{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Ulysses S Grant Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":26.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8915078,"projectId":10767301,"letterContent":"It has been three weeks since you contributed to \"Fill our Bellies, and we wanted to take this opportunity to share the tremendous impact your generosity has made. Thanks to your support, we are able to give students something to eat in the morning or something extra with lunch.\r\n\r\nYour contributions have helped feed over 50 students so far, offering them a safe place to learn and grow. Having more food through the day has shown remarkable improvements in the students' academic performance and self-confidence.\r\n\r\nWe cannot express enough how much your support means to us. Without donors like you, these accomplishments would not be possible. Your involvement has directly contributed to transforming lives and fostering a stronger, healthier community.\r\n\r\nThank you once again for your generosity and commitment to our cause.","fullyFundedDate":1793017127778,"projectUrl":"project/safe-lunch-full-bellies/10767301/","projectTitle":"Safe Lunch Full Bellies","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Rivera","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8915078_orig.png?crop=510,510,x83,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1778783629611","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8915078"},{"teacherId":9784754,"projectId":10784213,"letterContent":"Our students have been excited to use their new Frisbees in PE! We will be using them to develop throwing, catching, accuracy, and teamwork skills while keeping students active and engaged. The excitement on their faces when they first saw the new equipment was priceless. Having enough quality Frisbees allows more students to participate, practice their skills, and enjoy the activities without having to wait for equipment.\r\n\r\nOur next step is to build on these basic skills through partner challenges, throwing games, and team activities that encourage communication, cooperation, and sportsmanship. These Frisbees are giving our students more opportunities to move, learn, and have fun in PE. Thank you for investing in our students and helping make our physical education program even better!","fullyFundedDate":1794224908472,"projectUrl":"project/let-it-fly-bringing-frisbee-fun-to-gms/10784213/","projectTitle":"Let It Fly! Bringing Frisbee Fun to GMS PE!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Montooth","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9784754_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758296714161","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9784754"},{"teacherId":4063162,"projectId":10759320,"letterContent":"Thank you so extremely much for your donation towards a colored printer! Students are so excited about Science Fair and are even more excited that the photos they take throughout their experiment will be able to be printed in color and displayed on their tri-fold boards. \r\n\r\nStudents are also able to utilize this printer to revise their Science Fair papers. To have immediate access to a printer is goin gto be a game changer when it comes to managing class time. \r\n\r\nI have also used this for students with IEPs that require printed notes. Since we are working on cells and organelles, it has allowed them to distinguish between the organelles in plant and animal cells. My 8th graders have also been able to participate in a gallery walk because I was able to print colored photos to have them collaborate and debate about the types of phase changes that are occurring in the picture. \r\n\r\nThank you so so much!","fullyFundedDate":1793194619992,"projectUrl":"project/colorful-science-fair-trifolds/10759320/","projectTitle":"Colorful Science Fair Trifolds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lynch","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4063162_orig.jpg?crop=1351,1351,x609,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1790608507400","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4063162"},{"teacherId":4063162,"projectId":10749344,"letterContent":"These scales have been absolutely amazing! Students are able to form smaller groups to work together, which means all students get a turn at reading and using the scales. \r\n\r\nMy students were so surprised when I opened the box, knowing that the previously lab we had just done, that only allowed us to have 3 groups and were quite large. They were excited to know that we would be able to form smaller groups and have more conversations within our groups, because they were smaller! \r\n\r\nThey all took turns, worked so well together, and even allowed us to extend our learning into formulating graphs and data tables! Thanks so much for allowing more learning to go on!","fullyFundedDate":1792581092666,"projectUrl":"project/balance-the-world-of-science/10749344/","projectTitle":"Balance the World of Science","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lynch","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4063162_orig.jpg?crop=1351,1351,x609,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1790608507400","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4063162"},{"teacherId":8915077,"projectId":10769125,"letterContent":"The magnetic organizing files on my backboard have been a lifesaver! Students now know exactly where to look for extra copies of assignments they are missing. We are only a couple of days into using this new organization system, and it has already made a huge difference. \r\n\r\nStudents no longer have to wait for an adult to find and print another copy of an assignment. Everything is organized and easy to find in one place! This has helped students become more independent, take responsibility for their work, and stay organized. It is amazing and truly a game changer in our classroom! Thank you for making this possible!","fullyFundedDate":1793274235438,"projectUrl":"project/keeping-creativity-in-its-place/10769125/","projectTitle":"Keeping Creativity in Its Place","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Meyer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8915077_orig.jpg?crop=1177,1177,x1034,y849&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1777653079210","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8915077"},{"teacherId":6178034,"projectId":10495223,"letterContent":"I cannot even begin to explain the impact your generous donation will have on our students. There are so many students who will benefit from all of these supplies. Students will use these items in a variety of ways, including in their personal home life (not just at school). Things like the leggings, gloves, hats, and mittens are items that some of our students, unfortunately, have to go without. \r\nMy students were extremely excited to open up the packages when they arrived! At one point I even had to stop an argument between two of them when they began claiming certain colors of mittens and hats! \r\nThank you so much again for your generosity!","fullyFundedDate":1787934499685,"projectUrl":"project/student-learning-essentials/10495223/","projectTitle":"Student Learning Essentials","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Romer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6178034_orig.png?crop=750,750,x0,y67&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1690909898075","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6178034"},{"teacherId":9784754,"projectId":10720550,"letterContent":"Our new mobile equipment storage has already made a positive difference in our Grant Middle School PE program! Having a convenient place to organize and store our equipment makes it easier to prepare for daily activities and allows us to spend less time setting up and more time moving.\r\n\r\nThe students have enjoyed seeing the new storage and having equipment organized and readily available. It is also helping teach responsibility as students learn the importance of taking care of our equipment, returning materials to their proper places, and working together to keep our gym organized.