{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Howard D McMillan Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":36.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9695649,"projectId":9809986,"letterContent":"Thank you for bringing order and professionalism to our budding veterinary clinic! Because of your generosity, our classroom has successfully transitioned from a \"mad scientist's lair\" into a streamlined, professional environment where 150 future scientists and veterinarians can truly thrive. Your support has provided more than just furniture and cords; you have provided the structure necessary for high-level, hands-on learning.\r\n\r\nThe most immediate impact has been seen in our new organizational systems. Many donors might see a file cabinet as a simple office staple, but in our classroom, it functions as the heartbeat of our \"clinic.\" Our students now use it to manage their patient charts, teaching them the critical professional skill of record-keeping. By treating their paperwork with the same respect a real veterinarian would, they are gaining a sense of responsibility and pride in their work. Several students who previously struggled with focus have completely \"warmed up\" to this new professional routine—they love the ritual of pulling their files and setting up their stations, which has significantly reduced transition time and increased their actual \"lab time.\"\r\n\r\nThe classroom caddies and heavy-duty extension cord have been total game-changers for our lab days. The students are most excited about the \"grab-and-go\" lab kits; they love the independence of grabbing a caddy and having everything they need right at their fingertips. This organization has turned what used to be a chaotic scramble for supplies into a smooth, efficient process. Furthermore, the new extension cord allows us to safely power our diagnostic equipment in the center of the room without the constant worry of a tripping hazard. This small but vital piece of \"tech\" ensures that every student, regardless of where they are sitting, can participate in experiments safely and effectively.","fullyFundedDate":1760628417206,"projectUrl":"project/organized-and-engaged-supplies-for-futu/9809986/","projectTitle":"Organized and Engaged: Supplies for Future Scientists and Veterinarians","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. LeBron","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9695649_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757503164683","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9695649"},{"teacherId":9695649,"projectId":9466261,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity! Because of your support for our Side by Side project, our classroom has transformed into a vibrant hub of connection, creativity, and mutual understanding. The impact on our 22 students has been immediate and profound; where there were once barriers of hesitation or misunderstanding, there are now blossoming friendships and a shared sense of belonging.\r\n\r\nThe Power of Sensory Tools\r\nWhile we often think of \"technology\" as screens and software, the sensory tools you provided—such as the noise-canceling headphones, textured mats, and calming bins—serve as essential social-emotional technology for our students. For our neurodivergent learners, these tools act as a \"bridge\" to the classroom environment, helping them regulate their sensory input so they can focus on social interaction. Our neurotypical students have been fascinated by how these items work; they've learned that a pair of headphones isn't just an accessory, but a vital tool that helps their partner feel safe and present. This shared understanding has stripped away the \"mystery\" of autism and replaced it with genuine empathy.\r\n\r\nSeeing the Joy in Action\r\nThe most exciting moment for the students has been the collaborative canvas painting. One particular pair of students stands out: a general education student who was initially very shy and a student from the autism support program who rarely uses verbal communication. Watching them use the new vibrant paints and brushes to co-create a mural was magical. Without needing a single word, they communicated through color and stroke, laughing together as they explored the textures of the Kinetic Sand between painting sessions. It is clear that these materials have given our students a \"visual language\" to express a friendship that they might have struggled to find otherwise.\r\n\r\nThrough your kindness, you haven't just provided supplies; you've provided the foundation for a more inclusive school culture. Our students are now more confident, more compassionate, and—most importantly—better friends.","fullyFundedDate":1757683052612,"projectUrl":"project/side-by-side-sensory-spaces-and-shared/9466261/","projectTitle":"Side by Side: Sensory Spaces and Shared Stories","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. LeBron","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9695649_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757503164683","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9695649"},{"teacherId":1930026,"projectId":9924760,"letterContent":"Thank you from the bottom of my heart for supporting our project, \"STEMming Hunger Hearts: Closing Gaps for Our Students in Need!!\" Your generosity has made an immediate and meaningful difference in my classroom. For many of my students, consistent access to food is not guaranteed, and hunger can become a daily barrier to learning. Because of you, my classroom now offers more than lessons—it offers comfort, dignity, and reassurance that someone cares about their well-being.\r\n\r\nThe snacks you helped provide have had a powerful impact on my students in crisis. When students are hungry, it is incredibly difficult for them to focus, regulate their emotions, or engage in challenging STEM activities. Having snacks available allows my students to refuel and re-engage, giving them the energy they need to participate, collaborate, and persevere. I see increased focus, improved behavior, and a renewed confidence as students realize their basic needs are being met.","fullyFundedDate":1764687333500,"projectUrl":"project/stemming-hunger-hearts-closing-gaps-fo/9924760/","projectTitle":"STEMming Hunger Hearts: Closing Gaps for Our Students in Need!!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Porzio","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1930026_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1496796330486","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-amyporzio"},{"teacherId":7973468,"projectId":9699207,"letterContent":"Our new corner lamps have completely transformed our sensory room. We're planning on using them as part of our daily regulation routines where students will choose a lighting setting that helps them calm, focus, or reset before returning to class. These lamps will be a perfect example of how the environment can empower students to take charge of their emotional needs.