{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Somerset Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":40.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":949451,"projectId":9941332,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping us \"Enter the Upside Down!\" Because of your incredible generosity, our library has been transformed into a hub for Hawkins fans, and the response from the students has been nothing short of ecstatic.\r\n\r\nThe moment we set up the Stranger Things book display, the energy in the library shifted. Students who usually walk right past the shelves were suddenly stopping in their tracks, buzzing with excitement. Every single title from the graphic novel sets to the junior novelizations has been flying off the shelves. It is a librarian's dream to see a crowd of students eagerly debating fan theories while holding books they can't wait to start reading.\r\n\r\nThe impact on our reluctant readers and students with disabilities has been especially profound. The graphic novels and the Choose Your Own Adventure books have provided an accessible, low-pressure way for them to engage with complex storytelling. By connecting the show they love to the books in their hands, you have helped me prove that reading isn't just a classroom requirement—it's a way to dive deeper into the worlds they care about most.\r\n\r\nWhether they are exploring the backstories of Max and Robin or navigating the terrifying tales in Hawkins Horrors, my students are building reading stamina and critical thinking skills without even realizing it. You have turned their fandom into a bridge toward lifelong literacy.\r\n\r\nThank you for making our library the coolest place in school and for showing my students that \"friends don't lie\"—and they certainly don't let friends run out of great things to read!","fullyFundedDate":1774021670561,"projectUrl":"project/enter-the-upside-down-stranger-things-b/9941332/","projectTitle":"Enter the Upside Down: Stranger Things 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":10137220,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for investing in the incredible potential of my students! Because of your generous support, our \"Leadership Lunch Bunch\" has officially launched, and the transformation I am seeing in these young creators is truly inspiring. When the box of The Cartoonist's Club books arrived, my students were absolutely thrilled to realize that this club was designed specifically for them. It has been incredibly heartwarming to see just how enthusiastic they are to meet each week; having a meaningful purpose and a dedicated place for this specific group of \"hidden leaders\" has meant the world to them.\r\n\r\nWe immediately began using the graphic novel not just as a story, but as our official team playbook. The students are making deep personal connections with the text and love talking about what they have read. Because they are visual thinkers, they spend so much time pouring over the artwork, eagerly discussing the finer details and nuances they find in the illustrations.\r\n\r\nThrough this shared reading experience, we have been able to dive deeply into the art of professional collaboration. They are absolutely fascinated by learning exactly how graphic novels are made behind the scenes. We use the narrative to pull back the curtain on the publishing industry, discussing the realities of deadlines, project management, and creative teamwork. Best of all, they are already putting these lessons into practice and have started creating their very own graphic novels!\r\n\r\nFurthermore, during our weekly leadership huddles, we talk extensively about the resilience required to succeed in high-stakes creative careers. Seeing the characters navigate failures and bounce back has given my students the confidence to accept constructive feedback on their own work without giving up. They are actively developing the growth mindset and communication skills necessary for long-term success.\r\n\r\nYou provided us with so much more than a classroom set of books; you gave these students a roadmap for their futures and a space to belong. Thank you for stepping up to mentor our next generation of innovators, helping them turn their natural talents into a viable, professional reality!","fullyFundedDate":1773621875252,"projectUrl":"project/coaching-future-creators-a-graphic-nove/10137220/","projectTitle":"Coaching Future Creators: A Graphic Novel Career Club","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":9960488,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for bringing the magic of visual storytelling and cultural celebration to our media center! Thanks to your incredible generosity, our Lunar New Year book display was a massive success, and the new graphic novels have barely spent any time on the shelves before being checked out again.\r\n\r\nBecause middle school is such a critical time for students to figure out who they are, having books that validate their experiences is life-changing. Here is how your donation has directly impacted our classroom community over the last few weeks:\r\n\r\nHooking Reluctant Readers: The visual format of these books has been the perfect bridge for my hesitant readers. Students who typically shy away from chapter books immediately gravitated toward the vibrant artwork and fast-paced narratives.\r\n\r\nSparking Meaningful Conversations: Titles like Measuring Up and Stargazing have prompted wonderful, organic discussions among the students about their own family traditions, the pressure of expectations, and the complexities of middle school friendships.\r\n\r\nBuilding Empathy and Pride: For my Asian-American students, seeing characters who look like them and share their cultural heritage front-and-center has been a moment of immense pride. For other students, American Born Chinese provided a brilliant, accessible window into the universal struggle to belong, fostering a deep sense of empathy across diverse backgrounds.\r\n\r\nYou have given my students so much more than just books; you have given them mirrors to see themselves and windows to understand others. Thank you for helping me ring in the new year by proving to my students that their stories matter, and that reading can be an absolute joy.","fullyFundedDate":1767230832675,"projectUrl":"project/ringing-in-the-lunar-new-year-with-readi/9960488/","projectTitle":"Ringing in the Lunar New Year with Reading","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":9888495,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for bringing an explosion of excitement to our media center! When we introduced our latest reading challenge, I wanted to offer incentives that were just as engaging as the books themselves. Thanks to your generosity, we were able to display an incredible spread of STEM prizes. The reaction was immediate; students whose eyes normally glaze over at the mention of a reading contest were suddenly asking how many books they needed to read to earn the DIY Solar Car Kit or the Build-Your-Own Bluetooth Speaker.