{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Ponus Ridge Steam Academy","outOfStateSupporters":37.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8698019,"projectId":9746653,"letterContent":"The \"Snacks for Student Success\" project has made a noticeable difference in our school counseling office. Having healthy snacks available helps students refocus, manage stress, and feel supported when they come in for help. Many students visit the office hungry or overwhelmed, and offering a simple snack often makes it easier for them to regulate their emotions and return to class ready to learn.\r\n\r\nThis project has created a welcoming, comforting space where students feel cared for both emotionally and physically. Thank you for helping us meet their basic needs so they can thrive at school.","fullyFundedDate":1759359605481,"projectUrl":"project/hungry-to-learn/9746653/","projectTitle":"Hungry to Learn","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Douglas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8698019_orig.jpg?crop=1138,1138,x216,y575&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1679076375445","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8698019"},{"teacherId":199251,"projectId":9893949,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your support and funding. Using a mushroom grow station in school has a powerful and multifaceted impact on student learning because it makes farming, food systems, and nutrition hands-on, accessible, and relevant. When students observe mushrooms growing from spores to harvest, they gain a concrete understanding of life cycles, environmental needs, and sustainable farming practices that traditional lessons cannot fully replicate. Managing humidity, light, temperature, and cleanliness teaches responsibility, problem-solving, and scientific thinking as students troubleshoot growth conditions. A grow station also introduces students to innovative forms of agriculture, such as indoor vertical farming and regenerative food production, helping them see how science and technology shape modern food systems. Additionally, growing mushrooms encourages students to try new foods they may not encounter at home, expanding their palates and nutritional awareness. For many students—especially those hesitant about unfamiliar foods—tasting something they grew themselves increases their willingness to explore healthy options. Overall, a classroom mushroom station builds curiosity, fosters real-world science skills, promotes healthier eating habits, and empowers students to understand where their food comes from.","fullyFundedDate":1763061756284,"projectUrl":"project/making-more-steam-conenctions-through-th/9893949/","projectTitle":"Making More Steam Conenctions Through the Power of Mushrooms","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Giandurco","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp199251_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y49&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1648262886979","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mr-giandurco-ponus"},{"teacherId":189664,"projectId":9289738,"letterContent":"Thank You from the Bottom of Our Hearts! 💖\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, my students will have the chance to create, imagine, and shine! The art supplies and PBIS rewards you helped fund will spark their creativity and encourage positive choices every single day. From glitter and clay to fidget toys and foil art, these materials will bring joy, motivation, and pride into our classroom community.\r\n\r\nYour support shows my students that their ideas and efforts matter—and that kindness can make magic happen. ✨\r\nThank you for believing in them and helping their creativity come to life!","fullyFundedDate":1746450275072,"projectUrl":"project/crafts-galore/9289738/","projectTitle":"Crafts Galore","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hartley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp189664_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1516200238386","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/jhartley"},{"teacherId":189664,"projectId":9289910,"letterContent":"Thank You from the Bottom of Our Hearts! 💖\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, my students will have the chance to create, imagine, and shine! The art supplies and PBIS rewards you helped fund will spark their creativity and encourage positive choices every single day. From glitter and clay to fidget toys and foil art, these materials will bring joy, motivation, and pride into our classroom community.\r\n\r\nYour support shows my students that their ideas and efforts matter—and that kindness can make magic happen. ✨\r\nThank you for believing in them and helping their creativity come to life!","fullyFundedDate":1746450275268,"projectUrl":"project/printing-creativity/9289910/","projectTitle":"Printing Creativity","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hartley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp189664_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1516200238386","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/jhartley"},{"teacherId":9966967,"projectId":9157919,"letterContent":"I want to give you a huge thank you for donating to my school community. Something I notice is middle school classrooms and in World Language classrooms is the lack of life and inspiration. When you walk into elementary school classrooms, they are filled with life and color. I wanted the opportunity to bring life into my classroom and provide the space where children are not fearful of having the materials needed to be successful. Not only am I grateful but you relieved me of the expenses teachers all over the nation and I spend yearly for our students. I spend 9 months in the classroom, these students are part of my family. \r\n\r\nI have converted my classroom into a project-based learning community, with the glue sticks and pencils and construction paper, students are able to work collaboratively and be creative to practice the Spanish language. For example, we created an ad for La Tomatina, that occurs annually in Spain. It's a tomato food street fight, students were very eager to create ads that represent the event and in some form take part in the tradition. \r\n\r\nSome observations I have noticed in other classrooms, are students that are scared to ask for basic materials. However, in my classroom that is not the case. They feel comfortable to ask and feel supported, thanks to your generous donation. My next step soon, is for