Shumate Middle School in Gibraltar, Michigan on DonorsChoose

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No one had to share a pencil or go without a marker; everyone had what they needed to do their best work.\r\n\r\nWe used the pencils daily for note-taking across all subjects. Something as routine as taking notes became an act of ownership and engagement. Students were able to write neatly, revise their ideas, and take pride in their work. For some, even the simple act of holding a new, unsharpened pencil sparked enthusiasm and motivation. It may seem small, but for a student who often feels left out or behind, these tools leveled the playing field and helped them feel like they belonged.\r\n\r\nThe colored pencils and markers added a new dimension to our learning. We used them extensively in language arts, especially for identifying and analyzing sentence structure. For instance, students used different colors to highlight subjects, predicates, conjunctions, and clauses. This color-coded method made abstract grammar concepts more concrete and easier to understand. It also fostered collaboration—students worked in pairs and small groups, comparing their analyses, explaining their choices, and learning from each other.\r\n\r\nBeyond grammar, the art supplies brought a joyful creativity to our classroom. Students used them in projects that integrated literacy and visual expression—illustrating scenes from stories, creating character maps, and designing posters about the themes and messages in our reading. These activities made learning more meaningful and engaging. The ability to express their understanding in a visual way helped many of my students—especially visual learners and English language learners—grasp complex ideas and build confidence in their abilities.\r\n\r\nThe impact of your generosity reached even further than the classroom. When students take pride in their work and their learning environment, it translates to improved behavior, stronger relationships, and a more positive school experience overall. 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Your anonymous kindness has touched many lives in ways you may never fully see—but I hope this letter helps you understand just how deeply appreciated you are.\r\n\r\nFrom the bottom of my heart, and on behalf of all the students who now write, draw, and learn with greater enthusiasm—thank you.","fullyFundedDate":1743104511221,"projectUrl":"project/coloring-our-world-with-color-and-words/9186606/","projectTitle":"Coloring Our World with Color and Words!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Madgwick","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8583502"},{"teacherId":6171413,"projectId":8580682,"letterContent":"I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation of whiteboards, erasers, and markers to my classroom. These supplies are essential tools in fostering an engaging and interactive learning environment for my seventh and eighth-grade math students. Your kindness has provided us with the resources needed to enhance daily instruction, encourage student participation, and create a space where learning feels dynamic and accessible.\r\n\r\nWith these materials, my students can actively engage in problem-solving, collaborate with their peers, and receive immediate feedback on their work. The ability to quickly write, erase, and adjust their mathematical thinking is invaluable in building their confidence and deepening their understanding of complex concepts. Your donation directly supports their learning journey by allowing me to provide instant feedback, correct misconceptions, and celebrate their progress in real time.\r\n\r\nOnce again, thank you for your generosity and support. Your contribution has made a meaningful difference in my classroom, and I know my students will greatly benefit from these materials throughout the school year. 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About this school

Shumate Middle School is a suburban public school in Gibraltar, Michigan that is part of Gibraltar School District. It serves 839 students in grades 6 - 8 with a student/teacher ratio of 22.1:1. Its teachers have had 8 projects funded on DonorsChoose.

Public School

Grades 6 - 8

839 Students

38 Teachers

30448 W Jefferson Ave

Gibraltar, MI 48173 View local requests

http://www.gibdist.net/shumate-middle

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

Shumate Middle School Teachers on DonorsChoose

Ms. Kathryn Gregorich-Filkins

Mrs. Madgwick

Mrs. Walchak

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Shumate Middle School Demographics

35%

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.

Shumate Middle School Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Dec 5, 2025

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