{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Northside Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":27.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":5854946,"projectId":10192538,"letterContent":"I am writing to express our sincere gratitude for your generous donation to our project supporting the purchase of dumbbells for our middle school weight room.\r\n\r\nAs an underfunded school, opportunities like this are not always within reach, and your support has made a meaningful difference for our students. These dumbbells are more than just equipment—they are essential tools that will help our students build strength, improve their overall health, and develop positive fitness habits at an early age.\r\n\r\nThis project is especially significant because it has helped us create the very first weight room in our school's history. For many of our students, this is their first exposure to structured strength training, and the excitement surrounding this new space has been incredible. Students are eager to learn, grow, and take pride in a facility that was made possible through the generosity of supporters like you.\r\n\r\nYour contribution is not only helping us improve physical education, but it is also investing in the confidence, well-being, and future success of our students. We are deeply grateful for your belief in our school and for helping us provide opportunities that would otherwise not exist.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your kindness and support.","fullyFundedDate":1777059377030,"projectUrl":"project/where-students-grow-strongone-rep-at-a/10192538/","projectTitle":"Where Students Grow Strong—One Rep at a Time","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Hajec","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5854946_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1777065896871","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5854946"},{"teacherId":5854946,"projectId":10201743,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donation in support of our middle school weight room project. Your contribution has made a meaningful difference in helping us create a safe, functional, and motivating environment for our students.\r\n\r\nThe addition of a palm sander has been invaluable in preparing our space. It allowed us to effectively remove old, chipped paint from the walls, creating a smooth surface for a fresh, durable finish. This not only improves the overall appearance of the weight room, but also contributes to a safer and more welcoming environment for our students.\r\n\r\nWe are also grateful for the socket wrench kit, which has played a critical role in the proper and efficient installation of our weight room equipment. With the ability to securely tighten bolts and fasteners to the correct specifications, we can ensure that all equipment is stable and safe for student use. This level of precision helps reduce maintenance concerns and supports long-term reliability.\r\n\r\nYour support has directly contributed to building a high-quality space where students can develop strength, confidence, and lifelong fitness habits. We truly appreciate your investment in our students' well-being and success.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your generosity and commitment to our school community.","fullyFundedDate":1776977460451,"projectUrl":"project/tools-for-strength-building-our-weight/10201743/","projectTitle":"Tools for Strength: Building Our Weight Room Right","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Hajec","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5854946_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1777065896871","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5854946"},{"teacherId":5854946,"projectId":10196724,"letterContent":"A well-designed middle school weight room should prioritize safety, accessibility, and long-term student engagement, and the inclusion of lower back strengthening equipment, LED strip lighting, and a complete set of dumbbells with a proper rack plays a meaningful role in achieving those goals.\r\n\r\nLower back strengthening equipment is especially important at the middle school level because it helps students build foundational core stability and proper movement patterns early on. Strengthening the posterior chain supports posture, reduces the risk of injury, and reinforces safe lifting techniques that students will carry into more advanced training. Introducing this type of equipment in a supervised environment also allows educators to teach correct form and body awareness during a critical stage of physical development.\r\n\r\nLED strip lighting contributes to both the functionality and atmosphere of the weight room. Bright, well-distributed lighting improves visibility, which is essential for maintaining safety during exercise. At the same time, modern LED lighting can make the space feel more inviting and energetic, increasing student motivation and participation. A thoughtfully lit environment can transform the weight room from a purely functional space into one that students are excited to use.\r\n\r\nCompleting a dumbbell set and providing a proper weight rack ensures organization, accessibility, and progression in student training. Dumbbells are one of the most versatile tools in a weight room, allowing for a wide range of exercises that can be scaled to different ability levels. A full set enables gradual strength development, while a rack keeps the space orderly and reduces tripping hazards. This structure not only improves safety but also teaches students responsibility and respect for shared equipment.\r\n\r\nTogether, these elements create a balanced, safe, and engaging environment that supports physical education goals. They help establish a foundation where students can develop strength, confidence, and lifelong fitness habits in a space designed with their needs in mind.","fullyFundedDate":1776687385730,"projectUrl":"project/lift-today-lead-tomorrow/10196724/","projectTitle":"Lift Today. Lead Tomorrow.","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Hajec","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5854946_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1777065896871","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5854946"},{"teacherId":5854946,"projectId":10190223,"letterContent":"Because of your generous donation, our middle school weight room has undergone a meaningful transformation that is already making a lasting impact on our students.\r\n\r\nThe addition of the pull-up bar and dip station has introduced students to foundational bodyweight exercises that build strength, coordination, and confidence. These versatile stations allow students of all fitness levels to challenge themselves and track their progress over time, promoting both physical growth and personal achievement.