{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"North Wilkes Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":62.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9373502,"projectId":8998007,"letterContent":"I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for your generous donations of math manipulatives to our classroom. Your kindness has made a profound and visible impact on my students' learning experience. The tools you've provided have opened doors to understanding that simply wouldn't have been possible without your support. Every day, I see firsthand how your contributions are transforming the way my students engage with mathematics — turning abstract concepts into concrete, meaningful learning moments.\r\n\r\nBefore receiving these manipulatives, many of my students struggled to grasp math concepts that can often feel distant or confusing when taught only through numbers on a page. Fractions, place value, geometry, and measurement were areas where many students felt uncertain or discouraged. But now, thanks to your donations, they can literally see and touch the math they're learning. Manipulatives like base-ten blocks, fraction circles, pattern blocks, and counting cubes have allowed students to visualize and physically explore what those numbers and symbols really mean.\r\n\r\nFor example, one of my students who had difficulty understanding fractions suddenly lit up when she used fraction tiles for the first time. Seeing how two ¼ pieces fit perfectly into a ½ tile helped her realize that fractions are not just numbers — they are parts of a whole that can be combined, compared, and understood visually. That moment of clarity built her confidence, and now she approaches new math lessons with curiosity rather than fear. Stories like hers are happening every day in my classroom because of your generosity.\r\n\r\nThe manipulatives have also encouraged collaboration and communication among students. When they work together to solve problems using these hands-on tools, math becomes a shared experience rather than a solitary challenge. Students explain their reasoning to each other, compare strategies, and even teach one another — all while actively engaging with the materials. It's inspiring to watch them excitedly discuss which shapes make up a hexagon or how many unit cubes fit into a larger prism. These conversations deepen their understanding and strengthen their problem-solving skills.\r\n\r\nBeyond academic growth, your donations have had an emotional and motivational impact as well. Many of my students now look forward to math lessons because they know they will get to explore and create. The classroom atmosphere has become more energized and interactive. Students who once hesitated to participate are now eager to come to the board or demonstrate their thinking using the manipulatives. Math has gone from being a source of anxiety to a source of excitement and pride.\r\n\r\nIn addition, these materials have helped me as a teacher to differentiate instruction more effectively. Every child learns differently — some are visual learners, some kinesthetic, and some need to physically build and manipulate objects to understand a concept. With the manipulatives you provided, I can meet each student where they are. I can design lessons that reach all types of learners, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed and feel confident in their abilities.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has done more than provide classroom supplies — it has empowered my students to believe in themselves. You have given them the tools to explore, to question, and to discover. You've made learning tangible, accessible, and joyful. Every time I see a student's face light up in understanding, I'm reminded of the difference your support has made.\r\n\r\nFrom the bottom of my heart, and on behalf of every student in my class, thank you for your kindness and belief in the power of education. The manipulatives you donated are being used every single day, and their impact will continue far beyond this school year. You have truly made a lasting difference in the lives of my students, and we are deeply grateful.\r\n\r\nWith heartfelt appreciation,","fullyFundedDate":1742516335178,"projectUrl":"project/enhancing-learning-donating-math-manipu/8998007/","projectTitle":"Enhancing Learning: Donating Math Manipulatives for Classroom Engagement","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Holman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9373502_orig.jpg?crop=640,640,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1721132302297","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9373502"},{"teacherId":9373502,"projectId":8749888,"letterContent":"The donation of a skeleton, model organs, and a transparent torso to a middle school science classroom is a transformative gift that will significantly enhance the educational experience for students. These anatomical models provide a hands-on, visual learning experience that is crucial in helping students grasp complex biological concepts. In middle school, when students are first introduced to detailed topics like the human body and its functions, tangible models can bridge the gap between textbook knowledge and real-world understanding. The impact of such a donation is far-reaching, as it not only brings science to life but also increases student engagement, promotes active learning, and fosters curiosity.\r\n\r\nFirst and foremost, the addition of a skeleton model allows students to observe the skeletal system in detail. Being able to examine a 3D representation of bones and joints will give students a clearer understanding of how the human skeleton supports and protects vital organs, provides structure to the body, and enables movement. Middle schoolers are often at an age where they are eager to learn about the human body, and the ability to interact with an actual skeleton makes the learning process more tangible and memorable. Instead of merely reading about the skeleton in a textbook or viewing 2D illustrations, students can physically touch, examine, and manipulate the model, which makes the learning process much more interactive. This hands-on learning fosters a deeper understanding of the content and helps students retain information more effectively.