{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Michael Wallace Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":27.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":5335269,"projectId":10563878,"letterContent":"The addition of our new 3D printer has brought an incredible level of excitement, creativity, and hands-on learning to our classroom! Thanks to the generosity of our donors, students are transforming their ideas into real, tangible creations while developing valuable technology, engineering, and problem-solving skills.\r\n\r\nStudents are learning that technology is much more than something we use every day—it is a powerful tool for innovation. Through programs like Tinkercad, they are learning to design, manipulate, and create 3D models, then watch their designs come to life through the printing process. Along the way, they are developing critical thinking, spatial reasoning, perseverance, and collaboration skills. They are also discovering that trial and error is an important part of learning, especially when a design doesn't turn out quite as planned!\r\n\r\nWhat excites students most is seeing something they created on a computer become a physical object they can actually hold. The ability to personalize their designs, experiment with different shapes and colors, and create unique projects has sparked tremendous enthusiasm.\r\n\r\nPerhaps the most rewarding part has been watching students of all ability levels become engaged and confident in their work. Students who may not always shine in traditional classroom activities are discovering new strengths through designing, building, and problem-solving. They are taking ownership of their learning, helping classmates, and proudly sharing their creations.\r\n\r\nThis project has done so much more than introduce a new piece of technology into our classroom. It has opened the door to creativity, innovation, and possibilities that many of our students had never experienced before.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping us turn \"Think It. Build It. Print It.\" into a reality! Your generosity is making a meaningful difference in how our students learn, create, and envision what they are capable of achieving.","fullyFundedDate":1789149698930,"projectUrl":"project/think-it-build-it-print-it/10563878/","projectTitle":"Think it. Build it. Print it.","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Jannetty","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5335269_orig.png?crop=271,271,x181,y40&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1707141258741","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5335269"},{"teacherId":2526152,"projectId":10563821,"letterContent":"Thank You for Investing in My Students!\r\n\r\nOn behalf of my students and our classroom, thank you for your generous donations that helped fund our new 3D printer! Your support is making it possible for our middle school Business & Computers students to turn their digital ideas into real, tangible creations.\r\n\r\nThis technology brings learning to life by giving students hands-on experience with digital design, problem-solving, creativity, and engineering while exploring connections to business, entrepreneurship, and future careers. My students are especially excited to watch their designs transform from ideas on a screen into actual 3D-printed objects!\r\n\r\nYour generosity is helping us create a classroom where students can explore, experiment, build confidence, and discover new interests. We are so grateful for your investment in their education and future. Thank you for helping my students imagine, design, create, and succeed!","fullyFundedDate":1789149361660,"projectUrl":"project/print-the-future-bringing-student-ideas/10563821/","projectTitle":"Print the Future: Bringing Student Ideas to Life","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Mucciacciaro","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2526152_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1540229507574","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2526152"},{"teacherId":8425642,"projectId":8872923,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom by providing headphones for our students! These headphones have already made a meaningful difference in our students' ability to focus and work independently. Many of our students use technology every day for assignments, research, educational videos, and other learning activities. Having their own headphones helps reduce distractions and allows them to concentrate on the task in front of them without being distracted by the sounds around them.\r\n\r\nOur students were especially excited to have headphones that they could use during independent work. For students who have a harder time staying focused in a busy classroom, the headphones provide a quieter learning environment and help them stay engaged with their assignments. Students are able to listen to directions, videos, and other learning materials at an appropriate volume while their classmates continue working. Your generosity has given our students an important tool that helps them feel more comfortable, focused, and confident when completing their work independently. We truly appreciate your support of our classroom and our students!","fullyFundedDate":1728777733353,"projectUrl":"project/headphones-for-some-cool-kids/8872923/","projectTitle":"Headphones for Some Cool Kids","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Murphy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8425642_orig.jpg?crop=1236,1236,x397,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1650734621113","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/amanda-murphy"},{"teacherId":8428670,"projectId":9685414,"letterContent":"My students used the new dissection materials during our medical fields and human body systems unit. One memorable moment was when students carefully examined the frog's organs and compared them to the human body systems we had studied in class. They were fully engaged, asking thoughtful questions and making real-world connections throughout the lab.\r\nWhen the students first saw the materials, they were incredibly excited and eager to get started. Many had been hoping for the chance to participate in a real dissection, so they were amazed to finally have the opportunity.