{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Taft Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":32.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8632056,"projectId":9849650,"letterContent":"Thanks to the generosity of our donors, our new speaker has quickly become one of the most loved pieces of equipment in our PE program! Our students especially love listening to music while they run their mile each week. The music helps create a positive and energetic atmosphere, keeps students motivated, and makes the weekly mile something they look forward to.\r\n\r\nThe impact has been especially meaningful for my SPED students. They have truly gravitated toward the speaker and even created a playlist specifically for their class. They as to use the speaker almost every day, and it has become something that helps make their PE experience more enjoyable, engaging, and personal. Seeing their excitement and enthusiasm has been wonderful.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping us create a fun, welcoming, and motivating environment for all of our students. Your generosity has made a difference far beyond simply providing a speaker, it has brought music, motivation, and joy into our gym every day!","fullyFundedDate":1766082427180,"projectUrl":"project/motivating-every-move-a-speaker-for-stu/9849650/","projectTitle":"Motivating Every Move: a Speaker for Student Success","teacherDisplayName":"Coach K","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8632056_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1774628137275","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8632056"},{"teacherId":8829138,"projectId":10377478,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom is now fully equipped with tools that support every aspect of our learning day. Students use the magnetic notebook paper on the whiteboard during whole-group instruction to practice letter formation and sentence structure together. During independent reading time, students use the reading guide strips to stay focused on line-by-line text, which has significantly boosted reading confidence for my struggling readers. Our new pencil sharpener, staples, and tape keep our daily routines running seamlessly, and having healthy snacks on hand ensures no student has to try to learn on an empty stomach.\r\n\r\nWhen the packages arrived, the excitement was immediate. The kids cheered when they saw the snacks, and their eyes widened when they saw the bright reading guide strips and magnetic paper. One of my students immediately raised their hand and asked, \"Are these strips going to help me read better?\" Knowing that people outside our classroom cared enough to send us these brand-new supplies made my students feel incredibly special, valued, and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nNow that these daily essentials are integrated into our routine, students are using their reading guide strips and markers to navigate our narrative writing unit. Over the next few weeks, they will highlight key vocabulary, organize their draft thoughts on the magnetic paper as a class, and tape together their final published stories to display in the hallway.\r\n\r\nYour support removed daily stress, kept our classroom organized, and directly helped my students focus on learning. Thank you for making a difference!","fullyFundedDate":1785968070369,"projectUrl":"project/back-to-school-basics-for-my-classroom/10377478/","projectTitle":"Back-to-School Basics for My Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Onyegbule","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8829138_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1671560375198","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8829138"},{"teacherId":1192910,"projectId":10123205,"letterContent":"These resources have made a positive difference in my students' learning, confidence, and engagement. The leveled reading materials, manipulatives, and digital literacy tools have allowed me to provide instruction that better meets each student's individual needs. \r\n\r\nStudents are becoming more confident readers while strengthening their fluency, comprehension, and critical-thinking skills. The hands-on materials have made learning more engaging and have encouraged students to participate, practice new skills, and work more independently. Most importantly, these resources have helped create meaningful learning experiences where students can experience success, recognize their progress, and develop a greater excitement for reading and learning.","fullyFundedDate":1774013963540,"projectUrl":"project/building-strong-readers-after-school-tu/10123205/","projectTitle":"Building Strong Readers: After-School Tutoring for 7th Grade","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Pena","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1192910_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y432&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1775219781679","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1192910"},{"teacherId":8584647,"projectId":6676767,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support and for investing in my students and our classroom. Your contribution to our \"Incredible Classroom\" project has made a meaningful difference in the environment my students experience each day. Because of your generosity, I have been able to create a classroom that promotes academic achievement, collaboration, leadership, character development, inclusion, and a positive mindset. Most importantly, these resources have helped my students understand that their classroom is a place where they are valued, supported, and encouraged to grow.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the new materials and resources, they were excited and curious about how we would use them. Their excitement created an immediate sense of ownership for our classroom. We have used the resources during collaborative learning activities, partner sharing, classroom discussions, independent work, and activities that encourage students to communicate with and learn from one another. These opportunities have helped students become more comfortable sharing their ideas, asking questions, supporting their classmates, and becoming active participants in their learning.\r\n\r\nOne of the greatest impacts of this project has been the positive environment it has helped us build. Positive affirmations and encouraging messages remind students that their mindset matters. Students are learning that mistakes are opportunities to learn, improve, and continue growing. In our classroom, we celebrate effort, progress, achievement, kindness, perseverance, and personal growth. As students recognize their own accomplishments, they are also learning to encourage and celebrate their classmates.