{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Hillside Intermediate School","outOfStateSupporters":50.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8669122,"projectId":9620880,"letterContent":"Sketchbooks and folders continue to make a vital impact on my students' progress and organization in my art classroom. Providing these folders for each student to keep track of their projects and classwork has shown tremendous improvements in student learning and classroom management. Work is easily located and found. The folders also provide a space for students to keep their sketch paper to plan for their projects and free-draw between projects. Sketchbooks are a very important part of student learning in my classroom, and I am so grateful to be able to continue supporting my students in this way thanks to the help of the public community!","fullyFundedDate":1756006572702,"projectUrl":"project/super-sketchbooks/9620880/","projectTitle":"Super Sketchbooks","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lefevre","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8669122"},{"teacherId":1416337,"projectId":9147990,"letterContent":"I am so grateful for the addition of these electric guitar to my music classroom. They are the perfect size for my beginner guitar players! Although we haven't started electric guitar yet this school year, we have used the guitars with our recess Tech Club. They were so excited to get a preview of the instruments and to use them to learn how to set up and use the amps in our room. \r\n\r\nWe will be starting guitar in the next month or so, and the students are so excited. I will be setting up the electric guitar station very soon, and I know they will start asking me about them and when we will get to start. Once we do, students will be able to rotate through the electric guitars, and I can't wait to let them! Even some of my most reluctant students usually love the incentive of the electric guitars. We will also use them during centers, and when students work in small groups. The addition of two more smaller electric guitars means that more students can use them at once, which is extra important this year since my classes are much larger!\r\n\r\nThanks again for helping us rock!","fullyFundedDate":1746573466409,"projectUrl":"project/rocking-out-on-electric-guitars/9147990/","projectTitle":"Rocking Out on Electric Guitars","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lucas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1416337_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1709933614888","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsjenniferlucas"},{"teacherId":9459564,"projectId":9365346,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our \"Tablets for Translation\" project! Your generosity has made a powerful difference in our classroom—especially for our multilingual learners who now feel more included, confident, and capable every single day.\r\n\r\nTechnology plays a vital role in how students learn today, and these new tablets have become essential tools for communication and learning. With translation apps and language-learning programs at their fingertips, students can now access real-time support as they work through reading, writing, and even classroom discussions. Instead of feeling lost or left out, they're now engaging with content and participating more fully with their peers.\r\n\r\nWhat excites students most about the tablets is the instant feedback and connection. They're able to look up words, hear correct pronunciation, and even translate full sentences to understand instructions or express their thoughts. One student, a newcomer who spoke very little English at the start of the year, now beams with pride when using the tablet to complete assignments and even help classmates. It's not just about language—it's about empowerment.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, my students are not only learning English—they're building confidence, independence, and a love for learning. Thank you for making that possible!","fullyFundedDate":1758152959920,"projectUrl":"project/tablets-for-translation-helping-multili/9365346/","projectTitle":"Tablets for Translation: Helping Multilingual Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Showalter","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9459564"},{"teacherId":9459564,"projectId":9365041,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our \"Snacks and Games Galore!\" project! Your kindness has truly transformed moments in our classroom into something special—and joyful.\r\n\r\nThe day the materials arrived was unforgettable. As I unpacked the games and snacks, my students' eyes lit up with excitement. \"Is this all for us?!\" one student asked in disbelief, clutching a new board game with a huge grin. For many of them, this was their first time experiencing high-quality educational games in a classroom setting—and the snacks were a welcomed treat that made our time together feel even more special.\r\n\r\nWe've integrated the games into our weekly learning centers and social-emotional activities. One memorable moment was during a round of Battleship, where students had to focus, strategize, and communicate clearly with their partners. Watching them whisper coordinates and celebrate a \"hit!\" was both fun and educational—developing critical thinking and patience in the best way possible. The classroom was filled with laughter, respectful competition, and genuine excitement.\r\n\r\nThe snacks, meanwhile, have been a huge help in keeping energy and focus up during longer activities or special events. They've provided a simple but powerful message to the kids: you are cared for.\r\n\r\nYour donation brought more than just fun and food—it brought connection, joy, and a sense of belonging. Thank you for giving us the tools to create these meaningful, memorable moments.","fullyFundedDate":1757363064833,"projectUrl":"project/snacks-and-games-galore/9365041/","projectTitle":"Snacks and Games Galore!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Showalter","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9459564"},{"teacherId":1416337,"projectId":9436597,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping get this project funded and into our music classroom! Within days of its arrival, I was unpacking and setting it up. I even had my recess tech-club help! Students kept asking what it was and then were so excited to see it totally set up. One student even said \"This will make the room so much more organized!\"\r\n\r\nI was able to get it put together the day before our fifth graders' first band rehearsal, and they were ecstatic to be the first students to load it up with music stands. Our custodians were amazed at the difference in the classroom and setup. The band teacher and I are so happy to be able to use this stand rack on a daily basis and love how much it helps make our room more organized. In the future, we will be able to easily move stands around our school for concerts and events.\r\n\r\nThank you again for helping to get this project funded and into our music classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1758842499330,"projectUrl":"project/music-stand-mayhem-no-more/9436597/","projectTitle":"Music Stand Mayhem No More!