{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Gunning Bedford Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":40.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10312118,"projectId":9828965,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for funding my DonorsChoose project, Books We Love: Building Literacy Through Creativity and Organization. Because of your generosity, my sixth, seventh, and eighth grade special education students received engaging new books, along with folders and markers that allowed them to creatively organize and personalize their learning.\r\n\r\nThe new texts you provided-such as Dog Man, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Harry Potter, and The Magic Tree House-have already had a powerful impact in our classroom. These books introduced and reinforced important literacy skills, including building reading stamina, improving comprehension, identifying story elements (characters, setting, problem, and solution), expanding vocabulary, and making text-to-self connections. Many students are also practicing inference, summarizing, and discussing themes in ways that feel natural and enjoyable because they are genuinely excited about what they are reading.\r\n\r\nReading in my 6th–8th grade special education classroom looks joyful, flexible, and student-centered. Students read independently, listen to peer or teacher read-alouds, and engage in small-group discussions at their own instructional levels. Choice is a huge part of our literacy block-students are encouraged to select books that interest them, which builds confidence and motivation. The folders and markers you provided allowed students to design their own book-themed folders, helping them stay organized while expressing creativity and ownership over their learning.\r\n\r\nSeveral students have been especially excited about the new books. One student who previously struggled to finish a book has proudly completed multiple Dog Man titles and now eagerly recommends them to classmates. Another student has become completely immersed in Harry Potter, asking thoughtful questions and making predictions about what will happen next. A group of students loves Diary of a Wimpy Kid because the humor and illustrations help them better understand the story while boosting their confidence as readers. Seeing students laugh, share, and voluntarily read during free moments has been incredibly rewarding.\r\n\r\nYour support has helped create a classroom environment where reading feels accessible, fun, and meaningful. Thank you for investing in my students and for helping them grow as readers, thinkers, and creators. Your generosity truly made a difference.","fullyFundedDate":1760655731543,"projectUrl":"project/books-we-love-building-literacy-through/9828965/","projectTitle":"Books We Love: Building Literacy Through Creativity and Organization","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Fleck","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10312118"},{"teacherId":10309131,"projectId":9818774,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for your generous support of our project. While I knew these books and center resources would be a valuable addition to our classroom, I could not have anticipated the emotional impact they would have on my students. The resources you funded have done more than teach literacy; they have provided a mirror for students to explore their identities and better understand their unique profiles.\r\n\r\nThe most meaningful feedback has come directly from the students. After spending time with these new books, they shared their thoughts in thank-you notes that truly highlight the transformative impact on their self-perception:\r\n\r\n\"Your gift will help us with our learning more about our brains and practice our reading skills. It makes us feel confident and feel proud of who I am.\"\r\n\r\n\"It will help us learn more about our disability. I love learning about new things.\"\r\n\r\n\"Your gift will help us feel proud of how we grow. We all love the books because they help us. We love them so much.\"","fullyFundedDate":1760316028881,"projectUrl":"project/literacy-confidence-reading-centers-to/9818774/","projectTitle":"Literacy Confidence: Reading Centers to Power Sixteen Dreamers!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Madonna","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10309131_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x631,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760223357868","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10309131"},{"teacherId":5987036,"projectId":9853244,"letterContent":"Thank you so much to our generous donors for providing our special education classroom with an iPad and a color printer. These resources have made a significant difference for my students, who are autistic and have learning disabilities, by increasing their access to grade-level curriculum in meaningful and engaging ways. The iPad is used daily for assistive communication, interactive learning applications, visual schedules, and individualized instruction. It supports students in developing language, social skills, and academic understanding while allowing them to demonstrate their knowledge in ways that best match their abilities. This technology has helped increase student independence, engagement, and confidence in the classroom.