{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"J.O. Kelly Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":46.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":1489164,"projectId":9583750,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting this project—your generosity is already empowering my students in meaningful and deeply human ways. Because of you, we now have the tools to help students understand one another more fully and take real action to strengthen our school community.\r\n\r\nWhen students learned they would be using a large-format color printer to turn their empathy-driven ideas into professional-quality posters and banners, their excitement was immediate. They couldn't believe their designs—created to support and uplift their peers—would be displayed across the school in such a powerful, visible way. For many of them, this was the first time they realized their voices could shape the climate of our school.\r\n\r\nYour support has allowed me to teach empathy not just as a concept, but as a practice. Students are interviewing classmates, teachers, and community members to understand what makes people feel unseen, unsupported, or disconnected. Then, instead of stopping at awareness, they're designing creative solutions—campaigns promoting kindness, displays celebrating student voices, and visuals to uplift teachers who feel overwhelmed.\r\n\r\nBecause of your gift, students are learning that compassion involves both understanding and action. They're discovering that their ideas can make a tangible difference in the lives of others. We will track our progress through reflections, surveys, and school climate data, but the most important outcome is already clear: students feel empowered to create a more connected, caring school.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping fill our hallways with messages of kindness and hope. Your support is making our school a more inclusive place—and showing students that their empathy truly matters.","fullyFundedDate":1756470319050,"projectUrl":"project/seeing-through-new-eyes-inspiring-schoo/9583750/","projectTitle":"Seeing Through New Eyes: Inspiring School and Community Compassion","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Farrell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1489164_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1491330401879","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1489164"},{"teacherId":1489164,"projectId":9339807,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom has been transformed in a truly meaningful way. The professional-quality art mats you provided have already elevated our students' artwork—and their confidence—far beyond what words can fully capture.\r\n\r\nHow we're using the new resources:\r\nAs soon as the mats arrived, my students began selecting their favorite finished pieces from the semester. We walked through the process of preparing and mounting artwork just like a professional gallery would. One particular moment stands out: a student who usually keeps her head down quietly slipped her portrait into a mat, held it up, and whispered, \"It looks real now... like something an actual artist made.\" Her classmates immediately gathered around, celebrating her work. That small moment of pride is exactly what this project was meant to spark.\r\n\r\nTheir first reactions:\r\nWhen the students saw the mats for the first time, you would have thought we'd brought in expensive studio equipment. They handled each one carefully, amazed at how something so simple could make their art look \"official.\" Several students said they couldn't wait to take their pieces home and show their families—something many of them have never done with schoolwork before.\r\n\r\nWhat's next:\r\nRight now, we are preparing a mini showcase where students will choose one matted artwork to display in a hallway gallery before taking it home. Our next step is to incorporate artist statements so students can reflect on their creative process and share their stories with their families. After the showcase, the artwork will go home—ready to be framed, hung, celebrated, and talked about.\r\n\r\nYour gift didn't just provide materials—it gave our students validation, dignity, and a way to see themselves as artists. Thank you for giving them a moment they will remember, and a piece of their own creativity they'll be proud to display.","fullyFundedDate":1756184565550,"projectUrl":"project/framing-pride-sending-student-art-home/9339807/","projectTitle":"Framing Pride: Sending Student Art Home With Honor","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Farrell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1489164_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1491330401879","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1489164"},{"teacherId":1489164,"projectId":8111403,"letterContent":"The impact of this project on my students has been nothing short of inspiring. In our classroom, we place a strong emphasis on student-driven learning, where young people are given the opportunity to explore their own interests while also discovering how their skills can be used to improve the community around them. The addition of the large-format printer, along with the ink and paper that came with it, has opened up creative and meaningful possibilities that my students had not imagined before. While many donors may use printers in their homes for everyday needs, this technology allows my students to think much bigger—literally. Instead of being limited to small sheets of paper or digital images on a screen, they are now able to transform their artwork into large-scale designs that can be displayed in shared school spaces, giving them the chance to see their work make a visible difference in the lives of their peers.