{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Westside Middle School Academy","outOfStateSupporters":35.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9991773,"projectId":9932316,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of books to our classroom. Your support has helped us expand our classroom library and provide students with a wider variety of choices for independent reading.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom is an important part of each student's learning experience. Students select books that interest them and use those selections to complete an independent reading project each quarter. The additional books have given students more opportunities to find stories and topics that truly engage them, helping to foster a love of reading and encourage them to challenge themselves with new genres and authors.\r\n\r\nOur most recent independent reading project involved creating a newspaper based on the book each student selected. Students wrote character spotlight articles that summarized a character's actions, interactions, and growth throughout the story. They also created advice columns from the perspective of a character seeking guidance, designed crossword puzzles or word searches using key vocabulary and events from the book, illustrated comic strips depicting important scenes, and developed advertisements connected to the plot. The project allowed students to demonstrate both their comprehension and creativity while making meaningful connections to their reading.\r\n\r\nThe new books have been especially exciting for students who were previously struggling to find titles that matched their interests. Seeing students eagerly browse the library shelves, discover books they are excited to read, and enthusiastically discuss their selections with classmates has been wonderful. Many students have expressed excitement about having more choices and have become more engaged during independent reading time as a result.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping us create a classroom environment where students can explore new stories, strengthen their literacy skills, and develop a lifelong appreciation for reading. Your generosity has made a lasting impact on our students, and we are incredibly grateful for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1773850308586,"projectUrl":"project/be-the-bridge-close-the-gap/9932316/","projectTitle":"Be the Bridge! Close the Gap!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lasalandra","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9991773"},{"teacherId":9991773,"projectId":9953257,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of board games and sensory materials to our classroom. Your support has made a meaningful difference in the learning environment for my students.\r\n\r\nSince receiving these resources, my students have been using the board games during free-choice time, indoor recess, and small-group activities. The games have encouraged teamwork, problem-solving, communication, and positive social interactions. The sensory materials have been especially helpful in providing students with opportunities to self-regulate, focus, and engage more successfully in classroom activities.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the new materials, their excitement was immediate. They eagerly explored the board games and couldn't wait to try them with their classmates. The sensory items quickly became favorites, and many students expressed how much they enjoyed having new tools to help them stay calm and focused throughout the day.\r\n\r\nYour kindness has created opportunities for learning, collaboration, and growth while making our classroom an even more welcoming and engaging place to be. Thank you for investing in our students and helping provide resources that support both their academic and social-emotional development.","fullyFundedDate":1773984443267,"projectUrl":"project/building-focus-and-community-through-cla/9953257/","projectTitle":"Building Focus and Community Through Classroom Play","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lasalandra","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9991773"},{"teacherId":2223004,"projectId":10148674,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of graphic novels to our middle school library. Your gift made an immediate and meaningful impact on our students.\r\n\r\nStudents took the lead in creating a special display to showcase the new books, and their excitement was contagious. As soon as classes began visiting the library, students eagerly explored the collection and selected books to read. In fact, almost ALL of the graphic novels were checked out by the very first class!\r\n\r\nIt was especially rewarding to see students ask if they could sit and read right after checkout—something that doesn't always happen so naturally. Many were particularly excited about the Emmie and Friends series, which quickly became a favorite. The graphic novels in Spanish were immediately snapped up by students. \r\n\r\nYour support is helping foster a genuine love of reading while also giving students a sense of ownership and pride in their library. We are so grateful for your contribution to our school community.","fullyFundedDate":1773866880763,"projectUrl":"project/spark-interest-with-manga-and-graphic-no/10148674/","projectTitle":"Spark Interest With Manga and Graphic Novels","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. DeMayo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2223004_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1701736920132","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2223004"},{"teacherId":8235477,"projectId":9984390,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity—especially the support of the Westside PTO—in bringing our Classroom Vibes project to life!\r\n\r\nWhen students first walked in and saw the Govee curtain lights glowing and the \"Today is a Beautiful Day to Learn\" sign lit up, they were immediately excited. The space feels brighter, more welcoming, and truly special—like a place designed just for them.\r\n\r\nWe are already using the new setup to create a calm, positive environment during reading intervention. We are now diving into our next phase of learning—strengthening comprehension skills. \r\n\r\nYour support has made a meaningful difference in both the look and feel of our classroom. Thank you for helping us create a space where students feel inspired to learn every day! ✨","fullyFundedDate":1773846695831,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-vibes-from-beige-to-bright/9984390/","projectTitle":"Classroom Vibes: From Beige to Bright","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":10060336,"letterContent":"Thank you again for funding our Care Closet at Westside Middle School Academy. Because of your generosity, this project has already made a meaningful impact on our school community.