{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Chisholm Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":29.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":2918429,"projectId":9067586,"letterContent":"When the boxes showed up, my students acted like it was Christmas morning. I barely had the tape off the top before they were gathered around, wide-eyed and buzzing with questions. They asked every day what was in the packages.\r\n\r\nOur first attempt using the new resources was... chaotic in the best way. Pieces everywhere, ideas flying, a few \"Wait, why isn't this working?\" moments — but no one quit. Not one kid. They laughed, reset, and tried again. Watching students who usually shut down during challenging tasks suddenly light up and push through? I had to pretend I wasn't tearing up.\r\n\r\nMy favorite moment was even in the turmoil and feeling of defeat that I did it wrong, the students still wanted to keep working and keep trying. \r\n\r\nNext, we're taking what we've learned and stretching it into bigger challenges. The students keep pitching wild ideas for how to use the boxes, and honestly, I love every single one. Their confidence has grown right along with their curiosity.\r\n\r\nThank you for giving my students something that makes them excited to walk through the door. Your donation didn't just fund materials — it sparked joy, teamwork, and a whole lot of \"Miss, can we do this again?!\"","fullyFundedDate":1742915594576,"projectUrl":"project/breaking-into-math/9067586/","projectTitle":"Breaking Into Math","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Castle","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2918429_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1448375554198","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2918429"},{"teacherId":2463914,"projectId":9261466,"letterContent":"These books have been a great addition to my math curriculum. I read one at the beginning of a new section or skill, like adding and subtraction. I have even read a book on place value. My students with special needs get so excited to have story time. They will sit in our circle and focus on me. The stories I read help make the math concepts more concrete for them to understand. I have also had some of my regular math students ask to read some of the books for the beginner skills to help refresh what they already know. When I go to the shelf where these books are kept, my students get so happy. Thank you so much for providing us with literature in our content area.","fullyFundedDate":1746540181886,"projectUrl":"project/turning-the-page-on-math-trouble/9261466/","projectTitle":"Turning the Page on Math trouble","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Barr","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2463914_orig.jpg?crop=1199,1199,x4,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1642173933539","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2463914"},{"teacherId":9847817,"projectId":9212075,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support of our classroom library. Your contribution has enabled us to build a diverse and accessible collection of high-interest novels that cater to a wide range of reading levels and learning needs. As I unpacked the books, I had students doing happy dances, and hearing \"ohhs\" and \"awws\" filled the room — their excitement was truly contagious. These engaging titles, like Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, The Maze Runner, The City of Ember, and Among the Hidden, provide captivating stories that help build reading fluency and confidence.\r\n\r\nWith these new resources, students are eagerly choosing books that resonate with their interests and reading levels, fostering a love for reading and encouraging meaningful participation in book discussions. The illustrated editions and boxed sets have been especially popular, offering visual engagement and relatable themes that connect with many students.\r\n\r\nI can't wait to use the illustrated editions for my novel studies and read-aloud sessions with students across all reading levels—from pre-readers to those reading on grade level. My kiddos especially love to lay on the floor and listen to me read, just like they did when they were in pre-K. These versions provide visual support that helps lower-level readers follow along while keeping higher-level students engaged. This inclusivity ensures every student can participate and enjoy our shared reading experiences, making literature accessible and exciting for all.\r\n\r\nYour support has made a lasting impact by creating a motivating and inclusive reading environment. Thank you for helping us provide resources that honor how our students learn best and inspire a lifelong love of reading.","fullyFundedDate":1746786230562,"projectUrl":"project/from-hogwarts-to-ember-class-books-to-b/9212075/","projectTitle":"From Hogwarts to Ember: Class Books to Build Confident Readers","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Edee Ruhl","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9847817_orig.jpg?crop=396,396,x23,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1736985469897","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9847817"},{"teacherId":9847817,"projectId":9236637,"letterContent":"Being in a middle school, it can be challenging to find basic books and resources that help students practice foundational reading skills. These materials simply don't exist in abundance at this level, yet my students and others who struggle with reading desperately need more practice to build and refine these essential skills. Thanks to your generous support, I now have the tools—like decodable books, phonics comics, and comprehension workbooks—that help my students make meaningful progress, even if it's behind their grade-level peers.\r\n\r\nJust because my students have disabilities doesn't mean they can't improve; it simply takes time, patience, and the right resources. With these new materials, I am better equipped to provide targeted instruction that meets each student where they are and helps them grow their skills step by step. This project has renewed my hope and strengthened my ability to help every student succeed at their own pace.\r\n\r\nYour support has made a lasting difference in creating a classroom environment where students feel encouraged and empowered to tackle the challenges of reading. Thank you for investing in my students' futures and helping them build the foundation they need for lifelong learning.","fullyFundedDate":1746786230918,"projectUrl":"project/building-readers-decodable-books-and-to/9236637/","projectTitle":"Building Readers: Decodable Books and Tools to Fill Every Shelf","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Edee Ruhl","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9847817_orig.jpg?crop=396,396,x23,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1736985469897","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9847817"},{"teacherId":9847817,"projectId":9236546,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support of our classroom library. Your contribution has enabled us to build a diverse and accessible collection of books that cater to a wide range of reading levels and interests. This project provided us with high-interest books and graphic novels that are not only engaging but also appropriate for students working to build fluency and confidence.