{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Groton Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":35.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10009103,"projectId":9514878,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our middle school orchestra program by providing us with Damp-It humidifiers for our string instruments. We started using them right away since this time of year is especially tough on our instruments. As the air turns colder and dryer, our wood pegs shrink, making tuning a challenge, and seams become more susceptible to opening. Students now add the Damp-Its to their instruments as part of their regular routine, and it's already helping them feel more confident that their instruments won't crack or dry out in the winter weather. It's also been a great opportunity to reinforce good instrument-care habits as we head into our busy performance season.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the new Damp-Its, they were really curious—lots of \"What is that?\" and \"How does it work?\" moments. They loved getting to learn how these tiny humidifiers help keep their instruments healthy and stable. It's been nice to see them take ownership of caring for something so important to their music-making.\r\n\r\nNow that our instruments are better protected, students can focus more on their playing as we prepare for our upcoming concerts. Having dependable instruments that stay in tune makes such a difference in rehearsal, and your generosity has truly helped us set my students up for success. Thank you again for believing in our young musicians and supporting what we do.","fullyFundedDate":1761961997599,"projectUrl":"project/escape-from-winter-time-string-tuning-b/9514878/","projectTitle":"Escape From Winter Time String Tuning Blues","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gray","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10009103"},{"teacherId":9456943,"projectId":9398311,"letterContent":"These materials have been so helpful to my classroom this year. We have been starting nearly every class tech free, and it has made such a difference. \r\nStudents have been much more grounded, calm, and able to focus on studying the material and content in our curriculum. Transition times have been easier and their learning has really improved. \r\nI am seeing such a difference this year with student engagement, interest, and excitement to come into class. \r\n\r\nThank you for your support in my classroom. The impact has been great.","fullyFundedDate":1750773642679,"projectUrl":"project/social-studies-materials/9398311/","projectTitle":"Social Studies Materials","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Frick","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9456943"},{"teacherId":10009103,"projectId":9514932,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous gift of rosin and replacement wheels for our instrument cart! These resources have made a big difference in our music classroom. For the past two years, our cello and viola players have been sharing rosin—often relying on borrowed supplies or the remains of broken pieces. Now, each student finally has their own rosin, and it's made a noticeable difference in both sound quality and confidence. As for the instrument cart, several of the original wheels had broken, causing it to lean and making it difficult to move when we needed to access the space behind it. After installing the new wheels, the cart is now balanced, level, and glides smoothly when needed—what a relief!\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the new materials, they were so excited—especially the string players who had never had their own rosin before. It meant a lot to them to have their own supplies, rather than having to borrow or make do. There is a real sense of pride in having their own tools and excitement about what that means for their playing. Your donation didn't just provide materials; it gives my students a sense of ownership and confidence. As we prepare for our upcoming concert, your donation is helping us sound—and feel—our best. Thank you for making a lasting impact on our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1755722479507,"projectUrl":"project/rockin-with-rosin/9514932/","projectTitle":"Rockin’ with Rosin","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gray","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10009103"},{"teacherId":9461766,"projectId":9398659,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible support of our project, \"From Messy to Mindful Scientists\"! Because of your generosity, our classroom is now a more organized, collaborative, and focused space for scientific inquiry.\r\n\r\nWhen the boxes of supplies arrived, the students were so excited to see the tools that would help them take ownership of our classroom. It wasn't about fancy equipment; it was about feeling like a true scientist in a professional workspace. Their eyes lit up when they realized they could use the markers to write directly on our lab tables, and they immediately started drawing models of scientific phenomena.\r\n\r\nThe supplies you provided have completely transformed our classroom projects. We recently used them for the introduction to our unit on chemical reactions. Before, students had to brainstorm on loose-leaf paper, which often got lost or crumpled. Now, armed with the new markers and a variety of writing tools, they can sketch out their hypotheses and experiment designs directly on the tables. This allows for quick, collaborative revisions and a sense of \"big picture\" thinking. The cleaning supplies have also been a game-changer, as students take pride in a clean workspace and have learned to meticulously wipe down the tables after each investigation, completing the full scientific process from start to finish.\r\n\r\nThis new environment has empowered my students to become truly mindful scientists. The fidgets for self-regulation have been particularly impactful. They give students a way to quietly focus their energy while they're analyzing data or silently observing an experiment. I've watched students who previously struggled to sit still stay completely engaged, which has been a huge win for their learning and confidence.\r\n\r\nYour contribution has given my students the tools they need to be independent, focused, and responsible scientists. Our next steps in this project are to design our own experiments using the scientific method, building on the foundational skills of observation, collaboration, and organization that your donations have made possible.\r\n\r\nThank you again for believing in my students and for helping to create a space where they can thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1749575621498,"projectUrl":"project/from-messy-to-mindful-scientists/9398659/","projectTitle":"From Messy to Mindful Scientists","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Condron","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9461766_orig.png?crop=345,345,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1749214338823","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9461766"},{"teacherId":9459421,"projectId":9272420,"letterContent":"On behalf of my students and myself, I want to express our deepest gratitude for your generous contribution to our classroom. The new materials you provided have truly made a positive impact on our learning environment, and I look forward to seeing how they will continue to create throughout the rest of the year!\r\n\r\nWhen students saw the materials that were available to them, they were extremely excited to begin using them. The quality of the materials made an immediate impression, and they couldn't wait to start using the supplies to create their science notebooks.\r\n\r\nWe are currently using the new resources for our \"Sketch Note Bootcamp\" lessons. The high-quality supplies have allowed students to go beyond basic notes and create well developed resources that include color, text, pictures and templates. The new materials didn't just give them a tool to use, they gave students the ability to express themselves and demonstrate understanding.