{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"South Dade Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":26.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":7762461,"projectId":9748943,"letterContent":"We are incredibly grateful for your thoughtful donation of the classroom games, including the engaging floor puzzles, the hilarious Granny Pants game, and the creative vase puzzles. These additions have brought so much joy, laughter, and learning to our students. Each game encourages teamwork, problem-solving, and imaginative play—making our classroom a more vibrant and interactive space.\r\n Your support helps us create meaningful experiences that spark curiosity and build community. Thank you for investing in our students' growth and happiness!","fullyFundedDate":1758984621358,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-spark-to-ignite-joy/9748943/","projectTitle":"Sensory Spark to Ignite Joy","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Minnis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7762461_orig.jpg?crop=1000,1000,x596,y816&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1719880936713","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7762461"},{"teacherId":6060447,"projectId":9659607,"letterContent":"On behalf of our students and staff, I want to extend our deepest gratitude for your generous donation of the trampoline and games. Your kindness has brought so much joy to our students—they are absolutely thrilled and have been enjoying every moment of play!\r\nThese additions have made a meaningful impact, not only by encouraging physical activity and social interaction, but also by creating moments of laughter and happiness that they will cherish. It's heartwarming to see their faces light up with excitement and enthusiasm.\r\nThank you for supporting our program and for believing in the importance of play and inclusion. Your generosity truly makes a difference.","fullyFundedDate":1758834020981,"projectUrl":"project/indoor-play-healthy-minds-wellness-fo/9659607/","projectTitle":"Indoor Play, Healthy Minds: Wellness for Our Students with Autism","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cuesta","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6060447_orig.jpg?crop=1868,1868,x0,y1307&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1715964419882","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/cuestaclass"},{"teacherId":7762461,"projectId":9647929,"letterContent":"The new items that has been donated to our class (foldable trampoline and number dice) have a transformative impact on my class physical and cognitive development, especially in educational settings. The trampoline encourages active play, which is essential for building motor skills, coordination, and overall physical health. Its foldable design makes it easy to store and transport, allowing it to be used in a variety of environments—from classrooms to outside centers—where space might be limited. This kind of equipment promotes inclusive play, giving children of all abilities a chance to engage in movement-based activities that boost confidence and joy.\r\n The number dice, while simple, are powerful tools for learning. They can be used in countless educational games that reinforce math skills, number recognition, and problem-solving. I can incorporate them into group activities that foster collaboration and communication, while also making learning fun and interactive. Whether used for counting exercises, probability games, or storytelling prompts, number dice help bridge the gap between play and education, turning abstract concepts into tangible experiences.\r\n Together, these donations support a holistic approach to child development—combining physical activity with cognitive engagement. They create opportunities for children to learn through movement and play. By providing tools that stimulate both the body and the mind, this donation contributes to a more dynamic, inclusive, and joyful learning environment.","fullyFundedDate":1758202884473,"projectUrl":"project/lets-get-moving/9647929/","projectTitle":"Let's Get Moving","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Minnis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7762461_orig.jpg?crop=1000,1000,x596,y816&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1719880936713","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7762461"},{"teacherId":6060447,"projectId":9613086,"letterContent":"On behalf of my students and our Cosmic Crew, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you for funding our Selling Food for Success project! Your generosity is more than just a gift—it's an investment in teaching my students valuable life skills like financial literacy, responsibility, and independence.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, my students will not only have the chance to run a food and coffee business on campus, but they will also learn how to manage money, practice communication, and gain the confidence to succeed in real-world situations. For many of them, this project is their first step toward building independence beyond the classroom.\r\n\r\nWe are deeply grateful for your kindness and belief in our mission. With your support, we are turning snacks into skills, coffee into confidence, and food into futures. ☕🍪✨","fullyFundedDate":1756951202297,"projectUrl":"project/serving-warmth-chafing-dishes-for-our-c/9613086/","projectTitle":"Serving Warmth: Chafing Dishes for Our Cookie Business","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cuesta","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6060447_orig.jpg?crop=1868,1868,x0,y1307&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1715964419882","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/cuestaclass"},{"teacherId":6060447,"projectId":9613204,"letterContent":"On behalf of my students and our Cosmic Crew, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you for funding our Selling Food for Success project! Your generosity is more than just a gift—it's an investment in teaching my students valuable life skills like financial literacy, responsibility, and independence.