{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Booker Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":45.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":4519202,"projectId":9538981,"letterContent":"On behalf of our entire middle school autism classroom, thank you for the incredible variety of gifts you made possible! Each item you funded is already helping our students learn, play, and grow in meaningful ways.\r\n\r\nHands-On Creativity and Focus\r\nThe many LEGO sets, from the Technic NASCAR Camaro to the Speed Champions race cars and the Creative Brick Box, have opened up new opportunities for problem-solving, teamwork, and imaginative design. Our students are building side by side, sharing ideas, and proudly showing off their creations.\r\n\r\nCalm and Sensory Support\r\nThe fidget bundle, Calm Strips, and all of the NeeDoh sensory toys are providing the perfect outlets for students who need a moment to regulate and refocus. These tools help create a calming classroom environment where everyone can feel comfortable and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nPractical Classroom Tools\r\nThe bulk mice and mousepads mean that every student can easily access technology for lessons and creative projects. The puzzles, tangrams, wax sticks, and other building activities give students fun ways to practice fine motor skills and spatial reasoning during our small-group sessions.\r\n\r\nYour generosity ensures that our classroom is a welcoming space where students on the autism spectrum can explore their strengths and interests each day. We are so grateful for your kindness and for believing in our students' potential.","fullyFundedDate":1755729625683,"projectUrl":"project/restock-classroom-calm-and-focus/9538981/","projectTitle":"Restock Classroom Calm and Focus","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Willmore","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4519202_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760812083789","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrswillmore"},{"teacherId":4519202,"projectId":9169923,"letterContent":"The materials funded through this project brought a remarkable mix of sensory, creative, and calming experiences that greatly benefited our middle school autism classroom. The kinetic sand in multiple colors and scents provided a soothing tactile outlet that helped students self-regulate and reduce anxiety. Its moldable texture encouraged imaginative play while strengthening fine motor skills, making it an ideal sensory break activity during the school day. Likewise, the mini Zen garden sets invited quiet focus and mindfulness, offering a calming space for students to relax, rake patterns, and practice stress-relief techniques when they needed a reset.\r\n\r\nThe variety of NeeDoh squeeze toys, fidget balls, and the extra-large pop-up sensory tent gave students multiple ways to meet their sensory needs in a positive and appropriate manner. Having access to these soft, squeezable tools supported emotional regulation and helped students stay engaged in learning after a quick break. The sensory tent created a private, low-stimulus environment where students could retreat briefly to regroup, which was especially valuable during moments of sensory overload.\r\n\r\nIn addition to sensory supports, the LEGO Speed Champions sets and the LEGO Botanical Mini Orchid added exciting opportunities for structured building and creativity. Following detailed instructions to complete these projects promoted perseverance, planning, and spatial reasoning. Students worked independently or in small groups, gaining confidence and practicing teamwork as they brought intricate models to life. Complementary activities such as puzzles, classic board games like Battleship, Connect 4, and Guess Who, and balance-stacking games further enriched social interaction and cooperative play, helping students develop communication and problem-solving skills.\r\n\r\nFinally, the added organizational supplies—pens, markers, desk organizers, and paper trays—helped maintain a tidy, accessible classroom where materials were easy to find and students could take pride in their workspace. Together, these resources created a well-rounded environment that nurtured sensory regulation, creativity, and social growth. Thanks to this thoughtful collection, each school day became calmer, more engaging, and more supportive for every learner in our autism classroom. Thank you so much for your support!!!","fullyFundedDate":1743519201088,"projectUrl":"project/time-to-reset/9169923/","projectTitle":"Time to Reset","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Willmore","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4519202_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760812083789","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrswillmore"},{"teacherId":8660469,"projectId":9223796,"letterContent":"My 8th grade students dove into the snacks before and after testing! Middle school-aged students are always hungry- but using this extra brainpower simply amps up their appetites. I am SO PROUD to say that 75% my students made a full year gain in reading and some even made TWO!!! \r\n\r\nI appreciate the support you gave to my classes. The incentives to study when they were tired made it easier to coerce them into one more review and one more game to play. It obviously worked! My classes are composed of children that really struggle, have been held back before, or have learning disorders that make learning harder. Anything to make school more fun, more exciting, and more encouraging- the better!","fullyFundedDate":1746648218271,"projectUrl":"project/middle-school-testing-will-be-a-sweet-vi/9223796/","projectTitle":"Middle School Testing Will Be a Sweet Victory!