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we will begin our chemistry unit and use sketch notes to learn about atoms, molecules, and mixtures! Thank you for making these projects possible and for believing in the potential of our students.","fullyFundedDate":1750773639146,"projectUrl":"project/science-notebook-supplies/9272420/","projectTitle":"Science Notebook Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Fiore","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9459421_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1707148317026","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9459421"},{"teacherId":9076681,"projectId":9243814,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to our classroom! Because of your support, we now have a wonderful collection of books and fidget toys that are already making a big difference for my students.\r\n\r\nThe new books are sparking curiosity during reading time, and I am already seeing students eager to dive into new stories and share what they've learned. The fidget toys have been a wonderful addition as well, helping students stay focused and engaged during lessons.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has created a more welcoming and productive learning environment, and I am so grateful. It's inspiring to know that there are people like you who care about giving students the tools they need to succeed.\r\n\r\nThank you again for believing in our classroom and for helping my students grow and thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1746450834801,"projectUrl":"project/turning-pages-crossing-continents/9243814/","projectTitle":"Turning Pages, Crossing Continents","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Fedeli","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9076681_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1704760314908","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9076681"},{"teacherId":6926672,"projectId":9002420,"letterContent":"I am writing to extend my heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation to our classroom. Thanks to your support, our students now have the incredible opportunity to learn about electronics in an engaging and hands-on way through Snap Circuits. These kits allow them to explore how electricity works by creating circuits, building projects, and understanding complex concepts in a way that is fun and accessible. Your contribution has truly made a difference in making learning both exciting and meaningful.\r\n\r\nThe impact of your donation goes beyond just the lesson plans—it has sparked curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking in my students. Watching them work together to solve problems and discover new ideas has been incredibly rewarding. With the Snap Circuits, they can actively experiment and make the connection between theory and real-world applications, which helps build a strong foundation for future learning. Your support helps create an environment where curiosity is fostered, and the possibilities for exploration are endless.\r\n\r\nThank you once again for your generosity. Your commitment to enriching young minds has created a lasting impact on my students, and we are all truly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1742465837628,"projectUrl":"project/sparking-innovation-bringing-snap-circu/9002420/","projectTitle":"Sparking Innovation: Bringing Snap Circuit Arcade Kits to the Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Stewart","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6926672_orig.jpg?crop=810,810,x0,y89&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1598323264477","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6926672"},{"teacherId":2699012,"projectId":9294114,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for funding my project, \"Encouraging Efficiency in Math Class!\" The grant you donated to had two main components--a new set of classroom calculators, and a Bluetooth drawing tablet. Though we received them late in the school year, we have already gotten started with the new calculators! This may seem like a basic need, but with a mix of calculators from the past few decades circulating in my room, telling students how to properly use their devices could be a challenge, and equally frustrating for students to try to figure out! Predictability when choosing a calculator will mean less frustration and should save us some significant time in the classroom!\r\nThe other piece of equipment we received through this grant was a Bluetooth drawing tablet. I was able to get this device paired with my teacher laptop before the end of the school year, and will be working to get it synced with my Promethean Board (interactive whiteboard) when we return in the fall. Even just having the device hooked up to my laptop has given me and my students to experiment with the tablet, and it's great! Years ago, I had a device that came with my Promethean Board that allowed me or my students to write on the board from anywhere in the classroom, and I have really been missing that flexibility, particularly with some of the teaching methodology we've been using in math class lately. I am so excited for students and other staff to be able to use the drawing tablet, as it's both novel but really practical, and fun!\r\nThank you so much for the support for my math classroom. The changes these materials will make will be immediate, lasting, and meaningful!","fullyFundedDate":1746830530294,"projectUrl":"project/encourage-efficiency-in-math-class/9294114/","projectTitle":"Encourage Efficiency in Math Class!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Irace","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2699012"},{"teacherId":7230154,"projectId":9299514,"letterContent":"Thank you very much for supporting my classroom. When the new calculators came, many students were so excited to all have a working calculator. It has also helped my students focus more on the math processes of pre-algebra instead of the calculations only. They all are very thankful to have these resources. \r\n\r\nAlso, it is very nice to have a calculator organizer now. This helps ensure that calculators are better cared for and kept in an organized spot.\r\n\r\n\r\nSo, it is thanks to you for making my students feel more supported in their math learning.","fullyFundedDate":1747316517839,"projectUrl":"project/calculators-needed/9299514/","projectTitle":"Calculators Needed","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Skowbo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7230154_orig.jpg?crop=756,756,x151,y108&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1589224254609","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7230154"},{"teacherId":9456943,"projectId":8190184,"letterContent":"This project has been so helpful to my classroom. Students have loved using the mapping puzzles to practice their geography skills and it has really made a difference in their learning. They also love SEL days when we break out the board games for a little rest and some more time together. \r\n\r\nI have really enjoyed having the bean bags and flexible seating that allows me to have students who need a different place to sit that opportunity. It has been a huge help in classroom management and gives kids that extra boost they need to focus. \r\n\r\nThank you so much for funding the project and helping my classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1707085889544,"projectUrl":"project/working-together-to-be-better-together/8190184/","projectTitle":"Working Together to Be Better Together!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Frick","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9456943"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_126556","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":884,"numTeachers":49,"percentFrplEligible":65,"percentAsian":5,"percentBlack":6,"percentWhite":45,"percentIndigenous":1,"percentLatinx":28,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"18.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"UNCLASSIFIED","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_FRINGE"},"inStateSupporters":64.5,"schoolId":126556,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Groton Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Groton Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/connecticut/groton-public-schools/cutler-arts-humanities-magnet-middle-school/126556"}