\r\n\r\nThe color printer allows us to create high-quality visual supports that are essential for student success. We use it to produce adapted worksheets, task cards, visual directions, behavior supports, and structured routines that help students better understand expectations and academic content. These materials provide clear, concrete representations of abstract concepts and support students in staying organized and focused throughout the day. Your generosity has directly enhanced our learning environment and has given my students tools they need to access instruction, build skills, and experience success. We are truly grateful for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1761333914606,"projectUrl":"project/c-setting-literacy-support/9853244/","projectTitle":"C Setting Literacy Support","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Fuhr","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5987036_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1539788917589","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5987036"},{"teacherId":10315022,"projectId":9835814,"letterContent":"On behalf of my middle school math classroom, we would like to thank you for your generous contributions to our learning environment. The iPad, whiteboard, and motivational stickers have already made a positive impact in our classroom. \r\n\r\nThe iPad allows my students to engage in hands-on learning, explore interactive math learning apps, and show their math thinking by connecting it to the SmartBoard. \r\n\r\nMy students love coming up to the whiteboard to collaborate and show their work with their peers. I'm also able to provide a place for exemplar math work to live and students to reference throughout the class period.\r\n\r\nThe motivational stickers were an absolute hit and the students love working hard to earn one. \r\n\r\nThank you for supporting our classroom as it is greatly appreciated!","fullyFundedDate":1761762539143,"projectUrl":"project/growth-matters-be-a-part-of-something-s/9835814/","projectTitle":"Growth Matters, Be a Part of Something Special!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gordon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10315022"},{"teacherId":10317978,"projectId":9842069,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the generous donation of new middle school reading books to our classroom. Your support has made an immediate and meaningful difference in my 7th grade social studies classroom. Having access to updated, engaging, and age-appropriate texts has expanded our classroom library and given students more opportunities to connect with content beyond the textbook.\r\n\r\nThe new books have had a powerful impact on student engagement and learning. Many of the titles align directly with our social studies themes, such as history, culture, and civic responsibility, which has helped students deepen their understanding through reading. \r\n\r\n Your generosity has created a more inclusive learning environment where all students feel encouraged to explore ideas, ask questions, and grow as readers and citizens. Thank you again for investing in our students and supporting their academic success.","fullyFundedDate":1760890243389,"projectUrl":"project/building-citizenship-through-history-ci/9842069/","projectTitle":"Building Citizenship through History, Civics, and Economics","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hernandez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10317978"},{"teacherId":9752901,"projectId":9535653,"letterContent":"Thank you so very much for your generous donations to our \"Multitalented Mathematicians\" project on DonorsChoose. Because of your kindness, our classroom is now filled with the vibrant colors and creative potential of Sharpie poster markers, colored pencils, and the wonderfully scented Mr. Sketch markers. These supplies have already transformed our math lessons from abstract concepts on a page into colorful, engaging, and hands-on explorations. You have provided more than just art supplies; you have given my students a new way to express their mathematical thinking.\r\n\r\nYour investment has unlocked the \"multitalented\" aspect of my students' work, proving that creativity and mathematics are powerful partners. You have also shown my students that their education matters to people beyond our school walls, and for that, we are grateful. Thank you for fueling our learning with both color and confidence.","fullyFundedDate":1758202769227,"projectUrl":"project/multitalented-mathematicians/9535653/","projectTitle":"Multitalented Mathematicians","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sturkey","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9752901_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754348773584","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9752901"},{"teacherId":10326939,"projectId":9852711,"letterContent":"I am incredibly grateful for the generous support our classroom received through DonorsChoose and the Department of Education. The items provided—snacks, pencils, Clorox wipes, mini stools, and an iPad—have already made a noticeable difference in the daily learning environment for my middle school students. These resources have helped create a cleaner, more comfortable, and more engaging space where students feel supported and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nThe flexible seating stools have been especially impactful. My students enjoy having the option to move around, collaborate, and choose spots that help them stay focused. This simple addition has improved classroom engagement and helped many students take more ownership of their learning. The snacks have also been a much-needed boost for my growing middle schoolers; having something small to eat during long days keeps their energy up and helps them stay on task. And of course, as a math class, we go through pencils faster than we can count—so having an ample supply ensures students can participate fully every day.