{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Westside Middle School Academy","outOfStateSupporters":35.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8235477,"projectId":10332302,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting this project and helping bring the excitement of soccer to our students! Your generosity has provided our athletes with equipment that will give them meaningful opportunities to practice, develop their skills, and build confidence both on and off the field.\r\n\r\nOne of the most exciting parts of this project was being able to gift World Cup soccer balls directly to students. They were thrilled to receive their own ball and now have the opportunity to practice dribbling, passing, shooting, and footwork at home. Having equipment of their own allows students to continue practicing beyond the school day and share their love of soccer with family and friends.\r\n\r\nThe remaining training materials will have an impact far beyond one group of students. These resources will be used by teams in our community as well as the after-school soccer program, providing opportunities for students to participate in activities throughout the winter months.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our students, our athletes, and our community. Your generosity is helping keep the love of soccer—and the lessons that come with it—going long after the final whistle!","fullyFundedDate":1781205962285,"projectUrl":"project/world-cup-fever-building-skills-teamwo/10332302/","projectTitle":"World Cup Fever: Building Skills, Teamwork, and Fun","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":9754042,"projectId":10483688,"letterContent":"Thanks to our generous donors, my students now have the everyday supplies they need to learn, create, and stay prepared in the classroom. Pencils and the pencil sharpener help them complete their work with confidence, while scissors and coloring utensils allow them to express their creativity through hands-on projects. Tissues and hand sanitizer also help us maintain a clean and healthy learning environment.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials arrived, my students were excited to see the new supplies and eager to put them to use. One special moment was watching them gather their coloring utensils and scissors to work on a classroom project, sharing ideas and proudly showing off their creations. These resources may seem simple, but they make a meaningful difference in helping my students feel supported and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nAs we continue our current lessons and projects, my students will use these materials to complete their work, create new projects, and build confidence in their learning. Thank you for helping make our classroom a place where every student has the tools they need to succeed!","fullyFundedDate":1787918130058,"projectUrl":"project/give-our-classroom-the-tools-to-thrive/10483688/","projectTitle":"Give Our Classroom the Tools to Thrive","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Alvarez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9754042_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1777333592426","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lauren-alvarez"},{"teacherId":8235477,"projectId":10319409,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my classroom with a Blooket Plus subscription and literacy learning tools!\r\n\r\nThis resource has quickly become a favorite way to make learning more interactive, engaging, and fun. My students are always excited when they see that we are going to play Blooket, but what they may not realize is just how much learning is happening along the way!\r\n\r\nBlooket gives my students opportunities to practice important literacy skills while staying actively involved in the lesson. The game-based format encourages even my most hesitant learners to participate, take risks, and keep trying when they make mistakes. The excitement of the games creates a positive classroom environment where students can celebrate their progress and see learning as something they can enjoy.\r\n\r\nThe Plus features have also been especially helpful because they allow me to look more closely at student performance and identify skills that need additional practice. I can use that information to provide targeted support and make my instruction more responsive to my students' needs. And the students love it because they get to play a version of Blooket that most teachers do not have access to, which keeps it exciting!\r\n\r\nYour generosity is helping turn everyday review and practice into something students genuinely look forward to. Thank you for helping make learning more engaging, interactive, and rewarding for my students!","fullyFundedDate":1785331526695,"projectUrl":"project/make-learning-a-game/10319409/","projectTitle":"Make Learning a Game","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":10205572,"letterContent":"Thank You for Bringing Learning to Life in Color!\r\n\r\nYour generosity has made a bigger impact in my classroom than I could have imagined! Our color printer is being used constantly—not only for student projects and displays, but also for everyday learning and reflection.\r\n\r\nOne of my favorite ways we have used the printer is to create colorful student data sheets and progress materials. When students can see their own reading data printed in color, it makes the information feel more personal and meaningful. Instead of simply looking at numbers on a screen, students can physically see their growth, identify areas they need to work on, and reflect on their progress. It has helped turn data into something students can understand and take ownership of.