{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Larry D Guinn Special Pgrms Center","outOfStateSupporters":7.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9653470,"projectId":9119893,"letterContent":"I am so grateful for your generous support of our classroom project! Thanks to your kindness, my students had the snacks and supplies they needed to stay focused and engaged during the last months of the 2024–2025 school year. Many of my students don't always have a snack to bring from home, so having extras on hand ensured that no child had to learn on an empty stomach. It was heartwarming to see how something so simple could brighten their day and help them stay energized and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nThe binders you provided made a big impact in our non-traditional classroom, which serves multiple elementary grade levels. They helped students stay organized, take ownership of their materials, and build independence in a shared learning space. Your generosity created a sense of pride and structure that allowed my students to focus more on learning and less on distractions.","fullyFundedDate":1742823949554,"projectUrl":"project/replenish-organize-snacks-and-supplie/9119893/","projectTitle":"Replenish & Organize: Snacks and Supplies for Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Robertson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9653470_orig.jpg?crop=1255,1255,x109,y404&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724270536409","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9653470"},{"teacherId":9592878,"projectId":9114193,"letterContent":"I want to extend my deepest gratitude for your generous donation of magnetic blocks to our classroom for the \"Big Kids Still Love Blocks\" project. What might seem like simple building materials to some has become something extraordinary for my students—an outlet for creativity, play, healing, and connection.\r\n\r\nAt our discipline alternative school, opportunities to unplug from technology and experience the joy of hands-on play are rare but so deeply needed. These blocks provided more than just entertainment; they created moments of therapy, teamwork, and self-expression. Students who often arrive guarded or reluctant to participate found themselves opening up while stacking, building, and problem-solving together. In those moments, walls came down, and a sense of safety and joy emerged.\r\n\r\nOne of the most powerful impacts was the way the blocks encouraged vulnerability and emotional openness. For students who carry heavy burdens, play can be healing. Through this project, I watched young people laugh, smile, and rediscover the feeling of being carefree. Some students who typically struggle to express themselves verbally instead found a way to communicate through their creations. Their towers and shapes told stories about their personalities and gave them the courage to share more about themselves with their peers and with me.\r\n\r\nI will never forget one particular moment that still stays close to my heart. On one of the days I brought my toddler-aged son with me to school, one of my students—who was often withdrawn and carried visible pain—lit up in a way I had never seen before. She connected with him over the blocks, playing alongside him with the most genuine smile on her face. In that moment, she wasn't weighed down by her struggles; she was simply a kid again, sharing joy through play. I had never seen her so radiant. Tragically, just a couple of months later, she passed away.\r\n\r\nI still have a picture of her from that day, smiling with the blocks, a picture that captures her joy and the brief but beautiful sense of peace she experienced. It is a memory I will hold onto forever, and one that would not have been possible without your generosity. Your donation gave her—and all of my students—a chance to experience moments of happiness and freedom that cannot be measured in test scores or attendance sheets.\r\n\r\nBeyond individual stories, the impact has been collective. Students unplugged from their devices, engaged face-to-face, and supported one another as they built. These blocks created a classroom environment where students could just be kids again—laughing, exploring, and letting their imaginations lead the way. The sense of therapy that came from this playtime has been invaluable in helping students feel safe enough to share more of themselves with others, strengthening our community.\r\n\r\nFrom the bottom of my heart, thank you. Thank you for believing in the importance of play, even for big kids. Thank you for providing materials that nurture not only academic growth but emotional and social healing. And thank you for giving me the gift of unforgettable memories with my students—memories that continue to remind me of why this work matters so deeply.","fullyFundedDate":1746786883760,"projectUrl":"project/big-kids-still-love-blocks/9114193/","projectTitle":"Big Kids Still Love Blocks","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Larsen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9592878_orig.jpg?crop=481,481,x0,y80&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754415041066","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9592878"},{"teacherId":9592878,"projectId":8497121,"letterContent":"I want to extend my deepest gratitude for your thoughtful and generous donations of yoga mats, a Polaroid camera, and art supplies like colors. Your kindness has made a lasting impact on my classroom and on the lives of my students in ways I could never have imagined.\r\n\r\nAt first, many students were hesitant to try yoga. Some giggled, others looked unsure—but little by little, they began to lean into it. The mats gave them a personal space to explore movement and mindfulness, and soon, yoga became something they looked forward to rather than avoided. It became a bridge—one that connected them not only to their own emotions, but also to one another and to me.