{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"West Rocks Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":29.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":3827181,"projectId":9268917,"letterContent":"I am writing again to express my profound gratitude for your incredible donation! The new supplies have already made a significant, positive impact on my students and their learning. The dry-erase folders and markers you provided have transformed how I approach teaching writing. They are now central to my new four-step routine where students use the folders as a low-stakes drafting space to Think, Write, and Share. I hot-glued pompoms to the markers for easy erasing, and students use this tool to take a minute to think before they write their draft. They then share their work with a peer for immediate feedback, allowing them to make revisions before writing their final answer on paper. This process has allowed them to take risks and practice freely, and I have already seen a noticeable improvement in the quality and clarity of their writing.\r\n\r\nBeyond the academic improvements, your contribution has provided immense peace of mind. Students are always fascinated to know they are using materials that were donated to our classroom. The most heartwarming moment was realizing I had everything I needed when a few students came unprepared without notebooks this year. Thanks to your generosity, I could immediately provide them with supplies, removing that common barrier and allowing us to focus entirely on learning.\r\n\r\nAs I build on this success, my next steps will involve applying these revision skills to our upcoming creative narrative project on cave art, challenging the students to incorporate richer descriptive language and stronger evidence into their stories. Thank you once more for being such a vital partner in my students' success. I am truly grateful for your kindness and support.","fullyFundedDate":1754319776075,"projectUrl":"project/supplies-our-classroom-success/9268917/","projectTitle":"Supplies + Our Classroom = Success!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Figueroa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3827181_orig.jpg?crop=1280,1280,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1599064082409","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-figueroa24"},{"teacherId":8977782,"projectId":9140816,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my deepest thanks for your generous donation to my classroom project! Your support allowed me to purchase over 100 new books for my classroom library, and the impact is already substantial.\r\n\r\nWe all know how vital it is to develop good reading habits early, but in the age of endless digital distraction, it's a huge challenge to get a great book into a student's hands. Your donation directly addresses this by giving my students the opportunity to find that \"one great book\" that can hook them on reading for life. My library has quickly become a hot spot, with current and former students frequently finding their next new adventure.\r\n\r\nThe effect of having a rich, accessible classroom library is showing in our results:\r\n\r\nOur school recently demonstrated the highest growth on the SBA state testing among all middle schools in the district.\r\n\r\nOur district was also just recognized for having the highest scores among all city schools in Connecticut.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your incredible kindness and generosity. Your support allows me to share my love of reading and help foster a lifelong passion for learning in my students.","fullyFundedDate":1742954368143,"projectUrl":"project/book-and-supplies-reload/9140816/","projectTitle":"Book and Supplies Reload","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Robert Ceccarini","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8977782_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756758292899","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8977782"},{"teacherId":3827181,"projectId":9036920,"letterContent":"From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your generosity and support of my 6th-grade Social Studies classroom. Your donation of a Teachers Pay Teachers gift card has made an incredible impact on my students' learning experience.\r\n\r\nThis is my first year teaching Ancient China, and your contribution allowed me to purchase engaging activities and decorations that brought history to life. We celebrated the Chinese New Year with zodiac images and descriptions, helping students connect with the traditions and cultural significance of the holiday. I was also able to get valuable resources on the Shang Dynasty, the Silk Road, the Han Dynasty, and the three philosophies—Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism. These materials enriched our lessons, fostering critical thinking and deep discussions among my students.\r\n\r\nNot only did the resources enhance their learning, but they also helped create a welcoming and immersive classroom environment. My students love walking into a space where they can see the effort put into making history come alive for them. The engagement and curiosity sparked by these materials have been truly rewarding to witness.\r\n\r\nYour kindness and generosity have made a difference in my students' education, and I am incredibly grateful. Thank you for believing in teachers and supporting our classrooms. Your gift has had a lasting impact, and I appreciate it more than words can express!","fullyFundedDate":1737661767275,"projectUrl":"project/teachers-pay-teachers-gift-card/9036920/","projectTitle":"Teachers Pay Teachers Gift Card","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Figueroa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3827181_orig.jpg?crop=1280,1280,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1599064082409","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-figueroa24"},{"teacherId":9773246,"projectId":8923516,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation and effort towards helping me get my club off the ground. Since its inception, the club has grown from only five students to over twenty, spanning grades six, seven and eight. Our club is fully co-ed and has representation from students with special needs.\r\n\r\nThrough the first eight weeks I am seeing confidence, excitement and genuine interest in not only the hobby, but the group-work skills, storytelling, and basic math that is involved. The students come to club each Wednesday and are excited to check in on the new parts, and pieces that I have 3d printed from the printer that was purchased through this donation effort. Once they see the parts that have been printed, some students are more excited to start building, while others are more excited to paint already assembled miniatures, and others are most interested in playing the games and telling the stories that come with the miniatures.