{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Sousa Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":64.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10182972,"projectId":9918482,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, my students now have access to materials that truly support how they learn best. In our classroom, many of my students receive special education services, and having hands-on, engaging resources makes a huge difference in their ability to understand and connect with what we are learning.\r\n\r\nWe have been using these materials during our literacy and math blocks to support small group instruction. For example, during reading lessons, students use the materials to practice identifying the main idea of a story and supporting details. Instead of just reading from a worksheet, they are able to interact with the content, talk through their thinking, and physically organize ideas. One of my favorite moments was watching a student who usually struggles with reading proudly explain the main idea of a story to their group using the new resources. That confidence is exactly what we hope to build.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the materials, their reactions were immediate. Many of them said things like \"Are these really for our class?\" and \"We get to use these?\" They were excited to explore everything and eager to start using them during lessons. It made the classroom feel fresh and motivating for them.\r\n\r\nAs we move forward, we will continue using these materials to strengthen reading comprehension, writing, and problem-solving skills. Our next step is applying these tools to help students write short responses and explain their thinking more clearly, especially when summarizing stories or solving math problems. The goal is for students to become more independent learners who feel confident sharing their ideas.\r\n\r\nThank you again for supporting our classroom and believing in our students. Your generosity is helping create meaningful learning moments every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1764693001525,"projectUrl":"project/back-from-break-strong/9918482/","projectTitle":"Back from Break Strong!","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":8225659,"projectId":7941790,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom! Because of your kindness, each of our students now has access to high‑quality headphones that make a world of difference in their daily learning. These headphones allow students to fully engage in our virtual traveling field trips—an experience that opens doors to places, cultures, and ideas far beyond our classroom walls.\r\n\r\nAlready, students are exploring new environments with excitement and confidence. With fewer distractions and clearer audio, they're able to dive deeply into lessons, ask richer questions, and share their discoveries with one another. Your generosity has empowered them to learn in immersive, meaningful ways that spark curiosity and build global awareness.\r\n\r\nWe are truly grateful for your belief in our students and their potential. Thank you for helping us bring the world to them.\r\nWarmly,","fullyFundedDate":1702257500830,"projectUrl":"project/world-travelers-need-your-help-to-explor/7941790/","projectTitle":"World Travelers Need Your Help to Explore the Past!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jackson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8225659"},{"teacherId":5298463,"projectId":9722408,"letterContent":"Our students have been growing this school year, and your generosity has played a major role in that success. The new books, games, the couch, and instructional resources you helped provide are doing far more than filling shelves and seats—they are aiding students with reading with purpose, confidence, and joy. Through these texts, games, resources, and especially the couch, students are practicing essential ELA skills such as drawing inferences, analyzing characters, identifying themes, annotating for meaning, and using textual evidence to support their thinking. Every day, reading in our classroom looks like rich discussion, visible thinking, and engaged learners who annotate, question, and debate ideas as they move through each chapter. The materials you helped fund have become anchors for lessons in metacognition, stamina-building, and authentic comprehension—not just \"reading the words,\" but truly understanding them.\r\nYour impact is especially visible in our mid‑year MAP growth. From the beginning of the year to mid‑year, our 7th graders made meaningful gains across every performance band. We saw a 3% decrease in students in the lowest percentile range and increases across all higher bands, including a 7% increase in students moving into the 41st–60th percentile and a 10% increase in students performing in the 61st–80th percentile. Many students who started the year struggling are now reading with greater confidence, finishing books they once found intimidating, and joining classroom discussions with pride. Several of our multilingual learners, in particular, are devouring the new high‑interest titles—often asking to borrow books to read at home or recommending them to their peers.\r\nThis kind of growth doesn't happen by accident. It reflects intentional, student‑centered work supported by your donations—students having access to relevant, engaging texts, games, and resources that make them feel seen, capable, and excited to learn. While our long‑term goal is for 65% of students to meet or exceed their annual MAP growth target by June 2026, the progress so far shows we are firmly on the right path. Thank you for believing in our students, investing in their literacy journey, and helping us create a classroom where strong reading habits—and strong readers—can flourish. Your support is truly making a difference.","fullyFundedDate":1762041603607,"projectUrl":"project/read-play-rise/9722408/","projectTitle":"Read. Play. Rise.","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":3443091,"projectId":9602426,"letterContent":"Our sixth-grade students are incredibly grateful for the generous support you have shown our classroom. Because of your donations, our students now have access to resources that truly enhance their learning experience and build their confidence each day.