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lucas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1416337_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1709933614888","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsjenniferlucas"},{"teacherId":1416337,"projectId":9392453,"letterContent":"The addition of these mindful activities and tools has been wonderful! I was able to add the various STEM materials into our soft start shelf before the first day of school, and students have been especially excited to explore some of the brain teasers and puzzle activities. \r\n\r\nI love using mindful time and soft start in my music room. I find that it really helps students regulate themselves before we start music class. I have also noticed a lot of group exploration of materials, which has helped the classes to build a community very quickly. Students have especially loved the magnetic building tiles and mindful mazes. \r\n\r\nThank you for helping our students have tools and activities available for them to self-regulate when the enter the music room. I notice a difference every day and am so grateful that the students can benefit from having donors like you that are willing to help. Thanks again!","fullyFundedDate":1752586340657,"projectUrl":"project/mindful-music-students/9392453/","projectTitle":"Mindful Music Students","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lucas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1416337_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1709933614888","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsjenniferlucas"},{"teacherId":1416337,"projectId":9370020,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping support this project! I was so excited to have these books available for our first day of school. The students have loved grabbing a book to check out during our class time, even getting wrapped up in the book so much that I have had to remind them to stop and pay attention to our class!\r\n\r\nI have wished for a class library for years, and I know that the students are enjoying reading about different musicians and artists. As the year goes on, I plan to pull these books out when the class needs a quiet activity. I also know that they are perfect for sub plans!\r\n\r\nEach time I see students grabbing and enjoying one of these books, I am excited to know that donors like you helped to make it happen! I am so grateful to have been able to add a music library to my room. Thanks again!","fullyFundedDate":1750948021029,"projectUrl":"project/pop-stars-are-people-too/9370020/","projectTitle":"Pop Stars Are People Too!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lucas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1416337_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1709933614888","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsjenniferlucas"},{"teacherId":1416337,"projectId":9368163,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping support this project! I was so excited to have these books available for our first day of school. The students have loved grabbing a book to check out during our class time, even getting wrapped up in the book so much that I have had to remind them to stop and pay attention to our class!\r\n\r\nI have wished for a class library for years, and I know that the students are enjoying reading about different musicians and artists. As the year goes on, I plan to pull these books out when the class needs a quiet activity. I also know that they are perfect for sub plans!\r\n\r\nEach time I see students grabbing and enjoying one of these books, I am excited to know that donors like you helped to make it happen! I am so grateful to have been able to add a music library to my room. Thanks again!","fullyFundedDate":1749485450669,"projectUrl":"project/but-who-was-that-musician/9368163/","projectTitle":"But Who Was... That Musician?","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lucas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1416337_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1709933614888","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsjenniferlucas"},{"teacherId":8669122,"projectId":9077593,"letterContent":"Your donations toward supplying my classroom with new stools is so greatly appreciated. The new stools are already having a positive impact on my students' well-being. I was able to replace three older stools that were literally on their last leg! Older model stools lose their screws easily in my well-loved Art room.\r\nWhen students first saw the new stools, they were happy to use them right away. I noticed my students were able to focus much better because they were not concerned about a wobbly stool.\r\nI hope to replace more stools in my classroom, and possibly make a new community project for students to paint the tops of the stools with their own unique designs!","fullyFundedDate":1746785539806,"projectUrl":"project/stools-for-success/9077593/","projectTitle":"Stools for Success","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lefevre","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8669122"},{"teacherId":8669122,"projectId":9190986,"letterContent":"Students used the Model Magic supplied by your donations for their pop art sculptures. This project is a favorite among my students. They get to plan, design, and sculpt their favorite foods using their favorite sculpting medium. \r\nWhen students first use Model Magic they are so excited and intrigued. They love being able to mix different colors together and build upon their base structures. \r\nAt the end of the project, students were able to present their masterpieces to families during an Art Informance presentation where students can truly take ownership of their work by explaining the meaning behind their creations.","fullyFundedDate":1746785270083,"projectUrl":"project/making-magic-with-modeling-clay/9190986/","projectTitle":"Making Magic With Modeling Clay","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lefevre","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8669122"},{"teacherId":8669122,"projectId":9073999,"letterContent":"My students are staying organized and inspired with their folders for their portfolios. They are able to easily find their Elements of Art packet to practice key concepts, and help me see their understanding and help where needed. The folders have been a perfect place for sketch paper to be kept where students can brainstorm ideas for projects. \r\nWhen my students first received their folders, they were excited to start personalizing the cover with their own unique designs. As students finish their projects or assignments for the day, they have time to continue adding drawings and color to their covers which is something they love to share and compare with classmates.\r\nAs we move forward in the year, students will be keeping their projects in these portfolio folders. By the end of the year, students will be able to look through and choose their favorite project to put on display.","fullyFundedDate":1743722847924,"projectUrl":"project/perfect-portfolios/9073999/","projectTitle":"Perfect Portfolios","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lefevre","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8669122"},{"teacherId":9459745,"projectId":9086878,"letterContent":"My students are enjoying the new resources for our \"School Cafe Revamp\" so much! Last week they worked together to read orders, collect the right ingredients, and deliver the orders to staff throughout the building! \r\n\r\nMy students were so excited to see that we had new products this year to continue the school cafe that we started last school year. They love to participate and they've been working well together to get the orders completed!\r\n\r\nEach week we will continue to work on social skills, money skills, and managing working in a group. We have worked through math lessons to ensure they all understand the value of coins as well lessons on working together and how to greet \"customers\". Thank you so much for making this project possible, my students and I greatly appreciate it!","fullyFundedDate":1746785466492,"projectUrl":"project/school-cafe-revamp/9086878/","projectTitle":"School Cafe Revamp!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Maduri","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9459745_orig.jpg?crop=288,288,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1707153826784","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9459745"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_44004","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":292,"numTeachers":22,"percentFrplEligible":77,"percentAsian":2,"percentBlack":10,"percentWhite":36,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":47,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"5 - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"13.3:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":49.1,"schoolId":44004,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Hillside Intermediate School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Hillside Intermediate School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/connecticut/naugatuck-school-district/hillside-middle-school/44004"}