{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"West Rocks Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":29.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":3827181,"projectId":10358005,"letterContent":"Thank you for investing in my students and helping make our classroom a place where learning feels exciting, meaningful, and possible for every child.\r\n\r\nMy sixth graders have already begun using the new resources in ways that bring Social Studies to life. Rather than simply reading about history, my students are learning to think like historians. They are writing, creating, collaborating, asking questions, and using the materials to build their understanding of ancient civilizations. These resources have helped me create a classroom where students can be active participants in their learning instead of simply sitting and listening.\r\n\r\nOne of my favorite moments is seeing students' reactions when they first see new materials in our classroom. They are genuinely excited! For many of my students, having new supplies and resources makes them feel like their classroom matters and that their learning matters. I especially love hearing students say things like, \"We get to use these?\" or immediately wanting to know what we are going to create with them. Those small moments remind me how meaningful it is to provide students with materials that they may not always have access to at home.\r\n\r\nRight now, we are beginning our journey into the ancient world. Our next steps will take us deeper into early civilizations, where students will investigate how geography, resources, government, religion, and innovation shaped the way people lived. As we move into our units on Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt, students will have opportunities to create, write, investigate primary sources, and participate in hands-on activities that help history come alive.\r\n\r\nYour support is helping me give my students more than supplies. You are helping me create experiences they will remember. You are helping me build a classroom where students can be curious, creative, and proud of what they are learning.\r\nThank you for believing in my students and for being a part of our classroom community. Your generosity truly makes a difference!","fullyFundedDate":1785331579076,"projectUrl":"project/supplies-success/10358005/","projectTitle":"Supplies = 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":3827181,"projectId":10321634,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom! Your generosity has already made a difference for my students. We are using the new materials every day to help students stay organized, complete their work, and feel prepared to learn. One of my favorite moments was seeing students get excited about having their own supplies and materials to use during our Social Studies activities. These may seem like small things, but they help create a classroom where students feel cared for and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nMy students were especially excited when they first saw the new materials. They immediately wanted to use everything! I loved seeing how something as simple as new folders, notebooks, and classroom supplies could make them feel proud of their work.\r\n\r\nRight now, we will be learning about early humans and what life was like for people thousands of years ago. Our next step is to explore how early humans lived, adapted to their environment, and eventually developed agriculture. Students will be reading, writing, discussing, and completing hands-on activities as they begin thinking like historians. Thank you for helping me make Social Studies come alive for my students. Your support helps me create a classroom where students can learn, explore, and feel successful.","fullyFundedDate":1781905853308,"projectUrl":"project/supplies-for-a-succesful-year/10321634/","projectTitle":"Supplies for a Succesful Year!","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":10030530,"projectId":10178263,"letterContent":"Thank You for Fueling Our Classroom!\r\n\r\nBecause of your incredible generosity, our classroom is now fully stocked with the essential tools—and fuel—that my students need to thrive every single day. Your contributions provided us with vital writing supplies, engaging literature, and much-needed snacks. Here is a little peek into exactly how your kindness has impacted our classroom.\r\n\r\nWhen the boxes arrived and we opened them together, the students were absolutely thrilled! A small group immediately huddled around the brand-new box set of Percy Jackson: The Ultimate Collection. For several of my reluctant readers, seeing a pristine, complete fantasy series sparked an instant desire to dive into reading.\r\n\r\nThere were literal cheers when they saw the massive variety packs of Frito-Lay classic snacks. Many students come to class hungry, and knowing they have a reliable, tasty snack waiting for them has completely shifted the morning energy from sluggish to focused.\r\n\r\n\r\nRight now, we are using these materials to power our daily English Language Arts (ELA). Thanks to you, no one had to search for a tool; every student had a fresh, pre-sharpened Amazon Basics #2 pencil, a smooth Sharpie S-Gel pen for bold outlining, and plenty of WritePads loose-leaf paper to sketch out their ideas.\r\n\r\nHaving a seamless supply of paper and pencils means we no longer lose precious learning time hunting for usable materials.\r\n\r\nYour support did more than just buy supplies; it eliminated the stress, allowing my students to focus entirely on being creative, curious learners. We are so incredibly grateful for your investment in our education!\r\n\r\nWith deepest gratitude,","fullyFundedDate":1777470137270,"projectUrl":"project/fueling-minds-and-imaginations/10178263/","projectTitle":"Fueling Minds and Imaginations","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Santos","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10030530"},{"teacherId":9459131,"projectId":9925235,"letterContent":"The technology in this project has transformed learning by giving our multilingual learners independent access to instruction in ways that were previously difficult. Through read-aloud features, translation apps, and instructional audio, students can now hear science texts, directions, and vocabulary clearly while actively participating in hands-on experiments and discussions. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by language barriers, students are building confidence, comprehension, and engagement in both literacy and science. The noise-cancelling features also help students focus in a busy classroom environment, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in learning.\r\n\r\nWhat excites students most about the Apple AirPods Max and Apple AirPods Pro 3 is the ability to understand and connect with learning in real time. Students are thrilled that they can independently translate unfamiliar words, replay directions, and listen to text without waiting for assistance. Many students see the headphones as empowering tools that make them feel included, capable, and successful during classroom activities. They especially enjoy using the technology during hands-on science investigations where they can simultaneously explore, listen, and learn.