Edith M Smith Middle School in Waukegan, Illinois on DonorsChoose

{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Edith M Smith Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":30.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9755531,"projectId":10129885,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous donation, we were able to provide for the 8th graders during their week of state testing. Due to the donation, we had no problems with our technology for these essential times. These tests serve a dual purpose for showcasing our students' knowledge gained throughout the year and for providing our school with valuable data to further increase our teachers' teaching. \r\nFor the rest of the school year, the chargers are used every day with our students who need a quick charge up. The headphones are used consistently during several programs, such as Edpuzzle, IReady, and others. These programs assist with the deepening of knowledge in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1773679222906,"projectUrl":"project/chromebook-chargers-and-headphones-for-i/10129885/","projectTitle":"Chromebook Chargers and Headphones for Interactive Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Speth","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9755531"},{"teacherId":5795060,"projectId":9102700,"letterContent":"This has greatly helped our students feel more comfortable. Our principal bought cute pouches for each room, and now the girls know to look for the pouch if they need it. It also took away the fear and anxiety of having to ask a teacher, especially a male one, for a pad. We have started taking extra pads on field trips as well to prevent the scramble and concern when away from the building. \r\n\r\nThe girls were so excited when they all saw the boxes of pads. They felt seen and more confident going forward with the supplies, knowing they were here whenever they needed them. \r\n\r\nThis is all thanks to you and your kind donation! You helped the girls in ways they didn't even expect!","fullyFundedDate":1741286386021,"projectUrl":"project/prepared-period-ensuring-pads-are-in-ev/9102700/","projectTitle":"Prepared Period: Ensuring Pads Are In Every Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Zeppo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/zeppo"},{"teacherId":10396188,"projectId":9981215,"letterContent":"The impact of \"Beyond the Paper\" has been such a game-changer for my 8th graders. In a traditional art setting, students are often held back by the fear of making a \"permanent\" mistake on paper, but this technology has completely removed that barrier. By using digital canvases, they are much more willing to experiment with complex concepts like color value and layering because they know they can simply undo a stroke and try again. It has transformed the classroom from a place where they just follow instructions into a true digital studio where they feel safe to take creative risks and push their boundaries.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting part for the students has definitely been the animation component. There is this collective \"wow\" moment in the room whenever they use a tool like the Wick Editor to bring a static drawing to life. Seeing their own characters actually move—even if it's just a simple bouncing ball—gives them a sense of pride that is hard to replicate with physical media. It's not just \"doing schoolwork\" to them anymore; they feel like they are developing real-world skills that professional creators use, and that relevance keeps them incredibly locked in.\r\n\r\nI've been especially moved by how some of my quieter, more reserved students have flourished with these tools. One student in particular, who often struggled to express himself through traditional drawing, has completely found his voice on the digital tablet. She's become a leader in the class, often being the first to figure out a technical shortcut and then eagerly showing his peers how to do it. For students like her, this technology isn't just a new way to make art—it's a platform where they feel confident and capable, often for the first time in an elective course.","fullyFundedDate":1773679223473,"projectUrl":"project/beyond-the-paper-digital-canvases-for-8/9981215/","projectTitle":"Beyond the Paper: Digital Canvases for 8th Grade Creators","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Baguio","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10396188"},{"teacherId":5795060,"projectId":8232123,"letterContent":"I want to sincerely thank you for your incredible generosity in supporting our classroom. Your donations made it possible to purchase essential supplies like file totes, folders, pencils, erasers, cleaning wipes, tissues, and paper towels—items that keep our space organized, healthy, and ready for learning every day.\r\n\r\nThese resources have already made a noticeable difference in our classroom. Students are more focused and prepared, and our environment feels more welcoming and efficient. Your kindness has provided both practical tools and a meaningful reminder that our community values education and the success of every student.\r\n\r\nThank you for supporting in our classroom and helping create a positive space where learning can thrive. We are truly grateful for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1715102120493,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-basics/8232123/","projectTitle":"Classroom Basics","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Zeppo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/zeppo"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_26020","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":482,"numTeachers":40,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":13,"percentWhite":4,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":78,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":2,"gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"12.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":69.4,"schoolId":26020,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Edith M Smith Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Edith M Smith Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/waukegan-community-unit-school-district-60/daniel-webster-middle-school/26020"}

About this school

Edith M Smith Middle School is a suburban public school in Waukegan, Illinois that is part of Waukegan Community Unit School District 60. It serves 482 students in grades 6 - 8 with a student/teacher ratio of 12.0:1. Its teachers have had 99 projects funded on DonorsChoose.

Supporting this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Public School

Title 1

Grades 6 - 8

482 Students

40 Teachers

930 New York St

Waukegan, IL 60085 View local requests

Direct, proactive support

Empower teachers at Edith M Smith Middle School to request what their students need.

Give to this school

Ms. Vero, a DonorsChoose teacher for 9 years.

Kindergarten teacher at PS81 - Robert J. Christen School in Bronx, NY

Edith M Smith Middle School Teachers on DonorsChoose

See more teachers from Edith M Smith Middle School

DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for public school teachers.

Every donation funds real needs — pencils, books, lab equipment, art supplies, and more — helping students learn and thrive. We ship supplies directly to the school, and you'll see exactly where each dollar goes.

See how DonorsChoose works

Edith M Smith Middle School Demographics

95%

of students receive free or reduced price lunch

Source: the National Center for Education Statistics

91%

of students are Black, Latino, Native American, or Asian

Schools in districts that mainly serve students of color receive substantially less state and local support than similar districts that serve primarily White students. Learn more about this gap, why it exists, and how you can help close it.

Edith M Smith Middle School Support on DonorsChoose Last updated May 20, 2026

DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.