{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Alfred G Waters Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":23.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10313210,"projectId":9831700,"letterContent":"My students and I appreciate your donations more than words can say. I have a lot of struggling readers this year. They mostly struggle with comprehension, which can be alleviated when they read aloud. However, having 33 students read aloud at the same time is not the best learning environment. The whisper phones have been incredibly helpful in this regard. With my students being older, they were reluctant to use them until one student asked for one. After that, several other students asked to use them and reported that it was easier to understand the texts we read when using the phones to read out loud. \r\n\r\nAdditionally, the variety of fidgets are very helpful for my students with anxiety and ADHD. Instead of disrupting class or trying to get their energy out in non-productive ways, they use the rosters to alleviate their energy. This is especially helpful because we read a few texts a week, and students have to read and work quietly for sustained periods of time. \r\n\r\nOverall, your donations have made a huge impact on my students. So thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1760711254575,"projectUrl":"project/ms-holmquists-literacy-project/9831700/","projectTitle":"Ms. Holmquist's Literacy Project","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Holmquist","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10313210"},{"teacherId":3484594,"projectId":9827100,"letterContent":"This project has had a powerful impact on our students by blending literacy with meaningful, hands-on technology use. While many donors are familiar with technology at home, in our classroom the camera is used as a learning tool to strengthen reading, writing, and communication skills. Students read mentor texts, plan storyboards, write scripts, and revise written work before creating photo essays and book trailers. The technology helps students better understand narrative structure, descriptive language, and audience—turning literacy into an active, creative process rather than a passive one.\r\n\r\nWhat excites students most is the ability to bring stories to life. Using the camera makes reading feel purposeful and authentic; students are motivated to read closely so they can accurately represent characters, themes, and settings in their visual projects. Many students who are typically reluctant readers become more engaged when they know they'll have a creative outlet to showcase their understanding. The camera has also helped students take pride in their work, as they see their projects displayed and celebrated in the classroom.\r\n\r\nSeveral students have especially warmed to this technology, particularly those who struggle with traditional reading and writing tasks. Visual learners and students who benefit from hands-on experiences have found new confidence by expressing their comprehension through images paired with written and spoken explanations. The camera has given these students a voice and a way to demonstrate learning in a format that plays to their strengths. Thanks to your generosity, our students are developing stronger literacy skills while discovering new ways to tell stories and share their ideas.","fullyFundedDate":1760548861630,"projectUrl":"project/literacy-through-media/9827100/","projectTitle":"Literacy Through Media","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Backus","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3484594_orig.png?crop=877,877,x78,y61&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758147936485","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3484594"},{"teacherId":3484594,"projectId":9720272,"letterContent":"Since receiving these new LEGO resources, my students have jumped right into our 2025–2026 LEGO Club build project. They are working collaboratively to plan, problem-solve, and construct sections of the Hogwarts Castle and the Natural History Museum. Students have taken on different roles—builders, organizers, and designers—and are learning how to communicate ideas, follow multi-step directions, and persist through challenges when a build doesn't go as planned. One standout moment was watching a group completely redesign a section after realizing it wasn't structurally sound, showing real growth in critical thinking and teamwork. The builds are displayed in our classroom, and students outside of LEGO Club frequently stop by to check on the progress—often commenting on how \"cool\" it looks and wishing they were part of the project.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the LEGO sets, the excitement was immediate and contagious. There were gasps, cheers, and lots of eager questions about who would get to build which sections. Many students were amazed by the size and detail of the sets and couldn't wait to get started. That excitement has carried beyond club meetings, with other students regularly peeking in to see what's been added next and jokingly expressing their jealousy over what LEGO Club is accomplishing.","fullyFundedDate":1760491473093,"projectUrl":"project/exploring-magic-and-museums-through-lego/9720272/","projectTitle":"Exploring Magic and Museums Through LEGO","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Backus","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3484594_orig.png?crop=877,877,x78,y61&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758147936485","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3484594"},{"teacherId":9297657,"projectId":9826936,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my students are actively using these new resources every day to deepen their learning and engagement. We've incorporated them into whole-class lessons, small-group work, and independent practice, allowing students to interact with the content in more meaningful and hands-on ways. One especially memorable moment was watching students collaborate and problem-solve together, using the materials to support their thinking and confidently share their ideas—something many of them previously struggled to do.