{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Houston County Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":83.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9788435,"projectId":10181509,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom with copies of The Hound of the Baskervilles! My students were so excited when the books arrived, and we have already started reading them together. Having individual copies has made a tremendous difference in student engagement and participation. Students feel a sense of ownership over the text, and they are much more eager to annotate, discuss clues, and dive into the mystery.\r\n\r\nAs we read, students are building important literacy and critical thinking skills. They are learning how to analyze characters, make predictions using textual evidence, identify themes, and evaluate how suspense and setting contribute to a story. The mystery format encourages students to think deeply and ask questions as they read, which has led to thoughtful classroom discussions and increased confidence in sharing ideas. We are also exploring vocabulary and figurative language while examining how Sherlock Holmes uses observation and reasoning to solve problems.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom has become an interactive experience. Students work together to track clues, debate theories, and support their thinking with evidence from the novel. Several students who are usually hesitant readers have become especially engaged because they genuinely want to solve the mystery before the ending is revealed. It has been wonderful to watch students become excited about reading and connect with a classic novel in such a meaningful way. Your generosity has helped create a richer, more collaborative reading experience for every student in our classroom. Thank you again for making this possible!","fullyFundedDate":1777043525834,"projectUrl":"project/the-game-is-afoot-exploring-the-hound-o/10181509/","projectTitle":"The Game Is Afoot: Exploring The Hound of the Baskervilles","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Riceman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9788435_orig.jpg?crop=4284,4284,x0,y442&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1727878293470","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9788435"},{"teacherId":8800127,"projectId":9480084,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our nurse's office is now better equipped to care for students quickly, safely, and effectively throughout the school day. The health supplies from this project are already making a meaningful difference for students who come to the nurse's office with minor injuries, headaches, eye irritation, fevers, and other everyday health concerns. Having items like lubricant eye drops, oral pain relief packets, triple antibiotic ointment, gloves, and thermometer probe covers readily available allows me to provide immediate care while maintaining proper hygiene and safety standards.\r\n\r\nStudents may not always notice every medical supply individually, but they absolutely notice the comfort and reassurance that comes from being cared for when they are not feeling well. Whether it's helping a student return to class after treating a minor scrape or checking a fever quickly and safely, these resources help students feel supported, safe, and ready to continue learning. Parents and staff have also appreciated knowing that our nurse's office is prepared with the supplies needed to respond to student health needs efficiently and professionally.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, these materials will continue to support the overall well-being of our students each and every day. By keeping students healthy, comfortable, and cared for, we help minimize missed instructional time and ensure students can stay focused on learning and growing. Your support has truly strengthened our ability to provide a safe and healthy school environment, and we are incredibly grateful for your generosity and care for our students.","fullyFundedDate":1753709757690,"projectUrl":"project/ready-to-learn-safe-to-thrive-essentia/9480084/","projectTitle":"Ready to Learn, Safe to Thrive: Essential Health Supplies!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rachel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8800127_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y40&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1665766647521","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8800127"},{"teacherId":8800127,"projectId":9480429,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our nurse's office is now better prepared to care for students quickly and effectively throughout the school day. The instant ice packs have already become one of the most frequently used resources for treating bumps, bruises, headaches, sprains, and minor injuries. Whether it's a student injured during PE, recess, athletics, or simply a middle school mishap in the hallway, we are now able to provide immediate comfort and care when students need it most.\r\n\r\nThe students were excited and relieved to see that we had a fresh supply of ice packs ready to go. Many of them jokingly commented that the nurse's office was now \"cooler than a popsicle,\" which brought lots of smiles and laughter during stressful moments. Having these resources available helps students feel safe, supported, and cared for while they are at school. It also helps them return to class more quickly and comfortably so they can continue learning.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, these supplies will continue to support student health and wellness every single day. By keeping our nurse's office stocked and prepared, we can focus on creating a positive, safe environment where students know their well-being matters. Your support has truly made a meaningful difference in the daily lives of our students, and we are incredibly grateful for your kindness and generosity.","fullyFundedDate":1755038283979,"projectUrl":"project/cooler-than-a-popsicle-ice-packs-for-k/9480429/","projectTitle":"Cooler Than a Popsicle – Ice Packs for Kids","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rachel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8800127_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y40&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1665766647521","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8800127"},{"teacherId":8800127,"projectId":9618088,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our school now has instant cold packs readily available whenever injuries happen during practices and games. We keep them stocked in our first aid kit and use them right away for bumps, bruises, and minor strains. Instead of students having to sit out in discomfort or wait for care, we're able to respond immediately—helping them feel supported, safe, and ready to return when appropriate. This has made a huge difference in how we handle everyday injuries and keeps our focus on learning and playing the game.