{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Azalea Gardens Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":45.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":6697960,"projectId":5642517,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our students with new books and a bookcase for our classroom! These resources gave students more choices during D.E.A.R. time—Drop Everything and Read—and helped us create an organized, inviting classroom library. Having the books displayed on their own bookcase made it easier for students to browse, choose a book that interested them, and return it when they were finished.\r\n\r\nStudents were excited to see the new books and immediately wanted to look through them. During D.E.A.R. time, students could settle in with books that matched their interests and reading levels. It was wonderful to see students recommend books to one another, talk about what they were reading, and become more comfortable choosing books independently.\r\n\r\nAs we continued through the school year, students used the classroom library during independent reading, reading activities, and whenever they finished work early. The new books helped students build reading stamina and discover that reading can be something they enjoy. Thank you for helping us grow a classroom library that gives students more opportunities to become confident readers.","fullyFundedDate":1628120059071,"projectUrl":"project/travel-the-world-through-books/5642517/","projectTitle":"Travel the World Through Books!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Brinkley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6697960"},{"teacherId":6697960,"projectId":5108675,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping us welcome students back to school! After so much time away from a normal school routine, these bulletin board materials helped us create a classroom that felt bright, inviting, and ready for learning. Our welcome-back displays gave students encouraging messages as they entered the room and helped make our classroom feel like a place where they belonged.\r\n\r\nThe students were excited to see the colorful decorations and positive messages when they came back to school. For many of them, returning to a full classroom routine felt different, so having a cheerful and organized space helped set a positive tone. The bulletin boards also gave us a way to celebrate students' work and remind them that their ideas and effort matter.\r\n\r\nAs the school year continued, students used the classroom displays as helpful reminders of our expectations, learning goals, and the skills we were practicing. Thank you for helping create a welcoming space where students could feel comfortable, supported, and excited to learn again.","fullyFundedDate":1600307206322,"projectUrl":"project/welcome-back/5108675/","projectTitle":"Welcome Back","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Brinkley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6697960"},{"teacherId":6697960,"projectId":4484736,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom! Our new whiteboards, markers, and erasers have quickly become a favorite learning tool for my students. We use them during lessons to practice new skills, answer questions, and show our thinking without the pressure of having to be perfect on paper. They allow every student to participate at the same time and give me a quick way to see who understands and who may need extra support.\r\n\r\nThe students were so excited when they first saw the materials. They immediately wanted to use the whiteboards, and even students who are sometimes hesitant to raise their hands are more willing to write an answer and hold it up. One of my favorite moments was watching students use their boards to respond to questions during a lesson. They were eager to share their thinking, compare answers with classmates, and correct mistakes as they learned.\r\n\r\nAs we continue our current lessons, students will use these resources to review vocabulary, analyze readings, practice skills, and participate in quick checks for understanding. These simple materials are helping make learning more active, engaging, and inclusive. Thank you for giving my students another way to build confidence and show what they know!","fullyFundedDate":1571932880135,"projectUrl":"project/write-it-out/4484736/","projectTitle":"Write It Out","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Brinkley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6697960"},{"teacherId":9901121,"projectId":10175384,"letterContent":"With individual headphones, my students can now fully engage with digital content—whether they're watching historical videos, listening to primary source recordings, or completing online assignments—without the distractions that once made it difficult to concentrate. This has significantly improved their ability to focus, process information, and work at their own pace.\r\nWhat excites my students most is having their own set of headphones. It may seem simple, but for them, it represents independence and ownership over their learning. They love being able to plug in, block out distractions, and immerse themselves in activities that bring history and social sciences to life. The colorful designs have even added an element of joy and pride—students feel special knowing these tools were provided just for them.","fullyFundedDate":1778033974391,"projectUrl":"project/hear-learn-succeed/10175384/","projectTitle":"Hear, Learn, Succeed!