{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Chestnut Tag Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":46.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10270209,"projectId":10252375,"letterContent":"This project has helped us create a more organized and supportive technology space for our students with autism. The new storage rack gives us a dedicated place to safely organize our computers and tablets, making it easier for students to access the technology they need during learning activities. Having a consistent and organized system also helps reduce distractions and supports smoother transitions between activities, which is especially important for students who benefit from structure and predictability.\r\n\r\nOur students are excited to see their technology organized and readily available for learning and creative activities. They use computers and tablets to practice academic skills, explore digital resources, complete assignments, and express their creativity. Some students have especially responded well to having a clearly defined technology area because they know where the devices are located and what to expect when it is time to use them. This simple improvement has helped make our classroom feel more welcoming, organized, and ready for learning.","fullyFundedDate":1778030934346,"projectUrl":"project/organizing-technology-and-expanding-crea/10252375/","projectTitle":"Organizing Technology and Expanding Creative Opportunities for Students with Autism","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Vargas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10270209"},{"teacherId":10270209,"projectId":10192097,"letterContent":"This project has given my students the technology they need to continue creating, editing, and sharing their podcast and video stories without worrying about limited storage or losing their work. Students are using these tools to record their ideas, collaborate on projects, practice communication skills, and develop their confidence in expressing themselves. The reliable storage also allows us to keep their projects organized and safely preserve their work as they continue building their digital portfolios.\r\n\r\nWhat excites my students most is seeing their ideas become real podcasts and videos that they can be proud of. Students who may be quieter during traditional classroom activities have especially enjoyed having a creative way to share their voices and perspectives. The process of planning, recording, editing, and reviewing their work has encouraged them to take greater ownership of their learning while developing valuable technology and communication skills.\r\n\r\nAs we continue our podcast and video projects, students will build on these experiences by creating new stories, refining their editing skills, and learning how to communicate their ideas effectively to an audience. These resources have helped turn technology into a meaningful learning tool where every student has an opportunity to be heard.","fullyFundedDate":1778166060756,"projectUrl":"project/every-voice-counts-storing-and-sharing/10192097/","projectTitle":"Every Voice Counts: Storing and Sharing Student Podcast Stories","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Vargas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10270209"},{"teacherId":10270209,"projectId":10121896,"letterContent":"These new sensory and learning resources have already made a meaningful difference in our classroom. My students are using the sensory tools to help regulate their emotions, maintain focus, and feel more comfortable during learning activities. The educational materials are also giving them more opportunities to practice reading, writing, communication, and math skills in ways that are engaging and accessible to their individual needs.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the new materials, they were excited and eager to explore them. It was wonderful to see their curiosity and engagement, especially when they realized that these resources were now part of their classroom. Having the right tools available allows us to create a calmer learning environment while encouraging students to participate more independently and confidently.\r\n\r\nOur next step is to continue incorporating these resources into our daily lessons and individualized learning activities. We will use them to reinforce academic skills, support communication, and provide sensory breaks when needed. Most importantly, these materials are helping us build a classroom where every student can feel supported, successful, and ready to learn.","fullyFundedDate":1776129669392,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-students-with-autism-through/10121896/","projectTitle":"Empowering Students With Autism Through Sensory and Learning Tools","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Vargas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10270209"},{"teacherId":9117452,"projectId":9590140,"letterContent":"Thanks for your contributions to the 6th grade project. We appreciate your donations and support immensely. Students did take advantage of using the headphones during independent instruction time. They were able to get a quick bite if needed thanks to the snacks. They had access to pencils and erasers when they didn't bring one in. we were able to use other supplies to build community and decor door for Hispanic heritage month. It was a very good year. And it was nice to be able to provide the manipulatives and supplies to my students.","fullyFundedDate":1757508014297,"projectUrl":"project/giving-back-to-middle-schoolers/9590140/","projectTitle":"Giving Back to Middle Schoolers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mercado","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9117452_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724092025589","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9117452"},{"teacherId":4651795,"projectId":10204492,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom with these technology and workspace supplies! These items have made a wonderful impact by helping our students stay organized, engaged, and more independent during their learning activities.