{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Spring - Ford Eighth Grade Center","outOfStateSupporters":13.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10022315,"projectId":9761280,"letterContent":"I would like to take the time to share gratitude for your selfless contributions towards making our dramatic class readings more engaging. Each of the props that were supplied to all ten Reading classes now have the ability to immerse themselves into their roles, leading to positive learning experiences that shape the paths of readers forever!\r\n\r\nIf you were able to see the way the faces of these students lit up upon seeing the props, you would understand how meaningful these are to build the strong foundation of reading. When we read \"The Odyssey,\" King Odysseus was able to return to Ithaca with a true crown, not the paper crown we used last year (after multiple retapes). Through these props, students are able to literally bring to life these depictions of characters that will shape their understanding of the reading.\r\n\r\nThank you again for allowing my students to embrace such an unique opportunity that will shape their paths as readers for the better!","fullyFundedDate":1759264363720,"projectUrl":"project/setting-the-scene-prop-funding-for-8th/9761280/","projectTitle":"Setting the Scene: Prop Funding for 8th Grade Play Reading","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Savage","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10022315_orig.jpg?crop=1242,1242,x0,y658&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746708748063","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10022315"},{"teacherId":10022315,"projectId":9328085,"letterContent":"I want to take a moment to reflect on how your selfless contribution has positively impacted my Reading classroom. By supporting the fund, you allowed for students to have more options for what they can read. In my class, students must read a book of their choosing for each marking period. When books best fit their interests, students engage better with the material, resulting in a strong foundation for enduring readers!\r\n\r\nThere have been countless books checked out from the classroom library that were not there last year - like \"Travel Team\" and \"Allegiant\". These titles, along with many others, are building the experiences necessary to not only explore story elements, but to develop a passion for reading. \r\n\r\nThis letter feels so little in comparison to what you have contributed to each students' reading journey. So, with the utmost sincerity and gratitude that words can muster, I thank you dearly for your contributions.","fullyFundedDate":1755084881807,"projectUrl":"project/student-selections-for-mr-savages-clas/9328085/","projectTitle":"Student Selections for Mr. Savage's Classroom Library!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Savage","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10022315_orig.jpg?crop=1242,1242,x0,y658&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746708748063","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10022315"},{"teacherId":9779603,"projectId":9328068,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the donated books. It is so important to put good literature in kids' hands so they can become excited about reading. I have over 200 students, and each quarter they self select a book to read and complete projects. Of course they are also encouraged to read more than one book a quarter. Inf act, we have a challenge for them to read 25 books by the end of the school year.\r\n\r\nMany of these books replaced ones that had been loved so much they were falling apart. Other books have been requested or students had brought books from home and I wanted to offer them to students who did not have that opportunity.\r\n\r\nWhenever a kid says they don't like to read, I always tell them they just haven't found the right book yet! It is so imperative to have a wide selection of books to meet the various needs and interests of all the different kids! We hope to inspire a love of reading and an appreciation for all it has to offer as they get prepared for high school and beyond.","fullyFundedDate":1755084881736,"projectUrl":"project/we-love-our-library/9328068/","projectTitle":"We love our library!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hillegas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9779603_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y386&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746185848121","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9779603"},{"teacherId":9538479,"projectId":9391539,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for contributing to this project. I know middle schoolers have a reputation for not liking anything but you should see their faces light up when they realize they get an extra treat on their birthday. They love wearing their birthday sticker or bracelet or using their new birthday pencil. It is a chance for them to tell everyone it is their birthday and to have a little celebration just for them. \r\n\r\nThank you again for your support. With an average class size of 650-700 students even a small treat gets costly quick. We would not be able to provide these little extras without your support. A birthday sticker may not seem like a lot but it really brightens the students day. \r\n\r\nThank you.","fullyFundedDate":1759264363951,"projectUrl":"project/birthday-celebrations/9391539/","projectTitle":"Birthday Celebrations","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Pinard","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9538479_orig.jpg?crop=504,504,x657,y52&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1715868788037","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9538479"},{"teacherId":9538479,"projectId":9576594,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of this project. It is these little extras that keep the classroom running smoothly, and make students excited to come to class. It doesn't seem like a lot but it truly makes a big difference. \r\n\r\nMy Reading Olympics team was so excited to see the new books on the list. They are particularly excited for \"Attack of the Black Rectangles.