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, my students will not only have the chance to run a food and coffee business on campus, but they will also learn how to manage money, practice communication, and gain the confidence to succeed in real-world situations. For many of them, this project is their first step toward building independence beyond the classroom.\r\n\r\nWe are deeply grateful for your kindness and belief in our mission. With your support, we are turning snacks into skills, coffee into confidence, and food into futures. ☕🍪✨","fullyFundedDate":1756951201677,"projectUrl":"project/selling-food-for-success/9613204/","projectTitle":"Selling Food for Success","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cuesta","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6060447_orig.jpg?crop=1868,1868,x0,y1307&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1715964419882","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/cuestaclass"},{"teacherId":7762461,"projectId":9608467,"letterContent":"Your Generosity is Making a Real Difference!\r\nOn behalf of my class I want to extend our heartfelt thanks for your generous donation toward the purchase of our water dispenser and snacks for our classroom.\r\n Thanks to your support, we've been able to provide clean, refreshing water and nourishing snacks to our class and others who need it most. The new water dispenser has quickly become a central fixture—offering hydration and comfort to class, peers and staff alike. And the snacks? They've brought smiles, energy, and a sense of care to countless individuals throughout the day.\r\n Your gift may seem simple, but its impact is profound. It's more than just water and food—it's a gesture of kindness, a boost of morale, and a reminder that someone cares. Whether it's a child grabbing a granola bar after school, or a senior student enjoying a cool drink during a hot afternoon, your donation is making everyday moments better.\r\nWe're deeply grateful for your commitment for helping us create a more welcoming and supportive environment. Your generosity is felt in every sip and every bite.","fullyFundedDate":1755700161573,"projectUrl":"project/ready-set-hydrate/9608467/","projectTitle":"Ready Set Hydrate","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Minnis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7762461_orig.jpg?crop=1000,1000,x596,y816&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1719880936713","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7762461"},{"teacherId":7762461,"projectId":9499328,"letterContent":"On behalf of my students, We would like to extend our deepest gratitude for your generous donation of water bottles, cleaning supplies, snacks, and school supplies.\r\nYour thoughtful contribution has made a meaningful impact on our classroom. The water bottles are keeping our students hydrated and focused, the cleaning supplies are helping us maintain a safe and healthy environment, and the snacks are providing much-needed energy throughout the day. Most importantly, the school supplies are empowering our students to learn, create, and thrive.\r\nThanks to your kindness, we are better equipped to support our students and staff in ways that truly matter. Your generosity is a powerful reminder of the good that exists in the world, and we are incredibly grateful for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1755710634238,"projectUrl":"project/what-time-is-it-its-timeto-level-up/9499328/","projectTitle":"What Time Is it? It's TimeTo Level Up","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Minnis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7762461_orig.jpg?crop=1000,1000,x596,y816&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1719880936713","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7762461"},{"teacherId":6060447,"projectId":9380456,"letterContent":"Thanks to the generosity of our donors, our students now have the perfect way to recharge during physical education. Whether they're running, jumping, or shooting hoops, they can hydrate, refuel, and keep their energy strong. This wellness boost helps them stay focused, active, and ready to give their best—both on and off the court.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, our students now enjoy a brand-new trampoline and basketball court—two safe, fun spaces that give them the chance to release stress, stay active, and practice teamwork. These resources are more than equipment; they provide our children with opportunities to build confidence, develop healthy habits, and refuel their energy in positive ways. Each jump, each basket, and each laugh reflects the powerful impact of your kindness. Because of you, our champions are thriving both in wellness and in spirit. \r\n\r\nWe are deeply grateful for your support in keeping our champions healthy and thriving! 💙","fullyFundedDate":1754518167390,"projectUrl":"project/hydrate-refuel-a-wellness-boost-for-o/9380456/","projectTitle":"Hydrate & Refuel: A Wellness Boost for Our PE Champions","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cuesta","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6060447_orig.jpg?crop=1868,1868,x0,y1307&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1715964419882","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/cuestaclass"},{"teacherId":6060447,"projectId":9532985,"letterContent":"On behalf of our students and staff, we would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your generous support in providing us with a trampoline and basketball court. These additions have quickly become favorite spots on campus, giving our students a safe and fun outlet to release stress, stay active, and build positive connections with their peers.\r\n\r\nYour generosity goes beyond equipment—it fosters joy, wellness, and a sense of community for every student who benefits from these spaces. We are truly thankful for your kindness and commitment to our children's growth.","fullyFundedDate":1754517310972,"projectUrl":"project/game-on-bringing-indoor-pe-fun-to-boost/9532985/","projectTitle":"Game On! Bringing Indoor PE Fun to Boost Learning!