{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Piner Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":36.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8069375,"projectId":9463539,"letterContent":"On behalf of the students and staff of our middle school theatre programs, I want to extend our deepest gratitude for your generosity in helping us bring stage makeup and theatrical supplies to our classrooms. Because of your contribution, our young artists now have the chance to step into their characters—literally and figuratively—with confidence, creativity, and pride.\r\n\r\nFor many of our students, theatre is more than a class or an extracurricular—it's a safe space where they learn to express themselves, collaborate with others, and discover new sides of who they are. Having access to proper stage makeup, brushes, and tools might seem small, but in the world of middle school theatre, it's transformative. When a student sees themselves in costume and makeup for the first time, something magical happens: they no longer feel like a kid pretending. They become their character. They learn empathy, confidence, and what it means to tell a story that reaches others.\r\n\r\nYour support turned a dream into a reality for so many of our students who have never before had access to theatrical resources beyond imagination and heart. Now, when they walk into rehearsal, they are met not just with scripts and ideas—but with tangible tools that elevate their learning and creativity. These materials help us teach the fundamentals of stagecraft, design, and character development in ways that are engaging and authentic. More importantly, they give our students the chance to see themselves as real artists.\r\n\r\nWe've already seen the difference your kindness has made. Faces light up during costume fittings. Students encourage one another to try new looks or bold character choices. Conversations about lighting, color palettes, and historical accuracy fill the classroom. They are thinking like designers, actors, and directors—because that's exactly what they're becoming.\r\n\r\nTheatre teaches more than performance; it teaches resilience, teamwork, problem-solving, and compassion. Thanks to you, our students are learning these lessons in a hands-on environment that mirrors the real world of theatre production. Your gift has made it possible for them to gain practical experience while building confidence that will carry far beyond the stage.\r\n\r\nWe also want you to know that every dollar and every donated product has been treated with care and gratitude. The supplies you helped us secure will continue to serve students for years to come, from our classroom lessons to community performances and festivals. Each time a student steps under the lights, your generosity shines with them.\r\n\r\nFrom all of us—teachers, students, and volunteers alike—thank you for believing in the power of arts education. You didn't just buy supplies; you helped build memories, confidence, and opportunities for young people to find their voices. You've reminded our students that what they create matters—and that there are people in their community who believe in their potential.","fullyFundedDate":1757423963050,"projectUrl":"project/sisd-middle-school-theatre-stage-make-up/9463539/","projectTitle":"SISD Middle School Theatre Stage Make Up","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Knight","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8069375_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1696656232527","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/aknighttheatre"},{"teacherId":10052468,"projectId":9456846,"letterContent":"On behalf of our dance team, we would like to extend our sincere gratitude for your generous support. The addition of a lightweight stereo has provided us with the flexibility to move our practices outdoors and bring music with us to the stands during football games. The yoga balls and leg weights have been equally valuable, offering new ways to build strength and enhance our leaps and turns.\r\nYour generosity is helping us grow not only as dancers but also as students and teammates. We are committed to striving for excellence both on the dance floor and in the classroom, and your contribution plays a vital role in that journey.\r\nThank you for investing in our team and believing in our potential.","fullyFundedDate":1753921067661,"projectUrl":"project/stretching-for-jr-hi-steppers/9456846/","projectTitle":"Stretching for Jr Hi-Steppers","teacherDisplayName":"Coach McRoberts","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10052468_orig.jpg?crop=384,384,x48,y11&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1749423392060","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10052468"},{"teacherId":10052468,"projectId":9403443,"letterContent":"Thank You for Your Generous Support\r\nOn behalf of the dancers, we extend our sincere gratitude for your generous donation in support of our team this year. Your contributions have provided valuable resources that are already making a meaningful impact on the dancers' training and performance.\r\nThe yoga blocks have greatly enhanced balance and stability, allowing dancers to strengthen their turns and leaps. Several team members have progressed from single turns to double turns in a short period of time. The novelty canes are being featured in a brand-new holiday performance to New York, New York, and will continue to be used in upcoming competition routines. Additionally, the Kinetic Bands have proven highly effective in improving flexibility, resulting in stronger splits, higher kicks, and longer leaps.\r\nOverall, your generosity has given our dancers not only improved technical skills, but also greater confidence and joy on the dance floor. We are truly grateful for your continued support in helping this team grow and succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1750870564247,"projectUrl":"project/help-the-hi-steppers-get-receive-some-mu/9403443/","projectTitle":"Help the Hi-Steppers Get Receive Some Must Needed Technique Equipment","teacherDisplayName":"Coach McRoberts","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10052468_orig.jpg?crop=384,384,x48,y11&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1749423392060","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10052468"},{"teacherId":10030709,"projectId":9619206,"letterContent":"I want to extend my deepest and most heartfelt gratitude for your generosity in supporting my DonorsChoose project. Because of you, so many of my students are already experiencing the direct, meaningful impact of having consistent access to healthy snacks throughout their school day. Your contribution has done far more than simply fill a shelf in my classroom—it has filled a need, created stability, and shown my students that there are people far beyond our school walls who truly care about their well-being.\r\n\r\nAs an educator, one of the most important things I've learned is that students cannot learn, focus, or thrive when their basic needs are not met. Many of my students begin their day without breakfast. Some go long stretches between meals, and others have unpredictable food availability at home. Knowing this, it has always weighed heavily on my heart when I see a child trying to push through hunger just to participate in class. Thanks to your kindness, I now have the tools to respond immediately and compassionately.