{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Forest Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":24.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8723780,"projectId":10230020,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity in funding \"Mapping the Red Planet: Robotics and Topography!\" Before this project was supported, our students only had a conceptual understanding of space exploration and terrain mapping. Having access to these interactive robotics and topographical resources has completely changed the dynamic in our classroom, shifting our lessons from passive reading to active, hands-on scientific discovery.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, the students were absolutely ecstatic. Their faces lit up seeing the kits, and they immediately wanted to open them up and start building. Currently, we are using these new resources to simulate a Martian rover mission. Students are actively coding their robots to navigate simulated obstacles and map out elevation changes just like real NASA engineers. Our next steps are to have the students analyze the topographical data their robots collected to determine the safest \"landing zones\" on our makeshift Red Planet. Your support has truly brought space exploration down to earth for my students, and we are so incredibly grateful!","fullyFundedDate":1777984127576,"projectUrl":"project/mapping-the-red-planet-robotics-and-to/10230020/","projectTitle":"\"Mapping the Red Planet: Robotics and Topography\"","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Watson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8723780_orig.png?crop=396,396,x0,y1&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1666551689643","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8723780"},{"teacherId":8723780,"projectId":10255869,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity in funding \"Cleared for Takeoff: Help Us Compete at Regionals!\" Before this project was supported, our students faced a major hurdle in getting our competitive projects off the ground. Having access to these high-quality resources has completely changed the game for our team, allowing us to pivot from basic practice to true competitive readiness.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, the students were absolutely thrilled. Seeing the new gear made the upcoming regional competition feel incredibly real, and their faces lit up with a mix of excitement and pride knowing that members of the community believed in their potential. Right now, we are actively utilizing these new resources to refine our designs and run simulated trials that mimic the pressure of the regional stage. Our next steps are to analyze our performance data from these practice runs, make final precise adjustments to our gear, and pack up with the utmost confidence as we head out to represent our school at regionals. You have given my students the tools they need to fly high, and we cannot thank you enough!","fullyFundedDate":1777984243874,"projectUrl":"project/cleared-for-takeoff-help-us-compete-at/10255869/","projectTitle":"Cleared for Takeoff: Help Us Compete at Regionals!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Watson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8723780_orig.png?crop=396,396,x0,y1&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1666551689643","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8723780"},{"teacherId":8723780,"projectId":10234197,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity in funding \"Zero to Hero: Eliminating the 3D Printing Backlog!\" Before this project was funded, our classroom struggled with a massive bottleneck. Students would design wonderful, creative, and highly technical 3D models, only to wait weeks to see them materialize because our limited equipment just couldn't keep up. It was incredibly disheartening for them to lose momentum on a project while waiting in a long queue.\r\n\r\nThis new equipment has completely transformed the workflow and energy in our classroom. The technology helps students learn by closing the gap between digital design and physical reality, allowing them to rapidly prototype, test their ideas, and physically hold their STEM concepts. The most exciting part for the students is the sheer speed and reliability of the new system—they love watching their designs come to life right before their eyes without the grueling wait. I have noticed several students who previously felt discouraged by the long wait times completely throw themselves back into engineering. They are now eager to iterate on their designs, fix mistakes, and push their creative boundaries. Thank you for empowering my students to become true creators!","fullyFundedDate":1777984491598,"projectUrl":"project/zero-to-hero-eliminating-the-3d-printin/10234197/","projectTitle":"Zero to Hero: Eliminating the 3D Printing Backlog","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Watson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8723780_orig.png?crop=396,396,x0,y1&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1666551689643","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8723780"},{"teacherId":8723780,"projectId":10204688,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for bringing \"Radio Frequency Navigation: a Dual Micro:bit Robotics System\" to life in our classroom!