{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Varsity Lakes Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":55.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9745960,"projectId":9530617,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity—and the incredible support from Disney—my music students have access to resources that are helping them grow in both skill and confidence. This project provided ten high-quality headphones with microphones for our chorus students, Snark tuners for our electric bass players, and additional reeds for our tenor saxophones, alto saxophones, clarinets, oboes, and bassoons.\r\n\r\nThese materials have had an immediate and lasting impact on my students' learning. The new headphones and microphones have transformed the way my chorus students practice and record. They can now hear themselves clearly, blend with others, and record vocal assessments with greater accuracy and pride. For many of my students, this is the first time they've truly heard their own voices in such clarity—it's been both exciting and empowering.\r\n\r\nThe new tuners have helped our bassists take ownership of their tuning and sound quality, building independence and musicianship. Likewise, the additional reeds have ensured that our woodwind players always have the supplies they need to produce a full, consistent tone. No student has to sit out due to a broken or worn reed, and that sense of preparedness has boosted both their participation and their enthusiasm for learning.\r\n\r\nAs their teacher, these materials have allowed me to create a smoother, more focused classroom environment. We spend more time playing and performing, and less time troubleshooting missing or malfunctioning equipment. I've seen noticeable improvements in sound quality, confidence, and teamwork across all ensembles.\r\n\r\nI am deeply thankful to Disney for recognizing the power of music to inspire creativity and confidence. Your support has not only strengthened our program but has also reminded my students that their music matters—and that when they work hard and believe in themselves, something truly magical can happen.","fullyFundedDate":1755226080298,"projectUrl":"project/adopt-a-musician-continuing/9530617/","projectTitle":"Adopt a Musician (continuing)","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Pavel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9745960_orig.png?crop=250,250,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1740337597953","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/traci-pavel"},{"teacherId":9745960,"projectId":9346471,"letterContent":"The first instrument we've introduced from this project is the Boomwhackers, and they have quickly become a classroom favorite. Students are using them to explore rhythm, teamwork, and musical form in an engaging, hands-on way. For example, we recently created a \"Boomwhacker Ensemble,\" where each student was responsible for just one or two pitches. As they listened carefully and worked together, the class was able to perform a full melody. It was an amazing moment of focus, cooperation, and joy.\r\n\r\nThe excitement was immediate! Many of my students had never seen colorful instruments like the Boomwhackers before, or had not played them since elementary school. Their eyes lit up when I handed them out. Several students who are typically shy or hesitant to participate became eager to play and join in the music. The bright colors and simple design made the instruments feel accessible and fun, which lowered barriers and encouraged every student to be part of the ensemble.\r\n\r\nNow that the Boomwhackers are part of our daily routines, we're preparing to expand into the Nuvo recorders. These instruments are designed to be lightweight and accessible, making them perfect for my special education students as we begin exploring melody and simple songs. Later this year, we'll add plastic kazoos for a playful introduction to harmony and ensemble sound, and the finger cymbals will join our collection of non-pitched percussion instruments to enhance storytelling and rhythm activities. Each new instrument gives my students another pathway to express themselves musically, while building confidence, fine motor skills, and social collaboration.","fullyFundedDate":1752586476376,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-special-education-through-mus/9346471/","projectTitle":"Empowering Special Education Through Music - Part 2","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Pavel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9745960_orig.png?crop=250,250,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1740337597953","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/traci-pavel"},{"teacherId":9745960,"projectId":9345526,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, every single student in my classroom has what they need to participate fully in band. For many families, the cost of supplies like reeds, valve oil, cleaning kits, or even a simple music folder can be a burden. Your support removed that barrier. Instead of worrying about what they don't have, my students now focus on what they can create: music.\r\n\r\nThe difference has been immediate and powerful. Students who were once hesitant to play because they didn't have the right equipment now join in confidently with their peers. The sound of a class where every instrument works properly and every student is prepared is transformative—not just musically, but socially. They feel included, capable, and proud.\r\n\r\nAs a teacher, this project has also given me the ability to teach without constantly stopping to problem-solve missing or broken supplies. That consistency builds momentum in our learning and allows me to push students further musically. We are already seeing stronger tone quality, better ensemble sound, and more enthusiasm during rehearsals.