{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Frank E Thompson Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":24.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":1073078,"projectId":5847658,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donation to expand my classroom library with additional graphic novels. I am a Special Educator in an urban high school. More than 50% of our students live in poverty. The allure of a new book that my students can access at their independent level is a game-changer for many of them. \r\n\r\nGraphic novels appeal to my students because they're bright, colorful, and they have relatable characters that often represent their backgrounds. I love to see the excitement in my students' eyes when they are excited to read a new book.","fullyFundedDate":1634834035073,"projectUrl":"project/read-all-about-it-graphic-novels-are-al/5847658/","projectTitle":"Read All About It! Graphic Novels Are All the Rage!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lisa Johnston Olaynack","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1073078_orig.jpg?crop=434,434,x0,y130&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1600313654617","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1073078"},{"teacherId":4979549,"projectId":9512898,"letterContent":"This year, your generous donation of classroom supplies has made an extraordinary impact on my fifth-grade students — and on me as their teacher. What might seem like simple items—pencils, markers, folders, paper, and organizers—have truly transformed the daily learning experience in our classroom. Every notebook filled, every chart created, and every hands-on project completed tells a story of how these materials have brought learning to life for our students.\r\n\r\nWhen the school year began, I was faced with the familiar challenge of trying to meet the diverse needs of 70+ energetic fifth graders in an urban district where resources are limited. Many of my students arrive each morning without the tools they need to learn confidently. For some, even basic supplies like pencils and notebooks are a stretch for their families. Your donations changed that reality. Instead of worrying about whether they had what they needed to participate, my students were able to focus on what really matters—learning, creating, and growing.\r\n\r\nFrom day one, the supplies you provided helped us establish a classroom culture of organization, responsibility, and pride. Every student now has their own folders, binders, and notebooks to keep their work neat and accessible. This structure has been especially important for helping my fifth graders transition into more independent learners as they prepare for middle school. They take ownership of their materials, and in doing so, they take ownership of their learning.\r\n\r\nThe donated markers, chart paper, and art supplies have also made a tremendous difference in engagement and creativity. In science, students have used these materials to design models of ecosystems, illustrate the water cycle, and create posters that demonstrate their understanding of renewable energy. In social studies, they've produced detailed maps, timelines, and group projects that showcase their research and teamwork. Every colorful display on our classroom walls is a direct result of your generosity—and each one represents a proud moment for a young learner.\r\n\r\nBeyond academics, your support has helped foster a stronger sense of community in our classroom. When students have access to shared materials, it levels the playing field. No one feels left out or embarrassed because they don't have the right supplies. Instead, there's a spirit of collaboration and kindness that fills the room. Students are more willing to help one another, share ideas, and take creative risks when they feel supported. That emotional safety and sense of belonging are as valuable as any textbook lesson.\r\n\r\nI've also noticed a real shift in confidence. When students receive quality materials, they feel valued. They understand that someone out there—someone they may never meet—believes in their potential. That belief motivates them to put forth their best effort. I see it in the care they take when completing assignments, in the pride they show when presenting projects, and in the growing enthusiasm they bring to learning every day.\r\n\r\nAs a teacher, your support has lifted a huge weight off my shoulders. Instead of worrying about how to stretch a limited budget, I can focus my time and energy on planning engaging lessons and supporting each student's individual needs. Knowing that our classroom is well-equipped allows me to be more creative and responsive, and that makes a difference for every child who walks through our door.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping us create a classroom where learning is joyful, organized, and accessible for all. Your generosity doesn't just supply materials—it fuels curiosity, confidence, and hope. On behalf of every one of my fifth graders, thank you for believing in them and for being part of their educational journey.","fullyFundedDate":1756134062998,"projectUrl":"project/help-keep-our-fifth-graders-organized-an/9512898/","projectTitle":"Help Keep Our Fifth Graders Organized and Ready to Learn!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hole","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4979549"},{"teacherId":1073078,"projectId":5633677,"letterContent":"After 25 years at Thompson Middle School, I finally graduated to high school. This past school year was my first year, aka my freshman year, at Rogers High School in Newport, RI. It was so rewarding working with so many of my former students from Thompson and new students. Rogers is also my alma mater. \r\n\r\nThe school year certainly had its challenges. Yet, I am already looking forward to next year. Starting a new school year with fresh new ideas and materials is a boost to what can be a hectic beginning of the school year.\r\n\r\nPlease help me support my students with these essential back to school materials.","fullyFundedDate":1629310536291,"projectUrl":"project/new-school-year-with-new-tools-books/5633677/","projectTitle":"New School Year with New Tools & Books","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lisa Johnston Olaynack","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1073078_orig.jpg?crop=434,434,x0,y130&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1600313654617","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1073078"},{"teacherId":6882378,"projectId":8954549,"letterContent":"Your generous donation provided the students in my fifth grade classroom with a variety of engaging and educational activities. Your support means so much.\r\n\r\nStudents became educational stewards for our environment. They spread the important messages about recycling with family and neighbors. The activities that I was able to purchase for my students helped to further enrich their understanding of the impact that we all have on our environment.\r\n\r\nI feel so blessed to have the support of people in the community, especially you. Helping to engage students in learning is a gift to our community and you are greatly appreciated.","fullyFundedDate":1733260083838,"projectUrl":"project/terrific-tools-for-teaching-science-to-s/8954549/","projectTitle":"Terrific Tools for Teaching Science to Students","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Turner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6882378"},{"teacherId":6570915,"projectId":6713385,"letterContent":"Thank you for your support! Your donation has directly benefited students by providing them with reading materials to practice and reinforce the skills they are learning in class. Students were able to utilize the Schlastic Magazine for small group reading and conversations about relevant current event topics. These conversations helped them draft readers' responses and then work on their editing and revising skills. Students were engaged in reading as the issues were of high interest, but at a level they could read. These resources also offer support for learning at home. Such tools help strengthen the connection between school and home, allowing families to engage with what is happening in the classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1663029078693,"projectUrl":"project/independent-reading-choice/6713385/","projectTitle":"Independent Reading Choice","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Catalan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6570915_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1630370804812","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6570915"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_91446","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":500,"numTeachers":52,"percentFrplEligible":70,"percentAsian":2,"percentBlack":10,"percentWhite":31,"percentIndigenous":2,"percentLatinx":39,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"5 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"9.6:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":75.3,"schoolId":91446,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Frank E Thompson Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Frank E Thompson Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/rhode-island/newport-public-schools/frank-e-thompson-middle-school/91446"}
Join the 231 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Frank E Thompson Middle School is
a suburban public school
in Newport, Rhode Island that is part of Newport Public Schools.
It serves 500 students
in grades 5 - 8 with a student/teacher ratio of 9.6:1.
Its teachers have had 57 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
53%
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.
Frank E Thompson Middle School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Dec 5, 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.
Frank E Thompson Middle School
$32,480
raised using DonorsChoose
57
projects
funded
29
teachers
funded
231
donors
6
projects
for
basic supplies
6
projects for
technology
15
projects for
books
1
project
for
art supplies
Frank E Thompson Middle School has received support from
174 individuals from Rhode Island and
57 individuals out-of-state.