{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"German Gerena Community School","outOfStateSupporters":33.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9742303,"projectId":9322116,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom! Your donations made it possible for me to provide meaningful rewards and incentives that encourage my students to make positive choices, stay focused, and take pride in their learning.\r\nHaving classroom rewards has made a noticeable difference in student behavior and motivation. Students are excited to work toward earning incentives by following classroom expectations, completing their work, showing kindness and respect, and being responsible members of our classroom community. The rewards have helped reinforce positive behaviors while giving students something fun to look forward to and celebrate.\r\nMore importantly, your support has helped us create a classroom environment where positive choices are recognized and students feel proud of their accomplishments. I have seen students become more motivated, accountable, and encouraging toward one another. Even small rewards have had a big impact by showing students that their effort, growth, and good choices matter.\r\nThank you for investing in my students and helping make our classroom a more positive, engaging, and rewarding place to learn. Your generosity goes far beyond the items you helped provide—you helped create opportunities for students to feel successful, recognized, and motivated each day.\r\nWith sincere gratitude,","fullyFundedDate":1746787242047,"projectUrl":"project/getting-4th-graders-ready/9322116/","projectTitle":"Getting 4th Graders Ready!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lyon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9742303"},{"teacherId":9205941,"projectId":10181672,"letterContent":"I cannot thank you enough for supporting my classroom with our sensory floor tiles. Since receiving them they have quickly become a favorite resource for my students. Our students have different sensory needs, having a safe, hands on space where they can move, explore, and regulate had made a meaningful difference in our classroom. The tiles give students an opportunity to take a sensory break, engage their bodies, and return to learning feeling more comfortable and ready to participate. Thank you again for your support and generosity.","fullyFundedDate":1778024328996,"projectUrl":"project/step-jump-learn-a-sensory-floor-for-a/10181672/","projectTitle":"Step, Jump, Learn: a Sensory Floor for Active Minds.","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Stone","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9205941_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1693610986602","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9205941"},{"teacherId":9205941,"projectId":9991705,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for donating an iPad and sensory toys to our classroom! These resources have given my students new and engaging ways to learn, communicate, explore, and participate in classroom activities. The iPad has become a valuable tool for supporting communication, educational activities and student engagement. My students are excited to use it and it has helped make leaning more interactive and accessible for learning with different needs. \r\nThe sensory toys have also made a wonderful difference in our classroom. They give my students appropriate ways to explore sensory input.","fullyFundedDate":1778116438325,"projectUrl":"project/comfort-calm-and-sensory-support-for-o/9991705/","projectTitle":"Comfort, Calm, and Sensory Support for Our Special Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Stone","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9205941_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1693610986602","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9205941"},{"teacherId":7481414,"projectId":10323375,"letterContent":"My students were so excited when they first saw all of the new games, puzzles, and activity materials! They immediately wanted to explore everything and choose an activity to enjoy with their classmates. We are using the UNO cards, playing cards, puzzles, Tic-Tac-Toe games, board games, paint-by-sticker books, and Play-Doh during centers, free-choice activities, and small-group time. These resources give students opportunities to practice turn-taking, communication, problem-solving, creativity, fine-motor skills, patience, and teamwork while having fun. One of my favorite moments has been watching students work together on puzzles and board games, encouraging one another and celebrating when they complete a challenge. Play-Doh has also been a favorite because students can create, use their imagination, and strengthen their fine-motor skills. These activities have created more opportunities for positive peer interactions and meaningful learning beyond traditional classroom lessons. Our next steps are to continue using these resources during centers and small groups while encouraging students to build friendships, strengthen problem-solving skills, and practice working cooperatively with others. Thank you for helping make learning fun and giving my students new ways to learn, connect, create, and grow!","fullyFundedDate":1787184326046,"projectUrl":"project/rainy-days-happy-plays-indoor-recess/10323375/","projectTitle":"Rainy Days, Happy Plays: Indoor Recess","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cotto-Rios","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7481414_orig.jpg?crop=750,750,x0,y52&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1631999931317","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7481414"},{"teacherId":7481414,"projectId":10421316,"letterContent":"Our students were so excited to see the new materials arrive! The math manipulatives immediately caught their attention, and they were eager to touch, explore, and use them during our math lessons. Having hands-on materials has made math more engaging and has helped students see and understand concepts in a more concrete way.