\" Our first project went so smoothly since now we had enough fine point markers for everyone and students weren't wasting time waiting for their turn. \r\n\r\nWith cold and flu season upon us the tissues are used daily! I even have enough to put boxes in multiple spots in the classroom so students don't always have to walk up front, causing a disruption. \r\n\r\nThank you again for your generous support.","fullyFundedDate":1759264365992,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-kick-off/9576594/","projectTitle":"Classroom Kick Off","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Pinard","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9538479_orig.jpg?crop=504,504,x657,y52&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1715868788037","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9538479"},{"teacherId":8494935,"projectId":9508918,"letterContent":"Thank you for your support of our Back to School Boost project. Your contributions made a meaningful difference in our classrooms this year, helping us create an engaging, encouraging, and inclusive learning environment for every student.\r\n\r\nUsing your donation, we were able to provide reward prizes and learning incentives that the students were very excited to earn. The Back to School Boost initiative aimed to motivate learners—especially those who face challenges with reading and staying focused—by incorporating positive reinforcement and hands-on learning tools. These items have become some of the most loved rewards in the classroom! Students enjoy earning them through participation, reading progress, and consistent effort. \r\n\r\nFidget tools have also proven to be incredibly helpful for focus. For many learners, having a small, quiet outlet for movement allows them to channel energy in a positive way and maintain concentration for longer periods. We have noticed that students who use these tools appropriately are more relaxed and attentive during lessons. Rather than being distractions, they have become valuable classroom aids that support self-regulation and focus.\r\n\r\nYour generosity goes a long way. Thank you for investing in our students' growth, for recognizing the importance of engagement, and for helping us begin this school year with a true boost. We could not have done it without you.","fullyFundedDate":1759264365222,"projectUrl":"project/back-to-school-boost/9508918/","projectTitle":"Back to School Boost","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ferko","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8494935_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1655132600253","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8494935"},{"teacherId":10020926,"projectId":9697534,"letterContent":"Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your incredible support of our classroom through DonorsChoose. Your donation has made a real, tangible difference in the lives of my students. Because of your kindness, we were able to bring in executive functioning activities and rewards that have already begun to transform the way our classroom runs — and how our students see themselves as learners and individuals.\r\n\r\nThe materials you funded included a wide range of executive functioning games and engaging incentives for positive behavior and task completion. These resources have already become a vital part of our daily routines. Students are learning how to break down large tasks into manageable steps, how to self-monitor their focus and emotions, and how to work more independently — skills that empower them far beyond the walls of our classroom.\r\nOne of the biggest changes I've seen is in how students respond to challenges. Before, it was common for many to give up when they felt overwhelmed. Now, they are using strategies learned through our executive functioning activities to persevere, ask for help, or take a short mindful break and return to the task. Students who once struggled to begin assignments are now initiating work with confidence, and some are even helping their peers stay on track!\r\nThe reward system, which includes both tangible incentives and classroom privileges, has been a tremendous motivator. More importantly, it reinforces that their efforts to grow and develop better habits are seen and valued. Students beam with pride when they earn a reward for using a planner effectively for a week or staying focused during independent work time. It's not just about the prize — it's about the sense of accomplishment and recognition.\r\nBecause of your generosity, we've created a culture in our classroom that celebrates growth, effort, and responsibility. These skills don't just support academic success — they build resilience, self-awareness, and confidence. You didn't just fund a project; you've invested in the long-term development of every student in this room.\r\nThank you once again for believing in my students and in the power of education. Your kindness and generosity have made a lasting impact, and we are all deeply grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1759264367186,"projectUrl":"project/reading-and-executive-functioning-needs/9697534/","projectTitle":"Reading and Executive Functioning Needs","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ott","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10020926"},{"teacherId":8494935,"projectId":9363004,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for our Clubs and Roject restock. We are gearing up to start Reading Olympics next month. The cart that was purchased through this project will help provide the students in club and our classroom with access to some great titles that include multiple perspectives, types of writing and more. In November, homeroom clubs will begin. We have already started to pump students up for Friendship Bracelet Club. This is a great opportunity for students to express creativity, work on their social skills and have some fun! Students are thrilled with the basketballs and will enjoy the engaging