W.R. Thomas Middle School in Miami, Florida on DonorsChoose

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One specific moment that stands out was watching a group of students collaborate on a complex geometric design; seeing them debate the \"math of the layout\" before hitting 'print' was a perfect example of real-world problem-solving in action.\r\n\r\nThe reaction when the \"Creation Station\" was first unveiled was nothing short of awe. My middle schoolers—who can sometimes be hard to impress—were gathered around the equipment with wide eyes. One student, who often struggles with traditional writing assignments, ran his hand over a finished prototype and whispered, \"I actually made this.\" That sense of ownership is transformative. For our ESOL students, these tools have become a vital way to communicate their talents visually, proving that you don't need perfect English to be a master designer.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, our next big step is the \"Community Impact\" project. Students will be tasked with identifying a \"problem\" in our school—like a messy lost-and-found or a lack of directions in the hallway—and using the Creation Station to design a functional solution. Your contribution hasn't just given us \"stuff\"; it has given 428 students the professional tools to look at their world and realize they have the power to improve it.","fullyFundedDate":1763557720892,"projectUrl":"project/design-to-reality-launching-the-media-c/9871124/","projectTitle":"Design to Reality: Launching the Media Center's Custom Creation Station","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. T. Godoy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9843530"},{"teacherId":9843530,"projectId":9860902,"letterContent":"The \"Launchpad Project\" has truly transformed the way our students approach learning in the Media Center. While many of us use technology for consumption—like scrolling through apps or watching videos—the tools you provided have shifted my students into the role of creators. Instead of just reading about concepts, they are using these new resources to prototype, code, and build. This hands-on application makes abstract lessons in science and math tangible; they aren't just \"learning\" anymore; they are practicing the real-world skills of engineers and designers.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting aspect for the students has been the sheer autonomy these new products offer. Whether it's the tactile satisfaction of assembling a circuit or the \"ah-ha!\" moment of a successful drone flight, there is a visible spark when they realize they have the high-quality materials needed to bring their own ideas to life. They no longer feel limited by a lack of supplies, which has opened a floodgate of creativity in our Innovation Space.\r\n\r\nI've been particularly moved by how our ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) students have warmed to this technology. For students still mastering a new language, these tools provide a universal medium for expression. One student, who often stays quiet during traditional lectures, became a natural leader during a recent building session, guiding his peers through a complex assembly using the new kits. Seeing his confidence soar as he communicated through \"doing\" was a powerful reminder that innovation knows no language barriers","fullyFundedDate":1763557655744,"projectUrl":"project/the-launchpad-project-tools-for-middle/9860902/","projectTitle":"The Launchpad Project: Tools for Middle School Creators","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. T. 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One of my 6th-grade students, a recent arrival in our ESOL program, saw the organized bins and exclaimed, \"¡Ahora sí podemos volar!\" (Now we can really fly!). That moment captured it all. We spent that first afternoon testing every drone in our fleet, and for the first time, we had a \"full sky.\" Seeing 428 students—half of whom are navigating a new language—connect through the universal language of hands-on Trial and Error is a gift that wouldn't be possible without these essential supplies.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, our next big step is the \"Circuits of Community\" challenge. Students are currently using the prototyping batteries to build light-up greeting cards and small motorized dioramas. With a steady power supply, they can now move beyond simple loops and start experimenting with more complex, multi-stage electronic circuits. 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About this school

W.R. Thomas Middle School is a suburban public school in Miami, Florida that is part of Miami-Dade County Public Schools. It serves 507 students in grades 6 - 8 with a student/teacher ratio of 8.4:1. Its teachers have had 36 projects funded on DonorsChoose.

Equity Focus School

Support towards this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Public School

Title 1

Grades 6 - 8

507 Students

60 Teachers

13001 SW 26th St

Miami, FL 33175 View local requests

http://wrthomas.dadeschools.net/

Direct, proactive support

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Ms. Vero, a DonorsChoose teacher for 9 years.

Kindergarten teacher at PS81 - Robert J. Christen School in Bronx, NY

W.R. Thomas Middle School Teachers on DonorsChoose

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W.R. Thomas Middle School Demographics

60%

of students receive free or reduced price lunch

Source: the National Center for Education Statistics

98%

of students are Black, Latino, Native American, or Asian

Schools in districts that mainly serve students of color receive substantially less state and local support than similar districts that serve primarily White students. Learn more about this gap, why it exists, and how you can help close it.

W.R. Thomas Middle School Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Feb 22, 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.