{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Somerset Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":41.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":949451,"projectId":9324055,"letterContent":"Thank you for bringing a spark of engineering excitement to our media center! The arrival of these materials turned our tables into testing grounds for creativity and physics. The STEM Explorers Domino Action kits have been an absolute hit; watching students figure out how to time a Sphero robot to trigger a domino chain reaction required them to use serious problem-solving skills, patience, and teamwork. It was loud, chaotic, and exactly what learning should look like!\r\n\r\nI also have to give a special shout-out to the \"unsung heroes\" of this project: the 10-port USB charger and the Ballwagon. Having a reliable charging station meant that no student had to sit out because a robot died, ensuring equity and access for everyone during our rotations. Meanwhile, the addition of books like Ungifted and Supergifted allowed us to have meaningful conversations during our downtime. These stories are helping my neurodiverse students see that there are many different ways to be \"smart\" and that their unique perspectives are an asset in fields like engineering.\r\n\r\nBy funding this project, you provided the tools for high-tech fun, but you also provided the infrastructure to make it run smoothly and the literature to make it inclusive. You have helped my students see themselves as inventors, coders, and problem-solvers.","fullyFundedDate":1752671528871,"projectUrl":"project/chain-reactions-creative-minds-a-sphe/9324055/","projectTitle":"Chain Reactions & Creative Minds: A Sphero STEM Celebration","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Csizmesia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp949451_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1504117549544","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/csizmesia"},{"teacherId":949451,"projectId":9623288,"letterContent":"Thank you for helping us shake off the notion that reading is boring! Because of your generosity, our media center is now officially in its \"Reader Era.\" The timing of this delivery could not have been better; we just launched our \"KNOW-vember\" reading contest, which challenged students to read non-fiction books. Usually, non-fiction can be a harder sell for middle schoolers, but thanks to these new titles, students were clamoring to participate. They were thrilled to realize that reading Taylor Swift Style or Who Is Travis Kelce? counted toward the contest, proving that learning about the real world can be just as exciting as fiction.\r\n\r\nWe also had to make some substitutions due to stock issues, but they ended up being perfect additions. The colorful friendship bracelets became immediate treasures; we used them to celebrate students who checked out books from the display, mimicking the bracelet-trading culture of the Eras Tour. It created such a fun, communal vibe in the library!\r\n\r\nBy funding this project, you showed my students that their interests matter. You turned a pop culture moment into a literacy movement, helping them crush their \"KNOW-vember\" goals while reading about the icons they admire.","fullyFundedDate":1762267509032,"projectUrl":"project/life-of-a-reader-swiftie-inspired-books/9623288/","projectTitle":"Life of A Reader: Swiftie-Inspired Books","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Csizmesia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp949451_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1504117549544","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/csizmesia"},{"teacherId":949451,"projectId":9623363,"letterContent":"Thank you for helping us bring this vital collection of history and hope to our media center. For my middle school students, September 11th is not a memory—it is history, as distant to them as the events of the 20th century. Your donation has allowed me to bridge that gap, turning a date in a textbook into human stories of resilience and courage. The graphic novel version of I Survived the Attacks of September 11, 2001 and Ground Zero have been checked out constantly since they arrived, proving that when history is presented in an accessible, engaging format, students are eager to learn.\r\n\r\nThe reaction to these books has been thoughtful and quiet. I have seen students sitting in the beanbag chairs, deeply engrossed in The Red Bandanna and Nine, Ten, and then coming to the desk to ask questions like, \"Did this really happen?\" or \"Why did people help strangers?\" These books are doing exactly what we hoped: teaching empathy. \r\n\r\nBy funding this project, you have given my students the tools to process difficult emotions and understand complex historical events. You aren't just teaching them about the past; you are helping them build the emotional intelligence they need to be the compassionate leaders of the future.","fullyFundedDate":1762267517767,"projectUrl":"project/the-day-america-changed-911-lessons-fo/9623363/","projectTitle":"The Day America Changed: 9/11 Lessons for Tomorrow’s Leaders","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Csizmesia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp949451_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1504117549544","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/csizmesia"},{"teacherId":949451,"projectId":9623169,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for recognizing the passion my students have for K-Pop and helping me turn that enthusiasm into a love for reading. As a librarian, the ultimate goal is to find books that students cannot put down, but with this project, I found books they couldn't even wait to pick up! The excitement was so high when the boxes arrived that students were begging to check the books out before they were fully processed. In fact, several students checked out titles like Darker by Four and K-pop Confidential without the protective dust jackets because they refused to wait the extra day for me to cover them.