\r\n\r\nOnce our sensory room is up and running, students will be practicing identifying their emotions and choosing tools—like the new lamps—to help manage them. Our next step is to create personalized \"sensory strategies plans,\" where each student identifies what supports help them learn and regulate best. The lamps will play a key role as we teach students to advocate for their needs and build healthy, lifelong coping skills.","fullyFundedDate":1757683089120,"projectUrl":"project/lighting-the-way-to-calm-for-students-wi/9699207/","projectTitle":"Lighting the Way to Calm for Students With Autism","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Neiling","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7973468"},{"teacherId":7973468,"projectId":9691672,"letterContent":"Although our sensory room is not open just yet, the new ball-pit balls are already an exciting part of our planning and preparation. We've been designing sensory-support stations for our students with autism, and the ball pit will be one of the core calming spaces. Knowing the balls are here and ready has helped us finalize the layout and build programming around this space.\r\n\r\nOur next step is to finish setting up the sensory room so students can begin practicing self-regulation routines. Once the ball pit is ready, students will learn how to use it as part of their individualized sensory plans. We'll also be teaching them to identify when they need calming or proprioceptive input and how to access the ball pit safely and independently. Thanks to these new materials, our students will soon have a supportive space designed specifically for their sensory and emotional needs.","fullyFundedDate":1757378514089,"projectUrl":"project/enhancing-the-mental-health-of-asd-stude/9691672/","projectTitle":"Enhancing The Mental Health of ASD Students: Phase 4","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Neiling","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7973468"},{"teacherId":2079171,"projectId":9621846,"letterContent":"On behalf of the students of Howard D. McMillan Middle School, I am writing to express our profound gratitude for your generous donation of replacement drone parts for our middle school robotics and engineering program.\r\n\r\nYour contribution has had an immediate and measurable impact on our students' learning experience.\r\n\r\nOur robotics program is designed to give middle schoolers hands-on experience with emerging technologies, sparking their curiosity and preparing them for future STEM careers. A core element of this curriculum is learning to build, program, and pilot educational drones.\r\n\r\nBefore your donation, a single mishap—like a damaged rotor blade or a broken chassis—could ground an entire learning group for weeks while we waited for budget cycles and standard orders to complete. Your gift has completely eliminated this roadblock.\r\n\r\nThis program is about much more than just robotics; it is about building confidence, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. Every drone our students successfully repair and fly is a tangible representation of their ability to master complex technology.\r\n\r\nYour donation is not just a box of parts; it is an investment in the future innovators, engineers, and technologists who will emerge from our school. You have helped us keep the excitement in our classroom buzzing.\r\n\r\nThank you once again for believing in our students and for supporting hands-on, impactful technology education. We are deeply grateful for your commitment.","fullyFundedDate":1755575053812,"projectUrl":"project/stem-in-the-sky/9621846/","projectTitle":"Stem in the Sky","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Karen Adamson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2079171_orig.jpg?crop=170,170,x0,y6&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755563442483","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2079171"},{"teacherId":2521225,"projectId":9343274,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donation to my classroom. The kids love to use the writing tablets to complete their online assignments. I even have my students use the writing tablets on their tests to prevent cheating by sliding their work from one student to another.\r\n The students find the tablets easier to use and less strenuous than the traditional style of paper and pencil assignments. They seem to enjoy completing their assignments more when they use their writing tablets. Thank you so much for making this project come to life!","fullyFundedDate":1757423350322,"projectUrl":"project/paperless-math-class/9343274/","projectTitle":"Paperless Math Class","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Rimmer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2521225_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1471989794087","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2521225"},{"teacherId":2521225,"projectId":9544546,"letterContent":"Thank you for generously donating to my Algebra classroom. The students use their calculators on a daily basis while completing their Algebra assignments. It really helps that each of my students now has access to a handheld calculator to be able to check their calculations which really minimizes their mistakes.\r\n The students really enjoyed the system of equations lesson which consisted of students trying to figure out how many of the different types of pennies were in a sealed container. The students used the digital scale to accurately measure which allowed for much more precision in each of their answers. \r\n The printer has allowed for me to quickly print extra copies for students who sometimes don't have their laptops with them. \r\n Thank you for providing me with so many new supplies that has really improved my classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1755731902890,"projectUrl":"project/upgrading-my-stem-math-class/9544546/","projectTitle":"Upgrading My STEM Math Class","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Rimmer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2521225_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1471989794087","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2521225"},{"teacherId":10188004,"projectId":9636243,"letterContent":"I do not have words to show my gratitude for this amazing donation. Your gift of a new printer is more than a piece of equipment; it is a catalyst for equitable access for all students in my Title I electives classes, including our ESE (Exceptional Student Education) and ESOL (English Speakers of Other Languages) populations. Our students often face significant resource challenges, and the reliability of digital tools can be unpredictable. This essential printer immediately solves a critical problem, allowing my students to effortlessly reach a paper-based activity in case the computers do not work, ensuring that instruction time is maximized and learning momentum is never lost due to technical glitches. Your generosity directly invests in the stability and continuity of their education.