{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Gulf Gate Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":22.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10396019,"projectId":9980694,"letterContent":"We are so thankful for your donation towards our color printer. We are provided with a black and white printer in our classrooms and the ability to make black and white copies, but with intricate science diagrams, these often are not as helpful for students. Having color has helped students see body systems, images of weathering and erosion, and clouds. These small details are much harder to see when in black and white. I've also been able to print out our learning objectives in color which make them more appealing to students. \r\n\r\nWe use interactive notebooks quite frequently in both math and science. Students also keep graphic organizers that they can refer to for math in these notebooks. Colored versions of these graphic organizers help give students clues for solving math. For example, in learning about the order of operations, our graphic organizer is color coded to help students see the important steps. Before having a color printer I would have to have students add the color themselves, which took precious instructional time. \r\n\r\nIn science we recently learned about weather and precipitation. Seeing rain, snow, sleet, and hail in color made a huge difference in differentiating what they look like, particularly sleet and hail. When we learned about the human body and saw red vs blue, it was obvious in color, but less so in black and white. \r\n\r\nThe students in my class have noticed the difference in our materials. Even when we play games that align with our curriculum, they have noted that the colors make everything easier to see and more engaging. \r\n\r\nI truly believe that having the ability to provide my students with color has benefitted them in understanding. Thank you so much for your generosity.","fullyFundedDate":1769191962232,"projectUrl":"project/color-copies-for-math-and-science/9980694/","projectTitle":"Color Copies for Math and Science!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Zelepos","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10396019"},{"teacherId":9997641,"projectId":9263215,"letterContent":"As I entered my first year of teaching, I am filled with excitement for the kind of classroom I wanted to create. To me, reading should be more than just a subject—it should be a doorway to imagination, knowledge, and confidence.\r\n\r\nMy students are naturally curious, energetic, and eager to explore new stories. I want to nurture that excitement by providing them with a comfortable, inviting space where they can truly enjoy reading. A space where they can get lost in books, build their confidence, and develop a lifelong love for learning.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, I am able to create an environment that encourages students to slow down, get comfortable, and fully engage with reading. When students feel relaxed and inspired, their connection to books grows stronger, and so does their confidence.\r\n\r\nThis project is helping turn my classroom into a place where reading feels special—where students look forward to that time of day and see themselves as readers. Your generosity is not just providing materials, but opening doors for imagination, growth, and success.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping me build a classroom where every child can discover the joy of reading.","fullyFundedDate":1745584566721,"projectUrl":"project/a-cozy-reading-corner-to-inspire-lifelo/9263215/","projectTitle":"\"A Cozy Reading Corner to Inspire Lifelong Readers! \"","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Teresky","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9997641_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y876&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1744384345814","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9997641"},{"teacherId":9997641,"projectId":9263227,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity and support of my classroom. As a first-year teacher, it means the world to me to know that there are people who believe in my students and want to help them succeed.\r\n\r\nMany of my students come to school bright, hardworking, and full of potential, but some face challenges that make it difficult to always have the basic supplies they need. Because of you, I can ensure that every student has access to the tools necessary to fully participate, learn, and grow with confidence.\r\n\r\nYour support helps remove barriers and creates a more equitable classroom where all students can focus on what truly matters—learning. Instead of worrying about what they may be missing, my students can come to school feeling prepared, supported, and excited each day.\r\n\r\nThis project is about more than just supplies—it's about giving students the opportunity to succeed, build confidence, and feel a sense of belonging in the classroom. Your kindness is making a direct and meaningful impact on their daily experience.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in my students and helping me create a classroom where every child has what they need to thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1745426244293,"projectUrl":"project/supplies-for-success-setting-our-studen/9263227/","projectTitle":"Supplies for Success: Setting Our Students Up to Shine!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Teresky","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9997641_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y876&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1744384345814","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9997641"},{"teacherId":9997641,"projectId":9891039,"letterContent":"I am so grateful for your generosity and support in bringing my classroom vision to life. As a first-year teacher, creating a warm, welcoming environment for my students has been incredibly important to me, and your donations have made that possible.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, our classroom now has cozy carpets, organized book bins, and beautiful string lights that truly transform the space. These additions have helped create an atmosphere where students feel comfortable, calm, and excited to learn each day.\r\n\r\nThe soft lighting and inviting setup have already made a difference—students are more engaged during quiet reading and centers, and they genuinely enjoy spending time in our classroom. It feels like a space where they can relax, collaborate, and be creative while still focusing on their learning.\r\n\r\nHaving an organized, cheerful classroom allows my students to thrive. They feel a sense of belonging, and that sense of \"home\" at school is something every child deserves. Your support has not only enhanced our physical space but has also positively impacted my students' attitudes toward learning.