{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Pleasantville Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":39.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9774800,"projectId":10080330,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your more than generous donation to my classroom. Your support truly made a difference for my students and me. Because of your kindness, we were able to receive so many fabulous educational tools that will help build strong financial literacy skills, along with snacks that keep our students focused and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nYour unselfish generosity has had a direct and meaningful impact on our classroom, and we are incredibly grateful. It's supporters like you who help create opportunities that our students might not otherwise have.\r\n\r\nThank you again for making such a positive difference!\r\n\r\nWith sincere appreciation,","fullyFundedDate":1773260491670,"projectUrl":"project/financial-literacy-for-real-world-learne/10080330/","projectTitle":"Financial Literacy for Real World learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. M.R.","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9774800_orig.jpg?crop=240,240,x49,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1729169373807","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9774800"},{"teacherId":8890635,"projectId":10022960,"letterContent":"The energy in our classroom was electric the moment the delivery arrived! My students couldn't wait to open the boxes, and one student even shouted, \"We're officially open for business!\" as they saw the snacks and food items. There was a visible sense of pride; they didn't just see these as snacks for themselves, but as the \"inventory\" for a project they are truly passionate about. Seeing their faces light up was a powerful reminder that when we provide the right tools, students are more than ready to step up as leaders and take care of one another.\r\n\r\nWe are currently using these resources to run our student-led \"Grab-and-Go\" pantry. A specific moment that stood out was when a group of students took the lead in organizing the items by nutritional value and expiration date, creating a professional system to ensure their peers could access what they needed quickly and discreetly. This project has turned our classroom into a hub of service where students practice empathy and logistics every single day. Instead of worrying about a rumbling stomach, they are now focused on how to best serve their school community.","fullyFundedDate":1768620648144,"projectUrl":"project/fueling-learning-healthy-snacks-for-hun/10022960/","projectTitle":"Fueling Learning: Healthy Snacks for Hungry Students","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Hegenbart","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8890635_orig.png?crop=272,272,x7,y37&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1700232114559","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8890635"},{"teacherId":9774800,"projectId":10093637,"letterContent":"The Food for Full Bellies campaign has had a tremendous impact on my classroom and my students. With the new resources—nutritious snacks, drinks, and breakfast items—my students are able to focus on learning without the distraction of hunger. These items are available throughout the day, and students use them as needed during independent work, group projects, and morning routines, which helps maintain energy and engagement.\r\n\r\nOne specific moment that stands out was during a math group activity last week. Normally, some students struggle to concentrate during longer lessons, but with access to a snack, every student was actively participating and collaborating. It was clear that having their basic needs met allowed them to fully engage in the learning process.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the new materials, their excitement was palpable. Many expressed gratitude, and some even mentioned that they hadn't had a consistent breakfast that morning. The sense of relief and happiness in the room was immediate—they knew they were cared for, and it made them feel valued and supported.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, these resources will continue to support my students as we work on our current unit in science, where students are conducting hands-on experiments and group research projects. With their energy and focus maintained, students are able to think critically, collaborate more effectively, and take ownership of their learning. The support from donors has truly made a meaningful difference in both the classroom environment and the students' ability to succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1771626091378,"projectUrl":"project/food-for-full-bellies/10093637/","projectTitle":"Food for full Bellies","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. M.R.","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9774800_orig.jpg?crop=240,240,x49,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1729169373807","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9774800"},{"teacherId":9774800,"projectId":10032787,"letterContent":"Receiving donations of nutritious snacks, drinks, and breakfast items has had a meaningful impact on my lower-income students both academically and socially. Many of these students come to school without having eaten breakfast or without access to snacks during the day. Having these items available ensures that their basic needs are met so they can focus on learning rather than hunger.\r\n\r\nSince implementing the donated snack and breakfast program, I have noticed improved student focus, participation, and overall engagement in class. When students are not distracted by hunger, they are better able to concentrate during lessons, complete assignments, and participate in discussions. It has also helped reduce fatigue and irritability, especially during morning classes or longer instructional periods.\r\n\r\nBeyond the academic benefits, the availability of food creates a more supportive and inclusive classroom environment. Students who may feel embarrassed about not having food from home can quietly access what they need without drawing attention to themselves. This helps maintain their dignity and reduces the stigma sometimes associated with financial hardship.