{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Western Junior High School","outOfStateSupporters":30.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9071341,"projectId":9825508,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our \"Reading to Understand: Stories of Courage and Kindness\" project. These books have already made a meaningful impact in our classroom.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom is about so much more than simply finishing a book. Through these stories, students are learning how to think deeply, make connections, analyze characters, and understand important themes about courage, kindness, integrity, and empathy. We use these texts to practice reading comprehension, vocabulary, writing responses, discussion skills, and critical thinking while also connecting literature to real-life situations students may face.\r\n\r\nOne of the most rewarding parts has been watching students who were previously hesitant readers become excited about reading again. Students are asking to continue books, discussing characters with classmates, and making thoughtful connections between the stories and their own lives. Our classroom has truly begun building a stronger culture of reading.\r\n\r\nThese books are helping students see that reading is not just an assignment. It is a way to better understand the world, others, and themselves.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our students and helping create meaningful learning experiences through literature. Your generosity is making a lasting difference in our classroom every single day 🤍","fullyFundedDate":1762266246262,"projectUrl":"project/reading-to-understand-stories-of-courag/9825508/","projectTitle":"Reading to Understand: Stories of Courage and Kindness","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Harpole","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9071341_orig.jpg?crop=1440,1440,x0,y196&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1687994464744","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsharpole"},{"teacherId":9071341,"projectId":9874443,"letterContent":"Here's a shorter, polished donor thank you focused on the binders and long-term impact:\r\n\r\nThank you so much for supporting our \"Binders for ELA\" project. These binders are already making a huge impact in our classroom.\r\n\r\nStudents were excited to receive materials that were truly their own and that will help them stay organized throughout the school year. We are using the binders daily to store notes, reading strategies, vocabulary resources, writing examples, and classroom handouts.\r\n\r\nOne of our biggest goals is to help students create a reference binder they can continue using throughout middle school. Instead of papers getting lost in backpacks or thrown away, students are building a collection of resources they can revisit as they grow as readers and writers.\r\n\r\nThe binders are also helping students become more independent and confident. They now have a structured place to keep important materials and quickly find what they need during lessons and projects.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our students and helping create tools that will support them far beyond one assignment or one school year. Your generosity is truly appreciated.","fullyFundedDate":1763477826839,"projectUrl":"project/binders-for-ela/9874443/","projectTitle":"Binders for ELA","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Harpole","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9071341_orig.jpg?crop=1440,1440,x0,y196&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1687994464744","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsharpole"},{"teacherId":9071341,"projectId":9473130,"letterContent":"Our students were so excited when the new classroom resources arrived. One of the first things they noticed was the new organization systems and bulletin board materials that instantly made the classroom feel more welcoming, structured, and student-centered.\r\n\r\nWe immediately began using the magnetic notebook paper during whole-group instruction to model writing strategies, annotate text together, and practice organizing responses during ELA lessons. Students loved being able to clearly see examples modeled on a larger scale, especially during our reading and writing activities.\r\n\r\nThe mesh zipper pouches and organization supplies have already made a huge difference in helping students keep track of weekly materials and extra copies. One of the biggest challenges in middle school is organization, and these resources are helping students build independence and responsibility. Students now know exactly where to go if they miss class, lose a paper, or need additional resources. It has reduced stress for students and interruptions during instruction.\r\n\r\nThe classroom décor and bulletin board materials also helped create an environment where students feel welcomed, valued, and excited to learn. Our \"Happy You're Here\" board became an instant conversation piece with students walking in each morning smiling and pointing it out.\r\n\r\nAs we continue through the year, these resources will support reading instruction, writing workshops, classroom organization, and collaborative learning activities. More importantly, they are helping create a classroom culture where students feel supported, prepared, and confident.\r\n\r\nThank you again for investing in our students and classroom. Your generosity is making a lasting impact every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1762266310855,"projectUrl":"project/read-aloud-with-me/9473130/","projectTitle":"Read Aloud with Me","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Harpole","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9071341_orig.jpg?crop=1440,1440,x0,y196&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1687994464744","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsharpole"},{"teacherId":9071341,"projectId":8928551,"letterContent":"These storage rolling carts will make a huge impact in our classroom organization and student independence.