{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"West Side Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":41.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10258050,"projectId":10090619,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity and support of our 7th grade classroom. Because of your kindness, our students now walk into a learning environment that feels welcoming, engaging, and exciting every single day.\r\nThe new resources have already made a huge impact in our classroom. The LED lights, bulletin board borders, fake plants, and Ancient Civilizations posters have completely transformed the atmosphere of the room into a space where students feel comfortable and motivated to learn. The command hooks are helping us stay organized by giving students a place to neatly hang their headphones, while the magnets are allowing us to proudly display student work around the classroom. Students especially love the spinning prize wheel, which we use as a fun positive reinforcement tool to celebrate participation, effort, and teamwork. The expo markers are also being used daily during collaborative activities and review games. \r\nWhen students first walked into the updated classroom, their reactions were priceless. Many immediately noticed the new decorations and lights and commented that the room felt \"calm,\" \"fun,\" and \"different from other classrooms.\" Several students excitedly explored the Ancient Civilizations posters and began asking questions before class even started. Seeing their excitement and pride in our classroom space was such a meaningful moment. Some classes even got to help open the packages as they arrived, which was really fun for them. \r\nCurrently, students are continuing to learn about Ancient Civilizations through interactive projects, discussions, and collaborative activities. As we move forward, students will be using these resources during upcoming lessons where they analyze historical events, create classroom displays, and participate in review games and group competitions. Our goal is to continue building a classroom environment where students feel valued, engaged, and excited to learn every day.\r\nThank you again for investing in our students and helping create a positive space where they can grow academically and socially. Your support truly makes a difference.","fullyFundedDate":1778037871241,"projectUrl":"project/creating-a-welcoming-world-history-class/10090619/","projectTitle":"Creating a Welcoming World History Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Baldwin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10258050_orig.jpg?crop=1440,1440,x0,y163&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757685952701","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10258050"},{"teacherId":10229350,"projectId":9810400,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my DonorsChoose project, \"Igniting Curiosity: Exploratory STEM Days for Middle Schoolers.\" Because of your generosity, my gifted middle school students now have access to hands-on STEM activities that challenge their thinking, spark their creativity, and fuel their love of learning.\r\nYour contribution has helped transform our classroom into a space where curiosity leads the way. Instead of simply learning about scientific concepts from a textbook, students are now designing, building, experimenting, and problem-solving in meaningful ways. Whether they are engineering solutions, exploring technology tools, or diving into collaborative challenges, they are developing critical thinking and perseverance skills that will serve them far beyond our classroom.\r\nOne of the most exciting parts of these Exploratory STEM Days has been watching students take ownership of their learning. They are asking deeper questions, testing bold ideas, learning from failure, and celebrating their discoveries. Your support has given them the opportunity to experience STEM not just as subjects to study, but as pathways to innovation and possibility.\r\nOn behalf of my students and our entire classroom community, thank you for believing in their potential. Your generosity is helping ignite curiosity today that will shape the problem-solvers, creators, and leaders of tomorrow.\r\nWith heartfelt gratitude,","fullyFundedDate":1767022049462,"projectUrl":"project/igniting-curiosity-exploratory-stem-day/9810400/","projectTitle":"Igniting Curiosity: Exploratory STEM Days for Middle Schoolers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ransbottom","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10229350_orig.jpg?crop=1242,1242,x0,y335&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756819026638","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-ransbottom"},{"teacherId":2947920,"projectId":9595697,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our students during an important and often stressful testing season. Because of your generosity, we were able to add to our rewards room where students could relax, recharge, and celebrate their hard work.\r\n\r\nStudents enjoyed hands-on creative activities, calming art projects, indoor sports games, and snacks — all of which helped reduce stress and build a positive sense of community after testing. The space provided a healthy outlet for movement, creativity, and connection, allowing students to decompress and return to class feeling refreshed and supported.\r\n\r\nThe Fire tablets and water bottles will be awarded to students at the end of the year as incentives and reminders that their effort and perseverance matter.\r\n\r\nYour kindness helped create an environment where students felt valued, motivated, and proud of their accomplishments. Thank you for making a meaningful difference in their school experience.","fullyFundedDate":1765373569568,"projectUrl":"project/keep-our-students-in-class/9595697/","projectTitle":"Keep Our Students in Class!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Wilkinson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2947920_orig.jpg?crop=1590,1590,x725,y23&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1683119938496","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2947920"},{"teacherId":10229350,"projectId":9673974,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom project, \"STEM + Stitches = Wild New Species!\" Your generosity made something truly magical happen in our gifted classroom.