{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"John R Lewis Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":26.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9847727,"projectId":9475243,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity! Because of your support, our classroom is now fully equipped with the essential supplies my students need to thrive.\r\n\r\nWhen the boxes first arrived, the room filled with pure excitement—it felt like Christmas morning! The students couldn't wait to organize their new notebooks and try out the fresh markers. One of my students looked up with a huge smile and asked, \"We get to keep these for the whole year?!\" It was a powerful reminder of how much these resources truly mean to them.\r\n\r\nWe put the supplies to use right away. Last week, we used the new journals and art materials to kick off a creative writing and illustration project. Having their own high-quality tools allowed every student to dive in without hesitation, focusing entirely on bringing their stories to life.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we are moving into a major hands-on research project. Thanks to your donation, we have all the presentation boards, markers, and drafting supplies needed to bring their learning to reality.\r\n\r\nYour investment has sent a wonderful message to my students: that their education matters and that people believe in them. Thank you for making a tangible difference in our daily classroom life.","fullyFundedDate":1755711357059,"projectUrl":"project/help-my-students-learn/9475243/","projectTitle":"Help My Students Learn!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Liggins","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9847727"},{"teacherId":10398547,"projectId":9989044,"letterContent":"our generous school supply donations have directly transformed the daily educational experience for almost 100 of students, breaking down financial barriers and creating a classroom environment where everyone can thrive. \r\nBy equipping students with essential learning tools like notebooks, backpacks, pencils, and art supplies, you have provided more than just physical items; you have delivered confidence, dignity, and a sense of belonging. \r\nStudents who previously arrived unprepared now walk into their classrooms with their heads held high, fully ready to participate alongside their peers from day one.\r\nThe impact of your giving extends far beyond individual students to lift the entire school ecosystem. Teachers no longer need to spend their own personal funds to stock their classrooms, allowing them to focus entirely on instructional quality and creative lesson planning. \r\nFurthermore, access to proper supplies has visibly boosted student engagement, fostered a deeper excitement for learning, and improved daily attendance rates. Your investment in these young learners sends a powerful message that their community believes in their potential, turning simple classroom materials into the foundations for long-term academic success.","fullyFundedDate":1773679223292,"projectUrl":"project/health-stuff-health-smart-hshs-projec/9989044/","projectTitle":"Health Stuff, Health Smart (HSHS) Project","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mae Almirez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10398547_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1767827952643","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10398547"},{"teacherId":9493078,"projectId":10132353,"letterContent":"I am thrilled to share the incredible impact your generosity has had on our daily learning. Before these high-quality external speakers arrived, our lessons were often hindered by tinny, distorted audio that left students straining to hear. Now, the atmosphere in our classroom has completely shifted. Whether we are watching a historical documentary as a whole group or diving into interactive phonics games, the sound is crisp and immersive. This technology bridges the gap between simply \"watching\" a video and truly experiencing the content, ensuring that no student misses a vital detail due to poor equipment.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting part for the students has been the \"theatrical\" feel the speakers bring to our read-alouds and educational programs. Their eyes light up when they can hear the subtle nuances of a narrator's voice or the clear pronunciation of new vocabulary words. This clarity has been a game-changer for my students with learning disabilities and English Language Learners; for them, being able to distinguish specific sounds is the difference between confusion and a \"lightbulb\" moment. It has turned our digital learning programs from a source of frustration into a source of confidence.\r\n\r\nOne particular group of students who has truly blossomed with this new setup is my small-group reading circle. Previously, they struggled to stay focused during digital phonics drills because the laptop speakers couldn't project clearly over the hum of the classroom. Now, they are more engaged and eager to participate, often mimicking the clear audio they hear. Seeing their increased focus and hearing their laughter during interactive lessons is a testament to how much of a difference quality audio makes. Thank you for giving my students the gift of clear communication and a more accessible education!","fullyFundedDate":1773624406456,"projectUrl":"project/clear-sound-for-clear-learning/10132353/","projectTitle":"Clear Sound for Clear Learning!