\r\n\r\nThe laptop screen extender has been especially helpful for students who benefit from having additional screen space to view assignments, directions, and learning materials more easily. The wireless keyboard and mouse provide students with a more comfortable and accessible way to interact with technology, while the stylus pens allow students to practice writing, navigating, and completing activities in a hands-on way.\r\n\r\nThe desk protectors have helped create a more organized and welcoming workspace where students can focus and feel comfortable while working. These supplies have supported our students in building technology skills, independence, and confidence in the classroom.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping us create a learning environment with tools that allow our students to be successful and show what they can do!","fullyFundedDate":1777979489165,"projectUrl":"project/tech-that-empowers-helping-students-wor/10204492/","projectTitle":"Tech That Empowers: Helping Students Work Smarter","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Korb","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4651795_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1517796948434","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/l-wagner"},{"teacherId":4651795,"projectId":10100801,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for funding our hygiene kit project! These supplies have been such a helpful addition to our classroom and have made a bigger impact than you may realize.\r\n\r\nHaving items like toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, lotion, and nail trimmers available has helped our students feel more confident and comfortable throughout the school day. These kits give students the opportunity to practice important self-care routines and build independence with everyday life skills.\r\n\r\nOur students have been excited to have their own hygiene supplies and have appreciated having access to items that help them feel their best. Your generosity has helped support not only their personal care needs but also their confidence, dignity, and readiness to learn.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping us provide these meaningful resources and for making a difference in our students' daily lives!","fullyFundedDate":1778105398976,"projectUrl":"project/learning-self-care-teaching-everyday-hy/10100801/","projectTitle":"Learning Self-Care: Teaching Everyday Hygiene Skills","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Korb","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4651795_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1517796948434","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/l-wagner"},{"teacherId":4651795,"projectId":10146025,"letterContent":"I am so excited to have this project funded—thank you so much for investing in our students!\r\n\r\nThis collection of books and hands-on literacy materials is going to make a huge difference for our learners. Many of our students benefit from engaging, interactive activities that help build confidence while learning to read, and these resources will give them exactly that.\r\n\r\nThe phonics games, flash cards, CVC word builders, and alphabet manipulatives will provide fun, hands-on ways for students to practice foundational reading skills. The variety of books—from touch-and-feel books for our earliest readers to leveled readers and chapter book series for developing readers—will help ensure every student can find books that match both their reading level and their interests.\r\n\r\nI'm especially excited to use these materials to create literacy centers where students can practice skills independently, build confidence, and discover that reading can be enjoyable. The bookmarks will also be a fun way to celebrate reading milestones and encourage students to keep picking up books.\r\n\r\nYour generosity is doing more than purchasing supplies—it's creating opportunities for students to experience success, build a love of reading, and gain skills they'll carry with them for years to come.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and helping make our classroom a place where every child has the opportunity to grow as a reader.","fullyFundedDate":1773845365304,"projectUrl":"project/reading-with-a-purpose/10146025/","projectTitle":"Reading With a Purpose","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Korb","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4651795_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1517796948434","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/l-wagner"},{"teacherId":4651795,"projectId":9955030,"letterContent":"These materials have made a positive impact in my classroom by providing my students with additional tools to help them regulate their emotions, manage sensory needs, and stay engaged in learning. The weighted lap pad has been especially helpful for students who need calming sensory input during transitions, independent work, or moments when they feel overwhelmed. It has given students a safe and appropriate strategy to help their bodies feel calm and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nThe sensory body socks have provided students with opportunities for movement and deep pressure input, helping them practice self-regulation skills and return to classroom activities with greater focus. These tools have supported students in becoming more independent in recognizing and managing their own sensory needs.