{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Houston County Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":83.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9016334,"projectId":9695885,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support in fully funding our STEM kits. Students are actively using these resources to build robots, design and test solar-powered cars, and create working circuits that bring science and engineering concepts to life. One standout classroom moment was watching students troubleshoot a robot that wasn't moving as planned—working together to adjust connections, test solutions, and celebrate when it finally worked. These projects have helped students strengthen problem-solving skills while learning that mistakes are part of the learning process.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the STEM kits, their excitement was immediate and contagious. Many were eager to explore the materials, ask questions, and jump right into building. Hands-on projects like these have especially motivated students who learn best by doing, allowing them to stay focused, engaged, and confident as they created something tangible from their own ideas.\r\n\r\nNext, students will continue building on these experiences by refining their designs, documenting their thinking, and connecting their projects to science and engineering standards. They will reflect on what worked, what could be improved, and how real-world engineers approach similar challenges. Your support has given students a meaningful opportunity to explore STEM in an exciting, hands-on way, and we are incredibly grateful for the impact you've made on their learning.","fullyFundedDate":1757528142733,"projectUrl":"project/invent-build-discover-stem-in-action/9695885/","projectTitle":"Invent, Build, Discover: STEM in Action","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sawyer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9016334_orig.jpg?crop=3737,3737,x1613,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1682518764328","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9016334"},{"teacherId":9016334,"projectId":9695702,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support in providing our classroom with 3D wooden STEM building kits. Students are actively using these kits to explore engineering concepts such as structure, balance, and design while working collaboratively to build and problem-solve. One memorable classroom moment was watching students test different ways to assemble their designs, make adjustments when pieces didn't fit as expected, and proudly share how they solved challenges through trial and error. These hands-on experiences have helped bring abstract concepts to life in a meaningful and engaging way.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the kits, their excitement was immediate. Many eagerly examined the pieces, asked questions about how the designs worked, and couldn't wait to begin building. The opportunity to create something tangible with their own hands motivated even reluctant learners to participate, and students quickly became deeply focused and invested in their projects. The kits sparked curiosity and encouraged perseverance as students worked through challenges together.\r\n\r\nNext, students will continue building on these experiences by refining their designs and connecting their projects to current lessons on engineering and problem-solving. They will reflect on what worked, what didn't, and how improvements can be made—mirroring the real-world engineering design process. Your support has given our students a valuable glimpse into hands-on STEM learning and has inspired creativity, collaboration, and confidence in the classroom. Thank you for making this exciting learning opportunity possible.","fullyFundedDate":1758046732095,"projectUrl":"project/whirl-twist-create-3d-wooden-stem-adv/9695702/","projectTitle":"Whirl, Twist, Create: 3D Wooden STEM Adventures","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sawyer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9016334_orig.jpg?crop=3737,3737,x1613,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1682518764328","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9016334"},{"teacherId":9016334,"projectId":9695872,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support in providing our classroom with a Teachers Pay Teachers gift card. While many people use technology daily at home, this resource has shown our students how technology can be a powerful learning tool in school. Through high-quality, teacher-created STEM lessons and activities, students are engaging in hands-on problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity in ways that go far beyond traditional worksheets. These lessons allow students to explore real-world challenges, collaborate with peers, and take ownership of their learning.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting part for students has been the variety and interactivity of the STEM activities available. They love that lessons feel like challenges or experiments rather than assignments, which keeps them motivated and eager to participate. The flexibility of these resources also allows me to meet students at different learning levels, helping each child feel successful while still being challenged.