\r\n\r\nOne of the most exciting outcomes of this project has been the creation of sensory walk decals designed by students, for students. These sensory walks are made up of colorful, engaging stickers that are placed on floors and walls in hallways or classrooms. The designs encourage children to move, jump, balance, and stretch as they follow the patterns. For young learners, these walks are more than just fun—they are a way to regulate emotions, improve focus, and strengthen important motor skills. The fact that the decals are student-created makes the walks even more meaningful; not only do our students take pride in their designs, but they also get to see how their work has a direct and positive impact on younger children in the school. The technology has helped them connect art, community service, and social-emotional well-being in a way that feels authentic and powerful.\r\n\r\nStudents are particularly energized by the fact that their ideas are being transformed into something tangible and useful. For example, one student who usually prefers to work quietly on the computer has become one of the most enthusiastic contributors to the project. Seeing her digital art come to life in a large, vibrant print gave her a new sense of confidence, and she has since taken on a leadership role in helping her classmates with design software. Another student who has a passion for fitness was able to collaborate with the art students to design movement-based decals that encourage stretching and jumping, bringing together two very different skill sets into one finished product. Watching students who might not usually connect in class collaborate on these designs has been one of the most rewarding parts of the project.\r\n\r\nIn the end, the greatest impact of this project has been the way it empowers students to see themselves not only as learners but as problem-solvers and contributors to their community. With the help of this printer, ink, and paper, they have been able to take their ideas and transform them into something lasting and meaningful. They are learning that their creativity has real-world value, and that technology is not just a tool for school assignments but a way to bring joy, health, and connection to others. Our sensory walks will continue to make a difference for children who need movement to thrive, and our students will continue to grow in their confidence, creativity, and compassion thanks to the opportunities this project has made possible.","fullyFundedDate":1705498904714,"projectUrl":"project/moving-for-memory/8111403/","projectTitle":"Moving for Memory","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Farrell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1489164_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1491330401879","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1489164"},{"teacherId":9005671,"projectId":7399352,"letterContent":"We utilize the Poms at every assembly to embellish the stage to uplift the cafeteria to radiate brightly with our school colors! We adore our school and everything it symbolizes. We have a profound admiration for school spirit. We exhibit it through the diverse culture of students we have and bring a distinctive sound to every game, assembly, and event we attend. By having these incredible Poms we have ascended to unprecedented heights of school spirit, elevating our passion and pride! Thank you profoundly from the depths of our hearts!","fullyFundedDate":1692664889472,"projectUrl":"project/peace-love-knights-and-pom-poms/7399352/","projectTitle":"Peace, Love, Knights, and Pom Poms!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Chelsie Gutierrez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9005671_orig.jpg?crop=1185,1186,x0,y154&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1680895920817","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/knightsofthesoundtable"},{"teacherId":9005671,"projectId":7280784,"letterContent":"All the materials purchased through this project enabled every child to receive a bag. The HTV I utilized to cut our team logo and create personalized bags with their names was a significant aspect. They were thoroughly enthusiastic about them! Possessing an item with their name on it was truly empowering for every child. It facilitated game days by ensuring that all pom-poms and name badges were secure and did not get lost. It also lent a professional appearance to the team as a whole. Every student was uniformly attired and presented a polished look.","fullyFundedDate":1682696451437,"projectUrl":"project/knights-of-the-sound-table/7280784/","projectTitle":"Knights of the Sound Table!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Chelsie Gutierrez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9005671_orig.jpg?crop=1185,1186,x0,y154&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1680895920817","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/knightsofthesoundtable"},{"teacherId":720530,"projectId":8808643,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the painting and golf STEM supplies. Currently, my students are building their mini golf course for their fundraiser. They have learned how to convert blue prints and scale drawings into real products. Students also have been going through the Engineering Design Thinking Process as creating their ambitious designs and obstacles (such as mechanical windmills and ziplines) takes many trials and prototypes. Its been an excellent learning experience for my students and we are grateful that the end products will benefit our student world travelers. Thank you so much for your generous donations!","fullyFundedDate":1727224131385,"projectUrl":"project/fundraising-futures-building-financial/8808643/","projectTitle":"Fundraising Futures: Building Financial Literacy for Global Impact","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Henley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp720530_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1490284779220","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-henley"},{"teacherId":9005671,"projectId":7294872,"letterContent":"Having this project \"Patch them up!