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Deree","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8660469"},{"teacherId":4519202,"projectId":9062271,"letterContent":"We extend our deepest gratitude for your generous contributions, which brought a wave of excitement and joy into our classroom. Thanks to your support, our students have had access to incredible tools and resources such as the JBL Flip 6 Bluetooth Speaker, LEGO kits, jigsaw puzzles, kinetic sand, and sensory items like the NeeDoh stress balls. These items have not only enriched our learning environment but also helped foster creativity, mindfulness, and collaboration among our students. Your kindness gave them the opportunity to explore, relax, and engage with their peers in meaningful ways.\r\n\r\nThe storage bins, whiteboard cleaning supplies, note pads, and Sharpie marker sets helped keep our space organized and ready for learning. With tools like the Uni-Ball Signo pens, Post-it dispensers, and vibrant poster boards from Blick, our students were able to express themselves through writing, drawing, and group projects. These resources allowed them to take pride in their work, stay focused, and participate more confidently in classroom activities. The combination of structure and creativity has been invaluable for both academic success and personal growth.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, the social-emotional impact of your gifts was profound. The puzzles, LEGO sets, and sensory items like kinetic sand and stress balls helped students build patience, focus, and resilience. They learned to problem-solve together, take breaks when needed, and return to tasks with renewed energy. Seeing their smiles and hearing their laughter as they explored these materials was a true reminder of the power of generosity. Thank you for giving our students the gift of learning, joy, and a safe, inspiring space to grow.","fullyFundedDate":1737145576682,"projectUrl":"project/daily-needs-for-success/9062271/","projectTitle":"Daily Needs for Success!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Willmore","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4519202_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760812083789","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrswillmore"},{"teacherId":4519202,"projectId":8926541,"letterContent":"On behalf of my students and myself, I want to extend our heartfelt thanks for your incredible generosity. Thanks to your donations, our classroom has been filled with exciting new learning tools and sensory-friendly activities including Magnetic Tiles, LEGO sets like Minecraft, Stitch, and Encanto, Kinetic Sand with a folding sandbox, a Montessori Wobble Board, cozy floor pillows, a sensory bin play tray, and adorable axolotl fidget toys. These gifts have transformed our learning space into a more engaging, calming, and joyful environment where our students can thrive.\r\n\r\nThe impact on my students with different needs has been truly remarkable. Their eyes lit up with excitement as they explored each new item, and it has been such a joy to watch them play, create, and learn in ways that suit their unique needs and strengths. The fidget toys and wobble board have helped improve focus during lessons, while the LEGO kits and magnetic tiles have sparked creativity and teamwork. Even quiet moments have become more peaceful and restorative thanks to the soft meditation pillows and sensory bin, which offer a calming retreat when needed.\r\n\r\nEvery day, these materials bring smiles, laughter, and a deeper sense of engagement to our classroom. You have made a lasting difference not just in the way we teach, but in the way our students experience school—with more confidence, comfort, and curiosity. From all of us, thank you for your kindness and for believing in the potential of every student.","fullyFundedDate":1736897270001,"projectUrl":"project/brain-break-time/8926541/","projectTitle":"Brain Break Time!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Willmore","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4519202_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760812083789","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrswillmore"},{"teacherId":4519202,"projectId":8900082,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my classroom! It is always amazing at how generously our school family gives, and even more amazing how generously complete strangers give! Our hands-on manipulatives have been working wonderfully. The students who need them to help with staying on task have been so appreciative. Our project supply clay has also been an amazing help. Being able to offer different project needs makes project time smooth and enjoyable.\r\n\r\nWe sometimes get stressed and need that hands-on time to regroup and recharge to better focus and continue our studies. The hands-on manipulatives, puzzles, building blocks and clay quiets the busy minds and allows for creativity. \r\n\r\nEach of my students has their own special way of learning and individual ways to find calm during their days. You have provided a wonderful assistance for both of these needs. We cannot thank you enough!! You have made our learning space, their happy place!","fullyFundedDate":1730289122245,"projectUrl":"project/time-to-recharge-our-focus/8900082/","projectTitle":"Time to Recharge Our Focus!