{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"John Duggan Academy","outOfStateSupporters":36.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10358648,"projectId":9912421,"letterContent":"We are absolutely thrilled and deeply grateful for your generous donation of fidget toys to our Middle School. \r\n\r\nThe moment the students saw the materials, the energy in the room shifted instantly. As I unpacked the textured stress balls, the infinity cubes, and the colorful pop boards, the students in my office couldn't hide their excitement. One of my usually quiet 6th-grade boys, who struggles with sitting still during long lessons, actually leaned forward and pointed, exclaiming, \"Wait, those are for us?\" It was pure validation for them; a sign that someone outside our school cares about making their learning environment work better for their brains.\r\n\r\nThese fidgets aren't just toys; they are tools for focus and regulation. We are primarily using them during tasks that require sustained, quiet concentration, such as independent reading time and complex problem-solving sessions.\r\n\r\nA specific moment that highlights their impact occurred during their weekly independent reading time. Students spent more time focused on the material, leading to fewer distractions and a greater understanding of the content they were reading about.\r\n\r\nYour contribution has immediately and measurably improved the learning environment. The focus and calm the fidgets provide will be critical for our next major unit: persuasive writing and research. This work demands detailed research, critical thinking, and long blocks of focused drafting. Your gifts will be right there with us, ensuring students can stay engaged through the meticulous process of structuring arguments and articulating their ideas clearly.\r\n\r\nThank you again for investing in the well-being and academic success of our students. You have truly made a difference in how they access their learning every single day.\r\n\r\nWith heartfelt gratitude,\r\n\r\nThe Students and Teachers of John J. Duggan Academy","fullyFundedDate":1764271312137,"projectUrl":"project/fidgets-for-low-income-students/9912421/","projectTitle":"Fidgets for Low Income Students","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Feinberg","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10358648"},{"teacherId":10073205,"projectId":9498001,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom has been transformed into a warm, welcoming space where students truly love to read. The new books and cozy reading area have inspired so much excitement and joy!\r\nReading in our classroom is more than an assignment, it's an experience. Students love to sit or lay on the rug with a soft flower pillow and dive into a good book. The rug has become a special place where they can take a breather, do their work, or simply lose themselves in a story. It's a space filled with calm, curiosity, and imagination.\r\nWith these new texts, we've been exploring lessons about kindness, perseverance, and empathy. Students are building important reading skills, identifying themes, discussing characters, and learning to see the world through different perspectives.\r\nSome of my students who were once hesitant readers now look forward to this time every day. One student in particular loves to grab her favorite book and curl up on the rug, saying it's her \"happy place.\" Moments like that remind me just how much your generosity has meant to our classroom.\r\nThank you for giving my students stories to love and a comfortable, safe space to enjoy them. You've helped create a place where reading feels like both an adventure and a comfort.","fullyFundedDate":1755732279964,"projectUrl":"project/read-all-about-it/9498001/","projectTitle":"Read All About It!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Washington","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10073205_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753069389885","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10073205"},{"teacherId":6143000,"projectId":9859718,"letterContent":"I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who supported our iPad project for game design! Your generosity has brought an incredible tool into our classroom, one that will inspire creativity, collaboration, and innovation for years to come.\r\n\r\nWith the iPad, my students can now dive deeper into the world of digital design — creating original characters, building storyboards, and experimenting with coding and animation apps that bring their ideas to life. For many of them, this is their first experience using professional-level tools to explore game development and interactive storytelling.\r\n\r\nAlready, I've seen students light up as they experiment with color, movement, and logic — discovering that the games they love are also built through problem-solving, persistence, and teamwork. Your donation helps us bridge the gap between play and purpose, empowering students to see themselves as creators and not just consumers of technology.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our students' imagination and potential. Your kindness makes a real difference in helping them dream big and develop the skills that will shape their futures in technology, design, and beyond.","fullyFundedDate":1761591355103,"projectUrl":"project/leveling-up-game-design-and-esports-at-o/9859718/","projectTitle":"Leveling Up Game Design and Esports at Our School","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Freedman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp6143000_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1544644775111","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrfreedman"},{"teacherId":9508632,"projectId":9435368,"letterContent":"Thank you so very much for purchasing standing desks for our middle school students. What an impact it has made! Students across general education AND special education, from 6th grade all the way up to 8th grade, have enthusiastically used the standing desk option. \r\n\r\nWhile these desks are used across the school, I can speak specifically to the impact they have had in my 6th grade special education classroom. Sixth graders, and especially those affected with an ADHD, need to move their body. However, we teachers are expected to deliver rigorous, complex, paper-based lessons. Standing desks have enabled us to \"meet in the middle.