{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Walker Mill Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":47.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8936731,"projectId":10166544,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom and making it possible for us to bring instant cameras into our learning environment. This technology has had a meaningful impact on how my students engage with their lessons. While many people are familiar with cameras for personal use, in our classroom they have become powerful tools for learning. Students use the cameras to document science experiments, capture real-world examples of concepts we study, and reflect on their work in a hands-on, visual way. Being able to immediately print and analyze their photos has deepened their understanding and encouraged thoughtful discussions.\r\n\r\nWhat excites students most about the instant cameras is the immediacy and ownership of their learning. They love seeing their ideas come to life in a tangible form they can hold, share, and revisit. The cameras have sparked creativity, especially during project-based activities where students design visual stories, create step-by-step photo journals, or collaborate on group presentations. Even students who are typically hesitant to participate have become more engaged and eager to contribute when they can express themselves through photography.\r\n\r\nI've seen particular growth in students who benefit from hands-on and visual learning styles. For example, some of my quieter students have found confidence in using the cameras to communicate their understanding without relying solely on words. Others who struggle with organization have improved by using photos to sequence their thinking and track their progress. Your generosity has not only provided a new tool but has also opened new pathways for learning, creativity, and confidence in our classroom. We are incredibly grateful for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1774547067202,"projectUrl":"project/instant-photos/10166544/","projectTitle":"Instant Photos!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Fishkin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8936731_orig.png?crop=985,985,x144,y500&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1689080451929","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8936731"},{"teacherId":9218029,"projectId":10124914,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation! These items helped elevate our school environment, making scholars excited to earn points and utilize their points on tasty snacks, toys, and putty/ slime. When the items arrived, scholars were completely ELATED! Knowing what yummy, fun rewards were in store, scholars showed high levels of responsibility, integrity, and participation – improving the classroom environment and focus. Previously, although we have been using Class Dojo for a while, there was no way for the whole 6th grade team to spend their Dojo points. Now, scholars will see a purpose for demonstrating positive behavior as they know there will be bi-weekly opportunities to visit the prize bin. Below are some letters written by the scholars:\r\nDear Donors\r\nI wanted to send a quick note to thank you for the prize basket! Everyone is really excited to see what is inside, and it's going to make our store way more fun.\r\nIt's awesome to have such a cool prize for people to work toward, and we really appreciate you putting it together for us. It definitely makes things more exciting around here.\r\nThank you so much for the support!\r\n\r\n\r\nDear Donators i really appreciate for the prize bin as i could get points in class and have a opportunity to earn snacks in class for being in a good behavior and having a opportunity to earn food if i hungry or not, this made the class feel more challenges into getting that snakes in the bin, thank you for what you all did for us.","fullyFundedDate":1773447913376,"projectUrl":"project/prize-bin/10124914/","projectTitle":"Prize Bin","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Thompson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9218029_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1762217003724","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9218029"},{"teacherId":9218029,"projectId":10019506,"letterContent":"Dear Donors,\r\n\tThank you so much for your generous donation. Your donation helped me provide relief for scholars who have limited access to hygiene products. Also, due to limited funding at our school, we lack a plethora of basic resources like paper towels, Lysol wipes, soap, and hand sanitizer. Your donation helped fill this gap, allowing me to provide scholars a clean, welcoming learning environment. \r\n\tYour donation helps me slow the spread of germs as I am able to sanitize desks and door knobs daily. Other hygiene items like pads and wipes help scholars when they run out of their own supply or have an accident at school.\r\n\tI was able to give scholars deodorant and tooth brushes to take home and utilize. These scholars were very grateful as they can now come to school feeling clean and confident. \r\n\tAs a community school, we often wash scholars' uniforms due some scholars to lack of access to a washer and dryer. The laundry detergent helps us continue doing this for our scholars. \r\nThank you so much for your support!\r\nBest, \r\nMiss Thompson","fullyFundedDate":1772122038935,"projectUrl":"project/hygiene-help/10019506/","projectTitle":"Hygiene Help","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Thompson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9218029_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1762217003724","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9218029"},{"teacherId":8936731,"projectId":10159089,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous donation of cleaning supplies, our classroom has become a healthier, more welcoming place for learning. We use these materials every day to keep desks, shared supplies, and high-touch areas clean, which has helped us build strong habits around responsibility and respect for our environment. One meaningful moment came during a recent group project when students worked together to clean their stations before rotating—without being asked. It was a small but powerful sign that they are taking ownership of their space and understanding the importance of cleanliness in a shared community.\r\n\r\nWhen the supplies first arrived, my students were genuinely excited. What might seem like simple items to adults felt special to them—they immediately asked how they could help organize and use everything. Several students even shared that it made our classroom feel \"more official\" and \"safe,\" which speaks volumes about how much the environment impacts their comfort and readiness to learn.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we are continuing to build routines that connect cleanliness with responsibility and teamwork. As part of our current lessons, students are taking on rotating classroom jobs that include sanitizing materials and organizing shared spaces.","fullyFundedDate":1774138229812,"projectUrl":"project/basic-classroom-supplies/10159089/","projectTitle":"Basic Classroom Supplies!