{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"McDonough Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":39.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":2517998,"projectId":9454292,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for making the donation to my classroom. These materials have made a huge impact on my students academic learning. \r\n\r\nHaving several different senory items for them to choose from, lets them decide what they need that will work for them in the momment.\r\n\r\nThank you again for making the donation, without you donation we would not have a classroom that is open to all students. These students are able to make academic progress even though they need extra support. \r\n\r\nThank you again, it means the world to me and my students.","fullyFundedDate":1755706687484,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-friendly-environment/9454292/","projectTitle":"Sensory Friendly Environment","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Polzella","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2517998"},{"teacherId":5629751,"projectId":9432388,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for contributing to our classroom! Our students are so happy to have the space to practice math in a way that is comfortable to them. We were able to refresh some old whiteboards in the classroom to make our room full of relevant student work! \r\n\r\nStudents have voiced how much easier the math feels simply because they have access to more support. They can easily look around the room for ideas when stuck and each student has had an opportunity to shine! \r\n\r\nNot only that, students have now gotten in the habit of grabbing their whiteboard markers when working on computers! All desks now have the ability to be used as dry erase boards and students are comfortable using them as such. In turn, students have already started showing growth on their district exams!","fullyFundedDate":1755877954583,"projectUrl":"project/bye-bye-fear-of-math-hello-risk-takin/9432388/","projectTitle":"Bye Bye Fear of Math... Hello Risk Taking!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Stovall","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5629751_orig.jpg?crop=3233,3233,x0,y506&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1750854890080","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5629751"},{"teacherId":7714822,"projectId":9569630,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support in supplying snacks for our school store! Your contribution has truly made a positive impact on our students and school community.\r\n\r\nWhen the snacks arrived, our students were excited to see new options available for purchase. The school store has become a popular spot, and having these snacks means more choices for students to enjoy during their breaks. It's been wonderful to watch how the store not only offers tasty treats but also teaches our students important lessons in responsibility, budgeting, and making healthy choices.\r\n\r\nJust last week, a group of students were enthusiastically planning how to use their store rewards, and it was clear how much they appreciate this opportunity. Your donation helps make the store a fun, engaging part of their school day, while also supporting our efforts to foster a positive school culture.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we're excited to keep the school store stocked and explore ways to involve students in running it, giving them valuable real-world skills. Your support has opened up new possibilities for both learning and enjoyment.\r\n\r\nThank you again for making this possible—we're so grateful for your generosity and belief in our students!","fullyFundedDate":1756489677598,"projectUrl":"project/fueling-success-with-healthy-fun-snack/9569630/","projectTitle":"Fueling Success with Healthy & Fun Snacks for School Store!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. James Josey","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7714822_orig.jpg?crop=367,367,x194,y88&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754784429257","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7714822"},{"teacherId":9607917,"projectId":9226093,"letterContent":"In our recent concert design science project, students explored the intersection of creativity, engineering, and acoustics by constructing model concert venues using a variety of craft materials. These materials—including cardboard, foam board, aluminum foil, fabric, plastic wrap, pipe cleaners, and modeling clay—played a crucial role in helping students bring their innovative concepts to life. Each material was chosen and applied thoughtfully based on its acoustic properties, structural strength, and visual appeal. For instance, students discovered how aluminum foil could reflect sound effectively, while soft materials like felt and sponge helped demonstrate sound absorption and insulation techniques used in real-world concert halls.\r\n\r\nThe hands-on experience allowed students to engage deeply with STEM principles, applying their knowledge of sound waves, architecture, and material science. Teams collaborated to build scaled models that reflected both functional and aesthetic considerations, using hot glue and reinforcements to ensure stability while simulating real venue structures. The diverse textures and flexibility of materials like pipe cleaners and modeling clay enabled students to add intricate design elements such as lighting rigs, speaker arrays, and seating layouts. Through this creative process, students not only gained a deeper understanding of scientific concepts but also honed critical thinking and teamwork skills, all while showcasing their artistic expression in a tangible and meaningful way.","fullyFundedDate":1746786074128,"projectUrl":"project/mcdonough-entertainment-concert-venue-de/9226093/","projectTitle":"McDonough Entertainment Concert Venue Design","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gay","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9607917_orig.jpg?crop=2227,2227,x99,y1642&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1751728399193","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mad-gay"},{"teacherId":5629751,"projectId":8989880,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom use of technology! It may seem weird to think headphones are important to a math classroom, but they are. And I cannot express how excited my students were when they say the new classroom set!