\r\n\r\nSeveral students who were previously hesitant or less confident in STEM subjects have especially warmed to these activities. With engaging visuals, step-by-step guidance, and hands-on exploration, they are more willing to take risks, ask questions, and share their thinking. Your support has helped spark curiosity, build confidence, and create a classroom environment where students are excited to learn every day. Thank you for making such a meaningful impact on our students' learning experience.","fullyFundedDate":1757528649719,"projectUrl":"project/click-download-discover-stem-resource/9695872/","projectTitle":"Click, Download, Discover: STEM Resources That Inspire","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sawyer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9016334_orig.jpg?crop=3737,3737,x1613,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1682518764328","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9016334"},{"teacherId":10082499,"projectId":9472784,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for contributing to our music classroom! The new white boards and markers have allowed students to have more hands-on experiences in the music classroom. Instead of all of the writing being completed by myself on my board, the students now get to write answers themselves on their own individual boards. The students are also able to practice drawing and writing music notation in a fun and fast way, rather than just using paper and pencil. \r\n\r\nThese boards have created more possibilities for how I facilitate teaching music notation in both my music and band classes. We can turn note and rhythm identification into a game and students are able to interact with each other easier when completing these types of activities. I hope to continue using these boards to educate students on different musical skills and to give the students more ways to interact during lessons.","fullyFundedDate":1755038276283,"projectUrl":"project/little-mozart-music-boards/9472784/","projectTitle":"Little Mozart Music Boards","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jones","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10082499"},{"teacherId":5343254,"projectId":9272644,"letterContent":"Thanks to your amazing generosity, our classroom is glowing with excitement—literally! The ultra-bright glow sticks, LED foam sticks, and neon supplies have completely transformed the way we celebrate learning.\r\n\r\nWhen I unveiled the glow-in-the-dark materials, the students' faces lit up brighter than the glow sticks themselves! They couldn't stop smiling and talking about how they wanted to \"earn their glow.\" These fun, colorful rewards have become powerful motivators—students are putting in extra effort, showing kindness, and supporting one another to reach classroom goals.\r\n\r\nWe've used the glow items during special celebrations and learning milestones, turning ordinary moments into joyful memories. Every glow stick handed out represents hard work, perseverance, and pride in learning.\r\n\r\nOur next step is to connect these glowing celebrations to goal-setting and reflection activities, encouraging students to recognize not just their achievements, but the teamwork and effort that got them there.\r\n\r\nThank you for lighting the way for our classroom and helping every student glow big with confidence and enthusiasm. Your support has truly brightened our learning community!","fullyFundedDate":1752758454323,"projectUrl":"project/glow-big-or-go-home-lighting-the-way-to/9272644/","projectTitle":"Glow Big or Go Home: Lighting the Way to Success","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":9272506,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom has been glowing—literally! The LED Hawaiian leis and glow-in-the-dark bead necklaces have brought so much excitement and joy to our celebrations of student success.\r\n\r\nWhen I first surprised the class with the glow materials, their faces lit up with pure delight. Students were cheering, laughing, and immediately talking about how they could earn their own glowing rewards. It was incredible to see their motivation and pride shine as bright as the lights themselves.\r\n\r\nWe've been using the leis and necklaces to recognize milestones in academics, kindness, and teamwork. Every time a student earns one, it sparks even more positive energy across the room. These glowing incentives have transformed our classroom into a space that radiates encouragement, effort, and aloha spirit.\r\n\r\nNext, we'll be tying these rewards into our goal-setting activities—helping students reflect on their progress and celebrate the little wins that lead to big success.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping our classroom shine bright! Your support made this joyful, motivating experience possible.","fullyFundedDate":1752758444553,"projectUrl":"project/shine-bright-celebrating-student-succes/9272506/","projectTitle":"Shine Bright: Celebrating Student Success with Glow and Aloha!","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":8489989,"projectId":9700082,"letterContent":"When the snack boxes arrived, my students' faces lit up like it was a holiday! They were so excited to see all their favorite treats—Cheez-Its, Pringles, and Pop-Tarts—stacked and ready to go. But what they didn't realize at first was that these snacks were also going to become our classroom economy. We turned our reward system into a real-life budgeting and decision-making lesson, where students earn, save, and spend \"class cash\" to make smart financial choices.\r\n\r\nEach week, students keep track of their earnings for completing classroom jobs and demonstrating positive behavior. Then comes the best part—Snack Shop Day! They get to plan their purchases, compare prices, and decide whether to save or splurge. It's amazing to watch them calculate costs, count change, and even debate which snack gives them the \"best deal.\" This hands-on experience has made financial literacy come alive in a way that worksheets never could.