{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Smyrna Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":29.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10311918,"projectId":9828429,"letterContent":"We are taking all of the materials that you have provided us with and putting them to good use. The headphones that you have provided us with now allows every student to have access to them when doing listening comprehension when reading texts. My special education students now have a way to be better accommodated in the classroom because they now have headphones that actually fit into their personal devices. I have several ELL learners in my classroom, so this also helps with translation of the texts. My students are able to focus and access text in numerous ways. They now have reduced background noise, which improves concentration during reading or writing. Many students are now using their time to listen to audiobooks via the Sora app, something that I did not see at the start of the school year. Overall the use of the headphones have helped to strengthen comprehension, pronunciation, and vocabulary—especially for struggling readers and English language learners.\r\n\r\nYou also provided us with highlighters. Just as mentioned above, these highlighters all students now have access to. When the colors run dry there is not an issue simply replacing it. This has caused all students to be able to annotate better and emphasize important information in the text. This encourages active reading, improves comprehension, and helps students organize information for writing and discussion.\r\n\r\nThere are many other items that you have provided for my classroom, but these are the items that we use almost everyday. My classes greatly appreciates your donation of needed items to help with improved literacy.","fullyFundedDate":1760630253454,"projectUrl":"project/sharing-is-caring/9828429/","projectTitle":"Sharing is Caring","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Rosario","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10311918"},{"teacherId":10318815,"projectId":9842893,"letterContent":"On behalf of our students and staff, thank you for your generous support in funding science magazines for our middle school students. Your gift is making a meaningful difference, especially for students who are reluctant or struggling readers.\r\nThe engaging articles, visuals, and real-world science topics help make complex ideas more accessible and exciting. Many of our students are far more willing to explore science content when it is presented in a format that sparks their interest and feels approachable.\r\nWe are also deeply grateful for your donation of headphones. This thoughtful addition ensures that struggling readers have access to the same high-quality science content through audio supports, allowing them to learn alongside their peers with confidence and dignity.\r\nProviding students with opportunities to read and listen to science information and discoveries that matter to them can spark curiosity, encourage questions, and inspire a desire to learn more. For many of our students, these experiences may be the first step toward developing a lasting interest in science and potentially pursuing a STEM-related field in the future.\r\nThank you for believing in our students and for investing in resources that promote equity, curiosity, and a love of learning. Your generosity is helping open doors and shape future","fullyFundedDate":1760904722663,"projectUrl":"project/science-news-inspiring-the-next-generati/9842893/","projectTitle":"Science News Inspiring the Next Generation","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Bole","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10318815"},{"teacherId":7661909,"projectId":9831914,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the gift of supplies for my middle school science and special education classroom! My students have been enjoying the supplies and activities and were so surprised and excited when they saw all the boxes come into my room.\r\n\r\nMy small group Level 3 class of special education students have been enjoying several of the books that were included in the supplies. The other day, we read \"The Earth Looks Different\" and focused on the chapter about volcanoes. The students were very excited to learn that volcanoes can be active, dormant or extinct and to learn that hot spots and lava help to create islands like Hawaii. They especially enjoyed making connections to the places that I myself have visited, such as Mount Vesuvius in Italy, Mount St. Helens in Washington and National Park of Thingvellir in Iceland. It led to great discussions between students about volcanoes and how they work.\r\n\r\nMy students in inclusion classes mixed with regular education students and special education students have especially enjoyed the set of headphones to assist in their science learning. Some of my special education students struggle with reading and my co-teacher and I like to give them different opportunities to read science articles in class. We like to give them options - they can read independently, they can read aloud with a partner or they can plug in their headphones and let the computer read it to them while they listen. In the past, we have struggled with the last option due to not having enough headphones, but now we are able to accommodate all of our students and they can choose to listen to the articles if they struggle to read on their own.\r\n\r\nThank you so much for allowing my students to have direct access to reading materials that relate to science. It is so important that students are able to have access to seventh grade science materials and by having these materials, they have access to science articles and books on their own level. They appreciate all you have done to give them access to grade level and level appropriate books and materials. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.","fullyFundedDate":1760711358861,"projectUrl":"project/science-combining-literacy-hands-on/9831914/","projectTitle":"Science - Combining Literacy & Hands-On Learning!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lucca Schwind","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7661909_orig.jpg?crop=1179,1179,x796,y1108&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1606871831282","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7661909"},{"teacherId":10312276,"projectId":9829307,"letterContent":"I cannot begin to thank you enough for the generous donation to our classroom. Our students have Autism and Intellectual Disabilities and struggle with reading, some even with foundational letter and phonics skills. The sight words fidget and dinosaur games have made learning fun and has impacted them immensely. They consistently ask to play these learning games. The readers have helped my students want to read new materials. When my students first saw our huge shipment of supplies, their little faces lit up and they were so excited to have some new activities to make learning fun. My little guy that struggles to sit has benefitted so much from the weighted lap pad, which allows him to continue to learn his sight words.","fullyFundedDate":1760655185307,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-exceptional-readers/9829307/","projectTitle":"Empowering Exceptional Readers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. T","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10312276"},{"teacherId":7661872,"projectId":9822642,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for the generous donation of Spanish language books to my Spanish World Language classroom. Your support has had a meaningful and immediate impact on my students' learning experiences.\r\n\r\nThe Spanish books you provided have significantly enriched our classroom resources by offering students greater access to authentic language input, cultural perspectives, and age-appropriate reading materials. These texts support vocabulary development, reading comprehension, and language acquisition while also fostering cultural awareness and engagement. Students are now able to interact with the Spanish language in more meaningful ways, both independently and collaboratively.