{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"James Blair Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":28.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10280664,"projectId":9760505,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our school now has a fully functioning otoscope in the health office—and it is already making a meaningful difference in the lives of our students each day.\r\n\r\nEar discomfort is one of the most common reasons children visit the nurse, and with this new tool, I am now able to quickly and accurately assess what's going on. Whether it's an early ear infection, wax buildup, or simply a mild irritation, being able to look inside a child's ear gives me the information I need to make safe, appropriate decisions. This means students who are well enough to stay in school can return to class quickly, while those who need medical attention can get prompt care from a provider. Your support is helping reduce unnecessary absences and keep more children learning.\r\n\r\nThe otoscope is also helping strengthen communication with families. Instead of simply describing symptoms, I can now share clear, specific findings with parents and give them better guidance on next steps. This has already improved follow-up care and provided reassurance to families who want to feel confident about their child's health.\r\n\r\nBeyond its diagnostic value, the otoscope has become a helpful teaching tool. Students are naturally curious, and it has given me opportunities to talk with them about ear hygiene, the importance of reporting symptoms early, and how to care for their bodies. These small but important lessons help foster lifelong habits that support their well-being.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, our school health office is safer, more efficient, and better equipped to support every child who walks through the door. Thank you for investing in our students' health and ensuring they can learn in comfort, confidence, and good care.","fullyFundedDate":1764076060213,"projectUrl":"project/hearing-health/9760505/","projectTitle":"Hearing Health!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lemen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10280664"},{"teacherId":4974105,"projectId":9391725,"letterContent":"Thank you for making our Holocaust literacy unit possible. Because of your generous support we received a class set of The Devil's Arithmetic by Jane Yolen and Alias Anna Susan Hood, and students are reading them alongside The Impossible Escape by Steve Sheinkin. Your gift is already changing how our class engages with literacy, learns history and practices empathy. \r\n\r\nFirst, the texts emphasize historical empathy and perspective-taking: These books center characters whose lives are disrupted by anti-Jewish persecution, helping students imagine the human effects of historical events rather than treating them as abstract facts. Students practice considering how choices, fear, courage, and everyday moments felt to people at the time. Furthermore, students are strengthening close reading and text-evidence based writing. Because these novels include emotionally powerful scenes and details drawn from history, students learn to cite specific lines and passages to support interpretations of character motivation, theme, and tone. Finally, the books allow students to compare nonfiction and historical fiction. Reading The Impossible Escape next to the two novels teaches students to evaluate different kinds of sources. Sheinkin's researched narrative gives context and chronology, Yolen dramatizes personal experience with a time-travel narrative and Hood's book is written in verse and engages readers with short powerful scenes. Students identify where fiction amplifies voices and where nonfiction fills in historical scaffolding.\r\n\r\nThese books also allow for thoughtful reflection on theme and symbolism. These books invite discussion of memory, identity, resistance, and the moral demands placed on bystanders and participants. Students analyze recurring images and motifs and connect them to larger historical and ethical questions. Not to mention, the books are perfect for vocabulary, structure, and craft study. The texts vary in tone and structure (time-slip narrative, epistolary elements, compact lyrical language). This variety gives students models for voice, pacing, and how authors compress or expand historical detail for emotional effect. Last not but certainly not least, these texts promote civil discourse and reflective writing. Classroom conversations can be difficult, and these books create openings for respectful discussion about hard topics. Students practice listening, asking clarifying questions, and writing reflective responses that connect text to their own understanding.\r\n\r\nHere's what reading looks like in a typical week of learning.\r\n\r\nPurposeful mini-lessons: We begin class with short, focused mini-lessons (e.g., using textual evidence, analyzing a passage's word choice, or connecting a scene to historical context from The Impossible Escape).\r\n\r\nInterweaving fiction and nonfiction: Lessons intentionally pair scenes from the novels with short nonfiction excerpts and classroom timelines so students build a layered understanding of events, causes, and consequences.\r\n\r\nWriting and reflection: After reading, students produce short analytic paragraphs, journal entries that reflect on ethical dilemmas, and exit tickets that name one new fact and one lingering question.