\" has been an incredibly uplifting experience for the kids! Everything from grades, school attendance, practice attendance, game day attendance, and behavior has seen remarkable improvement. They now have a fantastic opportunity to showcase their achievements to everyone who sees their jackets and hoodies. People will stop and inquire about the patches, giving them a chance to proudly share their accomplishments and bask in the glory of their hard work. It has been a truly heartwarming experience! They were beyond excited to start immediately earning their patches and asking how and when we would give them out to be applied to their jackets!","fullyFundedDate":1684845567675,"projectUrl":"project/patch-them-up/7294872/","projectTitle":"Patch them Up!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Chelsie Gutierrez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9005671_orig.jpg?crop=1185,1186,x0,y154&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1680895920817","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/knightsofthesoundtable"},{"teacherId":1489164,"projectId":5499538,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity and support of our outdoor classroom and garden project. Your kindness has provided our students with the opportunity to create a beautiful, living space that supports both their learning and their well-being. At our school, ninety-seven percent of students receive free or reduced-price lunch, and many rely on school programs not only for food but also for emotional and academic support. For our students, having access to a safe and welcoming outdoor space is more than a luxury—it is a much-needed part of their school experience, and you have made that possible.\r\n\r\nThe garden and outdoor classroom have quickly become a place of joy, calm, and discovery. With the water hose, timer, sprinklers, and birdbath that you helped us secure, our students can now nurture plants and care for a space that grows alongside them. The garden gives them a chance to be hands-on in their learning, seeing firsthand how their efforts make a difference. They are not only growing vegetables, flowers, and pollinator-friendly plants—they are also growing their confidence, teamwork, and sense of responsibility. For children who may often feel that much in life is out of their control, having the ability to tend to a living space and watch it thrive has been incredibly empowering.\r\n\r\nOne of the most exciting aspects of this project is how much joy it has brought to students' everyday routines. For example, a group of students who often struggle to stay engaged in a traditional classroom environment have found the outdoor space to be their favorite place to learn. When given the chance to work in the garden, they are eager to participate, ask questions, and share their ideas. Another student who has faced challenges with anxiety has found comfort in the garden, saying that it helps them \"feel calmer and think better.\" These are just a few examples of how your donation is impacting students not just academically, but emotionally and socially as well.\r\n\r\nThe birdbath has also been a highlight for many of our students. They are fascinated by the pollinators it attracts and love observing the connections between the plants, the insects, and the environment around them. These real-world science lessons spark curiosity in ways that textbooks cannot. Students are beginning to ask deeper questions about ecosystems, the importance of pollinators, and how humans can take care of the world around them. This natural curiosity is exactly what we hoped the garden would inspire, and it is thanks to you that we are able to nurture it.\r\n\r\nIn the end, the greatest gift this project has provided is hope and joy. Our outdoor classroom is now a place where students can relax, explore, and grow both academically and personally. They are learning that their environment matters, that they can make a difference, and that caring for something living brings peace and pride. On behalf of all of our students and staff, thank you for making this dream possible. Your support has created not just a garden, but a space for growth, healing, and lasting memories.","fullyFundedDate":1621544170127,"projectUrl":"project/growing-minds/5499538/","projectTitle":"Growing Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Farrell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1489164_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1491330401879","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1489164"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_63005","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":663,"numTeachers":63,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":9,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":63,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 7","studentTeacherRatio":"10.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":53.7,"schoolId":63005,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about J.O. Kelly Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"J.O. Kelly Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/arkansas/springdale-public-schools/j-o-kelly-middle-school/63005"}