{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Westside Middle School Academy","outOfStateSupporters":33.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":5933874,"projectId":9516811,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for providing my students with coloring materials to bring their science modeling to life. In recent weeks my students have: used colored pencils to graph two different trend lines of the relationship between magnetic distance and force, used markers to model the forces acting on their Spinning Sculpture Motor, used highlighters to keep track of and annotate their unit vocabulary, and used black flair pens to emphasize their written explanations on final models. It's December, which means tissues are a must! We're almost through the supply that you generously provided us with. I've used the candy as a motivator and reward system on inevitable lower energy days. All in all, every material that was provided to us is used on a weekly, if not daily basis and I cannot thank you enough.","fullyFundedDate":1757423239883,"projectUrl":"project/stocked-up-for-a-successful-school-year/9516811/","projectTitle":"Stocked Up for a Successful School Year!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Chassagnoux","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5933874_orig.jpg?crop=1536,1536,x0,y153&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1575135883123","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-chassagnoux"},{"teacherId":5933874,"projectId":9516884,"letterContent":"During our Forces & Motions and Electricity & Magnetism units, modeling, diagraming, and color coding are the interactive notebook's best friend. The donations to this project provided me with the opportunity to print our color versions of photos students wouldn't otherwise be able to see. I print out color keys of notes and models for students to glue into their notebooks. Our school only has free access to black/white printing.\r\n\r\nThe photos that I included in this thank you package show the color notes that students have access to thanks to the access to color ink as well as the intro to our Genetics Unit where students organize tulips by different observable traits. Thank you so much for providing this opportunity to my students. Access to color ink has proven to be an essential part of keeping our science units engaging!","fullyFundedDate":1757423266664,"projectUrl":"project/enhancing-science-learning-with-color/9516884/","projectTitle":"Enhancing Science Learning With Color","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Chassagnoux","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5933874_orig.jpg?crop=1536,1536,x0,y153&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1575135883123","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-chassagnoux"},{"teacherId":3436105,"projectId":9673769,"letterContent":"Thanks to the generous support, I was able to bring a new level of excitement and motivation to my 7th-grade math classroom. This project encouraged students to consistently engage with i-Ready My Path math lessons—an essential program for personalized skill development. Although these lessons cannot be graded, they play a vital role in helping students strengthen foundational math skills and close learning gaps.\r\n\r\nWith the funds from this grant, I implemented a prize-based incentive system using a \"treasure chest\" model. Students who completed their assigned i-Ready lessons earned small, age-appropriate prizes as tangible rewards for their effort and dedication. The treasure chest was stocked with engaging items that appealed to middle school students, and it quickly became a fun and motivating part of our classroom routine.\r\n\r\nThis positive reinforcement strategy has significantly boosted student motivation, increased lesson completion rates, and created a more enthusiastic approach to independent math practice. Students look forward to earning their prizes each week, and many students have begun challenging themselves to complete even more lessons than required.\r\n\r\nI am so grateful for this support—it truly made a difference in how my students view their learning. Thank you for helping make math a more motivating, engaging, and rewarding experience for my students.","fullyFundedDate":1757770749543,"projectUrl":"project/treasure-chest-prizes/9673769/","projectTitle":"Treasure Chest Prizes!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Logan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3436105_orig.jpg?crop=212,212,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1729625167729","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3436105"},{"teacherId":8916711,"projectId":9274277,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our 6th grade classroom has taken a bright breath of fresh air. The new supplies have already woven themselves into our daily routines. Students are using the materials to support everything from close-reading annotations to interactive group projects, and the effect has been immediate and energizing.\r\n\r\nOne of my favorite moments happened during our first \"supplies reveal.\" As soon as I set out the new markers, sticky notes, notebooks, and organizational bins, the room buzzed with the kind of excitement usually reserved for field trips. Students dove right in: color-coding their RACE writing responses, creating graphic organizers for Social Studies, and proudly setting up their own neatly arranged supply stations. Watching them light up over something as simple as having the right tools reminded me just how much access shapes engagement.\r\n\r\nYour support didn't just restock a cabinet; it lifted a weight. It allowed every student, regardless of what they walked in with, to participate fully and confidently in our lessons.\r\n\r\nRight now, my students are working on a cross-curricular reading and writing project that blends our Bud, Not Buddy unit with nonfiction analysis. Their new supplies have become part of that process: annotating texts, drafting claims on fresh sticky notes, and using bright markers to map out the obstacles and themes the characters face. Our next step is to transition these ideas into full written responses, and the organizational tools you funded are helping students keep track of drafts, evidence, and revisions throughout the unit.