\r\n\r\nSeveral students who were previously hesitant to participate due to language barriers have especially embraced this technology. Some students who rarely volunteered during class discussions are now more willing to contribute because they better understand the content and expectations. Others have become more confident readers by using read-aloud and translation supports consistently. Watching students transition from frustration and uncertainty to curiosity and active participation has been one of the most rewarding outcomes of this project.","fullyFundedDate":1765336520222,"projectUrl":"project/hear-to-learn-headphones-for-literacy-a/9925235/","projectTitle":"Hear to Learn: Headphones for Literacy Access","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":785539,"projectId":9935328,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom. Because of your generosity, we have been able to expand our classroom technology in meaningful ways that directly support student learning. Building on our Mac mini classroom hub, these new tools have helped us create a more organized, accessible, and engaging learning space for our students.\r\n\r\nStudents have been excited to use our updated classroom technology tools, which have made it easier for them to engage in lessons and share their ideas more confidently.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your generosity and for helping create a classroom where our students feel supported, confident, and excited to learn.","fullyFundedDate":1768408527747,"projectUrl":"project/tech-tools-and-resources-that-help-reade/9935328/","projectTitle":"Tech Tools and Resources That Help Readers Thrive","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Walters","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp785539_orig.jpg?crop=1326,1326,x460,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1599937407870","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/785539"},{"teacherId":785539,"projectId":9932026,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom. Because of your generosity, our students now have access to connect their AirPods to our classroom technology. These tools allow students to listen to texts, use translation features, and hear instructions more clearly. For many of my students, this means they can better understand what they are reading and learning, helping them become stronger readers and writers. One of the biggest impacts has been their increased independence as they are building their confidence in a really powerful way.\r\n\r\nMy students are eager to use the AirPods during lessons and independent time. This project has helped create a more inclusive and supportive learning classroom environment where all students can access content. Thank you for helping us build a classroom where students feel confident, empowered, and excited to learn.","fullyFundedDate":1768408527345,"projectUrl":"project/airpods-for-our-reading-learning-center/9932026/","projectTitle":"AirPods for Our Reading Learning Center","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Walters","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp785539_orig.jpg?crop=1326,1326,x460,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1599937407870","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/785539"},{"teacherId":9773246,"projectId":9593934,"letterContent":"For a school technology program to be truly effective, it needs to be sustainable, and that is exactly what this project has achieved for us. Many donors understand the initial excitement of buying a piece of hardware, like a 3D printer, but fewer realize that without a steady supply of resin and paints, that technology becomes a museum piece gathering dust. By funding \"Year Two,\" you have transformed our club from a one-time experiment into a reliable institution. This consistent access to materials allows students to learn through iteration. If a print fails or a paint job doesn't look right, they don't have to stop because of resource scarcity; they can analyze the failure, re-slice the file or strip the paint, and try again. They are learning resilience and the engineering design process in real-time, understanding that mistakes are just data points on the path to success.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting aspect of this project for the students is the sheer freedom of choice it provides. Because we are fully stocked, they aren't limited to a single, uniform class assignment. They can explore history, fantasy, or sci-fi, finding models that speak to their specific interests. The excitement in the room when a fresh supply of grey resin or a new set of paints is opened is palpable—to them, it represents pure potential. They immediately start collaborating and planning: \"Now we can finally print that dragon!\" or \"We can make enough terrain for the tournament!\" It turns the technology into a vehicle for their personal expression.\r\n\r\nThis continuity has been especially impactful for my returning 8th-grade students, who have now transitioned from learners to leaders. One student in particular, who started with us last year as a quiet novice, has blossomed into a confident mentor because of these resources. Since he doesn't have to worry about rationing supplies, he spends his time teaching the incoming 6th graders how to support their 3D files and how to mix their paints. He has taken ownership of the technology, not just as a user, but as a teacher. This project didn't just buy supplies; it bought him the opportunity to become a leader in our community.","fullyFundedDate":1755809866895,"projectUrl":"project/tabletop-titans-year-two-of-printing-p/9593934/","projectTitle":"Tabletop Titans: Year Two of Printing, Painting, and Playing","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Frajndlich","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9773246_orig.jpg?crop=1112,1112,x254,y868&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1789397008561","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9773246"},{"teacherId":9773246,"projectId":9305244,"letterContent":"For many of my students, \"technology\" usually means a screen they consume content on. This resin 3D printer has completely inverted that relationship, turning them from consumers into creators. Unlike the standard 3D printers some might be familiar with, which use melted plastic, this machine uses light to harden liquid resin into incredible, high-fidelity objects. This technology is teaching my students the complete engineering design lifecycle: they learn to find or modify digital files, understand the physics of \"slicing\" a model into layers, and manage the delicate geometry required to print a successful object. It bridges the gap between the virtual worlds they love and the physical world they live in, showing them that if they can imagine it (and find the file for it), they can hold it in their hands a few hours later.