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, my students were genuinely excited. They immediately wanted to explore them and asked thoughtful questions about how we would use them in class. Several students commented on how the resources made learning feel more accessible and enjoyable, and I noticed an immediate boost in motivation and participation. Students who are typically hesitant to engage were eager to try, take risks, and stay focused for longer periods of time.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, these resources will continue to support our current lessons and upcoming projects as students build critical skills such as reading comprehension, written expression, and collaboration. Because of your support, my students have tools that help them feel more confident, capable, and invested in their learning. Thank you for giving them this opportunity and for helping create a classroom environment where all students can succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1760542556668,"projectUrl":"project/literacy-list/9826936/","projectTitle":"Literacy List","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Reynolds","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9297657"},{"teacherId":1424483,"projectId":9834182,"letterContent":"For the last several school years, our 8th grade students have done a bit project in their English classes which involves learning about the Holocaust, reading texts connected with this period in history, and then presenting to the class their new knowledge. Over the years, some books have been more popular than others. This grant enabled us to purchase additional copies of the books that have been most impactful for students in the past. As a school librarian, I am tasks with ensuring that our students have access to high quality reading materials, can make their own selections while reading, and face the challenge of ensuring that every child comes to love reading. This task is SO much easier when we have great books in the library! This project ensures that our students can read the best books, and stay very engaged, while also learning about a very difficult and important time in history. Your generosity is SO appreciated!","fullyFundedDate":1760796386323,"projectUrl":"project/holocaust-learning/9834182/","projectTitle":"Holocaust Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Scott","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1424483_orig.jpg?crop=716,717,x0,y141&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1620670943336","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1424483"},{"teacherId":10324025,"projectId":9847898,"letterContent":"My students have been actively using the new resources during science instruction, especially while preparing for our science summative assessment. One memorable moment was during a review game where students used individual whiteboards to answer questions. This allowed them to quickly check their understanding, make corrections, and see how prepared they were. It also gave me immediate feedback on what concepts needed more review.\r\n\r\nThe flexible seating has created a welcoming and supportive learning environment. Students are able to spread out on the carpet, collaborate comfortably, and stay engaged for longer periods of time. This flexibility has helped students feel more relaxed and confident when participating in discussions and activities. The human body model has been especially impactful during our lesson on metabolism. Being able to physically see and interact with the organs helped students better understand how the body systems work together, making an abstract concept much more concrete.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the materials, they were extremely excited. They loved having space to work on the carpet, were eager to use the additional microscope, and were immediately curious about the body organ model. Their enthusiasm carried into the lessons and increased participation across the class.\r\n\r\nThank you so much for providing these resources. No matter how big or small, we are using every item to support student learning. Your generosity has made a meaningful difference in our classroom, and my students truly appreciate the opportunities these materials provide.","fullyFundedDate":1760982501870,"projectUrl":"project/supporting-future-scientists-through-han/9847898/","projectTitle":"Supporting Future Scientists Through Hands-On Learning, Literacy, and Equity","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Coursey","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10324025"},{"teacherId":2846072,"projectId":9834471,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for these amazing resources! First, the Math Tasks for the Thinking Classroom book has really provided me with some great ways to teach. The students have been enjoying the fun activities! As for all of the Art of Problem Solving Books, this has been a dream come true! I have been working with advanced learners for almost 20 years and have always wanted the complete set of these books! The best part of these books is how detailed they get and how they teach the material to students. I coach a math club in which we compete in many meets and these books have really helped me teach the hardest material in the best ways possible! Again, thank you so much for these materials and I will be putting them to good use year after year!","fullyFundedDate":1760804554681,"projectUrl":"project/math-books-to-promote-deeper-thinking/9834471/","projectTitle":"Math Books to Promote Deeper Thinking!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Lancy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2846072_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1475106248255","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mr-lancy"},{"teacherId":10308410,"projectId":9816337,"letterContent":"I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for your incredibly generous donation to my DonorsChoose project. Thanks to your support, my students now have access to new flexible seating options and an assortment of engaging manipulatives and fidget tools that have already made a profound difference in our classroom.