\r\n\r\nI created a special display for these new arrivals, and it has become the most popular spot in the media center. It is amazing to see students gathering around the Korean Culture Dictionary or the How to Draw guide, discussing their \"biases\" (favorite band members) and sharing recommendations. These resources are validating their interests and showing them that the library is a place that values what they love.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, we are seeing a new group of students engaging with the library collection. We are now using these books to bridge the gap between pop culture and cultural literacy, as students use the non-fiction titles to learn about Korean history and language. Thank you for helping my students find their \"jam\" in reading!","fullyFundedDate":1761406294455,"projectUrl":"project/reading-is-our-jam-a-library-project-fo/9623169/","projectTitle":"Reading is Our Jam: A Library Project for K-Pop Fans","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Csizmesia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp949451_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1504117549544","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/csizmesia"},{"teacherId":949451,"projectId":9495276,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping us upgrade the atmosphere and efficiency of our school media center. The reaction from the students was instantaneous—the moment we plugged in the \"Read Books and Be Kind\" neon sign, it became a focal point of the room. It brings a smile to students' faces as they walk in and serves as a glowing reminder of our library's two most important rules. It has truly transformed the space from a simple room full of books into a warm, inviting hangout spot where students feel welcome.\r\n\r\nFunctionally, the wireless barcode scanner and electrical tape have been game-changers for our daily operations. The scanner allows me to check out books much faster, meaning students spend less time standing in line and more time reading. We found a very special use for the colored electrical tape: rather than just organizing cables, we are using it to color-code the spines of our \"Hi-Lo\" (High Interest, Low Readability) books. This allows struggling readers to easily find books at their level without feeling self-conscious.\r\n\r\nOur next step is to continue building this space as the \"heart\" of the school. With the time saved by our new equipment and the welcoming vibe created by the decor, we are launching new reading challenges this quarter to keep the momentum going. Thank you for giving us the tools to make our library organized, accessible, and bright!","fullyFundedDate":1761448515528,"projectUrl":"project/practical-tools-inspiring-decor/9495276/","projectTitle":"Practical Tools & Inspiring Decor","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Csizmesia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp949451_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1504117549544","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/csizmesia"},{"teacherId":949451,"projectId":9634991,"letterContent":"Thank you for investing in the future workforce of Somerset Middle School. Middle school is a critical time when students stop asking \"What is that?\" and start asking \"What can I be?\" Because of your generous donation, our media center is now the launchpad for those answers. The impact was immediate; a high school intern working in our library recently looked through the new collection—specifically titles like Become a Vehicle Mechanic and the engineering guides—and remarked that they don't even have access to resources this current and specific at the high school level. It was a proud moment to know our middle schoolers are getting a head start.\r\n\r\nWe have already begun integrating these texts into our library curriculum. I recently used the Kids' & Teens' Internet & Media Survival Guides during our digital literacy classes to spark deep conversations about online safety and digital footprints. Beyond the classroom lessons, the \"cool factor\" of these books is drawing students in. I have had a waitlist of students eager to check out The Future of Hacking, Bots! Robotics Engineering, and Renewable Energy. These aren't just sitting on the shelf; they are being devoured by students hungry to understand how the world works.\r\n\r\nBy funding this project, you haven't just provided books; you have provided validation. When a student picks up a book about welding, automotive repair, or software engineering, they see that these are respected, exciting, and attainable paths. You are helping them visualize a future where they are the innovators and builders.","fullyFundedDate":1755981940812,"projectUrl":"project/career-explorers-building-our-future-th/9634991/","projectTitle":"Career Explorers: Building Our Future Through STEM & Skilled Trades","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Csizmesia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp949451_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1504117549544","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/csizmesia"},{"teacherId":949451,"projectId":9318364,"letterContent":"I cannot thank you enough for bringing these high-interest books to our Somerset students. As a media specialist, my biggest challenge is bridging the gap between a student's curiosity and their reading ability. These new texts are bridging that gap perfectly. Books like the Trapped in a Video Game series and The Noland Kids Adventure Series are instrumental in teaching visual literacy and narrative structure. They grab students with the fast-paced logic of a video game but require them to use context clues and visualization to keep up with the story. It is \"stealth\" learning at its finest—they are building fluency while thinking they are just having fun.