{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Ulysses S Grant Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":26.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10303966,"projectId":9797684,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous donations, our school nurse office now has a fully functioning ice machine, along with sandwich bags and a large bowl to store and organize the ice packs. This addition has made a remarkable difference in how we care for our students. Now, when a student gets a bump, bruise, or minor injury, we can quickly provide a clean, ready-to-use ice pack. The storage bowl and sandwich bags help keep everything organized and sanitary, making it easy for students or staff to grab what they need without delay. This simple improvement has added both comfort and efficiency to our office routines. The students are excited as they no longer have to use a frozen paper towel to help their injury feel better. \r\n\r\nHaving an ice machine dedicated to making ice packs has been an incredible benefit for my students. It allows us to respond immediately when someone is hurt, easing pain and helping them recover faster so they can return to learning and participating in activities. Students feel cared for and safe knowing that we always have ice ready for any little accident. What may seem like a small addition has made a huge impact on the overall well-being and comfort of the nurses office. Thank you for helping us create a safer, more supportive environment for every student!","fullyFundedDate":1762280928726,"projectUrl":"project/ice-machine-needed-asap/9797684/","projectTitle":"Ice Machine Needed ASAP","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Beveridge","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10303966_orig.png?crop=811,811,x0,y70&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760914926022","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10303966"},{"teacherId":9784754,"projectId":9833195,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom with snacks and supplies! Your generosity has made a real difference in our students' day-to-day learning. The snacks help keep our students energized and focused, especially during long lessons and active PE sessions, while the supplies allow us to create hands-on, engaging activities that make learning fun and interactive.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, students are more ready to participate, collaborate, and take on new challenges with enthusiasm. Your contribution not only fuels their bodies but also fuels their curiosity and love of learning.\r\n\r\nWe are so grateful for your kindness and for helping make our classroom a positive, well-equipped space where every student can succeed.\r\n\r\nWith sincere appreciation,","fullyFundedDate":1762280928747,"projectUrl":"project/snacks-and-supplies/9833195/","projectTitle":"Snacks and Supplies","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":9784754,"projectId":9735898,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, \"Smash into Fitness: Bringing Pickleball to PE and Beyond.\" Because of your generosity, our students are now able to learn, play, and grow through one of the fastest-growing sports in the nation.\r\n\r\nThe impact has been incredible. Students who are typically hesitant in team sports have found success and confidence in pickleball's inclusive, fast-paced format. We've seen improved hand-eye coordination, communication, teamwork, and sportsmanship. The equipment you helped provide has energized our PE program and brought new excitement to staying active. Students are asking to play during recess, after school, and even sharing lessons with family at home!\r\n\r\nThis project has not only boosted physical fitness — it has helped build community, confidence, and a lifelong love for healthy movement. Thank you for believing in our students and helping create opportunities that extend far beyond the gym.","fullyFundedDate":1760114318757,"projectUrl":"project/smash-into-fitness-bringing-pickleball/9735898/","projectTitle":"“Smash into Fitness: Bringing Pickleball to PE and Beyond”","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":6178034,"projectId":9443180,"letterContent":"Your generous donations have done. wonders for my classroom students, as well as the several students that come to my room every day for lunch and other activities. When the students first saw the games they squealed with delight and immediately asked if they could play them. \r\nNot only have these games and puzzles benefitted my students, but my students' parents have also used them! Once per month, I bring parents in to have something called \"Pizza with Parents\", to build relationships between home and school. During this time, parents play board games and do puzzles with their child. These games were utilized during this time and everyone had so much fun!\r\nThank you again for your generous donation! We appreciate you so much and couldn't have these success stories without you.","fullyFundedDate":1755792513505,"projectUrl":"project/socialization-with-games-and-puzzles/9443180/","projectTitle":"Socialization with Games and Puzzles","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":1036853,"projectId":9037745,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your willingness to donate to this project! The hygiene station has been such a popular place in my room. Students are thrilled to receive the materials they need to make school easier for them.\r\nMany students do not have the hygiene items they need from home to be successful. In addition, needs arise throughout the day where students need an item to help fix an issue. Knowing that they have materials available when they need them, helps provide them peace of mind. They don't have to worry that their clothes will be ruined or their hair out of place.\r\nThank you again for your generosity!","fullyFundedDate":1743374470798,"projectUrl":"project/restock-our-personal-care-station/9037745/","projectTitle":"Restock Our Personal Care Station!","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"},{"teacherId":1036853,"projectId":9613157,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity in donating to this project! Each year our school is able to purchase these award nominated books. However, with school funds being cut, we are no longer able to provide these for Language Arts classes. With your donation I am able to continue this tradition in my classroom.\r\nStudents love reading new books and participating in the vote for the winning book for our state! They have already loved reading these books and have enjoyed every book they've read so far! Thank you again for your generosity to my project!","fullyFundedDate":1755737886000,"projectUrl":"project/winning-books/9613157/","projectTitle":"Winning Books!","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"},{"teacherId":1036853,"projectId":8515023,"letterContent":"With your support, my students' hygiene needs have been met already this year. I have students come in daily needing something from the station to help them be successful in school!