Ethel Gildersleeve Middle School in Newport News, Virginia on DonorsChoose

{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Ethel Gildersleeve Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":26.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9692650,"projectId":9679291,"letterContent":"On behalf of our students and staff, I would like to extend our deepest gratitude for your support of our project. Because of your generosity, three of our \"unique learners\" classrooms were able to receive sensory items and resources that have made a meaningful and lasting impact.\r\nThese materials are being used daily to support both sensory engagement and financial literacy lessons. Our students are now able to participate more fully in activities that were once challenging for them. For example, during a recent classroom activity, students used their new resources to create their own \"mini marketplace,\" where they practiced counting money, making choices, and interacting with their peers. It was a powerful moment to witness their confidence grow as they navigated the activity with excitement and independence.\r\nWhen the students first saw the materials, their reactions were truly unforgettable. Their faces lit up with joy, curiosity, and excitement. Many of them immediately began exploring, creating, and engaging in ways we had not seen before. It was more than just receiving supplies—it was the feeling of being seen, valued, and supported.\r\nBecause of your kindness, our classrooms have transformed into spaces where creativity thrives, self-esteem is nurtured, and every student has the opportunity to shine in their own unique way. These resources have helped create an environment that many of our students would not otherwise have access to, and the impact has extended beyond the classroom—our students are now more confident when sharing their work with peers and even their families.\r\nAs we move forward, we plan to continue building on these experiences by expanding our financial literacy activities and incorporating more hands-on, student-led projects. Our goal is to further develop independence, decision-making skills, and confidence in our students, ensuring they are equipped with tools that will benefit them both academically and in everyday life.\r\nThis project has brought smiles, encouragement, and empowerment to our students in ways that words can hardly express. Please know that your generosity has made a difference that will not be forgotten.\r\nFrom the bottom of our hearts, thank you for believing in our students and for helping them shine.","fullyFundedDate":1767710648697,"projectUrl":"project/dedicated-to-creating-inclusive-support/9679291/","projectTitle":"Dedicated to Creating Inclusive, Supportive, and Empowering Spaces for Children","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Miller White","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9692650"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_54893","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1089,"numTeachers":69,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":33,"percentWhite":31,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":23,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"15.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":73.3,"schoolId":54893,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Ethel Gildersleeve Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Ethel Gildersleeve Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/virginia/newport-news-public-schools/ethel-gildersleeve-middle-school/54893"}

About this school

Ethel Gildersleeve Middle School is an urban public school in Newport News, Virginia that is part of Newport News Public Schools. It serves 1,089 students in grades 6 - 8 with a student/teacher ratio of 15.8:1. Its teachers have had 11 projects funded on DonorsChoose.

Equity Focus School

Support towards this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Public School

Grades 6 - 8

1,089 Students

69 Teachers

1 Minton Dr

Newport News, VA 23606 View local requests

http://gildersleeve.nn.k12.va.us/

Direct, proactive support

Empower teachers at Ethel Gildersleeve Middle School to request what their students need.

Give to this school

Ms. Vero, a DonorsChoose teacher for 9 years.

Kindergarten teacher at PS81 - Robert J. Christen School in Bronx, NY

Ethel Gildersleeve Middle School Teachers on DonorsChoose

DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for public school teachers.

Every donation funds real needs — pencils, books, lab equipment, art supplies, and more — helping students learn and thrive. We ship supplies directly to the school, and you'll see exactly where each dollar goes.

See how DonorsChoose works

Ethel Gildersleeve Middle School Demographics

95%

of students receive free or reduced price lunch

Source: the National Center for Education Statistics

57%

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.

Ethel Gildersleeve Middle School Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Apr 30, 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.