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Nizza Wale","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9493078_orig.jpg?crop=512,512,x0,y69&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1719322186874","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/nmewale"},{"teacherId":8723086,"projectId":10080281,"letterContent":"This year the students in the John Lewis Middle School Greenhouse Botany / Culinary Arts class decided that they wanted to try to grow their own grapes. We have never grown grapes so we spent some time learning about how they grow and put a plan into action. The students learned that they grow best using a raised bed and trellis. This is where your support helped us get our first grapes into the ground. With the rest of the materials we were able to purchase, we will create a new Grape Bed where we will grow three different types of grapes. Thank you for making this possible!","fullyFundedDate":1773679221064,"projectUrl":"project/a-grape-archway/10080281/","projectTitle":"A Grape Archway","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Greene","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8723086_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673370436882","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lewis-greenhouse"},{"teacherId":8723086,"projectId":10080228,"letterContent":"We are so fortunate and thankful for your donation. As the weather starts to get warmer, it will be so much better to be able to keep the doors to the greenhouse open and get some fresh air inside. We now have a screen on the front and back door. The seed container will allow us to not only keep the seeds separate but will allow us to track which seeds we need to order. Our tables have been set up to replace the old ones and the students have already started to doodle on them.\r\nThank you so much for being a part of our program!","fullyFundedDate":1773679222965,"projectUrl":"project/spring-ready/10080228/","projectTitle":"Spring Ready","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Greene","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8723086_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673370436882","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lewis-greenhouse"},{"teacherId":10239373,"projectId":9677227,"letterContent":"Thank you again for contributing to my project, Accessibility to Creativity. It brings me joy and confidence as an educator to know that I can provide my students with what they need in order to succeed and to demonstrate their abilities. To see the large box of markers or all those pairs of scissors and to know that they were bought with care for my students is something I hope to never take for granted.\r\n\r\nNo longer will I have to worry about feeling flustered when my students ask about certain supplies and I have to rely on other teachers' generosity. They have enough on their plate and thanks to your generosity, I can do more for my students so that they have more opportunities like they deserve.","fullyFundedDate":1767216315878,"projectUrl":"project/accessibility-to-creativity/9677227/","projectTitle":"Accessibility to Creativity","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Stolic","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10239373"},{"teacherId":8723086,"projectId":10011866,"letterContent":"The students in the Botany / Culinary Arts class at John Lewis Middle School in Waukegan, Illinois are so grateful for your generous donation to the Kaitlin's Kitchen Project. This kitchen, dedicated to one of our teachers we lost during Covid, will forever make an impact on the students who learn invaluable cooking school while attending John Lewis. The stainless steel tables will be part of the new kitchen that will open in the Fall of 2026. The kitchen will feature 4 student work stations - each with their own stainless steel table where students will practice their culinary skills. These table will give them a feel for cooking in a real kitchen and may even inspire them in to a life-long profession.\r\nThanks you once again for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1768515577604,"projectUrl":"project/your-table-is-read/10011866/","projectTitle":"Your Table Is Read","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Greene","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8723086_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673370436882","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lewis-greenhouse"},{"teacherId":8723086,"projectId":9813670,"letterContent":"As we prepare for the new Kaitlin's Kitchen to be build at the John Lewis Middle School we are excited to have the space to create four student cooking stations. The cabinets will allow us to create four storage areas, like storage stations for each group. This was materials are split up and easily accessible when it is time to cook. \r\nThis will make a huge difference as students will be able to organize and see the materials they need to order. This will also keep things fresher as we will have nmore room to package ingredients and make sure they are sealed properly.\r\nWe want to thank you again for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1768406438375,"projectUrl":"project/get-stored/9813670/","projectTitle":"Get Stored","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Greene","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8723086_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673370436882","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lewis-greenhouse"},{"teacherId":10161204,"projectId":9553645,"letterContent":"Students have been drawing, creating art, and exploring ideas without screens the past several weeks. Every Friday the books are being used by multiple 8th grade students. I have seen students create landscapes without any prior learning, draw characters that make them smile, and use their time to actually create art rather than spend valuable class minutes to research and find a how-to-draw guide.