\r\n\r\nBefore receiving your generous funding, our robotics lessons were mostly theoretical or limited to single-device configurations. Now, my students have the incredible opportunity to dive into hands-on wireless communication. Watching them successfully code one Micro:bit to act as a radio controller and navigate a secondary robotic system has been absolutely thrilling.\r\n\r\nThis project has completely transformed our classroom energy. Students who previously struggled with abstract coding concepts are now actively collaborating, troubleshooting radio frequencies, and seeing their code come to life in real-time. You haven't just provided technology; you've sparked a genuine passion for engineering and computer science in the next generation. Thank you for investing in our students!","fullyFundedDate":1777984375234,"projectUrl":"project/radio-frequency-navigation-a-dual-micro/10204688/","projectTitle":"Radio Frequency Navigation: a Dual Micro:bit Robotics System","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Watson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8723780_orig.png?crop=396,396,x0,y1&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1666551689643","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8723780"},{"teacherId":8723780,"projectId":10140917,"letterContent":"The impact of your donation has reached far beyond just making \"cool items\"—it has fundamentally strengthened the STEM foundation of my classroom. By providing us with a consistent supply of multi-colored filament and an additional printer, you have given my students the literal building blocks they need to learn the basics of engineering, 3D modeling, and the iterative design process. Before this project was funded, we often ran out of materials, which meant learning had to stop. Now, my students can dive into STEM projects with confidence, knowing they have the resources to test their ideas.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting part of this new technology is seeing my students master the basics of \"rapid prototyping.\" They are learning how to take a conceptual idea from their heads, design it on a screen, and hold a physical version in their hands within the same class period. We have several students who previously struggled with abstract math and science concepts, but they have completely \"warmed up\" to learning now that they can see these principles in 3D. They are learning about structural integrity, scale, and geometry in a way that a textbook simply cannot provide. Thank you for giving them the tools to become the problem-solvers of tomorrow!","fullyFundedDate":1776458428187,"projectUrl":"project/3d-projects-bringing-color-to-life/10140917/","projectTitle":"3D Projects- Bringing Color to Life","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Watson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8723780_orig.png?crop=396,396,x0,y1&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1666551689643","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8723780"},{"teacherId":8723780,"projectId":10040696,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity in funding our project, \"3D Printing - Maximize the Academic Opportunity, Minimize the Learning Curve.\" The arrival of this technology has completely transformed the energy in our classroom. While many students have seen 3D-printed items before, having the tools to design and create their own physical objects has opened their eyes to the practical applications of math, art, and engineering. It has turned abstract concepts into something they can hold in their hands, making \"hard\" subjects feel accessible and exciting.\r\n\r\nThe most thrilling part for the students is undoubtedly the moment the printer begins its first layer. They gather around with such focus, watching their digital designs materialize in real-time. I've noticed a significant shift in a few of my students who previously struggled with engagement; they have become our \"classroom experts,\" troubleshooting designs and helping their peers refine their work. By minimizing the technical barriers to entry, you have allowed my students to focus on high-level problem solving and creative thinking. Thank you for investing in their future and bringing our classroom into the modern age!","fullyFundedDate":1776458685662,"projectUrl":"project/3d-printing-maximize-the-academic-oppo/10040696/","projectTitle":"3D Printing - Maximize the Academic Opportunity, Minimize the Learning Curve","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Watson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8723780_orig.png?crop=396,396,x0,y1&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1666551689643","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8723780"},{"teacherId":8723780,"projectId":9937397,"letterContent":"Having extra drones for a STEM Night transforms the event from a passive observation gallery into a high-energy, hands-on laboratory. Since the CoDrone EDU project is fully funded, we're positioned to move beyond simple demonstrations and offer deep, interactive experiences.