{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Wilson Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":32.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9746905,"projectId":9068252,"letterContent":"On behalf of the students in the Afterschool Outdoor Adventure Club, I want to give a heartfelt thanks to the our supporters and extend our deepest gratitude for your generous contributions to our Donors Choose project, Teaching Students to Fish Is Feeding Their Passion and Soul. Your support has provided us with brand new fishing poles and tackle, transforming our afterschool program and unlocking exciting new possibilities for hands-on learning. We are already putting these resources to incredible use! At the start of the school year, our club ventured to a local reservoir for a day focused on water activities. While I had some older equipment, having these new, reliable fishing poles has been a game-changer. It means every single student in our club can now participate fully, learning the valuable skills of casting and reeling. Your donation has ensured that we have enough quality equipment for every aspiring angler, eliminating the need to share and maximizing our time on the water.\r\n\r\nThe day the materials arrived was a moment of genuine intrigue and excitement that I won't soon forget. When the students saw the boxes, they immediately started asking to learn and to put them to use. Their anticipation was palpable as we carefully opened the boxes and put the poles and reels together. When they first laid eyes on the shiny new fishing poles and tackle, their faces lit up with joy and curiosity. They immediately started asking a lot of questions: \"How do you put the line on?\", \"What kind of bait do we use?\", and \"When can we go fishing?\" This immediate, enthusiastic reaction showed just how much this equipment means to them. It wasn't just fishing gear; it was a tangible symbol that supporters believe in their potential and their adventures. This moment emphasized the value of having these resources readily available, allowing us to connect classroom concepts—like ecosystems, local watersheds, and patience—with real-world experience.\r\n\r\nThis fantastic resource will play a crucial role as we look ahead to the spring semester. While we're currently focused on winter outdoor skills and activities, the club will transition its focus in the spring to local water sheds, service projects like lake clean ups, and aquatic life and fishing instruction. The new fishing poles will be central to this shift, allowing me to teach proper casting techniques, knot tying, and responsible catch-and-release practices in detail and ahead of excursions. This hands-on, practical instruction is in direct preparation for our end-of-the-school-year lake day, which is the culmination of our spring club curriculum. That lake day will be an opportunity for the students to apply everything they've learned, from setting up their gear to successfully landing a fish, all thanks to the resources you provided. For many students, this will be their first real experience fishing, and having their own pole will build a sense of ownership and accomplishment.\r\n\r\nYour contribution has done more than just purchase fishing poles; it has invested in the confidence, teamwork, and outdoor education of our middle school students. You have helped us foster a lifelong appreciation for nature and the skills needed to enjoy it responsibly. Knowing we have enough quality equipment for every child is a wonderful feeling, and it allows us to plan more ambitious and inclusive trips. As we move forward, the next steps for our club are to finish our current units on orienteering, archery, and biking, and then transition into the spring fishing unit, starting with basic knot tying and rod assembly in the classroom. Thank you, once again, for giving our students the chance to learn, explore, and create lasting memories in the great outdoors. Your generosity is deeply appreciated by the entire Afterschool Outdoor Adventure Club!","fullyFundedDate":1742142530025,"projectUrl":"project/teaching-students-to-fish-is-feeding-the/9068252/","projectTitle":"Teaching Students to Fish Is Feeding Their Passion and Soul","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Flores","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9746905_orig.jpg?crop=1702,1702,x0,y717&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726368546257","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrfloresspec-ed-ela"},{"teacherId":9746905,"projectId":9068235,"letterContent":"On behalf of our middle schoolers and myself, who thank you deeply, I want to express my sincerest gratitude for your incredibly generous support. Your contributions of ruck weights, sandbags, and day packs have made a tangible difference, allowing us to create mobile fitness areas that are already empowering our students in remarkable ways. I truly believe that physical fitness is a lifelong journey, not a temporary destination. It's about building healthy habits that extend far beyond these formative years. Your donations are helping us instill this fundamental understanding in our students at a crucial time in their development. We're teaching them that taking care of their bodies is an ongoing commitment, one that will benefit them in every aspect of their lives.\r\n\r\nOne of the core strengths of middle school is the power of community. I've seen firsthand that everything is better when done as a group. The camaraderie and encouragement among the students as they work out together are truly inspiring. They're learning to motivate one another, to push through challenges as a team, and to celebrate each other's successes. This shared experience fosters not only physical strength but also a strong sense of belonging and mutual support.\r\n\r\nIt's particularly important for middle schoolers to grasp that they are in a period of significant growth. This growth isn't just about getting taller; it encompasses their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. We emphasize that growing also includes taking care of yourself, and exercise is a vital component of that self-care. It's about building a strong foundation for a healthy future. I know that exercise helps everything, from improving mood and focus to boosting academic performance. However, it's equally important to learn correct form and limitations so as not to hurt oneself. When working with youth, I prioritize proper technique, ensuring that the students learn how to use the equipment safely and effectively. They are developing body awareness and understanding their individual capacities, which are essential skills for a lifetime of safe and beneficial physical activity.