\" Students can stand, wiggle around, even pace and return to their standing desk. Yet they are also able to dive right back into the lesson when they are done moving their body - all without disruption to their classmates.\r\n\r\nThis has made a huge difference. THANK you so much for your generosity.","fullyFundedDate":1757304389591,"projectUrl":"project/lifted-learning-standing-desks-for-focu/9435368/","projectTitle":"Lifted Learning: Standing Desks for Focused Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Azinheira","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9508632_orig.jpg?crop=2033,2033,x0,y399&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1742561642212","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9508632"},{"teacherId":9667137,"projectId":9572035,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for funding our project. So far this year, it has been a game changer to have an extra rolling white board for students to showcase their projects. With five classes of 28-32 students, there are a LOT of ideas floating around the room! Just to have space for students to showcase their work in an organized way has been so helpful. Students are proud to see their ideas showcased in the room. \r\nIn addition, we have already used a whole pad of paper for students to create their own posters! The students are always excited to switch things up and be creative by writing their ideas on paper. It has fostered a sense of community and collaboration that has been so lovely. Thank you for giving them these tools that act as an outlet of their amazing ideas and overwhelming energy. \r\nAttached you will find pictures of the discussion diamonds that students created to help them prepare for an upcoming quiz. \r\nAgain, I want to extend my sincere thanks for the materials. You are making a difference, allowing me to teach with ease, which allows our students to succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1755693302848,"projectUrl":"project/student-presentation-materials/9572035/","projectTitle":"Student Presentation Materials","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. DeVine","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9667137"},{"teacherId":6143000,"projectId":9798943,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our new clipboards are making a big difference for STEM learners at Duggan Academy! Students are now able to move around the classroom and school hallways with ease as they collect data, record observations, and collaborate during hands-on activities. Whether it's measuring distances in a physics challenge, sketching cells during a biology lab, or taking notes during outdoor experiments, these clipboards have made learning more active and engaging.\r\n\r\nYour donation helped us turn our STEM lessons into real-world experiences. Students love the independence and organization that the clipboards provide—it's helped them take ownership of their work and think like scientists. Thank you for helping us create a classroom where curiosity and exploration thrive every day!","fullyFundedDate":1760399165349,"projectUrl":"project/clipboards-for-data-in-stem/9798943/","projectTitle":"Clipboards for Data in STEM","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Freedman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp6143000_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1544644775111","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrfreedman"},{"teacherId":10115216,"projectId":9544901,"letterContent":"The interactive notebook supplies you donated have transformed our learning. Students are more organized, engaged, and proud of their work. The colored pencils, glue sticks, and notebooks help them make meaningful connections between history, government, and their own lives—turning abstract civic concepts into something they can see, touch, and understand.\r\n\r\nYour support has made a lasting impact on how my students learn and how they see themselves as active citizens. Thank you for believing in them and in the power of public education!","fullyFundedDate":1755735912199,"projectUrl":"project/crafting-civics-building-interactive-no/9544901/","projectTitle":"Crafting Civics: Building Interactive Notebooks That Bring History to Life!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Murphy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10115216_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y717&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754614127320","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10115216"},{"teacherId":10041237,"projectId":9372138,"letterContent":"Dear Donors,\r\n\r\nThank you so much for your generous support of our school's nurse's office! Your contributions provided us with essential items like a water dispenser, desk supplies, bins, a bookshelf, and healthy snacks—and every single item is already making a difference in how we care for our students each day.\r\n\r\nThe moment the supplies arrived, our space felt more organized, welcoming, and functional. The water dispenser has been especially appreciated by students who stop in feeling unwell or dehydrated, while the healthy snacks have helped many of our students stay nourished and focused throughout the school day. The bookshelf now holds comforting books and resources for students/staff for educational needs. The new bins and desk items have helped us keep everything tidy and efficient.\r\n\r\nThese upgrades have truly transformed the nurse's office into a more supportive and calming space for our students. Thank you again for making this possible—we're so grateful for your care and generosity!\r\n\r\nWarmly,\r\nCarmen Rivas\r\nDuggan Middle/High school","fullyFundedDate":1748824736842,"projectUrl":"project/a-caring-nurses-office-for-the-youth/9372138/","projectTitle":"A Caring Nurses' Office for the Youth","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rivas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10041237"},{"teacherId":8537234,"projectId":9331933,"letterContent":"The Chill Zone has quickly become a safe and comforting space in our classroom. My students use it when they're feeling overwhelmed or need a moment to reset before returning to learning. With tools like kinetic sand, play-dough, and weighted animals, they're able to calm their bodies and focus their minds. Students also use their \"Spot Emotions\" visuals to identify and name what they're feeling, helping them build emotional awareness and self-regulation skills.