\r\n\r\nOur students truly took ownership of this initiative. Several students worked together to build a new cart to organize the items, and they helped sort, label, and stock everything so it is easily accessible. Their pride in creating something that helps others has been incredible to see.\r\n\r\nThe Care Closet is already being used regularly. Students have begun coming in on their own to look for items they need, including combs, deodorant, hair ties, and feminine products. What's been especially powerful is how this project has become a schoolwide effort—our school secretaries and assistant principal have also stopped by to gather items for students in need, helping ensure support reaches even more children.\r\n\r\nThis project has helped create a more caring and responsive environment in our building. Students are not only receiving support, but they are also learning the importance of empathy and taking action to help others.\r\n\r\nAs we look ahead, we hope to continue expanding the Care Closet. Students have already begun suggesting additional items, such as dry shampoo and deodorant options for boys, showing their growing awareness of how to better support their peers.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping us promote wellness in such a meaningful, lasting way. Your support has empowered our students to make a real difference in their community.","fullyFundedDate":1769799722004,"projectUrl":"project/caring-closet-students-supporting-stude/10060336/","projectTitle":"Caring Closet: Students Supporting Student Wellness","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":8131647,"projectId":9851178,"letterContent":"My students were able to work on constructing human joint models. They chose either ball and socket or hinge joints. This was to prepare them for making a prosthetic limb project out of cardboard. They were able to cut the cardboard easily using the cutter/saws that you provided us with. The lesson would have been so much harder without them. \r\n\r\nWe are so appreciative of your generous donation. The students are very grateful and you made all our projects so much easier and safer too! \r\n\r\nWe will continue to use the cutters this year and sure we will use them for many years to come! Thank you!!","fullyFundedDate":1766712313548,"projectUrl":"project/cutting-edge-creativity-safe-tools-for/9851178/","projectTitle":"Cutting Edge Creativity- Safe Tools for Big Projects","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Boland","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8131647"},{"teacherId":8916711,"projectId":9991769,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom is a cleaner, safer, and more comfortable place for students to learn each day. We use these supplies constantly, from hand sanitizer in the morning and before lunch to disinfecting wipes between classes, and students take an active role in caring for our shared space. One meaningful moment was during group work when students independently wiped down their tables and materials, showing responsibility and pride in our classroom community.\r\n\r\nWhen the supplies first arrived, students were genuinely excited and immediately noticed how fresh and organized the room felt. Having tissues, wipes, and other essentials readily available helps them stay focused on learning instead of distractions.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, we can continue building strong classroom routines while focusing on collaboration and hands on learning. Our next steps include continuing small group projects and presentations, where students will apply these routines while working together in a clean, supportive learning environment. Thank you for helping create a space where students feel cared for and ready to learn every day.","fullyFundedDate":1768522369827,"projectUrl":"project/supplies-that-keep-learning-going/9991769/","projectTitle":"Supplies That Keep Learning Going","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Christie","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":10239692,"projectId":9677825,"letterContent":"My students and I utilize the shelf to access and store speech and language therapy materials. It offers an organized place to store the materials and for the student to pick from the choices independently. My student gather in front of the shelves and collaboratively decide on what we will use during therapy. They also select items that are rewards for their hard work. \r\nIt always for conversations, negotiations and group participation. \r\nMy classroom is a small space and the shelves have created a nice area for storage and easy access to materials. With the items being organized on the shelves it makes for a more relaxed and comfortable room. \r\nI am hoping to purchase another shelf that would assist in holding student files so that they can easily grasp those as well.","fullyFundedDate":1766712313527,"projectUrl":"project/speech-therapy-room-organizing/9677825/","projectTitle":"Speech Therapy Room Organizing","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Manzi","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10239692"},{"teacherId":8673521,"projectId":9778375,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for donating! Here's a brief explanation of how these materials are being used in our classroom!\r\n\r\nTechnology and new resources in our classroom help make learning more engaging, memorable, and efficient. For example, students used a digital timer and collaborative problem-solving strategies during a Mesopotamia breakout activity. The technology allowed students to work together, think critically, and apply historical knowledge in an interactive way rather than through a traditional worksheet. Behind the scenes, tools like the laminator help me preserve materials so lessons can be reused and refined over time, allowing me to focus more energy on student learning and less on recreating resources.