{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"John Duggan Academy","outOfStateSupporters":37.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8537234,"projectId":9302006,"letterContent":"Receiving these new books through DonorsChoose has truly transformed our classroom in meaningful and lasting ways. Before this project, access to high-interest, appropriately leveled texts was limited, which made it challenging to fully engage every student. Now, students have access to a wide range of books that reflect their interests, identities, and reading levels—and that has made a noticeable difference in both motivation and confidence.\r\n\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom now looks lively and student-centered. You might see students spread out around the room, fully immersed in their books, participating in partner discussions, or sharing their thinking during whole-group conversations. There is a sense of excitement around reading that continues to grow—students are recommending books to one another and eagerly asking for more time to read.\r\n\r\nSeveral students in particular have really thrived with these new materials. Some who previously struggled to stay focused are now able to sustain attention for longer periods because they've found books that truly interest them. Others who were hesitant readers are building confidence as they successfully complete books and contribute to discussions. It has been incredibly rewarding to watch students see themselves as readers and take pride in their progress.","fullyFundedDate":1746584717730,"projectUrl":"project/building-readers-frame-by-frame/9302006/","projectTitle":"Building Readers, Frame by Frame","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Coderre","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8537234"},{"teacherId":8537234,"projectId":9356293,"letterContent":"Getting laptop carts funded through DonorsChoose, with individual laptop chargers has had a meaningful and immediate impact on student access and classroom learning.\r\n\r\nBefore this funding, inconsistent access to charged devices often interrupted instruction and limited students' ability to fully participate in digital learning activities. Now, with a dedicated cart and chargers for each device, all students have reliable, equitable access to fully charged laptops every day. This has eliminated downtime caused by dead batteries and reduced the need to share devices, allowing each student to work independently and stay engaged.\r\n\r\nAs a result, instructional time is used more efficiently, transitions are smoother, and students can consistently access online resources, complete assignments, and participate in interactive lessons. It has also helped foster greater independence and responsibility, as students can easily retrieve and return devices in an organized system.","fullyFundedDate":1757556687578,"projectUrl":"project/charging-carts-and-chargers-for-our-midd/9356293/","projectTitle":"Charging Carts and Chargers for Our Middle School Laptops","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Coderre","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8537234"},{"teacherId":10248015,"projectId":9696813,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our students now have access to essential hygiene and self-care supplies right here at school. These resources are being used to quietly support students who may not have consistent access to these items at home. We created a discreet \"care station\" where students can take what they need with dignity and privacy.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the materials, their reactions ranged from quiet gratitude to visible relief. Some simply said, \"Thank you.\" Others were surprised that someone cared enough to provide these items. It sparked meaningful conversations about self-respect, responsibility, and supporting one another as a community.\r\n\r\nYour support has helped create an environment where students can focus on academics instead of worrying about their appearance or being judged.","fullyFundedDate":1764274130913,"projectUrl":"project/from-struggle-to-strength-hygiene-suppo/9696813/","projectTitle":"From Struggle to Strength: Hygiene Support for Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hall","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10248015"},{"teacherId":10073205,"projectId":9451585,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom during my first year of teaching. Because of your generosity, my students are using the new materials every day. They love the cozy reading corner with the bean bag chairs and rug, and it has helped them enjoy reading more. The headphones have also helped students stay focused during independent work. Even simple supplies like pencils and glue sticks have made a big difference in helping everyone stay prepared.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the materials, they were very excited. Many said the classroom felt more comfortable and welcoming. It made them more eager to learn and participate.\r\n\r\nAs we continue learning, students will keep using these resources to grow their reading and writing skills. They are beginning to work more independently and share their ideas with confidence. Your support has helped create a positive classroom where all students can succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1762128991235,"projectUrl":"project/mind-makers/9451585/","projectTitle":"Mind Makers","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":10159052,"projectId":9635501,"letterContent":"In my classroom, students are far more engaged when they can see, hear, and experience the past rather than just read about it in a textbook. This project will transform our classroom into a space where history is interactive, accessible, and welcoming to every learner.