{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Choctaw Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":27.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":3112177,"projectId":9942736,"letterContent":"From the moment the materials arrived, my students were eager to dive in. Their excitement was immediate, with eyes wide, questions flying, and hands ready to explore. As we unpacked the specimen centers together, students carefully examined insects, birds, reptiles, mammals, and sea life, noticing details they had never seen before. One student pointed out patterns on an insect's wings, while another compared beak shapes and began wondering how birds' diets might differ. These observations naturally led to rich conversations and meaningful note-taking.\r\n\r\nWe are using these resources during library observation stations that blend science and information literacy. As students rotate through the specimen centers, they sketch what they see, label features, and record questions they want to investigate further. The plastic art trays help keep materials organized and give students a dedicated space to sort specimens and create visual models inspired by their observations. Students practice core library skills such as close observation, research questioning, and documenting learning, all while engaging in hands-on exploration.\r\n\r\nNext, students will use their observation notes to guide research using library books and digital resources. They will select a specimen that sparked their curiosity, gather information about its habitat and adaptations, and create a visual or written product to share their learning with others. Thanks to our donors, the library has become an active space for inquiry and discovery, where students are building curiosity, confidence, and a lasting love of learning.","fullyFundedDate":1768438466271,"projectUrl":"project/science-in-action-observation-stations/9942736/","projectTitle":"Science in Action: Observation Stations for Young Explorers","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Armstrong","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3112177_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1536952318295","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/jess-armstrong"},{"teacherId":3112177,"projectId":9787009,"letterContent":"Because of your support, our library makerspace has quickly become a favorite place for students to slow down, create, and try something new. The new fiber arts materials are being used every day during lunch, before and after school, and during makerspace time. Every loom is in constant use, with students weaving everything from bookmarks and bracelets to small wall hangings and gifts for friends and family. It's been amazing to see how naturally students gravitate toward these hands-on projects.\r\n\r\nThe weaving kit has easily become the most popular item in the space. Students are often lined up waiting for a turn, excited to choose colors and start their next project. When the materials first arrived, students' faces lit up as they explored the yarn, looms, and tools. Many jumped right in, even if they had never woven or crocheted before. Others who were more hesitant at first found themselves coming back day after day, proud to show off their progress and eager to learn a new technique.\r\n\r\nNext, we're excited to expand this work even further by partnering with a local community member who will be coming into the library to teach a crochet class for students. This will give students the opportunity to learn directly from an experienced crocheter, ask questions, and build new skills in a supportive, hands-on environment. Students will continue creating more detailed projects, experimenting with patterns and textures, and even stepping into leadership roles as they help peers learn and troubleshoot. Thanks to you, our students now have not just materials, but a calm, creative space with meaningful community connections where they can build confidence, creativity, and pride in what they make.","fullyFundedDate":1769300912952,"projectUrl":"project/creating-calm-and-creativity-through-cro/9787009/","projectTitle":"Creating Calm and Creativity Through Crochet","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Armstrong","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3112177_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1536952318295","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/jess-armstrong"},{"teacherId":3112177,"projectId":9964187,"letterContent":"When my students first saw the materials from this project, the reaction was instant excitement. They couldn't wait to dig into the paints, and look through the feeders, already talking about where they should be placed and what designs might attract birds and pollinators. \r\n\r\nWhile waiting on supplies to be delivered, students began this semester with researching local birds, bees, and pollinators, asking thoughtful questions about habitats, food sources, and how humans can better support wildlife in our own community.\r\n\r\nThis project has grown into a true hands-on research experience. Students are looking forward to collecting observations using the window bird feeders and were surprised by a family of cardinals who appeared on a camera of one of our bird feeders. The also have enjoyed learning about pollinators through the mason bee tubes and many didn't know about bee tubes. At the same time, they've started gathering materials to build birdhouses of their own. Watching them plan, problem-solve, and collaborate as they prepare to decorate and hang these birdhouses has been incredibly rewarding. They take pride in knowing their designs aren't just creative, but purposeful.\r\n\r\nNext, students will continue building and decorating birdhouses, install habitats around our school, and monitor how wildlife responds over time. They're already talking about sharing their findings and reflecting on what worked and what they would change next. Thanks to your generosity, my students feel empowered to lead a project that blends creativity, research, and service. You've given them an opportunity to make a real difference, and they are proud of the impact they're having on our school and community.","fullyFundedDate":1766088556856,"projectUrl":"project/students-in-action-building-habitats-fo/9964187/","projectTitle":"Students in Action: Building Habitats for Local Wildlife","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Armstrong","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3112177_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1536952318295","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/jess-armstrong"},{"teacherId":5166198,"projectId":9896031,"letterContent":"Adding two new weight benches has really helped improve our middle school weightlifting class. With more benches available, students no longer have to wait as long for a turn, which keeps everyone more active and engaged during class time. This allows the teacher to run workouts more smoothly and helps students stay focused instead of getting distracted while waiting.