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Willmore","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4519202_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760812083789","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrswillmore"},{"teacherId":9036383,"projectId":9035579,"letterContent":"Today we used the K'nex Stem Kit. Students were given 30 minutes to design and build something that spins. In this activity they had to collaborate, create, and problem solve. I heard every student talking and participating, even the quiet ones. The accountable talk that was happening in the groups and the problem solving was incredible to watch. As the groups developed a product that spins, they then had to describe how we could use their design to better society. This hands on activity proved to be multi sensory and beneficial to all students. I truly believe that through activities like this more students will begin to think like engineers and become STEM driven students.","fullyFundedDate":1736532331171,"projectUrl":"project/stem-for-scholars/9035579/","projectTitle":"STEM for Scholars","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Shaffer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9036383"},{"teacherId":9823014,"projectId":8914190,"letterContent":"This project was my first with Donors Choose. Having the financial support to provide rewards for my middle school kids was extremely helpful. I would have not been able to afford to get everything on my own. \r\n\r\nMy students were very motivated to improve their unit post-assessment scores. As soon as they finish a unit assessment, they would always ask \"when are we going to do the prizes\". I have everything displayed at the front of the room, so their eyes light up when they enter. After each unit assessment, the kids record how they did on each focus skill (standard) covered. If a student mastered a skill, they got a chance to spin the wheel or play Plinko. Some kids mastered all three skills and then had three chances to play... walking away with a lot of treats and prizes. They loved it. One of my struggling students scored a 100% on the latest unit post-assessment (she got a 0% on the pre-test)! She was so thrilled and excited to share the news with her parents. Most of my students have similar stories. It is wonderful to see them celebrate their successes.","fullyFundedDate":1735487736817,"projectUrl":"project/academic-and-behavioral-incentives-for-s/8914190/","projectTitle":"Academic and Behavioral Incentives for Struggling Readers in Middle School","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McDonald","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9823014"},{"teacherId":9810933,"projectId":8893545,"letterContent":"On Saturday, January 11th, Truly Valued hosted its annual CommUNITY BBQ to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and give back to the community. The event brought together local community partners to provide children with much-needed school supplies, fun activities, and a sense of connection. Over 100 individuals participated, including children and families from the surrounding areas. In addition to the school supply distribution, the day featured games, music, and entertainment, fostering an environment of inclusivity and celebration. The event successfully addressed the needs of local families by providing resources that will support students as they head into the new school year.\r\n\r\nAs part of our continued commitment to serving the community, Truly Valued, Inc. was honored to provide lunch for all attendees, ensuring that everyone had the opportunity to enjoy a meal together. The food served was made possible through the generosity of our partners and volunteers, and the meals were a highlight of the event, offering a moment of fellowship and unity. Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing gratitude for the support and sense of community the event provided. This initiative is a vital part of our ongoing efforts to empower families and children in need, and we look forward to expanding and improving this event in future years.","fullyFundedDate":1730397360479,"projectUrl":"project/we-are-truly-valued/8893545/","projectTitle":"We Are Truly Valued!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Shavonne","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9810933_orig.jpg?crop=5463,5464,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1736798393801","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9810933"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_47102","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":811,"numTeachers":58,"percentFrplEligible":80,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":24,"percentWhite":18,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":48,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"14.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":54.7,"schoolId":47102,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Booker Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Booker Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/florida/sarasota-county-school-district/booker-middle-school/47102"}