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cuesta","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6060447_orig.jpg?crop=1868,1868,x0,y1307&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1715964419882","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/cuestaclass"},{"teacherId":7762461,"projectId":9198633,"letterContent":"I would like to extend my deepest gratitude for your generous donation of cooking essentials, which includes a burner stove, pots, and pans. Your kindness and support have made a meaningful difference in my class ability to provide meals and serve those within the ASD Unit at the school. \r\n Your generosity has empowered my students to continue to have warm, nourishing food. These essential cooking items not only help prepare meals but also bring comfort and hope to my students.\r\n Thanks to donors like you, we can foster a sense dignity, and care through the simple yet profound act of sharing food. Your support truly exemplifies the spirit of compassion, and we are incredibly grateful to have you as a part of our journey.\r\nOnce again, thank you for your invaluable contribution. We deeply appreciate your kindness.","fullyFundedDate":1746482036660,"projectUrl":"project/cooking-in-style/9198633/","projectTitle":"Cooking in Style","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Minnis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7762461_orig.jpg?crop=1000,1000,x596,y816&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1719880936713","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7762461"},{"teacherId":6060447,"projectId":9149929,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous donation, our classroom microphone has truly transformed the way my students engage with reading and communication. What began as a fun tool quickly became a powerful motivator for even my most reluctant readers.\r\n\r\nWe incorporated the microphone into activities like karaoke and charades, and the results were amazing. During karaoke, students read song lyrics aloud, practiced pronunciation, and improved their reading fluency—all while singing their hearts out. It boosted their confidence and made reading fun and social.\r\n\r\nIn our version of charades, students took turns reading clues into the microphone, guessing vocabulary words, and acting them out. This helped build expressive language, comprehension, and peer interaction in a supportive and engaging way.\r\n\r\nMany of my students have autism or speech delays, and the microphone gave them a safe and exciting way to use their voices, be heard, and feel proud of their progress. It brought joy, laughter, and growth to our classroom.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping us turn reading into something worth celebrating!","fullyFundedDate":1746453339792,"projectUrl":"project/tunes-for-togetherness-building-social/9149929/","projectTitle":"Tunes for Togetherness: Building Social Skills Through Music","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cuesta","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6060447_orig.jpg?crop=1868,1868,x0,y1307&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1715964419882","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/cuestaclass"},{"teacherId":7762461,"projectId":8983882,"letterContent":"My students were very excited when the art supplies came in. Their thoughts and imagination went wild. They are anxious to start working on art projects, pictures and whatever they feel they can do with the suppiels.\r\n The students are whispering to eachother about what they are going to paint on paper, canvas or cardboards. To hear and see the excitment on their faces bring joy to the classroom. \r\n The joy of you surprising my students as well as myself was just an impact. My students wasn't expecting the supplies, but when they arrived they jumped for joy. The usage of the supplies will be more than appreciative.","fullyFundedDate":1741099896196,"projectUrl":"project/lets-make-a-portriat/8983882/","projectTitle":"Let's Make A Portriat","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Minnis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7762461_orig.jpg?crop=1000,1000,x596,y816&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1719880936713","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7762461"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_94185","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1304,"numTeachers":71,"percentFrplEligible":68,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":9,"percentWhite":2,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":86,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"4 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"18.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_FRINGE"},"inStateSupporters":73.7,"schoolId":94185,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about South Dade Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"South Dade Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/florida/miami-dade-county-public-schools/south-dade-middle-school/94185"}
Join the 95 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
South Dade Middle School is
a rural public school
in Homestead, Florida that is part of Miami-Dade County Public Schools.
It serves 1,304 students
in grades 4 - 8 with a student/teacher ratio of 18.4:1.
Its teachers have had 66 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Boost support for our school's classrooms. Share this page with friends and family who want to make a difference. If you're a teacher, sign up to get started!
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. Each classroom request for funding was created by a classroom teacher and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
of students receive free or reduced price lunch
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
Source: the National Center for Education Statistics
95%
of students are Black, Latino, Native
American, or Asian
Data about school demographics comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. The numbers in this chart may not add up to 100% because of limitations in the available data.
South Dade Middle School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Dec 4, 2025
DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students
in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.
South Dade Middle School
$31,714
raised using DonorsChoose
66
projects
funded
18
teachers
funded
95
donors
3
projects
for
basic supplies
15
projects for
technology
3
projects for
books
4
projects
for
art supplies
South Dade Middle School has received support from
70 individuals from Florida and
25 individuals out-of-state.