\r\n\r\nThe expanded classroom library will provide high-interest, diverse books that allow students to explore topics beyond the textbook — from civil rights movements to immigration stories to the evolution of American democracy. When students can choose books that reflect their interests and identities, reading becomes ownership rather than obligation.\r\n\r\nThe addition of technology will allow students to analyze primary sources, watch historical footage, listen to speeches, and conduct deeper research. Instead of memorizing dates, students will evaluate evidence, compare perspectives, and think critically about how the past shapes the present.\r\n\r\nA welcoming classroom library space sends a powerful message: this is a place where learning matters and where you belong. Comfortable, organized, and student-centered environments increase reading stamina, discussion quality, and overall academic confidence.","fullyFundedDate":1764255645877,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-history-to-life-books-technol/9635501/","projectTitle":"Bringing History to Life: Books, Technology, and Welcoming Classroom Library","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Hanson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10159052"},{"teacherId":10159052,"projectId":9635261,"letterContent":"Sports are the hook — history is the outcome.\r\n\r\nMy students light up when they see athletes they recognize in our classroom library. Whether it's stories about Jackie Robinson breaking baseball's color barrier, Serena Williams redefining dominance, or the evolution of basketball from peach baskets to the modern NBA, these books immediately capture their attention. For many of my students, sports are their entry point into learning.\r\n\r\nThis collection does more than celebrate athletes. It helps students understand civil rights, gender equity, immigration, economics, leadership, and perseverance through real-world examples they care about. When students read about Muhammad Ali's stance on the Vietnam War or Title IX's impact on women's athletics, history becomes personal and relevant.\r\n\r\nThe impact is visible:\r\n\r\nIncreased independent reading\r\n\r\nHigher engagement during discussions\r\n\r\nStronger connections between past and present\r\n\r\nStudents who previously resisted reading now asking to borrow books\r\n\r\nFor some students, these are the first books they choose to read on their own.\r\n\r\nBy funding this project, donors aren't just adding books to a shelf — they are helping students see themselves in history, understand the power of social change, and build a lifelong connection between sports and the world around them.","fullyFundedDate":1764255645724,"projectUrl":"project/history-in-motion-sports-and-society/9635261/","projectTitle":"History in Motion: Sports and Society","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Hanson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10159052"},{"teacherId":10397706,"projectId":9985687,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for your generous support of our classroom. Because of you, our students now have access to materials that have truly transformed their daily experience at school. Your donations of weighted stuffed animals, sensory fidget tools, a white noise machine, a yoga posture ball chair, and motivational stickers have made a meaningful and lasting impact.\r\n\r\nThe weighted stuffed animal and sensory fidget tools have become essential supports for many of our students. For those who experience anxiety, difficulty focusing, or sensory overwhelm, these tools provide comfort and regulation. These simple yet powerful tools help students feel safe, grounded, and in control of their emotions, allowing them to fully participate in learning.\r\n\r\nThe white noise machine has also made a noticeable difference in our classroom environment. By softening distracting background sounds, it creates a calmer, more predictable atmosphere. Students who were previously distracted by hallway noise or classroom chatter are now able to concentrate for longer periods of time. This has increased not only their productivity, but also their confidence in their ability to complete tasks successfully.\r\n\r\nEven the stickers have had a powerful impact. They serve as small but meaningful reinforcements that celebrate effort, perseverance, and growth. Students beam with pride when they earn one, and it has strengthened our positive classroom culture. They are more motivated to try challenging tasks, take academic risks, and push through frustration because their hard work is recognized and valued.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and for investing in their success. Your support truly makes a difference every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1768178193551,"projectUrl":"project/helping-kids-feel-calm-confident-and-c/9985687/","projectTitle":"Helping Kids Feel Calm, Confident, and Connected","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ryan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10397706"},{"teacherId":9508632,"projectId":9794477,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your donation. This project has brought so much life to teachers and students, alike. Talking about our shared humanity, laughing about our stinkiness; it's all been so impactful. I've shared lots of laughs with students, and this has been the window into lots of lovely conversations, both one-on-one, but also has groups. I hadn't realized how much this project would be composed of social-emotional learning for students. \r\n\r\nThank you for making this possible! We're using the resources, having meaningful conversations, and (ironically) increasing joy and work and school. It's simply amazing!","fullyFundedDate":1764204710443,"projectUrl":"project/habits-of-hygiene-deodorant/9794477/","projectTitle":"Habits of Hygiene (Deodorant)","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":9566571,"projectId":9568037,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of food items, sensory materials, and fidgets, and beanbag chair to support our students. Your kindness has made an immediate and meaningful