{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Edith M Smith Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":30.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":5795060,"projectId":8528393,"letterContent":"A huge thank you for your generous donation of headphones to our middle school! Before the headphones arrived, many students struggled to focus during digital lessons because of background noise or distractions in the classroom. Plus, they had to share old, worn-out headphones, which wasn't ideal. Now, with these new headphones, every student has their own, allowing them to immerse themselves in their work without distractions and focus on the material at hand.\r\n\r\nThe impact has been tremendous! Students are more focused, and teachers have noticed an improvement in participation and productivity. The fact that each student has their own set of headphones has made a huge difference in creating a more comfortable and effective learning environment. We can't thank you enough for helping our students succeed in such a meaningful way!","fullyFundedDate":1727445702668,"projectUrl":"project/headphones-for-individualized-learning/8528393/","projectTitle":"Headphones for Individualized Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Zeppo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/zeppo"},{"teacherId":5795060,"projectId":8366591,"letterContent":"I am incredibly grateful for the generous donation of computer chargers to our middle school. Before this donation, many of my students struggled with dead batteries during class, often missing out on important lessons or assignments. The lack of chargers meant they couldn't fully engage with their work or access valuable digital resources. Thanks to the kind donations, more students now have the opportunity to keep their devices charged and ready to go, which has made a world of difference in their ability to stay focused and on top of their schoolwork.\r\n\r\nThis donation has not only improved our students' access to technology, but it has also given them a sense of equality and support. With fully charged devices, students can participate in lessons with confidence, knowing they have the tools they need to succeed. Thank you for helping our students thrive!","fullyFundedDate":1715367807855,"projectUrl":"project/charged-and-ready-for-learning/8366591/","projectTitle":"Charged and Ready for Learning!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Zeppo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/zeppo"},{"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"},{"teacherId":5795060,"projectId":8843772,"letterContent":"A big thank you for your generous dontations of new library books to our middle school! The addition of these books has completely transformed our library. We have displayed them on a bookshelf right when students walk in and the books are flying off the shelves!\r\n\r\nOur shelves were starting to look outdated, and many students had trouble finding books they were excited about. Now, with a fresh selection of titles, students have a variety of books to choose from, sparking their interest and encouraging them to read more.\r\n\r\nThe impact has been amazing. Students are now more enthusiastic about reading, and even those who weren't keen on picking up books before are diving in with excitement. We can't thank you enough for your generosity—it's truly making a positive impact on our students!","fullyFundedDate":1733330768605,"projectUrl":"project/books-for-everyone/8843772/","projectTitle":"Books for Everyone!","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","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"}
Join the 258 supporters who believe in this school.
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 97 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. Each classroom request for funding was created by a classroom teacher and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
of students receive free or reduced price lunch
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
Source: the National Center for Education Statistics
91%
of students are Black, Latino, Native
American, or Asian
Data about school demographics comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. The numbers in this chart may not add up to 100% because of limitations in the available data.
Edith M Smith Middle School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Dec 4, 2025
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.
Edith M Smith Middle School
$64,339
raised using DonorsChoose
97
projects
funded
37
teachers
funded
258
donors
9
projects
for
basic supplies
28
projects for
technology
8
projects for
books
4
projects
for
art supplies
Edith M Smith Middle School has received support from
179 individuals from Illinois and
79 individuals out-of-state.