\r\n\r\nThanks to your support, my students are learning essential life skills like budgeting, saving, and self-control—all while enjoying a well-earned treat. These snacks have become powerful teaching tools that motivate, engage, and reward effort. The next step for us is to expand our classroom store with more \"real-world\" scenarios like coupons and taxes, helping students continue developing the money management skills they'll use long after they leave our classroom. Thank you for helping us crunch numbers and crunch snacks in the best way possible!","fullyFundedDate":1758719993006,"projectUrl":"project/crunching-numbers-crunching-snacks/9700082/","projectTitle":"Crunching Numbers & Crunching Snacks","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Penny","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8489989_orig.jpg?crop=533,533,x0,y119&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1725487816931","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8489989"},{"teacherId":8489989,"projectId":9305356,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom has been able to access a wide range of adapted and hands-on learning materials from Teachers Pay Teachers that perfectly fit the unique needs of my CDC students. These resources have allowed me to create lessons that are both individualized and engaging, from interactive life-skills units to differentiated reading and writing activities. With visual supports, simplified text, and communication-friendly materials, my students are not only participating more but also showing greater independence and confidence in their learning.\r\n\r\nOne of the most exciting changes has been how technology and printable digital lessons have blended into our daily routine. Students love using interactive PDF activities on the smartboard or completing adapted task cards at their desks. They're practicing vocabulary, sequencing steps, and even identifying emotions through colorful, real-life visuals that capture their attention. These tools have made it possible for every learner—no matter their ability level—to find success and joy in learning.\r\n\r\nA few of my students who once struggled to stay engaged now eagerly ask, \"What are we doing today?\" because the lessons feel like games instead of work. Whether it's matching community signs, building sentences with picture symbols, or exploring hygiene and cooking routines, the resources purchased through this gift card have transformed our lessons into meaningful, real-world learning experiences. Thank you for giving my students both the heart and the mind tools they need to grow.","fullyFundedDate":1755038276376,"projectUrl":"project/heart-mind-supporting-growth-in-our-c/9305356/","projectTitle":"Heart & Mind: Supporting Growth in Our CDC Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Penny","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8489989_orig.jpg?crop=533,533,x0,y119&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1725487816931","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8489989"},{"teacherId":8489989,"projectId":9298859,"letterContent":"When the boxes arrived, my students could hardly contain their excitement! Their eyes lit up as they unpacked volcanoes, gemstones, planets, and glowing terrariums. For many of my learners, these kinds of hands-on materials make all the difference. They immediately wanted to touch, explore, and predict what would happen next. The room buzzed with curiosity and laughter as students took turns building, digging, and experimenting together.\r\n\r\nWe began by testing reactions with the 90 Lab Experiments Science Kit and the Volcano Kit—a perfect way to teach cause and effect. Students eagerly watched their volcanoes bubble and erupt, sharing observations and cheering each other on. The Grow 'N Glow Terrariums have since become part of our daily routine; students check on their plants each morning, record growth in journals, and take pride in nurturing something living. The glowing lights make science feel magical and motivate even my most hesitant learners to participate.\r\n\r\nThe Talking Solar System Model has been another huge success, especially for students who need both visual and auditory learning supports. Hearing facts while watching the planets orbit helped them grasp abstract space concepts that used to feel out of reach. The Gemstone Dig Kits have become a calming sensory activity, building both fine-motor skills and patience.\r\n\r\nThese resources turned our classroom into a mini science lab where every student feels successful. Because of your generosity, my students are not only learning about chemistry, geology, and astronomy—they're discovering confidence, teamwork, and the joy of exploration. Thank you for helping my young scientists dig it, build it, and boom with excitement every day!","fullyFundedDate":1752758451677,"projectUrl":"project/dig-it-build-it-boom-science-in-actio/9298859/","projectTitle":"Dig It, Build It, Boom! Science in Action","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Penny","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8489989_orig.jpg?crop=533,533,x0,y119&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1725487816931","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8489989"},{"teacherId":8172808,"projectId":9617988,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our library has been enriched with exciting new titles that students can't wait to read! With series like The Face on the Milk Carton, Masterminds, We Were Liars (and Family of Liars), and the Stranger Things boxed set, students are engaging with stories that feel fresh, relatable, and thrilling. Having these high-interest books available has sparked a new level of excitement for reading across all grade levels.