\r\n\r\nWe have also used the printer to create classroom posters and colorful learning materials that make our space more inviting and engaging. Having the ability to print high-quality resources right in the classroom means students can see their work celebrated and have access to materials that support their learning without any additional barriers.\r\n\r\nThank you for giving my students access to a resource that helps level the playing field, celebrate their work, and make learning more engaging. Your support has helped turn ideas into projects, numbers into meaningful reflections, and our classroom walls into displays of student learning and achievement.","fullyFundedDate":1780532959084,"projectUrl":"project/colorful-print-rich-classroom/10205572/","projectTitle":"Colorful, Print-Rich Classroom","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":10433183,"letterContent":"Your generosity has already made a meaningful impact in my classroom! With your support, I was able to purchase a Teachers Pay Teachers escape room, and my students absolutely loved it! What could have been a traditional review lesson became an exciting, collaborative challenge that had students actively working together, solving problems, and applying their skills.\r\n\r\nThe excitement in the room was incredible. Students were eager to solve each clue and were completely engaged in the learning because it felt like an adventure rather than an assignment. Activities like this are especially valuable because they allow students to practice important skills while also building collaboration, perseverance, and confidence.\r\n\r\nYour support also saves me valuable planning time, allowing me to spend more time analyzing student data, providing individualized support, and working directly with students. Having access to high-quality, ready-to-use resources means I can focus my energy where it matters most—on my students.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping me bring fun, engaging, and memorable learning experiences into my classroom. The smiles, excitement, and \"Can we do another one?\" made this project completely worthwhile!","fullyFundedDate":1786023235028,"projectUrl":"project/the-gift-of-time-and-quality-resources/10433183/","projectTitle":"The Gift of Time and Quality Resources","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":10170821,"letterContent":"Thank You for Keeping Our Care Cart Stocked! \r\n\r\nThe Care Cart in C129 has become much more than a collection of hygiene and personal care items—it has become a quiet, judgment-free resource that students know they can count on when they need a little extra support.\r\n\r\nBecause of your donation, students can grab a comb, hair tie, chapstick, cough drop, or feminine hygiene product without having to worry about going without or feeling embarrassed about asking for help. These may seem like small things, but to a middle school student, having access to these essentials can make a huge difference in their comfort, confidence, and ability to focus on learning.\r\n\r\nThe impact also extends beyond my classroom. Our front office staff and administrators regularly help distribute items to students throughout the school day, allowing the Care Cart to reach students who may not feel comfortable coming directly to my room.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping us restock, restore, and sustain this important resource. Your support sends our students a powerful message: You matter. You are cared for. And you belong here.\r\n\r\nWe are so grateful for your continued support of our students and our school community!","fullyFundedDate":1784643843242,"projectUrl":"project/care-cart-restock-restore/10170821/","projectTitle":"Care Cart: Restock & Restore","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":5933874,"projectId":10328293,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for providing my students with coloring materials to bring their science modeling to life. In recent weeks my students have: used colored pens to make color coded notes for our forces & motion unit and used black flair pens to emphasize their written explanations on final models. In Exploration, they will use the new paint to decorate their Engineering Builds and the hot glue guns to construct prototypes they they designed. For example, they will be creating an Upcycled Toy Arcade game out of recycled materials as part of a sustainability unit. The glue guns will come in handy during that project. All in all, every material that was provided to us is used on a weekly, if not daily basis and I cannot thank you enough.","fullyFundedDate":1781709959461,"projectUrl":"project/stocked-up-for-a-successful-school-year/10328293/","projectTitle":"Stocked Up for a Successful School Year!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Chassagnoux","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5933874_orig.jpg?crop=1536,1536,x0,y153&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1575135883123","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-chassagnoux"},{"teacherId":5933874,"projectId":10170806,"letterContent":"During classes and throughout the school year there arise moments when the students have completed their work and have the opportunity to interact with each other in a way that isn't related to academics. In the past, I didn't have many activities for them to engage in. Since this project has been funded, that has changed for the better. One of my advisory students has requested to begin a boggle competition among the 8th grade teachers and students. We've organized a few matches and the enthusiasm from the students is exhilarating.