{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Desert Ridge Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":15.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":6307918,"projectId":10183164,"letterContent":"Thank you for funding our \"Sticker Studio: Design, Print, Organize\" project. The boxes arrived during our first week of school, and opening them together was a great moment. When the students saw the sticker paper, printers, and storage bins, their immediate reaction was, \"Wait, we get to make our own real stickers?\" Seeing high-quality design tools in our room right off the bat made them realize this class is going to be genuinely hands-on.\r\n\r\nBecause the school year just started, we are currently laying the groundwork for our first project. We are kicking off a personal branding and design unit where students are learning the basics of digital layout, typography, and color choice. Instead of just creating designs on a screen that get turned in and forgotten, students are preparing to print and cut their original artwork into physical stickers. Having the organized studio setup means they can take ownership of the process from sketch to finished product without the mess and chaos that usually comes with managing printing supplies.\r\n\r\nThank you for making this possible for my class.","fullyFundedDate":1778184030795,"projectUrl":"project/sticker-studio-design-print-organize/10183164/","projectTitle":"Sticker Studio: Design, Print, Organize","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Termini","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6307918_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1551534156888","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mstermini"},{"teacherId":6307918,"projectId":10089945,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible support of our \"Student-Designed Pins & Buttons\" project! The packages arrived just last week, right in time for the first week of school. Starting off the school year with such a hands-on resource has set an enthusiastic, creative tone for our entire classroom community.\r\n\r\nBecause we are just kicking off the school year, we haven't started pressing buttons quite yet, but the planning is already in full swing. We are beginning our year with a self-identity and creative expression unit, where students will design custom pins that represent their personal goals and values for the year. Having this button maker turns abstract design concepts into something tangible that they can actually wear, take pride in, and carry with them every day.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, this equipment will be integrated into our curriculum all year long. We plan to use the button maker for visual storytelling projects, content-area vocabulary games, and school-wide community campaigns. Thanks to your generosity, my students are starting the school year knowing that people outside our school walls care about their learning and creative expression. We can't wait to share all the amazing things we create!","fullyFundedDate":1778097470957,"projectUrl":"project/student-designed-pins-buttons/10089945/","projectTitle":"Student-Designed Pins & Buttons","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Termini","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6307918_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1551534156888","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mstermini"},{"teacherId":9797143,"projectId":9887436,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donations! Your support has greatly enhanced our classroom environment by providing our learners with more resources, such as differentiated notes for students to add to their interactive science notebooks and updated reading passages with visuals. We were also able to update on labs and assignments for our space unit. Your contribution has made a significant difference in ensuring that every student has the resources they need to thrive in our learning environment.","fullyFundedDate":1763497033537,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-resources/9887436/","projectTitle":"Classroom Resources","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Garcia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9797143"},{"teacherId":9797143,"projectId":9920832,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donations! Your support has greatly enhanced our classroom environment by providing learners with additional resources, such as differentiated notes for students to add to their interactive science notebooks and updated reading passages with visuals. We were also able to update labs and assignments for our space unit. Your contribution has made a significant difference in ensuring that every student has the resources they need to thrive in our learning environment.","fullyFundedDate":1764706901934,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-resources/9920832/","projectTitle":"Classroom Resources","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Garcia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9797143"},{"teacherId":6953175,"projectId":10125416,"letterContent":"We sincerely thank you for your generous contribution toward the purchase of consumable lab supplies for our Science Olympiad team. Your support provided our students with the materials they needed to practice, experiment, and refine their skills. Because of your donation, our team is better able to prepare for competition through hands-on learning and repeated trials. These materials allow our students to complete practice chemistry labs to prepare for different Science Olympiad events. Your investment directly enhances student confidence, teamwork, and success in STEM. We are truly grateful for your commitment to supporting our students and their educational growth.","fullyFundedDate":1775760624704,"projectUrl":"project/science-olympiad-consumable-lab-supplie/10125416/","projectTitle":"Science Olympiad: Consumable Lab Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Williams","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6953175_orig.jpg?crop=1512,1512,x26,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1573580029481","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6953175"},{"teacherId":9604760,"projectId":9978075,"letterContent":"On behalf of our students and music program, I would like to extend our deepest gratitude for your thoughtful and impactful donation. Your support in providing our classroom with double-sided dry erase whiteboards—featuring a blank surface on one side and a music staff on the other—along with dry erase markers and erasers, has made a remarkable difference in how our students engage with music learning every day.