{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Saco Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":26.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9089885,"projectId":9623585,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity and support of my project. The materials you helped fund are already making a meaningful difference for my young readers.\r\n\r\nThe technology you provided has allowed me to time students in a much less stressful way. Because they can't see the timing happening, they're able to focus on reading, not on the pressure of the clock. This has led to more accurate data and far more relaxed, confident students.\r\n\r\nThe leveled books have been invaluable as I return to working with K–4 learners for the first time in several years. Having engaging texts at the appropriate reading levels allows me to truly meet students where they are, build their confidence, and celebrate their progress in real time.\r\n\r\nThe multi-sensory materials are also making a big impact. They give students a tactile, hands-on way to explore writing and spelling—tapping into the muscle-memory piece that so many early learners need. These tools have already made our lessons more interactive, grounded, and memorable.\r\n\r\nFinally, the professional books on writing techniques and phonemic awareness have strengthened my own practice. They are helping me plan stronger lessons, use more effective strategies, and better support the diverse needs of my students.\r\n\r\nYour donation is doing far more than providing materials—you are helping create calmer, more joyful, and more effective literacy instruction every single day. My students and I are truly grateful.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our work and for investing in young readers.","fullyFundedDate":1756511424267,"projectUrl":"project/tools-to-empower-reading-success/9623585/","projectTitle":"Tools to Empower Reading Success","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Pfeiffenberger","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9089885_orig.jpg?crop=401,401,x124,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1689210168789","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lindsey-pfeiffenberger"},{"teacherId":5109191,"projectId":9510969,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous gift of a Kindle for my 7th-grade classroom. The Kindle allows read-aloud to my students in a way that is clear, engaging, and easily accessible during our daily Enrichment Block. \r\n\r\nYour donation also connects us directly to our online library checkout system, giving access to an impressive range of literature. This opens the door to new genres, high-interest titles, and a wider variety of texts than we could otherwise keep on hand in our physical classroom library.\r\n\r\nThank you again for supporting our readers and enriching their learning experience. Your kindness is deeply appreciated.","fullyFundedDate":1758126876147,"projectUrl":"project/read-aloud-matters-even-in-middle-scho/9510969/","projectTitle":"Read-Aloud Matters — Even in Middle School","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Fazzina","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5109191_orig.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1736191791063","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5109191"},{"teacherId":4455885,"projectId":9291050,"letterContent":"I want to sincerely thank you for funding our Maine Student Book Award project. Having the complete collection of nominated titles in our classroom has been a gift not just to my students, but to me as a teacher. These books open the door to rich discussions about genre, theme, and author's craft. With such a variety of styles—fantasy, memoir, graphic novel, historical fiction, and more—my students are practicing how to recognize literary elements across different forms of writing, while also developing the lifelong skill of choosing books that expand their perspectives.\r\n\r\nThe joy on my students' faces when the boxes of new books arrived was unforgettable. Many rushed to grab titles they had already heard about, while others browsed carefully, asking classmates for advice on where to start. Now, reading in our classroom looks like a vibrant mix of quiet, focused engagement and enthusiastic chatter as students swap books and compare notes. One student who usually struggles to finish a novel proudly announced that she is already halfway through one of the award contenders and \"can't wait to read the next one.\"\r\n\r\nThese texts are more than just stories; they are opportunities for my students to grow as readers, thinkers, and voters in a state-wide project that gives them a real voice. Thank you for giving my students the chance to experience such meaningful and motivating reading work.","fullyFundedDate":1746587141676,"projectUrl":"project/cozy-couch/9291050/","projectTitle":"Cozy Couch","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gallant","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4455885_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1511880713038","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsgallantsms"},{"teacherId":4455885,"projectId":9218563,"letterContent":"I want to sincerely thank you for funding our Maine Student Book Award project. Having the complete collection of nominated titles in our classroom has been a gift not just to my students, but to me as a teacher. These books open the door to rich discussions about genre, theme, and author's craft. With such a variety of styles—fantasy, memoir, graphic novel, historical fiction, and more—my students are practicing how to recognize literary elements across different forms of writing, while also developing the lifelong skill of choosing books that expand their perspectives.\r\n\r\nThe joy on my students' faces when the boxes of new books arrived was unforgettable. Many rushed to grab titles they had already heard about, while others browsed carefully, asking classmates for advice on where to start. Now, reading in our classroom looks like a vibrant mix of quiet, focused engagement and enthusiastic chatter as students swap books and compare notes. One student who usually struggles to finish a novel proudly announced that she is already halfway through one of the award contenders and \"can't wait to read the next one.