\r\nThey are thrilled to have what they need when things arise throughout the day! With your generosity, this has been made possible and I literally could not do it without your support! The funds needed to restock the hygiene station are immense on a teacher's salary! Thank you again for your willingness to donate and help these students feel safe and secure in school!","fullyFundedDate":1723250296010,"projectUrl":"project/personal-hygiene-student-station/8515023/","projectTitle":"Personal Hygiene Student Station","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"},{"teacherId":6623553,"projectId":9217132,"letterContent":"The basketball hoop and ball have become a powerful motivator in my classroom. Students know that when they stay focused, follow expectations, and complete their work, they earn the opportunity to take a quick shot as a reward. This simple incentive has helped increase engagement, reduce off-task behavior, and create a positive atmosphere where students encourage one another. The hoop not only promotes teamwork and accountability, but it also gives students a healthy outlet for energy while reinforcing the idea that good choices lead to fun and positive experiences.Thanks to the generous donation from Ripple, I have been able to turn a simple reward into a meaningful learning tool. Their contribution has helped transform the classroom climate by giving students something to look forward to and work toward. I have noticed increased productivity, stronger peer encouragement, and more consistent effort from students who are eager to earn their shot. Ripple's support has had a direct and positive impact on learning by helping students stay motivated, focused, and proud of their growth.","fullyFundedDate":1746786044850,"projectUrl":"project/shoot-for-success-classroom-basketball/9217132/","projectTitle":"\"Shoot for Success: Classroom Basketball Hoop for Motivation & Energy!\"","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":9784754,"projectId":9732144,"letterContent":"Thanks to your support, our students are actively using the new sport stacking materials every week in PE class. We've set up skill stations, timed stacking challenges, and team relays that allow every student to practice hand-eye coordination, focus, and teamwork. One memorable moment was when a shy student, who usually avoids group activities, completed a full stacking sequence for the first time — the pride on their face and the cheers from classmates were unforgettable.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the cups and timers, their excitement was immediate! They were eager to try stacking sequences, set personal goals, and challenge their friends in friendly competitions. The energy in the room was contagious, and students kept asking to extend their practice time because they were so engaged.\r\n\r\nThe next step for our students is to build on their skills by incorporating more advanced stacking patterns, timed challenges, and team competitions. We'll also encourage students to track their personal progress and set new goals, fostering self-confidence, perseverance, and collaborative problem-solving skills. Your contribution has truly brought movement, motivation, and social-emotional growth to our classroom — and we can't wait to see how much further our students will go!","fullyFundedDate":1760102249437,"projectUrl":"project/social-emotional-learning/9732144/","projectTitle":"Social Emotional Learning","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":4291952,"projectId":9371621,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous contributions! Our students were thrilled when we unpacked the boxes filled with ponchos, cinch bags, a megaphone, walkie talkies, water bottles, tie-dye kits, medicine, bug spray, marshmallow sticks, and garbage bags. The excitement in the room was contagious—students couldn't stop talking about how we'll be using everything on our upcoming trip in May!\r\n\r\nRight away, they started imagining how each item will come in handy—staying dry with their ponchos, staying connected with the walkie talkies, and showing off their creativity with tie-dye shirts before the trip. They loved the idea of having all the essentials ready for outdoor activities and campfire fun.\r\n\r\nThis project has already built a sense of anticipation in our school. Students are hearing about preparation, responsibility, and what it takes to plan a successful group experience. As we get closer to May, we'll continue using these materials to organize, plan, and build excitement for our big adventure.\r\n\r\nThank you again for helping make this experience possible. Your generosity is helping us create lasting memories and meaningful learning opportunities beyond the classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1757682835292,"projectUrl":"project/camp-cilca-empowering-first-time-advent/9371621/","projectTitle":"Camp CILCA: Empowering First-Time Adventures Through Your Support","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Silveri","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4291952_orig.jpg?crop=863,863,x0,y51&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1671411772508","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4291952"},{"teacherId":8915077,"projectId":9275821,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom through DonorsChoose! Your generosity has helped us stock our Purple Positive Store, a special rewards cart where students can \"purchase\" fun and meaningful items with tickets they earn.\r\n\r\nStudents receive tickets when they show kindness, make responsible choices, and do the right thing. The Purple Positive Store gives them a chance to turn those positive behaviors into tangible rewards, which motivates them to continue making good choices in and out of the classroom.\r\n\r\nYour donation not only brought smiles when students saw the new items available, but it also reinforced the message that their actions matter. You've helped create a positive learning environment where students are excited to encourage each other and work hard.\r\n\r\nOn behalf of my students, thank you for making a lasting impact in our classroom community!","fullyFundedDate":1755735903267,"projectUrl":"project/the-purple-positive-vibes-vault/9275821/","projectTitle":"The Purple Positive Vibes Vault","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Meyer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8915077_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746630538337","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8915077"},{"teacherId":4752988,"projectId":9396680,"letterContent":"Thanks to your support, we were able to add diverse and inclusive decor that has truly transformed our learning space.\r\n\r\nThe new materials reflect a variety of cultures, languages, and identities, and they've already had a meaningful impact on my students. Every day, I see their eyes light up as they recognize parts of their own heritage—or discover something new about the world around them. These visual reminders that everyone belongs have helped foster a stronger sense of community, curiosity, and pride in our classroom.\r\n\r\nYour generosity is not just a gift of decor; it's a gift of representation, learning, and love. Thank you for investing in our students' growth and for helping create a space where all children feel seen, valued, and inspired.","fullyFundedDate":1753990081417,"projectUrl":"project/make-all-students-feel-welcome/9396680/","projectTitle":"Make ALL Students Feel Welcome","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Minton","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4752988"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_30148","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":515,"numTeachers":44,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":54,"percentWhite":27,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":3,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"11.7:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":73.9,"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"}