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, our classroom has been transformed into a more interactive, creative, and collaborative environment. These tools have allowed students to move beyond passive learning and become active participants in their musical growth. The excitement and enthusiasm they bring to each lesson has increased significantly, and it is truly inspiring to witness.\r\n\r\nStudents have already found a variety of innovative ways to use the whiteboards. One favorite activity has been rhythm racing games, where teams compete to correctly write rhythms as quickly as possible. These games not only reinforce rhythmic understanding but also build teamwork, communication, and confidence. What might have once felt like a challenging concept has become something students eagerly look forward to practicing.\r\n\r\nIn addition, students have been using the staff side of the boards to write solfège notes during relay races. This has turned note recognition and pitch relationships into a dynamic and energetic experience. Students are physically moving, thinking critically, and applying their knowledge in real time—all while having fun. The combination of movement and music has proven to be especially effective in helping concepts \"stick.\"\r\n\r\nAnother powerful outcome of your donation is the way it has encouraged student creativity. Learners have begun creating their own sight-singing exercises to challenge one another. This peer-to-peer learning fosters a sense of ownership and pride, as students not only practice their skills but also step into the role of teacher and composer. They are thinking more deeply about how music works and how to communicate it clearly.\r\n\r\nPerhaps most exciting of all, students have started composing their own original pieces using the whiteboards. The ability to quickly write, revise, and share ideas has made composition more accessible and less intimidating. Students who may have previously been hesitant are now experimenting with musical ideas, taking risks, and expressing themselves in new ways. The classroom is filled with creativity, laughter, and a genuine love of learning.\r\n\r\nYour donation has done more than provide supplies—it has opened doors. It has allowed us to create meaningful, hands-on musical experiences that support a wide range of learning styles and abilities. It has helped build confidence, strengthen collaboration, and inspire creativity in every student who uses these materials.\r\n\r\nWe are incredibly grateful for your investment in our students and their education. Your kindness and generosity are making a lasting impact, and the benefits of your support will continue to be felt throughout the school year and beyond. Thank you for believing in our program and for helping us bring music to life in such an engaging and meaningful way.","fullyFundedDate":1767460782233,"projectUrl":"project/music-dry-erase-boards/9978075/","projectTitle":"Music Dry Erase Boards","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Jones","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9604760"},{"teacherId":6953175,"projectId":9612094,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous contributions toward our robotics parts and equipment. Your support has made a meaningful difference in our program by giving our students access to the tools and components they need to design, build, and improve their robots. Because of your generosity, our team were able to focus on innovation, problem-solving, and hands-on learning that brings engineering concepts to life. Your investment is not just in materials—it's an investment in curiosity, creativity, and the confidence our students gain as they turn ideas into reality.\r\n\r\nYour partnership helps create opportunities that extend far beyond competition. With the parts you've helped provide, students are developing teamwork, perseverance, and critical thinking skills that will serve them in school, careers, and their communities. We are truly grateful for your belief in our program and our students. Thank you for helping us build, learn, and grow—we couldn't do it without you.","fullyFundedDate":1755804957557,"projectUrl":"project/mix-and-match/9612094/","projectTitle":"Mix and Match","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Williams","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6953175_orig.jpg?crop=1512,1512,x26,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1573580029481","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6953175"},{"teacherId":6953175,"projectId":9510935,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous contributions toward our robotics parts and equipment. Your support has made a meaningful difference in our program by giving our students access to the tools and components they need to design, build, and improve their robots. Because of your generosity, our team were able to focus on innovation, problem-solving, and hands-on learning that brings engineering concepts to life. Your investment is not just in materials—it's an investment in curiosity, creativity, and the confidence our students gain as they turn ideas into reality.\r\n\r\nYour partnership helps create opportunities that extend far beyond competition. With the parts you've helped provide, students are developing teamwork, perseverance, and critical thinking skills that will serve them in school, careers, and their communities. We are truly grateful for your belief in our program and our students. Thank you for helping us build, learn, and grow—we couldn't do it without you.","fullyFundedDate":1755688711133,"projectUrl":"project/refresh-and-restock/9510935/","projectTitle":"Refresh and Restock","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Williams","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6953175_orig.jpg?crop=1512,1512,x26,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1573580029481","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6953175"},{"teacherId":6953175,"projectId":9303106,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous contributions toward our robotics parts and equipment. Your support has made a meaningful difference in our program by giving our students access to the tools and components they need to design, build, and improve their robots. Because of your generosity, our team were able to focus on innovation, problem-solving, and hands-on learning that brings engineering concepts to life. Your investment is not just in materials—it's an investment in curiosity, creativity, and the confidence our students gain as they turn ideas into reality.