\r\nNext, students will continue exploring medical and science careers by analyzing how body systems work together and completing research projects connected to different healthcare professions. The dissection experience gave them a stronger understanding of anatomy that they will carry into future labs and investigations.\r\n\r\nThank you so much!","fullyFundedDate":1767211733892,"projectUrl":"project/exploring-medicine-one-dissection-at-a-t/9685414/","projectTitle":"Exploring Medicine One Dissection at a Time: Students First Dissection","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Shortt","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8428670_orig.jpg?crop=788,788,x368,y256&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1690115380645","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8428670"},{"teacherId":10354766,"projectId":9995597,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our classroom project and providing whiteboards, markers, and erasers for our science class. The students were excited to receive these materials and have been using them regularly during lessons.\r\n\r\nThe whiteboards have increased class participation by giving every student a chance to share their thinking and engage in discussions. During our genetics unit, students used the whiteboards to practice Punnett squares, determine possible offspring traits, and explain patterns of inheritance. Having a personal whiteboard allowed all students to participate and receive immediate feedback.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our students and helping create a more engaging classroom environment.","fullyFundedDate":1769907916814,"projectUrl":"project/write-it-show-it-learn-it/9995597/","projectTitle":"Write It, Show It, Learn It","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Khan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10354766_orig.jpg?crop=1062,1062,x0,y3&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1764595819050","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10354766"},{"teacherId":10462027,"projectId":10148080,"letterContent":"This project will have a meaningful impact on our classroom by replacing old, worn, and torn copies with a new full class set of The Giver. Having updated books will ensure that every student can actively participate in reading, discussions, and activities without distractions or barriers caused by damaged materials.\r\n\r\nWith consistent access to quality copies of the novel, students will be more engaged and better able to connect with the story's themes, such as individuality, choice, and community. It will also allow for deeper class discussions, improved reading comprehension, and stronger critical thinking skills.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, this project will help create a more positive and inclusive learning environment, setting next year's students up for success with the tools they need to fully engage with this meaningful and thought-provoking text.","fullyFundedDate":1773500351461,"projectUrl":"project/turning-worn-pages-into-new-possibilitie/10148080/","projectTitle":"Turning Worn Pages Into New Possibilities","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. GUTIERREZ","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10462027"},{"teacherId":10354766,"projectId":9906654,"letterContent":"The headphones we received through DonorsChoose have made a meaningful impact in my 7th grade science classroom. Before we had them, it was very difficult for students to complete assignments that included videos or audio because everyone's devices were playing sound at the same time. This created distractions and made it hard for students to focus on the content. Thanks to the donated headphones, each student can now listen clearly to their own video or instructions without hearing other devices in the background.\r\n\r\nThe headphones have helped my students stay more focused and engaged while completing their assignments. They are able to follow along with videos, pause and replay important parts, and work at their own pace. This has especially helped students who benefit from hearing explanations more than once, allowing them to better understand the science concepts we are learning.\r\n\r\nAs a teacher, the headphones have also allowed me to provide a greater variety of learning experiences. I can now include interactive videos, virtual labs, and other multimedia resources instead of relying mostly on traditional read-and-write assignments. This has made lessons more engaging and accessible for my students. We are incredibly grateful to the donors who made this possible—your generosity has truly improved how my students learn every day.","fullyFundedDate":1764632158392,"projectUrl":"project/hear-to-learn-headphones-for-focused-sc/9906654/","projectTitle":"Hear to Learn: Headphones for Focused Science Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Khan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10354766_orig.jpg?crop=1062,1062,x0,y3&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1764595819050","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10354766"},{"teacherId":9459930,"projectId":9840255,"letterContent":"So far, the Newsletter team at Wallace Middle School has released 2 editions of Lion Prode Press! With your help, students have signed up to photograph school events, staff and students, and even artwork for our Artist Showcase page. The professionalism and excitement from our team has shown great results and we would not be able to have done it without you! Students taking ownership, improving craftsmanship, and becoming responsible are all attributes that have been gained from their experience.","fullyFundedDate":1761161191554,"projectUrl":"project/newsletter-cameras/9840255/","projectTitle":"Newsletter Cameras","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Zareck","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9459930_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723210506177","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9459930"},{"teacherId":8428670,"projectId":9685297,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donation of headphones and timers. These items have had a positive impact on our students by helping them stay focused and help them complete projects.