my 8th grade students to create their food truck project. Where they require materials to build and create a food truck using our Spanish food vocabulary. \r\n\r\nFrom the bottom of my heart and 280 eager learners, thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1749389078037,"projectUrl":"project/building-a-spanish-classroom-community/9157919/","projectTitle":"Building a Spanish Classroom Community","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Roig","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9966967_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1741735201721","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9966967"},{"teacherId":7356229,"projectId":9606801,"letterContent":"When my students first opened the boxes filled with snap circuit kits, game-making supplies, wax building sticks, and more, the excitement was contagious. They immediately began brainstorming how they could design their own board games using the blank spinners, pieces, and paint pens, while others gravitated toward the snap circuits, eager to explore how electricity flows. One particularly memorable moment came when a small group used the Chompsaw kit and building blocks to create a chain reaction project, proudly showing off their invention to classmates. The room buzzed with curiosity and creativity in a way that reminded me why these resources are so powerful.\r\n\r\nThe reactions were priceless—students couldn't wait to get their hands on the new materials. The stress cubes quickly became a favorite during work sessions, helping them stay focused and calm, while the dot stickers were instantly put to use as part of our eMINTs voting strategy, giving everyone a voice in classroom decision-making. For many of my students, seeing shelves stocked with organized storage boxes and new project supplies gave them a sense of ownership over our makerspace. They felt valued, and their ideas felt possible in a way they hadn't before.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, my students are planning to design and build original educational games that can be shared with younger grades in our school. The game-making books are giving them ideas, the storage boxes are helping keep everything organized, and the hands-on kits are encouraging them to problem-solve in creative, real-world ways. Because of your generosity, our classroom is now better equipped to foster innovation, teamwork, and meaningful learning experiences. These resources are not just supplies—they are the building blocks of confidence, imagination, and community.","fullyFundedDate":1757355869349,"projectUrl":"project/steam-ing-into-a-new-school-year-with-th/9606801/","projectTitle":"STEAM-ing Into a New School Year With the Right Materials","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Nealon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7356229_orig.jpg?crop=1976,1976,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1599089561903","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7356229"},{"teacherId":7356229,"projectId":9284437,"letterContent":"When our students first saw the new makerspace materials—everything from a tripod for documenting projects to fresh 3D printer filament, beads, yarn, and paint pens—their excitement filled the room. They immediately began brainstorming how to use each item, whether it was experimenting with origami paper, creating stress-relieving slime, or designing posters with bold new colors. One unforgettable moment came when students used the button maker refills and bracelet-making supplies to create items for our Breast Cancer Awareness fundraiser. They were proud to see their handmade bracelets raising both money and awareness for a cause that truly mattered to them.\r\n\r\nThe reactions from students were priceless. Their faces lit up as they discovered the endless possibilities that the supplies unlocked. Some rushed to the clay and canvases, eager to sculpt and paint, while others grabbed the beads and string to make jewelry for friends and family. Even small items like stress balls and UNO cards brought joy, helping students take mindful breaks and return to their projects refreshed. These resources didn't just spark creativity—they built confidence, teamwork, and a sense of ownership in their learning.\r\n\r\nWith these materials, our next steps are even more exciting. Students are currently planning collaborative projects that merge art, technology, and service learning. For example, they will use the paper-making frame and paint pens to design recycled art pieces, and the tripod will allow them to document their process to share with the school community. Our makerspace has become a hub for innovation, fundraising, and community building—all thanks to your generosity. Because of you, students are learning that their creativity has power: it can bring joy, raise awareness, and make a real-world impact.","fullyFundedDate":1746824714619,"projectUrl":"project/restocking-our-classroom/9284437/","projectTitle":"Restocking Our Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Nealon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7356229_orig.jpg?crop=1976,1976,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1599089561903","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7356229"},{"teacherId":199251,"projectId":9055733,"letterContent":"\"Fish Helping the Garden to Grow\" highlights the powerful connection between aquatic life and healthy plants. Through practices like aquaponics or using fish-based fertilizers, nutrients from fish waste provide natural food for plants, eliminating the need for chemical fertilizers. These nutrients, rich in nitrogen and other minerals, help plants grow stronger and healthier while also creating a sustainable cycle that mimics nature. This approach reduces waste, conserves resources, and builds an eco-friendly gardening system that benefits both fish and plants.