\r\n\r\nWhen the students saw that we had the supplies to take care of them right away, they were genuinely appreciative. It gave them a sense of security knowing that their well-being is a priority. Even something as simple as quick access to cold packs has boosted their confidence—they're more willing to fully participate because they know they'll be taken care of if something happens.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, we will continue to prioritize safety as we build skills and grow as a team. With these resources in place, our athletes can focus on improving their fundamentals, supporting one another, and enjoying the game. Your support has helped create a safer, more positive environment where students can learn, take healthy risks, and thrive both on and off the field.","fullyFundedDate":1758636731156,"projectUrl":"project/quick-care-cold-comfort/9618088/","projectTitle":"Quick Care, Cold Comfort","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rachel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8800127_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y40&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1665766647521","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8800127"},{"teacherId":8800127,"projectId":9618099,"letterContent":"I thank you so much for the nursing supplies that you donated to my school. We are a small rural community and every little bit helps us grow and stay safe. I am a middle school nurse and middle school school aged kiddos use A LOT of ice packs, bandaids, and neosporin. I give medicines daily in the medicine cups and water cups that Donors Choose and donors like you have so generously given to our small school.\r\n\r\nOn behalf of the entire organization, I wanted to express our deepest gratitude for your recent donation. Your support means the world to us and the communities we work with. Your generosity makes a difference in the lives of those we are able to help and we are immensely grateful for your commitment to our unique cause.\r\n\r\nOnce again, thank you for your kindness and support.","fullyFundedDate":1765924248404,"projectUrl":"project/caring-with-confidence-supplies-for-stu/9618099/","projectTitle":"Caring with Confidence: Supplies for Student Health","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rachel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8800127_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y40&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1665766647521","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8800127"},{"teacherId":4987145,"projectId":9573504,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our classroom has been able to bring math to life in a meaningful and heart-centered way. With the postcards and stamps you provided, students are participating in a \"Numbers + Notes\" project where they apply real-world math skills while spreading kindness in our community. Students calculated postage costs, created budgets based on a set amount of \"classroom funds,\" graphed how many postcards were sent to different locations, and solved real-world word problems connected to mailing and delivery. What could have been a simple math worksheet instead became a hands-on, purpose-driven experience.\r\n\r\nWhen the postcards and stamps arrived, students were genuinely excited. Many had never mailed something on their own before. There was a buzz in the room as they chose designs, carefully wrote thoughtful messages to family members, community helpers, and even residents at a local senior center. One powerful moment was watching a student double-check their budget calculations to ensure they could mail postcards to both a grandparent and a former teacher—real motivation to get the math right!\r\n\r\nNext, we are extending this project by analyzing response rates and graphing incoming replies. Students will compare projected outcomes to actual results, discuss data trends, and reflect on how small acts of kindness can create ripple effects. Thanks to you, math in our classroom is no longer just numbers on a page—it's a tool for connection, problem-solving, and community building.","fullyFundedDate":1763584044369,"projectUrl":"project/numbers-notes-postcards-that-build-ma/9573504/","projectTitle":"Numbers + Notes: Postcards That Build Math Skills & Community","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Parker","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4987145_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1523662716324","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4987145"},{"teacherId":4987145,"projectId":9571184,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom now has access to high-quality, engaging resources through Teachers Pay Teachers that are tailored specifically to my students' learning needs. While many donors use technology at home, in our classroom it becomes a powerful instructional tool. The materials we've been able to purchase include interactive digital lessons, differentiated practice activities, hands-on projects, and skill-building resources that directly align with our curriculum. These tools allow me to meet students at their individual levels—providing enrichment for those ready to be challenged and additional support for those who need extra practice.