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting aspect for the students is, without a doubt, the level of detail. When a print finishes and rises out of the resin vat, there is a collective gasp. They are used to seeing pixelated blocks or rough plastic, but this machine produces smooth, professional-quality miniatures with details as fine as a human hair—buckles on armor, texture on capes, and expressions on faces. It creates a massive sense of value and ownership; they treat these models like treasures because they witnessed their birth from a pool of liquid.\r\n\r\nI have seen a profound impact on one specific group of students: the storytellers. I have a student who loves Dungeons & Dragons but is very shy and often struggles to articulate his ideas verbally. Since we got this printer, he has spent hours searching for the perfect representation of his character. When he finally printed his hero, he wasn't just holding a piece of plastic; he was holding a physical anchor for his imagination. Having the exact model he envisioned gave him the confidence to speak up and roleplay more boldly during our game sessions. This technology didn't just give him a toy; it gave him a voice.","fullyFundedDate":1746390957075,"projectUrl":"project/from-resin-to-reality-where-sci-fi-come/9305244/","projectTitle":"From Resin to Reality: Where Sci-Fi Comes to Life","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Frajndlich","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9773246_orig.jpg?crop=1112,1112,x254,y868&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1789397008561","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9773246"},{"teacherId":9773246,"projectId":9641512,"letterContent":"While many people are familiar with 3D printing, fewer realize that with high-detail resin printing, the job isn't done when the printer stops. The raw models come out covered in uncured resin, which is sticky and unsafe to touch. The Wash and Cure station you funded has revolutionized our workflow by automating this critical safety step. This technology is teaching my students that engineering is not just about the digital design; it is about the entire lifecycle of a product, including safety protocols and chemical processing. It transforms a hazardous, messy manual chore into a clean, professional, and scientific process, allowing the students to focus on the art rather than the cleanup.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting aspect for the students is undeniably the \"sci-fi\" factor of the machine itself. When the UV lights turn on and the turntable begins to spin, the students are glued to the window, watching their creations transform from soft, sticky gray blobs into hardened, durable artifacts ready for painting. It validates their work instantly. One student in particular, who initially struggled with the patience required for the 3D printing process, has completely warmed to this new technology. He has taken ownership of the \"finishing station,\" treating it like a professional laboratory. He loves being the one to hand a freshly cured, safe-to-handle miniature to a classmate, taking immense pride in managing the final, critical step of our production line.","fullyFundedDate":1756070673535,"projectUrl":"project/leveling-up-our-lab-safe-finishing-for/9641512/","projectTitle":"Leveling Up Our Lab: Safe Finishing for Student Creations","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Frajndlich","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9773246_orig.jpg?crop=1112,1112,x254,y868&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1789397008561","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9773246"},{"teacherId":785539,"projectId":9818657,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity and for supporting my students. Your support has provided students with a meaningful way—beyond paper and pencil—to share and express their ideas, creativity, and voices. This project allows students to showcase their stories and growth as readers, writers, and thinkers.\r\n\r\nThe DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Creator Combo enables students to capture their learning by recording book talks, reading reflections, and personal stories in authentic and engaging ways. This hands-on, visual approach helps students feel more confident and invested in their learning, especially those who are developing their English language skills.\r\n\r\nI am grateful for the opportunity to use this technology to document student learning and celebrate their successes with families and our school community. Thank you for helping create learning experiences that empower and uplift my students.","fullyFundedDate":1761932805200,"projectUrl":"project/stories-in-motion-capturing-learning-th/9818657/","projectTitle":"Stories in Motion: Capturing Learning Through the Lens","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Walters","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp785539_orig.jpg?crop=1326,1326,x460,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1599937407870","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/785539"},{"teacherId":785539,"projectId":9644337,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting this project, Read, Create, Connect, and Collaborate with a Mac mini. By serving as a central hub for connecting and managing devices such as additional monitors, laptops, iPads, and speakers, the Mac mini allows me to bring instructional tools together in one shared space. This makes it easier to display reading, writing, and listening materials, helping to create a more engaging and organized learning experience for students.\r\n\r\nThank you for providing my students with a resource that serves as a learning center, supports their growth, and makes learning an exciting experience.\r\n\r\nWe sincerely appreciate your support and the positive impact it has had on our students.","fullyFundedDate":1758836842748,"projectUrl":"project/read-create-connect-collaborate-lite/9644337/","projectTitle":"Read, Create, Connect, Collaborate: Literacy with a Mac Mini","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Walters","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp785539_orig.jpg?crop=1326,1326,x460,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1599937407870","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/785539"},{"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"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_43535","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":637,"numTeachers":59,"percentFrplEligible":66,"percentAsian":2,"percentBlack":13,"percentWhite":17,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":62,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":3,"gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"10.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":70.8,"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"}