{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Garden City Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":20.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9989018,"projectId":9715364,"letterContent":"Thank you SO much for donating individual whiteboards and erasers for my 2nd graders! These tools give every student a quick, engaging way to practice skills, share ideas, and show their thinking without fear of mistakes. They also love using them to doodle as opposed to the typical pencil and paper. They especially support learners who do best with visual and hands-on activities. Your donation has boosted confidence in a lot of students, and brings more participation and joy to our classroom. We also use them for math every single day! We are so grateful!","fullyFundedDate":1758636596514,"projectUrl":"project/building-confidence-with-individual-whit/9715364/","projectTitle":"Building Confidence with Individual Whiteboards","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wellner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9989018_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1743639739366","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9989018"},{"teacherId":9989018,"projectId":9351525,"letterContent":"Thank you SO much for donating these hands-on science materials for my 2nd graders! Your generosity gives every student the chance to explore, experiment, and learn in ways where they are fully engaged. These tools help all of them to let their curiosity shine, they now look forward to science days! Your support has brought so much excitement and equity, as all my students are able to use the games/materials! We are truly grateful for the opportunities you've created and the impact you've made on our class and their learning!","fullyFundedDate":1757538522944,"projectUrl":"project/stem-sparking-curiosity-in-science-all/9351525/","projectTitle":"STEM- Sparking Curiosity in Science All Around!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wellner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9989018_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1743639739366","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9989018"},{"teacherId":9989018,"projectId":9224649,"letterContent":"My students were so excited when I showed them all the new math games we could play! We kicked off our first math game day, and the room was filled with laughter, teamwork, and the happy sounds of second graders problem-solving together. They loved this instead of a typical work page or iPad assignment.\r\n\r\nThese games have transformed our math block by turning practice into play. My students now use them in small groups with me to reinforce addition, subtraction, place value, and problem-solving skills. Even students who are usually hesitant during math lessons are participating and building confidence when they play and use hands on materials.\r\n\r\nNext, we'll be using these games to review for our upcoming unit assessments in a way that feels fun and motivating instead of stressful. Thank you for bringing so much joy and engagement to math time in our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1746785576306,"projectUrl":"project/math-manipulatives-to-encourage-non-tech/9224649/","projectTitle":"Math Manipulatives to Encourage Non-Technology Games!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wellner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9989018_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1743639739366","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9989018"},{"teacherId":9601085,"projectId":9650023,"letterContent":"When our package of headphones and whiteboards arrived, my students could hardly contain their excitement! Right away, they put on the headphones to dive into reading programs and math practice without distractions. For many of my students, who come from busy, shared households, this was their first time experiencing focused, quiet learning that feels truly their own. The whiteboards have also transformed lessons—students now eagerly show their thinking during math and writing, and I can instantly see who needs extra support.\r\n\r\nOne student who often struggles to stay engaged now beams with pride when he can write an answer on his whiteboard and hold it up with confidence. Another student who usually finds noise overwhelming has been able to focus better than ever thanks to her new headphones. These simple tools have created a calmer, more effective learning environment where every child has a voice and a chance to shine.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, my classroom is more equitable and more joyful. Technology and hands-on tools are no longer barriers but bridges, helping my students stay engaged, focused, and successful. Thank you for meeting an urgent need and making such a lasting impact in our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1757009109674,"projectUrl":"project/urgent-classroom-tools-headphones-whi/9650023/","projectTitle":"Urgent Classroom Tools: Headphones & Whiteboards for Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Czaja","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9601085_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y386&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1721500417905","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9601085"},{"teacherId":9601085,"projectId":9448012,"letterContent":"The moment our box of new books arrived, my students crowded around with excitement, eager to see what treasures we had received. These books are already being read during independent reading time, small groups, and even in our Calm Corner when a child needs a quiet moment to reset. Titles that highlight bravery, kindness, and perseverance are opening the door to meaningful conversations about courage and resilience, and my students are learning that characters in books can teach us just as much as teachers can.\r\n\r\nOne of my favorite moments was watching a student who often feels nervous about reading proudly share a story with the class because the text was both accessible and inspiring. Others have found comfort in curling up with a book when they feel overwhelmed, using literature as a safe way to calm down and regulate their emotions. These resources are not just building reading skills—they are nurturing empathy, confidence, and self-control.