\r\n\r\nI sat down with my advisory and asked them which games they wanted. They were thrilled when I showed them the new games I have in the classroom. Now, they are excited to play games with each other and I've noticed a huge boost in positivity in their interactions.\r\n\r\nI'm so grateful for the opportunity my donors have given my students.\r\n\r\nWith gratitude,\r\nMrs. Chassagnoux","fullyFundedDate":1774584772436,"projectUrl":"project/promoting-positive-peer-interactions/10170806/","projectTitle":"Promoting Positive Peer Interactions","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Chassagnoux","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5933874_orig.jpg?crop=1536,1536,x0,y153&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1575135883123","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-chassagnoux"},{"teacherId":5933874,"projectId":10248849,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity and support. The teacher time machine project allows me to incorporate vetted engaging lessons to supplement my science curriculum and unique getting to know you activities for the beginning of the school year. For example, I used these funds to purchase a Rocket & Science Flask Getting to Know You doodles that we filled out as a class. It sparked conversation between students when they found out they enjoyed the same sport or watch the same TV shows as well as helped me know them a little bit more the first week of school.","fullyFundedDate":1778853063633,"projectUrl":"project/teacher-time-machine/10248849/","projectTitle":"Teacher Time Machine","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Chassagnoux","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5933874_orig.jpg?crop=1536,1536,x0,y153&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1575135883123","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-chassagnoux"},{"teacherId":8235477,"projectId":10001834,"letterContent":"Thank You for Helping Our Nuggets Stay Ready for Learning!\r\n\r\nThank you so much for supporting this project and helping make our classroom a more comfortable, welcoming place for students! Our Nugget Couch is one of the most popular flexible seating options in the room. Students use it to work together, read, take a quick reset, or simply choose a seating option that helps them feel comfortable and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nBecause our Nuggets sit directly on the floor, they get a LOT of use—and a LOT of dirt! Having an extra washable cover means we can keep one cover in use while the other is being washed at home. Instead of having to take the entire Nugget out of commission while its cover is being cleaned, students can continue enjoying this favorite classroom space.\r\n\r\nYour generosity is helping us keep our classroom seating cleaner, more comfortable, and ready for students every day. Most importantly, you are supporting a classroom where students have choices and feel that their comfort and well-being matter.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping us keep our Nugget—and our classroom community—fresh, flexible, and ready to learn!","fullyFundedDate":1778186063207,"projectUrl":"project/clean-comfy-seating/10001834/","projectTitle":"Clean Comfy Seating","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":9754042,"projectId":10231889,"letterContent":"Our new microscopes will bring science to life for my 6th grade students! When they first see the microscopes, I know they will be incredibly excited and eager to begin exploring. As we begin our cells and systems unit, students will use the microscopes to observe specimens up close, make detailed observations, and record their discoveries. I am looking forward to seeing their reactions when they discover details they have never seen before!\r\n\r\nThese microscopes will make our lessons more hands-on, engaging, and meaningful while helping my students feel like real scientists. During our upcoming unit on cells and microscopic structures, students will use the microscopes to observe and compare different specimens and deepen their understanding of the world around them. I am so grateful to our generous donors for providing these amazing tools and helping make these exciting learning experiences possible!","fullyFundedDate":1779312411003,"projectUrl":"project/unlocking-the-microscopic-world-for-youn/10231889/","projectTitle":"Unlocking the Microscopic World for Young Scientists","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Alvarez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9754042_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1777333592426","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lauren-alvarez"},{"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://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9991773_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1784654801229","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9991773"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_107460","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":732,"numTeachers":40,"percentFrplEligible":74,"percentAsian":4,"percentBlack":5,"percentWhite":30,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":57,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":2,"gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"18.3:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":64.9,"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"}