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping me create a classroom filled with warmth, color, and opportunity. Your kindness is making a lasting difference in the lives of my students every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1763866158720,"projectUrl":"project/a-brighter-space-for-brighter-futures/9891039/","projectTitle":"A Brighter Space for Brighter Futures","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Teresky","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9997641_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y876&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1744384345814","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9997641"},{"teacherId":9085541,"projectId":9883980,"letterContent":"My students were incredibly excited when the materials arrived! Earlier in the year I had purchased a few items myself, but I was not able to afford a full class set. When the package arrived, the students immediately recognized many of the activities we had tried together and were thrilled that now everyone could participate.\r\nThroughout the year we explored hands-on science experiences like building simple telescopes and cracking open geodes. When the students saw that we now had enough materials for everyone, they were eager to try these activities again and deepen their learning. We also used the construction paper to decorate our homemade solar-powered ovens while learning about solar energy and melting marshmallows as part of the experiment.\r\n\r\nOne of the most exciting moments was being able to show my students realistic human body models. Since we had already completed our body systems unit, seeing the organs up close helped them make stronger connections about how the systems work together to keep us alive and moving.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, the materials will continue to support future learning. The Styrofoam balls will be used on Earth Day to build models, and some will be saved for next year's Solar System unit. My students are especially eager to use the wheels we received to design balloon-powered cars using recycled materials.\r\n\r\nThey are already brainstorming ideas and debating who will get to read the new math and science books first—something I never expected them to be as excited about as narrative stories!\r\n\r\nThese materials not only helped enhance the projects we completed this year, but they will also support many future lessons and incoming students. Thank you for your generosity and for helping create meaningful, hands-on learning experiences for my classroom. Your support truly came at the perfect time, and my students and I are deeply grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1772287131453,"projectUrl":"project/invent-imagine-inspire-a-classroom-st/9883980/","projectTitle":"Invent, Imagine, Inspire: A Classroom STEM Lab","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lenz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9085541_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1688139265737","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9085541"},{"teacherId":8337925,"projectId":9482641,"letterContent":"Wow!! My students were able to create amazing ABC alphabet art books this year thanks to your generous donations! Every page was a letter of the alphabet and each had items glued on that began with that letter (alphabet stickers on Aa, gold glitter glue on Gg, hearts on Hh, etc.) \r\nMy students were so proud of themselves for working on such a big and ongoing project! Their families were amazed by all of their hard work when they received their child's book at our Open House. My students alphabet recognition skills were greatly strengthened by this hands-on and meaningful project!","fullyFundedDate":1754318372924,"projectUrl":"project/kindergarten-kreativity/9482641/","projectTitle":"\"K\"indergarten \"K\"reativity!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Korzecki","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8337925_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1712880756827","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8337925"},{"teacherId":8337925,"projectId":9494786,"letterContent":"I'm so thankful for your generosity! Thanks to you, my students now have calming tools for when they need a break. Regulating emotions is hard, especially in kindergarten. With the calming tools, my students are able to take a break and refocus when they get overwhelmed. I love seeing them able to calm down while using the tools. Afterwards, they are able to come back to the activity we are working on and they are able to focus and continue on. These calming tools will benefit my students for many years to come!","fullyFundedDate":1754318372742,"projectUrl":"project/calm-in-kindergarten/9494786/","projectTitle":"Calm in Kindergarten","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Korzecki","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8337925_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1712880756827","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8337925"},{"teacherId":8337925,"projectId":9712860,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your support and generosity. I'm able continue my tradition of all of my kindergarten students having a collection of writing to take home at the end of the year. \r\nKindergarten is such a special year and having their own special binder of writing projects is a keepsake families will cherish. \r\nThanks to your generous donations I was able to purchase everything I needed. \r\nMy students love that I keep their special writing projects and can't wait to see their binders at the end of the year. I always invite families for an end of year celebration and my students will present their special writing binders to their families!","fullyFundedDate":1761148165741,"projectUrl":"project/making-kindergarten-memories/9712860/","projectTitle":"Making Kindergarten Memories","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Korzecki","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8337925_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1712880756827","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8337925"},{"teacherId":7641914,"projectId":9791074,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity and support of our 5th grade classroom. Because of you, my students now have resources that bring learning to life, support positive behavior, and help every child feel successful and included at school.