\r\n\r\nThe atmosphere in the library has shifted with these new additions on our shelves. Students who usually avoid checking out books are now gravitating toward the colorful, dynamic covers of Framed! and The Sherlock Society. I have one particular group of 7th-grade boys who bond over gaming; they have now started passing the Escape from a Video Game books around their friend group, debating which ending is best. Seeing them excitedly discuss a plotline rather than a high score is a highlight of my year. There's also another group of 7th grade boys who were very excited to check out the My Big Fat Zombie Goldfish books for an ELA project. Thank you for giving these students books that finally speak their language.","fullyFundedDate":1752505086045,"projectUrl":"project/leveling-up-literacy-with-high-interest/9318364/","projectTitle":"Leveling Up Literacy with High-Interest Reads","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Csizmesia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp949451_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1504117549544","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/csizmesia"},{"teacherId":10009510,"projectId":9299934,"letterContent":"Getting Fidgety was a big hit within my therapeutic classroom. Students looked forward to seeing what new surprises would be shared with us every time a new item arrived in her classroom. They took turns opening the boxes. Word has gotten out to other students in classrooms about the different fidgets at my classroom has to offer and so what times others have been invited into a room to enjoy the benefits of these items too. With the items that you've provided to our classroom students trial and completed a self-reflection sheet related to each coping tool. Smaller items such as a sensory stones, based on student feedback, were incorporated into their personal coping kits. Getting fidgety allowed for conversations related to self-regulation, which items to use in classrooms and/or alternative spaces, as well as which items we should consider purchasing more of in the future. These coping strategies also acted as team builders among our small group. For example the commball right about unexpected laughter and laughs. Although at times hesitant to try out what the ball suggested, We turned it into a low pressure game format which has worked well for us and also helped establish a safe space. That sound machine helps students realize that would you listen to can help shift your mood and mindset. I combine the sound machine with student suggested music to help him and straight this idea to them. Thank you again to Donors Choose and to you our donors. I can't thank you enough for supporting and funding my first classroom project. It has had a greater impact in my classroom than I could ever have imagined. The generosity and support is greatly appreciated!","fullyFundedDate":1746786954412,"projectUrl":"project/getting-fidgety/9299934/","projectTitle":"Getting Fidgety","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Johnson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10009510_orig.jpg?crop=2448,2448,x0,y122&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746204647256","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10009510"},{"teacherId":949451,"projectId":9318574,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping bring the Read, Decide, Repeat project to life in our media center! Not only have these interactive books been flying off the shelves, but they've completely transformed how many of my students think about reading. These thrilling, choose-your-own-adventure stories turned reluctant readers into enthusiastic decision-makers—eager to flip the pages and find out what happens next because of the choices they made.\r\n\r\nOne of the most exciting and unexpected outcomes was how these books became a team-building tool. My 6th graders turned reading into a small group activity, taking turns reading aloud, discussing options, debating story paths, and making collective choices together. It was amazing to watch students lean into their curiosity, problem-solve as a group, and celebrate (or laugh at) the outcomes of their decisions. The engagement, excitement, and teamwork were off the charts—and all thanks to this engaging format.\r\n\r\nThese books have helped build reading confidence, encouraged critical thinking, and reminded students that stories are meant to be explored, not just read. Because of The DonorsChoose Community and supporters like you, reading has become an adventure in every sense of the word for our students. Thank you for believing in the power of choice, story, and joyful learning!","fullyFundedDate":1746842674264,"projectUrl":"project/read-decide-repeat-interactive-books/9318574/","projectTitle":"Read, Decide, Repeat: Interactive Books for Curious Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Csizmesia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp949451_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1504117549544","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/csizmesia"},{"teacherId":949451,"projectId":9318658,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our media center has been transformed into a vibrant hub of discovery and inspiration. The books you helped provide are already making a powerful impact—students are diving into history with fresh eyes, eager curiosity, and a genuine desire to learn more. These dynamic, visually engaging resources have helped shift history from a list of facts into something living, layered, and deeply human.