{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"W.T. Chipman Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":41.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8983951,"projectId":9833570,"letterContent":"Thanks to this project, reading instruction at W.T. Chipman has taken a meaningful step forward. The snacks funded through this grant are being intentionally used during structured reading strategy lessons in both ELA and Social Studies classrooms to help students stay focused, energized, and engaged with complex texts. When students first received the materials, they were excited, but more importantly, they understood the purpose these snacks were framed as \"fuel for learning,\" supporting reading stamina, choral reading, annotation, vocabulary work, and small-group discussions.\r\n\r\nThis initiative has led to real instructional change. Prior to this project, consistent reading strategies were largely non-existent across classrooms. Today, over 75% of our ELA and Social Studies teachers are implementing evidence-based reading strategies, creating a more aligned and intentional literacy experience for students. As a result, we are already seeing increased academic growth on progress monitoring assessments, particularly in reading comprehension and vocabulary development.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, teachers are continuing to embed these strategies into daily instruction and expand their use across content areas. Students are growing more confident, engaged, and persistent readers. Because of our donors, reading at W.T. Chipman is now purposeful, consistent, and student-centered thank you for helping turn this vision into reality.","fullyFundedDate":1760762898987,"projectUrl":"project/small-snacks-big-readers-rewarding-th/9833570/","projectTitle":"“Small Snacks, Big Readers: Rewarding the Power of Reading”","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Pierson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8983951_orig.png?crop=398,398,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760544016054","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8983951"},{"teacherId":10325811,"projectId":9850676,"letterContent":"First, I would like to sincerely thank you for your generous donation. Your support has played a significant role in helping me create a classroom environment that better aligns with the Building Thinking Classroom approach. As a result, my students are actively engaged, collaborating at the vertical whiteboards, and taking greater ownership of their learning. This setup encourages meaningful communication and helps students develop stronger critical-thinking skills. I truly appreciate your generosity and its positive impact on my students.","fullyFundedDate":1761269922484,"projectUrl":"project/building-thinking-classrooms-with-litera/9850676/","projectTitle":"Building Thinking Classrooms with Literacy","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Leuterio","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10325811_orig.jpg?crop=546,546,x0,y9&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1761066547000","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10325811"},{"teacherId":10340524,"projectId":9872370,"letterContent":"I am writing to sincerely thank you for your generosity in donating materials for my classroom. Your support made a meaningful difference for my students, and I am grateful.\r\n \r\nDue to your donation, my students were able to actively use these materials in their learning. They were engaged, excited, and benefited directly from using these materials that enriched their classroom experience. It meant a lot to me to see how your donation supported a student-centered learning environment.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in education and supporting my classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1762645152219,"projectUrl":"project/literacy-is-lit/9872370/","projectTitle":"Literacy Is Lit!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Sawicki","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10340524"},{"teacherId":9905794,"projectId":9833495,"letterContent":"The impact of this project was huge! My students worked really hard at reading in a program on line to earn the candy that was provided by you. Every 100 hundred percent on each assignment guaranteed them a star on the poster and a piece of candy. All students were excited by the prospect of earning candy, so much that they begged to read on the program every day. With the increase in reading, each student increased their ready lexile level. This program, Donors Choice, has been a true blessing for all of us. Thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1760982415612,"projectUrl":"project/read-every-5-incentives/9833495/","projectTitle":"Read! Every 5 Incentives.","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kellenbenz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9905794"},{"teacherId":10315315,"projectId":9836415,"letterContent":"Using pool noodles as a tactile tool for vocabulary building was an engaging, multisensory strategy. This method helped students bridge the gap between abstract definitions and concrete word recognition and added a layer of kinesthetic learning to what was traditionally a sedentary task. \r\nThe 8th grade students loved this activity. When asked for their feedback on the activity, they replied: \"love getting out of my seat\", \"if I don't know the word, I can watch the others and learn it in a different way\", \"I can choose what color noodle I like\", and \"Running this vocab review was fun\".