\r\n\r\nThe colors you provided sparked unexpected creativity. One student in particular, who rarely opens up, used the art supplies to make a beautiful birthday poster for my son. What touched me even more was how other students pitched in to help—offering ideas, helping with the design, and working together. It became a spontaneous act of community and compassion that reminded me just how much potential lives inside each of them.\r\n\r\nThe Polaroid camera added another layer of joy. Students took turns capturing candid, lighthearted moments of their peers. They laughed, posed, and proudly displayed their photos, celebrating small moments that often go unnoticed.\r\n\r\nThese resources gave us the opportunity to put our screens down and connect face to face. The games, the shared creativity, the new coping strategies—they were all a breath of fresh air. Instead of zoning out behind a device, students began reaching out—to each other, to me, to themselves. They communicated more, supported each other, and grew closer as a group.\r\n\r\nYour generosity helped us build something real: trust, connection, and joy. Thank you for giving us the tools to make that possible.\r\n\r\nWith heartfelt appreciation,","fullyFundedDate":1723468116274,"projectUrl":"project/yoga-and-mindfulness-fighting-drugs/8497121/","projectTitle":"Yoga and Mindfulness > Fighting, Drugs, and Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Larsen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9592878_orig.jpg?crop=481,481,x0,y80&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754415041066","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9592878"},{"teacherId":9653470,"projectId":9061966,"letterContent":"From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your generosity and kindness. When your gift arrived, it felt like a breath of fresh air in our classroom. The students lit up with curiosity and excitement, and I felt deeply encouraged as their teacher. Your support didn't just bring us helpful tools—it brought renewed energy, a sense of being seen, and a reminder that we are not alone in this work.\r\n\r\nEvery day, your donation makes a difference. It helps us stay organized, stay motivated, and stay connected to our goals. But more than anything, it reminds my students that there are people in the world who believe in them and want to see them succeed. That's a powerful message, and one they carry with them every time they walk through our classroom door. Thank you for being part of our story.","fullyFundedDate":1737162295292,"projectUrl":"project/bright-minds-positive-spaces/9061966/","projectTitle":"Bright Minds, Positive Spaces","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Robertson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9653470_orig.jpg?crop=1255,1255,x109,y404&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724270536409","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9653470"},{"teacherId":9711157,"projectId":9039403,"letterContent":"I want to extend my deepest gratitude for your generosity and support. Your contributions are making a real and lasting impact in our classroom and in the lives of our students. Thanks to you, we now have the resources we need to learn, explore, and grow in ways that wouldn't have been possible otherwise. Your kindness goes far beyond the materials you helped provide—it inspires a culture of care, curiosity, and community.\r\nYour support reminds us that we're not alone in this journey and that there are people out there who believe in the power of education.\r\n\r\nThank you again for believing in our classroom and investing in the future of our students. We're incredibly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1742823942836,"projectUrl":"project/fueling-futures-help-refill-our-mini-ma/9039403/","projectTitle":"Fueling Futures: Help Refill Our Mini Mart for Student Success!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. McBride","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9711157_orig.jpg?crop=3468,3468,x0,y497&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1727455336862","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9711157"},{"teacherId":9653470,"projectId":8752634,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for your consideration of funding our project, Remember the Journey. This initiative is more than just a creative endeavor—it is an opportunity to provide our students with a tangible reminder of their growth, resilience, and achievements during their time in our classroom.\r\n\r\nMany of our students come to us after facing significant challenges, often struggling with past behaviors and choices that did not align with their full potential. Our classroom is a place of reflection, growth, and renewal, where students are given the tools and support to make positive changes in their lives. Through this project, we aim to celebrate their progress by creating personalized keepsakes that serve as lasting symbols of their journey.\r\n\r\nWith the support of a Cricut machine and accessories, we will be able to craft customized items—such as certificates, bookmarks, keychains, or other meaningful tokens—that highlight each student's unique strengths and accomplishments. These items will serve as daily reminders of their ability to overcome obstacles, make better choices, and move forward with confidence.\r\n\r\nThe impact of this project extends beyond the classroom. By reinforcing their personal growth in a way they can see and hold, we instill a sense of pride and motivation that they can carry with them into their next chapter. Your generosity in funding this project will provide our students with more than just a keepsake; it will give them a symbol of hope, perseverance, and the belief that they are capable of success.