\r\n\r\nAlready, the snacks you helped provide—including the nutritious Cliff Bars—have made a significant difference. These snacks are given out before school, during class, when students are feeling unwell, or when they have long waits before going home. This week especially, as we head into a three-day weekend, I wanted to ensure students had something filling and healthy before they left. Being able to send them off with a snack that I know will help hold them over brings me a tremendous sense of relief—and it is entirely because of you.\r\n\r\nWhat has stood out most is the shift in student confidence and comfort. Students who were once hesitant to ask for help are now more at ease knowing there is a safe, dependable place where they can access what they need without embarrassment. Some of them have quietly shared how much it means to have something to eat when they didn't get breakfast, or how it helps them get through a long afternoon. These small moments of honesty remind me that your generosity is doing more than feeding bodies—it is supporting emotional well-being, building trust, and helping kids feel seen and cared for.\r\n\r\nYour support has also helped maintain a positive classroom environment. When students feel safe and supported, their ability to focus, engage, and regulate themselves improves. I've seen students participate more, complete tasks more confidently, and settle into routines with fewer behavior struggles—all because hunger is no longer a barrier. It is incredible how such a simple resource can have such a powerful ripple effect across a classroom.\r\n\r\nPlease know that your kindness has not gone unnoticed by my students. Even if they don't always have the words to say it, their gratitude shows in their smiles, their improved focus, and the relief on their faces when they receive what they need. You have given them dignity and comfort, and that is a gift they will carry far beyond this school year.\r\n\r\nFrom the bottom of my heart, thank you for believing in my students and in the work we do each day. Your generosity has made our classroom a warmer, safer, and more supportive place, and for that, I am truly grateful.\r\n\r\nWith sincere appreciation,","fullyFundedDate":1756088561899,"projectUrl":"project/survival-guide-keeping-sixth-graders-ha/9619206/","projectTitle":"Survival Guide: Keeping Sixth Graders Happy with Snacks","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Jenkins","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10030709_orig.jpg?crop=1440,1440,x0,y364&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746804123059","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10030709"},{"teacherId":9990008,"projectId":9223922,"letterContent":"I would like to begin by expressing my heartfelt gratitude for your incredible generosity in supporting our DonorsChoose project. Because of your kindness, our Piner Middle School cheer program received a brand-new tumbling octagon, and I cannot begin to tell you the difference it has already made in the lives of our athletes.\r\n\r\nWhen the octagon first arrived, the excitement was almost too much to contain. My cheerleaders had been talking about it for weeks, eagerly anticipating the chance to use it in practice. For many of them, tumbling is one of the most intimidating skills in cheer. It requires strength, precision, and most of all -confidence. As their coach, I know that confidence can often be the hardest thing to build. The fear of falling, of doing something incorrectly, or of not being \"good enough\" holds many athletes back from even attempting new skills. This is why the tumbling octagon has already been such a game-changer for us. \r\n\r\nWithin just days of receiving the octagon, I witnessed something that brought tears to my eyes: two of our cheerleaders, who had been battling the fear of tumbling for months, finally overcame that mental block. With the support of the octagon, they were able to practice their back handsprings safely, without the overwhelming anxiety of injury. The smiles on their faces after landing were priceless. They immediately stood taller, beaming with pride, and their teammates celebrated alongside them. It was one of those moments that remind me why I coach-seeing a child realize, \"I can do this.\"\r\n\r\nThe octagon has provided my athletes with more than just a piece of equipment: it has given them a safe way to challenge themselves, to take risks, and to believe in their own abilities. s. The design of the octagon makes it possible for them to practice skills step by step, without the fear of hitting the ground and hurting themselves. This safety net has transformed practice into a more positive, encouraging environment. Instead of being filled with hesitation, our tumbling stations are now filled with laughter, determination, and excitement.\r\n\r\nBeyond the skills themselves, the tumbling octagon has created a ripple effect of confidence that spreads across the team. The few cheerleaders who broke through their fear have become role models for their peers. Their success has inspired others to try skills they might not have attempted before. \r\n\r\nI have also noticed the growth in leadership and teamwork. Athletes who have mastered skills are now taking the time to spot, encourage, and support their teammates who are still learning. The tumbling octagon has become a tool not only for skill development but also for building trust and community within our team. It has reminded them that cheer is about more than just stunts and tumbling—it's about lifting each other up, celebrating victories big and small, and never giving up.\r\n\r\nAs a coach, it fills my heart with pride to see my cheerleaders growing in both skill and confidence. I know that these lessons will extend beyond the gym. The courage to try something new, the resilience to overcome fear, and the joy of accomplishing a long-awaited goal are lessons that will serve them in school, in friendships, and in life.\r\n\r\nNone of this would have been possible without you. Your generosity has given my students the opportunity to experience growth, confidence, and pride that they will carry with them forever. Thank you for believing in my athletes and in the value of supporting middle school programs. What might seem like a small act of kindness to you has made a life-changing impact on my cheerleaders.\r\n\r\nOn behalf of myself, our team, and the entire Piner Middle School community, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your gift. We are stronger, braver, and more confident because of you.\r\n\r\nWith deepest gratitude,\r\nBrandi Conary\r\nHead Cheer Coach\r\nPiner Middle School","fullyFundedDate":1744499951375,"projectUrl":"project/cheer-tumbling/9223922/","projectTitle":"Cheer Tumbling","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Conary","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9990008_orig.jpg?crop=200,200,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1743620375645","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9990008"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_12389","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":845,"numTeachers":75,"percentFrplEligible":83,"percentAsian":3,"percentBlack":11,"percentWhite":34,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":41,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"11.3:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":63.5,"schoolId":12389,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Piner Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Piner Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/texas/sherman-independent-school-district/piner-middle-school/12389"}