\r\nOne memorable moment happened during a hectic morning when a student became frustrated during group work. Instead of shutting down, she quietly asked to use the Chill Zone. After a few minutes of squeezing play-dough and holding one of the weighted animals, she took deep breaths, looked at her Spot Emotions chart, and came back ready to rejoin the activity. It was a beautiful reminder of how powerful it is to give students tools and space to manage their emotions.\r\nWhen students first saw the materials, they were so excited—they couldn't wait to explore everything. Many of them said things like, \"This is so cool!\" and \"Can I try the sand?\" They quickly understood that the Chill Zone isn't just a fun corner, but a space to help them feel calm and ready to learn.","fullyFundedDate":1755716671078,"projectUrl":"project/the-chill-zone-tools-for-calm-focus/9331933/","projectTitle":"The Chill Zone: Tools for Calm & Focus","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Coderre","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8537234"},{"teacherId":6143000,"projectId":9665700,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous donation, our classroom is now equipped with surge protectors that make a huge difference every single day. Before this project was funded, we were constantly unplugging and rearranging cords to keep our devices running safely. Now, with the new surge protectors, every student group can plug in their laptops, microscopes, or science tools without worrying about losing power or damaging equipment.\r\n\r\nIn our classroom, we use technology and lab tools to bring science lessons to life—whether it's exploring data in real time or running small experiments that connect directly to what we're learning. These surge protectors are helping us keep everything running smoothly and safely, allowing students to stay focused on learning instead of troubleshooting cords or outlets.\r\n\r\nBeyond the practical benefits, your support shows our students that people believe in their potential and care about their education. They notice when new materials arrive and feel proud knowing that a community of supporters helped make it possible.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our school and giving our students the resources they need to learn in a safe, functional, and engaging classroom. You've helped create a more organized and efficient space where curiosity and collaboration thrive—and that's something we'll be grateful for every day.","fullyFundedDate":1756774563993,"projectUrl":"project/powering-esports-and-game-design-at-our/9665700/","projectTitle":"Powering Esports and Game Design at Our School","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Freedman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp6143000_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1544644775111","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrfreedman"},{"teacherId":6143000,"projectId":9688632,"letterContent":"I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who donated to our DonorsChoose project for classroom flashcards. Your generosity has made a direct and meaningful impact on my students' learning every single day.\r\n\r\nThanks to your support, we now have sets of high-quality flashcards that make studying interactive, engaging, and fun. Whether students are reviewing key vocabulary, practicing science concepts, or reinforcing math facts, these flashcards are helping them build confidence and mastery in essential skills. It's incredible to see students working together, quizzing one another, and celebrating their progress with pride.\r\n\r\nBeyond the academic benefits, these materials have created a stronger sense of teamwork and enthusiasm for learning. You've helped make our classroom a place where students are eager to challenge themselves and support one another.\r\n\r\nYour donation reminds my students that there are people out there who believe in their potential and care about their success. Thank you for investing in their education, their growth, and their future.","fullyFundedDate":1757544375498,"projectUrl":"project/flashcards-for-biology-class/9688632/","projectTitle":"Flashcards for Biology Class","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Freedman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp6143000_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1544644775111","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrfreedman"},{"teacherId":4245362,"projectId":9321561,"letterContent":"We received four standing desks, and they have already become a valuable support for students on IEPs. Many of these students benefit from movement or alternative seating options to help with focus and regulation. When the desks were introduced, students were excited and motivated to try them.\r\n\r\nFor example, one student who typically has difficulty remaining seated during independent work was able to complete an entire math assignment while standing, without needing frequent redirection. Another student shared that the desk made it easier for them to \"think and move at the same time.\" The desks have provided students with more choice and control over their learning environment, which has increased engagement and helped reduce frustration.","fullyFundedDate":1746590070355,"projectUrl":"project/lifted-learning-standing-desks-for-acti/9321561/","projectTitle":"Lifted Learning: Standing Desks for Active Minds!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kristine Lessard","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4245362_orig.jpg?crop=2320,2320,x0,y185&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1690054350280","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4245362"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_60888","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":823,"numTeachers":65,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":2,"percentBlack":24,"percentWhite":10,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":58,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"12.7:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":63.7,"schoolId":60888,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about John Duggan Academy on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"John Duggan Academy","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/massachusetts/springfield-public-school-district/john-duggan-middle-school/60888"}