\r\n\r\nEach week, students will have a designated place for extra copies of assignments, notes, study guides, and classroom resources. Instead of feeling stressed when they lose a paper or miss school due to illness or appointments, students will know exactly where to go to quickly grab what they need and get caught up.\r\n\r\nHaving a consistent weekly storage system helps create structure and responsibility while also reducing interruptions during instruction. It allows students to problem solve independently and keeps important learning materials easily accessible for everyone.\r\n\r\nThese carts are more than just storage. They help create a classroom environment where students feel supported, organized, and confident in managing their learning. For many middle school students, building these organizational habits is an important life skill that will benefit them far beyond our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1731599381413,"projectUrl":"project/keep-those-papers/8928551/","projectTitle":"Keep those papers!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Harpole","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9071341_orig.jpg?crop=1440,1440,x0,y196&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1687994464744","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsharpole"},{"teacherId":7219483,"projectId":9760834,"letterContent":"The students have thoroughly enjoyed these supplies! They have created so many wonderful projects. Students created pattern and emphasis, trading cards, variety trees, 3D pictures, pointillism, Van Gogh, and Claude Monet pictures with the colored pencils. Currently they are creating \"worm\" 3D pictures emphasizing value with colored pencil.\r\n\r\nThe students' favorite project was the artist study. They researched a famous artist, analyzed the artists syle, and then created an orginal painting using the paint and brushes from this Donor's Choose project. Thank you so much for giving to my students so they can bring their imagination to life!","fullyFundedDate":1763654305119,"projectUrl":"project/imagination-comes-to-life/9760834/","projectTitle":"Imagination Comes to Life!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Askew","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7219483_orig.jpg?crop=960,960,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1647020330408","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7219483"},{"teacherId":2658805,"projectId":9794856,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my students are now using three-ring binders, divider tabs, and sheet protectors to create organized writing portfolios that guide them through every step of the writing process. Each binder is divided into sections for brainstorming, drafting, revising, editing, and final copies. During lessons, we use the large Post-it notes to plan ideas, map out paragraphs, and reflect on feedback before revising their work. Having everything in one place has helped students stay focused and feel more confident as writers.\r\n\r\nWhen students first received their materials, they were genuinely excited to set up their binders and personalize them. Students commented on how much easier it was to find past drafts and notes. For many, this was the first time they had a dedicated space to track their growth as writers, and it immediately created a sense of ownership and pride in their work.\r\n\r\nAs we move forward, students will continue building their writing portfolios by adding new assignments, revising earlier pieces, and reflecting on their progress throughout the year. These binders will be used for upcoming narrative and argumentative writing projects, allowing students to apply feedback, set goals, and see how far they've come. Your support has given my students the tools they need to stay organized, engaged, and motivated, and it has made a lasting impact on our writing classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1764729781038,"projectUrl":"project/writing-that-binds/9794856/","projectTitle":"Writing that Binds!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Koeller","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2658805_orig.jpg?crop=453,453,x0,y77&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1646676229935","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-koeller"},{"teacherId":8078933,"projectId":9613050,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our middle school special education classroom. Because of your kindness, my students now have access to engaging games, books, and classroom supplies that make learning more meaningful, inclusive, and fun\r\n\r\nThese materials are already making a difference. The games help build critical thinking, social skills, and collaboration, while the books encourage a love of reading and provide opportunities for students to see themselves reflected in what they learn. The additional supplies allow me to better differentiate instruction and meet the unique needs of each learner in my classroom.\r\n\r\nYour support goes beyond providing materials—you are helping create a classroom environment where students feel motivated, supported, and excited to learn. My students and I are incredibly grateful for your investment in their education and success.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our classroom and for helping make learning accessible and engaging for all of my students.