\r\n\r\nIt is a profound honor for me to help these kids grow—not just academically, but also in strength and confidence. The transformation I witness in them is truly rewarding. The material you donated is instrumental in making this possible. These ruck weights, sandbags, and day packs are not just pieces of equipment; they are tools that help us create dynamic, accessible fitness opportunities. They allow us to set up impromptu training sessions in various locations, making fitness more convenient and engaging for our students. Your generosity is directly contributing to the health, well-being, and future success of these young people. Thank you for shouldering the load with us and for investing in the potential of the next generation.","fullyFundedDate":1740526981789,"projectUrl":"project/shoulder-the-load-introduction-to-weigh/9068235/","projectTitle":"Shoulder the Load: Introduction to Weightlifting and Cross Country","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Flores","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9746905_orig.jpg?crop=1702,1702,x0,y717&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726368546257","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrfloresspec-ed-ela"},{"teacherId":9746905,"projectId":9038628,"letterContent":"I want to give you a heartfelt \"thank you\" for Making \"A Classroom Without Walls\" a Reality! Your belief in my vision and philosophy that children need more engagement with nature is truly been a game changer, and I am already seeing the profound impact of our new Outdoor Learning Environment on our students (the students are happier).\r\n\r\nThe initial rollout of the project saw us eagerly taking our learning environment outside the traditional classroom and into our school garden. I utilized the materials you helped us acquire – the power bank, cart, and whiteboard – with the intention of conducting our lessons in the fresh air. While I encountered some initial challenges with spotty internet connectivity in our immediate outdoor space (something the school is actively working to resolve!), this hurdle led to an exciting and innovative adaptation of our approach.\r\n\r\nI quickly realized the immense value of the power banks and cart in a different, but equally impactful, way. These resources have become essential tools for charging student computers and transporting their reading materials outdoors. Now, as the students enjoy the invigorating outdoor setting, their laptops are fully powered and ready when it's time to focus on writing their summaries and analyses of their reading.\r\n\r\nIt was really cool to witness the students' initial curiosity about the power banks. Many had never encountered them before! Now, they greet the sight of the charging station on wheels with genuine excitement, eager to keep their devices ready for their learning tasks.\r\n\r\nAs the weather in Albuquerque has warmed, the students were understandably becoming a little antsy within the four walls of the classroom. Your contribution has provided a much-welcomed and refreshing break, allowing us to seamlessly blend learning with the joy of being outdoors. They can now complete their assignments in an environment that fosters both engagement and a sense of well-being.\r\n\r\nThank you, from the bottom of my heart, for investing in \"A Classroom Without Walls.\" Your generosity is directly enriching the learning experience of our students and opening up exciting new possibilities for education.\r\n\r\nWith sincere appreciation,","fullyFundedDate":1737821019940,"projectUrl":"project/a-classroom-without-walls-support-our/9038628/","projectTitle":"A Classroom Without Walls?? Support Our Outdoor Learning Station","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Flores","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9746905_orig.jpg?crop=1702,1702,x0,y717&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726368546257","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrfloresspec-ed-ela"},{"teacherId":9746905,"projectId":8782463,"letterContent":"Words cannot fully express our gratitude for your incredible support. The food provided through this campaign has been nothing short of a Godsend. For our students who often miss breakfast or simply need a little boost to start their day, these readily available snacks have made a significant difference in their focus and motivation. We've seen firsthand how a full stomach can lead to a more engaged and eager learner. Beyond nourishment, the disinfectant wipes and sprays, along with the \"real\" tissue, have been invaluable in navigating the cold and flu season. These seemingly small items have played a crucial role in maintaining a healthier environment, reducing illness-related absences that can be so disruptive to both families and learning. Even the simple addition of air fresheners has contributed to a more pleasant and welcoming atmosphere in our classrooms.\r\n\r\nWhile every aspect of your donation has had a positive impact, I am particularly grateful for the deodorants. The availability of spray deodorant near the door offers a discreet and accessible option for my 6th graders. Moreover, the mini deodorants you've provided have been an absolute game-changer in addressing personal hygiene. As any parent and teacher of a middle schooler knows, reminding young adolescents about the importance of showering and deodorant is an ongoing process as they transition from child to teen. Having these readily available allows me to gently and privately offer support to students who may need a little reminder, reinforcing healthy habits and promoting self-respect.\r\n\r\nThank you from the bottom of my heart for your commitment to our students' well-being. Your generosity extends far beyond just providing supplies; you are truly investing in their health, dignity, and overall success. My 6th graders are truly amazing, and thanks to your support, I am better equipped to care for them holistically.","fullyFundedDate":1735577266307,"projectUrl":"project/the-gift-of-health-and-dignity/8782463/","projectTitle":"The GIFT of Health and Dignity","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Flores","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9746905_orig.jpg?crop=1702,1702,x0,y717&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726368546257","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrfloresspec-ed-ela"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_82459","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":365,"numTeachers":32,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":8,"percentWhite":8,"percentIndigenous":10,"percentLatinx":66,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"11.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":67.5,"schoolId":82459,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Wilson Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Wilson Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-mexico/albuquerque-public-schools/wilson-middle-school/82459"}