\r\n\r\nThe color printer has already made a powerful difference in our daily learning. Students are more engaged with lessons that include vibrant visuals, charts, and graphic organizers. Printing student work and instructional materials in color has helped improve comprehension, motivation, and pride in their work—especially for visual learners. My students light up when they receive colorful materials that feel special and professional, and it has raised their excitement and confidence in the classroom.\r\n\r\nThe treasure box treats have been an amazing tool for encouraging positive behavior and effort. These small rewards mean so much to my students and have helped build a positive classroom culture focused on responsibility, kindness, and perseverance. The treasure box has become a meaningful incentive that motivates students to do their best and celebrate their accomplishments.\r\n\r\nThe seat bands have been especially impactful for my students with ADHD and other sensory needs. These bands allow students to move their feet quietly while seated, helping them stay focused and calm during instruction. Because of the seat bands, students who once struggled to remain engaged are now better able to concentrate, participate, and regulate their energy in a way that supports learning for everyone in the room.\r\n\r\nThank you again for continuing to support my students!","fullyFundedDate":1766946679403,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-start-up/9791074/","projectTitle":"Classroom Start Up","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Santostefano","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7641914_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1605197673009","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7641914"},{"teacherId":8337925,"projectId":9479853,"letterContent":"Your generosity has brought Science and Social Studies to life for my kindergarten students. These magazines are wonderful!\r\n \r\nMy students love when we have Science or Social Studies Magazine time. The real world photographs and easy to understand text are so engaging and keeps their interest. They love the activity on the back of each magazine that lets them show what they've learned. \r\n\r\nTheir learning can then continue when they take their magazine home. They love telling their families what they've learned. There's even a website for the families to learn more. \r\n\r\nThank you again for this wonderful learning magazine for my students!","fullyFundedDate":1753300549007,"projectUrl":"project/lets-find-out-all-about-science-and-soc/9479853/","projectTitle":"Let’s Find Out All About Science and Social Studies!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Korzecki","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8337925_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1712880756827","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8337925"},{"teacherId":6964150,"projectId":9731968,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our \"Drumming Up Joy: Tubanos for Young Musicians\" project. Because of your generosity, my students now have beautiful tubano drums to use in music class. We've been using them for rhythm practice, ensemble playing, and call-and-response activities. When the drums first arrived, students were beyond excited, and their enthusiasm was immediate. Seeing their confidence grow as they make music together has been truly special.\r\n\r\nAs we move forward, students will continue developing rhythm skills, learning about music from different cultures, and working toward simple performances and group compositions. These drums have made music more engaging, hands-on, and joyful for every child in my classroom. Thank you again for helping bring this experience to our students. Your support is making a lasting impact.","fullyFundedDate":1760693697850,"projectUrl":"project/drumming-up-joy-tubanos-for-young-music/9731968/","projectTitle":"Drumming Up Joy: Tubanos for Young Musicians","teacherDisplayName":"Mx. Captain F","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6964150_orig.jpg?crop=1128,1128,x0,y645&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757343824770","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6964150"},{"teacherId":6964150,"projectId":9663369,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our \"Toot, Tweet, and Play! Recorders for All!\" project. Because of your generosity, my students now have their very own recorders to explore music in a hands-on, meaningful way. We've already begun using them in class to learn proper playing technique, note reading, and ensemble skills. One of my favorite moments was when students played their very first note together — the room immediately filled with excitement, smiles, and a sense of pride that they were \"real musicians.\" It was a powerful reminder of how access to instruments can spark confidence and joy in learning.\r\n\r\nWhen the recorders first arrived, the excitement was contagious. Students were eager, curious, and incredibly respectful of the instruments, knowing they were a special opportunity made possible by generous donors. Many students shared that it was their first time holding an instrument of their own, which made the experience even more meaningful. Their enthusiasm has carried into every lesson, and participation has noticeably increased.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, students will continue developing their skills through recorder units that build toward small performances, music literacy growth, and collaborative music-making. We are working toward playing simple songs independently and eventually performing for peers and families. Your support has created lasting opportunities for creativity, confidence, and musical growth — and for that, my students and I are deeply grateful. Thank you for helping make music accessible to every child in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1758289574563,"projectUrl":"project/toot-tweet-and-play-recorders-for-all/9663369/","projectTitle":"Toot, Tweet, and Play! Recorders for All!","teacherDisplayName":"Mx. Captain F","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6964150_orig.jpg?crop=1128,1128,x0,y645&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757343824770","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6964150"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_47111","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":596,"numTeachers":57,"percentFrplEligible":61,"percentAsian":2,"percentBlack":4,"percentWhite":61,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":26,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"10.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":77.1,"schoolId":47111,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Gulf Gate Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Gulf Gate Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/florida/sarasota-county-school-district/gulf-gate-elementary-school/47111"}