\r\n\r\nSimilarly, the donation of model organs offers an incredible opportunity for students to study the functions of individual organs in a way that would not be possible through traditional methods. A model heart, brain, lungs, kidneys, and digestive system allow students to explore their structure and function in depth. For example, when studying the circulatory system, students can use a heart model to understand how blood is pumped through the body, the role of arteries and veins, and the pathway of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood. By visualizing and manipulating these organs, students can better understand how each system works in unison to maintain overall health and homeostasis. These models also help students see the intricate connections between different body systems, such as how the digestive system interacts with the circulatory system, and how the respiratory system supports cellular function.\r\n\r\nThe transparent torso model is another invaluable tool that will bring science to life in the classroom. Its ability to show all the organs within the body, along with their relative positions and interactions, provides students with an integrated view of human anatomy. With the torso model, students can observe not just individual organs, but also the complex relationships between systems. This level of detail allows for a comprehensive understanding of human biology, from the nervous system to the digestive system. The transparent design is particularly beneficial for showing the placement of organs within the body, which can be challenging to visualize through textbooks or diagrams. This model transforms the study of human biology from an abstract concept into a concrete, visual experience.\r\n\r\nIn terms of increasing student engagement, these anatomical models create an interactive, dynamic classroom environment. Rather than passively listening to lectures or reading from a textbook, students will actively engage with the material through hands-on learning. This type of experiential learning has been shown to increase retention and understanding, especially in subjects like science, where practical application is crucial. Students can work in small groups to explore the models, making observations, asking questions, and sharing insights. This collaboration fosters a sense of excitement and curiosity about science and encourages critical thinking. The models also give students the opportunity to conduct experiments or demonstrations, further deepening their learning and sparking their interest in the subject matter.\r\n\r\nFurthermore, these models can accommodate diverse learning styles, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to succeed. For visual learners, the models provide a concrete visual representation of the information, while hands-on learners can actively engage with the models to explore and investigate. Kinesthetic learners benefit from the physical manipulation of the models, which helps reinforce the content through movement and tactile interaction. The use of these anatomical models is particularly beneficial for students with different learning preferences, as it provides multiple avenues for engagement.\r\n\r\nUltimately, the donation of a skeleton, model organs, and a transparent torso represents an investment in the future of students' scientific education. It not only enhances their understanding of the human body and its systems but also ignites curiosity, fosters teamwork, and encourages a love for learning. These models make science come to life in ways that textbooks alone cannot, offering students the opportunity to see and touch what they are learning about. As a result, students will be more engaged, motivated, and excited about their science education, laying the foundation for future academic success and inspiring a lifelong interest in the sciences.","fullyFundedDate":1733171949045,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-weather-station-enhancing-lea/8749888/","projectTitle":"Classroom Weather Station: Enhancing Learning Through Real Time Data","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Holman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9373502_orig.jpg?crop=640,640,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1721132302297","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9373502"},{"teacherId":9373502,"projectId":8934837,"letterContent":"The donation of a weather station to a middle school classroom is an exciting and transformative addition that will significantly enhance student engagement and spark an interest in science. Weather is an everyday phenomenon that impacts students' lives, making it an ideal topic to explore in the classroom. A weather station provides an interactive, hands-on experience that allows students to directly observe, measure, and analyze real-world data, transforming abstract concepts about weather into tangible experiences. The inclusion of a weather station in the classroom will help students build a deeper understanding of meteorology, improve critical thinking and data analysis skills, and foster a greater curiosity about the natural world.\r\n\r\nFirst, a weather station allows students to directly engage with the scientific process by collecting real-time weather data. By measuring variables like temperature, humidity, wind speed, and atmospheric pressure, students can observe firsthand how these factors fluctuate throughout the day, week, and season. This dynamic learning experience helps students connect theoretical knowledge from their textbooks with the real world. Instead of just reading about weather patterns or watching videos, students can make their own observations and measurements. This hands-on involvement encourages active learning and makes science feel more relevant and exciting.\r\n\r\nA weather station also helps bring the study of weather and climate to life by making abstract concepts concrete. For example, students can use the data collected by the weather station to explore how changes in temperature or air pressure influence weather patterns like thunderstorms, rain, and wind. By directly engaging with the instruments and tracking weather trends, students develop a deeper understanding of the forces that shape the environment. They can also make predictions based on their observations, helping them practice the scientific method of hypothesizing, testing, and analyzing results. The ability to predict the weather using real data will empower students and give them a sense of ownership over their learning process.