\r\n\r\nThe iPad has transformed the way I teach. I am now able to move around the classroom, support students individually, and project examples onto the smart board in real time rather than being anchored to the front of the room. This has increased student interaction and allowed me to provide more immediate feedback. Every item we received has contributed to a stronger, more efficient, and more student-centered classroom. Thank you for investing in my students and helping create a learning environment where they can thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1761440944328,"projectUrl":"project/lets-make-math-class-our-home/9852711/","projectTitle":"Let's Make Math Class Our Home","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hudgins","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10326939"},{"teacherId":6344264,"projectId":9851067,"letterContent":"We are absolutely thrilled and incredibly grateful to Donor's Choose and all the generous donors who supported our classroom project! Thanks to your amazing contribution, our students will now have access to \"The Math Inspector's Books.\" This collection is more than just books; it is a vital resource that will transform how our students engage with mathematical concepts. We are so appreciative of your support in helping us foster a love for math and critical thinking in our classroom. Your commitment to education makes a real, tangible difference in the lives of our students every day.\r\n\r\nWe want to express our deepest thanks for your thoughtfulness and generosity. Receiving these books is a true gift, and we are excited to see the inspiration and learning they will bring. The \"Math Inspectors\" series will allow our students to explore problem-solving in a fun, engaging, and collaborative way, enhancing their understanding and confidence in mathematics. Thank you for investing in our students' potential and for giving us the tools we need to create an enriched and motivating learning environment. Your support is deeply valued and will be put to excellent use!","fullyFundedDate":1761345461038,"projectUrl":"project/math-inspectors-books/9851067/","projectTitle":"Math Inspectors Books","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Braxton","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6344264"},{"teacherId":10323998,"projectId":9847848,"letterContent":"Our project was implemented smoothly, and the students have benefited greatly from the materials we received. They are currently studying the Europe unit in Grade 6 Social Studies, and the atlases have been especially useful. Students use them to locate many European countries and to better understand the geography we discuss in class. The notebooks and other supplies have also supported their daily learning and class activities.\r\n\r\nThe U.S. road map puzzle has been a big hit as well. In the first unit of Grade 6 Social Studies, students learned about North America, and the puzzle helped them gain a deeper understanding of the United States and where their own hometown is located. In addition, the laminator has made preserving teaching resources and student work much easier and more convenient. We truly appreciate your support.","fullyFundedDate":1760972887587,"projectUrl":"project/my-future-journey/9847848/","projectTitle":"My Future Journey","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Huang","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10323998"},{"teacherId":10318111,"projectId":9842233,"letterContent":"I want to extend my deepest gratitude for your generous contributions toward snacks and technology for our classroom. Your support has made a meaningful, immediate, and sustained impact on my students, and I am truly thankful for your willingness to invest in their daily well-being and academic success.\r\n\r\nFor many of my students, having access to snacks during the school day is not just a convenience—it is a necessity. The demands of learning, concentrating, collaborating, and thinking critically can be challenging on an empty stomach. Your donations have allowed me to create a consistent, dependable snack station, ensuring that all students have access to something nourishing when they need it. Because of your generosity, no child has to struggle through a lesson distracted by hunger, and every student can participate more fully. I've already seen how this simple act of care improves their engagement, confidence, and energy. Students who once hesitated to ask for help now approach the day with a little more comfort and security, knowing this need is met.\r\n\r\nYour contributions toward technology have been equally transformative. In today's classrooms, technology is not a luxury—it is an essential tool that shapes how students learn, explore, create, and connect to the world. Thanks to your support, we have been able to provide resources that enrich instruction and give students access to opportunities they would not otherwise have. Whether they are completing digital assignments, practicing research skills, collaborating on projects, or using interactive tools that support individual learning needs, the technology you helped provide gives them a stronger foundation for success. These tools also allow me to differentiate instruction in ways that meet every learner where they are, making the classroom more inclusive, responsive, and engaging.