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, providing these items builds a sense of community and care within the classroom. Students recognize that their needs matter and that their school is a place where they are supported. This contributes to stronger relationships, improved classroom morale, and a more positive learning atmosphere.\r\n\r\nOverall, the donations of nutritional snacks, drinks, and breakfast items have directly supported student well-being, improved their ability to learn, and helped create a classroom environment where all students feel cared for and ready to succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1768706027886,"projectUrl":"project/brains-need-fuel-donate-a-snack/10032787/","projectTitle":"Brains need Fuel ! Donate a snack?","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. M.R.","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9774800_orig.jpg?crop=240,240,x49,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1729169373807","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9774800"},{"teacherId":6163793,"projectId":10074350,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, technology is now woven into our daily instruction. Students use it to collaborate in real time, receive instant feedback, and access interactive lessons that meet them at their individual levels. The most exciting part for them is seeing their ideas come to life—whether through digital projects, research, or creative presentations. A few of my quieter students have especially flourished; the technology gives them confidence and a voice in ways traditional methods sometimes could not. Thank you for opening new doors for them.","fullyFundedDate":1770321456286,"projectUrl":"project/snack-attack-of-packs/10074350/","projectTitle":"Snack Attack of Packs!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Mierzwinski","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp6163793_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1548956953675","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mattmierzwinski"},{"teacherId":6163793,"projectId":10044116,"letterContent":"Our students are already putting the new resources to work in meaningful ways. During our first project, students used the materials in small groups to analyze, collaborate, and create presentations connected to our current unit. One standout moment was watching students take ownership—assigning roles, debating ideas respectfully, and proudly sharing their finished work with the class.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, the excitement was immediate. Students were genuinely energized and eager to dive in. Several commented that the new resources made the lesson feel \"real\" and more engaging. That enthusiasm carried directly into higher participation and deeper discussion.\r\n\r\nNext, students will build on this momentum by applying what they've learned to a culminating project. They will refine their research, incorporate peer feedback, and present their final products to a broader audience. These next steps will strengthen critical thinking, communication skills, and confidence—skills that will extend well beyond our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1771253517545,"projectUrl":"project/building-compassion-through-hands-on-cha/10044116/","projectTitle":"Building Compassion Through Hands-On Challenges","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Mierzwinski","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp6163793_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1548956953675","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mattmierzwinski"},{"teacherId":6163793,"projectId":10056732,"letterContent":"Our students immediately gathered around the new resources with excitement and curiosity. During our recent project, they worked in small groups to analyze, organize, and create meaningful presentations using the materials. Their enthusiasm was contagious. Next, students will deepen their learning through research, reflection, and collaborative problem-solving activities, while building confidence, creativity, communication skills, and a strong sense of responsibility. Thank you so much it is so exciting","fullyFundedDate":1770317413325,"projectUrl":"project/students-taking-action-combating-hunger/10056732/","projectTitle":"Students Taking Action: Combating Hunger with Snack Packs","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Mierzwinski","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp6163793_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1548956953675","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mattmierzwinski"},{"teacherId":9437654,"projectId":10021779,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your donations, without them this project would not have been possible. People like you along with Donors Choose help keep the cheer up in the classroom and continue to make students happy! When they are happy it makes our job as teachers much easier. Thanks again and we look forward to working with Donors Choose in the future. We cannot wait to participate in future donation projects and the students are thrilled to have the chance to get to do this again and again! We are truly thankful.","fullyFundedDate":1768616386932,"projectUrl":"project/cards-for-care/10021779/","projectTitle":"Cards for Care","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. LeCras","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9437654"},{"teacherId":6163793,"projectId":10021098,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom and helping bring these new resources to life. Since receiving the materials, my students have been using them daily during small-group activities and hands-on projects. One of our favorite moments was watching students work together to build ROKR puzzles, taking on roles like reader, builder, and encourager. They practiced patience, problem-solving, and teamwork while supporting one another through challenges.