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, my classroom is now a space where students can both grow as readers and find peace when they need it. You've given my students the chance to discover that books can be both brave adventures and gentle friends. Thank you for putting these tools in their hands and hearts—we are so grateful for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1755695115123,"projectUrl":"project/brave-books-calm-corners/9448012/","projectTitle":"Brave Books & Calm Corners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Czaja","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9601085_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y386&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1721500417905","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9601085"},{"teacherId":9601085,"projectId":9412466,"letterContent":"When our big box of wellness and sports supplies arrived, my students' eyes lit up! They couldn't believe these materials were truly for them, and the excitement in the room was electric. We opened the equipment together and immediately began using it for energizing \"brain breaks\" between lessons. Having these tools means students can recharge their bodies and minds in healthy ways, which makes a huge difference in their focus and learning.\r\n\r\nOne of the most memorable moments was our first team-building activity using the new sports gear. Students worked together, laughed, encouraged one another, and every single child—regardless of athletic ability—found a way to shine. That sense of belonging and joy is exactly what I hoped these resources would bring to our classroom community.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has truly transformed our daily routine. These resources will continue to support wellness and active learning throughout the year, helping my students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Thank you for believing in the power of movement and for making this joyful, healthy learning possible for my students.","fullyFundedDate":1753279615452,"projectUrl":"project/move-think-and-thrive-brain-breaks-/9412466/","projectTitle":"Move, Think, and Thrive: Brain Breaks & Sports for Wellness","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Czaja","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9601085_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y386&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1721500417905","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9601085"},{"teacherId":9601085,"projectId":9330605,"letterContent":"When the boxes of paint, brushes, and creative supplies arrived, my students' eyes lit up with excitement. They could hardly wait to dive in, and within minutes, our classroom transformed into an art studio filled with color, imagination, and joy. One of our first projects was a \"self-portrait with a twist,\" where students painted themselves surrounded by their favorite things. The laughter, careful brush strokes, and bursts of creativity were truly magical.\r\n\r\nThe impact has been immediate—students who are often hesitant in academic tasks have found a new way to express themselves and build confidence. Painting together has also encouraged teamwork, patience, and problem-solving as students share materials and offer ideas to one another. The best part? Every child feels successful, because there is no \"wrong\" way to create with paint.\r\n\r\nNext, we'll be using these supplies in a cross-curricular project where students illustrate parts of a story they are writing. This will not only deepen their literacy skills but also let them proudly display their unique voices through art. Your generosity has given my students the tools to make learning vibrant and meaningful, and for that, we are endlessly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1750256159324,"projectUrl":"project/lets-paint-creative-supplies-for-color/9330605/","projectTitle":"Let’s Paint! Creative Supplies for Colorful Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Czaja","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9601085_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y386&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1721500417905","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9601085"},{"teacherId":3590455,"projectId":9288907,"letterContent":"On Friday, we held our first drawing for the book machine, where students had the chance to win a new book. The students were incredibly excited about this and talked about it all day. The smiles on the students' faces that won were something to be seen!\r\n\r\nThis project allowed us to get high-interest books into the hands of students! Our students repeatedly check out the same books from the library, but now they can take them home and own them. We also picked many books that were the beginning of a series to get students wanting to read the rest of them. We hope this will increase the amount of time students read outside of school!\r\n\r\nOur students are very motivated to receive new books from the machine and do this by showing our schoolwide expectations! I am excited to see this project's continued impact on literacy and social-emotional skills.","fullyFundedDate":1748543286854,"projectUrl":"project/book-machine-magic/9288907/","projectTitle":"Book Machine Magic","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hartman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3590455_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1461882945637","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3590455"},{"teacherId":9989018,"projectId":9222583,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of headphones and organizational materials for our classroom. Many of my students do not have their own headphones at home, so being able to provide them with high-quality ones at school makes such a difference. Now each child can fully engage in learning activities, listen to lessons without distractions, and work at their own pace with comfort and focus.