\r\n\r\nThe weight dip belt has expanded our ability to safely introduce more advanced strength training for students who are ready to progress. It encourages proper technique and gradual overload, helping students understand how to train effectively and responsibly.\r\n\r\nYour donation of various dumbbell weights has been one of the most impactful upgrades. With a wider range of options, students can now perform exercises that match their individual strength levels. This has not only improved safety but has also increased student engagement, as everyone can participate meaningfully rather than feeling limited or discouraged.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, the weight plate storage racks have brought organization and structure to our space. A clean, well-organized environment promotes safety, teaches responsibility, and allows for smoother transitions during class. Students are learning to take pride in their space and respect shared equipment.\r\n\r\nOverall, these additions have elevated our weight room from a basic space into a functional, inclusive, and motivating environment. Students are more engaged, more confident, and more excited to participate in physical activity. Beyond physical benefits, they are developing discipline, teamwork, and lifelong fitness habits.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our students' health, safety, and future. Your support is making a difference every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1776255933028,"projectUrl":"project/strong-bodies-strong-minds-strong-stud/10190223/","projectTitle":"Strong Bodies, Strong Minds, Strong Students","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Hajec","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5854946_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1777065896871","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5854946"},{"teacherId":6574749,"projectId":8978977,"letterContent":"Thanks to the generosity of the Donors Choose community, the items that we received have been put to great use! The students have planted the plants and seeds and enjoyed using knee pads to keep from getting so dirty while digging and weeding! These \"gifts\" have continues to be a great use to our club and we are so grateful for your support.\r\n\r\n(The bulbs sprouted in the spring and put on a show for the Northside audience!)\r\n\r\nOur garden club is only possible with the generosity of the community and we honor your support greatly.","fullyFundedDate":1733696179515,"projectUrl":"project/garden-gifts/8978977/","projectTitle":"Garden Gifts","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Field","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6574749_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1565267854246","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6574749"},{"teacherId":263061,"projectId":9696194,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation that is allowing our school to explore sculpture in a new and exciting way. The students were fascinated by the new technology and eagerly dived into the creative process, experimenting with tools and techniques they had never used before. Your support is helping us expand our arts program and bring hands-on STEAM learning into classrooms across the school. \r\n\r\nBecause of you, we plan to build large sculptures of animals, including dinosaurs, that will transform our school building into an interactive learning environment and inspire curiosity for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1762849357344,"projectUrl":"project/let-the-kids-chomp-and-create/9696194/","projectTitle":"Let the Kids Chomp and Create!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Cipalla","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp263061_orig.jpg?crop=272,272,x0,y12&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1708462056394","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/263061"},{"teacherId":10268380,"projectId":9866190,"letterContent":"Thank you does not even seem like enough. My students were so excited when the table and chairs came in and even wanted to help put everything together. My students have plenty of room for their work and their Chromebooks. My taller students are not squeezed into a desk and have plenty of room to stretch their legs without bothering anyone else. All the girls are thrilled that the chairs don't have the little metal part that always snagged their hair. Students love coming to class because of the tables and chairs. Also, the tables and chairs have made moving around the room so much easier. Students can rotate stations without tripping or moving around desks. Our class community is stronger and more supportive than ever. Thank you again so much!!!","fullyFundedDate":1764722854721,"projectUrl":"project/comfy-work-space/9866190/","projectTitle":"Comfy Work Space","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Valencia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10268380_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758555297894","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10268380"},{"teacherId":5854946,"projectId":9618660,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support in helping us bring a new weight room to our middle school. Because of your donation, our students now have access to equipment that promotes strength, confidence, and lifelong healthy habits.\r\n\r\nWith the funds provided, we were able to purchase essential training tools, including three Olympic-style barbells with weight plates, an Olympic curl bar, a T-bar row attachment for the barbell, a balance ball for core strength work, and a speed skipping rope. These materials allow students to safely learn proper strength-training techniques while building muscular strength, endurance, and coordination.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThis new weight room has already made a meaningful difference. Students are more engaged in physical education classes and are excited to participate in structured fitness activities. The equipment supports a variety of exercises that help improve posture, balance, and overall physical wellness, while also encouraging teamwork and goal setting.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has provided more than just equipment — it has created new opportunities for our students to develop healthy habits, build self-confidence, and understand the importance of physical fitness at a young age. We are deeply grateful for your investment in their well-being and future success.