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Fishkin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8936731_orig.png?crop=985,985,x144,y500&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1689080451929","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8936731"},{"teacherId":8936731,"projectId":10149018,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom has been transformed into a space where learning and joy go hand in hand. The board games you provided are now an integral part of our daily routine. We use them during small group rotations to reinforce critical skills like problem-solving, teamwork, and strategic thinking. One memorable moment was watching a group of students collaborate during a math-based game—students who are usually hesitant to participate were actively engaged, explaining their reasoning and cheering each other on.\r\n\r\nWhen the games first arrived, the excitement was contagious. Students' eyes lit up as they explored each box, eager to learn the rules and start playing. What stood out most was how quickly they embraced both the fun and the challenge. They weren't just playing—they were learning how to take turns, communicate effectively, and persist through difficulties. Even students who typically struggle with focus were deeply engaged and asking when they could play again.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we plan to incorporate these games into more structured lessons, including student-led game days where they can create their own variations or even design original games tied to our curriculum. This will allow them to deepen their understanding while building creativity and leadership skills. Your support has not only enriched our classroom environment but has also opened the door to new, meaningful learning experiences. Thank you for making this possible!","fullyFundedDate":1774054973844,"projectUrl":"project/fun-games/10149018/","projectTitle":"Fun Games!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Fishkin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8936731_orig.png?crop=985,985,x144,y500&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1689080451929","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8936731"},{"teacherId":8936731,"projectId":10128776,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for making our \"Lego Fun in Reset Room\" project a reality! When the materials arrived, my students were immediately excited—there were smiles, curiosity, and a lot of eager hands ready to start building. For many of them, the reset room is a space to regroup and refocus, and these LEGO sets have transformed it into a calming, creative environment where they can express themselves in a positive way.\r\n\r\nWe've been using the LEGOs to encourage problem-solving, teamwork, and emotional regulation. One memorable moment was watching a student who was feeling overwhelmed begin building quietly, then gradually invite a classmate to join. Together, they created a small structure and proudly shared it, showing cooperation and renewed confidence. These hands-on opportunities are helping students practice patience, communication, and resilience in a meaningful way.\r\n\r\nAs we move forward, we plan to incorporate more structured building challenges that connect to classroom lessons, such as designing solutions to real-world problems or creating models that reflect what we're learning in class. Your generosity is not only supporting academic growth but also helping students develop essential social and emotional skills. Thank you for making such a positive impact in our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1773335624583,"projectUrl":"project/lego-fun-in-reset-room/10128776/","projectTitle":"Lego Fun in Reset Room","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Fishkin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8936731_orig.png?crop=985,985,x144,y500&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1689080451929","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8936731"},{"teacherId":8936731,"projectId":10149915,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our \"Headphones Fun\" project has made a meaningful difference in our classroom. With individual headphones, students are now able to fully engage with digital learning tools in a focused and personalized way. Whether they are listening to audiobooks, practicing phonics, or working through interactive lessons, the headphones help eliminate distractions and allow each child to learn at their own pace. This has been especially helpful during small group rotations and independent work time, where students can concentrate without background noise interrupting their progress.\r\n\r\nWhat excites students most is the sense of ownership and independence these headphones provide. They love being able to plug in, log on, and immerse themselves in their learning. It has transformed everyday activities into something they look forward to—students often smile when they put on their headphones, ready to dive into stories, games, and lessons designed just for them. The ability to clearly hear instructions and content has also boosted their confidence, as they feel more successful completing tasks on their own.\r\n\r\nSeveral students who previously struggled to stay focused or felt overwhelmed in a busy classroom environment have especially benefited from this addition. With fewer distractions, they are more engaged, participate more actively, and show greater persistence when learning gets challenging. Your support has not only provided a valuable tool, but it has also created a more inclusive and supportive learning environment where every student has the opportunity to thrive. Thank you for making this possible!","fullyFundedDate":1773864530742,"projectUrl":"project/headphones-fun/10149915/","projectTitle":"Headphones Fun","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Fishkin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8936731_orig.png?crop=985,985,x144,y500&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1689080451929","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8936731"},{"teacherId":8936731,"projectId":10128838,"letterContent":"options into our classroom. Because of your generosity, our students now have access to protein-rich snacks that help keep them energized and focused throughout the school day. We have been using these snacks during our mid-morning break and before challenging learning blocks, which has helped students stay attentive and ready to participate. One moment that really stood out was during a math activity when several students who usually struggle to stay focused were able to work steadily and complete the entire task.\r\n\r\nWhen the snacks first arrived, the students were incredibly excited. They were curious about the different options and eager to try them. Many students talked about how the snacks helped them feel \"full\" and ready to learn. It also opened the door for a great classroom discussion about healthy eating and how protein helps our bodies and brains stay strong.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, we will continue incorporating these snacks into our daily routine, especially before lessons that require extra concentration, such as reading groups and problem-solving activities. We are also planning to connect this experience to a simple nutrition mini-lesson where students learn about balanced foods and how they fuel learning. Your support has made a meaningful difference in our classroom, and we are so grateful for your generosity and care for our students.","fullyFundedDate":1773073291971,"projectUrl":"project/protein-snacks/10128838/","projectTitle":"Protein Snacks!