\r\n\r\nThe laptop stand and power strip have helped improve our classroom technology setup, making it easier for staff and students to access digital resources comfortably and efficiently. The teacher stamp has also supported positive communication with families by allowing me to quickly celebrate student successes and share accomplishments.","fullyFundedDate":1765728296119,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-solutions/9955030/","projectTitle":"Sensory Solutions","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Korb","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4651795_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1517796948434","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/l-wagner"},{"teacherId":8648715,"projectId":10145090,"letterContent":"Some of our students are going through a lot at this moment, and we have been using the books to teach about emotions and how to assertively express it. As I mentioned before, my students have nonverbal autism. Last week one of our students was removed from his home. We strive to provide a sense of normalcy. He left me speechless when he said \"I feel angry!\", and then recited every word from the book \"A little spot of anger\" by Diane Alber. \r\nThanks so much for believing in my students by supporting my project.","fullyFundedDate":1773844396840,"projectUrl":"project/books-to-build-the-emotional-brain/10145090/","projectTitle":"Books to Build the Emotional Brain","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Rivera Ortiz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8648715_orig.jpg?crop=240,240,x0,y37&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760038954978","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/links243"},{"teacherId":10270000,"projectId":9731163,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom through DonorsChoose. Because of your generosity, I was able to add a small trampoline and sensory toys that have made a huge difference for my students.\r\n\r\nThe trampoline has quickly become a favorite tool for helping students regulate their bodies and emotions. When they are feeling overwhelmed, restless, or need a quick movement break, a few minutes on the trampoline helps them reset so they can return to learning more focused and ready to participate.\r\n\r\nThe sensory toys have also been incredibly helpful. I created a small sensory calming station in our classroom where students can take a moment to use the tools and regulate themselves. They absolutely love it and visit the calming station multiple times throughout the day when they need a break.\r\n\r\nYour support has helped create a classroom environment where students feel safe, supported, and able to manage their needs so they can be successful learners. Thank you for making such a meaningful impact on our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1768429047658,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-fun-for-my-classroom-kiddos/9731163/","projectTitle":"Sensory Fun for My Classroom Kiddos","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rivers","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10270000"},{"teacherId":4651795,"projectId":9783500,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my classroom with these cooking supplies. Your generosity truly means more than you know. Because of you, my students will have access to real, functional equipment that allows them to learn hands-on life skills in a meaningful way.\r\n\r\nWith these supplies, my students will be able to practice essential functional skills in a way that feels empowering and exciting. Using real tools in a structured learning environment helps bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students and investing in their future. Your support is making a lasting difference in their lives.","fullyFundedDate":1770509568473,"projectUrl":"project/cooking-up-life-skills-for-independent-l/9783500/","projectTitle":"Cooking Up Life Skills for Independent Living","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Korb","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4651795_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1517796948434","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/l-wagner"},{"teacherId":4651795,"projectId":9355232,"letterContent":"Thank you again for making this project possible. Because of your generosity, my students were able to engage in hands-on Earth Science learning that brought abstract concepts to life. The materials allowed students to explore topics like Earth systems, weather, and scientific observation in a concrete, meaningful way.\r\n\r\nMany of my students learn best through active, visual, and tactile experiences. Having access to these supplies increased student engagement, improved understanding, and built confidence as students practiced real scientific skills. Students were excited to participate, ask questions, and take ownership of their learning.\r\n\r\nThis project had a lasting impact by making science more accessible, engaging, and meaningful for my students. Your support helped create positive learning experiences that my students will remember and build upon in the future. Thank you for investing in their growth and success.\r\n\r\nWith sincere gratitude,\r\nLeanne","fullyFundedDate":1757544372803,"projectUrl":"project/earth-science/9355232/","projectTitle":"Earth Science","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Korb","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4651795_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1517796948434","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/l-wagner"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_108450","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":254,"numTeachers":24,"percentFrplEligible":74,"percentAsian":2,"percentBlack":23,"percentWhite":9,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":59,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":4,"gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"10.6:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":53.6,"schoolId":108450,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Chestnut Tag Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Chestnut Tag Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/massachusetts/springfield-public-school-district/chestnut-accelerated-middle-school-tag/108450"}