\r\n\r\nThrough our online tutorial program, students are able to get individualized lessons on a skill they need support with. These headphones allows students to see, hear and practice a skill they may need more support with. Or I can assign a student a challenge lesson to help push them forward. The more lessons a student completes, the closer they are to their goal of understanding 7th grade math. \r\n\r\nNot only do students get individualized support through our programs, I can now support students more in small group settings. Since students have access to video lessons and step by step instructions through their online program, they are able to be more independent. This means that I have more opportunity in my small group stations to provide practice that matters. Online practice on a targeted skill, collaborative work on the lesson goal, and a small group session with me that targets misconceptions and growth. \r\n\r\nThese headphones will be used with great joy for years to come!","fullyFundedDate":1734538520058,"projectUrl":"project/headphones-for-individualized-paths/8989880/","projectTitle":"Headphones for Individualized Paths","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Stovall","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5629751_orig.jpg?crop=3233,3233,x0,y506&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1750854890080","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5629751"},{"teacherId":7792227,"projectId":9151213,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom! We are truly grateful to have received the packing tape, fruit snacks, and headphones—each of these items has made a big difference during this busy time of year.\r\n\r\nThe packing tape has been essential as we prepare to organize and store classroom materials. It's helped us keep things neat and secure, making the end-of-year transition so much smoother. The headphones have already been put to great use, allowing students to focus during individual learning time without distractions. And the fruit snacks—what a hit! They've provided a quick, healthy boost for students who need a little extra energy during long afternoons.\r\n\r\nYour kindness has made our days easier and brighter. Thank you for thinking of us and for being part of our classroom community!","fullyFundedDate":1746785368485,"projectUrl":"project/give-esl-students-snacks-headphones-and/9151213/","projectTitle":"Give ESL Students Snacks, Headphones and Tape","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Perkins","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7792227_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753288148428","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7792227"},{"teacherId":9607917,"projectId":9008739,"letterContent":"I would like to say that your generous donation has helped engage and challenge the eighth grade students here at McDonough Middle School. I am so grateful that my students were able to successfully complete a STEM Fair here. Out of the 125 students that participated, four female students were selected by their teachers as the group that will represent the McDonough eighth grade at the Hartford Public Schools STEM Fair. \r\n\r\nAll of the students have worked so hard on this project. They were told that the materials were a donation and that they had to use them wisely. Students were so thoughtful about how many paper plates, cardboard tubes, popsicle sticks, duct tape, and paper that they \"bought\". I had created a micro-economy within Science class, to ensure that the students were responsible with the materials. \r\n\r\nThank you so much for the generous donation. This has helped to bring life to an idea that both fits into the science curriculum as well as brings an engineering design element to life for the students. These materials have helped to hopefully inspire the next generation of scientists!","fullyFundedDate":1734538519946,"projectUrl":"project/stem-fair-2025/9008739/","projectTitle":"STEM Fair 2025","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gay","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9607917_orig.jpg?crop=2227,2227,x99,y1642&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1751728399193","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mad-gay"},{"teacherId":3400277,"projectId":9128841,"letterContent":"I cannot thank you enough for your generosity in funding our project! My students were so excited to receive new supplies, especially the fresh whiteboard erasers, which have already made our daily lessons more efficient. Having these essential materials in our classroom has made a huge difference—students can now easily engage in activities like brainstorming, revising, and collaborative learning without the frustration of worn-out tools or limited resources.\r\n\r\nThe box of printer paper has been a game-changer. It allows me to provide my students with necessary resources, such as amended texts for different reading levels, translated materials for multilingual learners, and individualized reports to track their progress. This accessibility ensures that every student gets what they need to succeed, regardless of their learning style or background. Your kindness has helped create a more supportive, organized, and engaging learning environment, and I am truly grateful for your support. Thank you for believing in my students and making a real impact in our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1741657286726,"projectUrl":"project/write-erase-repeat-essential-supplies/9128841/","projectTitle":"Write, Erase, Repeat: Essential Supplies for Engaged Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Remillard","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3400277_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1618873144335","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/miss-remillard"},{"teacherId":3400277,"projectId":8835521,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for your generous support of our classroom project to establish a mobile library. Thanks to your kindness, my students and I now have access to an incredible collection of books, an opportunity that we did not previously have in our school community. Your donation has made a profound impact, and we are so grateful for the difference you have made in our lives.