\r\n\r\nThank you for giving my students the tools to learn boldly and joyfully. Your support is felt every single day in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1754062017579,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-supplies-refresh/9274277/","projectTitle":"Classroom Supplies Refresh","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Clement","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8916711_orig.jpg?crop=720,720,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1683031285775","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8916711"},{"teacherId":9986937,"projectId":9464903,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom technology project! The new Logitech speaker, wireless keyboard, and multi-port dongle have already made a noticeable difference in our daily learning. The upgraded setup allows students to engage more deeply with multimedia lessons—whether they're presenting projects themselves, watching educational videos, or collaborating on group activities. The clear audio from the speaker and the flexibility of the wireless keyboard have created a more dynamic, interactive environment that helps students stay focused and excited about learning.\r\n\r\nThe students are especially thrilled about the wireless keyboard and the ability to move around the room while controlling our classroom presentations. They love feeling in charge of their learning—whether advancing slides, typing responses, or playing review games. The new speaker has also become a favorite during interactive read-alouds and classroom music during independent learning time. Everyone can clearly hear every sound and voice, making the experience more immersive and engaging.\r\n\r\nYour donation didn't just provide tools—it helped create moments of pride, connection, and excitement in our classroom. Thank you for making that possible!","fullyFundedDate":1758223849820,"projectUrl":"project/keys-to-connection-building-a-tech-read/9464903/","projectTitle":"Keys to Connection: Building a Tech-Ready Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Savino","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9986937_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746890589995","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9986937"},{"teacherId":8235477,"projectId":9296207,"letterContent":"I can't thank you enough for your generosity in supporting this project. Your single donation funded the project (with a match), and it has had such a real and meaningful impact on classroom culture at the start of the school year.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, I've been able to bring in engaging, high-quality lessons and activities that truly light up my students' learning. These resources from Teachers Pay Teachers have helped me create lessons that are not only aligned to our curriculum but also spark joy and curiosity — especially for students who sometimes struggle to stay motivated. It's been such a gift to see their faces light up when we start a new activity and hear them say, \"Oh, I love when we do these!\"\r\n\r\nYour support has also given me something just as valuable — time. Instead of spending hours creating materials from scratch, I can now focus that time on meeting with students, checking in one-on-one, and giving them the encouragement they need to grow.\r\n\r\nFrom the bottom of my heart, thank you for supporting my students and me. I hope you'll consider visiting my page again in the future — your continued support makes an incredible difference every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1754076413475,"projectUrl":"project/the-gift-of-time-and-quality-resources/9296207/","projectTitle":"The Gift of Time and Quality Resources","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Leitheuser","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8235477_orig.jpg?crop=960,960,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1639506038821","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/leitheuser"},{"teacherId":8235477,"projectId":9351882,"letterContent":"I am beyond grateful for your incredible generosity in fully funding my project! As a middle school reading intervention teacher, I work with students who are reading two to four grade levels behind. These students are working extremely hard to catch up, and your support is enabling me to provide them with the very best instruction possible.\r\n\r\nThanks to your kindness, I have been able to and will continue to study professional development books grounded in the Science of Reading—resources that will help me better understand how my students learn to read and how to meet them exactly where they are. I'm excited to bring these evidence-based strategies into my classroom so my students can experience more success, confidence, and joy as readers.\r\n\r\nYour gift doesn't just support my learning—it strengthens the foundation for my students' futures. Thank you for believing in teachers and in the power of literacy to change lives.","fullyFundedDate":1751563279374,"projectUrl":"project/science-of-reading-professional-develop/9351882/","projectTitle":"Science of Reading: Professional Development","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Leitheuser","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8235477_orig.jpg?crop=960,960,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1639506038821","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/leitheuser"},{"teacherId":3377028,"projectId":9408974,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to my DonorsChoose project, Essential Reading Supplies. Your support made it possible to secure targeted, phonics-based materials, and I'm deeply grateful.\r\n\r\nThese resources are making a meaningful difference in strengthening my students' decoding skills. Because of your generosity, I'm able to use research-based strategies that provide focused support. As a result, my students are not only improving their reading and comprehension, but they're also gaining confidence and a renewed belief in themselves.\r\n\r\nI truly appreciate your recognition of the importance of equipping older, struggling readers with the right tools. Your kindness is creating a lasting impact on their learning journeys and helping open new opportunities for their future.","fullyFundedDate":1750948021839,"projectUrl":"project/essential-reading-supplies/9408974/","projectTitle":"Essential Reading Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Christine","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3377028_orig.jpg?crop=499,500,x0,y140&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1687526106918","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3377028"},{"teacherId":3506183,"projectId":9408144,"letterContent":"This project, Mobile 3D Printer and Laser Cutter workbenches had a dramatic impact on my classroom and students. Before these workbenches, I had to use a wobbly table to set the 3D printer on, and the laser cutter was in another classroom's closet. Having the 2 new workbenches allowed me to organize and present the technology in the space where it could have the most profound impact- inside the classroom. Having them both in my space, students immediately noticed them upon entering the room. Several students were confused about the laser cutter because I told them about it, and they watched videos, but they didn't have an opportunity to see what it looks like in real life, more specifically how it works to create things.