\"\r\n\r\nThese texts are more than just stories; they are opportunities for my students to grow as readers, thinkers, and voters in a state-wide project that gives them a real voice. Thank you for giving my students the chance to experience such meaningful and motivating reading work.","fullyFundedDate":1744203475894,"projectUrl":"project/maine-student-book-award-shelf-update/9218563/","projectTitle":"Maine Student Book Award Shelf Update","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gallant","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4455885_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1511880713038","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsgallantsms"},{"teacherId":4455885,"projectId":9217225,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for providing our classroom with the Maine Student Book Award titles! These books have truly transformed our library and our reading community. Each student is challenged to read at least three of these books so they can cast their vote for the state-wide winner in April, and already the excitement is building. The arrival of these new books gave my students the perfect reason to stretch beyond their usual favorites and try new genres and styles of writing. It has been amazing to see students discover books they might never have chosen for themselves.\r\n\r\nOne of the most powerful impacts has been the way these books invite conversations in our classroom. Students eagerly share their recommendations with classmates, debate their favorites, and even encourage one another to step out of their comfort zones. I've seen students who usually prefer graphic novels or sports books pick up historical fiction or fantasy because they want to be part of the Maine Student Book Award discussions. Not only are they reading more, but they are also expanding their interests and learning how to articulate their opinions with evidence—skills that go far beyond this one project.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has helped create a buzz around reading that is hard to match. These books aren't just additions to our shelves; they're fueling a shared experience that connects our students to readers across the state. Thank you for making this possible!","fullyFundedDate":1744231393556,"projectUrl":"project/maine-student-book-award-book-shelf/9217225/","projectTitle":"Maine Student Book Award Book Shelf","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gallant","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4455885_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1511880713038","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsgallantsms"},{"teacherId":4455885,"projectId":9160313,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous gift of puzzles and a puzzle board for our classroom. These resources have quickly become a favorite option for my students during enrichment and rainy-day recess. The puzzle board has been a game changer—it allows us to save work-in-progress puzzles so students can return to them with excitement the next day, without worrying about losing their hard work. One of my favorite moments so far has been watching a small group of students huddle around the puzzle board, strategizing together about where pieces might fit and celebrating when they complete a tricky section.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the new puzzles and puzzle board, their faces lit up with excitement. Many of them immediately jumped in to try a new puzzle, and others stopped to watch and encourage their classmates. It has become a collaborative, calming activity that brings students together across different friend groups.\r\n\r\nAs we move forward, these resources will continue to provide students with opportunities to practice problem-solving, collaboration, and perseverance in a hands-on, screen-free way. The puzzles have also inspired us to talk about patterns and strategies that connect directly to the critical thinking we use in our academic work. Thank you for giving my students such a joyful and meaningful addition to their school day!","fullyFundedDate":1742915382919,"projectUrl":"project/piece-by-piece-building-skills-with-puz/9160313/","projectTitle":"Piece by Piece: Building Skills with Puzzles","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gallant","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4455885_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1511880713038","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsgallantsms"},{"teacherId":4233178,"projectId":9037865,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom project. Because of your kindness, my students now have access to this novel that has not only strengthened their Spanish skills but has sparked interesting in South American culture. \r\n\r\nYour donation is more than just funding—it's an investment in young learners who are eager to grow as readers and thinkers. On behalf of my students and myself, I sincerely thank you for believing in the power of reading and for helping us build a classroom where stories inspire learning every day.","fullyFundedDate":1742915383125,"projectUrl":"project/spanish-cultural-novel/9037865/","projectTitle":"Spanish Cultural Novel","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Howe","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4233178_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1490639527179","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/senorahowe"},{"teacherId":6041755,"projectId":9053175,"letterContent":"I am beyond grateful for all of your generosity! The kids were so excited as the boxes started rolling in! I got them all opened and labeled, ready to be shared with these eager 8th graders! There really is nothing like a BRAND NEW book, just published, for these kids!\r\n\r\nI was able to showcase each new book at the beginning of my English classes. The kids LOVED hearing the plotlines for all of these books, which include a wide range of genres, so there is a little something for everyone! \r\n\r\nThank you again SO MUCH!","fullyFundedDate":1737516764362,"projectUrl":"project/nothing-but-the-best-for-my-favorite-stu/9053175/","projectTitle":"Nothing but the Best for My Favorite Students!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Burgos","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp6041755_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1542207659688","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6041755"},{"teacherId":9111088,"projectId":8627124,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your contributions to our Read and Ride Library project. Because of your support, I was able to purchase two exercise desk bikes for our school library. The impact of your donation has been immediate and incredibly positive!\r\n\r\nSince the program officially began in mid-December, the bikes have been a hit with our students! They are using the bikes in so many creative ways: reading books and library magazines, listening to audiobooks, and even doing homework on their laptops. Not only are they staying active, but they're also enhancing their focus and productivity in a fun and healthy environment. They have already filled up several sign-up sheets for taking turns riding the bikes. The combination of physical activity and academic and reading engagement has been an exciting way to encourage both learning and well-being.\r\n\r\nIt is rewarding to see the students get so excited about reading and riding on the bikes. Your contributions have made this possible. I am thrilled to offer this innovative space where our students can improve both their minds and bodies.