{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Fort Miller Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":44.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":7260095,"projectId":10202771,"letterContent":"Indoor composters have had a meaningful impact in our middle school classrooms by turning everyday food scraps into a practical, visible lesson in sustainability. Rather than throwing away apple cores, banana peels, tangerine peels, and other appropriate food scraps, students learned that these materials still have value. The composters gave students a hands-on way to observe how organic waste can be transformed into nutrient-rich material that supports new plant growth.\r\n\r\nThe project connected science learning to daily classroom routines. Students collected food scraps, identified which materials were appropriate for composting, and monitored the composters over time. They noticed changes in texture, moisture, color, and smell, which encouraged observation, discussion, and problem-solving. These experiences helped make concepts such as decomposition, microorganisms, nutrient cycling, and soil health more concrete than a textbook lesson alone could provide.\r\n\r\nOne of the most rewarding outcomes was being able to use the finished compost or compost-enriched soil for classroom plants. Students saw a direct connection between the snack scraps they collected and the healthier growing environment they created for their plants. Adding compost to plant soil reinforced the idea that natural systems are cyclical: food becomes scraps, scraps become soil, and soil helps grow future plants. This process gave students a sense of responsibility and pride because they could see the results of their ongoing care and participation.\r\n\r\nThe indoor composters also supported environmental awareness. Students became more thoughtful about waste and more aware that not everything belongs in a trash can. By diverting food scraps from classroom garbage, they practiced a small but important form of waste reduction. The project opened conversations about landfill waste, reuse of natural materials, gardening, and ways families can make more sustainable choices at home.\r\n\r\nIn addition, the composting routine promoted collaboration. Students shared responsibilities such as collecting scraps, checking the composters, recording observations, and caring for the plants. These tasks provided opportunities for teamwork, communication, and leadership. Students who may not always connect with traditional academic activities were able to participate through hands-on work and see themselves as contributors to a healthier classroom environment.\r\n\r\nOverall, the indoor composters have been beneficial because they combined environmental stewardship, science education, and plant care in an engaging and accessible way. Students did not simply learn about composting; they participated in it, observed its results, and used the soil they helped create to care for living classroom plants.","fullyFundedDate":1777332509889,"projectUrl":"project/indoor-composters-for-sustainable-living/10202771/","projectTitle":"Indoor Composters for Sustainable Living","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Munn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7260095_orig.jpg?crop=1440,1440,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1591221133183","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7260095"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_77471","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":606,"numTeachers":30,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":6,"percentBlack":13,"percentWhite":6,"percentIndigenous":1,"percentLatinx":69,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":2,"gradesServed":"7 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"20.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":55.5,"schoolId":77471,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Fort Miller Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Fort Miller Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/fresno-unified-school-district/ft-miller-middle-school/77471"}