\r\n\r\nWith these new resources, students have been able to independently choose reading materials that resonate with them, fostering a love for reading and encouraging participation in book discussions. The inclusion of graphic novels and early chapter books has been particularly impactful, as they offer visual engagement and relatable themes that connect with students' experiences.\r\n\r\nOne student, who previously struggled to find books that matched their reading level and interests, has shown remarkable improvement in both reading fluency and enthusiasm. They now eagerly participate in book talks and have expressed excitement about exploring more titles from our new collection.\r\n\r\nYour support has made a significant difference in creating an inclusive and motivating reading environment. Thank you for helping us provide resources that honor how our students learn best and for making a lasting impact on their educational journey.","fullyFundedDate":1746786267858,"projectUrl":"project/books-that-fit-building-a-diverse-libra/9236546/","projectTitle":"Books That Fit: Building a Diverse Library for Diverse Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Edee Ruhl","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9847817_orig.jpg?crop=396,396,x23,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1736985469897","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9847817"},{"teacherId":9847817,"projectId":9201318,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my students now have the tools they need to access and enjoy the same books their peers in the general education ELA classes are reading. Before this project, many struggled to keep up with the text and often felt left out of classroom book discussions. With adapted chapter summaries, visual vocabulary cards, scaffolded activities, and audio supports, they can fully participate and feel included, which has made a huge difference in their confidence and engagement.\r\n\r\nI've already used some of the gift cards to purchase valuable resources that are helping my students connect with the texts in ways that suit their individual learning needs. One of my favorite moments was when a student proudly told a friend from another class, \"We're reading the same book as you!\" This showed me how powerful access and inclusion can be, and how these tools are helping students feel proud and excited about reading.\r\n\r\nYour support has created opportunities for growth and connection that go far beyond providing materials. My students are discovering new favorites, sharing ideas, and building skills that will serve them well throughout the year. Thank you for making this learning journey possible for every student in my classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1746785296654,"projectUrl":"project/helping-all-students-access-books-with-c/9201318/","projectTitle":"Helping All Students Access Books With Custom Learning Tools","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Edee Ruhl","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9847817_orig.jpg?crop=396,396,x23,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1736985469897","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9847817"},{"teacherId":9847817,"projectId":9200395,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom has gained valuable new game-based reading tools that provide engaging ways to build confidence and skills. While we weren't able to fully integrate these materials into our daily lessons last year, we did explore many of the file folder games and board games with students at different reading levels. These activities offered fresh, hands-on ways for students to interact with reading content in a low-pressure, fun setting.\r\n\r\nOne particularly meaningful moment came when a student with limited social engagement surprised everyone, including his paraprofessional, by choosing to participate independently in a reading game with his peers. That breakthrough captured exactly why these materials matter: they open doors for students to connect, learn, and grow in ways that traditional lessons sometimes can't.\r\n\r\nI'm excited to fully integrate these game-based reading tools into our daily routines this school year and look forward to seeing the positive impact they will have on student engagement and confidence. Your support has given us the foundation to explore new, interactive ways of learning that I believe will truly make a difference for my students.","fullyFundedDate":1742915594144,"projectUrl":"project/game-based-reading-tools-to-build-confid/9200395/","projectTitle":"Game-Based Reading Tools to Build Confidence and Skills","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Edee Ruhl","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9847817_orig.jpg?crop=396,396,x23,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1736985469897","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9847817"},{"teacherId":9847817,"projectId":9165344,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom has become a calm and welcoming space where every student can find their spot to focus and learn. The wobble cushions, floor rockers, weighted lap blankets, and sensory pillows have helped students self-regulate and stay engaged throughout the day. The floor rockers quickly became the perfect spot for some students who hadn't yet found their favorite flexible seating area, giving them a comfortable place to focus.\r\n\r\nThe biggest surprise hit was the jellyfish lamp — it's become a beloved fixture for both students and adults in the room. Its relaxing movement creates a soothing atmosphere that helps calm even our most needy special education students. I often hear kids asking, \"Are they real?\" as they stop by to watch it. The lamp has even drawn visits from other students in the school who come by for a quick check-in, showing just how much it's impacted our school community's mood.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has truly made a lasting difference, creating a space where all students feel supported and ready to learn. Thank you for helping us build a flexible, calming classroom that meets the unique needs of every learner.","fullyFundedDate":1742915593239,"projectUrl":"project/a-calming-and-flexible-space-for-focused/9165344/","projectTitle":"A Calming and Flexible Space for Focused Middle School Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Edee Ruhl","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9847817_orig.jpg?crop=396,396,x23,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1736985469897","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9847817"},{"teacherId":9847817,"projectId":9122525,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, I was able to put these wonderful supplies to work right away since the project was funded at the end of March. The dry erase boards, highlighters, and writing tools quickly became part of our daily lessons, helping students stay engaged and participate more fully. Having these materials available has made a noticeable difference in the classroom. At the same time, this donation has allowed me to be fully prepared and organized for the upcoming school year.