{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Columbia Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":39.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":6985884,"projectId":9499435,"letterContent":"Thank you again so much for funding this project! My classroom is now not only lovely for my students but it is the envy of my teaching colleagues. It is bright, without the glare and we can avoid the overhead fluorescent lights for the most part. Students, and I, tend to feel much more at ease when there is natural light that complements the way I have set up my classroom, to feel homey and welcoming. Believe it or not, the lighting in the room effects not only their mood toward work but it also helps keep their voices regulated in the space, whether they are silently working or working in groups. \r\n\r\nAnd, as my room is usually the gathering space for English department and work meetings, the adults are reaping the benefits of having a naturally lit and calming space to work as well. We are all reaping the benefits of these window clings. Every new visitor to my classroom comments on them and how nice the light coming in is. \r\n\r\nAdditionally, something as simple as a laminator has allowed me to make reading comprehension question cards for students to keep in their backpacks to use in developing their comprehension and writing skills. I have also been able to give them sentence starter cards that they can use in science and social studies classes, as well as in English, to support their writing development. Eighth grade students lose papers in the vast void that is their backpack, but a ring of laminated cards somehow has the magic of not getting lost. \r\n\r\nI truly appreciate your generosity and care for my students and their learning environment and tools. I am starting to create the game pieces for our next unit, which will include laminating question cards regarding choices and situations that characters in the novel Refugee face, and how they apply to our lives as well.","fullyFundedDate":1764636608766,"projectUrl":"project/leveling-up-learningwith-light-and-play/9499435/","projectTitle":"Leveling Up Learning—With Light and Play!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kellogg","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6985884_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753417437584","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6985884"},{"teacherId":9231509,"projectId":9741845,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our broadcast journalism program. Because of you, our students now have access to professional-quality tools including portable green screens, wireless microphones, adjustable lighting with color filters, and large photography soft box lights. These resources have completely transformed how our students learn, create, and collaborate.\r\n\r\nWhile many people may use similar technology at home, the way it's used in our classroom goes far beyond convenience. This equipment allows students to learn hands-on, real-world skills used in modern media and journalism. Students are no longer just talking about lighting, sound quality, and visual storytelling, they are actively applying these concepts during live production. They are learning problem-solving, teamwork, communication, and technical skills that directly connect to careers in broadcasting, media production, and digital storytelling.\r\n\r\nWhat excites students most is how \"real\" the experience feels now. The green screens allow them to experiment with backgrounds and visual effects, the wireless microphones give them confidence to speak clearly on camera, and the professional lighting instantly elevates the quality of our broadcasts. Our weekly Friday broadcasts are shared with the entire school, and students take immense pride in knowing their work looks and sounds professional.\r\n\r\nSeveral students who were previously shy or hesitant have especially thrived with this new technology. Some who were uncomfortable speaking in front of others have found confidence in front of the camera. Others have found their niche behind the camera managing lighting or sound. Still others who struggled to engage in traditional classroom settings now take leadership roles in their groups. The increased interest has been so significant that there are now students begging counselors to join our broadcast journalism class.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, our students feel seen, empowered, and excited to come to class. Your generosity has not only improved the quality of our broadcasts but has also inspired creativity, confidence, and a passion for learning that will stay with our students far beyond this classroom. Thank you for believing in our program and investing in our students' futures.","fullyFundedDate":1763579000647,"projectUrl":"project/from-the-classroom-to-the-newsroom-stud/9741845/","projectTitle":"From the Classroom to the Newsroom: Student-Run Channel Needs Gear","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Johnson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9231509"},{"teacherId":8101475,"projectId":9463199,"letterContent":"We are deeply grateful for your generous support in helping us purchase a microwave and refrigerator for our Student Support Center. Your donation has made a real and immediate impact on our students' well-being.\r\n\r\nThese new additions allow us to provide emergency food and warm meals to students who may be facing food insecurity or simply need extra support during the school day. Having access to something as simple as a warm meal or cold snack can make a world of difference for a student's ability to focus, feel cared for, and be ready to learn.\r\n\r\nThanks to your kindness, we're better equipped to meet our students' basic needs with compassion and dignity.","fullyFundedDate":1754598339067,"projectUrl":"project/food-for-thought/9463199/","projectTitle":"Food for Thought","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Katie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8101475_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y617&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1750300287963","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8101475"},{"teacherId":8101475,"projectId":9423034,"letterContent":"On behalf of the counseling team, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks for your generous donations to our Student Support Center. Your kindness has made a meaningful difference in the lives of our students.\r\n\r\nThanks to your contributions, we've been able to purchase a variety of essential supplies — including snacks, fidgets, sketch pads, coloring books, and other comforting tools — that help our students navigate and cope with big emotions during the school day. These resources not only support emotional regulation but also provide a safe and nurturing space where students feel seen, heard, and cared for.\r\n\r\nYour support empowers us to better meet the social-emotional needs of our students, and for that, we are truly grateful","fullyFundedDate":1750534259240,"projectUrl":"project/there-is-hope-when-we-know-how-to-cope/9423034/","projectTitle":"There is Hope When we Know How to Cope","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Katie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8101475_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y617&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1750300287963","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8101475"},{"teacherId":9230139,"projectId":8584842,"letterContent":"Your generous support this year made a huge impact. My students were not only able to build on their skills from last year, but they were able to explore so many new types of art. My students loved sculpture and being able to work with paper mache. They also understood the importance of learning fiber arts and various everyday skills such as sewing. I am always worried that these types of art are becoming lost in the rise of technology. So it was refreshing to see my students fully engaged and even choosing to make things outside of class. Thank you so much for making this happen and for supporting our students creative journey.","fullyFundedDate":1723693913811,"projectUrl":"project/expanding-creative-knowledge-beyond-the/8584842/","projectTitle":"Expanding Creative Knowledge Beyond the Basics!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wilkerson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9230139_orig.jpg?crop=1242,1242,x0,y86&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723155418290","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9230139"},{"teacherId":9230139,"projectId":9192914,"letterContent":"My students loved being able to explore their creativity in a variety of ways. They were able to explore so many new things such as painting, fiber arts, sculpture, and more. It was amazing to watch them flourish and really fall in love with art. Our mural turned out amazing this year and is a tradition I hope to continue in years to come. My students are we're engaged and really proud of the work they were able to accomplish. Art and expression at this age is so important for our kids. Thank you all so much for making this possible.","fullyFundedDate":1746786203224,"projectUrl":"project/creative-exploration/9192914/","projectTitle":"Creative Exploration!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wilkerson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9230139_orig.jpg?crop=1242,1242,x0,y86&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723155418290","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9230139"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_49572","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":636,"numTeachers":38,"percentFrplEligible":77,"percentAsian":4,"percentBlack":16,"percentWhite":23,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":46,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"16.7:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":60.8,"schoolId":49572,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Columbia Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Columbia Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/colorado/aurora-public-school-district/columbia-middle-school/49572"}