{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Richardson Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":28.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":3272009,"projectId":9783239,"letterContent":"On behalf of our students, thank you so much for your incredibly generous donation of gem art kits and paint-by-number projects.\r\n\r\n​Middle school is a time of significant transition, and providing students with a creative outlet is essential for their emotional and academic well-being. These kits offer more than just an art project; they provide a much-needed opportunity for mindfulness, focus, and stress relief during a busy school day. They put on their headphones, turned on some music, and got to painting/gem stoning. \r\n\r\nYour support directly enriches our classroom environment and ensures that every student has access to high-quality creative resources. Watching their faces light up as they see their progress is a testament to the value of your contribution. Even better was the surprise and astonishment when I said these are theirs to keepm \r\n\r\n​Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for investing in our students' creativity and for being such a vital part of our school community.","fullyFundedDate":1766607955323,"projectUrl":"project/wonderous-wednesday-artists/9783239/","projectTitle":"Wonderous Wednesday Artists","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kaur","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3272009_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1672029621258","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mkaur"},{"teacherId":23738,"projectId":9952161,"letterContent":"Thank you again so much for your support of our classroom project. To prepare for this project we started saving two liter bottles from our pizza parties in December. In the winter, my students started planting the wildflower seeds you purchased into the bottles. We transferred the bottles outside and have let them sit all winter in our school garden. Later in the spring we can transfer everything into our butterfly garden.\r\n\r\nMany of my students really enjoy getting to plant seeds. Some connect it to time spent with parents or grandparents at home. Others just like the chance to do something different during the day. Some of our students are looking for service hours and really liked the opportunity to do something that will help the community, and since the wildflowers are perennial plants, the students will be able to come back and see their plants year after year as a lasting legacy.","fullyFundedDate":1767881224729,"projectUrl":"project/building-a-native-flower-garden/9952161/","projectTitle":"Building a Native Flower Garden","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Gazdziak","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp23738_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1486079506819","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ggazdziak"},{"teacherId":8891574,"projectId":9696664,"letterContent":"Words and pictures truly can't capture the depth of my gratitude for your incredible kindness. After envisioning this project for over four years, seeing it finally come to life is a dream come true.\r\n\r\nThe reaction from my students has been wonderful; the moment they walked in, they were amazed by the transformation. Many have shared how comforting and welcoming the space feels, noting its relaxed and \"chill\" vibes. It has quickly become a vital \"calm corner\" for our school, utilized by students every single day. Even my colleagues have stopped by to compliment the room, with several joking that they'd love to take a break here themselves!\r\n\r\nThank you again from the bottom of my heart. Have a blessed day!","fullyFundedDate":1767808962487,"projectUrl":"project/socialemotional-toolbox-a-space-to-reg/9696664/","projectTitle":"Social/Emotional Toolbox: A Space to Regulate","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Chavez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8891574_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1747863897008","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8891574"},{"teacherId":8891574,"projectId":9852864,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your donations. The impact of this project has greatly affected my students by providing incentives for good behavior. I have seen the difference it has made when they have a goal to reach. My students were grateful to have incentives, they felt, were worthwhile and useful. \r\n\r\nNormally my students are provided with options that are more school based. Sometimes working for pencils and notebooks does not motivate them to do better or reach a goal. The incentives that were in my project gave them, not only something to look forward to, but for some, an item that cannot be easily obtained in their home.","fullyFundedDate":1765205084036,"projectUrl":"project/anger-coping-group-incentives/9852864/","projectTitle":"Anger Coping Group Incentives","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Chavez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8891574_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1747863897008","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8891574"},{"teacherId":8356285,"projectId":9554400,"letterContent":"The addition of relaxing chairs, soft throw pillows, and soothing visual elements—such as the star projector and mental-health-focused posters—has transformed the space into a welcoming environment where students immediately feel safe and supported. These features work together to reduce sensory overload by offering calming lighting, comfortable seating options, and positive visual reminders that promote emotional awareness. As a result, students are able to step away from the demands of the day and enter a space intentionally designed to lower stress, encourage grounding, and help them reconnect with a sense of control.\r\n\r\nHands-on sensory tools such as the zen sand garden, kinetic sand, anxiety sensory stickers, and various sensory toys further support students in managing their emotions by giving them appropriate outlets for physical and emotional tension. These items promote mindfulness, tactile engagement, and self-regulation by allowing students to focus their attention on simple, repetitive movements that naturally calm the nervous system. When combined, all of these elements create a purposeful reset space where students can decompress, regulate their emotions, and return to class ready to engage more successfully.","fullyFundedDate":1758033486795,"projectUrl":"project/creating-a-calming-space-for-student-wel/9554400/","projectTitle":"Creating a Calming Space for Student Wellness","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Stacy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8356285_orig.jpg?crop=450,450,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1663004368936","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8356285"},{"teacherId":23738,"projectId":9306310,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my students have started learning about the science of hydroponics. \r\nAt our school we dedicate one day a month to trying something different from our regular curriculum. In my computer class, we usually use this time to work on different types of gardening. I was looking for something for us to do in the colder months of fall and winter. Our administration was able to acquire some frames for a hydroponics system from another school that was giving them away, but we needed to supply the pumps, lights, and other parts. Your donations provided that equipment.