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the materials, their excitement was contagious. They couldn't wait to explore everything and immediately began asking thoughtful questions about how the tools worked. Many students shared how proud they felt completing projects as a team, especially when they helped a classmate who felt stuck. These moments have helped build confidence, empathy, and a stronger sense of community in our classroom.\r\n\r\nNext, we will continue using these resources to deepen our lessons on collaboration, perseverance, and reflection. Students will work on more complex group projects and write about how working together helps them grow. Your generosity has made a lasting impact, and we are so grateful for the opportunities you've given our students to learn, connect, and succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1768614090939,"projectUrl":"project/cards-for-care/10021098/","projectTitle":"Cards for Care","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Mierzwinski","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp6163793_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1548956953675","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mattmierzwinski"},{"teacherId":6163793,"projectId":9959821,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom. Because of you, my students now have access to resources that make learning more engaging, meaningful, and fun. When the materials arrived, the excitement in the room was immediate—students were eager to dive in and put them to use right away.\r\n\r\nThese resources are already helping students deepen their understanding and build confidence, and they will continue to make a lasting impact throughout the year. Your kindness has truly made a difference in our classroom, and we are incredibly grateful for your support.\r\n\r\nWith sincere thanks,\r\nMatt Mierzwinski","fullyFundedDate":1765837579554,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-learning-with-baseball-cards-an/9959821/","projectTitle":"Hands-On Learning With Baseball Cards and Rokr Puzzles","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Mierzwinski","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp6163793_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1548956953675","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mattmierzwinski"},{"teacherId":6163793,"projectId":9955328,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, my students have been actively using these new resources during hands-on STEM time. One of our favorite moments was watching students work through the ROKR puzzles in small groups, testing ideas, making adjustments, and problem-solving together. They weren't just following instructions—they were thinking critically, collaborating, and learning from trial and error in a way that traditional lessons don't always allow.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, the excitement was immediate. Students were eager to open the boxes, explore the pieces, and guess how everything would come together. Many students who are usually quiet in class became leaders during the building process, offering ideas and helping peers. It was incredibly rewarding to see their confidence grow as they completed each step and proudly shared their finished work.\r\n\r\nNext, students will build on these experiences by connecting their projects to lessons on engineering, design, and perseverance. We plan to reflect on what worked, what didn't, and how redesigning can lead to better outcomes. Your support has given my students meaningful, real-world learning experiences they'll remember—and it has made a lasting impact on our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1765798307970,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-learning-with-baseball-cards-an/9955328/","projectTitle":"Hands-On Learning With Baseball Cards and Rokr Puzzles","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Mierzwinski","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp6163793_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1548956953675","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mattmierzwinski"},{"teacherId":6163793,"projectId":9909879,"letterContent":"When our new materials arrived, my students lit up. They crowded around the boxes, excited to explore everything inside. We put the resources to use right away—most recently during a hands-on project where students rotated through stations to solve real-world problems using the new tools. One student told me, \"This makes learning so much easier,\" and the entire class dove in with incredible focus and enthusiasm.\r\nThese materials have already made a noticeable impact. Students who were hesitant before are now more confident and eager to participate because they have what they need at their fingertips.\r\nNext, we're using these resources to begin a collaborative project where students apply what they've learned to create their own presentations and demonstrations. They're already brainstorming ideas and can't wait to get started.\r\nThank you again for making such a meaningful difference in our classroom. Your generosity gave my students not just supplies, but motivation, excitement, and a sense of being supported.","fullyFundedDate":1764363845599,"projectUrl":"project/connecting-anime-to-baseball-cards/9909879/","projectTitle":"Connecting Anime to Baseball Cards","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Mierzwinski","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp6163793_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1548956953675","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mattmierzwinski"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_66926","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":803,"numTeachers":71,"percentFrplEligible":80,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":27,"percentWhite":1,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":70,"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":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":60.9,"schoolId":66926,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Pleasantville Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Pleasantville Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-jersey/pleasantville-public-schools/pleasantville-middle-school/66926"}