\r\n\r\nThank you again for making the Read and Ride project a reality. Your generosity is making a lasting difference in the lives of our students, and I am so grateful for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1723731627040,"projectUrl":"project/reading-and-riding-exercising-minds-and/8627124/","projectTitle":"Reading and Riding: Exercising Minds and Bodies!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kathleen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9111088_orig.jpg?crop=1557,1557,x0,y46&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1692377530898","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9111088"},{"teacherId":7690343,"projectId":8823707,"letterContent":"Dear Donors,\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, our classroom now feels fresher, healthier, and more inviting than ever! The air purifier has been a game-changer, ensuring that our students have a clean and safe environment to learn and grow.\r\n\r\nThe first day we plugged it in, my students were curious and excited, asking thoughtful questions about how it works and why it's important for our health. One student even said, \"It feels like the air is happier!\"\r\n\r\nSince its installation, we've noticed a difference in how comfortable and focused students are throughout the day. It's especially helpful during allergy season, providing relief for several students who struggle with respiratory issues.\r\n\r\nThe air purifier has also sparked a mini science lesson! We've been exploring topics like air quality, pollution, and how technology can help protect the environment. This has inspired students to think critically about the world around them and how small changes can make a big impact.\r\n\r\nThank you for being a part of this positive change. Your support has made a lasting difference, and we are so grateful!","fullyFundedDate":1728410381848,"projectUrl":"project/air-purifier/8823707/","projectTitle":"Air Purifier","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Girard","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7690343"},{"teacherId":7690343,"projectId":8830376,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for making this project a reality! The new books you provided have completely transformed our classroom and opened up new opportunities for learning and exploration.\r\n\r\nSkills and Lessons\r\nThese books have introduced my students to new ideas, cultures, and characters that reflect their own experiences and expand their understanding of the world. We've been using them to strengthen skills like making text-to-self and text-to-world connections, identifying themes, and understanding different points of view. Many of the stories have sparked rich discussions about empathy, perseverance, and celebrating diversity.\r\n\r\nWhat Reading Looks Like\r\nReading in our classroom is now vibrant and full of excitement. Students eagerly browse through our new library to find just the right book, and it's not unusual to see them deeply engrossed in a story during independent reading time. We've set up book clubs where students share their thoughts and recommendations, creating a real sense of community around reading.\r\n\r\nStudent Impact\r\nSome students, who previously struggled to find books that interested them, have been particularly excited about the new selections. One student recently shared how they finally found a character they could relate to, saying, \"This book feels like it's about me!\" Another student, who was hesitant about reading, is now finishing books in record time and asking for more recommendations.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has made our classroom a place where reading is more inclusive, joyful, and meaningful. Thank you for helping my students grow as readers and learners!","fullyFundedDate":1733256514348,"projectUrl":"project/diverse-books-for-the-classroom/8830376/","projectTitle":"Diverse Books for the Classroom!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Girard","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7690343"},{"teacherId":4455885,"projectId":7695551,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom library now features an exciting selection of sports books that have truly energized my students' reading lives! Many of my students are passionate about sports, and having books that reflect their interests has made them more eager to pick up a book and read independently.\r\n\r\nWith these new texts, my students are not only enjoying great stories, but they're also strengthening key reading skills. We've been working on making inferences, identifying themes like perseverance and teamwork, and analyzing how authors build suspense in game-time moments. The variety of books—fiction and nonfiction—has also helped students compare different types of storytelling, from personal memoirs to high-stakes sports fiction.\r\n\r\nEach day, my students have time to engage in independent reading, and these new books have been in constant rotation! Whether they're sprawled on the rug, sitting at their desks, or recommending books to a friend, it's clear that having high-interest books has increased their motivation and stamina as readers.\r\n\r\nOne student who previously struggled to find books he enjoyed is now devouring a sports series and excitedly sharing highlights with his classmates. Another student, who plays soccer, was thrilled to find a book featuring a player she admires and has started reading every morning before school. Seeing students light up as they connect with stories that mirror their passions has been incredible.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has helped create a reading culture where students see themselves in books, discover new interests, and grow as readers. Thank you for making this possible!","fullyFundedDate":1698956916766,"projectUrl":"project/play-ball-sports-fiction-classroom-libr/7695551/","projectTitle":"Play Ball! Sports Fiction Classroom Library Facelift","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gallant","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4455885_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1511880713038","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsgallantsms"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_66088","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":586,"numTeachers":58,"percentFrplEligible":29,"percentAsian":2,"percentBlack":8,"percentWhite":82,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":3,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"10.1:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":73.4,"schoolId":66088,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Saco Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Saco Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/maine/saco-schools/saco-middle-school/66088"}