{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Sgt Paul R Smith Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":28.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":867536,"projectId":9875265,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for fully funding my DonorsChoose project and helping me restock the small food pantry in my classroom. Your generosity is making a real and meaningful difference in the lives of my students.\r\n\r\nWith the rising cost of food, many families in our community are struggling. In our county, one in every six children faces food insecurity, and as a Title I middle school teacher, I see the effects of this every day. I have been teaching mathematics for over 30 years, and while math can be challenging, hunger should never be a barrier to learning.\r\n\r\nYour donation does more than provide food—it helps students feel supported, motivated, and valued. When students are nourished, they are better able to focus, participate, and grow in confidence. Most importantly, your generosity helps ensure students are present, engaged, and ready to learn.","fullyFundedDate":1763494149378,"projectUrl":"project/dont-let-food-insecurity-impact-mathema/9875265/","projectTitle":"Don't Let Food Insecurity Impact Mathematical Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jones","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/867536"},{"teacherId":867536,"projectId":9750889,"letterContent":"Thank you for fully funding my grant to bring creative, engaging mathematics activities into my classroom. Your generosity has had an immediate and meaningful impact on my students and the way they experience learning.\r\n\r\nI have been teaching mathematics for over 30 years, and throughout my career, I have always believed that learning should never be boring. Teaching at a Title I middle school has only strengthened that belief and inspired me to continually seek out creative, student-centered approaches to instruction. While experience is invaluable, there are only so many hours in a day, and having access to high-quality, teacher-designed resources makes an incredible difference.\r\n\r\nThanks to your support, I am now able to purchase innovative activities from Teachers Pay Teachers that bring fresh energy into my classroom. These resources foster engagement, encourage critical thinking, and allow students to learn mathematics through hands-on, interactive experiences. When students are actively involved and having fun, their confidence grows—and so does their understanding.\r\n\r\nThe impact of this grant reaches all learners in my classroom. My general education students benefit from increased engagement, my students with disabilities gain access to differentiated and accessible learning opportunities, and my gifted students are challenged through enrichment activities that promote deeper thinking. The flexibility and creativity of these resources allow me to meet students where they are and support their individual learning needs.\r\n\r\nThank you again for supporting public school education and for choosing my project.","fullyFundedDate":1761325729908,"projectUrl":"project/creative-activities-fun-engaged-math/9750889/","projectTitle":"Creative Activities + Fun = Engaged Mathematical Learners!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jones","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/867536"},{"teacherId":867536,"projectId":9709575,"letterContent":"Thank you for fully funding my project to restock the snack area in my classroom. Your generosity has already made a meaningful difference in the lives of my students, and I am deeply grateful for your support.\r\n\r\nI teach mathematics at a Title I middle school, where many students face food insecurity. For some of my students, the breakfast and lunch they receive at school are the only meals they can count on each day. When hunger sets in, learning becomes incredibly difficult—especially in a subject like math that requires sustained focus and mental energy. Because of your support, I am now able to respond with compassion and care when a student quietly asks, \"Do you have anything to eat?\"\r\n\r\nHaving snacks readily available has transformed my classroom environment. Students are more focused, less anxious, and better able to engage in learning when their basic needs are met. Even more importantly, providing a snack sends a powerful message: that they are seen, valued, and cared for not just as students, but as whole individuals. It lets them know that their health and well-being matter just as much as their academic success.\r\n\r\nThank you again for supporting public school education and for choosing my project.","fullyFundedDate":1759546599322,"projectUrl":"project/full-bellies-help-students-concentrate/9709575/","projectTitle":"Full Bellies Help Students Concentrate","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jones","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/867536"},{"teacherId":867536,"projectId":9667477,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for funding our classroom project! Your generosity has made an immediate and meaningful difference for my students.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, our Math classroom is now cleaner, more organized, and ready for learning. Students have access to dry erase boards that stay spotless, allowing them to confidently show their thinking during lessons. Our desks are sanitized and germ-free, creating a safe and healthy environment for everyone. With tissues available and supplies neatly organized, the classroom runs smoothly, and students can focus on what matters most—learning.\r\n\r\nThese simple items have transformed our space into a welcoming and efficient environment where students feel cared for and supported. Your gift has helped us start the year strong and setting the stage for academic success.