\r\n\r\nThe headphones have helped create a more focused and inclusive environment by reducing distractions and supporting students who benefit from quieter work time or audio-based learning tools. Many students are now able to work more independently, stay engaged longer, and better regulate their attention during lessons.\r\n\r\nThe timers were used by the 8th grade students to help them time how long it took their marble to move down a marble run, which they then used to calculate the speed of the marble. This was just the first project it was used for, but I expect to use them for many more.\r\n\r\nWe truly appreciate your support and investment in our students' success. Thank you for making a difference in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1757531932533,"projectUrl":"project/listen-learn-headphones-for-every-stu/9685297/","projectTitle":"Listen & Learn: Headphones for Every Student","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Shortt","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8428670_orig.jpg?crop=788,788,x368,y256&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1690115380645","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8428670"},{"teacherId":9460637,"projectId":9639603,"letterContent":"My students are absolutely thrilled by your donation to our classroom. We have immediately started using them and have already noticed a difference.\r\nWhen they came in and saw them, they could not believe these items were theirs to use. Students now seek out opportunities to use the cushions whenever possible. Additionally, we have started implementing a Friday raffle where the winner gets to sit on the wobble stool. Students eagerly look forward to this each week.\r\nWe thank you again for supporting us and helping my students to become more independent and aware of how flexible seating affects them. Thank you again!","fullyFundedDate":1758636836822,"projectUrl":"project/flexible-seating-for-maximum-learning/9639603/","projectTitle":"Flexible Seating for Maximum Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. O'Connor","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9460637"},{"teacherId":9938338,"projectId":9696609,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, my students are now learning in ways that truly mirror the real world. The technology you helped provide—headphones, computer mice, and access to tools like a laser engraver—has completely changed how students engage with their work. Many of my students don't have consistent access to technology at home, so having reliable tools in the classroom allows them to fully participate, focus, and build confidence. The headphones help students concentrate during tutorials and independent work, the mice make designing and creating far more precise, and the laser engraver brings their digital designs to life in a way that feels meaningful and exciting.\r\n\r\nWhat excites my students most is seeing their ideas turn into real products. Designing something on the computer and then watching it be engraved or produced makes learning feel authentic. It's no longer just an assignment—it's something they can hold, improve, and take pride in. Students are more willing to revise their work, collaborate with classmates, and problem-solve when they see a real outcome at the end. The room is filled with curiosity, creativity, and conversations about how things can be made better, not just finished.\r\n\r\nThere are several students who have especially connected with this new technology—students who may not always speak up in traditional lessons but absolutely shine during hands-on projects. I've seen students who struggle with confidence become leaders as they help others troubleshoot designs or explain how a machine works. For some of my students, this technology has opened the door to seeing themselves as creators, engineers, and entrepreneurs. Your support didn't just provide materials—it gave my students opportunities to discover their strengths and believe in what they are capable of. Thank you for making that possible.","fullyFundedDate":1763577540788,"projectUrl":"project/creating-innovators-hands-on-technology/9696609/","projectTitle":"Creating Innovators: Hands-On Technology for Future Leaders","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Garcia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9938338_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754196640087","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9938338"},{"teacherId":3740169,"projectId":9410627,"letterContent":"The impact of your generosity is being observed daily in our interactions and play at recess. Students are able to successfully engage in physical and mindful activities that are engaging and require collaboration and teamwork. \r\n\r\nOur students are happy and thriving due to your donations and for that, the staff, students and administration at the Academic Academy at Wallace Middle School are grateful.\r\n\r\nWe appreciate you and all you have done for the physcial, social and emotional well-being of our students!","fullyFundedDate":1756386536760,"projectUrl":"project/project-recess/9410627/","projectTitle":"Project Recess!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. B.","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3740169_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1470833386816","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mommab"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_44099","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1050,"numTeachers":97,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":2,"percentBlack":22,"percentWhite":9,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":61,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":3,"gradesServed":"4 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"10.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":72.5,"schoolId":44099,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Michael Wallace Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Michael Wallace Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/connecticut/waterbury-public-schools/michael-wallace-middle-school/44099"}