\r\nStudents are engaging more than they would otherwise would, including students with a variety of needs and backgrounds. Students consistently draw and have been improving their skills each week, thanks to these resources","fullyFundedDate":1762266383316,"projectUrl":"project/art-books-for-young-artists/9553645/","projectTitle":"Art Books for Young Artists","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Scanlan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10161204_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754694828960","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10161204"},{"teacherId":8723086,"projectId":9813654,"letterContent":"We can not thank you enough for your generous donation to the John Lewis Greenhouse Botany and Culinary Arts class. Over the last few years we have been using the greenhouse to double as our kitchen. While that has allowed us to learn some amazing life skills that will stick with us forever, the aromas from the cooking are not good for the fish or the plants. We have finally got our new kitchen approved. In the fall will will be cooking in a separate kitchen located next to the greenhouse. We had to delay construction until this summer so we have not been able to set up the islands that we will be using in our cooking stations. We have attached pictures of the plans for the kitchen. We can't wait to share more pictures when we are cookin' in the kitchen this fall! Thanks again for making this possible!","fullyFundedDate":1760707020850,"projectUrl":"project/cooking-islands/9813654/","projectTitle":"Cooking Islands","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Greene","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8723086_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673370436882","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lewis-greenhouse"},{"teacherId":8723086,"projectId":9725453,"letterContent":"We can not thank you enough for your generous donation to the John Lewis Greenhouse Botany and Culinary Arts class. We have been able to add so many new projects because of donors like you! We have already planned the first cooking project to use the electric cooker. We will be doing a special lunch for our teachers before we leave for winter break! We have never used a smoke so we are all very excited to add this to our cooking experience. \r\nOur jars are all set and labeled and we will start using the canning machines to create gifts of preserved foods that we can pass out as donations to our families from the school. The bowls we ordered get used every Friday because you can never have enough mixing bowls!\r\nWe made the most delicious empanadas using the crimpers. The made it look very authentic and added a special touch to the cooking project.\r\nWe are so excited to cook and learn how we can helo others with what we are learning.","fullyFundedDate":1758800041485,"projectUrl":"project/the-kitchen-is-coming/9725453/","projectTitle":"The Kitchen is Coming","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Greene","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8723086_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673370436882","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lewis-greenhouse"},{"teacherId":8723086,"projectId":9595038,"letterContent":"We can't thank you enough for your generous donation to the John Lewis Greenhouse Botany and Culinary Arts class. We have already started using the triple slow cooker and we will use it for our end of the semester fiesta. It has made it easier to prepare multiple items when we cook rather than having to use hot plates and multiple pots. \r\nThe shed was built just in time! As you can. see we got snow but our outdoor equipment is safe and warm. It gives us a lot more room to store things until we get growing in the spring. The speakers have been a huge help because the noise from all the pumps, tank and Tower Gardens are really loud. We use it when we watch videos and play music while we are working. The lights add a special touch. It looks really cool int he early morning when you can see the greenhouse lit up in different colors.\r\nThank you again for investing in us!","fullyFundedDate":1755690206212,"projectUrl":"project/kicking-off-the-kitchen/9595038/","projectTitle":"Kicking Off the Kitchen","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Greene","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8723086_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673370436882","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lewis-greenhouse"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_30037","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":752,"numTeachers":59,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":15,"percentWhite":2,"percentIndigenous":1,"percentLatinx":78,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":0,"gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"12.7:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":73.1,"schoolId":30037,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about John R Lewis Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"John R Lewis Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/waukegan-community-unit-school-district-60/thomas-jefferson-middle-school/30037"}