\r\n\r\nWhat has been most exciting for students is how engaging and interactive the new resources are. They love the visually appealing slides, collaborative activities, and creative assignments that make lessons feel fresh and meaningful. I've seen students who are typically hesitant to participate become more confident when working with these structured, well-designed materials. One student who often struggles with reading comprehension has especially thrived using scaffolded digital organizers we purchased—having step-by-step support built into the lesson has made a noticeable difference in both confidence and performance.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, learning feels more personalized and dynamic in our classroom. The gift card has given us endless possibilities to respond to student needs in real time, whether reinforcing a skill, extending a lesson, or exploring a new concept in depth. Thank you for investing in resources that help every student feel capable, supported, and inspired to learn.","fullyFundedDate":1762265237721,"projectUrl":"project/custom-lessons-endless-possibilities/9571184/","projectTitle":"Custom Lessons, Endless Possibilities","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Parker","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4987145_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1523662716324","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4987145"},{"teacherId":4987145,"projectId":9856532,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our classroom now has a small but powerful safety net for students who need it most. The easy-to-prepare meals and snacks—like SpaghettiOs, ramen noodles, mac and cheese, and cracker packs—are being used to ensure that no student has to try to focus, learn, or participate while distracted by hunger.\r\n\r\nWe've organized the food into a discreet classroom pantry area so students can quietly grab what they need without drawing attention to themselves. Some students take items home for evenings or weekends when food may be limited, while others prepare a microwaveable meal here after school before tutoring, clubs, or athletic practice.\r\n\r\nWhen the boxes first arrived, students' reactions were immediate and heartfelt. There were smiles, relieved sighs, and quiet \"thank yous.\" One student said, \"Now I don't have to worry about dinner on practice days.\" Another shared that having something simple like ramen at home makes a big difference for their younger siblings. In that moment, it was clear that this project provided more than food—it provided comfort, dignity, and stability.\r\n\r\nThe impact has already shown up in the classroom. Students who once struggled to concentrate late in the day are more engaged and present. Attendance during after-school help sessions has improved because students know they can grab something to eat beforehand. With basic needs met, they are better able to focus on reading discussions, group projects, and upcoming assessments.\r\n\r\nNext, we plan to connect this pantry support to lessons on budgeting, nutrition, and meal planning as part of real-world life skills discussions. Students will learn how to stretch resources, read nutrition labels, and think critically about food choices—all while knowing their classroom is a supportive space.\r\n\r\nYour kindness has created more than a collection of meals. You've helped build a classroom where students feel cared for, supported, and ready to learn. Thank you for making such a meaningful difference in their lives.","fullyFundedDate":1762202929790,"projectUrl":"project/food-for-thought-supporting-students-in/9856532/","projectTitle":"Food For Thought: Supporting Students in Need","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Parker","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4987145_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1523662716324","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4987145"},{"teacherId":4987145,"projectId":9559244,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our classroom has become a place where students can proudly celebrate their growth and accomplishments every day. The new picture frames are being used to display student writing pieces, artwork, completed projects, and academic achievements throughout the year. One especially meaningful moment occurred after a recent writing assignment: students carefully selected their favorite paragraph, revised it, and then placed the finished work into their frames. Seeing their work displayed like \"real gallery pieces\" sparked a sense of pride that was visible across the entire room.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the frames, their excitement was immediate. Many asked, \"Is this really for our work?\" and eagerly began discussing what they hoped to display first. Watching them carefully slide their papers into the frames, share them with classmates, and even invite others to come look at their accomplishments created a powerful sense of ownership and confidence. Students who are usually hesitant to share their work were especially proud to have something displayed, which helped build a more encouraging classroom environment.\r\n\r\nAs we move forward with our current lessons, students are continuing to set personal goals for pieces they hope to display next, whether it's an improved math explanation, a polished writing piece, or a creative art project. These frames are helping us emphasize growth, reflection, and celebration of progress, motivating students to put forth their best effort and take pride in how much they are learning each day. Your support has truly helped turn our classroom into a space that honors student achievement and builds lasting confidence.","fullyFundedDate":1758636606498,"projectUrl":"project/snapshots-of-success/9559244/","projectTitle":"Snapshots of Success!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Parker","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4987145_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1523662716324","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4987145"},{"teacherId":4987145,"projectId":9856551,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our students now have reliable access to simple breakfast and snack items that make a real difference in their daily learning. Students have been taking their cereal pouches, granola bars, and other easy-to-prepare items home each week, and many have shared that they feel more prepared for the next school day because they know they will have something to eat. Having these resources available has helped students start their mornings with more energy, focus, and confidence in the classroom.