{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Taft Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":32.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"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://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8632056"},{"teacherId":9593837,"projectId":9448419,"letterContent":"My students were beyond grateful when they saw the items arrive. The fidget plushies have become our class pets, the art pouches have made our interactive notebooks a success, and the snacks have been a blessing for my students who need something to eat. This is just to name a few! The lamination sheets helped us have laminated awards for our assembly, so the kids are able to keep them for a long time. You have created memories that they will never forget! \r\n\r\nMy next step is to continue use the gracious gifts we have been given by having kids have resources to food, art supplies, stress fidgets, and much more. You have truly made this year feel special and my students see it in real time! Thank you for all of your support! This year couldn't have been any more special without you!","fullyFundedDate":1760102800071,"projectUrl":"project/year-2-part-2/9448419/","projectTitle":"Year 2: Part 2!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Phillips","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9593837_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1721080668962","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9593837"},{"teacherId":9926799,"projectId":9493218,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for making the Taft Zen Den a reality! The space had been underutilized with old tables and chairs. Creating this special area with comfy seating and lights has transformed the library.\r\n\r\nThe students have loved the Zen Den, and teachers and staff have loved it as well! Students are allowed to go to the Zen Den after checking out books when their classes come to the library. Students have also chosen to spend time in the Zen Den to relax during their lunch break. It is by far the most popular spot in the library. Another bonus of the Zen Den is it provides an incentive for students to make good choices in the library, because everyone wants to hang out in there. \r\n\r\nI also have teachers come to the library during their plan to work in the Zen Den. This has been a surprising and wonderful result! It gives those teachers a comfortable place to work away from their classrooms, and contributes to the library being a welcoming place for all.","fullyFundedDate":1755734892864,"projectUrl":"project/a-zen-den-for-tms/9493218/","projectTitle":"A Zen Den for TMS","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Walvoord","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9926799_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753332589491","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9926799"},{"teacherId":9919184,"projectId":9547474,"letterContent":"Receiving the binders has greatly impacted my classroom! Students are excited to have a physical place to keep all the material we use in class. Each binder was even personalized and decorated with a cover page to celebrate each students individuality. I believe this is extremely important for motivation. Moreover, students use the binders to keep track of their bell work, notes, and vocabulary. They are used to support students' learning process and overall goals, which sets them up for success.","fullyFundedDate":1755367651752,"projectUrl":"project/binders-needed/9547474/","projectTitle":"Binders Needed","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lainez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9919184"},{"teacherId":7465485,"projectId":9290599,"letterContent":"This project is packed with possibilities to enhance students learning experiences at school. Furthermore, this project includes products that will promote successful practices as an adult. First of all, the clam clip system will be used to keep students work organized. Often, students need to be able to refer back to their notes. They can use their notes to help them with their quizzes and when they are working on daily assignments. Also, when students can see a collection of work they produced they feel pride and a sense of accomplishment. \r\nStudents keep binders to track their work, grades, attendance, and more. The heavy duty hole puncher will help facilitate the organization of their binders. Many times students need a pencil. The pencils are a basic need that will be used for success while at school. The tape will be used to create borders for the word wall and much more. The tape is also used to label supplies, storage areas, and desks. \r\nStudents do some of their work through on-line programs. This work is self-paced. This creates a need for the headphones so students can have sound. \r\nLast but not least, the calculators are a basic tool needed for math class. For example, the students do pencil and paper assignments along with the on-line assignments. They use handheld calculators when doing daily paper and pencil assignments and some like to use them when they are working on the computer programs. The calculators help them check for accuracy which reinforces students confidence when practicing math skills. We appreciate the items from this proposal and send our sincere thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1747200333412,"projectUrl":"project/soft-headphones-basic-supplies-and-a-s/9290599/","projectTitle":"Soft Headphones, Basic Supplies, and a Smile!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Aikman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7465485"},{"teacherId":8704233,"projectId":9528572,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to \"Big Dreams, New Words: A Path to Confidence and Communication\". Your support has made an incredible difference in the language learning journey of my newcomer students.\r\nThe materials you provided have transformed our classroom. The notebooks provide my students with a space to practice writing and keep track of new vocabulary words. The magnetic letters and trays have made phonics lessons more engaging and hands-on. Students enjoy moving the letters around, sounding out words, and seeing how letters come together to form meaning.\r\nThe headphones with microphones have been game-changers. Students can now practice listening and speaking at their own pace, repeating words and phrases until they feel confident. Hearing themselves speak has helped them notice their own progress and build confidence in using the English language. The whiteboards and markers allow students to practice without worrying about mistakes—they can erase and try again as many times as needed.\r\nWhat I appreciate most is seeing my students' resilience and determination every day. They come to class ready to work with their pencils, notebooks, and the phonics games. Your donation has helped speed up their learning process. Students are more engaged and enjoying the learning experience. There's real happiness in the classroom when students successfully sound out a word or complete a writing activity.