\r\n\r\nThe impact of your contribution has been nothing short of amazing. As you might know, I had a vision of creating a classroom environment where every student felt comfortable, engaged, and motivated to participate in daily lessons. The flexible seating options you funded have allowed my students to take ownership of their learning spaces and have created an environment that promotes focus, collaboration, and independence. Whether it's students sitting on wobble stools, kneeling on cushions, or using their standing desks, I've witnessed firsthand how these seating arrangements allow students to work in ways that suit their individual needs and learning styles.\r\n\r\nIt has been truly inspiring to observe how these new seating options have increased engagement in our lessons. Students who might have once struggled to stay focused are now able to participate more fully in our daily activities. The ability to move, stretch, and adjust their seating throughout the day has made them more comfortable and energized, which has resulted in a noticeable improvement in their attention and enthusiasm. Watching students so actively involved in our lessons has been one of the most rewarding aspects of this experience.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, the fidgets and manipulatives you so kindly provided have been an invaluable resource in fostering a dynamic and hands-on learning environment. These items have given students the tools they need to stay focused during independent work and to channel any excess energy in a productive way. I've seen students who typically struggle with restlessness or anxiety now using these tools to stay calm and centered while they work. From squishy stress balls to tactile fidget cubes, each item has been utilized in ways I didn't even anticipate. It's incredible how these small tools are making a big difference in students' ability to engage in their work without becoming overwhelmed.\r\n\r\nI also want to acknowledge the way your donation has positively impacted the overall classroom atmosphere. There is now an evident sense of excitement and ownership in the room, as students eagerly choose their preferred seating and fidget tools each day. The flexibility these options provide has helped students to feel more in control of their own learning, and this sense of autonomy has been crucial in building confidence and self-motivation.\r\n\r\nIt's not every day that a teacher is fortunate enough to receive such a thoughtful and impactful donation. Your generosity has truly transformed our classroom and will continue to do so for years to come. Please know that your support is not only appreciated, but also deeply valued by every single student in our class. I am beyond grateful for your belief in the power of hands-on learning and for making it possible for me to provide my students with the tools they need to thrive.\r\n\r\nOnce again, thank you so much for your incredible contribution. You have made a lasting impact on the lives of my students, and for that, we are all so thankful.","fullyFundedDate":1760489739827,"projectUrl":"project/inclusive-learning/9816337/","projectTitle":"Inclusive Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Markiewicz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10308410_orig.jpg?crop=2089,2089,x180,y287&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760467596305","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10308410"},{"teacherId":2513997,"projectId":9828226,"letterContent":"My students have been able to use the materials immediately! They are annotating stories and articles with multiple readings, using a different color each time—so the paper, pencils and pens are already unboxed and in their hands. The stickers were a treat for students who were great peer models for the activity! \r\n\r\nIn our Tuesday enrichment class, they were excited to browse the new books! We just finished a novel study and they love being able to read the next book in the series. All of the materials are great quality and perfect for our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1760588405750,"projectUrl":"project/bring-literacy-to-life/9828226/","projectTitle":"Bring Literacy to Life!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lancy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2513997_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1455574237683","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-lancy"},{"teacherId":3484594,"projectId":8962896,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donations for our LEGO Art display. \r\n\r\nStudents enjoyed building the sets very much. It inspired them to create 2D art creations made out of LEGO and learn new building techniques. In addition they learned building techniques to add texture to their creations.\r\n\r\nThis summer students at LEGO camp finished Vincent Van Gogh's Starry Night to go along with these items on display at school!\r\n\r\nYou generosity has not gone unnoticed. We appreciate every opportunity given to our students and are thankful for your continued support of our club!","fullyFundedDate":1733591521871,"projectUrl":"project/lego-art-gallery/8962896/","projectTitle":"LEGO Art Gallery","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Backus","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3484594_orig.png?crop=877,877,x78,y61&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758147936485","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3484594"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_94086","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":957,"numTeachers":57,"percentFrplEligible":8,"percentAsian":22,"percentBlack":18,"percentWhite":49,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":5,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"16.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"RURAL","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_FRINGE"},"inStateSupporters":76.1,"schoolId":94086,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Alfred G Waters Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Alfred G Waters Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/delaware/appoquinimink-school-district/alfred-g-waters-middle-school/94086"}