\r\n\r\nThese books give us opportunities to practice important literacy skills in meaningful ways. Students are making predictions, analyzing how characters change over time, and comparing themes across series. Many of these stories also lend themselves to lessons on mystery, suspense, and character motivation, which opens the door for deeper conversations about choices, consequences, and identity.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom looks like students eagerly swapping books, recommending titles to friends, and asking when the next book in a series will be available. The Face on the Milk Carton series has especially hooked some of our reluctant readers—they are invested in Janie's story and want to keep turning the pages to find out what happens next. Others are drawn to the Stranger Things novels, which connect their love of the show to reading in a new way. It's been wonderful to see students carrying these books around, reading during free time, and even forming small discussion groups on their own.\r\n\r\nYour support has transformed reading from an assignment into an adventure. These books are not just filling shelves—they're building a culture of excitement and a community of readers in our school. Thank you for making that possible!","fullyFundedDate":1755709784743,"projectUrl":"project/read-between-the-lines-thrillers-for-gr/9617988/","projectTitle":"Read Between the Lines: Thrillers for Growing Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Stone","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8172808_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1681701055860","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8172808"},{"teacherId":8172808,"projectId":9617957,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our library now has a complete class set of Freak the Mighty, and the impact has already been incredible. Having 20 copies means that every student can hold the same book in their hands, follow along together, and share in the experience of reading as a community.\r\n\r\nWith Freak the Mighty, we've been able to dive into important themes like friendship, acceptance, courage, and resilience. Students are not only practicing reading fluency and comprehension but also engaging in rich discussions about character development, conflict, and how literature reflects real-life challenges. The text gives us opportunities to work on inferencing, analyzing figurative language, and identifying themes—skills that are essential for both academic success and a lifelong love of reading.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom looks like students gathered together, sometimes reading aloud, sometimes independently, but always connecting with the story and each other. It has been inspiring to see students who are usually hesitant about reading light up with excitement because they feel invested in Max and Kevin's journey. Several of our more reluctant readers have shared that this is the first time they didn't want to put a book down, and one student even asked if they could check it out after class to keep reading at home.\r\n\r\nYour support has truly transformed reading into a shared adventure for our students. Thank you for giving them not just books, but also the chance to see themselves as readers, thinkers, and part of a learning community.","fullyFundedDate":1755741380885,"projectUrl":"project/friendship-courage-a-class-set-of-fre/9617957/","projectTitle":"Friendship & Courage: A Class Set of Freak the Mighty","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Stone","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8172808_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1681701055860","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8172808"},{"teacherId":9016334,"projectId":9298708,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom has been transformed into a space full of budding engineers and inventors! The new STEM kits have allowed students to build and explore everything from hydraulic cyborg hands to wooden gear puzzles and solar-powered robots. These projects are helping them connect science concepts to real-world applications while strengthening their problem-solving, creativity, and perseverance. Instead of just reading about engineering, my students are now living it through hands-on challenges.\r\n\r\nWhen the kits first arrived, the excitement was contagious—students couldn't wait to open the boxes and start building. They quickly gathered into small groups, sharing ideas and experimenting with different ways to make their robots move or their hydraulic hands grip. Their smiles and sense of accomplishment when a project worked were priceless, and even when things didn't go as planned, they worked together to troubleshoot and try again.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we will be using these materials to create design challenges where students can test, refine, and present their creations to the class. This will encourage collaboration and communication while reinforcing STEM skills in a fun, engaging way. Your support has not only provided the tools for learning but also inspired my students to see themselves as true innovators. Thank you for making that possible!","fullyFundedDate":1752758451041,"projectUrl":"project/hydraulics-robots-and-gearsoh-my/9298708/","projectTitle":"Hydraulics, Robots, and Gears—Oh My!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sawyer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9016334_orig.jpg?crop=3737,3737,x1613,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1682518764328","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9016334"}],"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","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"24.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"RURAL","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_DISTANT"},"inStateSupporters":16.1,"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"}