{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Ben Franklin Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":31.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":5271633,"projectId":9814050,"letterContent":"This project had a meaningful and lasting impact on my 6th grade students by transforming our classroom into a dynamic, organized, and equitable station-teaching environment. As learners in a self-contained special education setting within a Title I school, my students benefited most from instruction that was accessible, hands-on, and responsive to their individual needs. By implementing structured learning stations, this project ensured that every student received targeted support while also fostering independence, collaboration, and curiosity.\r\n\r\nThe teacher-led station provided consistent, small-group instruction aligned to each student's IEP goals, allowing me to address gaps in reading comprehension, vocabulary, writing stamina, and scientific reasoning. The independent/technology station gave students opportunities to build confidence with digital tools and engage with personalized literacy and science tasks at their own pace. Through the hands-on/collaboration station, students applied what they learned in meaningful, movement-based activities that encouraged problem-solving, teamwork, and deeper understanding of scientific and literary concepts.\r\n\r\nWith these stations in place, lessons became more accessible, students remained more engaged, and complex skills became manageable. This project helped my students experience success daily, not only strengthening their academic growth, but also improving their confidence as learners. Ultimately, the station-teaching model created a classroom environment where every child could thrive, participate fully, and develop a lifelong love of learning.","fullyFundedDate":1762649337601,"projectUrl":"project/station-teaching-for-success-in-science/9814050/","projectTitle":"Station Teaching for Success in Science and Language Arts!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Andreala-Marra","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5271633_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1522357835591","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/msandreala"},{"teacherId":7013008,"projectId":9327675,"letterContent":"We are eternally grateful for your generosity. The cooling system is handy, since we are in an old schoolhouse without one. Unfortunately, when the heat comes, we are unable to regulate the temperature. Some of our students have conditions where being in hot temperatures for an extended period of time can be more than uncomfortable. And yet, not extreme enough to mandate a temperature-regulated room. So, the addition of the cooling system is invaluable.\r\nThe students are incredibly grateful that they have a classroom that is cool and comfortable. In fact, students are requesting to use the classroom as a cool place during recess.","fullyFundedDate":1754915002815,"projectUrl":"project/cool-our-room/9327675/","projectTitle":"Cool Our Room","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. D.","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7013008_orig.jpg?crop=736,736,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754939952986","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7013008"},{"teacherId":1269576,"projectId":9507877,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous contribution to our classroom! The folders, pencils, facial tissues, and sanitizer you provided have made such a meaningful difference in our daily classroom routines and learning environment. My students immediately organized their folders for our Language Arts class. The pencils are a simple too but powerful to keep learning flowing without interruptions. The tissues and sanitizer have also helped us maintain a clean and healthy classroom, especially during the colder months when germs can spread quickly.\r\n\r\nHaving the materials they need allows them to focus fully on their ideas instead of worrying about missing supplies. Your generosity has not only met practical needs but also created a sense of care and community in our classroom. Thank you for helping my students feel prepared, valued, and excited to learn every day!","fullyFundedDate":1755873674572,"projectUrl":"project/a-clean-calm-start-for-every-learner/9507877/","projectTitle":"A Clean, Calm Start for Every Learner!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. LaMadrid","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1269576_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1695694940823","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lamadrid-peluso"},{"teacherId":7013008,"projectId":9081914,"letterContent":"Often, I am asked if I have something extra to eat or drink, especially when there is a half- day and the cafeteria is not open. So, these drinks will be particularly useful to those students who are unable to bring in a drink. Also, when the weather gets warmer, these drinks cool off those students cannot afford extra drinks. I thank you for the ability to provide these drinks to those students that will need it the most. My students will be grateful to know that these drinks are available in the coming days, when those half-days come around.","fullyFundedDate":1737922199048,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-essentials-shipment-2025-01-2/9081914/","projectTitle":"Classroom Essentials Shipment: 2025-01-26","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. D.","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7013008_orig.jpg?crop=736,736,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754939952986","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7013008"},{"teacherId":7013008,"projectId":8846454,"letterContent":"We are using the crayons to enhance student cover pages for their language arts notebooks. Also, we have relaxing Fridays where students do coloring in coloring books.\r\n When we received the crayons, students were excited since we only had a few left. Some students are unable to bring in crayons, so this has been a tremendous help when we are creating cover pages, comics, or other creative activities.\r\n The next step, or upcoming project is to continue creating their cover pages for each chapter in the book we are reading. Also, they are creating signs for Black History Month that will require them to add color.","fullyFundedDate":1727738820481,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-essentials-shipment-2024-09-3/8846454/","projectTitle":"Classroom Essentials Shipment: 2024-09-30","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. D.","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7013008_orig.jpg?crop=736,736,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754939952986","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7013008"},{"teacherId":7013008,"projectId":8846381,"letterContent":"The Scholastic magazines are a hit. There are not many opportunities to teach or expose my students to current events, and the magazines are a wonderful resource that engages my students in what's going on in our world. Also, there is a digital component, so some students receive the digital version of the magazine.