\r\n\r\nWith sincere appreciation,\r\nSara Gilbert","fullyFundedDate":1760828522237,"projectUrl":"project/building-bright-minds-books-games-and/9613050/","projectTitle":"Building Bright Minds: Books, Games, and for Manipulatives for Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gilbert","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8078933"},{"teacherId":7219483,"projectId":9481283,"letterContent":"My students were excited to see the new supplies. The art students used them for their new projects they were doing to show what they learned about the elements of art. They liked having fresh supplies. \r\n\r\nThe art students will be sculpting with paper and cardboard in the future. This will involve markers, crayons, construction paper, and glue guns. The supplies you donated will allow them more choices and plenty of supplies. \r\n\r\nThe social studies students dove into the new supplies to create posters for a colony sales booth project they were working on. Several of the students said they were glad we had new supplies.","fullyFundedDate":1757423973743,"projectUrl":"project/creativity-captures/9481283/","projectTitle":"Creativity Captures","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Askew","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7219483_orig.jpg?crop=960,960,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1647020330408","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7219483"},{"teacherId":8078933,"projectId":9196198,"letterContent":"My students just completed their first Wildcat Coffee Cart deliveries on Friday. Our first week was very successful! I received all the materials at the very end of our previous school year, so we first opened boxes and unpacked all of our new supplies for the coffee cart. My students were so excited to begin making drinks for the teachers and staff. Students have spent the first two weeks of school, learning how to use our coffee maker, iced tea pot, and hot water kettle. We practiced making drinks for our paras and organized our coffee cart. \r\nThis project has already given my students great practice in communication skills as they have taken orders and delivered drinks. They have had to follow step by step directions as they prepared orders. Their money counting abilities have also been put to the test.\r\nWe plan to add to what we offer on our coffee cart and hope to be able to prepare simple snacks and treats to offer to the staff. As we progress throughout the year, students will be able to use the money we are receiving to replenish supplies and also make decisions on how to spend our profits. \r\nThank you so much for making this hands on learning project possible for my students! Your support will impact their lives for a life time!","fullyFundedDate":1747178146846,"projectUrl":"project/wildcat-coffee-cart/9196198/","projectTitle":"Wildcat Coffee Cart","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gilbert","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8078933"},{"teacherId":2658805,"projectId":9332700,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support in providing cheer shoes and bows for our team's summer camp! The students are absolutely thrilled—especially with the bling on the bows! They can't stop showing them off and love how it adds that extra sparkle to their look.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, our cheerleaders stepped into camp with confidence, spirit, and style. Your kindness helped us create unforgettable moments and a strong start to our season.\r\n\r\nWe truly appreciate your support and belief in our team!","fullyFundedDate":1746891832000,"projectUrl":"project/weve-got-spirit-but-need-shoes/9332700/","projectTitle":"We've Got Spirit, but Need Shoes!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Koeller","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2658805_orig.jpg?crop=453,453,x0,y77&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1646676229935","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-koeller"},{"teacherId":7219483,"projectId":8855204,"letterContent":"These books have been a hit! The students have kept these books checked out. There is a waiting list when all the copies are checked out. The students are using these books to write reading responses on character traits, theme, and other literary elements.\r\n\r\nThe students like to retreat to reading nooks in the room, and spend time quietly reading. Some students like to join a small group and read together while discussing each chapter. These books are also used for discussion in socratic seminars. Thank you for donating and giving my students excellent reading material.","fullyFundedDate":1727965872261,"projectUrl":"project/calm-atmosphere/8855204/","projectTitle":"Calm Atmosphere","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Askew","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7219483_orig.jpg?crop=960,960,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1647020330408","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7219483"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_30489","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":95,"numTeachers":11,"percentFrplEligible":55,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":95,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":1,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":2,"gradesServed":"5 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"8.6:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"RURAL","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_DISTANT"},"inStateSupporters":69.3,"schoolId":30489,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Western Junior High School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Western Junior High School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/western-cusd-12/western-junior-high-school/30489"}