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jones","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9901121"},{"teacherId":6697960,"projectId":9712030,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my classroom! Students are using their folders every day to stay organized, which has helped them keep track of notes and assignments and feel more prepared. They use highlighters during lessons to identify key ideas and important vocabulary, especially when analyzing readings. The dry erase boards have become a favorite for quick practice and review, allowing every student to participate and build confidence. When the materials arrived, students were genuinely excited and eager to use them. Moving forward, these resources will continue to support our learning and help us prepare for the SOL.","fullyFundedDate":1765421165257,"projectUrl":"project/stocking-up-for-student-success/9712030/","projectTitle":"Stocking Up for Student Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Brinkley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6697960"},{"teacherId":9901121,"projectId":9832880,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, these snack packs have had an immediate and positive impact on my classroom. I've been using them in a variety of ways to build engagement and celebrate student effort. For example, students have participated in classwide drawing contests and academic group games where they collaborated, problem-solved, and stayed actively involved in the lesson. Being able to reward their effort in the moment made these activities even more exciting and meaningful.\r\n\r\nI've also used the snacks as incentives for classroom helpers who go the extra mile—students who take responsibility, assist with classroom tasks, and support both their peers and the teacher. Recognizing these contributions has encouraged more students to step up and take pride in helping create a positive learning environment.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, I will continue using these resources to support engaging lessons, reinforce teamwork, and celebrate both academic growth and positive character. These small rewards are helping build a classroom culture where students feel appreciated, motivated, and proud of their contributions.","fullyFundedDate":1767113669880,"projectUrl":"project/celebrating-student-effort/9832880/","projectTitle":"Celebrating Student Effort","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jones","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9901121"},{"teacherId":10302753,"projectId":9794945,"letterContent":"Orange Table: The anti-bullying initiative is my first Donors Choose. I want to thank you from the bottom of heart for your generous donations to our anti bullying month activities. Many of the students I work with rely on school lunch and food packages sent home. Many of our parents cannot do fun extras at the grocery store or fast food runs on nights that no one feels like cooking. Receiving a special treat, especially one tied to a message of kindness and thoughtful acts is particularly meaningful. \r\nBecause of the generosity of donors, this has been the first year of this activity where students have had a smorgasbord of options. In past years we have had cupcakes and orange sherbet and students have expressed that they cannot partake. Options matter especially for children with limited resources.","fullyFundedDate":1760137588297,"projectUrl":"project/orange-table-excitement/9794945/","projectTitle":"Orange Table Excitement!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Yancy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10302753"},{"teacherId":992508,"projectId":9814637,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project! Your generosity made a meaningful difference for my English Language Learner (ELL) students and their families. With your help, we were able to provide snacks as incentives during our family engagement and learning events—something small but incredibly powerful in helping everyone feel welcome, comfortable, and excited to participate.\r\n\r\nBecause of your donation, students were more motivated to attend sessions and stay engaged, and their families felt included and valued as partners in their child's learning. Many parents shared that the snacks made the events feel warm and community-oriented, which helped them relax and participate more confidently, even when English is still new to them. Several students told me they felt \"special\" and \"noticed,\" which means more than you can imagine.\r\n\r\nYour support didn't just provide snacks—you helped create an environment where students could practice language skills, connect with their families, and build confidence in a safe and supportive space. You made our learning community stronger.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our classroom and for supporting our ELL families. Your kindness truly made an impact, and we are all grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1763498716492,"projectUrl":"project/supporting-our-ell-family-engagement-nig/9814637/","projectTitle":"Supporting Our ELL Family Engagement Night!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Serafine","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp992508_orig.jpg?crop=309,309,x121,y54&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1744402631472","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-serafine"},{"teacherId":9901121,"projectId":9663622,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, my students now have a wonderful way to celebrate their hard work and perseverance! The snack packs you helped provide have brought so much joy and encouragement to our classroom. My students tackle challenging history lessons and assessments every day, and these small rewards have become a meaningful reminder that their efforts do not go unnoticed. Having a treat to look forward to has truly brightened their days and given them the extra motivation to keep striving for excellence, even when the material is tough.