\r\nBecause of you, my students were able to take their imaginative hybrid species from research and sketches all the way to fully sewn 3D creatures they proudly created and took home. Many of my students are typically reluctant learners, but this project transformed the room — they were engaged, focused, excited, and incredibly proud of themselves. You helped them experience STEM, art, problem-solving, and hands-on craftsmanship all in one meaningful project.\r\nYour support didn't just provide materials; it gave my students the confidence to try something new, the joy of seeing their ideas come to life, and the pride of creating something totally unique from start to finish. The smiles, the teamwork, and the \"I can't believe I made this!\" moments were priceless.\r\nThank you for believing in my students and making this project possible. You made a real difference, and we appreciate you more than words can say.","fullyFundedDate":1758104931179,"projectUrl":"project/stem-stitches-wild-new-species/9673974/","projectTitle":"STEM + Stitches = Wild New Species!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ransbottom","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10229350_orig.jpg?crop=1242,1242,x0,y335&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756819026638","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-ransbottom"},{"teacherId":9298622,"projectId":9697809,"letterContent":"Thanks to you my students now have a brand new piece of technology that they are able to use. This engraver is used to create and design different items that not only showcase each students unique vision and talent but also help fund school activities. \r\n\r\nNot only is the machine itself important, but the software and the engineering skills that they acquire from the design process as well. Because of this West Side students will have a leg up as they enter into the next phase of their lives. \r\n\r\nThey will have a variety of marketable skills and experience with many different types of machines and software and this will lead to them being able to accept better offers from potential employers.","fullyFundedDate":1758104931435,"projectUrl":"project/west-side-middle-wants-a-laser-engraver/9697809/","projectTitle":"West Side Middle Wants A Laser Engraver","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kirk","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9298622"},{"teacherId":10258050,"projectId":9710054,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation. As soon as my students saw the supplies, their faces lit up with excitement and curiosity—they couldn't wait to dive in! Your kindness truly brought joy and energy into our classroom. My students love any activity that is hands-on and allows for creativity, which is exactly what this project was all about. \r\nUsing the Play-Doh and toothpicks, my students created their own clay tablets, just like the ones used thousands of years ago. They carefully translated their names and initials into cuneiform, the ancient writing system, and proudly etched them into their tablets. It was amazing to watch their creativity and engagement as history came alive before their eyes. It was definitely the best activity I have done this school year and my classroom was filled with smiles, positive attitudes, and creativity. This project also really got the students thinking and engaged. \r\nLooking ahead, we're continuing our exploration of early civilizations. Now that students understand the basics of ancient communication, we're diving into how these societies influenced modern governments, laws, and culture. Your donation gave us more than just supplies—it helped build a deeper connection between the past and present in a way that my students will never forget. Thank you again for supporting our classroom and making such a meaningful impact. We are so thankful!","fullyFundedDate":1758104928894,"projectUrl":"project/make-ancient-civilizations-more-engaging/9710054/","projectTitle":"Make Ancient Civilizations More Engaging","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Baldwin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10258050_orig.jpg?crop=1440,1440,x0,y163&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757685952701","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10258050"},{"teacherId":6737510,"projectId":9681132,"letterContent":"The donated science materials have made a powerful impact on student learning in my health classroom. Before receiving these resources, many of my students had limited opportunities for hands-on science exploration. Now, they can actively engage in experiments, demonstrations, and group investigations that connect scientific concepts directly to real-life health topics. \r\nUsing lab equipment, models, and visual materials has helped students better understand how the body works, how nutrition affects wellness, and why healthy choices matter. \r\nThese interactive experiences have deepened comprehension, increased curiosity, and encouraged critical thinking. Students are now more enthusiastic about learning, more confident in discussing scientific ideas, and more capable of applying what they learn to their own lives and communities.","fullyFundedDate":1758104931682,"projectUrl":"project/science-in-health/9681132/","projectTitle":"Science in Health","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Scott","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6737510"},{"teacherId":10229350,"projectId":9661357,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom project! Because of you, my gifted students were able to rescue two bonded guinea pigs, Blueberry and Gooseberry, and give them a loving home in our classroom. The supplies you funded made it possible to provide everything they need to be safe, comfortable, and well cared for.\r\nWhen I first told my students that we were getting a class pet, their faces lit up with excitement. They immediately began researching guinea pig care and created \"how-to\" posters to make sure we were prepared. The day we introduced Blueberry and Gooseberry, the room was filled with joy, laughter, and curiosity—my students couldn't wait to welcome them.\r\nSince then, my students have taken ownership of feeding, brushing, and learning about their new furry friends. It has become a true classroom project that teaches responsibility, compassion, and teamwork. Our next steps include developing a rotating \"pet care team\" so that everyone gets a chance to be directly involved in caring for them.