{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"J.O. Kelly Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":46.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":1489164,"projectId":10016758,"letterContent":"Your support has given our students the tools to turn empathy into action in a visible, meaningful way. While many donors are familiar with technology at home, this project shows how it can become a powerful learning tool in schools. Using design software and large-format printing, students are not just creating posters—they are applying critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills to address real challenges in our school. They've learned how to gather input through interviews, analyze perspectives, and translate those insights into messages that encourage connection, kindness, and school pride. The technology has elevated their work from simple ideas to professional-quality campaigns that truly resonate with their peers.\r\n\r\nWhat excites students most is seeing their voices come to life on a large scale. There is a sense of pride and ownership when their designs are printed in vibrant color and displayed throughout the building. These aren't just decorations—they are student-created messages that reflect the needs and experiences of their classmates. Walking through the halls, students now see encouragement, inclusion, and positivity represented in ways that feel authentic because they were created by people just like them.\r\n\r\nSeveral students who previously felt disconnected have especially thrived during this project. Some who are typically quiet or hesitant to participate found their voice through design and visual storytelling. Others who struggled with engagement became deeply invested once they saw how their work could make a difference in the school environment. This project has not only helped improve the atmosphere of our campus, but it has also helped students realize that their ideas matter and that they have the power to create positive change.","fullyFundedDate":1770822571423,"projectUrl":"project/seeing-through-new-eyes-inspiring-schoo/10016758/","projectTitle":"Seeing Through New Eyes: Inspiring School and Community Compassion","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Farrell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1489164_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1491330401879","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1489164"},{"teacherId":1489164,"projectId":9991879,"letterContent":"Your support has transformed how our students learn by turning storytelling into a hands-on, creative process. While many donors are familiar with modern technology, this project uses retro tools—CDs and cassette tapes—to slow learning down in a meaningful way. Students must plan, record, listen, and revise with intention, strengthening communication, organization, and critical thinking skills.\r\n\r\nWhat excites students most is the authenticity. They aren't just completing assignments—they are producing real recordings they can hold, design, and share with others. Creating cover art and inserts adds an artistic layer that makes the final product feel professional and personal.\r\n\r\nSeveral students who don't typically shine in traditional settings have truly connected with this project. Students who enjoy art, storytelling, or hands-on work have taken leadership roles, building confidence as they see their ideas come to life and be shared with real audiences.","fullyFundedDate":1768256732098,"projectUrl":"project/old-school-new-voices-east-stories-on/9991879/","projectTitle":"Old School, New Voices: EAST Stories on Tape and CD","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Farrell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1489164_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1491330401879","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1489164"},{"teacherId":1489164,"projectId":9583750,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting this project—your generosity is already empowering my students in meaningful and deeply human ways. Because of you, we now have the tools to help students understand one another more fully and take real action to strengthen our school community.\r\n\r\nWhen students learned they would be using a large-format color printer to turn their empathy-driven ideas into professional-quality posters and banners, their excitement was immediate. They couldn't believe their designs—created to support and uplift their peers—would be displayed across the school in such a powerful, visible way. For many of them, this was the first time they realized their voices could shape the climate of our school.\r\n\r\nYour support has allowed me to teach empathy not just as a concept, but as a practice. Students are interviewing classmates, teachers, and community members to understand what makes people feel unseen, unsupported, or disconnected. Then, instead of stopping at awareness, they're designing creative solutions—campaigns promoting kindness, displays celebrating student voices, and visuals to uplift teachers who feel overwhelmed.\r\n\r\nBecause of your gift, students are learning that compassion involves both understanding and action. They're discovering that their ideas can make a tangible difference in the lives of others. We will track our progress through reflections, surveys, and school climate data, but the most important outcome is already clear: students feel empowered to create a more connected, caring school.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping fill our hallways with messages of kindness and hope. Your support is making our school a more inclusive place—and showing students that their empathy truly matters.","fullyFundedDate":1756470319050,"projectUrl":"project/seeing-through-new-eyes-inspiring-schoo/9583750/","projectTitle":"Seeing Through New Eyes: Inspiring School and Community Compassion","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Farrell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1489164_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1491330401879","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1489164"},{"teacherId":1489164,"projectId":9339807,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom has been transformed in a truly meaningful way. The professional-quality art mats you provided have already elevated our students' artwork—and their confidence—far beyond what words can fully capture.\r\n\r\nHow we're using the new resources:\r\nAs soon as the mats arrived, my students began selecting their favorite finished pieces from the semester. We walked through the process of preparing and mounting artwork just like a professional gallery would. One particular moment stands out: a student who usually keeps her head down quietly slipped her portrait into a mat, held it up, and whispered, \"It looks real now... like something an actual artist made.\" Her classmates immediately gathered around, celebrating her work. That small moment of pride is exactly what this project was meant to spark.\r\n\r\nTheir first reactions:\r\nWhen the students saw the mats for the first time, you would have thought we'd brought in expensive studio equipment. 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Join the 272 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
J.O. Kelly Middle School is
an urban public school
in Springdale, Arkansas that is part of Springdale Public Schools.
It serves 645 students
in grades 6 - 7 with a student/teacher ratio of 10.2:1.
Its teachers have had 161 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Supporting this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.
Public School
Title 1
Data about Title 1 status comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education.
Grades 6 - 7
645 Students
63 Teachers
1879 E Robinson AveContact info is sourced from our partners at MDR Education, and DonorsChoose updates our site ahead of each school year.
Boost support for this school! Share this page with friends, family, alumni, and fellow supporters. Every connection helps teachers get the supplies they need and shows how much your community cares about its students.
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for public school teachers.
Every donation funds real needs — pencils, books, lab equipment, art supplies, and more — helping students learn and thrive. We ship supplies directly to the school, and you'll see exactly where each dollar goes.
of students receive free or reduced price lunch
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
Source: the National Center for Education Statistics
70%
of students are Black, Latino, Native
American, or Asian
Data about school demographics comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. The numbers in this chart may not add up to 100% because of limitations in the available data.
J.O. Kelly Middle School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Aug 31, 2026
DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students
in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.
J.O. Kelly Middle School
$114,153
raised using DonorsChoose
161
projects
funded
42
teachers
funded
272
donors
14
projects
for
basic supplies
23
projects for
technology
22
projects for
books
16
projects
for
art supplies
J.O. Kelly Middle School has received support from
146 individuals from Arkansas and
126 individuals out-of-state.
