been fully engaged during testing which provides our testing team with better validity when determing eligibility and/or goal areas for our exceptional students.","fullyFundedDate":1751026228255,"projectUrl":"project/diagnosing-dyslexia-vs-language-delay/9320704/","projectTitle":"Diagnosing Dyslexia vs. Language Delay","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Shatzman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9720030_orig.jpg?crop=1677,1677,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1725047395500","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9720030"},{"teacherId":1902470,"projectId":9189181,"letterContent":"We are incredibly grateful for these hands on resources that have sparked major interest in each student. These games have quickly become part of our monthly Mentor Monday program, where students with behavioral, emotional or social skill needs are paired with trained mentor pairs. Once a week, student pairs meet in a structured, supportive setting to play the interactive games that you have provided. These build relationships and practice problem solving as well as enjoying positive social interactions.\r\n\r\nSince receiving the games, we have seen an immediate impact. Students were excited, proud, and genuinely eager to explore the new games. These games are not only fun but intentionally selected to help students destress, communicate appropriately, collaborate, and boost confidence while bonding with a trusted mentor. Students who typically struggle with emotional regulation or peer conflict have demonstrated improved engagement, increased motivation to attend school, and more positive behavior choices in the classroom slide. Thank you again for playing such a crucial role in our students lives!","fullyFundedDate":1752687881744,"projectUrl":"project/meaningful-mentor-mondays/9189181/","projectTitle":"Meaningful Mentor Mondays","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Mayer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1902470_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1632535861374","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1902470"},{"teacherId":9707959,"projectId":8910246,"letterContent":"I want to sincerely thank you for your generosity and compassion for assisting us to accomplish starting a parent academy for our second language parents. This will be a great resource to help increase their English Language Acquisition Skills. In turn, they will be more effective when helping their child at home with their assignments and opens up more communication between them and their child's teacher. We intend to continue this academy next year, and hope to get more participants to join us. \r\nIt is a great feeling seeing when our parents get that \"aha\" moment. Their facial expressions are priceless! Thank you again.","fullyFundedDate":1738559265832,"projectUrl":"project/embarking-on-a-voyage-towards-english-la/8910246/","projectTitle":"Embarking on a Voyage Towards English Language Acquisition","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gonzalez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9707959"},{"teacherId":9702694,"projectId":9025441,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our wish to get a water table for the students. We are a Head Start program in south west Florida. Water play at recess is a huge draw for the students. This table allows for 4-6 kiddos to play at the same time. They are cooling down and having fun while learning social skills like sharing, turn taking, and waiting. They are learning about the properties of water. With the variety of toys we have they can see a water wheel in action and learn about conservation...as they pour water from different sized cups and containers. And best of all they are having fun!","fullyFundedDate":1738355642108,"projectUrl":"project/splish-splash-were-having-a-blast/9025441/","projectTitle":"Splish, Splash We're Having a Blast!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Alter","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9702694_orig.jpg?crop=1228,1228,x68,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724601927559","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9702694"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_61290","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":564,"numTeachers":54,"percentFrplEligible":94,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":22,"percentWhite":9,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":64,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"10.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":58.6,"schoolId":61290,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Manatee Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Manatee Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/florida/collier-county-public-schools/manatee-elementary-school/61290"}