\r\n\r\nAs a result of this donation, my students are more motivated to read in Spanish and demonstrate increased confidence in their language skills. The books allow me to differentiate instruction, support diverse proficiency levels, and create a more inclusive and literacy-rich learning environment. Most importantly, they help students see language learning as both accessible and enjoyable.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in world language education and for supporting my students' academic growth and cultural understanding. Your generosity has made a lasting difference in our classroom, and it is deeply appreciated.","fullyFundedDate":1760373303535,"projectUrl":"project/middle-school-spanish-literacy/9822642/","projectTitle":"Middle School Spanish Literacy","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Torres","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7661872"},{"teacherId":2317349,"projectId":9828344,"letterContent":"Having these books made such a positive impact for my novel studies reading elective! These books enriched my course with new content from contemporary authors and gathered interest in these fresh topics.\r\n\r\nThe photos I submitted are some of my 8th grade class as they were engrossed in the book \"Red, White, and Whole\" by Rajani LaRocca. Students were captivated by the touching story as the main character dealt with the illness her mother was stricken with. They also loved that the 1980s era book had an accompanying playlist on Spotify that featured the music that was the pop soundtrack to the young teenager's middle school experience. I reached out to this author, and she offered to zoom with my students in the future to discuss the work - I can't wait to take her up on this!\r\n\r\nThank you so much for your support of reading at my school!","fullyFundedDate":1760622744377,"projectUrl":"project/student-engagement-with-exemplary-litera/9828344/","projectTitle":"Student Engagement With Exemplary Literature","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jones","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2317349_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y386&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1709132925254","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2317349"},{"teacherId":10311934,"projectId":9831538,"letterContent":"On behalf of my students, I would like to extend our sincere gratitude for your generous donation of supplies. Your support made a meaningful difference in our classroom and directly impacted students in positive and lasting ways. Because of your generosity, students were able to fully engage in a wide variety of assignments without the added worry of lacking everyday materials, like paper and pencils. Having access to these supplies allowed them to focus on learning, participation, and growth rather than practical necessities, thus creating a more equitable and supportive learning environment.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, the donated supplies provided opportunities not only for students to complete their assignments, but also to be recognized and rewarded for their efforts. This sense of encouragement and accomplishment made the days leading up to the holiday meaningful for many of students, adding joy and motivation during a special time of year. Your generosity has made a lasting impact, and my students and I, truly appreciate your role in helping us succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1760685622514,"projectUrl":"project/engagement-and-practicality/9831538/","projectTitle":"Engagement and Practicality","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Frazier","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10311934"},{"teacherId":7999189,"projectId":9828332,"letterContent":"Thanks to your incredible support — and full funding from the state — my Health Literacy Center dream came to life here at Smyrna Middle School!\r\n\r\nWith your help, I was able to create a welcoming, flexible learning space where students can explore health topics that truly matter to them — from nutrition and mental health to body systems and self-care. The new health literacy books and comfortable seating have transformed our classroom into a place where curiosity, conversation, and confidence grow every day.\r\n\r\nStudents now gather in the Health Literacy Center to read, research, and reflect on ways to improve their own well-being. One student recently shared, \"I like learning here because I can pick what I want to read about and it helps me figure out how to feel better.\" Comments like that remind me why this project matters so much.\r\n\r\nSince setting up the center, I've noticed students are more eager to talk about healthy choices and connect what we learn in class to their real lives. They feel empowered to ask questions, share personal insights, and support one another's goals — exactly the kind of lifelong learning we hope for in health education.\r\n\r\nYour generosity made all of this possible. Thank you for giving my students a space that inspires them to take ownership of their health and to believe that taking care of themselves is both important and achievable.","fullyFundedDate":1760711308700,"projectUrl":"project/health-literacy-center/9828332/","projectTitle":"Health Literacy Center","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Curley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7999189_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1742238382387","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/curleyhealth"},{"teacherId":10311982,"projectId":9828607,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity in supporting my literacy project. Your donations are helping us provide books, materials, and meaningful learning experiences to communities that need them most. Because of you, more children are discovering the joy of reading, gaining confidence, and opening doors to new opportunities. Your belief in the power of literacy inspires us every day and reminds us that together, we can build a more educated and hopeful future.\r\nMy students and I are very thankful for your generosity.","fullyFundedDate":1760746224089,"projectUrl":"project/mrs-dittmans-literacy-project/9828607/","projectTitle":"Mrs. Dittman's Literacy Project","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dittman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10311982"},{"teacherId":534262,"projectId":5299242,"letterContent":"My students have learned to collaborate and challenge themselves due to your generosity. Brain Games is a class where students are challenged in different ways and your donation makes that possible. Students need these creative and exciting moments in their day and I am so appreciative that you are helping this program continue. \r\n\r\nWithout donors it would not be possible to have innovative classes like this available for students. Kids need something to look forward to at school. Brain Games is an opportunity to keep kids excited to come to the building. \r\n\r\nThank-you for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1606774327045,"projectUrl":"project/games-to-keep-minds-active/5299242/","projectTitle":"Games to Keep Minds Active","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gray","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-grayt1"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_44496","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1096,"numTeachers":57,"percentFrplEligible":21,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":35,"percentWhite":48,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":10,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"7 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"19.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":70.3,"schoolId":44496,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Smyrna Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Smyrna Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/delaware/smyrna-school-district/smyrna-middle-school/44496"}