{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Ahlf Junior High School","outOfStateSupporters":33.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":362305,"projectId":8518575,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, we've been able to dive into some truly exciting and hands-on learning experiences with our new Glowforge materials! One of our favorite projects so far has been designing and creating personalized keychains and nameplates. Students first sketched their ideas on paper, then used design software to turn their concepts into digital files. Watching their ideas come to life as the Glowforge laser cut and engraved their designs was a moment of awe for everyone!\r\n\r\nThe students were immediately energized when they saw the materials — everything from wood sheets to acrylics and leather sparked ideas. Many had never seen a laser cutter in action before, so when we fired up the Glowforge for the first time, the room was filled with gasps and excited chatter. One student said, \"It's like watching your imagination become real!\"","fullyFundedDate":1723660085956,"projectUrl":"project/mighty-roar/8518575/","projectTitle":"Mighty Roar","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Martin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp362305_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y717&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1626110820374","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kelly-martin"},{"teacherId":362305,"projectId":8892631,"letterContent":"With the hygiene items provided through this grant, we created care bags for students in need, filled with essentials like soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, and more. Students helped organize, pack, and distribute the bags—turning the project into a meaningful act of service. One particularly touching moment was when a student helping with the project said, \"I know what it's like to not have these things. It feels good to help someone else.\" The experience built compassion, teamwork, and a strong sense of purpose.\r\n\r\nStudents were excited and deeply engaged when they saw the hygiene supplies. Those receiving the care bags expressed gratitude, relief, and even surprise that someone had thought of their needs in such a thoughtful way. For students helping assemble the bags, the materials sparked conversations about dignity, access, and empathy. It created a connection between giving and receiving that resonated throughout the classroom.\r\n\r\nThe next step in this project is to make it sustainable. Students are now working on a plan to keep the care bag program going year-round—through donations, school drives, and continued community involvement. We're also incorporating this into our life skills and service learning curriculum, encouraging students to explore other ways to meet basic needs within our school community. The grant laid the foundation, and now students are taking the lead to carry it forward.","fullyFundedDate":1739985368284,"projectUrl":"project/student-essentials-hub/8892631/","projectTitle":"Student Essentials Hub","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Martin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp362305_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y717&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1626110820374","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kelly-martin"},{"teacherId":362305,"projectId":8869115,"letterContent":"Thanks to the sewing machines we received through this grant, our students have been working on a service-learning project to create fidget blankets for individuals living with dementia. These blankets incorporate various textures, buttons, zippers, and fabric elements designed to soothe and engage. A standout moment was when one student, who had never sewn before, proudly held up their finished blanket and said, \"I made this for someone who really needs it.\" It's been amazing to see students develop both skills and empathy through hands-on work.\r\n\r\nThey were genuinely excited! For many, it was their first time working with a sewing machine, and the idea that they could use a new skill to help someone in need really resonated. There was a mix of curiosity and pride as they got comfortable with the machines. Once they understood the purpose behind the project, their motivation increased—they wanted their blankets to be as thoughtful and helpful as possible.\r\n\r\nOur next step is delivering the completed fidget blankets to local care facilities and hearing from staff about how they're being used. In class, students are now reflecting on their experience by creating presentation boards that document their process—from planning and stitching to community impact. We're also exploring ways to expand the project, possibly involving more advanced designs or hosting a workshop to teach others how to make these meaningful items.","fullyFundedDate":1738265410398,"projectUrl":"project/fidget-blankets-for-dementia/8869115/","projectTitle":"Fidget Blankets for Dementia","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Martin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp362305_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y717&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1626110820374","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kelly-martin"},{"teacherId":362305,"projectId":8832888,"letterContent":"The grant allowed us to stock our school bathrooms with free feminine hygiene products, and this simple change has had a powerful impact. Instead of having to leave class to search for supplies, students can now access what they need discreetly and immediately. One specific moment that stood out was when a student quietly said, \"I didn't have to ask anyone or miss class—I just got what I needed and went right back.\" It may seem small, but moments like that reinforce how access equals dignity and uninterrupted learning.\r\n\r\nStudents were both surprised and relieved. Several expressed gratitude that someone had thought of their needs and took steps to address them. For many, the presence of these products made them feel seen and supported. One student said, \"I always stress about this every month, and now I don't have to.\" That shift in emotional burden is a real win—creating a more equitable and comfortable environment for everyone.\r\n\r\nWhile this project isn't tied to a traditional classroom assignment, it directly supports students' ability to stay in class, focus, and participate fully in their education. The next step for us is to continue normalizing conversations around health and equity. We're working on a health awareness initiative led by students, where they'll help educate their peers on self-care, access, and advocacy—building confidence and community at the same time.","fullyFundedDate":1737143603080,"projectUrl":"project/code-red-3/8832888/","projectTitle":"Code Red 3","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Martin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp362305_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y717&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1626110820374","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kelly-martin"},{"teacherId":362305,"projectId":8612332,"letterContent":"The new printer has quickly become an essential tool in our graphic design program. Students are using it to bring their digital artwork to life—printing posters, branding mockups, and portfolio pieces with professional-quality results. One standout moment came during our branding project, where students designed logos and marketing materials for a fictional business. Seeing their designs printed in full color and on real paper was a game-changer—it added a sense of pride and professionalism that digital previews just can't replicate.\r\n\r\nThey were thrilled! Many of them had never seen a high-quality color printer that could handle graphic design work. There was a lot of excitement the first time we printed a full-page color poster—students were crowding around, comparing the print to their screen designs, and immediately brainstorming ways to refine and improve their work. It gave them a tangible connection to their digital skills.","fullyFundedDate":1733287583403,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-creativity-enhancing-studen/8612332/","projectTitle":"\"Empowering Creativity: Enhancing Student Design with Cutting-Edge Printing Technology","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Martin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp362305_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y717&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1626110820374","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kelly-martin"},{"teacherId":362305,"projectId":8698498,"letterContent":"The new decor and furniture have completely transformed our therapy room into a calming, welcoming space. We use the area daily for individual and small-group sessions focused on emotional regulation, sensory processing, and social skills development. One powerful moment came during a mindfulness activity when a student who typically struggles with focus and anxiety visibly relaxed in our new soft seating area. They shared that the space made them feel \"safe and comfortable,\" which allowed them to engage more deeply in the session. Their reactions were priceless! Students lit up with excitement and curiosity as they explored the new seating, rugs, and wall art. One student exclaimed, \"It feels like a real calm-down place now!\" For many of our students, who benefit greatly from structured yet soothing environments, the new decor immediately made the room feel more like a refuge than a traditional classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1724849907546,"projectUrl":"project/mindful-spaces-equipping-a-sanctuary-fo/8698498/","projectTitle":"Mindful Spaces: Equipping a Sanctuary for Student Wellbeing","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Martin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp362305_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y717&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1626110820374","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kelly-martin"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_56668","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":576,"numTeachers":42,"percentFrplEligible":47,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":9,"percentWhite":72,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":9,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"7 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"13.7:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"TOWN","ncesMetroType":"TOWN_DISTANT"},"inStateSupporters":66.3,"schoolId":56668,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Ahlf Junior High School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Ahlf Junior High School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/arkansas/searcy-school-district/ahlf-junior-high-school/56668"}