{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Booker Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":43.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":7560930,"projectId":9810320,"letterContent":"The addition of hands-on lab materials and models has significantly enhanced students' understanding of key geology concepts, particularly those that are often abstract or difficult to visualize. By incorporating manipulatives such as rock sets, students are able to directly observe and compare the three major rock types—igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic—allowing for deeper discussions about their formation processes. These tangible experiences help bridge the gap between theory and real-world application, making learning more meaningful and accessible.\r\n\r\nThe use of models and interactive materials also supports diverse learning styles, giving students opportunities to engage visually and kinesthetically with the content. As a result, students are better able to grasp complex processes such as the rock cycle, weathering, and erosion. Overall, these resources foster increased engagement, promote critical thinking, and lead to a more comprehensive understanding of Earth science concepts.","fullyFundedDate":1766603785746,"projectUrl":"project/rock-solid-learning-hands-on-geology-f/9810320/","projectTitle":"\"Rock Solid Learning: Hands-On Geology for 7th Grade Scientists\"","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Dieter","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7560930_orig.jpg?crop=240,240,x0,y60&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760043972548","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7560930"},{"teacherId":5657378,"projectId":10168321,"letterContent":"The students reaction was pure excitement to open the boxes, and you could see the smiling faces all around the room. As they pulled put fresh folders, clean paper, dry erases markers, and brand-new erasers, the energy really picked up. After using the same supplies for so long, it felt like a fresh start. Many started organizing their bag packs right away, already thinking about how they would use everything. \r\n\r\nOne students reaction really stood out while opening the boxes. They got especially excited about the different colored binder clips and colorful folders, immediately talking about how it would help them stay organized for each class. \r\n\r\nThank you with much appreciate from my math class.","fullyFundedDate":1774742347813,"projectUrl":"project/supplies-for-student-success-in-the-4th/10168321/","projectTitle":"Supplies for student success in the 4th Quarter Stretch!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cohen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5657378_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1534281197765","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/cohenkids"},{"teacherId":5657378,"projectId":10139895,"letterContent":"Thank you very much for your generous support in providing hygiene products and snacks for my students. Your donation has had an immediate and meaningful impact on our classroom. For many students. access to essential hygiene items removes barriers that can affect their ability to focus, participate, and feel comfortable at school. \r\n\r\nThe snacks made a significant difference in our daily routines. Having snacks available has improved their focus, energy, and engagement. When opening the boxes you could see smiles on their faces. I even had a student after class ask if they can have a pair of socks to wear as they did not have any at home. \r\n\r\nYour generosity extends beyond the supplies themselves. You've shown my students that there are people who care about them, believe in their potential, and want then to succeed. That message is incredibly powerful. Thank you for helping create a classroom where students feel supported, valued, and ready to learn each day.","fullyFundedDate":1773839844118,"projectUrl":"project/fresh-fed-and-focused-supporting-midd/10139895/","projectTitle":"Fresh, Fed, and Focused: Supporting Middle School Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cohen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5657378_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1534281197765","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/cohenkids"},{"teacherId":4519202,"projectId":9809417,"letterContent":"I am so incredibly grateful for the generosity poured into our classroom. Since these materials arrived, my middle school students with autism have been using them consistently during centers, social skills groups, and structured choice time. The building activities quickly became a favorite. I have seen students invite peers to join them, explain their ideas step by step, and negotiate roles in ways that showed real growth. Moments that once might have led to frustration have turned into opportunities to practice flexible thinking and problem solving. The pride on their faces when they complete a build together has been such a powerful confidence boost.\r\n\r\nThe creative supplies have also made a noticeable difference in how students express themselves. Several of my quieter students have gravitated toward drawing and designing during independent work time, using color and detail to communicate ideas that can be hard to put into words. Our classroom organization systems have helped students independently gather materials, clean up, and transition smoothly between activities. That predictability has reduced anxiety and increased their sense of security. When students feel safe and prepared, they are much more willing to take academic and social risks.\r\n\r\nThe puzzles and quiet focus activities have become essential tools for emotional regulation. Students have chosen them during brain breaks, after challenging assignments, or simply when they needed a calm reset. I have watched them practice perseverance by sticking with a difficult section instead of giving up, sometimes even coaching one another through it. These shared successes have strengthened peer relationships and built resilience. Because of this incredible support, our classroom has felt more connected, engaged, and confident. Your generosity has truly shaped our daily learning experiences in lasting and meaningful ways.","fullyFundedDate":1761901543516,"projectUrl":"project/create-and-calm/9809417/","projectTitle":"Create and Calm","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":9333868,"projectId":9854972,"letterContent":"Because of you, our student artists now have the space they need to truly be seen.\r\n\r\nWe immediately put the new display panels to work during our most recent student art exhibition. Our permanent gallery walls were already filled, but because of this board, we are able to include all classes! It hosted our Digital Design students Pokémon characters at our winter art show! \r\n\r\nWe are excited to host outdoor shows and use this board in the future! \r\n\r\nRight now, students are working on their next exhibition featuring mixed-media and clay artworks. With the added display space, we're able to give each class its own section and allow students to write artist statements to accompany their work or use for our digital design students! \r\n\r\nYour generosity didn't just add walls — it gave our students a real audience, real pride, and a real sense that their voices matter.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping our artists shine.","fullyFundedDate":1761676123339,"projectUrl":"project/our-gallery-is-growing-display-space-fo/9854972/","projectTitle":"Our Gallery Is Growing: Display Space for Every Student","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hippich","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9333868"},{"teacherId":5657378,"projectId":9885391,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generosity and support of my classroom. Because of this project, my students now have consistent access to snacks during the school day, which has made an immediate and noticeable difference. Many of my students arrive at school hungry, especially with SNAP benefits unavailable during the government shutdown. When the snacks first arrived, students were excited and relieved to know that food would be available to them each morning. Having something to eat right away helped them settle in, feel cared for, and begin the day ready to focus.\r\n\r\nThese snacks quickly became part of our daily classroom routine. Students are able to eat quietly when they arrive, which has reduced distractions and improved focus during lessons. I have noticed stronger participation, improved behavior, and better stamina throughout the day. Attendance has also improved, as students look forward to coming to school knowing their basic needs will be met. The snacks serve not only as nourishment, but also as an incentive and a source of comfort that helps students feel safe and supported in the classroom.\r\n\r\nBeyond the school day, this project allowed me to provide additional support to students who needed it most. With the generous supply of snacks, I was able to discreetly send a few items home with students for the weekend. This support helped ease stress for families facing food insecurity and reinforced the idea that school is a place where students are cared for as whole individuals. Because of this project, my students are more engaged, more confident, and better prepared to learn each day. Thank you for making such a meaningful impact on their well-being and success.","fullyFundedDate":1762801739509,"projectUrl":"project/hungry-students/9885391/","projectTitle":"Hungry students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cohen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5657378_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1534281197765","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/cohenkids"},{"teacherId":9333868,"projectId":9776191,"letterContent":"Thanks to your support, our students are more motivated than ever during i-Ready time! We use the candy as a reward for passing lessons, and it has made a huge difference. Students were so excited when they first saw it and immediately started working harder and encouraging each other.\r\n\r\nNow, students are passing lessons every day and staying focused on their goals. Our next steps are to keep building this momentum, setting new goals, and celebrating their progress as they continue to grow. Thank you for helping make learning fun and motivating for our students!","fullyFundedDate":1761137788036,"projectUrl":"project/motivation-through-treats-encouraging-i/9776191/","projectTitle":"Motivation Through Treats: Encouraging i-Ready Growth","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hippich","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9333868"},{"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"}],"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":56.9,"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"}