\r\nThank you again, for providing the materials to get these students activily engaged in learning vocabulary!","fullyFundedDate":1760822967326,"projectUrl":"project/creative-vocabulary/9836415/","projectTitle":"Creative Vocabulary","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Blessing","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10315315"},{"teacherId":7480374,"projectId":9838438,"letterContent":"With our new text, Hoot, students built several important literacy skills. They practiced close reading by following the plot across chapters, identifyied themes such as environmental responsibility, and analyzed how characters responded to conflict. Students focused on vocabulary development, learned new words in context and discussed how word choice affects meaning. In addition, Hoot introduced real-world connections by exploring how human actions impact wildlife and habitats.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom is active and collaborative. Students read the book together, both independently and aloud, and then participated in thoughtful discussions about each chapter. We analyzed vocabulary, asked questions, and maked connections between the text and real-life issues. One of the most meaningful discussions had been comparing the habitat loss described in Florida in Hoot to similar issues affecting wildlife in our own state, helping students see that these topics are relevant and close to home.\r\n\r\nSeveral students especially enjoyed the new books. Students who love animals and nature are particularly engaged, asking insightful questions and sharing examples of habitat loss they have learned about or observed locally. Others who may not have been enthusiastic readers before are drawn in by the humor, mystery, and strong characters in Hoot. Overall, the book sparked curiosity, meaningful conversation, and a deeper appreciation for both reading and environmental awareness.","fullyFundedDate":1760829117157,"projectUrl":"project/lets-give-a-hoot/9838438/","projectTitle":"Let's Give a Hoot!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Beauchamp","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7480374"},{"teacherId":10314366,"projectId":9834472,"letterContent":"My students are working hard building their literacy skills while also engaging in rigorous science content. By having high lighters and pencils they are able to annotate the text in ways that they could not before. This allows them to point out specific components that makes class discussions more engaging for all students. \r\n\r\nI also received books that allowed the students to learn about science topics that interested them and enhanced their learning of content we talked about in class. This made them excited to come to class and read about different topics. \r\n\r\nWhen the students came to class and saw that we had new writing utensils, as well as new books they were ready to get started with this new step in their educational journey. It allowed them to dive deeper into text and push themselves in their understanding of what they were reading.","fullyFundedDate":1760796708090,"projectUrl":"project/science-literacy/9834472/","projectTitle":"Science Literacy","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Betts","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10314366"},{"teacherId":10311899,"projectId":9828415,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for funding Reading for Life. Through your support, I was able to purchase two engaging novels: Ghost by Jason Reynolds, a National Book Award finalist, and Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin, a Newbery Honor book. Both texts were entertaining, appropriately challenging, and highly relevant to students' lives. As a result, students truly enjoyed reading, which helped foster the goals I set for Reading for Life.\r\n\r\nStudents were provided with a study guide that outlined each chapter with guided questions and targeted vocabulary. Explicit reading strategies and vocabulary instruction were implemented throughout the program, allowing students to increase their Lexile levels and build content knowledge.\r\n\r\nAs students completed chapters and responded to questions, they earned rewards to celebrate their progress. A reward chart was created, and students placed stars on the chart as they met their reading goals. In addition, students enjoyed snacks while reading and working on assignments. When they demonstrated mastery of their reading goals, they were able to choose a reward from the candy jar.\r\n\r\nStudents looked forward to coming to class, and the learning atmosphere was positive and welcoming. Reading for Life was engaging, motivating, and fun for all. Thank you again for making this meaningful reading experience possible.","fullyFundedDate":1760998396712,"projectUrl":"project/reading-for-life/9828415/","projectTitle":"Reading For Life!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Alloway","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10311899"},{"teacherId":9461223,"projectId":9823799,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, my students are using our new literacy resources every day to strengthen their reading comprehension and focus. Students now listen to audio versions of articles using the headphones while following along in the text, which has been especially helpful for developing readers and English language learners. Highlighters are used to annotate key details, unfamiliar vocabulary, and main ideas. These tools have allowed students to engage more deeply with texts and participate more confidently in discussions.