\r\n\r\nThe new benches have also made it easier to teach and practice proper lifting techniques. Because more students can work at the same time, the teacher can give better feedback and supervision, which improves safety. Overall, the additional weight benches have created a more efficient, safe, and positive learning environment for our weightlifting class.","fullyFundedDate":1764716592392,"projectUrl":"project/new-weight-benches-to-complete-our-weigh/9896031/","projectTitle":"New Weight Benches To Complete our Weight Room","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Mangrum","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5166198_orig.jpg?crop=1158,1158,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1692058461014","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/james-mangrum"},{"teacherId":5166198,"projectId":9862173,"letterContent":"The new barbell collars have made a big difference in our middle school weightlifting class by improving safety and confidence. Unlike older collars that could slip or were hard to tighten, the new ones lock securely in place, keeping the weights from moving during exercises. This helps prevent plates from sliding off the bar, which reduces the risk of accidents and distractions. Because everything feels more stable, students can focus on learning proper form instead of worrying about the equipment.\r\n\r\nThese collars have also made class run more smoothly and efficiently. They are easy to put on and take off, so students spend less time adjusting weights and more time actually exercising. This is especially helpful in a class setting where many students are sharing equipment and rotating through stations. Overall, the new barbell collars have helped create a safer, more organized, and more positive environment for everyone in our weightlifting class.","fullyFundedDate":1766154296614,"projectUrl":"project/more-weight-collars-for-growing-weightli/9862173/","projectTitle":"More Weight Collars for Growing Weightlifting Class","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Mangrum","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5166198_orig.jpg?crop=1158,1158,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1692058461014","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/james-mangrum"},{"teacherId":3112177,"projectId":9703655,"letterContent":"I am not even sure where to begin when it comes to expressing my gratitude. When the packages arrived, my student aides immediately started playing with the Haikubes and creating their own haikus. Before long, word spread that we had this new \"game,\" and students were coming into the library just to try it out and create poems of their own.\r\n\r\nThis project has made such a positive difference for our students. The new poetry books are helping them see reading as something personal and meaningful. Students are learning that poetry is about choice, voice, and expression, and that a few carefully chosen words can say a lot. Many students who were unsure about poetry at first are now excited to pick up a poetry book and give it a chance.\r\n\r\nReading in our library feels relaxed and welcoming. Students spread out, read quietly on their own or with friends, and often stop to share a favorite line or poem with someone nearby. Some reread poems that really speak to them, while others use what they read as inspiration for their own writing.\r\n\r\nPoetry has been especially powerful for reluctant readers and writers. Because poems are short and flexible, students feel more confident taking creative risks. After Winter Break, one of our classes will be coming into the library to use the Haikubes and create blackout poems using one of the poetry books as inspiration. Thanks to this project, students are engaging with poetry in ways that feel fun, accessible, and meaningful.","fullyFundedDate":1764739527663,"projectUrl":"project/lines-rhymes-and-library-time/9703655/","projectTitle":"“Lines, Rhymes, and Library Time!”","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Armstrong","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3112177_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1536952318295","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/jess-armstrong"},{"teacherId":8314999,"projectId":9293305,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your kind donation to my classroom! My students have absolutely LOVED the items that were purchased using this Donors Choose. The chairs have been a major hit with the students and they are so appreciative and excited to use them everyday! They sit in them every hour and they have created a comfortable spot for my students. They also love the Nee Doh balls. They have helped my students concentrate while working on their assignments. They have been the favorite item from the order so far!","fullyFundedDate":1746786264581,"projectUrl":"project/comfortable-genetics/9293305/","projectTitle":"Comfortable Genetics!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Welton (Bledsoe)","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8314999_orig.jpg?crop=1199,1199,x552,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1683736055237","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8314999"},{"teacherId":5991452,"projectId":9644948,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to our class. The students love the new fidget board. It is very helpful to have something special for my students in wheelchairs to just wheel up to to play. It has a lot of moving parts that are great for them to work or their motor skills. The puzzle board is used all the time, it allows the students to work on a puzzle in their freetime but then we can save it to work on later. Both items are used all the time. My class and I send you a big thank you for your thoughtfulness.","fullyFundedDate":1760558461806,"projectUrl":"project/caterpillar-fun/9644948/","projectTitle":"Caterpillar Fun","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Carter","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5991452_orig.jpg?crop=1440,1440,x0,y667&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1566245227620","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/aj-carter"},{"teacherId":403299,"projectId":9378079,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your support if my students. So often, students wonder why they need to learn math in middle school. Scholastic Math shows them how math can help in career and life choices. It allows them to apply math to real world situations and exposes them to a variety of career choices.