\r\n\r\nThe next thing we can expect is to continue our club in March after a two week break, and finish the year strong with more building, painting and playing. Again, I truly cannot thank you enough for your generous donation, and all the help that has gone into our fun little club.","fullyFundedDate":1731165897027,"projectUrl":"project/building-critical-thinking-skills-throug/8923516/","projectTitle":"Building Critical Thinking Skills Through Playing Tabletop Strategy Games","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Frajndlich","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9773246"},{"teacherId":3827181,"projectId":8659593,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for your generous contributions that made it possible for our 6th-grade classroom to acquire a MacBook laptop. Your support has already had an incredible impact on our learning environment, and I am thrilled to share how this new technology is helping to transform our classroom.\r\n\r\nThe MacBook has become an indispensable tool in bringing our lessons to life. As we study Ancient Egypt, I have been able to use the laptop to create educational videos for my students. Recently, I had the privilege of traveling to Egypt, and thanks to the MacBook, I edited videos of myself exploring historical sites, explaining their significance, and sharing the wonder of this ancient civilization. These videos have been integrated into our curriculum via QR codes, which students can scan to access the content. This innovative approach has made our studies more engaging, interactive, and tangible.\r\n\r\nWhat excites the students the most is the ability to envision themselves as creators. The MacBook is not just a tool for consuming information; it empowers them to become storytellers and producers. In the near future, they will use this technology to create their own videos as part of classroom projects. Whether reenacting a historical event, presenting research, or sharing their creative interpretations of what they've learned, the students are eager to embrace this hands-on approach to learning. This enthusiasm has fostered a sense of ownership and excitement about their education.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, my students have access to technology that is opening doors to new ways of learning and self-expression. This MacBook is more than just a laptop; it is a gateway to innovation, creativity, and a deeper understanding of the world around us. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your support and belief in the potential of our students.","fullyFundedDate":1733179840910,"projectUrl":"project/creating-con-un-macbook/8659593/","projectTitle":"Creating Con Un Macbook!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Figueroa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3827181_orig.jpg?crop=1280,1280,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1599064082409","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-figueroa24"},{"teacherId":9459131,"projectId":8273096,"letterContent":"I am writing with immense gratitude to thank you for your generous contributions to our DonorsChoose project, \"EmpowerED: Igniting Voices With Digital Creativity.\" Your support has provided our students with transformative learning experiences, equipping them with high-speed MacBook Pros that have opened up a world of possibilities for academic and social-emotional growth.\r\n\r\nThanks to your kindness, our students are now able to collaborate on video editing projects using tools like iMovie and Final Cut Pro. These resources have brought their creative ideas to life, enabling them to tell their stories and amplify their voices in ways that were previously unimaginable. The integration of this technology has enhanced their communication, teamwork, and technical skills—essential proficiencies for real-world success.\r\n\r\nWhat excites our students the most about this new technology is the opportunity to share their unique perspectives and creativity. From producing thoughtful narratives about community issues to creating visually compelling presentations, they are discovering their power to inform, inspire, and lead. One particular student, who initially struggled with self-confidence, has blossomed into a leader in our Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) mentorship initiative, using video projects to facilitate meaningful discussions about cultural awareness and identity.\r\n\r\nYour contribution has made a profound impact, turning our vision of innovative, inclusive education into reality.","fullyFundedDate":1716166467638,"projectUrl":"project/empowered-igniting-voices-with-digital/8273096/","projectTitle":"\"EmpowerED: Igniting Voices With Digital Creativity\"","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Powell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9459131_orig.jpg?crop=1024,1024,x0,y105&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1707152746007","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9459131"},{"teacherId":8988197,"projectId":8195454,"letterContent":"The supplies my classroom received allowed us to go above and beyond with our classroom projects. We were able to make sure that National History Day projects looked cohesive and on theme! The items allowed me to increase access to students so that all projects could be decorated.\r\n\r\nStudents were thrilled to have paper and tools to include in their projects outside of what I normally provide. The headphones have allowed us to unlock videos and concepts for different projects. The markers and pencils will allow us to decorate our projects.","fullyFundedDate":1707319441864,"projectUrl":"project/taking-student-research-projects-to-the/8195454/","projectTitle":"Taking Student Research Projects to the Next Level","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mouland","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8988197_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1679275729972","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8988197"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_43535","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":657,"numTeachers":59,"percentFrplEligible":66,"percentAsian":3,"percentBlack":14,"percentWhite":17,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":61,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"11.1:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":70.3,"schoolId":43535,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about West Rocks Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"West Rocks Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/connecticut/norwalk-public-schools/west-rocks-middle-school/43535"}