{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Larsen Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":26.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":3017099,"projectId":9258020,"letterContent":"New technology makes all the difference in our students' education. When a child can't provide their own calculator, it shouldn't become a barrier to their learning. Calculators, however, are expensive—especially when school budgets are already stretched thin. Thanks to your generosity, I was able to secure enough calculators for every student who needed one.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting part of this project has been seeing my students' reactions. They were thrilled to have \"fancy\" calculators—ones that are new, fully functional, and capable of operations like fractions. Many of them are used to using old or partially damaged calculators, so having something high-quality felt special and empowering.\r\n\r\nYour generosity will support students for many years to come, and I truly appreciate it. My students are grateful to know that there are people in the world who believe in them and want to help them succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1752166540785,"projectUrl":"project/new-calculators-to-solve-our-problems/9258020/","projectTitle":"New Calculators To Solve Our Problems!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rocen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3017099_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1467901583742","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/hrocen"},{"teacherId":3017099,"projectId":9483384,"letterContent":"When students start the school year without basic supplies, it can set the tone for frustration and discouragement. Thanks to your donations, I was able to give every student their own notebook and pencil from day one. When they realized these weren't shared materials but their tools for success, they were genuinely shocked, it felt to them like I'd handed out a lifetime supply of their favorite chips. They were so appreciative knowing we had enough for everyone, plus extras to replace what gets used throughout the year.\r\n\r\nIn our classroom, pencils are truly like gold. You can't solve math problems without them, so having a steady supply sets us up for daily success. We also use glue sticks regularly to add important notes, examples, and doodles into our math notebooks. This keeps students organized, helps them create personalized study tools, and gives them something they're proud to reference.\r\n\r\nThank you for making such a meaningful difference in our everyday learning. Your generosity has not only provided supplies, but also boosted my students' confidence, motivation, and sense of belonging in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1754065675376,"projectUrl":"project/sticky-problems/9483384/","projectTitle":"Sticky Problems!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rocen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3017099_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1467901583742","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/hrocen"},{"teacherId":9969196,"projectId":9489066,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support through DonorsChoose. Because of you, our school library now has rotating floor shelves and an additional face-out shelving unit that have truly transformed our space. Our goal was to create a library that invites students to explore, browse, and fall in love with books and your contribution made that possible.\r\n\r\nThese new shelves allow us to display books in a way that is both welcoming and visually exciting. Instead of rows and rows of spines, students now see covers first bright, colorful, and full of possibility. The rotating shelves encourage discovery, while the smaller shelf helps us highlight new arrivals, genres, and student favorites. The library now feels dynamic, interactive, and engaging.\r\n\r\nStudents have shared how much easier it is to find books that interest them. One student described it perfectly:\r\n\"It feels like shopping in a real bookstore!\"\r\n\r\nWe've also seen a noticeable increase in book check-outs. Students are not only finding what they're looking for more quickly, they're finding books they didn't even know they wanted. Browsing has become a joyful experience instead of something overwhelming.\r\n\r\nYour generosity didn't just provide furniture.\r\nYou helped create an environment where reading feels exciting, accessible, and fun.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students, in the power of literacy, and in the magic of a well-designed library space. We are deeply grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1758807376474,"projectUrl":"project/bookshelves-for-the-library/9489066/","projectTitle":"Bookshelves for the Library","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. von Rohr","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9969196"},{"teacherId":9791978,"projectId":9239894,"letterContent":"Your donations have had a considerable effect on my students. They have all been able to enjoy the ability to equally participate. Having new pizza pans has been amazing. All sections of the day have been able to create their own pizzas as a team this year! \r\n\r\nThe disposable tins have also been essential for students to be able to work on more advanced recipes since they have more time due to less dishes. We all couldn't not be more excited to be using these wonderful additions to our class. Thank you so much!!","fullyFundedDate":1753288760693,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-young-chefs-through-hands-on/9239894/","projectTitle":"Empowering Young Chefs Through Hands-On Kitchen Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. AJ","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9791978"},{"teacherId":3017099,"projectId":9224142,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous financial donation to our classroom. Your support of public education makes a real difference in our students' success.\r\n\r\nThe materials you helped provide are already being put to meaningful use. For Hispanic Heritage Month, students are using the new colored pencils and markers (organized in their zipper pouches) to design and color the flags of their cultural countries. While working on this project, they have been sharing stories about their backgrounds, which has given me a wonderful opportunity to connect with them on a more personal level. Earlier this year, those same supplies were used to create \"shoe designs\" that represented each student's personal journey and helped us build a classroom community centered on empathy and understanding.\r\n\r\nIn math, your donation of dry erase markers and erasers has been just as impactful. Instead of passively listening, students are up at the boards solving problems together, sharing strategies, and learning from one another. This active engagement is key to their growth and confidence in math, and it's made possible by your generosity.