\r\n\r\nWhen the items first arrived, the excitement was immediate. Students were genuinely surprised that people they had never met cared enough to make sure they had food for the weekend. One memorable moment was when a student quietly said, \"Now I don't have to worry about breakfast on Monday,\" which reminded us just how meaningful this support truly is. The gratitude students expressed—through smiles, thank-you notes, and conversations—showed how deeply your kindness impacted them.\r\n\r\nAs we continue our current classroom lessons, students are able to engage more fully because their basic needs are being supported. With improved focus and attendance, we are moving forward with collaborative reading and project-based learning activities that require sustained attention and teamwork. Your support has not only provided meals—it has created a stronger foundation for learning, helping students participate more confidently and successfully each day.","fullyFundedDate":1762202929761,"projectUrl":"project/weekend-hunger-helpers/9856551/","projectTitle":"Weekend Hunger Helpers","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Parker","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4987145_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1523662716324","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4987145"},{"teacherId":5343254,"projectId":9559890,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, my students were able to read Holes and Eleven in small RTI reading groups, creating meaningful opportunities for growth through targeted instruction. These texts introduced important reading skills such as character development, theme, making inferences, and understanding how an author develops conflict and resolution. Students also explored deeper lessons about perseverance, identity, fairness, and the impact of choices—topics that sparked thoughtful discussion and personal connections.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom during RTI looks collaborative and supportive. Students read aloud, annotate key sections, and pause frequently to clarify vocabulary, ask questions, and discuss meaning. Working in small groups allowed me to provide individualized feedback and scaffold instruction, helping students build confidence and comprehension at their own pace. The shared novels gave students a sense of belonging and accountability, as they worked together toward common reading goals.\r\n\r\nSeveral students who previously struggled with engagement have especially enjoyed these books. Holes captivated readers with its mystery and humor, while Eleven resonated deeply with students through its realistic portrayal of emotions and growing up. Having their own copies made students feel invested in their learning, and many were eager to read ahead and continue discussions beyond group time. Thank you for helping create a reading experience that supports growth, confidence, and a love of reading.","fullyFundedDate":1755741511350,"projectUrl":"project/digging-into-reading-with-holes-and-elev/9559890/","projectTitle":"Digging into Reading with Holes and Eleven","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mayfield","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5343254_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1525312280077","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/c-mayfield"},{"teacherId":5343254,"projectId":9703039,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my students were thrilled to use the glowing headbands, light-up wands, and neon party favors to bring math learning to life. When the materials were first introduced, the classroom lit up with excitement—students' eyes widened and they immediately wanted to explore and ask questions. What began as pure joy quickly turned into focused learning as students used the items to practice counting, sorting by color and type, creating graphs, and exploring simple probability through hands-on activities and games.\r\n\r\nOne especially memorable moment was during our \"Glow Math Stations,\" where students rotated through activities that required them to predict outcomes, record data, and explain their thinking. The glowing materials helped make abstract math concepts more concrete and accessible, especially for students who benefit from visual and tactile learning. Even students who are sometimes hesitant with math were eager to participate, collaborate, and problem-solve alongside their classmates.\r\n\r\nThese resources continue to be an important part of our classroom learning. Next, students will use them to extend their understanding of data collection and probability by designing their own simple experiments and graphs. Because of your support, math feels joyful, engaging, and approachable, helping students build confidence while discovering that learning can truly shine. Thank you for helping light the way to meaningful learning experiences.","fullyFundedDate":1763597744691,"projectUrl":"project/light-the-way-to-learning/9703039/","projectTitle":"Light the Way to Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mayfield","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5343254_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1525312280077","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/c-mayfield"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_71223","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":317,"numTeachers":13,"percentFrplEligible":26,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":2,"percentWhite":84,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":4,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":6,"gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"24.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"RURAL","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_DISTANT"},"inStateSupporters":16.2,"schoolId":71223,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Houston County Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Houston County Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/tennessee/houston-county-school-district/houston-co-middle-school/71223"}