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Fishkin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8936731_orig.png?crop=985,985,x144,y500&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1689080451929","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8936731"},{"teacherId":9270169,"projectId":9860175,"letterContent":"Students enthusiastically embraced the opportunity to work with new clay materials to create clay heart boxes, and decorative clay pieces for Jamaica, and the experience quickly became one of the most meaningful projects of the year! The new art resources allowed students to explore hand-building techniques while also connecting their artwork to a larger purpose—creating pieces that represent kindness, cultural awareness, and artistic expression. Students enjoyed working in clay and helping others.","fullyFundedDate":1763059632056,"projectUrl":"project/clay-hearts/9860175/","projectTitle":"Clay HeArts","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Crushshon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9270169_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723873235879","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9270169"},{"teacherId":8936731,"projectId":10121730,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, \"A Clean Classroom.\" Because of your generosity, our classroom now has the supplies we need to keep our learning space organized and comfortable. My students were incredibly excited when they first saw the new materials. Many of them immediately wanted to help organize and set everything up. It was wonderful to see them take pride in their classroom and work together to create a clean environment where everyone can focus on learning.\r\n\r\nWe are already using the supplies every day. Students are responsible for helping keep different areas of the classroom tidy, which has become part of our daily routine. Recently, during a group activity, students worked together to clean their tables and organize materials before starting their project. This small moment showed how much they value having a neat and welcoming classroom space.\r\n\r\nYour support has helped create an environment where students feel proud of their classroom and ready to learn. As we continue with our lessons and projects, we will keep practicing teamwork and responsibility by taking care of our shared space. Thank you again for making such a meaningful difference for my students and helping us maintain a clean, positive classroom environment.","fullyFundedDate":1772476962747,"projectUrl":"project/a-clean-classroom/10121730/","projectTitle":"A Clean Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Fishkin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8936731_orig.png?crop=985,985,x144,y500&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1689080451929","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8936731"},{"teacherId":8936731,"projectId":8686570,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our \"Cell Phone Locker\" project. Because of your generosity, our classroom now has a dedicated space for students to securely store their phones during instruction time. From the very first day we introduced the locker system, it made an immediate difference. Students place their phones in assigned slots at the start of class, which has helped create a focused, distraction-free learning environment. During a recent small-group math problem-solving activity, I noticed students collaborating more, maintaining eye contact, and staying engaged in discussions without the constant pull of notifications.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the cell phone locker, their reactions were mixed—some were curious, others unsure—but they quickly adjusted to the new routine. Within a few days, it became a normal part of entering the classroom. Many students have even shared that it helps them concentrate better and feel less tempted to check their phones. Establishing this clear structure has created a calmer atmosphere where students can fully participate in lessons, class discussions, and independent work time.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we are continuing to build strong academic habits and increase student engagement during upcoming projects, including our research and presentation unit. With fewer distractions, students are better prepared to take notes, participate in peer feedback sessions, and complete thoughtful, high-quality work. Your support has helped strengthen our learning environment and given students the opportunity to focus on their growth and success. We are truly grateful for your investment in our classroom and our students' future.","fullyFundedDate":1724467395302,"projectUrl":"project/cell-phone-locker/8686570/","projectTitle":"Cell Phone Locker","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Fishkin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8936731_orig.png?crop=985,985,x144,y500&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1689080451929","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8936731"},{"teacherId":8936731,"projectId":9146576,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our \"White Paper\" project. Because of your generosity, we are now able to make clear, high-quality copies for student projects, anchor charts, and daily learning materials. What may seem like a simple resource has made a tremendous difference in our classroom. We recently used the white paper to publish final drafts of our personal narrative writing pieces. Students carefully revised their work, added detailed illustrations, and proudly displayed their finished stories around the room. Having clean, bright paper for their final copies made the experience feel authentic and important—like real authors preparing their books for publication.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the fresh stacks of paper ready for their projects, their excitement was immediate. Several students commented that their work \"looked professional,\" and they took extra care with handwriting, spacing, and presentation. The quality materials encouraged them to slow down, focus, and take pride in their learning. It was a powerful reminder that access to the right tools can boost confidence and motivation in meaningful ways.\r\n\r\nAs we move forward, we will continue using these copies for upcoming research reports and collaborative science projects. Students are beginning a nonfiction unit where they will draft, revise, and publish informational booklets to share with younger classes. Thanks to you, they will be able to present their learning clearly and confidently. Your support has not only provided paper—it has helped create opportunities for creativity, ownership, and academic growth. We are truly grateful for your investment in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1741895194809,"projectUrl":"project/white-paper/9146576/","projectTitle":"White Paper","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Fishkin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8936731_orig.png?crop=985,985,x144,y500&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1689080451929","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8936731"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_65042","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1054,"numTeachers":52,"percentFrplEligible":75,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":73,"percentWhite":2,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":21,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"20.3:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":53.0,"schoolId":65042,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Walker Mill Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Walker Mill Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/maryland/prince-george-s-county-public-schools/walker-mill-middle-school/65042"}