\r\n\r\nYour kindness does more than provide supplies—it shows students that their learning matters and that people beyond our classroom believe in them. The tools you've given us help spark creativity, foster collaboration, and build connections that make learning both meaningful and memorable. Each time my students pick up a marker, color a project, or explain their math thinking to a peer, they are reminded that someone cared enough to invest in their education. For that, we are deeply grateful.\r\n\r\nWe are also thankful to General Motors for generously matching every donation. Their partnership doubled the impact of your gift, ensuring that our classroom has even more opportunities for growth, creativity, and success. Together, your support and GM's commitment are helping our students see what is possible when communities and companies invest in education.","fullyFundedDate":1746800786805,"projectUrl":"project/it-smells-new/9224142/","projectTitle":"It Smells New!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rocen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3017099_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1467901583742","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/hrocen"},{"teacherId":9498949,"projectId":9199156,"letterContent":"Thank you for the rug, floor cushions, side table, conversation cards, and weighted stuffed animals. These thoughtful items have helped create a calm, inviting space where students can take breaks, reflect, or connect with a teacher. The cozy setup makes students feel safe and supported, while the conversation cards and weighted animals provide emotional comfort and guidance. This space has quickly become a favorite in our classroom, offering both relaxation and meaningful connection. Your generosity has made a true impact on our students' well-being and learning. We are so grateful for your donation.","fullyFundedDate":1746786480194,"projectUrl":"project/creating-a-social-emotional-corner-supp/9199156/","projectTitle":"Creating a Social-Emotional Corner: Supporting Self-Regulation and Growth in ISI","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Moeller","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9498949_orig.jpg?crop=1510,1510,x744,y1133&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1711296729562","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/missmoeller95"},{"teacherId":9498949,"projectId":9204824,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous contribution of the four stools to our classroom. They have made a tremendous difference in how we use our learning space. Before, students had to come to our teacher desk for support, which was not ideal, it felt cramped and didn't offer a welcoming environment. Now, with the stools around our small table, we have a designated space that feels much more inviting and comfortable. Students are more eager to come over for help or small group work, and the change has helped foster a stronger sense of community and collaboration in our room.\r\n\r\nThe impact of this simple addition has been incredible. Whether students are working one-on-one with a teacher, collaborating with a peer, or focusing independently, the new setup gives them the space and structure to thrive. We've noticed students are more engaged and confident when they have a designated place to sit and work, and the flexible seating option helps meet a variety of learning needs. Thank you for helping us create a more effective and student-centered classroom, we truly appreciate your support!","fullyFundedDate":1746786353063,"projectUrl":"project/enhancing-small-group-learning-with-flex/9204824/","projectTitle":"Enhancing Small Group Learning with Flexible Seating in ISI","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Moeller","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9498949_orig.jpg?crop=1510,1510,x744,y1133&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1711296729562","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/missmoeller95"},{"teacherId":9498949,"projectId":8819978,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the support you have shown to my students it is such a blessing. These students have loved all the materials you have provided and they have shown so much growth since receiving them. I can not begin to describe the impact and importance of having materials donated to my students and having them set up for success everyday! Without you support this would have never been possible and my students and I thank you million times over for providing such essential tools to the classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1733254990364,"projectUrl":"project/enhance-learning-support-sensory-tools/8819978/","projectTitle":"Enhance Learning: Support Sensory Tools for Our Students’ Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Moeller","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9498949_orig.jpg?crop=1510,1510,x744,y1133&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1711296729562","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/missmoeller95"},{"teacherId":9498949,"projectId":8840369,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support in helping me build a classroom library for my students. Your kindness has made it possible for them to engage with books in a way that suits their unique learning styles and interests.\r\n\r\nIn our classroom, reading is more than just absorbing text—it's an opportunity to expand minds, build vocabulary, and spark imagination. Thanks to you, my students now have access to a variety of books that cater to their diverse preferences. Whether they're diving into a novel, exploring a graphic book, or flipping through pages filled with vibrant pictures, every book offers them a chance to grow, learn, and discover new perspectives.\r\n\r\nYour gift has provided my students with a space where they can take a mental break, re-center, and stay engaged in learning. It has been incredible to watch students light up as they find stories that resonate with them, challenge their thinking, or inspire creativity.\r\n\r\nThank you for nurturing their love for reading and for making a lasting impact on their curiosity, imagination, and academic growth. Your generosity is truly changing lives, one book at a time","fullyFundedDate":1727967129202,"projectUrl":"project/help-build-a-classroom-library-inspirin/8840369/","projectTitle":"Help Build a Classroom Library: Inspiring Minds and Imagination","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Moeller","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9498949_orig.jpg?crop=1510,1510,x744,y1133&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1711296729562","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/missmoeller95"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_27761","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":527,"numTeachers":42,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":4,"percentBlack":4,"percentWhite":8,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":78,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"7 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"12.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":73.4,"schoolId":27761,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Larsen Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Larsen Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/elgin-school-district-u-46/larsen-middle-school/27761"}