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, your gift has sent my students a message that they matter. They know someone believes in their potential, and that belief fuels their effort. Thanks to you, these young musicians are not only learning notes and rhythms—they're learning confidence, responsibility, and the joy of being part of something bigger than themselves.","fullyFundedDate":1752586425053,"projectUrl":"project/adopt-a-band-student-equip-the-next-gen/9345526/","projectTitle":"Adopt a Band Student: Equip the Next Generation of Musicians!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Pavel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9745960_orig.png?crop=250,250,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1740337597953","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/traci-pavel"},{"teacherId":9745960,"projectId":8957699,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for donating to my project, \"Empowering Special Education Through Music.\" I believe that all students, especially special education students, should have access to a quality music program after elementary school. \r\n\r\n The 12\", 10\", 8\", and 6\" Konohan drums have been a huge success. Students can now be assigned drums with different timbres and know that the larger drums play the low notes and the smaller drums play the high notes. I had a challenging 4 part round going with all 4 size drums.\r\n\r\n We haven't had a chance to do an activity with the playground balls yet, but we have played with them. The students love that they glow with the backlights.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials arrived, the students couldn't wait to get started. As I unwrapped the drums, I passed them down one by one, and they all got a chance to tap on them. The playground balls arrived deflated, so my advanced group helped blow them up.\r\n\r\nI am excited to teach a routine with the playground balls. Students will bounce, tap, and pass the ball to the music \"Surfin' USA.\"\r\n\r\nThank you again for your support of my music program.","fullyFundedDate":1732409416944,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-special-education-through-mus/8957699/","projectTitle":"Empowering Special Education Through Music","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Pavel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9745960_orig.png?crop=250,250,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1740337597953","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/traci-pavel"},{"teacherId":9741226,"projectId":8757341,"letterContent":"I hope this letter finds you well. On behalf of all the students in my Math classes and myself here at Varsity Lakes Middle School, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for your generous sponsorship of classroom supplies. Your support has made an incredible difference in our learning environment and has had a meaningful impact on both the students and me.\r\nThanks to your contribution, our classroom is now equipped with motivational posters, pencils, whiteboard, markers, easers, class candies just to name a few of the items you supplied. These supplies have not only enhanced the teaching experience but have also created a more engaging and interactive atmosphere for the students. The excitement on their faces when using these tools is a testament to how much they value and benefit from your kindness.\r\nWith these new resources, students are better able to grasp access and understand mathematical concepts and participate in collaborative problem-solving activities. For example, during a lesson students can practice together calculating the questions as a group which allows them to share with me and the class their calculations. Thereafter, we can quickly address any misconceptions and share praises when students understand the concepts. \r\nYour generosity is a reminder of the profound impact that thoughtful and caring individuals can have on education. By investing in the tools that shape young minds, you are not just improving today's classroom but also laying the foundation for our students' futures.\r\nI encourage you to continue your incredible support of teachers and classrooms. Your contributions make a world of difference and inspire others to join in this important mission. There are so many educators who, like me, would be deeply grateful for the opportunity to create better learning environments with your help.\r\nThank you once again for your kindness and commitment to education. Please know that your efforts are truly appreciated and that you are making a significant impact in the lives of students and teachers alike.","fullyFundedDate":1727303837084,"projectUrl":"project/basics-for-my-classroom/8757341/","projectTitle":"Basics for My Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Morgan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9741226"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_75272","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1009,"numTeachers":75,"percentFrplEligible":74,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":26,"percentWhite":10,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":59,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"13.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":44.8,"schoolId":75272,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Varsity Lakes Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Varsity Lakes Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/florida/the-school-district-of-lee-county/varsity-lakes-middle-school/75272"}