\r\n\r\nAs we continue through our PE units, including basketball, volleyball, pickleball, and team activities, this mobile storage will be used daily. It will help us keep our equipment accessible as we transition between activities and introduce new sports and skills.","fullyFundedDate":1793017127937,"projectUrl":"project/pe-on-the-move-mobile-equipment-storage/10720550/","projectTitle":"PE on the Move: Mobile Equipment Storage","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Montooth","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9784754_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758296714161","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9784754"},{"teacherId":4063162,"projectId":10725223,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for allowing my students the ability to have calculators at their fingertips. For years now, we have been using our chrome books as our calculators when we have to calculate things. This has been so difficult because many times students' chrome books are not charge, therefore are unable to access a calculator. \r\n\r\nMy students love the easy access to use them for their assignments and labs. It's come in so handy when working with students on their Math from other classes as well. This has really been a class game changer!!! Thanks so much !!!","fullyFundedDate":1792101624135,"projectUrl":"project/calculating-to-improve-our-school-defici/10725223/","projectTitle":"Calculating to Improve Our School Deficit!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lynch","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4063162_orig.jpg?crop=1351,1351,x609,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1790608507400","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4063162"},{"teacherId":4063162,"projectId":10721568,"letterContent":"Throughout our Earth unit, students learn the engineering process and ways to create earthquake resistant structures through new improvements in technology and engineering. Students learn to analyze previous data and problem-solve how to improve current structures. \r\n\r\nWhen the boxes of items got delivered to the classroom, they couldn't wait to open it! At the time, they didn't realize what marshmallows and candy drops, along with icing had to do with Science. They soon realized through lessons how these items mimic engineering structures for buildings based upon their composition.\r\n\r\nStudents have a really hard time understanding plate tectonics for some reason. Giving students a visual where they are able to see how the icing (earth) and graham crackers shift how the earth forms different structures through different plate movements was a total game changer for their understanding! \r\n\r\nThey had an amazing time learning and I had an amazing time watching and observing all the critical thinking and collaboration that happened !! Thank you so much! We truly had a blast!","fullyFundedDate":1792101624250,"projectUrl":"project/the-great-shake-earthquakes/10721568/","projectTitle":"The Great Shake: Earthquakes","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lynch","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4063162_orig.jpg?crop=1351,1351,x609,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1790608507400","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4063162"},{"teacherId":6623553,"projectId":10509467,"letterContent":"Our new lights and snacks have made a meaningful difference in our AVID classroom! The lighting has helped us create a warmer, more welcoming, and comfortable environment where students feel relaxed, focused, and ready to learn. Since AVID is all about building relationships, encouraging collaboration, and preparing students for their futures, having a space where students feel comfortable and supported makes a big difference. The snacks are an added bonus, especially for students who may come to class hungry or need a little extra fuel to get through the school day.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the new additions, they were excited! They loved seeing our classroom become more inviting and appreciated having snacks available. Something as simple as having a snack or walking into a classroom with comfortable lighting can help students feel cared for and make our classroom feel like a second home.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, we will continue using our classroom space for collaborative activities, college and career exploration, goal setting, tutorials, and building important academic skills. Students will be working together, learning how to advocate for themselves, setting goals for their futures, and developing the confidence to take on new challenges. These resources may seem simple, but they help us create an environment where students feel valued, supported, and excited to learn. Thank you for investing in our students and helping make our AVID classroom a place where they can grow, connect, and succeed!","fullyFundedDate":1787934499837,"projectUrl":"project/new-room-old-lighting/10509467/","projectTitle":"New Room, Old Lighting","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Stevens","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6623553_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x510,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1730655487667","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6623553"},{"teacherId":4063162,"projectId":10702226,"letterContent":"My students absolutely love the ability to move around the room and sit on the floor with the cushions. They are able to find their own space to do their own learning while researching. They also use them when we are meeting whole group and are able to sit on them while we collaboratively learn together. \r\n\r\nThe ball seats have been such a hit! I have so many students that require motion to help them concentrate and stay focused. I have really seen a difference in their ability to focus, especially while working on research and other lessons. \r\n\r\nWhen the boxes were delivered, the students' faces lit right up and they couldn't wait to help me unpack them and air them up. They take such ownership with the cushions and make sure they are strategically placed on my couch to make the room warm and welcoming. \r\n\r\nBecause of these materials, the students' behavior has also improved, because they know that these things are privileges to use and require expectations to be followed! These have really been a game changer for my classroom! So thank you so, so very much!","fullyFundedDate":1791202401519,"projectUrl":"project/ready-set-collaborate-and-research/10702226/","projectTitle":"Ready, Set, Collaborate, and Research!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lynch","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4063162_orig.jpg?crop=1351,1351,x609,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1790608507400","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4063162"},{"teacherId":1036853,"projectId":10763939,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your willingness to donate to my project! I was so surprised to see that it was already funded after just submitting it last week! We had started putting the birthday cups together for this year's class and realized that I was out of some essential items to make students feel special on their birthdays!\r\nWith your support, I can continue giving my students a birthday cup on their special day all year long! I am excited to see their faces when they see the items they get to keep and use in their cup!\r\nThank you again for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1793017127430,"projectUrl":"project/happy-birthday-students/10763939/","projectTitle":"Happy Birthday, Students!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gibbs","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1036853_orig.jpg?crop=2400,2400,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1662425780105","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/miss-k-gibbs"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_30148","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":494,"numTeachers":44,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":52,"percentWhite":30,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":3,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":13,"gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"11.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":74.0,"schoolId":30148,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Ulysses S Grant Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Ulysses S Grant Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/springfield-public-schools-district-186/ulysses-s-grant-middle-school/30148"}