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, our classroom feels more supported, more stable, and more equipped. You have helped build an environment where students can focus on their growth instead of their limitations. You have helped give them confidence, belonging, and the message that people outside our classroom believe in them. This is powerful—more powerful than you may ever see firsthand.\r\n\r\nYour generosity reminds my students that their education matters and that their community cares about them. It shows them that kindness is active, not passive, and that there are people willing to invest in their future. As their teacher, I cannot express how meaningful that is to witness. Your support makes it possible for me to do my job more effectively and to provide my students with the experiences, tools, and resources they deserve.\r\n\r\nThank you again for believing in our classroom, our students, and the daily work we do together. Your donation is not just a contribution—it is an investment in potential, and its impact reaches far beyond the walls of our school.","fullyFundedDate":1760886077550,"projectUrl":"project/tech-and-snacks/9842233/","projectTitle":"Tech and Snacks","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Pampena","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10318111"},{"teacherId":2293276,"projectId":9841269,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous contribution to our classroom project. Because of you, my students now have access to resources that make a true difference — not just in their learning, but in their daily lives.\r\n\r\nYour support has helped me create a learning environment where every student feels seen, valued, and inspired. The diverse books you helped provide have opened up new worlds and perspectives for my students. Many of them are finally reading stories where the characters look like them, sound like them, and share experiences that feel real and relatable. For some, it's the first time they've seen themselves reflected in a book — and that matters deeply.\r\n\r\nAt the same time, your gift has made it possible for us to maintain a clean and healthy classroom. During this cold and flu season, our Clorox wipes have been a true blessing, helping us keep desks and shared materials sanitized so students can stay healthy and in school — where they need to be to learn and grow.\r\n\r\nThe pencils and fidgets you funded may seem like small things, but they meet very real needs. Many of my students come from diverse backgrounds and don't always have access to basic supplies. Something as simple as having a pencil ready or a quiet fidget to help them focus can make the difference between frustration and success. For students who sometimes struggle to stay on task, those fidgets have become powerful tools for focus and calm.\r\n\r\nEvery book opened, every desk wiped, and every pencil sharpened is a reminder of your kindness. You've helped create a classroom that supports the whole child — mind, body, and spirit — and reminds my students that people they've never even met believe in them.\r\n\r\nFrom the bottom of our hearts, thank you for making this possible. Your generosity is helping to build readers, dreamers, and lifelong learners.","fullyFundedDate":1760881686806,"projectUrl":"project/fueling-a-love-for-reading-one-page-at/9841269/","projectTitle":"Fueling a Love for Reading, One Page at a Time","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Miller","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2293276_orig.png?crop=252,252,x0,y41&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760701578280","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2293276"},{"teacherId":7657191,"projectId":9846218,"letterContent":"When the materials arrived, the students were very happy and motivated. They were excited to use new resources and to see that their work had a real purpose in the classroom, which increased their interest and participation.\r\n\r\nSince then, the classroom environment has been more creative and collaborative. Students feel more confident expressing themselves and participating, especially when using Spanish alongside other areas of learning.\r\n\r\nWe are now continuing our lessons with greater enthusiasm and commitment. Thanks to your support, students feel valued and see learning as more meaningful.","fullyFundedDate":1760965243706,"projectUrl":"project/culture-in-color-creating-bilingual-con/9846218/","projectTitle":"Culture in Color: Creating Bilingual Connections Through Art and History","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Fabra","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7657191_orig.jpg?crop=1134,1134,x3,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760964948998","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7657191"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_44539","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1041,"numTeachers":52,"percentFrplEligible":66,"percentAsian":3,"percentBlack":50,"percentWhite":25,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":15,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"20.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_FRINGE"},"inStateSupporters":59.6,"schoolId":44539,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Gunning Bedford Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Gunning Bedford Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/delaware/colonial-school-district/gunning-bedford-middle-school/44539"}