{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Helen Tyson Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":54.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":2220276,"projectId":10070926,"letterContent":"When students first saw the materials arrive, they were immediately excited because they understood that this project was about helping real people in our community. Many of them were especially interested in the sensory and hands-on items like the slime materials, sewing supplies, gel pens, and reusable coloring sheets. What really stood out, though, was how quickly the conversation shifted from \"this looks fun\" to \"how can we make this meaningful for seniors?\" Students began asking thoughtful questions about what activities might be easiest for someone with arthritis, limited mobility, or vision challenges. It became less about crafting and more about empathy and connection.\r\n\r\nOne of the most meaningful classroom moments happened while students were designing the instruction cards and testing activities themselves. Students realized that directions needed to be simple, visual, and encouraging in order to be accessible for seniors who may be working independently at home. They revised their designs multiple times after trying the activities with gloves on or limiting the use of one hand to better understand fine-motor challenges. Watching middle school students slow down and truly think about another person's experience was incredibly powerful.\r\n\r\nRight now, students are actively assembling the \"Hands of Kindness\" kits while also creating companion video tutorials that seniors can watch at their own pace. They are learning how to communicate clearly through both written and visual directions, while also practicing organization, planning, and problem-solving skills. Our next steps are to personalize the kits even more by adding handwritten encouragement cards and creating a variety of activity levels so the nonprofit partner can match kits to individual seniors' needs and interests.\r\n\r\nAs the project continues, students are also reflecting on the bigger impact of service-learning. They are beginning to see that technology, creativity, and making are not just classroom activities—they can be tools for building relationships and improving quality of life for others. This experience has helped students better understand loneliness, aging, accessibility, and the importance of community care, while also showing them that even small acts of kindness can have a lasting impact.","fullyFundedDate":1770306684699,"projectUrl":"project/hands-of-kindness-student-made-craft-ki/10070926/","projectTitle":"Hands of Kindness: Student-Made Craft Kits for Homebound Seniors","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Berry","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2220276_orig.jpg?crop=1536,1536,x0,y143&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1682781907133","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2220276"},{"teacherId":2220276,"projectId":10000224,"letterContent":"The technology in this project is helping students move beyond simply consuming media and instead become creators, designers, storytellers, and problem-solvers. Rather than using technology for isolated assignments, students are learning how different tools can work together to communicate ideas and serve a real audience. They are sketching ideas, digitally designing scenes, modeling 3D objects, creating tactile elements, recording audio, and testing how visual and sensory choices impact another person's experience.\r\n\r\nOne of the biggest learning shifts has been helping students understand that technology is not just about making something \"cool,\" but about making something meaningful and accessible. Students are thinking deeply about how a homebound senior might interact with their project. They ask questions like: \"Can this object be held easily?\" \"Will these colors be easy to see?\" \"Will this audio feel calming?\" That process has helped students develop empathy, communication skills, creative confidence, and real-world design thinking.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting part for students has been seeing their ideas become physical, interactive experiences. They love watching a digital design become a 3D printed object they can hold and place into a story scene. The sticker maker has also been a huge source of excitement because students are able to create personalized visuals and affirmation messages that make each story window feel unique and heartfelt. Combining art, sound, touch, and storytelling into one project has made the learning experience feel much more immersive and personal.\r\n\r\nSome of the students who have connected most strongly with this technology are students who do not always thrive in traditional academic settings. Students who struggle with writing alone have found confidence through visual storytelling and 3D design. Other students who are naturally creative but sometimes hesitant academically have stepped into leadership roles by helping peers with modeling, design, audio editing, or artistic decisions. We have also seen students become deeply invested emotionally once they realized their work was going to a real senior in the community. Knowing their projects could bring comfort and connection to someone else gave the work a level of purpose and care that transformed the classroom atmosphere.","fullyFundedDate":1769996337575,"projectUrl":"project/the-listening-gallery/10000224/","projectTitle":"The Listening Gallery","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Berry","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2220276_orig.jpg?crop=1536,1536,x0,y143&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1682781907133","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2220276"},{"teacherId":2220276,"projectId":10058733,"letterContent":"Our EAST classroom is built around one simple idea: students learn best when their work matters. Instead of completing projects that stay in the classroom, our middle school students use technology, creativity, and problem-solving to design real solutions for real people in our community.\r\n\r\nThis project will give students the tools to turn ideas into impact. With a sticker printer, sublimation and laser-engraving supplies, 3D filament, and printing materials, students will move from brainstorming to final production—researching needs, designing solutions, creating prototypes, testing ideas, and producing finished products that serve others.\r\n\r\nWhat makes this especially powerful is the blend of STEM and visual art. Students are not only learning engineering and technology skills like CAD modeling, 3D printing, and fabrication—they are also learning how design communicates. They think about color, layout, accessibility, and storytelling so that every product is both functional and meaningful.\r\n\r\nOur students may create sensory supports for younger learners, recognition awards for volunteers, educational signage for museums and nature centers, custom classroom manipulatives, or awareness materials for local nonprofits. These are not just class assignments—they are contributions to our schools and community.