\r\n\r\nStudents are most excited when new tools are connected to meaningful experiences. After completing the Mesopotamia breakout box, the group with the fastest time earned board games as a reward, which reinforced teamwork and motivation in a positive way. Small touches—like using mints to celebrate a student's birthday—also help create a welcoming classroom environment where students feel seen and valued. These moments build enthusiasm for learning and strengthen classroom community.\r\n\r\nYes—students who thrive on collaboration and hands-on learning have especially benefited. Some students who may not always stand out in traditional lessons became leaders during the breakout activity, using critical thinking and teamwork to solve challenges efficiently. Others have taken pride in helping set up games or organize reusable materials, building responsibility and confidence. The ability to save and reuse items like laminated Valentine's decorations has also helped students see how classroom resources are cared for and shared, reinforcing a sense of ownership and respect for their learning space.","fullyFundedDate":1764680401114,"projectUrl":"project/rewards-to-last-through-the-years/9778375/","projectTitle":"Rewards to Last Through the Years","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Watsik","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8673521"},{"teacherId":2223004,"projectId":9956823,"letterContent":"When the new makerspace materials arrived, students were immediately eager and excited to dive in—especially the air-dry clay. They couldn't wait to start creating. Within minutes, the tables were filled with students sculpting, shaping, and proudly showing one another their designs. We had a few cats and monsters, and some students used the magnets with the clay to hang their creations on their fridge. The chenille stems were another huge hit, and many students carefully crafted colorful pipe cleaner flower bouquets to take home or share with friends. One student was excited to make a bouquet for a friend who had broken her leg. \r\n\r\nThese resources are not just craft supplies; they are tools for confidence-building, collaboration, and self-expression. During makerspace time, students naturally practice creativity, problem-solving, and communication in a calm and joyful environment. I've watched even my quietest students fully engage, working side by side with peers and taking pride in what they create. The stencils are greatly appreciated by students creating cards or just drawing for fun. \r\n\r\nWe recently switched classes so I am holding on to the sewing items to introduce a spring craft. Students have seen the materials and are excited to learn how to sew!\r\n\r\nWe are incredibly grateful for your generosity. This makerspace simply could not exist without your support. Because of you, our students have a thriving, hands-on space where they feel inspired, valued, and excited to learn in a relaxed environment. Thank you to all our donors and to the Maxwell Hanrahan Foundation for making this possible.","fullyFundedDate":1765855238711,"projectUrl":"project/spark-student-creativity-with-makerspace/9956823/","projectTitle":"Spark Student Creativity with Makerspace Materials!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. DeMayo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2223004_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1701736920132","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2223004"},{"teacherId":4962113,"projectId":9955040,"letterContent":"Thank you for funding wired computer mice for our computer science classroom! Because of you, students can code more accurately, drag and test blocks with ease, and focus on problem-solving instead of struggling with trackpads. The mice have increased confidence, efficiency, and engagement, especially for students who need extra support. Your generosity is helping make computer science accessible and empowering for all.\r\n\r\nWe cannot thank you enough for helping to fund this project for our students. Thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1766712313756,"projectUrl":"project/clicking-into-coding-wired-computer-mic/9955040/","projectTitle":"Clicking Into Coding: Wired Computer Mice for Computer Scientists","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Kyle Evans","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4962113_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1510101736886","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kevans-science"},{"teacherId":9986937,"projectId":9793220,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my classroom through DonorsChoose. The new technology has created a more engaging learning environment for my students. The drawing tablets have given students a creative and interactive way to work once they have completed their assignments, allowing them to explore digital drawing and design. The dyslexia pen has also been an amazing tool for supporting communication, especially when translating languages during parent conferences or helping students access written text more easily. Additionally, the separate monitor and computer stand have helped me organize and display materials more efficiently during lessons, which allows me to continue working on seperate tabs while students are working.\r\n\r\nThe drawing tablets have definitely been the most exciting item for students. They love having the opportunity to create digital artwork and experiment with drawing tools they may not have used before. It has become a motivating reward for students who complete their work, and they take great pride in sharing their creations with classmates. Several students who are passionate about art and technology have really connected with the drawing tablets. It has been wonderful to see their creativity shine. Even our hands-on learners have benefited from the tape rollers during physical projects, making building and assembling their work easier and more enjoyable.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your generosity and for helping provide resources that support creativity, accessibility, and hands-on learning in our classroom. Your support truly makes a difference for my students every day.","fullyFundedDate":1766712314064,"projectUrl":"project/assistive-tech-and-materials-for-8th-gra/9793220/","projectTitle":"Assistive Tech and Materials for 8th Grade ELA","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"}],"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","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":3,"gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"18.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":64.7,"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"}