\r\nMy students also really enjoy the time sensitive articles and I learn so much about their interests as they read and we discuss the topics. Thank you for encouraging them to expand their own horizons.","fullyFundedDate":1755739550186,"projectUrl":"project/mixing-math-with-literacy/9378079/","projectTitle":"Mixing Math with Literacy","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Archer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp403299_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1748115647047","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/403299"},{"teacherId":403299,"projectId":9688417,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping us to \"Crunch the Numbers\" with our new calculators! My students are so appreciative and I am as well! We use them everyday and the students really like that they are a little larger and easier to use. They make fewer mistakes and it is way less frustrating for them!\r\nOutside help is so important for my classroom. We would simply not be able to do many activities that enhance the learning without support from donors lke you. Please know that we are so thankful for your help.","fullyFundedDate":1757508442659,"projectUrl":"project/crunch-the-numbers/9688417/","projectTitle":"Crunch the Numbers!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Archer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp403299_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1748115647047","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/403299"},{"teacherId":5166198,"projectId":9828649,"letterContent":"Adding a 30-pound training bar to the middle school weightlifting class has had a significant positive impact on both student participation and skill development. Before its introduction, many younger or smaller students struggled with the standard 45-pound bar, which limited their ability to learn proper technique safely. The lighter 30-pound bar made weightlifting more accessible, allowing every student—regardless of size or strength—to practice correct form without fear of injury. As a result, confidence and enthusiasm in the class have noticeably increased, with more students eager to engage and challenge themselves.\r\n\r\nBeyond safety and accessibility, the 30-pound bar has also enhanced the overall quality of instruction. Teachers can now introduce Olympic lifts and compound movements earlier in the semester, giving students more time to master the fundamentals. The bar's lighter weight enables greater focus on coordination, balance, and controlled movement rather than raw strength alone. This shift has not only improved performance but also fostered a supportive, inclusive environment where progress is measured by effort and technique. In short, the addition of the 30-pound training bar has transformed the class into a more engaging, equitable, and skill-focused learning experience for all students.","fullyFundedDate":1761972956386,"projectUrl":"project/a-30-pound-training-bar-for-technique/9828649/","projectTitle":"A 30 Pound Training Bar for Technique","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Mangrum","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5166198_orig.jpg?crop=1158,1158,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1692058461014","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/james-mangrum"},{"teacherId":3112177,"projectId":9691462,"letterContent":"When our new chomp saw arrived, my students could hardly wait to try it out! We started with a safety demo, and before I could even finish, they were already buzzing with ideas for what they could build. The first big project they tackled was part of our Dinosaur Research and Library Transformation. The students measured, designed, and cut cardboard pieces to create prehistoric-themed displays that turned our library into a mini museum. Watching them collaborate, problem-solve, and bring their designs to life was incredible. They were so proud to see their creations become part of our shared space.\r\n\r\nNow, the chomp saw has become a favorite tool in our makerspace. Students are currently using it to design and build holiday ornaments for a community service project that combines creativity with math. They're applying algebra and geometry concepts to plan shapes, calculate dimensions, and make precise cuts. The room is full of chatter, measuring tapes, and excitement; it's learning in action!\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, my students now have the tools and confidence to safely turn their ideas into real creations. You've helped them discover that learning isn't just about reading and writing, it's about building, experimenting, and making something meaningful. Thank you for giving them the power to create and give back to others.","fullyFundedDate":1757993306267,"projectUrl":"project/cutting-into-creativity-a-safe-saw-for/9691462/","projectTitle":"Cutting Into Creativity: A Safe Saw for Student Innovation","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Armstrong","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3112177_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1536952318295","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/jess-armstrong"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_86931","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":729,"numTeachers":41,"percentFrplEligible":41,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":4,"percentWhite":68,"percentIndigenous":5,"percentLatinx":8,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"17.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":72.9,"schoolId":86931,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Choctaw Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Choctaw Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/oklahoma/choctaw-nicoma-park-schools/choctaw-junior-high-school/86931"}