\r\n\r\nThank you for your support in helping us shape a brighter future for these students. Your kindness and investment in their journey will leave a lasting imprint on their lives.","fullyFundedDate":1735707604090,"projectUrl":"project/remember-the-journey-keepsakes-for-com/8752634/","projectTitle":"Remember the Journey: Keepsakes for Completion","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Robertson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9653470_orig.jpg?crop=1255,1255,x109,y404&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724270536409","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9653470"},{"teacherId":9711157,"projectId":8710401,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude and to share the profound impact McBride's Mini Mart has had on my students. As an educator, my ultimate goal is to inspire and motivate young minds to excel academically, socially, and emotionally. Thanks to your generous support and the establishment of McBride's Mini Mart, this goal is becoming a reality in ways I could have only dreamed of.\r\n\r\nMcBride's Mini Mart has revolutionized the learning experience in the middle school classrooms. By providing a tangible incentive system, it has created a sense of excitement and purpose among my students. They now eagerly strive to achieve their goals, knowing their hard work and positive behaviors are recognized and rewarded. This shift has fostered a more engaged, respectful, and cooperative learning environment.\r\n\r\nOne of the most significant changes I have observed is in the students' attitudes toward their personal growth.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, the Mini Mart has provided an invaluable opportunity to teach essential life skills such as budgeting, saving, and decision-making. Watching students thoughtfully plan their purchases and weigh their options has been incredibly rewarding. It reinforces lessons that extend far beyond the classroom, preparing them for real-world challenges.\r\n\r\nThank you, for believing in our students and empowering them to reach their potential. Your support has made an immeasurable difference, and we are forever grateful for your partnership in shaping a brighter future for our children.","fullyFundedDate":1726250469433,"projectUrl":"project/mrs-mcbrides-mini-mart/8710401/","projectTitle":"Mrs. McBride's Mini Mart","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. McBride","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9711157_orig.jpg?crop=3468,3468,x0,y497&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1727455336862","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9711157"},{"teacherId":9653470,"projectId":8701488,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous contributions to our classroom project at Guinn Special Program Center. Your support has truly made a transformative difference for our students.\r\n\r\nWith the materials you provided, including the Cricut Joy, art supplies, and crafting essentials, our students have taken an active role in designing and personalizing their learning environment. From creating colorful name tags to crafting inspiring posters that reflect positive values and teamwork, their creativity has flourished.\r\n\r\nThis initiative has given our students—who join us for only 30 days at a time—a much-needed sense of belonging and ownership in a new and unfamiliar space. Walking into a classroom filled with their own creations immediately makes it feel welcoming and uniquely theirs. This opportunity to contribute fosters responsibility, collaboration, and pride in their learning journey.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has helped us transform our classroom into more than just a place for academics; it's now a vibrant, student-driven space where creativity and connection thrive. Thank you for being a vital part of this positive impact on our students' lives.","fullyFundedDate":1725824421400,"projectUrl":"project/inspire-to-thrive/8701488/","projectTitle":"Inspire to Thrive","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Robertson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9653470_orig.jpg?crop=1255,1255,x109,y404&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724270536409","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9653470"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_103114","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":160,"numTeachers":27,"percentFrplEligible":43,"percentAsian":21,"percentBlack":12,"percentWhite":26,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":27,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"5.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR District Record","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":92.3,"schoolId":103114,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Larry D Guinn Special Pgrms Center on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Larry D Guinn Special Pgrms Center","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/texas/plano-independent-school-district/larry-d-guinn-center/103114"}
Join the 39 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Larry D Guinn Special Pgrms Center is
an urban public school
in Plano, Texas that is part of Plano Independent School District.
It serves 160 students
in grades K - 12 with a student/teacher ratio of 5.9:1.
Its teachers have had 11 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
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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
60%
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.
Larry D Guinn Special Pgrms Center 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.
Larry D Guinn Special Pgrms Center
$5,596
raised using DonorsChoose
11
projects
funded
4
teachers
funded
39
donors
2
projects
for
basic supplies
2
projects for
technology
2
projects
for
art supplies
Larry D Guinn Special Pgrms Center has received support from
36 individuals from Texas and
3 individuals out-of-state.