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your support and commitment to our students and school community.","fullyFundedDate":1764076056237,"projectUrl":"project/the-power-project-flex-for-the-future/9618660/","projectTitle":"The Power Project: Flex for the Future","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Hajec","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5854946_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1777065896871","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5854946"},{"teacherId":2353572,"projectId":9848077,"letterContent":"Thanks to your incredible generosity, our PBIS program has become more engaging and meaningful for our middle school students! The new supplies have helped us celebrate positive behavior in ways that truly motivate and connect with our kids. We've been using the materials to stock our PBIS store, create special reward days, and design recognition systems that highlight kindness, respect, and responsibility. One memorable moment was watching students eagerly trade in their earned tickets for small prizes—each exchange was a proud reflection of their hard work and positive choices.\r\n\r\nWhen our students first saw the new PBIS items, their excitement was contagious. They immediately began talking about how they could earn points and what behaviors would help them get there. For many of our students, this program gives them something positive to work toward, and the tangible rewards serve as daily reminders that good choices matter. It's been amazing to see how the atmosphere in our school has shifted—students are more engaged, respectful, and proud of their achievements.","fullyFundedDate":1761067796555,"projectUrl":"project/pbis-and-snacks/9848077/","projectTitle":"PBIS and Snacks","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kelly Justice","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2353572_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755010303599","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2353572"},{"teacherId":9733816,"projectId":9189463,"letterContent":"The donated items elevated our student-athletes on various ways this season. They were encouraged by your generosity, intrigued by the new equipment provided, and excited to be able to use new items throughout their playing time. \r\n\r\nWe were beyond grateful for you all and I hope that you understand how meaningful these types of donations are for students. Our young ladies were very surprised to know that people they had never met before donated to their success during their softball season. \r\n\r\nWe are all very encouraged by these new donations and look forward to continued success on and off the softball field this school year.","fullyFundedDate":1751750026301,"projectUrl":"project/our-middle-school-softball-team-gear-for/9189463/","projectTitle":"Our Middle School Softball Team Gear for Our Rising Stars","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. MacFarlane","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9733816_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1742405336486","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9733816"},{"teacherId":9170281,"projectId":9175732,"letterContent":"We are deeply grateful for your generous support of our Finishing the School Year Strong! project. Your contribution came at a meaningful time and helped us close out the 2024–2025 school year on a strong note.\r\n\r\nDue to your generosity, my students were able to finish the year feeling supported, encouraged, and celebrated. The impact went beyond resources; it created a sense of motivation and joy as we wrapped up the school year together.\r\n\r\nThank you for making a difference. Your kindness truly helped us end the year on a high and left a lasting impression on our school community.","fullyFundedDate":1746785251426,"projectUrl":"project/finishing-the-school-year-strong/9175732/","projectTitle":"Finishing the School Year Strong!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Perez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9170281_orig.jpg?crop=614,614,x324,y21&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1731817601922","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9170281"},{"teacherId":5374416,"projectId":9108827,"letterContent":"On behalf of the entire Middle School Orchestra, I want to extend our heartfelt thanks for your generous donation to our music program. Your support has made a significant impact on our students and their musical journey, and we are truly grateful for your investment in arts education.\r\n\r\nThanks to your contribution, we've been able to make meaningful improvements to our orchestra classroom. Many of our music stands were old and worn out, dropping music on the floor mid-rehearsal. This is no longer an issue, so we are able to focus on the music and keep the class moving forward. For many of them, this is their first introduction to playing an instrument—and your support helps ensure that it's a positive, empowering one.\r\n\r\nThe value of music education cannot be overstated. Beyond learning how to play, our students are gaining discipline, teamwork, creativity, and confidence. They are learning to express themselves, work collaboratively, and strive for excellence—skills that will serve them well throughout their lives. When you support our orchestra, you're helping build not just musicians, but well-rounded individuals.\r\n\r\nOne of the highlights of our program this year will be our upcoming Winter Concert, where students will showcase everything they've been working on. It's going to be a special event, and we wish you could be there to see the pride and joy on their faces as they perform. Know that your generosity is a big part of making that moment possible.\r\n\r\nIt is supporters like you who remind our students that their community believes in them. Your donation sends a powerful message—that their efforts matter, that the arts are vital, and that they are worthy of investment. In a time when school budgets are often tight and the arts are sometimes overlooked, your gift means more than words can fully express.\r\n\r\nThank you once again for your kindness and generosity. If you're ever in the area, we would love to welcome you to a performance so you can see first-hand the impact you've made. Until then, please accept our deepest appreciation.","fullyFundedDate":1741977127031,"projectUrl":"project/take-a-stand/9108827/","projectTitle":"Take a Stand!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Dowling","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5374416_orig.jpg?crop=1869,1870,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1692886824239","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5374416"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_34869","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":732,"numTeachers":63,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":2,"percentBlack":44,"percentWhite":23,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":22,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"11.6:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":72.1,"schoolId":34869,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Northside Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Northside Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/virginia/norfolk-public-schools/northside-middle-school/34869"}