\r\nYour generosity has given my students not just classroom pets, but an opportunity to learn life skills and create lasting memories. Thank you for making this possible!","fullyFundedDate":1757426271971,"projectUrl":"project/one-pet-two-schools-joy-and-responsibi/9661357/","projectTitle":"One Pet, Two Schools: Joy and Responsibility for Gifted Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ransbottom","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10229350_orig.jpg?crop=1242,1242,x0,y335&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756819026638","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-ransbottom"},{"teacherId":1792630,"projectId":9175251,"letterContent":"We are using our materials to enhance music games and activities in the classroom. Musical Frogs is a fun way to review note values. Students \"jump\" the frogs into the bucket and add up how many points they earn based on the notes they were able to land in the bucket. For example; if a students lands a whole note, they get four points. if they land a quarter not they get one point. We used the play dough with my 6th grade and intellectually challenged students to craft notes, rests and clefs. Students created notes and then made different rhythms that they played.\r\n Students were excited to use the different things. It is much better than completing a review worksheet or doing a whole class activity. They like getting to participate in tactile learning and having the pieces needed to play the different games let them show off their competitive side as well.\r\n Our next steps are to keep using these as the years go on. Letting students have a variety of things to accomplish the learning objective lends itself to the students being able to understand what they are learning and help recognize it outside of the music classroom. Students enjoy having these \"game days\" and remember the information even after we have moved on to our next topic. Thank you for helping me take it beyond a \"mid\" experience for the students.","fullyFundedDate":1742241339518,"projectUrl":"project/help-middle-school-music-go-beyond-mid/9175251/","projectTitle":"Help Middle School Music Go Beyond \"Mid\"","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Bukovinsky","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-bukovinsky"},{"teacherId":9991435,"projectId":9550255,"letterContent":"On behalf of West Side Middle School, I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks for your generous donation on behalf of our initiative to \"Empower through Access.\"\r\n\r\nYour support plays a vital role in helping us meet the needs of our students and families. Thanks to your generosity, we are better equipped to tackle our attendance initiative and empower our students through electronics and hydration.\r\n\r\nDonations like yours are more than just gifts — they are an investment in the success and well-being of our students. Your kindness and commitment to our school community inspire us and make a lasting difference.\r\n\r\nThank you once again for your support. We truly appreciate your partnership in helping us ensure that every student has the resources and encouragement they need to succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1755261569332,"projectUrl":"project/empower-through-access/9550255/","projectTitle":"Empower through Access","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. McKinnon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9991435"},{"teacherId":6737510,"projectId":9573999,"letterContent":"My students and I will be using the new resources daily to bring our lessons to life. For example, during our recent unit, the students used the materials to create fun track and field activities. The equipment rack really helps save space and allows for more equipment to be played with when pulling the new rack out. Having the resources made the lesson more engaging and interactive.\r\n\r\nOne of my favorite moments happened when a small group of students worked together to demonstrate how different activities affect heart rate. Using the new materials, they built a chart to track their results, and they were so excited to share their findings with the rest of the class. It sparked a great discussion about healthy choices and teamwork.\r\n\r\nThe students were thrilled! Many of them couldn't believe the resources were \"just for us.\" They were curious, excited, and immediately wanted to start exploring. Their enthusiasm turned into motivation to dive deeper into the lessons","fullyFundedDate":1755037675332,"projectUrl":"project/active-learners/9573999/","projectTitle":"Active Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Scott","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6737510"},{"teacherId":6737510,"projectId":9584732,"letterContent":"The donated materials have made a tremendous impact on my classroom. Many of my students do not have access to basic school supplies or enrichment resources at home, so these donations have created new learning opportunities that were previously out of reach. \r\nWith these materials, students are more engaged, confident, and eager to participate in lessons. They can now complete hands-on projects, collaborate in small groups, and take pride in their work. The classroom feels more equitable and supportive, allowing every student—regardless of background—to succeed and feel valued. \r\nThese donations have not only improved academic performance but have also inspired my students to believe in their own potential","fullyFundedDate":1755692756095,"projectUrl":"project/better-health/9584732/","projectTitle":"Better Health","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Scott","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6737510"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_38984","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":374,"numTeachers":40,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":38,"percentWhite":46,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":1,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":13,"gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"9.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":58.3,"schoolId":38984,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about West Side Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"West Side Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/west-virginia/kanawha-county-school-district/stonewall-jackson-middle-school/38984"}