{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Sousa Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":65.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10182972,"projectId":9612949,"letterContent":"Our current DonorsChoose project has already created a real, visible shift in my classroom, and I'm genuinely grateful for every single person who helped make it possible. The materials funded through this project didn't just \"support lessons\"—they expanded what my students believe they are capable of. My students are growing, learning, and engaging in ways that weren't possible before. They are asking more questions, taking more risks, and showing confidence in skills that used to intimidate them.\r\n\r\nEvery day, I see students who usually struggle light up because they finally have tools that meet them where they are. I see students working harder, staying focused longer, and taking pride in work they used to avoid. I see collaboration, curiosity, and joy replacing frustration. These resources have helped me create a classroom environment that is structured, calm, and full of possibility.\r\n\r\nI'm thankful—not just on behalf of my students, but on behalf of their families, who want to see their children succeed. Your support has opened doors for kids who rarely receive these kinds of opportunities. You didn't just donate; you invested in their growth, their future, and their belief in themselves.\r\n\r\nThank you for making this impact real.","fullyFundedDate":1756084870185,"projectUrl":"project/words-of-power-growing-young-minds-in-d/9612949/","projectTitle":"Words of Power: Growing Young Minds in D.C.","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Franklin IV","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10182972_orig.jpg?crop=2400,2400,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755374016643","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10182972"},{"teacherId":5298463,"projectId":9488537,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generosity. Because of your support and the multitude of resources, these young scholars have the materials they needed to be organized, engaged, and prepared to read, think, talk, and write daily in this English Language Arts class. The binders, tabs, and such hsve allowed the students to simply work time on task and accelerate and not worry about trying to purchase items during these times. Now, these students are able to focus on building their literacy and writing skills and working towards academic growth or proficiency.","fullyFundedDate":1755701154939,"projectUrl":"project/ela-essentials/9488537/","projectTitle":"ELA Essentials","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Whren","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5298463_orig.jpg?crop=648,648,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1708631939828","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-whren"},{"teacherId":5298463,"projectId":9418323,"letterContent":"💛 Thank you for supporting our students' social and emotional growth!\r\nYour generous donation has made a real difference in our classroom! Because of your support, our students now have access to SEL tools, activity books, and trauma-informed, culturally relevant resources that help them understand themselves and others in meaningful ways.\r\n\r\nThese materials have transformed our classroom into a space where students feel safe, seen, and valued. They are learning how to manage emotions, communicate with empathy, and handle challenges with confidence. The behavioral and relationship-building tools you helped provide are also strengthening our classroom community — helping every student feel they belong and can thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1750327748179,"projectUrl":"project/stronger-minds-brighter-futures/9418323/","projectTitle":"Stronger Minds, Brighter Futures","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Whren","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5298463_orig.jpg?crop=648,648,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1708631939828","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-whren"},{"teacherId":4249628,"projectId":9357703,"letterContent":"Thanks to your incredible generosity, our classroom is now equipped with the Anycubic 3D printer resin and the Anycubic Wash and Cure Plus 3.0—and the transformation has been immediate and inspiring!\r\nOur students are now able to take their digital designs and turn them into tangible creations. From engineering prototypes to artistic models, they're exploring the full design cycle: imagining, modeling, printing, and post-processing. The Wash and Cure station has made it possible to safely finish their resin prints, giving them a professional look and durability.\r\nAlready, students have begun working on projects that connect to real-world challenges—designing assistive devices, custom keychains, and even parts for classroom tools. The excitement and engagement are palpable. One student shared, \"I never thought I could make something like this myself. It's like my ideas are coming to life!\"\r\nYour support has empowered our young innovators to dream big and build boldly. You've helped us create a space where creativity meets technology, and where students see themselves as future engineers, designers, and problem-solvers.\r\nThank you for being a part of our journey. Your impact will be felt for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1751987663348,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-creativity-with-3d-printing/9357703/","projectTitle":"Empowering Creativity With 3D Printing","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Butler","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4249628_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726933989332","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/missbeemath"},{"teacherId":5081047,"projectId":8847751,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for you generous support. Just wanted to offer an update on the impact the heat press has made. \r\n\r\nHow is the technology helping your students learn?