\r\n\r\nThis printer provides crucial, individualized support that directly impacts student success and empowers differentiated instruction. It gave a boost for those who had special needs with an extra help in class or at home, specifically honoring their accommodations with the option to submit assignments in paper in case they need them. This ability to print customized materials—from large-print worksheets for ESE students to visual vocabulary aids for ESOL learners—is vital for compliance and true comprehension. Additionally, with these activities, students were able to improve their fine motor skills that each kid needs to develop or improve in benefit of their other classes and their academic overall. We are now able to integrate essential hands-on, tactile projects that strengthen the fundamental physical skills necessary for success across the curriculum.\r\n\r\nThe excitement and engagement among the students have been extraordinary. All my students were just excited to have the opportunity to complete hands-on activities that allows them to work individually or practicing team work activities properly and taking advantage to complete the activities together and well done. The ability to produce tangible, high-quality projects has fostered a powerful sense of ownership, collaboration, and pride in their work. Your generous contribution has not only provided a vital technological backup but has profoundly enhanced our learning environment, promoting equity, encouraging essential skill development, and instilling confidence in every student, regardless of their background or learning challenge. Thank you for making such a lasting and meaningful impact on their academic journey.","fullyFundedDate":1757683203319,"projectUrl":"project/a-sustainable-solution-for-student-succe/9636243/","projectTitle":"A Sustainable Solution for Student Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tamayo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10188004"},{"teacherId":1930026,"projectId":9882412,"letterContent":"Thanks to your incredible generosity, \"Nourishing Hope: Student Snack Relief Amid Historic SNAP Pause!\" has brought compassion, stability, and comfort into my classroom during a time when many families are facing overwhelming challenges. The snacks you provided have done far more than simply fill empty stomachs—they've restored energy, eased stress, and helped students feel seen and supported when uncertainty surrounds them. Your kindness arrived exactly when it was needed most.\r\n\r\nThe moment my students saw the snack shelves filled, their faces lit up with pure relief. Some immediately asked if they could take something for later, while others simply grabbed a treat and whispered \"thank you.\" One student said quietly, \"Now I won't have to wait until dinner.\" Their reactions were emotional, honest, and deeply moving. In that moment, your generosity became hope made visible.","fullyFundedDate":1762874348561,"projectUrl":"project/nourishing-hope-student-snack-relief-am/9882412/","projectTitle":"Nourishing Hope: Student Snack Relief Amid Historic SNAP Pause!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Porzio","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1930026_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1496796330486","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-amyporzio"},{"teacherId":1930026,"projectId":9817865,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, \"STEM Is Sweeter With You!\" has made an incredible difference in our classroom. The snacks you provided have quietly become one of the most impactful tools we use each day. They help students settle in, recharge, and feel cared for—something that has a direct and powerful effect on their ability to participate fully in our STEM lessons. You didn't just give snacks; you gave comfort, confidence, and a sense of belonging.\r\n\r\nI've used your donations to fuel many hands-on STEM activities already—from our \"Floating Forts\" buoyancy challenge to our small-group engineering rotations. With snacks available, students stay focused longer, collaborate more openly, and show a level of curiosity that blossoms when their basic needs are supported. Our upcoming project is a student-designed STEM challenge where groups will prototype solutions to everyday problems. With full stomachs and full minds, they are ready to take on anything.","fullyFundedDate":1760716833746,"projectUrl":"project/stem-is-sweeter-with-you/9817865/","projectTitle":"STEM Is Sweeter With You!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Porzio","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1930026_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1496796330486","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-amyporzio"},{"teacherId":1930026,"projectId":9787509,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, \"Sweet Success: Building STEM Careers One Treat at a Time!\" has become a daily source of comfort, motivation, and joy in our classroom. The snacks you provided have done so much more than satisfy hunger—they've created a sense of safety that lets students fully engage in the hands-on STEM challenges we do together. When students feel cared for, they're able to take intellectual risks, collaborate, and dive deeper into science with confidence.\r\n\r\nThe day the treats arrived, my students lit up with excitement. A few immediately asked, \"Are these really for us?\" Others quietly grabbed something to eat and whispered that they finally felt like they could focus. That small moment—watching them settle, breathe, and smile—reminded me how powerful meeting basic needs can be. As soon as the snacks were unpacked, students jumped into our STEM activities with fresh energy, tackling experiments and design challenges with a level of enthusiasm that felt brand new.","fullyFundedDate":1760719841867,"projectUrl":"project/sweet-success-building-stem-careers-one/9787509/","projectTitle":"Sweet Success: Building Stem Careers One Treat at a Time!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Porzio","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1930026_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1496796330486","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-amyporzio"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_42271","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":957,"numTeachers":54,"percentFrplEligible":51,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":2,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":94,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"17.7:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":63.2,"schoolId":42271,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Howard D McMillan Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Howard D McMillan Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/florida/miami-dade-county-public-schools/howard-d-mcmillan-middle-school/42271"}