\r\n\r\nOn behalf of my students and myself, thank you for believing in the power of public education and for making a real impact in our classroom. Thank you again for choosing my project.","fullyFundedDate":1757683144057,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-basics-are-needed/9667477/","projectTitle":"Classroom Basics are Needed","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jones","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/867536"},{"teacherId":9928969,"projectId":9243108,"letterContent":"I have been able to give so many students new books to take home with your generous donation. The students expressed so much excitement about the book selections they could choose from. Some of my students don't have any books at home. They are constant patrons to the media center checking out books, participating in activities, and signing up for contests. When they have a chance to receive a free book, they are so happy.\r\nYour donation has allowed me to continue to give students what they crave. A good book. The selections I received will provide wonderful books to so many deserving students.","fullyFundedDate":1744553353615,"projectUrl":"project/a-novel-idea-books-as-prizes/9243108/","projectTitle":"A Novel Idea: Books as Prizes","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Fielding","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9928969"},{"teacherId":9928969,"projectId":9259556,"letterContent":"Thank you for the generous donation of the moveable dry erase boards. The impact to the media center is amazing. I use them to describe books that I am highlighting for students to try. I move them into areas for lessons. Students can record their discussions when we work in centers around the media center. They are more willing to participate because they have the materials to record their ideas. I plan on using the boards for student recommendations of books to read. I know when a peer reviews a book, other students are more willing to try the selection. I cannot wait to see what the students will come up with for future use of the media boards.","fullyFundedDate":1746366919929,"projectUrl":"project/innovative-learning-hubs-creative-stati/9259556/","projectTitle":"Innovative Learning Hubs: Creative Stations with Dry-Erase Boards","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Fielding","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9928969"},{"teacherId":867536,"projectId":9316588,"letterContent":"I am so grateful for your generous support of our STEAM Club project. Thanks to your contribution, our students now have access to the essential supplies needed for our new Cricut and they are opening doors to creativity, collaboration, and community engagement.\r\n\r\nAt our Title 1 middle school, many students face limited opportunities to explore hands-on design and technology. Your donation has made it possible for them to engage in meaningful activities such as creating cards, stickers, posters, shirts, and artwork. These projects not only allow students to express themselves creatively but also teach them the value of giving back and spreading positivity throughout our school and community.\r\n\r\nThe Cricut Maker has become a powerful tool, helping students develop critical skills like design thinking, spatial awareness, attention to detail, problem-solving, and teamwork. Watching them collaborate, share ideas, and bring their visions to life has been truly inspiring.\r\n\r\nYour support has made a lasting impact on our students' educational experience, and we are deeply thankful. You've helped us create a space where imagination thrives and where every student feels empowered to make a difference.\r\n\r\nThank you for supporting public education and for choosing my project to support.","fullyFundedDate":1746833335890,"projectUrl":"project/creativity-steam-supplies-endless-po/9316588/","projectTitle":"Creativity + Steam Supplies = Endless Possibilities","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jones","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/867536"},{"teacherId":867536,"projectId":9260214,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for your generous support of our Cricut project at our Title 1 middle school. As a teacher with over 30 years of experience, I can confidently say that your contribution is helping us unlock a new level of creativity and engagement for our students.\r\n\r\nBefore we had access to a Cricut, we often wondered how we could bring more hands-on, imaginative learning into our classrooms. We are still discovering more and more ways that we can use it. Now, thanks to your support, we are transforming our learning spaces and lessons in ways that truly inspire. From student-designed anchor charts to personalized math manipulatives and encouraging signage for state testing, the possibilities seem endless. \r\n\r\nOur STEAM Club is especially energized by this new tool. Students are collaborating, designing, and discovering the power of their own imaginations. For many of our students, this is their first exposure to technology like this—and it's priceless. We're not just decorating classrooms; we're cultivating future designers, engineers, and creators.\r\n\r\nYour impact is already being felt in our hallways and classrooms. You've helped us promote the positive, creative spirit of our school, and we are deeply thankful. Thank you for supporting public education, and for choosing my project to support.","fullyFundedDate":1746366919992,"projectUrl":"project/revolutionizing-steam-education-innovat/9260214/","projectTitle":"Revolutionizing STEAM Education: Innovate & Create with Cricut!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jones","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/867536"},{"teacherId":867536,"projectId":9316213,"letterContent":"I can't tell you how thankful I am for your generous donation! Your support has made a meaningful difference in my classroom, and I wanted to take a moment to share the impact you've had.\r\n\r\nThanks to your kindness, we now have a large rack, with lazy susans, and clear bins that have completely transformed how we organize snacks and prizes for the students. The rack allows everything to be beautifully displayed, making it easy for the kids to see all their choices. It's not just functional—it's exciting for them!