\r\n\r\nStudents who are especially engaged:\r\nReaders who prefer character-driven stories: Several students who usually avoid nonfiction are deeply engaged by the novels' personal narratives. The intimate perspectives in The Devil's Arithmetic and Alias Anna have sparked sustained reading and thoughtful character journals.\r\n\r\nReluctant readers: The accessible language and compelling plots have pulled in students who often struggle with longer texts. Short, intense scenes let them feel successful and build stamina.\r\n\r\nAdvanced readers and research-oriented students: These learners are using The Impossible Escape to dig deeper into historical context and are bringing primary-source questions to class discussions.\r\n\r\nImpact so far:\r\nIncreased critical thinking: Students are consistently supporting interpretations with textual evidence and historical detail.\r\n\r\nGreater empathy and mature conversation: Classroom discussions have become more reflective, and students are more comfortable confronting difficult moral questions.\r\nStronger reading habits: More students are choosing to continue the books at home, asking for extra reading time, and borrowing supplementary texts from our classroom collection.\r\n\r\nThank you again for supporting this important learning. Your donation didn't just buy books; it created a space where students build historical understanding, practice empathy, and become stronger readers and thinkers.","fullyFundedDate":1756915967796,"projectUrl":"project/choice-books-for-holocaust-literacy-unit/9391725/","projectTitle":"Choice Books for Holocaust Literacy Unit","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Jones","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4974105_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1533487469413","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/andrea-j-jones"},{"teacherId":4974105,"projectId":9023648,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my enthusiasm for having the addition of the book Attack of the Black Rectangles to our classroom library. This engaging and thought-provoking story not only enriches our library's collection but also enhances our What Matters Thematic Literacy Unit.\r\n\r\nAttack of the Black Rectangles is a captivating narrative that encourages creativity and critical thinking. The story revolves around a protagonist who discovers that his favorite book has been altered with black rectangles, sparking a journey of discovery about censorship, the value of literature, and the importance of standing up for one's beliefs. \r\n\r\nThe book fosters critical thinking skills at a time that is needed most. The themes of censorship and the power of storytelling prompt students to think critically about the books they read and the messages they convey. This encourages them to analyze and discuss the implications of altering or censoring literature. This book serves as a starting point for meaningful conversations about censorship, freedom of speech, and the role of literature in society. It can help students develop a strong sense of empathy and social awareness.\r\n\r\nIncluding Attack of the Black Rectangles in our library demonstrates our commitment to diverse voices and perspectives in literature. It provides students with the opportunity to see themselves reflected in the stories they read and to understand different viewpoints. Not to mention, the engaging storyline and relatable characters capture the interest of our students, motivating them to read more and participate actively in classroom discussions.\r\n\r\nIn conclusion, adding Attack of the Black Rectangles to our classroom library significantly benefit our students by promoting critical thinking, creativity, and meaningful discussions around important themes. This book has inspired our students to speak up for what matters to them and contributes positively to their educational experience.","fullyFundedDate":1740667815461,"projectUrl":"project/the-power-of-perspective-literature-tha/9023648/","projectTitle":"The Power of Perspective: Literature That Inspires Change","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Jones","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4974105_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1533487469413","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/andrea-j-jones"},{"teacherId":4974105,"projectId":9010679,"letterContent":"Having a waterfall added to a school serenity space has had a profound impact on the environment and the well-being of students and staff in a short amount of time.\r\n\r\nThe sound of flowing water creates a calming atmosphere that helps students de-stress, especially during high-pressure times or tense moments of de-escalation. The water features also aids in reducing distractions and helps students concentrate better by masking disruptive noises from the surrounding environment.\r\n\r\nBy providing a designated space for relaxation, students learn to manage stress effectively, developing healthy coping strategies that can benefit them throughout their lives. The addition of a waterfall attracts more students and staff to the serenity space, ensuring that it is utilized for its intended purpose, thus maximizing the impact of the investment.\r\n\r\nThe waterfall is part of broader mental health initiatives in our school, showing a commitment to student well-being and promoting a supportive school environment.