\r\n\r\nFor many of our students, especially those from low-income households, access to this kind of technology is life-changing. It opens doors to career pathways in engineering, design, manufacturing, and entrepreneurship while helping them build confidence in their own abilities.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, students begin to see themselves differently. They realize they are capable of solving problems, helping others, and creating work that has lasting value. They learn that art and STEM are not separate subjects—they are powerful tools for empathy, innovation, and service.\r\n\r\nYour support helps provide more than supplies. It helps provide purpose, opportunity, and the belief that student voices and ideas can make a real difference.","fullyFundedDate":1769440369739,"projectUrl":"project/design-for-good/10058733/","projectTitle":"Design for Good","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Berry","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2220276_orig.jpg?crop=1536,1536,x0,y143&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1682781907133","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2220276"},{"teacherId":2220276,"projectId":9796584,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our students were able to turn creativity, technology, and compassion into something truly meaningful. Through the Stick With Hope project, students used the PixCut S1 Color Sticker Printer & Cutting Machine to design and produce custom stickers that bring encouragement, comfort, and hope to children served by local foster care programs and children's advocacy centers. Your support made it possible for students to see how their ideas and skills can directly impact the lives of others.\r\n\r\nThis project went far beyond learning how to use a new piece of technology. Students met with foster care advocates and child therapists to better understand the emotional needs of children who have experienced trauma, uncertainty, and change. These conversations helped students step outside their own experiences and see the world through a new lens. They listened to real stories of resilience and healing, and used those insights to design stickers that promote positive self-talk, celebrate milestones, and provide moments of comfort during difficult times.\r\n\r\nStudents created every design from scratch, learning digital art skills while also learning to design with empathy and purpose. They carefully considered colors, images, and words that could help children feel calm, supported, and valued. Many students shared that knowing their designs would reach real children made them more thoughtful and intentional in their work. They realized that even a small sticker could help someone feel seen, encouraged, and less alone.\r\n\r\nThrough reflection journals and group discussions, students expressed a deeper understanding of the challenges others face and a stronger belief in their ability to make a difference. They saw firsthand how art and technology can become tools for healing, connection, and kindness. Perhaps most importantly, they began to see themselves not just as students, but as advocates and creators who can use their talents to support their community.\r\n\r\nYour donation did more than provide a machine—it provided an opportunity for students to grow in empathy, confidence, and purpose. You helped them learn that their creativity has power, and that their actions, no matter how small, can bring hope to someone else.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our students and in the children they are now able to support. Your kindness has created a ripple effect of compassion that will continue far beyond our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1764732030009,"projectUrl":"project/made-to-matter/9796584/","projectTitle":"Made to Matter","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Berry","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2220276_orig.jpg?crop=1536,1536,x0,y143&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1682781907133","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2220276"},{"teacherId":2220276,"projectId":9786533,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our students and helping us create a school culture where reading and writing are exciting, social, and student-driven. Your generosity will provide journals, bookmarks, writing tools, and student-designed prizes that allow our EAST students to lead a school-wide literacy incentive program in partnership with our librarian and literacy specialist. Through vocabulary games, book talks, peer-created reviews, and creative rewards they design themselves, students will motivate one another to read more, share their voices, and see themselves as leaders who can make a real impact on their school community. This project will not only increase literacy engagement, but also empower students with confidence, creativity, and the belief that their ideas can inspire others.","fullyFundedDate":1761151003942,"projectUrl":"project/lead-to-read/9786533/","projectTitle":"Lead to Read","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Berry","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2220276_orig.jpg?crop=1536,1536,x0,y143&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1682781907133","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2220276"},{"teacherId":2220276,"projectId":9792795,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our school garden and helping our students learn through hands-on, real-world experiences. Your generosity has made a meaningful difference in how our students care for and learn from the garden.\r\n\r\nBefore receiving this hose, students had to move a heavy hose used for other campus needs or carry buckets of water to reach the garden beds. This took a lot of time and energy and often limited how much work they could do in the garden during class. Now, with a dedicated hose, students can water efficiently and safely, allowing them to focus on what really matters—planting, weeding, pruning, and observing how plants grow.\r\n\r\nThis simple tool has had a big impact. Students spend more time engaged in learning, working together, and taking ownership of the garden. They are building responsibility, problem-solving skills, and a deeper understanding of where food comes from and how caring for living things requires consistency and teamwork.