\r\n\r\nFurthermore, the weather station fosters critical thinking and data analysis skills. Students will need to interpret the data they collect, look for patterns, and draw conclusions about how different weather factors interact. This process of data interpretation mirrors the work of real scientists and meteorologists, providing students with a sense of connection to the broader scientific community. In addition, students can compare their findings with online weather forecasts or historical weather data, developing their ability to think critically and question assumptions. By analyzing data over time, students will also understand how weather patterns change seasonally and how long-term climate trends may emerge, introducing them to the concept of climate change and its impacts on the planet.\r\n\r\nThe weather station also sparks student curiosity by enabling them to ask questions and conduct investigations. For instance, students might wonder why it rained more on one day than another or why the temperature drops during the night. These questions can lead to experiments, projects, and further exploration of meteorological concepts. Students can track trends, develop hypotheses, and test their ideas, much like professional scientists do. This inquiry-based approach not only increases engagement but also helps students understand that science is not just about memorizing facts but about exploring the world around them and seeking answers to their questions.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, a weather station can promote collaboration and teamwork among students. Students can work in pairs or small groups to set up the equipment, take measurements, and analyze the data. Collaborative projects such as creating weather reports, predicting upcoming weather patterns, or even designing weather-related experiments encourage teamwork and communication skills. Working together on real-life science projects can make the learning experience more fun and engaging, helping to build a positive classroom culture where students feel comfortable exploring new ideas and taking risks in their learning.\r\n\r\nAnother benefit of a weather station is its potential to integrate cross-curricular learning. The data collected can be used to explore topics in mathematics, such as graphing, statistics, and measurement. Students can create bar graphs or line charts to track temperature fluctuations, calculate averages, or analyze trends over time. Additionally, students can incorporate language arts skills by writing reports, weather forecasts, or creating presentations to share their findings with the class. The interdisciplinary nature of a weather station makes it a versatile tool for fostering holistic education and encouraging students to apply their knowledge in various subjects.\r\n\r\nA weather station also provides an opportunity for students to become more aware of environmental issues. As they learn about weather patterns and climate, they can explore the concept of climate change and its global effects. This real-world connection to pressing environmental challenges helps students see the importance of scientific research in addressing issues that affect everyone. By investigating how weather and climate influence ecosystems, human activity, and even global economies, students gain a broader understanding of the interconnectedness of our world and the importance of responsible environmental stewardship.\r\n\r\nIn conclusion, the donation of a weather station to a middle school classroom offers countless opportunities to increase student engagement and spark interest in science. By providing a hands-on, interactive way to explore the natural world, the weather station allows students to engage with real-time data, develop critical thinking and data analysis skills, and deepen their understanding of meteorology. The curiosity it sparks, combined with the collaborative learning it encourages, will make weather-related lessons more dynamic and enjoyable. By integrating a weather station into the classroom, students are not only learning about weather patterns—they are developing skills that will serve them well in their future academic and professional careers, while also cultivating a deeper appreciation for the natural world.","fullyFundedDate":1733171948517,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-human-body-systems-to-life-for/8934837/","projectTitle":"Bringing Human Body Systems to Life for Middle Schoolers","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Holman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9373502_orig.jpg?crop=640,640,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1721132302297","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9373502"},{"teacherId":9777234,"projectId":8819156,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supplying my classroom with these light covers and string lights. You would not believe how they have made such a difference in my students' attitudes each day when they enter the room! \r\nI teach on a hall with students I do not get to teach, and many have walked by my classroom with remarks such as \"That's so cool!\" and \"Where did you get those?\" My own students, as well as others, have shared how calm and relaxed my room feels, how much they like the lights, and there are almost no days when students ask if we can turn the overhead lights off. You have made such a positive impact on my daily interactions with a variety of students.\r\nThank you!","fullyFundedDate":1733171948712,"projectUrl":"project/better-lighting-in-the-classroom/8819156/","projectTitle":"Better Lighting in the Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Elliott","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9777234_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y386&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755720062560","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mselliottnwms"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_3662","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":486,"numTeachers":34,"percentFrplEligible":83,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":81,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":12,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"14.3:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"RURAL","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_FRINGE"},"inStateSupporters":37.5,"schoolId":3662,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about North Wilkes Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"North Wilkes Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/north-carolina/wilkes-county-school-district/north-wilkes-middle-school/3662"}