\r\nIncorporating a waterfall into our school's serenity space is not just an aesthetic enhancement; it is a meaningful investment in the mental and emotional well-being of students.","fullyFundedDate":1735570175519,"projectUrl":"project/waterfall-for-school-serenity-space/9010679/","projectTitle":"Waterfall for School Serenity Space","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Jones","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4974105_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1533487469413","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/andrea-j-jones"},{"teacherId":9889485,"projectId":9038889,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity in helping me provide quality headphones for my students! Before receiving these, many students had to use defective headphones, making it difficult to focus and engage fully. These new headphones allow students to participate in differentiated instruction, enhancing their learning experience. The students were so excited when they saw the new headphones, one student said, \"These look like Beats!\" and another one said, \"these sound much better than the old headphones\". The students take great pride in their new headphones, ensuring they are used properly and handled with care. Your support has truly made a difference!","fullyFundedDate":1736611052969,"projectUrl":"project/enhancing-personalized-learning-with-qua/9038889/","projectTitle":"Enhancing Personalized Learning with Quality Headphones","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Redmond","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9889485_orig.png?crop=1058,1058,x0,y49&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1736371051314","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9889485"},{"teacherId":4974105,"projectId":8808178,"letterContent":"Having \"Impossible Escape: A True Story of Survival and Heroism in Nazi Europe\" donated to our classroom library for the Holocaust Literacy Unit has had several positive impacts, including raising historical awareness, promoting critical thinking and cultural understanding.\r\n\r\nFirst of all, the book raises historical awareness and improves literacy skills. The book provides students with a firsthand account of survival during a significant and tragic period in history. This helped foster a deeper understanding of the Holocaust and the resilience of individuals in the face of adversity. Adding diverse genres and topics to the library encourages reading and improves literacy skills, and engaging narratives like this one captures students' interest and promotes a love for reading. \r\n\r\nFurthermore, students engaged in discussions about moral dilemmas, choices made during the war, and the consequences of those choices, encouraging critical thinking and empathy. The narrative introduces students to different cultures and perspectives, promoting respect and appreciation for diversity. The story is also inspirational because it provides stories of heroism and survival that inspire students to develop resilience and courage in their own lives, motivating them to stand up against injustice.\r\nOverall, the donation enriched the educational experience, promoted inclusivity, and fostered important discussions in the classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1727748078909,"projectUrl":"project/engaging-striving-readers-with-a-holocau/8808178/","projectTitle":"Engaging Striving Readers with A Holocaust Survival Story","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Jones","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4974105_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1533487469413","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/andrea-j-jones"},{"teacherId":5261155,"projectId":8673397,"letterContent":"We are incredibly grateful to the families and corporate sponsors who generously contributed to support our middle school students. Your donations have allowed us to provide essential items such as snacks, hygiene products, and cleaning supplies; things that may seem small but make a big difference in our students' daily lives. Your kindness is helping to ensure that every student feels cared for and supported, both inside and outside the classroom.\r\n\r\nYour support is more than just financial. It's a meaningful reminder to our students that their community is behind them. Thanks to your generosity, we are better equipped to create a healthy, nurturing environment where all students can focus on learning and growing. On behalf of our entire school community, thank you for stepping up and showing what it means to invest in the future.","fullyFundedDate":1725635848413,"projectUrl":"project/a-healthy-start/8673397/","projectTitle":"A Healthy Start","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rynas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5261155_orig.jpg?crop=2208,2208,x0,y184&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1601234737172","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/msrhino"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_34846","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1141,"numTeachers":86,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":61,"percentWhite":20,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":9,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"13.3:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":72.0,"schoolId":34846,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about James Blair Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"James Blair Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/virginia/norfolk-public-schools/blair-middle-school/34846"}