\r\n\r\nThe impact of these materials goes far beyond a simple reward system. When students cash in their reading achievements for items like the Discovery Extreme Chemistry Kit or the brain-teasing Kanoodle games, they aren't just taking home a toy—they are taking home a new learning experience. Just last week, a student who had worked incredibly hard to finish his reading goal proudly showed off the Glow-in-the-Dark Powerballs he engineered. The pride on his face was a direct result of your donation.\r\n\r\nOur next step is to keep this incredible momentum going for our end-of-the-year reading push. You have helped me completely transform the reading culture in our school by proving that literacy and STEM go hand-in-hand. Thank you for helping my students see themselves as both avid readers and confident inventors!","fullyFundedDate":1764689870768,"projectUrl":"project/read-explore-discover-stem-prizes-for/9888495/","projectTitle":"Read, Explore, Discover: STEM Prizes 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":9938770,"letterContent":"I cannot begin to thank you enough for bringing \"Bright Ideas & Cozy Vibes\" to life in our middle school media center. Thanks to your generosity, our library has truly transformed into the welcoming, dynamic \"third space\" our students crave.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first walked in and saw the new Smart Curtain Lights framing our reading nook, their eyes absolutely lit up. Middle schoolers are notoriously hard to impress, but they immediately recognized that this space was designed for them. They love the aesthetic, and we have been putting the lights to great use—most recently programming them with bright, celebratory colors for Read Across America month to make the library feel extra festive! Of course, the command clips and flat plug extension cords you provided mean the entire setup is completely safe and free of tripping hazards.\r\n\r\nWhile the lights set the perfect mood, the biggest surprise has been our most-used item: the magnetic wall reference system. It has become an absolute game-changer for independent reading! I filled the panels with \"Read-Alike\" lists. Now, if students are stumped for their next read, they simply walk over and flip through the panels to find books similar to their favorites. It empowers them to browse independently and discover new titles they might have otherwise missed.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, I am handing some of the creative control over to the students. Our next step is having a student library advisory group take charge of updating the magnetic reference panels with their own peer recommendations, as well as choosing the lighting colors for our upcoming monthly book displays.\r\n\r\nThank you for giving us the tools to create a space where students feel safe, welcomed, and excited to read!","fullyFundedDate":1765825755549,"projectUrl":"project/bright-ideas-cozy-vibes-library-upgra/9938770/","projectTitle":"Bright Ideas & Cozy Vibes: Library Upgrades","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":10009658,"projectId":9910572,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation of flexible seating to our classroom. Your kindness has made a tremendous impact on both my students and our learning environment. Because of you, our classroom feels more welcoming, inclusive, and responsive to students' individual needs. The flexible seating has truly transformed the way my students engage with learning each day.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, the excitement was immediate and unforgettable. Students walked in wide-eyed, whispering, \"What are those boxes?\" and \"Can we open them?\" Some students carefully tested out wobble stools, while others curled up on the floor seating with books in hand. For many of my students—especially those who benefit from movement and choice—the new seating felt empowering. They were proud, grateful, and eager to begin the day. It was one of those rare classroom moments where joy, gratitude, and anticipation filled the room all at once.\r\n\r\nWe are already seeing how these resources positively affect student focus and productivity. During a recent multi-step math problem-solving lesson, I noticed students who typically struggle to remain on task were able to sustain attention longer while using the flexible seating. One student shared that the wobble stool helped him \"lock in\" without leaving his workspace. Another student chose a quiet corner seat to complete a written reflection. Having options allows students to make thoughtful choices about how they learn best, which has increased independence and self-awareness across the classroom.\r\n\r\nAs we move forward in our current unit, students are working on collaborative, real-world problem-solving projects. The flexible seating allows them to shift easily into small groups, spread out materials, and engage in meaningful discussions. Our next step is completing a project where students analyze real-life scenarios and explain their mathematical reasoning in writing. Because of your donation, they are able to choose spaces that support their focus—whether that means working independently in a calm corner or collaborating with peers in a flexible group setting.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has created more than just new seating; it has created opportunities for comfort, choice, confidence, and growth. Thank you for investing in my students and believing in the power of creating supportive learning environments. Your impact is felt every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1765825755524,"projectUrl":"project/flexible-seating/9910572/","projectTitle":"Flexible Seating","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Boucher","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10009658"},{"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"}],"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","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":2,"gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"12.7:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":59.3,"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"}