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, our garden is healthier, our students are more engaged, and our learning time is used more effectively. Thank you for investing in our students and helping us create meaningful, hands-on learning experiences that will last far beyond the growing season.","fullyFundedDate":1760020655408,"projectUrl":"project/garden-water-warriors/9792795/","projectTitle":"Garden Water Warriors","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Berry","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2220276_orig.jpg?crop=1536,1536,x0,y143&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1682781907133","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2220276"},{"teacherId":2220276,"projectId":9656152,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting this project and helping our students take their game design work to the next level. Many of our learners love creating educational games in Scratch, FlowLab, and CoSpaces, but our Chromebook microphones make it hard for them to add narration, sound effects, and the immersive audio that brings a game to life. With high-quality USB microphones, students will finally be able to record clear dialogue, ambient sounds, and even original music to make their games more interactive and meaningful. This upgrade will not only improve the quality of their final products but also help them explore deeper elements of game design and digital storytelling. Thank you for giving our students the tools to create richer learning experiences for others and to grow their skills as creators, designers, and problem-solvers.","fullyFundedDate":1756644371718,"projectUrl":"project/creating-our-own-soundbites/9656152/","projectTitle":"Creating Our Own Soundbites","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Berry","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2220276_orig.jpg?crop=1536,1536,x0,y143&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1682781907133","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2220276"},{"teacherId":2220276,"projectId":9646041,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting this project and giving our students the opportunity to learn through meaningful, community-driven work. In our program, students don't just build things—they learn to think like innovators and entrepreneurs, using technology, creativity, and financial literacy to meet real community needs. The molding supplies will open the door for them to create professional-quality prototypes, develop adaptive tools for partners like our special education department and local therapists, and explore how their ideas can be both financially sustainable and socially impactful. Your support helps students understand how budgeting, cost analysis, and product design connect to real careers while also showing them that innovation can be rooted in compassion. Thank you for investing in tools that help our learners discover their strengths, develop workforce-ready skills, and understand the power of using their ideas to strengthen the community around them.","fullyFundedDate":1759266136254,"projectUrl":"project/molding-future-manufacturers/9646041/","projectTitle":"Molding Future Manufacturers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Berry","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2220276_orig.jpg?crop=1536,1536,x0,y143&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1682781907133","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2220276"},{"teacherId":2220276,"projectId":9583483,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for partnering with our students on this powerful and heartfelt project. By learning directly from an occupational therapist and hearing about the daily challenges children face, our students are beginning to understand what it truly means to see the world through someone else's eyes. This project is helping them use their creativity and technical skills with purpose—designing weighted items, sensory tools, tactile objects, and murals that are made with real children and real needs in mind. They are discovering how empathy grows when you listen closely, ask questions, and create something that genuinely helps another person. Your guidance has given our students the opportunity to connect art, innovation, and compassion in meaningful ways. Thank you for showing them how their kindness and talent can make a difference in the lives of others.","fullyFundedDate":1755734087918,"projectUrl":"project/therapy-threads-and-tactile-treasures/9583483/","projectTitle":"Therapy Threads and Tactile Treasures","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Berry","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2220276_orig.jpg?crop=1536,1536,x0,y143&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1682781907133","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2220276"},{"teacherId":2220276,"projectId":9570243,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for partnering with our students on this meaningful project. Our EAST kids are caring, creative, and kind, and opportunities like this help them understand just how much their skills can impact real people in our community. By learning about the important work you do and creating educational and uplifting materials for the children and families you serve, our students are growing in empathy, confidence, and purpose. They are discovering that their artwork, their design choices, and their attention to detail truly matter when they are made in service of others. Thank you for opening the door for them to learn, to care deeply, and to create something that makes a difference. Your partnership helps shape who they are becoming—thoughtful problem-solvers who use their talents to make the world better.","fullyFundedDate":1755733925384,"projectUrl":"project/fostering-compassion-through-creative-co/9570243/","projectTitle":"Fostering Compassion Through Creative Collaboration","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Berry","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2220276_orig.jpg?crop=1536,1536,x0,y143&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1682781907133","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2220276"},{"teacherId":2220276,"projectId":9257526,"letterContent":"Thanks to your support, we had a wonderful event for students at the end of our school year spotlighting amazing places and organizations focused on nature. In order to gear up for this event, students did a tremendous amount of work designing and producing graphics to highlight the beauty of nature all around us. Mugs, tumblers, stickers, posters, bags and more....all plan and created by our young artists. Each day at school I see a student with one of those items, a teacher enjoying a mug or a print hanging in a classroom wall. It was/is magical.","fullyFundedDate":1745506184208,"projectUrl":"project/we-speak-for-the-trees/9257526/","projectTitle":"We Speak for the Trees","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Berry","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2220276_orig.jpg?crop=1536,1536,x0,y143&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1682781907133","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2220276"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_63004","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":676,"numTeachers":66,"percentFrplEligible":82,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":2,"percentWhite":21,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":54,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":16,"percentMultiracialImputed":2,"gradesServed":"6 - 7","studentTeacherRatio":"10.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":45.5,"schoolId":63004,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Helen Tyson Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Helen Tyson Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/arkansas/springdale-public-schools/helen-tyson-middle-school/63004"}