\r\nIn November we were able to start the seeds and they just grew enough to move them into the hydroponics system. Next week we will have our next lesson and we will get to learn about how the hydroponic system works and how the plants are able to grow without any soil. \r\nMy 5th and 6th graders were really excited to be doing something hands on. Several of them commented on how they help their families take care of gardens at home. I look forward to them seeing another way of gardening, and we hope this interest follows them into high school and beyond.","fullyFundedDate":1756680133142,"projectUrl":"project/completing-our-hydroponics-system/9306310/","projectTitle":"Completing Our Hydroponics System","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Gazdziak","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp23738_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1486079506819","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ggazdziak"},{"teacherId":9698051,"projectId":9564345,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my Building Social Skills Through Board Games project. Because of your generosity, our students now have meaningful, engaging opportunities to learn and grow while having fun.\r\n\r\nThe kids are absolutely loving the games and look forward to recess even more. It's been wonderful to see them interacting, collaborating, and building confidence through play. Many of them have shared how much they appreciate having these games available, and it's clear that your support is making a real difference in their day.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in their social development, their joy, and their sense of community. Your kindness has created moments they will remember and skills they will carry forward.","fullyFundedDate":1759083988392,"projectUrl":"project/building-social-skills-through-board-gam/9564345/","projectTitle":"Building Social Skills Through Board Games","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Khanna","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9698051_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754694757823","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9698051"},{"teacherId":5822096,"projectId":9887013,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support. The new volleyballs you provided have immediately become the heart of our practices. For many of our athletes, this is their first experience in an organized sport and having high-quality, reliable equipment has given them confidence and pride from the very start.\r\n\r\nWe've already put the volleyballs to great use. With enough volleyballs for every group, no one has to wait, and the girls stay fully engaged the entire time. Their skills and their confidence are growing each day. \r\n\r\nYour kindness has made a lasting impact. Thank you for believing in our students and helping them grow both as athletes and as young leaders.","fullyFundedDate":1762791412597,"projectUrl":"project/volleyballs-for-afterschool-club/9887013/","projectTitle":"Volleyballs for Afterschool Club","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kaufmann","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5822096"},{"teacherId":5822096,"projectId":9853011,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support. The new volleyballs you provided have immediately become the heart of our practices. For many of our athletes, this is their first experience in an organized sport and having high-quality, reliable equipment has given them confidence and pride from the very start.\r\n\r\nWe've already put the volleyballs to great use. With enough volleyballs for every group, no one has to wait, and the girls stay fully engaged the entire time. Their skills and their confidence are growing each day. \r\n\r\nYour kindness has made a lasting impact. Thank you for believing in our students and helping them grow both as athletes and as young leaders.","fullyFundedDate":1762569864124,"projectUrl":"project/setting-up-for-success-new-volleyballs/9853011/","projectTitle":"Setting Up for Success: New Volleyballs for Our Afterschool Club!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kaufmann","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5822096"},{"teacherId":7107643,"projectId":8054203,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to our wrestling program through DonorsChoose. Because of your support, we were able to fully equip our wrestlers with the proper headgear they needed to compete safely and confidently throughout the season.\r\n\r\nYour gift made a direct and meaningful impact. Many of our students would not have had access to quality equipment without your help. Thanks to you, they were able to train and compete with confidence, knowing they had the same protection and support as any other team. The headgear you helped provide allowed them to focus on their performance, not worry about what they lacked.\r\n\r\nThis season, our wrestlers learned more than just technique, they learned that their community believes in them. Your generosity reminded them that their goals matter, and that hard work is worth it.","fullyFundedDate":1710048406306,"projectUrl":"project/southside-chicago-wrestling-headgears/8054203/","projectTitle":"Southside Chicago Wrestling Headgears","teacherDisplayName":"Coach Lucio","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7107643"},{"teacherId":8939452,"projectId":9066426,"letterContent":"My students were so excited to play with the new manipulatives and fidgets. They are eager to engage in hands on activities to practice self regulation. These tools also help them in the classroom, while doing work. The fidget helps them concentrate, ground themselves and calm their nerves. \r\nMany of the snakes obtained from this project has nourished many of our children during tough times in school and getting snacks that may not be easily attainable at home. \r\nThe basketball hoop and volleyball helps kids take a mentsl break to participate in a healthyand friendly coping skill. They exert some energy and then return to their classwork. Overall, words cannot describe the impact your donations have made. Please know that your donation has made a powerful and positive impact and I am thankful for the trust you have in me to provide me with the tools necessary to support my students.","fullyFundedDate":1746557916862,"projectUrl":"project/social-work-fidget-tools-for-promoting-c/9066426/","projectTitle":"Social Work-Fidget Tools for Promoting Calmness in Students with Disabilities","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Razo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8939452_orig.jpg?crop=1500,1500,x0,y300&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1737055291167","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8939452"},{"teacherId":5822096,"projectId":5983954,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom! Your contribution has made a meaningful impact on my students and their learning experience.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your generous donation. The money you donated was used to purchase a roll-down wall map. As the students continue to learn about ancient civilizations and keep up with current events, the map of the world and the United States has become a class favorite. It serves as a wonderful visual tool that the students use every day to make connections between the past and the present.\r\n\r\nYour generosity helps make learning more engaging, interactive, and meaningful. You've given my students a valuable resource that enhances their understanding of geography and history while sparking curiosity about the world beyond our classroom walls.","fullyFundedDate":1642612819837,"projectUrl":"project/where-in-the-world-is-ms-kaufmanns-cla/5983954/","projectTitle":"Where in the world is Ms. Kaufmann's class?","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kaufmann","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5822096"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_110805","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":840,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":94,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":97,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"5 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":71.2,"schoolId":110805,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Richardson Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Richardson Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/chicago-public-school-district-299/richardson-middle-school/110805"}