\r\nHere is the impact those extra drones will have on your event:1. Increased Throughput & Engagement\r\nThe most immediate benefit is reduced wait times. STEM Nights can get crowded; having a fleet allows you to run multiple \"stations\" simultaneously.\r\nStation A: The Flight Line. A dedicated area for manual flight where guests can learn basic \"pitch, roll, yaw, and throttle\" controls.\r\nStation B: The Code Zone. A row of laptops where students show parents how to use Blockly or Python to execute a \"one-button flip\" or a \"color-sensing landing.\"\r\nStation C: The Obstacle Challenge. A competitive area where students can race drones they've programmed to navigate hoops or land on specific targets.\r\n2. Peer-to-Peer TeachingWith enough drones, your students can act as Flight Instructors.The \"Expert\" Effect: Students gain immense confidence when they explain the physics of lift or the logic of a while loop to an adult or a younger peer.Collaborative Debugging: If a drone behaves unexpectedly during a demo, students can work together in real-time to \"live-code\" a fix, turning a mistake into a powerful lesson on engineering resilience..","fullyFundedDate":1764701729009,"projectUrl":"project/soar-steer-and-stem-drone-and-sphero/9937397/","projectTitle":"Soar, Steer, and STEM: Drone and Sphero Challenge- Part II","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Watson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8723780_orig.png?crop=396,396,x0,y1&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1666551689643","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8723780"},{"teacherId":8723780,"projectId":10019579,"letterContent":"Thank you for continuing to believe in the potential of my students! With the arrival of the materials from \"From Filament to Fabulous—Part 2,\" our classroom has officially leveled up from a beginner space to a true center for engineering and design.\r\n\r\nHow this technology helps them learn While many donors use technology for communication or entertainment, in our classroom, it is a tool for iterative design. Instead of just reading about structural integrity or geometry, students are using CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software to build digital models. The technology allows them to see an immediate physical result of their mathematical calculations. When a design fails to print correctly, they have to go back to the \"drawing board,\" diagnose the error, and try again—teaching them more about resilience and critical thinking than any textbook ever could.\r\n\r\nWhat is most exciting to the students The most exciting part of this new phase is the expanded capability. With the new filament and specialized tools, students are no longer just printing \"trinkets\"; they are creating functional parts. They are thrilled by the \"magic\" of watching a spool of plastic transform into a moving gear or a customized tool they designed themselves. There is a palpable sense of pride when they hear the printer finish a job and realize they successfully brought a digital idea into the physical world.\r\n\r\nStudents who have thrived I've noticed a profound change in a few of my students who typically struggle with verbal or written expression. One student in particular, who often finds traditional lectures challenging, has become our resident \"3D Printing Expert.\" This technology has given them a way to demonstrate their brilliance through spatial reasoning and hands-on troubleshooting. Seeing them confidently lead a small group to fix a jammed extruder or optimize a print bed has been the highlight of my semester.\r\n\r\nYour support has given these students a language in which they can finally speak fluently: the language of innovation.","fullyFundedDate":1768587244493,"projectUrl":"project/from-filament-to-fabulous-3d-printing-s/10019579/","projectTitle":"From Filament to Fabulous- 3D Printing Skills in Action!- part2","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Watson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8723780_orig.png?crop=396,396,x0,y1&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1666551689643","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8723780"},{"teacherId":8723780,"projectId":10016438,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for your support of our project, \"From Filament to Fabulous.\" Because of your generosity, our classroom has been transformed into a mini-innovation lab. While many people see 3D printing as a way to make toys, my students are discovering it is a powerful tool for problem-solving and engineering. This technology is helping them bridge the gap between abstract concepts and physical reality; they aren't just looking at a diagram of a geometric shape or a mechanical part on a screen—they are holding their own designs in their hands, analyzing what worked and what needs to be improved.