\r\n\r\nThe clear bins have added a level of accessibility and organization that we didn't have before. Now, students can quickly find what they're looking for, and the space feels more welcoming and efficient. It's so much nicer for them, and it's made my job easier too.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has brought joy, order, and a sense of pride to our classroom. Thank you for investing in our students and helping create a space where they feel valued and cared for. Thank you for supporting public education and for choosing my classroom to support.","fullyFundedDate":1746833335996,"projectUrl":"project/organized-display-snacks-happy-stude/9316213/","projectTitle":"Organized Display + Snacks = Happy Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jones","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/867536"},{"teacherId":9979531,"projectId":9213265,"letterContent":"Thank you so very much for your generous donation. My 'kids' and I are so grateful. My classroom is our calm space. My job is Behavior Support Teacher for our emotionallly behaviorally disturbed Children and also children with Autism with behavior issues. We eat breakfast and lunch in our room. I also provide my kids snacks throughout the day. We eat, make messes, clean up our messes and learn basic life skills.\r\nThe books have provided me with an abundance of lessons to do with my students. You made a difference.","fullyFundedDate":1743342854193,"projectUrl":"project/it-takes-a-village/9213265/","projectTitle":"It Takes a village!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. M","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9979531_orig.jpg?crop=720,720,x332,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756394047122","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9979531"},{"teacherId":9979618,"projectId":9210575,"letterContent":"I hope this note finds you well. Thank you for all of your donations to my classroom! There is no word to express our heartfelt gratitude for your generosity.\r\nMy students and I are very happy, appreciative and love your support.\r\nYour donation has not only enriched my students experience, but has also inspired them to strive for excellence. They are excited to learn, participate and stay engaged during instruction. I love rewarding them generously with the rewards you sponsored.\r\nThey work very hard, and their effort and dedication to the subject are showing on their increasing scores on assignments and test scores. We are very proud of them at Sgt Smith Middle School. We will never do this without your support.\r\nThank you once again!","fullyFundedDate":1743342854206,"projectUrl":"project/positive-vibes-celebrating-success-in/9210575/","projectTitle":"Positive Vibes - Celebrating Success in Special Education!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mbianda","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9979618"},{"teacherId":9866726,"projectId":9130044,"letterContent":"We greatly appreciate your contributions. We have been able to read independently , offer our new book selections and also taking little sneak breaks. \r\nThe student we're very excited and I am building in classroom library. We have been having small reading groups and also after lessons reading every day. I would like the students to always get into the habit of reading and critically thinking .\r\nThank you so much , \r\nLooking forward having more readers this year ; ) \r\nBest regards, \r\nMrs. Tuccio \r\nESE ELA Specialist \r\nSgt. Smith Middle School","fullyFundedDate":1744553353491,"projectUrl":"project/building-an-enriching-classroom-environm/9130044/","projectTitle":"Building an Enriching Classroom Environment","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tuccio","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9866726_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1744818998823","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9866726"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_96050","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":595,"numTeachers":49,"percentFrplEligible":60,"percentAsian":5,"percentBlack":7,"percentWhite":15,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":67,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"12.1:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":72.0,"schoolId":96050,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Sgt Paul R Smith Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Sgt Paul R Smith Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/florida/hillsborough-county-public-school-district/sgt-paul-r-smith-middle-school/96050"}
Join the 25 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Sgt Paul R Smith Middle School is
a suburban public school
in Tampa, Florida that is part of Hillsborough County Public School District.
It serves 595 students
in grades 6 - 8 with a student/teacher ratio of 12.1:1.
Its teachers have had 57 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Share and help support Sgt Paul R Smith Middle School
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of students receive free or reduced price lunch
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
Source: the National Center for Education Statistics
79%
of students are Black, Latino, Native
American, or Asian
Data about school demographics comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. The numbers in this chart may not add up to 100% because of limitations in the available data.
Sgt Paul R Smith Middle School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Feb 8, 2026
DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students
in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.
Sgt Paul R Smith Middle School
$24,849
raised using DonorsChoose
57
projects
funded
17
teachers
funded
25
donors
7
projects
for
basic supplies
5
projects for
technology
3
projects for
books
5
projects
for
art supplies
Sgt Paul R Smith Middle School has received support from
18 individuals from Florida and
7 individuals out-of-state.