{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Taft Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":7.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10166962,"projectId":9570985,"letterContent":"Thank you for the sensory tiles, sensory stickers with different textures and Hexlight sensory lights. Each student was provided a sensory sticker to put on their computers that go with them from class to class. This allows them the sensory output they may need while sitting in a larger setting. The Hexlight sensory lights were attached to the wall so all students have access to the lights and use them to help them regulate themselves as needed. We decided as a class to glue the sensory liquid tiles to a counter top for all students to use as needed. The liquid tiles helps students manage emotions and improve focus.\r\n\r\nFor many of the students in my classroom, they need ways to help reduce stress, calm overstimulation and find ways to engage in the classroom around them. These tools have assisted students in emotional regulation, helped them build self-awareness, and support students in their social and communication skills. These tools help students get the input their sensory systems need to regulate themselves.","fullyFundedDate":1754932508437,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-tools-for-sensory-learners/9570985/","projectTitle":"Sensory Tools for Sensory Learners!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kane","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10166962"},{"teacherId":10174061,"projectId":9585311,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donation of the novel, Ghost, by Jason Reynolds. Ghost is a powerful story about a young middle school boy who is trying to find his way, fit in, and find his place. Ghost is the main character, and as we meet Ghost and get to know him, we discover he's a kid who has made mistakes and acts without thinking, which is what makes his character so believable and likable.\r\n\r\nTeaching Ghost at the beginning of the school year allows us to focus on various literary elements within the first month of school. We can focus on character development as we watch Ghost change and grow. We can observe how Ghost interacts with other characters within the text and discuss how these characters contribute to shaping Ghost into the person he is in the novel. We can also discuss real themes, values, and morals within the text. This text offers many opportunities for rich, authentic, and engaging discussions. These discussions allow students to share their viewpoints and understand how Ghost is thinking. These discussions also offer an opportunity for students to get to know one another as they discuss serious topics and events within the story. Ghost by Jason Reynolds is an engaging novel, and your generosity is appreciated.\r\nThank you,","fullyFundedDate":1755692765295,"projectUrl":"project/a-focus-on-literacy-with-the-novel-ghos/9585311/","projectTitle":"A Focus on Literacy with the Novel, Ghost","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Panoch","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10174061_orig.jpg?crop=307,307,x0,y167&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755261271965","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10174061"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_51654","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":593,"numTeachers":36,"percentFrplEligible":40,"percentAsian":2,"percentBlack":13,"percentWhite":67,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":7,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"16.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":92.9,"schoolId":51654,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Taft Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Taft Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/iowa/cedar-rapids-community-school-district/taft-middle-school/51654"}
Join the 28 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Taft Middle School is
an urban public school
in Cedar Rapids, Iowa that is part of Cedar Rapids Community School District.
It serves 593 students
in grades 6 - 8 with a student/teacher ratio of 16.5:1.
Its teachers have had 16 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Public School
Grades 6 - 8
593 Students
36 Teachers
5200 E Ave NWContact info is sourced from our partners at MDR Education, and DonorsChoose updates our site ahead of each school year.
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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
22%
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.
Taft Middle School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Dec 5, 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.
Taft Middle School
$10,501
raised using DonorsChoose
16
projects
funded
9
teachers
funded
28
donors
1
project
for
basic supplies
1
project for
technology
3
projects for
books
Taft Middle School has received support from
26 individuals from Iowa and
2 individuals out-of-state.