\r\nPeople learn best when given the opportunity to apply and demonstrate knowledge and understanding. My students now have an opportunity to observe and understand technology in their own classroom, and hopefully they are better technology students with a greater understanding of their world and the specifics of the 3D printer and the laser cutter we have in our school.\r\nThank you so much for supporting the growth and learning in my classroom. My students and I thank you for helping to create an awesome environment for technology in our school!","fullyFundedDate":1754076507808,"projectUrl":"project/mobile-3d-printer-and-laser-cutter-workb/9408144/","projectTitle":"Mobile 3D Printer and Laser Cutter workbenches!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hoyack","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3506183_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1528859506309","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-hoyack"},{"teacherId":1513246,"projectId":9323362,"letterContent":"This project has been AMAZING! It has been in the works for over a year now as I created this comprehensive notebook for students to use for the year, unit by unit. All diagrams, vocabulary words, lesson details, and graphic organizers were compiled into one notebook, which has eliminated the need for cutting and gluing, cut down on the work for students to ask and troubleshoot around what to make up when absent, and provides that additional support for my ELLs, SpEd, and 504 students. \r\n\r\nI'm already noticing within the first few weeks of the school year how much time is saved by having the materials all in one place, organized and sequenced appropriately. Students are able to help their tablemates with finding the right page, nothing is being left behind or falling on the floor at the end of class. The spiral component is a life saver! With lab set ups and workspace at a premium, having notebooks that can be folded flat allows students to use their guided notes while tackling hands-on activities.\r\n\r\nThe year started with students creating covers for the front and back of the notebook, which were laminated and have given a formal and completed look. Everyone's notebook is personalized on the outside, while providing consistency and continuity on the inside. It was a lot of time up front on my end getting things copied and spiraled for student use, but it has already paid off as a time saver now that the year has started for me and the students.\r\n\r\nI will certainly be continuing with this notebook style for upcoming years and am thrilled that this year's cohort is finding it so beneficial. I already have former students coming in and asking \"why didn't we get this last year?\", so I can tell the word has spread and that it's already having a positive impact!","fullyFundedDate":1746794735158,"projectUrl":"project/custom-notebook-creations/9323362/","projectTitle":"Custom Notebook Creations","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Henggeler","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1513246_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1499976499166","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1513246"},{"teacherId":9986937,"projectId":9433767,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my project, Books That Spark Minds: Fueling Independent Reading Adventures. My students now have access to a wider range of engaging books that both challenge and inspire them because of your generous donations.\r\n\r\nThese new texts are helping us explore skills like identifying theme, analyzing character development, and making connections between literature and our own lives. They also support lessons in critical thinking, empathy, and perspective-taking—skills that will carry students well beyond the classroom.\r\n\r\nIn my classroom, independent reading time has become one of the most joyful parts of the day. Students eagerly select books that speak to their interests and then share their thoughts in small group discussions or through creative responses like journals and book talks. The atmosphere is filled with quiet focus, excited whispers about favorite passages, and the kind of energy that only comes from authentic engagement with stories. Several students who once struggled to find books they connected with are now deeply engaged.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has truly ignited a love of reading in our classroom, and I can't thank you enough for making this possible.","fullyFundedDate":1751087779885,"projectUrl":"project/books-that-spark-minds-fueling-independ/9433767/","projectTitle":"Books That Spark Minds: Fueling Independent Reading Adventures","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Savino","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9986937_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746890589995","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9986937"},{"teacherId":1826558,"projectId":9197078,"letterContent":"The chompsaw tool has impacted how my students design significantly. Previously we were using utility scissors to cut cardboard fins for rockets, bird beaks for an evolution simulation lab, and windmill blades for our end of the year project. Now, that the students have access to a more precise tool like the chompsaw, they are able to take their designs to the next level. Instead of wonky pointed rocket fins, they were able to use the chomp saw to create curved and symmetrical shapes. We haven't launched the rockets yet but I predict that the increase in balance will help their rockets soar to new heights.","fullyFundedDate":1746492591458,"projectUrl":"project/chompsaw-a-cutting-edge-tool-for-engine/9197078/","projectTitle":"Chompsaw: a Cutting-Edge Tool for Engineering & Upcycling","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. LaRosa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1826558_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1471410262519","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/a-larosa"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_107460","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":736,"numTeachers":40,"percentFrplEligible":71,"percentAsian":5,"percentBlack":5,"percentWhite":33,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":51,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"18.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":66.2,"schoolId":107460,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Westside Middle School Academy on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Westside Middle School Academy","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/connecticut/danbury-public-schools/westside-middle-school-academy/107460"}