\r\n\r\nThe heat press has given my students a hands-on way to connect empathy with creativity. They aren't just learning how to design shirts—they're learning how to communicate positive messages to their peers and community. By seeing their digital ideas become real, wearable products, students are making connections between graphic design, technology, and social-emotional skills. The process builds confidence, collaboration, and problem-solving—skills that extend far beyond the classroom.\r\n\r\nWhat about the new product is most exciting to your students?\r\n\r\nFor my students, the excitement comes from watching their ideas come to life. The moment they peel back the press and see their design on a shirt is electric—it feels like magic to them. They love that the shirts aren't just projects on paper, but something they can wear, share, and gift to others. Knowing their work can spread encouragement and kindness throughout the school has made them more invested in the learning process.\r\n\r\nAre there particular students who have especially warmed to this new technology, and how so?\r\n\r\nYes! Two students in particular, Kia and Jeff, have really embraced the heat press. Kia has discovered a talent for combining colors and fonts in ways that grab attention, while Jeff has become fascinated with the technical side—making sure each design transfers perfectly. Both have shown a new level of focus and leadership when working on projects, and their enthusiasm has inspired other classmates to dive in as well.","fullyFundedDate":1731249054051,"projectUrl":"project/pressing-positivity/8847751/","projectTitle":"Pressing Positivity!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Abraham","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5081047_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1535726342913","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5081047"},{"teacherId":4249628,"projectId":9243806,"letterContent":"We are so grateful for your generous support of our classroom through DonorsChoose. Thanks to you, our students have had the incredible opportunity to explore the world of 3D printing—and the results have been nothing short of inspiring.\r\n From the moment the 3D printer arrived, students dove into learning how to design, prototype, and print their own creations. They were thrilled to see their digital designs take physical form, and their creativity quickly turned into purpose.\r\n One of the most meaningful projects came when students noticed that our custodial staff often struggled with removing stuck debris from floors and corners. Motivated to help, a group of students designed and printed a custom scraper tool—ergonomic, durable, and perfectly suited for the job. After testing and refining the design, they proudly presented it to our custodians, who now use it daily as part of their cleaning routine.\r\n This project was more than just a technical exercise—it was a powerful lesson in empathy, problem-solving, and community impact. Our students learned that their ideas can make a real difference, and that technology can be a tool for kindness and innovation.\r\n Your donation made this possible. You didn't just fund a 3D printer—you helped spark a sense of purpose and pride in our students. Thank you for believing in them and for helping us turn imagination into action.","fullyFundedDate":1746790799214,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-students-with-3d-printing-tec/9243806/","projectTitle":"Empowering Students with 3D Printing Technology","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Butler","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4249628_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726933989332","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/missbeemath"},{"teacherId":5298463,"projectId":9361050,"letterContent":"On behalf of the students and staff at our middle school, I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks for your generous donation of Readers Theater binders. Your support is making a meaningful difference in the lives of our scholars.\r\n\r\nThanks to your contribution, our students were able to utilize scripts and resources that helped them build essential literacy, speech, and performance skills. Readers Theater has already begun to transform our classrooms into vibrant spaces where students are excited to read, collaborate, and express themselves creatively.\r\n\r\nYour generosity is not only enriching our curriculum but also empowering our students to grow in confidence and communication—skills that will benefit them far beyond the classroom.\r\n\r\nWe are deeply grateful for your commitment to education and for believing in the potential of every student. Your support is truly inspiring.","fullyFundedDate":1747760835318,"projectUrl":"project/readers-theater-prop/9361050/","projectTitle":"Readers Theater Prop","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Whren","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5298463_orig.jpg?crop=648,648,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1708631939828","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-whren"},{"teacherId":5298463,"projectId":9301467,"letterContent":"On behalf of the students and staff at our middle school, I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks for your generous donation of Readers Theater materials. Your support is making a meaningful difference in the lives of our scholars.\r\n\r\nThanks to your contribution, our students now have access to engaging scripts and resources that are helping them build essential literacy, speech, and performance skills. Readers Theater has already begun to transform our classrooms into vibrant spaces where students are excited to read, collaborate, and express themselves creatively.\r\n\r\nYour generosity is not only enriching our curriculum but also empowering our students to grow in confidence and communication—skills that will benefit them far beyond the classroom.