\r\n\r\nMy students especially love their lined whiteboards — they make writing clearer and more enjoyable, which has boosted both their confidence and participation. I also have extra supplies ready for students who sometimes forget their own, so no one misses out on learning opportunities. These materials support a positive and productive classroom environment where every student feels equipped to succeed. Your generosity truly sets the stage for continued growth and excitement in learning.","fullyFundedDate":1742915593853,"projectUrl":"project/organized-engaged-and-ready-to-learn/9122525/","projectTitle":"Organized, Engaged, and Ready to Learn: Supplies for All Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Edee Ruhl","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9847817_orig.jpg?crop=396,396,x23,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1736985469897","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9847817"},{"teacherId":9847817,"projectId":9041329,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my struggling readers have a new sense of excitement about reading! When they saw the beautiful, inviting books arrive, their faces lit up with pure joy. In middle school, books written at lower reading levels are rarely easy for students to access, so many of my readers have been left without options that truly meet their needs. These new books give them materials they can read and enjoy without feeling singled out or left behind.\r\n\r\n In the weeks since the books arrived, I've watched students choose reading time over other activities, proudly showing off their favorites to classmates. One student who usually avoids reading picked up a new book and said, \"I can read this all by myself!\" That moment captured exactly why your support matters — it's not just about books, it's about confidence, pride, and the belief that they can succeed.\r\n\r\n Your kindness has turned reading from a challenge into a celebration in our classroom. These books are now a daily part of our routine, and I know their impact will continue to grow as my students discover new favorites and share them with one another. Thank you for giving them the tools — and the belief — they need to charge forward into reading.","fullyFundedDate":1740014559755,"projectUrl":"project/help-my-students-charge-into-reading/9041329/","projectTitle":"Help My Students Charge into Reading!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Edee Ruhl","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9847817_orig.jpg?crop=396,396,x23,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1736985469897","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9847817"},{"teacherId":2918429,"projectId":8108911,"letterContent":"The kids have loved the BattleBots! They've become a go-to activity during downtime, but the best part is that the students are staying productive and engaged without even realizing how much they're learning. They often ask if they can use the BattleBots, and it has created a new kind of excitement around robotics in our classroom.\r\n\r\nWhat's most exciting for them is getting to explore how the different bots work—their mechanisms, movements, and how they connect and respond to commands. They're learning about engineering, mechanics, and programming concepts through hands-on exploration. While they think they're just having fun battling robots, they're actually building important STEM skills.\r\n\r\nWe've even had students who don't normally engage in robotics light up when they get the chance to work with the BattleBots. It's given some of our special education students a way to participate in robotics in a meaningful and accessible way. And for our regular robotics students, this project has offered a new challenge that keeps them sharp and motivated. They used to want to battle with our VEX bots, but now they have a better outlet that's designed just for that purpose—thanks to this project!","fullyFundedDate":1703696516680,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-minds-the-inclusive-robotics/8108911/","projectTitle":"Empowering Minds: The Inclusive Robotics Battle Bots Initiative","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Castle","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2918429_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1448375554198","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2918429"},{"teacherId":2918429,"projectId":8293245,"letterContent":"These materials have made a big difference across several levels of our robotics program. The totes have helped our high school students stay organized and efficient, especially when transporting their projects between classrooms or competitions. It might seem like a simple item, but it's made our workspace cleaner and helped students stay focused on their builds rather than worrying about lost parts or missing tools.\r\n\r\nOur middle school students are using the stopwatches to measure progress in real time. Whether they're testing how fast their robot moves or timing how long it takes to complete a challenge, they're learning the value of precision, testing, and improvement. It's turned their practice into a more focused and exciting experience.\r\n\r\nThe special education kits and books have been especially meaningful. These resources were carefully selected to meet the students where they are, offering fun and accessible entry points into robotics and STEM learning. Watching these students build, create, and grow their confidence with tools designed just for them has been incredibly rewarding.\r\n\r\nThanks to this project, every student, no matter their grade level or ability, is getting a chance to engage, explore, and succeed in robotics. Your support has helped us create a more inclusive, hands-on learning environment, and we're truly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1712266205010,"projectUrl":"project/innovation-for-all/8293245/","projectTitle":"Innovation for All","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Castle","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2918429_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1448375554198","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2918429"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_63187","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":248,"numTeachers":17,"percentFrplEligible":31,"percentAsian":2,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":73,"percentIndigenous":2,"percentLatinx":10,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"14.6:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_FRINGE"},"inStateSupporters":71.0,"schoolId":63187,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Chisholm Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Chisholm Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/oklahoma/chisholm-public-schools/chisholm-middle-school/63187"}