\r\n\r\nWe are using the math manipulatives during small-group instruction and independent practice to help students build number sense, solve problems, and explain their mathematical thinking. The pencils and dry erase markers are being used every day for math practice, writing, and classroom activities. The new cushioned stool has also provided a comfortable seating option that helps support students during learning and small-group work.\r\n\r\nOne special moment has been watching students use the manipulatives to work through challenging math problems together. Instead of simply looking at numbers on a page, they can physically move, build, count, and organize objects to find solutions. They are becoming more confident and willing to explain how they got their answers.\r\n\r\nOur next step is to continue using these resources during our math lessons and small groups as students strengthen their problem-solving skills and build a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts. Thank you to our donors for making hands-on learning possible and helping our students become more confident mathematicians!","fullyFundedDate":1787154228129,"projectUrl":"project/equipped-for-success/10421316/","projectTitle":"Equipped for Success","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cotto-Rios","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7481414_orig.jpg?crop=750,750,x0,y52&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1631999931317","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7481414"},{"teacherId":4045724,"projectId":10011539,"letterContent":"We are in constant need for accessories to help make our Show Choir stand out in fashion and to bring a higher sense of self-esteem to our performing students. When our kids get out there to perform for the community; whether it be a school-wide or city-wide event, one can sense the excitement we all feel as a group. They look good and sound good - and \"that\" is what gets the adrenaline flowing.\r\n We will use our show toppers for students who return to our growing group in weeks to come as the new school year begins. We will also seek other accessories for our new members and continue to strive for excellence every year.","fullyFundedDate":1778083005288,"projectUrl":"project/show-toppers/10011539/","projectTitle":"Show Toppers","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Verrocchi","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4045724_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1510413547823","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/andrewverrocchi"},{"teacherId":4045724,"projectId":10169314,"letterContent":"Our school year begins in exactly one week, two weeks for all of our students. Now that I have easy access to a printer in my classroom, our students can have their musical creations printed on demand. This provides instant feedback to motivate our kids to keep on going without any holdups caused by lines of other staff often waiting for school machines that breakdown and/or malfunction.\r\n Your gift is making an environment where their creative minds can develop most efficiently. We are already creating a schoolwide song to be performed for the community, and it has taken on a life of its own including support from our dance and art teacher. This is the beginning of something beautiful which will blossom into bigger projects.","fullyFundedDate":1778769197334,"projectUrl":"project/printer-for-my-classroom/10169314/","projectTitle":"Printer for My Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Verrocchi","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4045724_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1510413547823","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/andrewverrocchi"},{"teacherId":9893548,"projectId":10129972,"letterContent":"On behalf of our fourth-grade students and teachers, thank you for your generous donation of a Teachers Pay Teachers gift card.\r\n\r\nYour thoughtful gift provides our classroom with access to engaging educational resources that help make learning more meaningful, creative, and fun. Because of your support, our students will benefit from high-quality lessons, activities, and materials that enhance their learning experience and inspire curiosity.\r\n\r\nWe are grateful for your investment in education and for helping us create opportunities that support student growth and success. Your kindness makes a positive difference in our classroom, and we truly appreciate your generosity.\r\n\r\nThank you for supporting our students and helping us make learning an exciting adventure every day.","fullyFundedDate":1778107247037,"projectUrl":"project/making-math-engaging-and-effective/10129972/","projectTitle":"Making Math Engaging and Effective!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ducharme","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9893548"},{"teacherId":9893548,"projectId":10130021,"letterContent":"On behalf of our fourth-grade students, teachers, and staff, we would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation of baking supplies for our In-School Hobby Day field trip. Your kindness and support helped make this special experience possible and provided our students with an exciting opportunity to learn new skills, explore their creativity, and enjoy hands-on activities.\r\n\r\nThe baking activities were a tremendous success, and the students were thrilled to have the chance to participate. Your donation of baking items ensured that every child could be fully involved in the experience, creating lasting memories while developing teamwork, problem-solving, and practical life skills. The enthusiasm and joy displayed throughout the day were a direct result of your generosity.