{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Chiddix Junior High School","outOfStateSupporters":7.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10078208,"projectId":9734914,"letterContent":"The new science graphic novels have brought a whole new level of excitement and curiosity to our classroom! These texts help me teach students how to read informational and visual texts closely — identifying key scientific concepts, interpreting diagrams, and drawing evidence from both words and images. Students are also practicing critical thinking by connecting what they read to real-world science topics we explore in class.\r\n\r\nWhat's been most inspiring is how these books have reached students who didn't think they liked science or reading. They're reading more, asking deeper questions, and seeing science as something they can connect with.\r\n\r\nThank you for giving my students the chance to experience science in such an exciting, accessible way — your generosity has turned reading time into discovery time!","fullyFundedDate":1762266325439,"projectUrl":"project/the-illustrated-library/9734914/","projectTitle":"The Illustrated Library","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Thomas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10078208_orig.jpg?crop=230,230,x0,y39&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756333881948","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10078208"},{"teacherId":10078208,"projectId":9658093,"letterContent":"These resources have completely transformed our classroom atmosphere. Students who were once hesitant to participate are now leading design teams, and they're making real connections between science, art, and engineering.\r\n\r\nOur next step is to dive into a series of hands-on challenges where students will design solutions to real-world problems. They'll continue using these materials to test, improve, and present their creative ideas — all thanks to your generosity.\r\n\r\nYour support didn't just provide supplies; it created meaningful learning experiences and memories my students will carry with them for years. From all of us, thank you for believing in our classroom and helping make innovation come alive!","fullyFundedDate":1758202920509,"projectUrl":"project/building-scientific-stories/9658093/","projectTitle":"Building Scientific Stories","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Thomas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10078208_orig.jpg?crop=230,230,x0,y39&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756333881948","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10078208"},{"teacherId":9838246,"projectId":9656237,"letterContent":"I want to thank you again for your generosity in supporting our classroom project! The Yacker Tracker Stoplight Noise Control and Clock/Timer have already made such a positive difference for my students.\r\n\r\nWhen the Yacker Tracker arrived, my students were so excited to see how it worked. We turned it on for the first time during a group activity, and the room instantly shifted—students became more aware of their voices and worked together to keep the light on green. One student even said, \"It's like a game to see if we can stay on green the whole time!\" It's helping them learn self-control and teamwork in a way that feels fun and engaging.\r\n\r\nThe clock/timer has been equally helpful. We've been using it to structure activities during PE and group challenges, which keeps students focused and motivated. For example, during a fitness circuit, students rotate stations when the timer beeps, giving them a clear signal to transition smoothly. They really appreciate knowing exactly how much time they have left, and it makes our lessons flow with much less stress and confusion.\r\n\r\nThanks to you, my students are building skills in time management, cooperation, and self-regulation. Our next step is to continue weaving these tools into our daily lessons—whether it's pacing small group discussions, managing transitions in the gym, or encouraging teamwork during classroom projects.\r\n\r\nWe are so grateful that you chose to be part of our learning community. Your support has given us resources that bring structure, focus, and excitement into our classroom each day.","fullyFundedDate":1757683175730,"projectUrl":"project/on-time-and-on-task/9656237/","projectTitle":"On Time, and On Task!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gross","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9838246"},{"teacherId":9817185,"projectId":9093893,"letterContent":"The STEM items donated to my classroom have had such a meaningful impact on both teaching and learning. With these resources, students are more engaged, curious, and eager to explore hands-on problem-solving. They now have the opportunity to design, create, and test their own ideas—experiences that build critical thinking, teamwork, and a deeper love for learning. These tools not only spark excitement but also make science, technology, engineering, and math feel real and accessible to every student.\r\n\r\nI am deeply grateful to those who donated and gave so generously. Your support directly empowers my students, providing them with opportunities they wouldn't have had otherwise. Thank you for investing in their growth, their future, and in our classroom community.","fullyFundedDate":1746541556163,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-stem-activities-for-special-edu/9093893/","projectTitle":"Hands-On Stem Activities for Special Education Students","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Laura Stevens","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9817185_orig.jpg?crop=1431,1431,x645,y917&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1730070496794","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/laura-stevens"},{"teacherId":9838246,"projectId":8945242,"letterContent":"Thanks to your incredible generosity, our classroom is more active, energized, and engaged than ever before! With the new gator balls and activity trackers, my students have been able to combine fitness, teamwork, and goal-setting in fun and meaningful ways.\r\n\r\nOne of our first projects was a \"movement challenge\" where students wore their activity trackers while playing team games with the gator balls. Afterward, we gathered to review their steps, which led to great conversations about healthy habits, effort, and personal growth. It was powerful to see students not only cheering each other on during the game, but also celebrating their progress afterward.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, the excitement was off the charts. Students couldn't believe that the colorful new gator balls and new and easily accessible activity trackers were actually for them. Several immediately started brainstorming new games they wanted to try, and others proudly announced their step counts, challenging classmates in friendly competitions.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, our next step is to launch a \"fitness goals challenge,\" where students will set personal activity targets using their trackers and track progress over several weeks. We'll also continue exploring creative team games with the gator balls that encourage cooperation and inclusivity so that every student feels successful.