\r\n\r\nFor my students, who are navigating a world of limited resources, access to books is transformative. Our school does not have a library, and many of our families face barriers that make visiting the city library difficult. Because of your generosity, we now have a mobile library right in our classroom, providing students the chance to borrow books and explore new worlds, all within their reach. The excitement on their faces as they peruse the shelves and select a book is truly priceless. You have given them the gift of stories, adventures, and knowledge—a gift that has sparked their imaginations and ignited their love for reading.\r\n\r\nSince receiving these books, I have seen an incredible shift in my students' attitudes toward reading. Checking out books has become one of their favorite parts of the day. Even students who previously struggled to find joy in reading are now actively engaged and eager to discover new stories. One student recently shared, \"I can't wait to finish this book so I can borrow another one!\" Moments like these are a testament to the lasting impact of your generosity.\r\n\r\nYour support has also allowed us to create a positive and inclusive learning environment. The mobile library has become more than just a collection of books; it is a symbol of opportunity and possibility. My students see that others believe in their potential, which motivates them to dream bigger and reach higher. They feel seen, valued, and supported, and this has translated into increased confidence in and out of the classroom. The ripple effect of your kindness will be felt for years to come as these students carry their love of reading and learning into the future.","fullyFundedDate":1733250845433,"projectUrl":"project/books-books-books-help-us-fill-our-sh/8835521/","projectTitle":"Books! Books! Books! Help Us Fill Our Shelves!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Remillard","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3400277_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1618873144335","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/miss-remillard"},{"teacherId":3400277,"projectId":8796682,"letterContent":"On behalf of my students and myself, I want to express our deepest gratitude for your generosity in supporting our classroom through your contributions to our DonorsChoose project. The supplies and snacks we received, including tissues, Lysol wipes, hand sanitizer, Goldfish crackers, fruit snacks, and bottled water, have already made a tremendous impact on our daily lives. Your kindness has brought both practical help and a sense of caring to our learning environment, and for that, we are profoundly thankful.\r\n\r\nThe supplies you provided have played a crucial role in maintaining a clean, healthy, and welcoming classroom. Tissues, hand sanitizer, and Lysol wipes might seem like small items, but they are essential in keeping germs at bay and ensuring that students stay healthy and able to come to school. This has been particularly important during cold and flu season when illnesses can easily disrupt learning. Thanks to these items, we have been able to focus more on learning and less on the distractions that come with sickness and discomfort. Your support has truly helped us create a safe space where students can thrive.\r\n\r\nThe snacks and bottled water have been a lifeline for many of my students. For some of them, having a snack during the day means the difference between staying engaged and struggling to concentrate due to hunger. These small but meaningful provisions allow students to refuel their bodies and minds, giving them the energy to focus on their lessons. It is heartwarming to see their faces light up when they receive a snack, and knowing that they don't have to go hungry is a relief for both them and me. Your contributions have ensured that my students can focus on learning instead of worrying about their basic needs.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has also sent a powerful message to my students: there are people in the world who care about their well-being and success. This awareness has lifted their spirits and reinforced their sense of worth. It's more than just the physical supplies—it's the thoughtfulness and kindness behind them that have touched our hearts. As a teacher, I am beyond grateful to have partners like you who value education and understand the importance of meeting students' needs so they can reach their full potential.\r\n\r\nThank you once again for your thoughtfulness and support. Your contributions have made a significant difference in our classroom, and we are so grateful for your investment in our students' health, happiness, and education. We will continue to make the most of your generosity and strive for success, knowing that we have a community of supporters cheering us on.","fullyFundedDate":1733498459459,"projectUrl":"project/clean-and-bright-help-keep-our-classroo/8796682/","projectTitle":"Clean and Bright: Help Keep Our Classroom Clean and Healthy!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Remillard","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3400277_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1618873144335","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/miss-remillard"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_43701","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":301,"numTeachers":23,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":2,"percentBlack":10,"percentWhite":6,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":79,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"13.1:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":60.9,"schoolId":43701,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about McDonough Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"McDonough Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/connecticut/hartford-public-school-district/mcdonough-elementary-school/43701"}