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our students and supporting meaningful educational experiences. Community partners like you play an important role in enriching our programs and helping our children grow and succeed. We are truly grateful for your contribution and your commitment to our school community.\r\n\r\nSincerely,\r\n\r\nGerena Community School\r\nFourth Grade Teachers and Students","fullyFundedDate":1778083004733,"projectUrl":"project/memories-that-will-last-a-lifetime/10130021/","projectTitle":"Memories That Will Last a Lifetime!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ducharme","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9893548"},{"teacherId":7481414,"projectId":10032099,"letterContent":"We wanted to say thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your generosity. This project has helped keep our classroom clean and tidy especially on the days the custodians cannot make it in. The extra supplies has helped with our end of the year projects and it is so nice to have everything we need. Your generosity has also helped us clean up our classroom as we say goodbye to another amazing year. Thank you again for your generosity. My class and I truly appreciate all the items that were donated to us.","fullyFundedDate":1778025525982,"projectUrl":"project/a-clean-sweep-for-classroom-success/10032099/","projectTitle":"A Clean Sweep for Classroom Success!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cotto-Rios","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7481414_orig.jpg?crop=750,750,x0,y52&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1631999931317","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7481414"},{"teacherId":4045724,"projectId":9857493,"letterContent":"With your generous gift, we were able to purchase more accessories to enhance our Drumline. We added tambourines and various cymbals. I must say, they've added quite a kick to our sound. They have also made it possible for additional students to participate as well as receive more unique experiences in learning to play these cymbals.\r\n The kids have been very excited as they prepare to perform on our new equipment in some upcoming concerts for the community.\r\n Our next steps are to build momentum within our school to attract more student participants and to acquire even more instruments to build upon our growing program.","fullyFundedDate":1771448346547,"projectUrl":"project/snare-drum-harness/9857493/","projectTitle":"Snare Drum Harness","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Verrocchi","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4045724_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1510413547823","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/andrewverrocchi"},{"teacherId":533693,"projectId":9869030,"letterContent":"There are so many layers when it comes to teaching! One big layer is that all students learn differently. So often, we know what standard we need to teach, but we have to teach it many different ways, to best accommodate our students. Teachers Pay Teachers is a great resource for finding different methods to teaching the same standard. This gift card allows us to not have to rely on our own income to purchase these items. \r\n\r\nAnother thing- I always feel so great when purchasing something from TPT because it supports another teacher. \r\n\r\nThank you, thank you, for always supporting my students. We appreciate you all so much!","fullyFundedDate":1769983403850,"projectUrl":"project/terrific-teachers-pay-teachers/9869030/","projectTitle":"(Terrific) Teachers Pay Teachers","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Whitham","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp533693_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y748&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1776089902082","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/533693"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_42179","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":621,"numTeachers":55,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":13,"percentWhite":3,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":77,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":5,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"11.3:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":66.5,"schoolId":42179,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about German Gerena Community School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"German Gerena Community School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/massachusetts/springfield-public-school-district/german-gerena-community-school/42179"}
Join the 343 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
German Gerena Community School is
an urban public school
in Springfield, Massachusetts that is part of Springfield Public School District.
It serves 621 students
in grades Pre-K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 11.3:1.
Its teachers have had 246 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
621 Students
55 Teachers
200 Birnie AveContact 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
90%
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.
German Gerena Community School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Sep 20, 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.
German Gerena Community School
$187,882
raised using DonorsChoose
246
projects
funded
56
teachers
funded
343
donors
29
projects
for
basic supplies
34
projects for
technology
12
projects for
books
16
projects
for
art supplies
German Gerena Community School has received support from
228 individuals from Massachusetts and
115 individuals out-of-state.