\r\n\r\nYour partnership helps create opportunities that extend far beyond competition. With the parts you've helped provide, students are developing teamwork, perseverance, and critical thinking skills that will serve them in school, careers, and their communities. We are truly grateful for your belief in our program and our students. Thank you for helping us build, learn, and grow—we couldn't do it without you.","fullyFundedDate":1746539695708,"projectUrl":"project/sensors-motors-and-pneumatics-oh-my/9303106/","projectTitle":"Sensors, Motors, and Pneumatics! Oh My!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Williams","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6953175_orig.jpg?crop=1512,1512,x26,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1573580029481","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6953175"},{"teacherId":9797143,"projectId":9484461,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation toward improving our classroom resources and making our materials more durable and reusable. Your support has allowed us to obtain updated materials for students to use regularly during class. We have used the laminator and pouches to create word walls, review games, station activities, and to preserve student work. Your contribution has made a significant difference in ensuring that every student has the resources they need to thrive in our learning environment.","fullyFundedDate":1753898761938,"projectUrl":"project/materials-that-last/9484461/","projectTitle":"Materials That Last","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Garcia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9797143"},{"teacherId":6307918,"projectId":9856692,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our art studio has become an even more welcoming and calming space for students. The Posca paint markers were an immediate hit — as soon as students opened the box, they gasped at the bright colors and smooth tips. We used them right away during an abstract design lesson, and the confidence they felt while applying clean, vibrant strokes was incredible. Several students who often hesitate with messy materials were fully engaged, proudly layering color and adding fine details to their work.\r\n\r\nThe sensory tools have made an equally meaningful impact. Students who struggle with anxiety or attention now have quiet, appropriate outlets to help them regulate. One specific moment that stood out was watching a student who typically shuts down during transitions calmly reach for a tactile sticker on their sketchbook cover, breathe deeply, and rejoin the class activity without prompting. These small supports are making big differences, helping students feel grounded and ready to create. The prize stickers have also become a bright spot — a cheerful way to recognize craftsmanship, kindness, and perseverance.\r\n\r\nWe're now moving into a mixed-media project where students will continue using the Posca markers to add highlights and bold line work. Their excitement for these materials is carrying into each new assignment, and the sensory supports continue to help students settle into a creative mindset. Thank you for helping us build a studio that nurtures both artistic expression and emotional well-being. Your contribution has truly shaped our classroom community.","fullyFundedDate":1761815837960,"projectUrl":"project/calm-and-create-paint-markers-sensory/9856692/","projectTitle":"Calm and Create: Paint Markers & Sensory Supports","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Termini","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6307918_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1551534156888","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mstermini"},{"teacherId":6307918,"projectId":9702238,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my Media Literacy students are now experiencing photography and digital art in brand-new ways. Before this project, we relied on student phones, which created challenges and inconsistencies. Now, with access to cameras, stylus pens, and editing tools, students can fully immerse themselves in the process of capturing and editing images with the same types of tools professionals use. This technology has transformed our classroom into a digital media studio where students can learn hands-on skills that prepare them for high school, college, and beyond.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting part for my students has been the chance to use real cameras and equipment instead of just their phones. They love experimenting with composition techniques, trying out different lighting angles, and then editing their photos with precision using mice and stylus pens on Chromebooks. The stylus pens in particular have been especially popular—they've discovered how to use digital programs to create drawings on their Chromebooks, edit photos, and it has sparked endless creativity and laughter.","fullyFundedDate":1758070459974,"projectUrl":"project/picture-this-photography-digital-crea/9702238/","projectTitle":"Picture This: Photography & Digital Creativity for Middle School Artists","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Termini","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6307918_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1551534156888","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mstermini"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_66401","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":801,"numTeachers":62,"percentFrplEligible":71,"percentAsian":10,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":39,"percentIndigenous":2,"percentLatinx":36,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":8,"gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"12.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":84.3,"schoolId":66401,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Desert Ridge Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Desert Ridge Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-mexico/albuquerque-public-schools/desert-ridge-middle-school/66401"}