\r\n In my class we begin our day, every day reading a book of their choice for 10 minutes, and we swap the next day by reading Scholastic Magazine. \r\n Some students do not like to carry a personal book and enjoy reading the magazine. Then some students enjoy a new magazine, with current information and they look forward to the new magazines.","fullyFundedDate":1729531083676,"projectUrl":"project/magazines-in-the-room/8846381/","projectTitle":"Magazines in the Room","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. D.","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7013008_orig.jpg?crop=736,736,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754939952986","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7013008"},{"teacherId":7013008,"projectId":8625838,"letterContent":"I am proud to announce that my students are using the stools when they are in small groups, or working with a peer. Recently, students were grouped to work on a pitch for their \"Shark Tank\" activity. Instead of moving the desks for two groups, they were allowed to use the stools to sit and move around in their groups to communicate and strategize.\r\n When our building custodian brought in the boxes, students were inquisitive about what could be in the boxes. Me and a few students opened the boxes. I allowed the three students who helped me open the boxes to take turns sitting on the stools. Then, we rotated around the class for several minutes at a time. The tray tables were given to students to work on the floor - this has been a great success.\r\n Currently, we are practicing how to provide feedback. So, students are paired up to critique their peers' writing and engage in a discussion on possible methods to improve upon their writing tasks.","fullyFundedDate":1726844309508,"projectUrl":"project/flexible-seating/8625838/","projectTitle":"Flexible Seating","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. D.","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7013008_orig.jpg?crop=736,736,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754939952986","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7013008"},{"teacherId":1269576,"projectId":8690958,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for your incredible support of our DonorsChoose project, \"Empowering Perspective Book Club\". Your generosity has brought transformative books into our classroom, creating opportunities for my students to grow as readers, critical thinkers, and compassionate individuals. The addition of these titles has not only ignited a love for reading but has also encouraged deep, meaningful discussions that enrich their understanding of the world. These conversations extend far beyond the classroom walls, fostering connections with parents who are now engaging in book discussions with their children at home.\r\n\r\nThanks to your donation, my students have been hooked by stories such as Alan Gratz's \"Refugee\" and \"Project 1065\", along with \"Tasting the Sky: A Palestinian Childhood\". These novels explore the struggles of displaced families, the moral complexities of war, and the resilience of the human spirit. Through these books, students are learning to analyze how authors craft characters' points of view, how settings influence plot development, and how thematic parallels can be drawn to current events. \r\n\r\nThe impact of this project has been truly remarkable. My students eagerly bring these books home, reading with enthusiasm and sharing their insights with family members. Parents have expressed excitement about the rich discussions these stories have sparked, creating an unexpected bridge between school and home. This project has empowered my students to see the world through new perspectives, helping them to connect with the lives and struggles of others in meaningful ways. Thank you for being a part of their educational journey and for making such a profound difference in their lives.","fullyFundedDate":1726686391534,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-perspectives-book-club/8690958/","projectTitle":"Empowering Perspectives Book Club","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. LaMadrid","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1269576_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1695694940823","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lamadrid-peluso"},{"teacherId":8222642,"projectId":8409969,"letterContent":"On behalf of my students, I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks for your generous donation to support our middle school students with autism. Your contribution has made an incredible difference in our speech therapy room, providing us with sensory-rich speech supplies that are enhancing the learning experience for these students in ways we never thought possible.\r\n\r\nThe resources you helped provide—such as books, games, and fidgets—are not just tools; they are bridges to communication, engagement, and connection. For many of our students, these sensory-rich materials are helping them express themselves more clearly, stay focused, and participate more fully in class activities. This makes a profound difference in their ability to succeed and thrive both academically and socially.\r\n\r\nYour generosity helped me create an environment that respects the individual needs of each student while fostering a sense of inclusion, self-confidence, and achievement. I am deeply grateful for your support and commitment to improving the lives of our students. It is because of donors like you that we can continue to make a meaningful impact.\r\n\r\nOnce again, thank you for your kindness and for helping us bring these valuable resources into our speech space.","fullyFundedDate":1725979708681,"projectUrl":"project/creating-a-sensory-rich-and-play-based-s/8409969/","projectTitle":"Creating a Sensory-Rich and Play-Based Speech Therapy Room for Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Barbosa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8222642"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_80696","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":485,"numTeachers":57,"percentFrplEligible":51,"percentAsian":9,"percentBlack":32,"percentWhite":10,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":43,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"5 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"8.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":68.9,"schoolId":80696,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Ben Franklin Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Ben Franklin Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-jersey/teaneck-public-schools/ben-franklin-middle-school/80696"}