\r\n\r\nOur classroom has also become a space where collaboration and inclusion are important. Principals, volunteers, and other members of our school community have visited and participated in our learning environment. These interactions show students that they have a community of adults who care about their education and success. They also reinforce the importance of creating an inclusive environment where every student has an opportunity to contribute, participate, learn, and feel a sense of belonging.\r\n\r\nAnother important focus is developing leadership and character. My students are learning that leadership can be demonstrated in many ways, including helping a classmate, participating in lessons, making responsible decisions, showing respect, demonstrating good sportsmanship, and persevering through challenges. Students can also demonstrate leadership through athletics and other school activities. These experiences help them understand that the character and habits they develop in the classroom can positively influence other areas of their lives.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, we will continue using these resources to strengthen academic achievement while developing confident, responsible, and collaborative learners. Students will continue participating in partner sharing, collaborative activities, positive affirmations, and leadership opportunities. I look forward to seeing them recognize their academic growth and become confident in their abilities.\r\n\r\nMy goal is to help my students grow academically while shaping positive, resilient, and responsible young people. I want them to understand that their effort, mindset, character, and choices matter. Your support has helped make this possible.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students and helping us create a classroom where they can learn, lead, collaborate, achieve, and grow.","fullyFundedDate":1663688230808,"projectUrl":"project/incredible-classroom/6676767/","projectTitle":"Incredible Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. A. Jones","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8584647_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1661470552952","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8584647"},{"teacherId":9609899,"projectId":9398610,"letterContent":"Words cannot explain how your donation has benefited the flow of my classroom. Having tools and supplies for the kids to use, as well as things that help me work in the background to better their learning, has been a blessing. \r\n\r\nThe markers have been well-loved, the pencils are dwindling with use, and the number of things you wouldn't realize I use hot-glue for has gone up. (Surprisingly, a lot of glasses are being put back together day-by-day...)\r\n\r\nThese may seem like basic things to keep stocked in a classroom, but with how fast we tend to go through things around here, it's very helpful to have the supplies without having to take a visit to the store every other week. \r\n\r\nAgain, I appreciate all you've donated and the support you've helped provide. You are amazing!","fullyFundedDate":1758816757901,"projectUrl":"project/tools-for-tomorrow/9398610/","projectTitle":"Tools for Tomorrow","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Carpenter","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9609899_orig.jpg?crop=576,576,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1733766419812","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9609899"},{"teacherId":9609899,"projectId":9230191,"letterContent":"So sorry for the late thanks, but your gifts were not forgotten and were well appreciated! Thanks to your help, I was able to give the kids something to use to help counter the long stretch of the day in chairs and learning. \r\n\r\nAs the year went on, we had a great routine with the students who benefitted from the resource, and were able to use them during tests, independent work, and silent activities where talking wasn't a way to get some energy out. \r\n\r\nI've also had kids come to me, sharing how the small redirection for when they are struggling to keep to themselves in a day, really gave them a better idea of regulation. \r\n\r\nI can confirm I'm not the only one thankful for your help and consideration when donating to our students. Thanks again for helping this teacher and her students out :)","fullyFundedDate":1746042472245,"projectUrl":"project/fidget-fun/9230191/","projectTitle":"Fidget Fun!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Carpenter","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9609899_orig.jpg?crop=576,576,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1733766419812","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9609899"},{"teacherId":9912620,"projectId":9824486,"letterContent":"Our students have been using the uniforms during track meets, and it has made a huge difference. When they first put on the white shirts and spandex, you could immediately see a change. They stood taller, looked more confident, and really felt like a team. One moment that stood out was watching them line up at a meet there was a sense of pride and excitement that wasn't there before.\r\n\r\nTheir reaction was honestly one of the best parts. They were excited, smiling, and some even said they finally felt like \"real athletes.\" It boosted their confidence not just in how they looked, but in how they performed.\r\n\r\nThe walkie-talkies have also been a big help for us coaches during meets. With everything going on, it's made communication so much easier and helps us stay organized and support the athletes when they need us.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, we're excited to keep building on this momentum at future meets. The confidence and pride these students now carry is something we'll continue to grow, and it's already making a positive impact on their performance and teamwork. Thank you so much for your support—it truly means a lot to our team!","fullyFundedDate":1766085112944,"projectUrl":"project/ready-set-go-helping-our-athletes-shi/9824486/","projectTitle":"Ready, Set, Go! Helping Our Athletes Shine This Season","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Lopez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9912620_orig.png?crop=558,558,x593,y76&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1785272858471","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9912620"},{"teacherId":8632056,"projectId":9955655,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our students are enjoying a healthier and more engaging classroom experience with our new snack resources! We are using the snacks to teach nutrition, teamwork, and responsibility. One recent highlight was when students worked together to plan a \"healthy snack day,\" choosing foods that met our nutrition guidelines and presenting their choices to the class.\r\n\r\nThe students' reactions when they first saw the snacks were priceless—eyes wide, smiles everywhere, and excited chatter about trying new foods and learning why they are good for them. Your contribution gave them a peek into a classroom where learning is hands-on, fun, and meaningful.