\r\n\r\nFor students, working with fish in the garden provides an exciting, hands-on way to learn about ecosystems and interdependence. They can see in real time how fish support plant growth and how plants, in turn, help clean the water for the fish. This living science experiment teaches responsibility, observation skills, and problem-solving while making sustainability tangible. The result is not only healthier gardens but also a deeper understanding of how living things work together to keep our planet balanced.","fullyFundedDate":1739533357025,"projectUrl":"project/fish-helping-the-garden-to-grow/9055733/","projectTitle":"Fish Helping the Garden to Grow","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Giandurco","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp199251_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y49&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1648262886979","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mr-giandurco-ponus"},{"teacherId":199251,"projectId":9224457,"letterContent":"\"Making Mulch Magic\" has a big impact on creating healthy, thriving gardens. Mulch, whether made from leaves, wood chips, or grass clippings, helps protect the soil by locking in moisture, keeping roots cool, and reducing weeds that compete with plants. As the mulch naturally breaks down, it adds nutrients back into the soil, improving its structure and fertility. This simple practice reduces the need for chemical treatments, saves water, and creates a more sustainable garden environment.\r\n\r\nFor students, making and using mulch is both a hands-on science lesson and a chance to care for their environment. They see how natural materials can be recycled instead of thrown away, and how those materials support the growth of new life. Mulch projects also encourage teamwork, responsibility, and creativity as students collect, prepare, and spread the mulch around their plants. In the process, they learn that small, everyday actions—like covering the soil with mulch—can have a big, lasting impact on building a greener, healthier world.","fullyFundedDate":1746852735628,"projectUrl":"project/making-mulch-magic/9224457/","projectTitle":"Making Mulch Magic","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Giandurco","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp199251_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y49&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1648262886979","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mr-giandurco-ponus"},{"teacherId":199251,"projectId":9179338,"letterContent":"This projects has a powerful impact on both the environment and student learning. By using organic soil and compost, gardens reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, which can harm ecosystems and pollinators. Composting also transforms food waste into a valuable resource, lowering the amount of trash that enters landfills while returning rich nutrients to the soil. This process creates healthier plants, improves water retention, and builds long-term sustainability for school and community gardens alike.\r\n\r\nFor students, working with organic soil and compost provides hands-on experience in environmental stewardship and science in action. It allows them to see firsthand how natural cycles—like decomposition and nutrient recycling—support life and food production. Beyond the science, the practice instills responsibility, teamwork, and problem-solving as students manage waste, nurture plants, and measure growth. The result is not only healthier gardens but also stronger connections between students, their community, and the planet.","fullyFundedDate":1742936254048,"projectUrl":"project/growing-green-organic-soil-and-compost/9179338/","projectTitle":"Growing Green: Organic Soil and Compost for Healthy, Sustainable Gardens","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Giandurco","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp199251_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y49&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1648262886979","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mr-giandurco-ponus"},{"teacherId":8116947,"projectId":9305693,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your donations to our classroom this year! My students are so excited to have a new beautiful carpet in our room! I have spent the last 4 years building my classroom to be cozy, inviting and a safe place for my classes. These materials have really elevated our classroom experience.\r\n\r\nMy students frequently use calculators and notebooks in my room and these materials have been really helpful to start off our year! Donors Choose has really helped my room to become so amazing. Thank you so much for the donations and giving my students the opportunity to have such an awesome school experience!","fullyFundedDate":1746748723211,"projectUrl":"project/new-classroom-materials-for-our-class/9305693/","projectTitle":"New Classroom Materials for Our Class!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hefferan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8116947"},{"teacherId":8705266,"projectId":9011010,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for providing new and engaging reading material for my middle school students! Reading is so important for middle school students. Not only does it open new worlds and possibilities to them but it also improves their academic skills and thinking skills. In order to get students to read, it's so important to keep the library updated and relevant to student interests. Your generous donations provided me the opportunity to order the books the students requested.\r\n\r\nWhen students request a book, it helps encourage their interests and their passion to read. It makes them feel heard, like their voice matters. I am so grateful to provide that opportunity for them. My students are so excited to read the books and thanks to you, I was able to make their requests a reality. \r\n\r\nThank you for helping me keep my library current and interesting and helping my students become lifelong readers and learners.","fullyFundedDate":1746484425707,"projectUrl":"project/lets-give-middle-school-students-the-bo/9011010/","projectTitle":"Let's Give Middle School Students the Books They Asked For!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Marsillio","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8705266_orig.jpg?crop=2527,2527,x956,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1728007268717","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8705266"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_43530","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":637,"numTeachers":56,"percentFrplEligible":66,"percentAsian":5,"percentBlack":15,"percentWhite":9,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":65,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"11.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":62.7,"schoolId":43530,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Ponus Ridge Steam Academy on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Ponus Ridge Steam Academy","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/connecticut/norwalk-public-schools/ponus-ridge-middle-school/43530"}