{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Smyrna Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":29.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10317337,"projectId":9841449,"letterContent":"We have had so much fun using our new resources. I wish I could upload the videos they recorded! I decided to wrap the packages as though they were presents, because in reality, you all have provided us with these GIFTS! My middle school Spanish students recorded themselves opening them, speaking Spanish as they described what was happening in the books. Some of the books they knew from childhood, and now they were getting to see them in Spanish. It was amazing to watch them get excited about reading, and especially reading in a new language. Each of these books ties to a lesson in our units, and we have been gradually returning to them as we move throughout the year.\r\n\r\nThe Melissa & Doug vending machine was a favorite right from the beginning! They did a speaking assessment with me right away, as they described in Spanish what was in the machine, how to use the machine. They read the cards provided with the machine and acted as though they had to describe to a Spanish speaking person the process of buying from the machine. It was honestly one of my favorite activities that I've done in the 24 years I've been in the classroom, and the kids LOVED it! This is all because of you! We just started the house unit, so we will be using the BBQ grill in the same way. You have provided us with resources that allow the students to enhance their literacy in all aspects!","fullyFundedDate":1760882589668,"projectUrl":"project/real-world-communication-in-a-world-lang/9841449/","projectTitle":"Real World Communication in a World Language Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Srta. Raughley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10317337"},{"teacherId":534262,"projectId":9828411,"letterContent":"The new seating options have allowed my students the opportunity to benefit from small group instruction. Small group instruction offers a powerful way to differentiate learning and meet students where they are academically. By working with a limited number of learners at a time, I can tailor instruction to specific skill levels, learning styles, and help correct misconceptions. Students get immediate feedback, flexible pacing, and focused practice, which helps students build confidence.\r\n\r\nBy using station work and movement around the room I have seen increased student engagement and participation. In the smaller setting, students often feel more comfortable asking questions, sharing ideas, and taking academic risks. This environment encourages meaningful discussion and collaboration. Students might not ask a question in front of an entire room, but when they have a turn with the teacher in a small group they will bring up the things they are struggling with. \r\n\r\nLastly, the seating options have encouraged stronger relationships in the class. The students are getting to know each other better and working with more people in class. This has been a positive outcome that I had not expected, but am excited to see. Overall, a supportive learning environment have been created that promotes both academic growth and a positive classroom culture.","fullyFundedDate":1760633706354,"projectUrl":"project/small-group-instruction/9828411/","projectTitle":"Small Group Instruction","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gray","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-grayt1"},{"teacherId":7653495,"projectId":9751316,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for sharing your hard earned money with us to fund our project. This is the biggest band program I've had in my entire career of teaching - that means I have to be on the top of my game to make sure every student in my program is getting what they need and deserve. \r\n\r\nWe are all aware that this is a time where technology has taken a front seat in just about everything that we do. As educators, I feel like it's our job to stay up to date with the latest and greatest in order to help our students in the most efficient way possible. Not to mention, it's also a way to relate to them - 99% of my students are all about technology!\r\n\r\nThis project has allowed me to continue to differentiate my instruction, and to do it easily with a very busy and packed schedule. This has been a game changer for us!\r\n\r\nThank you for everything you have given, and will hopefully continue to give to future educators!","fullyFundedDate":1766077079530,"projectUrl":"project/future-composers-of-america/9751316/","projectTitle":"Future Composers of America!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Salerni","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7653495_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1698026532590","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsalernisroom"},{"teacherId":10314129,"projectId":9833809,"letterContent":"I have been teaching science for 35 years and I've never had the opportunity to make a list of items I needed and have all my wishes come true!\r\nSeveral of the items I won't be using until beginning of the year next year, however, I have used the headphones in the moment I received them. I have been asking for headphones for my children for about five years now. My budget is too low to buy them on my own and no one wanted to take on the responsibility of hundreds of dollars for headphones. Many of my students struggle with reading, and this allows them to not only listen as they read, but develop better of vocabulary as they hear the words. \r\nPart of my curriculum is teaching light. We've been able to use the magnifying glasses to help them see changes as light hits crystal paper. We will be using them additionally for labs in the future as well. I ordered bubblers for a couple of reasons. I teach density and energy so this is going to be a perfect example of those concepts.\r\nOn behalf of myself and my students and future students I really appreciate all the things that I've been granted. It means a lot and will be used for years to come. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!","fullyFundedDate":1760820866009,"projectUrl":"project/spark-excite-and-propel/9833809/","projectTitle":"Spark, Excite, and Propel","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Harbert","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10314129_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760626570668","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10314129"},{"teacherId":10313146,"projectId":9831548,"letterContent":"Thank you for giving me the opportunity to create a safe, productive, and affirming learning space for my students. Because of your generosity through DonorsChoose, my classroom is now better equipped to meet the academic and emotional needs of students who come from a wide range of abilities, cultures, and backgrounds.\r\nMy students include emerging readers, students with learning differences, and students who need consistent encouragement to see themselves as capable and successful learners. The classroom supplies you helped provide are not just materials—they are tools that allow me to reach students where they are and help them move forward with confidence. With these resources, I am able to support literacy development in ways that are engaging, structured, and responsive to individual needs.\r\nBefore receiving your support, I often had to stretch limited materials or rely on outdated resources. Now, students have access to supplies that make learning feel intentional and inviting. Whether they are practicing reading strategies, organizing their thoughts in writing, or participating in small-group instruction, these materials help create an environment where learning feels possible and meaningful. Students are more focused, more willing to participate, and more proud of the work they produce.\r\nBeyond academics, your donation has helped me foster a classroom culture rooted in safety, respect, and belonging. When students walk into a space that is well-prepared and thoughtfully resourced, they feel valued. They understand that someone beyond their classroom believes in them enough to invest in their success. That message matters—especially for students who may not always feel seen or supported elsewhere.\r\nThe impact of your generosity shows up daily. I see it when a student who once avoided reading now raises their hand to share. I see it when students collaborate using materials that allow them to learn hands-on. I see it in their confidence, their curiosity, and their growing independence as learners. These moments are direct results of the support you provided.\r\nAs an educator, I am deeply grateful for donors like you who understand that classrooms need more than just good intentions—they need resources. Your decision to give has directly strengthened instruction, increased student engagement, and helped me do my job more effectively. Most importantly, it has helped my students believe that their education is worth investing in.\r\nThank you for choosing to support my classroom and for playing a meaningful role in my students' learning journeys. Your generosity has made a real difference, and it will continue to impact my students long after this school year end.\r\n\r\nWith sincere appreciation,","fullyFundedDate":1760729462436,"projectUrl":"project/engagement-in-english-language-artsela/9831548/","projectTitle":"Engagement in English Language Arts(ELA)","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bibbins","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10313146"},{"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"}],"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"}