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting part of this new technology for the students is the \"fail-forward\" process. When a print doesn't go perfectly, they don't see it as a mistake; they see it as a prototype. Watching the printer head move with precision to create something they built from scratch in a digital workspace has sparked a level of engagement I haven't seen before. They are staying focused, collaborating on design tweaks, and cheering for each other as their projects come to life layer by layer.\r\n\r\nI've been particularly moved by a few students who typically struggle with traditional pen-and-paper assignments. One student, who often feels overwhelmed by math, found a hidden talent for spatial reasoning and 3D modeling. This technology has given them a unique platform to shine, boosting their confidence and changing their entire attitude toward coming to class. Your support didn't just buy filament and hardware; it provided a \"lightbulb moment\" for students who needed a different way to learn.","fullyFundedDate":1768508138551,"projectUrl":"project/from-filament-to-fabulous-3d-printing-s/10016438/","projectTitle":"From Filament to Fabulous- 3D Printing Skills in Action!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Watson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8723780_orig.png?crop=396,396,x0,y1&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1666551689643","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8723780"},{"teacherId":8723780,"projectId":9937290,"letterContent":"While many of us use technology for communication or entertainment, in our classroom, it is a bridge to the physical world. By using these tools, students aren't just looking at a flat screen; they are using code to interact with physical space. This technology helps students visualize complex math and geography by turning a \"problem on a page\" into a physical mission. When they see a sphero robot physically struggle to climb a simulated incline they programmed, the concept of elevation change becomes a reality they have to solve, rather than just a definition to memorize.\r\n\r\nThe \"Cool Factor\": What Excites the Students\r\nThe most exciting part for the students is the autonomy of block coding. There is a visible spark of joy when they hit \"start\" and watch their Sphero execute a multi-step mission they designed from scratch. The stakes feel high—they aren't just moving a ball; they are \"navigating the Martian surface.\" Identifying legendary landforms like Olympus Mons or the Valles Marineris on their maps and then successfully programming a robot to traverse them feels like a true \"NASA moment\" for them.\r\n\r\nReal-World Results: Who is Benefiting Most?\r\nThis project has been a game-changer for our tactile and visual learners. Specifically, I've seen students who typically struggle with traditional \"paper-and-pencil\" math become leaders in this unit. One student, who often feels overwhelmed by abstract geometry, thrived when tasked with calculating the headings and distance adjustments needed to avoid a crater. The immediate feedback provided by the robot—either it reaches the destination or it doesn't—allows these students to troubleshoot and persist without the fear of \"getting a grade wrong\" on a worksheet.\r\n\r\nKey Learning Objectives We Achieved:\r\nTopographic Mastery: Students can now interpret contour lines to identify steep cliffs versus flat plains.\r\n\r\nPrecision Navigation: Calculating distance, time, and heading to move from Point A to Point B.\r\n\r\nLogic & Coding: Using block-based programming to string together complex movements.\r\n\r\nPlanetary Science: Connecting physical map patterns to the real-world geography of Mars.","fullyFundedDate":1764700862168,"projectUrl":"project/soar-steer-stem-drone-sphero-chall/9937290/","projectTitle":"Soar, Steer & STEM: Drone & Sphero Challenge","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Watson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8723780_orig.png?crop=396,396,x0,y1&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1666551689643","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8723780"},{"teacherId":8723780,"projectId":9919051,"letterContent":"Your contributions to the \"Micro:bit Navigation on Mars\" project have provided students with hands-on tools to transform abstract concepts into tangible discoveries. Here is how your support is making an impact in the classroom in 2026:\r\nHow Technology is Helping Students Learn\r\nWhile many use technology at home for entertainment, students use the Micro:bit as a \"scientific lab in their pockets\".\r\nConcrete Logic: Instead of just reading about code, students see its immediate physical effects—\r\nCritical Thinking: The technology teaches computational thinking, requiring students to break down complex navigation problems into smaller, manageable steps.\r\nCross-Curricular Skills: Students aren't just learning computer science; they are applying math (using x- and y-coordinates to move across a grid), science (measuring environmental data like temperature), and engineering.\r\nMost Exciting Features for Students\r\nThe \"Navigation on Mars\" theme brings a high-stakes, real-world feel to their work. Students are most excited by:\r\nOnboard Sensors: Using the built-in accelerometer to detect motion and the magnetometer (compass) to navigate their \"rovers\" through a simulated Martian landscape of a topography map.