\r\n\r\nWhat has been most exciting to see is how these simple snacks have helped build our classroom community. Students cheer each other on, celebrate one another's successes, and take real pride in their growth. The positive energy and smiles that come from earning a reward have made our classroom a more supportive, uplifting space.","fullyFundedDate":1758202849708,"projectUrl":"project/fueling-learning-with-rewards/9663622/","projectTitle":"Fueling Learning with Rewards","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jones","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9901121"},{"teacherId":9901121,"projectId":9621522,"letterContent":"Thanks to your incredible generosity, my students now have the tools they need to focus and thrive during technology-based lessons! The new class set of headphones has completely transformed the learning environment. What was once a room full of competing sounds from videos and interactive programs is now a calm and focused space where every student can engage with their own learning. These headphones have allowed my students to work independently and concentrate deeply—whether they're listening to historical documentaries, completing digital reading assignments, or practicing key skills in geography.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting part for my students has been the sense of ownership and independence that comes with using the headphones. They love being able to adjust the volume, replay parts of a video, or follow along at their own pace without distractions.","fullyFundedDate":1758202827479,"projectUrl":"project/tech-for-focus/9621522/","projectTitle":"Tech for Focus","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jones","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9901121"},{"teacherId":9901121,"projectId":9621595,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our \"Snack Packs for Smiles and Success\" project! Because of your generosity, our classroom has been filled with extra joy, excitement, and yes—plenty of sweet and salty treats!\r\nThe Impact in Our Classroom\r\nThese treats have become more than just snacks—they're now part of how we build classroom community and give students a little motivation when they need it most. Whether it's for finishing a tough assignment, participating in class, or just making it through a long day, having a stash of fun treats has made a big difference.","fullyFundedDate":1755734427013,"projectUrl":"project/snack-packs-for-smiles-and-success/9621595/","projectTitle":"Snack Packs for Smiles and Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jones","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9901121"},{"teacherId":6697960,"projectId":7999348,"letterContent":"The donation of Better Than Paper, bulletin board sets, and bulletin board borders has truly transformed our school environment into a more welcoming and engaging space for students. The durable Better Than Paper allows us to create vibrant bulletin boards that last all year without fading, tearing, or needing constant replacement. This not only saves time and resources but also ensures that our classrooms and hallways consistently look bright, inviting, and ready for learning.\r\n\r\nBulletin board sets and borders add an extra touch of warmth and creativity, turning plain walls into spaces that celebrate student work, highlight important information, and reflect the themes we are studying. These displays make students feel proud to see their contributions showcased and help foster a sense of belonging within the school community. Together, these materials create an atmosphere where students and families feel valued, supported, and excited to be part of our school.","fullyFundedDate":1699551397493,"projectUrl":"project/addicted-to-bulletin-boards/7999348/","projectTitle":"Addicted to Bulletin Boards","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Brinkley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6697960"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_34843","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":766,"numTeachers":65,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":2,"percentBlack":40,"percentWhite":24,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":22,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":8,"gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"11.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":55.0,"schoolId":34843,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Azalea Gardens Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Azalea Gardens Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/virginia/norfolk-public-schools/azalea-gardens-middle-school/34843"}
Join the 342 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Azalea Gardens Middle School is
an urban public school
in Norfolk, Virginia that is part of Norfolk Public Schools.
It serves 766 students
in grades 6 - 8 with a student/teacher ratio of 11.8:1.
Its teachers have had 168 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Supporting this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.
Public School
Grades 6 - 8
766 Students
65 Teachers
7721 Azalea Garden RdContact 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
64%
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.
Azalea Gardens Middle School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Sep 3, 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.
Azalea Gardens Middle School
$83,010
raised using DonorsChoose
168
projects
funded
40
teachers
funded
342
donors
36
projects
for
basic supplies
29
projects for
technology
17
projects for
books
13
projects
for
art supplies
Azalea Gardens Middle School has received support from
188 individuals from Virginia and
154 individuals out-of-state.