\r\n\r\nNext, I hope to continue this project every year and fuel hungry minds. Your gift keeps inspiring curiosity, learning, and healthy habits every day.","fullyFundedDate":1766082424024,"projectUrl":"project/snack-attack-fueling-hungry-minds/9955655/","projectTitle":"Snack Attack: Fueling Hungry Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Coach K","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8632056_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1774628137275","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8632056"},{"teacherId":9282135,"projectId":9458587,"letterContent":"On behalf of our student-athletes, coaching staff, and school community, I want to sincerely thank you for your generous donation of two power racks to our program. Your support is already making a lasting impact on our students and the culture of our weight room.\r\n\r\nThese power racks have transformed the way we train. With more safe and reliable equipment available, our athletes are now able to perform foundational strength movements safely and effectively. Most importantly, it ensures that more students can train at the same time without long waits, maximizing every minute of our workouts.\r\n\r\nThank you again for believing in our students and helping us build something special.","fullyFundedDate":1753808512875,"projectUrl":"project/weight-room-upgrade/9458587/","projectTitle":"Weight Room Upgrade","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Sumners","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9282135_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1750279361561","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9282135"},{"teacherId":9282135,"projectId":9381689,"letterContent":"On behalf of everyone on the wrestling team, thank you for your generous donation to support the purchase of kettlebells. Your gift has already made a meaningful impact, and we are truly grateful for your commitment to our program.\r\nBecause of your support, our participants now have access to high-quality kettlebells that allow us to safely and effectively build strength, improve conditioning, and teach proper movement fundamentals. These tools have expanded what we are able to do during practive and have helped create a more engaging and challenging experience for everyone involved.\r\nMore importantly, your generosity goes beyond equipment. It supports confidence, discipline, and growth. We are seeing participants push themselves, set goals, and take pride in their progress and that would not be possible without donors like you who believe in our mission.\r\nThank you again for investing in our program and in the people we serve. We are proud to put your gift to work every day, and we look forward to continuing to share the positive impact your support makes.","fullyFundedDate":1756083996758,"projectUrl":"project/kettlebells-for-student-athletes/9381689/","projectTitle":"Kettlebells for Student-Athletes","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Sumners","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9282135_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1750279361561","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9282135"},{"teacherId":10228108,"projectId":9779558,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous contribution to my classroom. As a first-year teacher, the transition into the profession can be challenging, and having the support of donors like you has made a profound impact on my inaugural year.\r\n\r\nIn education, reinforcing positive behavior is essential for student success. Since introducing these new resources, I have seen a marked improvement in my students' engagement and the overall classroom environment.\r\n\r\nIn the middle school world, Takis are incredibly high-value rewards! By integrating them into our PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) system, students earn points for meeting behavioral expectations and can 'purchase' them as a reward. This has proven to be a powerful motivator for my students to stay on track.\r\n\r\nThe brain erasers have also been a fantastic addition to our academic culture. I award these during 'Aha!' moments or to celebrate academic growth, which encourages a true love for learning. Furthermore, the stickers have become a staple of our 'popcorn-style' questioning; they provide immediate, tangible feedback that keeps the energy high and participation active.\r\n\r\nNone of this would have been possible without your kindness. Thank you for investing in my students and helping me create a positive, rewarding place for them to learn.","fullyFundedDate":1759545162397,"projectUrl":"project/rewarding-learning/9779558/","projectTitle":"Rewarding Learning!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wackler","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10228108"},{"teacherId":8632056,"projectId":9549767,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our Snack Attack project! Your generous donations of healthy, high-energy snacks have made an immediate difference in our classroom. With these new resources, students can grab a snack when they need a boost, helping them stay focused, energized, and ready to learn throughout the day.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nMy students were thrilled when they saw the variety of snacks available to them. Their faces lit up with excitement, and many shared how having these options helps them feel more prepared and supported. It has created a positive, encouraging atmosphere where students know their needs are cared for, allowing them to stay engaged and confident during lessons.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAs we continue this project, we hope to keep our snack station stocked so every student has consistent access to these essential learning tools. Your kindness has set the foundation, and we look forward to building on it with continued support throughout the year. Thank you again for believing in our students and helping us create a classroom where all learners can thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1760102798990,"projectUrl":"project/snack-attack-fueling-hungry-minds/9549767/","projectTitle":"Snack Attack: Fueling Hungry Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Coach K","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8632056_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1774628137275","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8632056"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_87044","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1029,"numTeachers":46,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":5,"percentBlack":8,"percentWhite":8,"percentIndigenous":1,"percentLatinx":68,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":6,"gradesServed":"5 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"22.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":67.2,"schoolId":87044,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Taft Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Taft Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/oklahoma/oklahoma-city-school-district/taft-middle-school/87044"}