\r\n\r\nThank you for giving my students these opportunities to move, play, and grow. Your generosity has truly brought joy and energy into our classroom, and we are so grateful for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1740153823860,"projectUrl":"project/pe-equipment-that-will-equip-all-student/8945242/","projectTitle":"Pe Equipment That Will Equip All Students for Life","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gross","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9838246"},{"teacherId":9812435,"projectId":8896635,"letterContent":"My 7th grade science students were absolutely thrilled when they received the STEM package Students eagerly dove into the hands-on activities, with many of them working together in teams to solve the puzzles or test out the engineering kits. The enthusiasm was contagious as they collaborated, problem-solved, and shared ideas while experimenting with the materials. It was evident that the fun, yet educational nature of the package brought out their creativity and curiosity in new ways.\r\n\r\nHaving STEM time in the classroom offers many valuable benefits, especially in fostering a deeper understanding of key concepts in science, technology, engineering, and math. These activities not only reinforce lessons learned in class but also encourage critical thinking, teamwork, and real-world application of scientific principles. Through puzzles and engineering challenges, students were able to grasp abstract concepts by interacting with tangible objects, which made learning more engaging and accessible. The variety of activities allowed each student to find something they enjoyed, whether it was a tactile task like a fidget spinner or a collaborative challenge like building a bridge out of blocks. This variety also caters to different learning styles, making STEM time an inclusive experience for everyone.\r\n\r\nEach STEM day has been a highly anticipated event, and the excitement among students is palpable every time we have one. Their enthusiasm has only grown with each session, as they look forward to new challenges and activities to explore. The hands-on nature of these activities has created an environment where learning feels like a fun and interactive adventure, rather than a task. It has been incredibly rewarding to see my students' faces light up as they engage with the materials and work through challenges together. Overall, STEM days have become a highlight in our classroom, and it is clear that the positive impact these activities have on student engagement and learning will continue to be felt throughout the year.","fullyFundedDate":1731527758276,"projectUrl":"project/first-year-7th-grade-science-teacher-s/8896635/","projectTitle":"First Year 7th Grade Science Teacher - Stem Focused!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Petree","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9812435_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y211&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1729627860410","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9812435"},{"teacherId":9819337,"projectId":8909038,"letterContent":"I cannot thank you enough for helping to fund my project regarding Mental Health and Literature! This has been so helpful in connecting with students and checking in on how they are doing.\r\n\r\nI have used one of the books for a class read aloud, which has led to fascinating conversations about hard topics. I feel that while some students may be experiencing similar difficult situations, it may also feel safer for them to talk about it regarding a character in a book, rather then their own experiences. This allows them to express themselves and learn from the characters, and then apply it to their own lives. I have added the books I received to my classroom library, and also did book talks about them. Now my students can check them out from my room whenever they would like. \r\n\r\nThe other items in my project, including the fidgets and coloring pages, have also been helpful. Many students benefit from keeping their hands busy during reading time, and the coloring pages are instrumental in building connection and community in my classroom. \r\n\r\nAgain, thank you so much for your generous donation to my project. With your help, I hope I can continue to make positive changes with my students.","fullyFundedDate":1730909931365,"projectUrl":"project/mental-health-and-literature-class/8909038/","projectTitle":"Mental Health and Literature Class","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Walsh","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9819337_orig.jpg?crop=2232,2232,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1730233751065","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9819337"},{"teacherId":9817185,"projectId":8905322,"letterContent":"On behalf of my special education class at Chiddix Junior High, I want to express our deepest gratitude for your generous donation that allowed us to purchase new items for the classroom. Since receiving these materials, our students have been actively engaged in using the stand-up desk and walking pad. This outlet allows our middle school students to burn the extra energy they may be storing all day. We know that students need to get up and move, and with this equipment, we can provide that option to them.\r\n\r\nRecently, students shared how the hands-on resources, such as fidgets including putty and clickers, have reduced their anxiety levels within the classroom. Your contribution has truly made a significant impact and directly benefits the learning experience for all our students. While some may see this as distracting, the actual impact it has on our students is priceless.\r\n\r\nAs we move into the holiday break and the weather changes, my first-hour instructional science class also benefited from the healthy snacks you provided. These young students often have hungry bellies, and without the food, the educational aspect can be forgotten as they focus on their rumbling stomachs.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your support. We are so grateful for your belief in our classroom community.","fullyFundedDate":1731160969696,"projectUrl":"project/mental-health-matters-embrace-your-min/8905322/","projectTitle":"Mental Health Matters! Embrace Your Mind!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Laura Stevens","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9817185_orig.jpg?crop=1431,1431,x645,y917&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1730070496794","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/laura-stevens"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_25742","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":643,"numTeachers":43,"percentFrplEligible":32,"percentAsian":12,"percentBlack":16,"percentWhite":59,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":4,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"15.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":93.0,"schoolId":25742,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Chiddix Junior High School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Chiddix Junior High School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/mclean-co-unit-district-5/chiddix-junior-high-school/25742"}