{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Salida Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":21.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9927496,"projectId":9239917,"letterContent":"We hope this letter finds you well, and with a great book on your nightstand!\r\n\r\nAs fellow book lovers, we want to thank you for your generous support of our Positive Leadership Book Club for 7th graders. Thanks to you, our classroom has become a place where reading meets real-life growth, and where students are learning not just to enjoy books, but to live the lessons they contain.\r\n\r\nOur book club focuses on texts that build both literacy and leadership skills. With your help, we've been able to introduce books that spark discussions about empathy, resilience, ethical decision-making, and goal-setting. These are not just buzzwords; they're real, actionable skills that students are practicing daily—often without even realizing it.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom looks a little different than the quiet, individual reading you might remember. While we certainly have those peaceful moments of independent reading, much of our time is spent in dialogue, talking through challenging ideas, connecting character choices to our own lives, and reflecting in journals or small groups. Students are learning to ask thoughtful questions, support their ideas with evidence, and truly listen to one another. It's amazing to watch them grow, not only as readers, but as young leaders in their own right.\r\n\r\nOne student recently shared how a character's persistence in one of our books inspired her to keep trying out for the soccer team, even after several rejections. Another student has taken to writing weekly reflections on how he can apply the leadership lessons from the books to his role as a big brother. These moments of connection are powerful, and they're happening every week, because of you.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in the power of books to shape hearts and minds. Your support is making a lasting difference, not just in our reading scores, but in the kind of people our students are becoming.","fullyFundedDate":1744290659162,"projectUrl":"project/positive-leadership-book-club/9239917/","projectTitle":"Positive Leadership Book Club","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Alice","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9927496_orig.jpg?crop=921,921,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1744040613060","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9927496"},{"teacherId":9294366,"projectId":9257737,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for awarding me the grant to purchase essential classroom supplies. As an educator, I know the importance of providing students with the right tools to succeed, but I also know how challenging it can be to stretch limited classroom budgets. Thanks to your generosity, my students and I now have the resources we need to make learning more engaging, effective, and accessible for everyone.\r\n\r\nThis grant has already had a noticeable impact. The supplies I was able to purchase—such as notebooks, pencils, whiteboard markers, organizational materials, and other essentials—may seem simple on the surface, but in practice, they make a tremendous difference in the daily learning environment. Students now have reliable access to the basic tools they need, which allows them to focus more on the content of their learning rather than worrying about whether they are prepared for class.\r\n\r\nOne of the most powerful outcomes I've seen is the sense of equity these supplies create in my classroom. In middle school, students are often very aware of differences between themselves and their peers. Something as small as not having the right pencil, or having to borrow supplies every day, can lead to embarrassment or disengagement. By having a classroom stocked with the essentials, I can discreetly provide what is needed so that no student feels left behind. This levels the playing field and allows all students to participate fully.\r\n\r\nBeyond the practical benefits, the supplies have given my students a morale boost. They see that there are people outside of our school who believe in their potential and want to invest in their success. That kind of encouragement is powerful—it reminds them that education is valued, and that their learning journey matters. I've seen students take greater pride in their work and demonstrate more enthusiasm in class since we received the grant.\r\n\r\nAs a teacher, this support also lifts a huge weight off my shoulders. Too often, educators spend personal time and money trying to fill the gaps in classroom resources. While we do it willingly because we care so deeply for our students, having your organization step in to provide what we need shows me that we are not alone in this effort. Your partnership allows me to focus more of my energy on lesson planning, creative teaching strategies, and connecting with my students, instead of worrying about how to provide for the basics.\r\n\r\nLooking forward, I know the supplies funded through this grant will continue to serve my students throughout the school year and beyond. Something as small as a fresh notebook or an organized classroom space can ignite curiosity, creativity, and confidence in ways that ripple outward into all subjects and aspects of life.\r\n\r\nOn behalf of my students, their families, and myself, thank you again for your generosity and support. You are not only helping us meet immediate needs, but also inspiring a culture of learning, growth, and possibility. Please know that your contribution has made a lasting difference in our classroom community.","fullyFundedDate":1747075243665,"projectUrl":"project/struggling-students-and-teacher/9257737/","projectTitle":"Struggling Students and Teacher!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Payne","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9294366"},{"teacherId":4338921,"projectId":9107143,"letterContent":"Wow! So much social interaction and quality work has been happening since we received the products funded through Donors Choose. Students are actively engaged in their learning and their technology projects. It has been such a positive experience!\r\n\r\nSince receiving the extra large bean bags, I have noticed a new dynamic in my classroom. Students that normally would not choose to sit at the same table are now sitting with each other on the bags. When students come into my classroom there are \"Ooohs\" and \"Aahhs\" as they see the new sitting areas. \r\n\r\nThank you for your support in our learning and growing!","fullyFundedDate":1742926795736,"projectUrl":"project/comfy-cozy-choices/9107143/","projectTitle":"Comfy, Cozy Choices","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Giorno","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4338921_orig.png?crop=398,398,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1619624001911","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4338921"},{"teacherId":8537218,"projectId":8667205,"letterContent":"On behalf of my students and myself, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you for your incredible generosity. Your donations have made a world of difference in our classroom, and we are so excited to share how we're using the new supplies. The round rug has quickly become the center of our learning space, providing a cozy and inviting spot for students to gather for circle time, lessons, and group activities. It's truly amazing to see how much more engaged my students are now that they have a comfortable, dedicated space to sit together.\r\n\r\nThe wobble chairs and beanbag chair have also been a huge hit with my students. The wobble chairs have been a game-changer for those who need a little extra movement while working, allowing them to stay focused and comfortable. When they first saw the beanbag chair, their eyes lit up, and many of them immediately made their way over to check it out. It is big enough to accommodate two students and they often pair up and read. \r\n\r\nThese new additions have created a more dynamic and enjoyable classroom environment, and it's all thanks to your kindness. We are so grateful for your support, and you have made a lasting impact on our learning experience. Thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1730915116942,"projectUrl":"project/help-build-our-community/8667205/","projectTitle":"Help Build Our Community!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Morrison","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8537218_orig.jpg?crop=1200,1200,x0,y152&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1658759053609","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8537218"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_41457","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":329,"numTeachers":24,"percentFrplEligible":45,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":75,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":18,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"5 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"13.7:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"TOWN","ncesMetroType":"TOWN_REMOTE"},"inStateSupporters":78.1,"schoolId":41457,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Salida Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Salida Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/colorado/salida-school-district-r-32-j/salida-middle-school/41457"}