\r\n\r\nWe are using the new materials during small-group instruction, collaborative projects, and independent practice. One powerful moment occurred during a recent math lesson on ratios and expressions. Students who typically hesitate to participate were eager to engage because they had hands-on tools to support their thinking. The resources allowed them to visually model their work, discuss strategies with peers, and explain their reasoning with greater confidence. It was inspiring to see students take ownership of their learning.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, the excitement was immediate. Students smiled, asked thoughtful questions, and several even said, \"These are for us?\" They felt seen and valued. Having access to high-quality resources reinforced that others believe in their success.\r\n\r\nAs we move forward, students will continue using these tools to deepen their understanding of grade-level standards, strengthen problem-solving skills, and prepare for upcoming assessments and project-based learning activities. Our next steps include a collaborative math project where students will apply their learning to real-world scenarios, using the new materials to research, calculate, and present their findings.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has created more than just access to supplies — it has created motivation, engagement, and a renewed sense of pride in our classroom community. Thank you for investing in our students and their future.","fullyFundedDate":1766420231637,"projectUrl":"project/we-want-to-learn-in-a-clean-classroom/9602426/","projectTitle":"We Want to Learn in a Clean Classroom!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Summers","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3443091_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724941052536","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3443091"},{"teacherId":8274850,"projectId":9347952,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our students are experiencing learning in a new and inspiring way. Your donation has allowed us to bring educational gaming into the classroom—transforming lessons into hands‑on, minds‑on experiences that spark curiosity, deepen understanding, and build essential skills for the future.\r\nThrough game‑based learning, students who once struggled to stay engaged are now problem‑solving, strategizing, collaborating, and celebrating their accomplishments. They are applying math to real‑time challenges, exploring science through simulations, strengthening literacy through interactive stories, and developing perseverance as they work through complex levels and tasks. Learning feels less like a requirement and more like an adventure.","fullyFundedDate":1747879375045,"projectUrl":"project/steam-away-through-gaming/9347952/","projectTitle":"STEAM Away Through Gaming","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cobb","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8274850_orig.jpg?crop=960,960,x162,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1672849846771","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8274850"},{"teacherId":5280552,"projectId":9505455,"letterContent":"We are incredibly grateful for your generosity and support. Because of you, our students now have access to iPads that will enhance learning, creativity, and collaboration in our classroom.\r\n\r\nThese devices will allow students to explore digital arts, strengthen technology skills, and engage more deeply in their learning experiences. Your support has made a meaningful impact, and we truly appreciate your investment in our students' future.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our classroom and helping us create more opportunities for our students.","fullyFundedDate":1758837060650,"projectUrl":"project/tech-for-technique/9505455/","projectTitle":"\"Tech for Technique\"","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Johnson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5280552_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1534403465507","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5280552"},{"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":8274850,"projectId":9347932,"letterContent":"Your gracious donation has allowed students to begin a new journey. Because of your generosity, our students are beginning to dream in ways that were once out of reach for them. Your investment in technology has opened doors to exploration, creativity, and possibility. Every device, program, and resource you help provide becomes an invitation for students to see themselves in new futures—futures filled with innovation, confidence, and purpose.\r\nWith access to these tools, students are discovering careers they never knew existed. They are coding their first programs, designing digital art, building virtual machines, exploring medical simulations, and engaging with STEM pathways that spark excitement and curiosity. Technology has become more than equipment in a classroom—it has become a catalyst for self‑discovery.","fullyFundedDate":1757543669916,"projectUrl":"project/techno-dreaming/9347932/","projectTitle":"Techno Dreaming","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cobb","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8274850_orig.jpg?crop=960,960,x162,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1672849846771","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8274850"},{"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"}],"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":35.3,"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"}