\r\n\r\nThe organization materials have also been such a blessing, helping our classroom run smoothly and giving students a sense of pride in keeping their supplies in order. I've used the materials for more visuals, for positive reinforcements strategies (the pocket chart) and for hanging things! Your support not only gives them the tools they need, but also shows them that others believe in their success. I am so grateful for your kindness and for the positive impact you've made in our classroom community!","fullyFundedDate":1746499409155,"projectUrl":"project/equity-in-materials-for-all-students/9222583/","projectTitle":"Equity in Materials for all Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wellner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9989018_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1743639739366","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9989018"},{"teacherId":9989018,"projectId":9299057,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of art materials for my second grade classroom. Having a variety of skin-tone colors and materials that reflect the diversity of our world means my students can see themselves and others represented in their work. These resources help us celebrate differences, encourage creativity, and show students that every shade and story matters. Their differences are what makes them special!\r\n\r\nWe use the coloring pages and art supplies every week, and they've become a favorite part of our classroom routine. I hear meaningful conversations and collaboration with the students during art time, while also giving them a chance to express themselves proudly. Your support has made our art activities more inclusive and impactful, and my students are excited to continue creating with materials that celebrate who they are!!","fullyFundedDate":1746786142189,"projectUrl":"project/creativity-through-coloring-books-and/9299057/","projectTitle":"Creativity Through Coloring - Books and Materials That Promote Equity!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wellner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9989018_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1743639739366","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9989018"},{"teacherId":9989018,"projectId":9221767,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of SEL materials for my second grade classroom. Our students thrive when they can connect with stories, and the books you helped provide allow us to strengthen our social-emotional learning curriculum. Having extra resources means I can select books that truly reflect our lessons, making it easier for students to understand and apply the skills we are working on each day.\r\n\r\nWe love using these books during our read-aloud time, which has become one of the most meaningful parts of our day. Reading together not only builds community but also gives students the chance to discuss big ideas like kindness, empathy, and problem-solving in ways that feel relatable and fun. I was also able to give each student a fidget pop it from the donations for them to use at school and home for calm down moments. Your support has made a real difference in helping my students grow as both learners and friends.","fullyFundedDate":1746785885406,"projectUrl":"project/social-emotional-learning/9221767/","projectTitle":"Social Emotional Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wellner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9989018_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1743639739366","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9989018"},{"teacherId":9601085,"projectId":9327158,"letterContent":"When the outdoor play equipment arrived, my students could hardly contain their excitement. They were thrilled to see new games just for them—\"This is the best day ever!\" one of them shouted. The moment we brought the items outside, they ran to grab their favorites and immediately began organizing games together. It was such a joy to watch kids being kids—laughing, running, working as a team, and fully unplugged.\r\n\r\nThese materials have brought a noticeable shift to our recess time. Students are more engaged, more cooperative, and more physically active. We've seen fewer conflicts and more inclusion as kids invite others to join their games and take turns leading. For students who typically struggle with social skills or confidence, this project has opened new doors to connection and joy. It's more than just play—it's growth in motion.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, we're building on this momentum with a class project about the importance of movement and screen-free fun. Students are working in groups to create \"Play Outside\" posters and journals about their favorite games and how being active makes them feel. Thank you for making this possible and for helping us rediscover the joy and power of outdoor play.","fullyFundedDate":1746785565702,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-back-play-getting-kids-outside/9327158/","projectTitle":"Bringing Back Play: Getting Kids Outside and Off Screens","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Czaja","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9601085_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y386&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1721500417905","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9601085"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_75575","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":366,"numTeachers":29,"percentFrplEligible":65,"percentAsian":30,"percentBlack":32,"percentWhite":5,"percentIndigenous":1,"percentLatinx":24,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"12.6:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":79.4,"schoolId":75575,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Garden City Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Garden City Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/minnesota/osseo-independent-school-district-279/garden-city-elementary-school/75575"}
Join the 107 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Garden City Elementary School is
a suburban public school
in Brooklyn Ctr., Minnesota that is part of Osseo Independent School District 279.
It serves 366 students
in grades Pre-K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 12.6:1.
Its teachers have had 48 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. Each classroom request for funding was created by a classroom teacher and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
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
87%
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.
Garden City Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Dec 5, 2025
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.
Garden City Elementary School
$17,517
raised using DonorsChoose
48
projects
funded
11
teachers
funded
107
donors
3
projects
for
basic supplies
2
projects for
technology
15
projects for
books
6
projects
for
art supplies
Garden City Elementary School has received support from
85 individuals from Minnesota and
22 individuals out-of-state.