activities we will use them with to support their learning and keep them up and active. \r\nWe appreciate your continued support for our community's classrooms. You truly make the world of difference!","fullyFundedDate":1755737280590,"projectUrl":"project/project-and-club-restock/9363004/","projectTitle":"Project and Club Restock","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ferko","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8494935_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1655132600253","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8494935"},{"teacherId":9779603,"projectId":9225404,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity! The bins and markers are greatly appreciated! I started off the school year with these supplies and it's made the beginning run so smoothly. I am more organized with the paper bins. I use them in my closet to store the magazines we use throughout the year. I was storing them in a filing cabinet, and they are not sturdy enough and would curl up. These bins allow me to have the magazines last longer since we use some of the stories year after year.\r\n\r\nThe kids thought the supply bins at each table were really cool! We have journal activities to complete and they use the markers provided by you to make their assignments colorful and creative. The fact that they don't have to buy their own or keep getting out of their seats to get them allows them to just focus on the assignment. It's a nice break from screen time and some of them are so artistic!","fullyFundedDate":1746490023901,"projectUrl":"project/creative-corner/9225404/","projectTitle":"Creative Corner","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hillegas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9779603_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y386&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746185848121","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9779603"},{"teacherId":9538479,"projectId":9306823,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support. While it is wonderful that the Montgomery County Reading Olympics Program puts out a new book list every year, that does put a strain on schools as we try to find copies of the books for students to read. \r\n\r\nYour support means we can start the year off with copies of every book on the list. Students can jump right in to prepping for the competition, giving us a competitive edge. \r\n\r\nThese books are consistently strong examples of excellent middle grade literature. They are a gift to have in the classroom. Thank you.","fullyFundedDate":1746490024238,"projectUrl":"project/reading-olympics-book-bonanza/9306823/","projectTitle":"Reading Olympics Book Bonanza","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Pinard","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9538479_orig.jpg?crop=504,504,x657,y52&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1715868788037","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9538479"},{"teacherId":9538479,"projectId":9306732,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donations. As you can imagine, 8th graders aren't always the most gentle with materials. Having these book repair supplies allows us to mend torn covers and reinforce weak spines so that books can be checked out and enjoyed by many students. \r\n\r\nThese supplies are accessible for all 8th grade reading teachers so your donation goes beyond just my students and actually benefits all of the current 8th graders. It is also much appreciated by my fellow teachers. \r\n\r\nI know these items aren't the most flashy, but they truly do make such a big difference. Thank you.","fullyFundedDate":1746490024125,"projectUrl":"project/book-repair-restock/9306732/","projectTitle":"Book Repair Restock","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Pinard","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9538479_orig.jpg?crop=504,504,x657,y52&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1715868788037","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9538479"},{"teacherId":8494935,"projectId":9307077,"letterContent":"I wanted to take a moment to thank you for your generous contribution to our Reading Olympics Library Project. We received all of the books for next year's club. I cannot wait until our group of students come in with access to all of these amazing titles. I also am really looking forward to spending the next few months preparing for our club.\r\nOne of the things I enjoy about Reading Olympics is the diverse set of books that are included in the list. It is important for students to see themselves in what they are reading and to experience new perspectives. In addition, the list also provides many different genres and formats. There is something for everyone, but also opportunities and exposure to new text as well. \r\nThank you again for your generosity and support. You make such a big difference in our success!","fullyFundedDate":1746490024010,"projectUrl":"project/reading-olympics-library-2025-2026/9307077/","projectTitle":"Reading Olympics Library 2025-2026","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ferko","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8494935_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1655132600253","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8494935"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_90549","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":672,"numTeachers":48,"percentFrplEligible":18,"percentAsian":13,"percentBlack":4,"percentWhite":70,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":6,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"8 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"14.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":86.4,"schoolId":90549,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Spring - Ford Eighth Grade Center on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Spring - Ford Eighth Grade Center","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/pennsylvania/spring-ford-area-sch-district/spring-ford-mid-8th-grade-ctr/90549"}