\r\nThank you for believing in my students and providing them with these essential learning tools. Your generosity has made their adjustment to a new language and a new country a little easier and a lot more hopeful.","fullyFundedDate":1755958624830,"projectUrl":"project/big-dreams-new-words-a-path-to-confide/9528572/","projectTitle":"Big Dreams, New Words: A Path to Confidence and Communication","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lilley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8704233"},{"teacherId":10072385,"projectId":9449223,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom at Taft through the interactive notebook project. These notebooks have truly transformed the way our students engage with learning . \r\n\r\nWith the interactive notebooks, students have become more organized, creative, and confident in expressing their ideas. They eagerly participate in lessons, enjoy hands-on activities, ans show greater enthusiasm for exploring new concepts. Many students have shared how much they love personalizing their notebooks, which makes learning feel more meaningful and fun. \r\n\r\nThe positive energy and excitement in the classroom has grown immensely. Your kindness has made a real differnece in their educational experience and we are deeply grateful for your investment in thier growth.","fullyFundedDate":1752256530738,"projectUrl":"project/notebooks-in-action-igniting-curiosity/9449223/","projectTitle":"Notebooks in Action: Igniting Curiosity and Creativity","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Stark-Appleton","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10072385_orig.jpg?crop=1536,1536,x0,y97&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1752026342360","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10072385"},{"teacherId":9912620,"projectId":9537017,"letterContent":"When the snacks and drinks arrived, my cross country athletes were so excited! After a long meet, it was such a great feeling to hand out something refreshing and see their smiles. The students were so thankful and kept saying how much it meant to have something waiting for them after their hard work. It created such a positive and supportive atmosphere a simple gesture that made them feel appreciated and motivated to keep pushing toward their goals. We truly appreciate your generosity and support. Your donation made a real difference for our athletes, and we're so grateful for your kindness!","fullyFundedDate":1754782052463,"projectUrl":"project/run-snack-repeat/9537017/","projectTitle":"Run, Snack, Repeat!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Lopez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9912620_orig.jpg?crop=1024,1024,x424,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754600314348","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9912620"},{"teacherId":9282135,"projectId":9048679,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our wrestling team received brand new wrestling shoes that will directly impact our student athletes growth and success. When the wrestling team saw the new wrestling shoes come in, they were excited and obsessed with the looks of them. The new wrestling shoes will be used everyday for both practice and competition during the school year. These new wrestling shoes also helps remove financial barriers for our student athletes since wrestling shoes are required to compete.","fullyFundedDate":1746507142793,"projectUrl":"project/wrestling-shoes-for-team/9048679/","projectTitle":"Wrestling Shoes for Team","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":8632056,"projectId":9341753,"letterContent":"Thanks to the generous donations, our PE program has been transformed. With the new futsal balls and soccer goals, students are now able to participate in small-sided soccer games that encourage teamwork, quick decision-making, and higher levels of engagement. The basketballs have allowed us to run skill stations where every student has their own ball to practice dribbling, shooting, and passing—no more waiting in long lines. The cricket equipment opened the door to a new sport for many of my students, sparking curiosity and excitement as they learned rules and techniques for the first time.\r\n\r\nOne of the most exciting ways we are using the new equipment is through our brand-new Royal Time Futsal League, which just launched this week. Royal Time is an enrichment program where students who are caught up on assignments and passing all their classes get two hours each week to join an activity of their choice. My athletic director and I created the league last year after noticing how many students love to play soccer, and now—with the futsal balls and goals—we are able to make it a reality. Students have formed teams, and games are already underway. This league not only gives them a chance to play competitively, but it also rewards academic responsibility by tying participation to classroom success.\r\n\r\nThe reaction was immediate—students were buzzing with excitement when they saw the new gear. Many commented that the balls felt \"real\" and \"professional,\" and the cricket set drew a crowd of students eager to try something brand-new. Students who were hesitant to participate before are now more willing to jump in because the equipment is engaging and fun.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, I plan to build on this momentum by incorporating more team tournaments and skill challenges into my lesson plans. For example, students will be tracking their progress in shooting accuracy, passing drills, and cricket batting skills. I also plan to integrate leadership roles, where students help referee games, keep score, and set up equipment—building responsibility alongside athletic skills","fullyFundedDate":1755744545869,"projectUrl":"project/equip-us-for-greatness/9341753/","projectTitle":"Equip Us for Greatness","teacherDisplayName":"Coach K","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8632056"},{"teacherId":7775142,"projectId":9542940,"letterContent":"The students had so much fun making the bag and key charms. I loved the different designs and charms they selected for themselves. Each charm they chose represented what they like or had meaning to them. Also, there were a lot of different colors for them to choose from which made their creations unique. I still have supplies and have purchased more charms, chains and jump rings so other students can have a chance to make one, as well. So far 20 students have enjoyed this opportunity and their positive feedback means the world to me. Thank you so much for your donation!","fullyFundedDate":1754696048011,"projectUrl":"project/royal-time-enrichment-project/9542940/","projectTitle":"Royal Time Enrichment Project","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Stewart","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7775142"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_87044","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1056,"numTeachers":46,"percentFrplEligible":81,"percentAsian":7,"percentBlack":7,"percentWhite":8,"percentIndigenous":1,"percentLatinx":69,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"5 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"23.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":67.8,"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"}