\r\nImmediate Feedback: The 5x5 LED matrix provides instant visual confirmation if their navigation code is working, which turns every \"bug\" into a puzzle to solve rather than a failure.\r\nInteractive Play: Features like the built-in speaker and touch-sensitive logo allow them to add \"voice\" or unique controls to their spacecraft models.\r\nStudents Who Have Warmed to the Technology\r\nThis technology has been particularly effective in reaching diverse learners who might otherwise struggle with traditional lessons:\r\nVisual and Kinesthetic Learners: Students who find lectures abstract have flourished with the \"low floor, high ceiling\" nature of Micro:bit, which allows them to start with simple blocks and move toward complex scripts as their confidence grows.\r\nClosing the Gender Gap: Research shows that 70% more girls express interest in computing after using these interactive, creative tools.\r\nInclusive Success: New keyboard navigation and accessibility updates (launched in late 2025) have empowered students with motor or visual challenges to participate as equal creators in the project.","fullyFundedDate":1764700670397,"projectUrl":"project/microbit-navigation-on-mars/9919051/","projectTitle":"Micro:bit Navigation on Mars","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Watson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8723780_orig.png?crop=396,396,x0,y1&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1666551689643","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8723780"},{"teacherId":8723780,"projectId":9919005,"letterContent":"3D printing has revolutionized our classroom by turning abstract concepts into tangible reality. Thanks to your generous donations of 3D PLA filament, our students are no longer just passive consumers of information; they have become creators and problem-solvers.\r\nHow the Technology Helps Students Learn\r\n1-While many use technology for entertainment, in our school, 3D printing is a bridge between theory and practice.\r\n2-Visualizing Complexity: Students can print and hold anatomical models for biology, geometric shapes for math, or historical artifacts, making \"invisible\" or abstract ideas graspable.\r\n3-Iterative Problem Solving: When a design fails to print correctly, students must troubleshoot their digital models and try again. This teaches them that failure is a necessary step in the engineering process.\r\n4-Career Readiness: Students are gaining hands-on experience with industry-standard Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software, preparing them for future careers in engineering, healthcare, and manufacturing.\r\n\r\nWhat Excites Students Most\r\n1-The most thrilling aspect for students is the \"magic\" of seeing a digital idea materialize into a physical object they can hold.\r\n2-The \"Aha!\" Moment: There is a unique excitement when they watch the printer extrude layers of PLA filament to build their own custom-designed project.\r\n3-Ownership: Students feel a deep sense of pride and empowerment when they successfully produce a functional part, such as a gear or a prototype for a real-world solution.\r\n\r\nStudents Who Have Thrived\r\n1-This technology has been particularly transformative for certain groups of learners:\r\nTactile and Visual Learners: Students who struggle with traditional textbooks often \"warm up\" to 3D printing because it provides a multisensory, hands-on experience that reinforces their understanding.\r\n2--Special Education Students: 3D printing allows for the creation of personalized learning aids, such as tactile maps or custom-grip tools, which foster independence and inclusion.\r\n3-Future Inventors: Students who were previously disengaged have found a new spark in \"Shark Tank\" style projects, where they design and print products to solve environmental or community problems.\r\n\r\nBy providing the necessary 3D PLA filament, you have given every student the opportunity to participate actively in their own learning journey.","fullyFundedDate":1764700512734,"projectUrl":"project/our-first-ever-3d-printing-project/9919005/","projectTitle":"Our First Ever 3D Printing Project","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Watson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8723780_orig.png?crop=396,396,x0,y1&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1666551689643","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8723780"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_54500","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":854,"numTeachers":60,"percentFrplEligible":23,"percentAsian":3,"percentBlack":6,"percentWhite":78,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":6,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":5,"gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"14.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":75.4,"schoolId":54500,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Forest Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Forest Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/virginia/bedford-county-public-school-district/forest-middle-school/54500"}