\r\n\r\nWith this new collection, I've seen reluctant readers become engrossed in graphic adaptations of pivotal moments like the signing of the Constitution or the storming of Normandy. Students are connecting personally to stories of real people—especially through books that highlight the contributions of women, revolutionaries, and lesser-known changemakers. These stories don't just teach history; they foster empathy, spark conversation, and invite students to see themselves as part of a larger human story.\r\n\r\nThis project has also allowed me to support critical thinking in ways that feel natural and exciting. The mysteries, failures, and triumphs woven through these books are perfect springboards for student inquiry, reflection, and creative expression. Whether they're asking \"What would I have done?\" or drawing parallels between past and present, I know these materials are helping them develop a deeper, more nuanced understanding of the world.\r\n\r\nThank you so much for supporting my students!","fullyFundedDate":1746787029722,"projectUrl":"project/revolution-resilience-real-heroes-hi/9318658/","projectTitle":"Revolution, Resilience & Real Heroes: History That Hooks","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Csizmesia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp949451_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1504117549544","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/csizmesia"},{"teacherId":949451,"projectId":9053416,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our Whiteboards of Wisdom project! Because of your generosity, our media center has been transformed into a more functional, inclusive, and inspiring learning space.\r\n\r\nThe mobile magnetic whiteboard and partition you helped provide have already begun making a big impact. What was once a vast, undefined space is now becoming a series of purposeful learning zones where students can collaborate, focus, and proudly display their work. Having a flexible divider has allowed us to better support small groups—especially students with special needs—by creating calmer, more structured areas within our busy media center.\r\n\r\nThe tabletop whiteboards, erasers, and magnetic clips have also been a hit. Students love using them during group discussions, brainstorming sessions, and interactive lessons. These tools make learning more hands-on and accessible, helping to foster creativity and confidence in even our most reluctant learners.\r\n\r\nYour support has done more than provide supplies—it has helped build a space where students feel seen, supported, and inspired. You've given them the tools to communicate, collaborate, and celebrate their learning in a shared environment that adapts to their needs.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in the power of education and the importance of creating spaces where students can thrive. Your kindness will continue to echo through every lesson taught and every idea shared in our media center.","fullyFundedDate":1745248392379,"projectUrl":"project/whiteboards-of-wisdom-enhancing-learnin/9053416/","projectTitle":"Whiteboards of Wisdom: Enhancing Learning Through Collaboration","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Csizmesia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp949451_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1504117549544","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/csizmesia"},{"teacherId":949451,"projectId":9238611,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping bring powerful, real-world stories into our classroom through the STEM and Struggle project! Your generosity gave my students access to a treasure trove of nonfiction books that are already sparking curiosity, building empathy, and helping students see themselves as part of a bigger story.\r\n\r\nFrom The Six to Code Girls and The Radium Girls, these books offer more than just facts—they offer hope, resilience, and representation. Students are amazed to learn about the hidden figures in science and history who changed the world, often in the face of overwhelming odds. Many of our students—especially those with special needs or who come from historically underserved backgrounds—are seeing themselves reflected in these stories for the first time. And that has made a world of difference.\r\n\r\nThanks to your support, I've also been able to preserve and repair some of our most-loved library books using the tools you helped provide. Now, we can keep our growing collection in great shape and ensure that every student can check out books that are clean, complete, and ready to inspire.","fullyFundedDate":1744261663690,"projectUrl":"project/stem-and-struggle-true-stories-to-inspi/9238611/","projectTitle":"STEM and Struggle: True Stories to Inspire Tomorrow’s Innovators","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Csizmesia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp949451_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1504117549544","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/csizmesia"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_60448","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":610,"numTeachers":48,"percentFrplEligible":28,"percentAsian":2,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":88,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":5,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"12.7:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":58.7,"schoolId":60448,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Somerset Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Somerset Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/massachusetts/somerset-public-schools/somerset-middle-school/60448"}