\r\n\r\nWe are deeply grateful for your commitment to education and for believing in the potential of every student. Your support is truly inspiring.","fullyFundedDate":1746640287295,"projectUrl":"project/readers-theater-oh-my/9301467/","projectTitle":"Readers Theater, Oh My!","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Whren","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5298463_orig.jpg?crop=648,648,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1708631939828","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-whren"},{"teacherId":9212436,"projectId":8871186,"letterContent":"On behalf of the entire Sousa Middle School community, I want to sincerely thank you for your generous support in helping us furnish our school library. \r\n\r\nThanks to your donation, we were able to purchase beautiful modern furniture that has truly revitalized our library space. Even more meaningful, our students took part in assembling the furniture themselves-building not just the tables and chairs, but a stronger sense of ownership and pride in their school. \r\n\r\nWe're thrilled to share that students now look forward to spending time in the library each day. Whether they're diving into a good book, collaborating on class projects, or simply enjoying a calm and comfortable place to think, the library has quickly become a favorite space for many. \r\n\r\nYour generosity has helped create not just a better library, but a better learning experience for every student who walks through our doors. Thank you believing in our school and in the potential of our students.","fullyFundedDate":1738993600873,"projectUrl":"project/chairs-for-change-creating-a-welcoming/8871186/","projectTitle":"Chairs for Change: Creating a Welcoming Library Space","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Brown","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9212436"},{"teacherId":9339247,"projectId":9149376,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping bring our \"Cooking Up Independence\" project to life! Because of your generous support, our students now have access to a brand-new stove, along with pots, pans, and essential cooking tools that have already made a huge difference in our classroom.\r\n\r\nWith these new resources, we are teaching our students important life skills that will stay with them long after they leave CES. They are learning how to safely prepare meals, follow recipes, work together in the kitchen, and build confidence in their own abilities. For many of our students, this is their first time experiencing the independence and pride that comes from cooking something for themselves and their classmates.\r\n\r\nEvery stir, sizzle, and smile in our kitchen is because of you. You've helped create an environment where students not only learn essential skills, but also gain a stronger sense of confidence, teamwork, and self-sufficiency. We are so excited to continue building on these lessons and to watch our students grow even more independent and empowered.\r\n\r\nThank you again for being a part of our journey and for believing in our students' potential!","fullyFundedDate":1743036107019,"projectUrl":"project/cooking-up-independence-stove-kitchen/9149376/","projectTitle":"Cooking Up Independence: Stove & Kitchen Supplies for Life Skills","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tatum","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9339247_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1734656241252","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9339247"},{"teacherId":9339247,"projectId":9135440,"letterContent":"I wanted to extend my heartfelt thanks for funding our Donors Choose project, *\"In-Class Math Library: Making Numbers Meaningful!\"* Because of your generosity, my students now have access to engaging, hands-on math books that bring numbers to life in ways that worksheets just can't.\r\n\r\nThe excitement in our classroom when the box of books arrived was electric. Students immediately gravitated toward titles like *The Soccer Math Book* and *Hidden Figures*, and we've already had rich discussions sparked by stories that blend humor, adventure, and mathematical thinking.\r\n\r\nYour support has helped me create a learning environment where math feels accessible, relatable, and even fun—something that's especially meaningful for students who might otherwise struggle with confidence in the subject. These books are already deepening their curiosity and improving their comprehension by reinforcing concepts through storytelling.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in public schools and for making a direct impact on young learners. Your gift isn't just about books—it's about showing students that learning can be joyful, meaningful, and full of possibility.","fullyFundedDate":1744221786758,"projectUrl":"project/in-class-math-library/9135440/","projectTitle":"In Class Math Library","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tatum","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9339247_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1734656241252","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9339247"},{"teacherId":9494354,"projectId":8271976,"letterContent":"Your donation has enabled our students to continue improving their behavior and social-emotional regulation, empowering them to thrive both inside and outside the classroom. In addition to these crucial advancements, our students have even gone on to win several matches in their school soccer league—a testament to their increased confidence, teamwork, and focus, all of which have been directly influenced by your kindness.\r\n\r\nThe difference you've made in the lives of our students is truly invaluable, and we can't thank you enough for making it all possible.","fullyFundedDate":1715131135798,"projectUrl":"project/soccer-skill-improvement-project/8271976/","projectTitle":"Soccer Skill Improvement Project","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cobb","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9494354"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_24150","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":229,"numTeachers":23,"percentFrplEligible":74,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":92,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":6,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"10.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":34.8,"schoolId":24150,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Sousa Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Sousa Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/district-of-columbia/dc-public-schools/sousa-middle-school/24150"}