impact within our school community. These resources provide comfort, nourishment, and a sense of safety for students who may be experiencing emotional or sensory challenges, and they help create a more supportive environment where students feel seen and cared for. The students finished all of the snacks already and it had been wonderful for students who skip breakfast or lunch. The beanbag chair got so many students excited when they first delivered it! \r\n\r\nAs a school counselor, I see firsthand how small tools can make a big difference. The items you donated help students regulate their emotions, manage stress, and focus more effectively throughout the school day. Your thoughtfulness and commitment to supporting student well-being truly means more than words can express. Thank you for investing in our students and for being a vital part of their success and emotional growth.","fullyFundedDate":1764271312088,"projectUrl":"project/emotional-support/9568037/","projectTitle":"Emotional Support","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Waite","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9566571"},{"teacherId":4245362,"projectId":9484841,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for donating an iPad to our classroom. This iPad is used daily to support our math instruction and has truly transformed the way we learn. I use it every day to teach math lessons while moving freely around the classroom, allowing me to stay engaged with students instead of standing at the front board with my back turned.\r\n\r\nMy students also use the iPad daily to share their thinking and explain their understanding of math problems. They absolutely love using it to show their work, model strategies, and talk through their reasoning. This has increased student engagement and confidence, and it allows me to better assess understanding in real time.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, our classroom is more interactive, student-centered, and responsive to learning needs. Your support has made a meaningful and lasting impact on both my teaching and my students' learning—thank you for investing in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1757544375262,"projectUrl":"project/math-in-motion-empowering-learning-with/9484841/","projectTitle":"Math In Motion: Empowering Learning With An iPad","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"},{"teacherId":4245362,"projectId":9373553,"letterContent":"Because of your support, my students now have access to LEGO sets that we use as hands-on math manipulatives, helping them visualize and better understand math concepts in an engaging way. The dry erase boards and markers are used every day for problem-solving, practice, and quick checks for understanding, making learning more interactive and accessible for all students. The cleaning supplies you provided help us maintain a safe, organized, and welcoming learning environment where students can focus and feel comfortable. Your generosity has made a meaningful difference in our daily classroom experience, and my students and I are truly grateful for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1748827179880,"projectUrl":"project/help-build-a-math-ready-classroom-for-ex/9373553/","projectTitle":"Help Build a Math-Ready Classroom for Exceptional Learners!","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"},{"teacherId":9838124,"projectId":9701429,"letterContent":"We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the donors who generously provided a water dispenser, laminator, and other much needed supplies for our students. Your kindness and support have made a meaningful difference in our school community, and we truly appreciate your commitment to helping create a positive and supportive learning environment.\r\n\r\nThese items have had an immediate and lasting impact for the counselors office. The water dispenser ensures that students have access to clean drinking water throughout the day, supporting their health and ability to stay focused. The laminator and additional supplies have allowed counselors to better prepare instructional materials, create reusable learning tools, and maintain organized and engaging classrooms that enhance student learning.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, our students are better equipped to succeed both academically and personally. Your support shows them that their education matters and that they are surrounded by people who care about their growth and well being. Thank you for making such a meaningful impact on our students and our school as a whole.","fullyFundedDate":1764271312005,"projectUrl":"project/counselor-corner-for-support/9701429/","projectTitle":"Counselor Corner for Support","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Williams","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9838124"}],"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":63.0,"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"}
Join the 146 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
John Duggan Academy is
an urban public school
in Springfield, Massachusetts that is part of Springfield Public School District.
It serves 823 students
in grades 6 - 12 with a student/teacher ratio of 12.7:1.
Its teachers have had 160 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
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.
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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
84%
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.
John Duggan Academy Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated May 1, 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.
John Duggan Academy
$121,184
raised using DonorsChoose
160
projects
funded
40
teachers
funded
146
donors
38
projects
for
basic supplies
34
projects for
technology
35
projects for
books
6
projects
for
art supplies
John Duggan Academy has received support from
92 individuals from Massachusetts and
54 individuals out-of-state.