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the materials, they were excited and eager to begin using them right away. The wobble chairs and high-rise table immediately became favorites, giving students flexible seating options that support movement and help them stay focused during reading and writing tasks. The timers and small incentives, like Jolly Ranchers, have also motivated students to manage their time effectively and stay on task during independent reading and literacy centers. Students felt empowered by having choices in how and where they learn.\r\n\r\nAs we move forward, students will continue using these resources as we work on annotating informational texts, improving reading stamina, and building comprehension strategies. The flexible seating and movement options will remain a key part of our daily literacy block, helping students self-regulate and remain engaged. Your generosity has truly enhanced our literacy instruction and created a more supportive, inclusive learning environment where all students can grow as readers.","fullyFundedDate":1761053556383,"projectUrl":"project/science-literacy-learning-space-litera/9823799/","projectTitle":"Science Literacy Learning Space & Literacy Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Luft","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/julie-luft"},{"teacherId":10325910,"projectId":9850847,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of my classroom. Because of your kindness, my students now have essential materials that truly enhance their learning experience each day. Items such as dry erase markers and erasers allow students to actively engage in math discussions, practice problem-solving without fear of mistakes, and build confidence in their thinking.\r\n\r\nThe addition of a classroom lamp and bistro set has transformed our learning environment into a more welcoming, flexible space where students feel comfortable collaborating, reading, and reflecting. Most importantly, the class book set for our novel study has given every student access to meaningful literature, supporting reading comprehension, discussion, and written expression while fostering a shared love of learning.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has made a direct and lasting impact on my students' academic growth and classroom community. Thank you for believing in their potential and for helping create a space where they can feel supported, motivated, and successful.","fullyFundedDate":1761335367005,"projectUrl":"project/words-that-count-strengthening-literacy/9850847/","projectTitle":"Words that Count: Strengthening Literacy in the Math Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dutton","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10325910"},{"teacherId":8566524,"projectId":9840897,"letterContent":"The addition of the standing desk was noticeable immediately in all my classes. Students who had difficulty writing at my current tables, due leg space issues, love to be able to stand and or use stools at the new desk. My students that have ADHD /ADD are able to stand while working and have been showing improvements both with their grades as well as causing less disruption in class. The headphones help during reading assignments to keep the room quieter allowing my easily distracted students to stay better focused and on task. \r\nOverall my classroom environment has improved and I really appreciated bring able to add handphones & the standing table to our my classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1761087396274,"projectUrl":"project/flexible-seating-improved-literacy/9840897/","projectTitle":"Flexible Seating, Improved Literacy","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sweet","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8566524"},{"teacherId":10324073,"projectId":9847965,"letterContent":"The addition of Posted and Shadow Jumper has meaningfully updated our classroom library with engaging, relatable texts for our eighth-grade students. Both novels feature strong characters, rich vocabulary, and relevant themes that naturally encourage critical thinking, thoughtful discussion, and reflective writing. Each week, students participated in guided discussions to analyze the plot and character development, and they strengthened their comprehension and writing skills through short essay responses focused on character growth. Thank you for your generous support in helping to reinvigorate literacy and foster a deeper love of reading in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1760974132760,"projectUrl":"project/powering-minds-tools-and-tales-for-a-li/9847965/","projectTitle":"Powering Minds: Tools and Tales for a Literate Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Soriano","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10324073"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_44488","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1026,"numTeachers":55,"percentFrplEligible":61,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":22,"percentWhite":58,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":8,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"18.7:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"TOWN","ncesMetroType":"TOWN_FRINGE"},"inStateSupporters":58.5,"schoolId":44488,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about W.T. Chipman Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"W.T. Chipman Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/delaware/lake-forest-school-district/w-t-chipman-middle-school/44488"}