{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Middlefork School","outOfStateSupporters":33.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9810924,"projectId":9170461,"letterContent":"Many of the students already enjoy coming to my room because of the calm, welcoming atmosphere, but seeing the new fidgets, sensory tools, peanut ball, balance board, and sensory floor tiles truly topped the experience. They immediately began touching the tiles, bouncing gently on the peanut ball, and trying out the balance board—asking if they could use them during our next session.\r\n\r\nA memorable moment happened when one of my students, who is usually hesitant to enter new spaces, walked in, noticed the colorful tiles, and said, \"This looks so cool—I want to try!\" That simple invitation encouraged peers to join in, turning our first use of the materials into a shared, positive experience.\r\n\r\nRight now, we're using the new tools to help students practice self-regulation and social skills. The fidgets and sensory items give them ways to calm and focus before we start problem-solving, while the snacks and small candies provide a fun motivator to complete assigned tasks. Next, we'll integrate the balance board and peanut ball into structured \"movement breaks,\" allowing students to release energy and refocus before tackling more challenging social or emotional lessons.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has made my social work room an even safer, more engaging space for students at our behavioral day school. These resources will continue supporting meaningful conversations, skill-building, and calmer transitions every single day. Thank you for helping my students feel motivated, supported, and valued.","fullyFundedDate":1746786424323,"projectUrl":"project/my-room-is-the-place-to-be/9170461/","projectTitle":"My Room Is the Place to Be!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Erica","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9810924_orig.jpg?crop=846,846,x551,y689&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754582716175","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9810924"},{"teacherId":9987353,"projectId":9289898,"letterContent":"I want to express my deepest gratitude for your generosity in supporting my DonorsChoose project. Thanks to your donation, my classroom received a variety of sensory tools and calm-down items that have made a truly transformative difference for my students.\r\n\r\nIn my self-contained special education classroom, many of my students struggle with emotional regulation and can become easily overwhelmed. Before receiving these materials, we often had limited ways to help them calm down or redirect their energy in a safe, supportive way. Now, because of your kindness, my students have access to tools that help them feel in control, understood, and safe.\r\n\r\nWe use the items every single day. Whether it's a weighted lap pad, fidget tools, sensory bottles, or a cozy corner with soothing visuals, each item plays a vital role in helping my students manage big emotions. I've seen firsthand how a child who once needed to leave the classroom due to dysregulation can now independently choose a tool and return to learning calmly and confidently. These are major victories—ones that have a lasting impact far beyond a single school day.\r\n\r\nThese materials are more than just classroom supplies; they are lifelines for students who often struggle silently. They teach self-regulation, independence, and emotional awareness—skills that are foundational for lifelong success. For children coming from low-income backgrounds and challenging home environments, access to these types of supports is incredibly rare. Without DonorsChoose and your support, we simply could not have provided these resources.\r\n\r\nFrom the bottom of my heart, thank you for believing in my students and in the power of meeting them where they are. You've helped create a classroom environment where every child feels safe, valued, and capable of growth.","fullyFundedDate":1746655611787,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-students-with-special-needs-t/9289898/","projectTitle":"Empowering Students with Special Needs Through Sensory Support","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Blacker","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9987353_orig.jpg?crop=1080,1080,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1743309287569","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9987353"},{"teacherId":9987353,"projectId":9217792,"letterContent":"I want to express my deepest gratitude for your generous support of my classroom through DonorsChoose. Thanks to your donation, we received a variety of STEM materials that have truly transformed the learning experience for my special needs elementary students.\r\n\r\nEvery day, these resources are being used in ways that go far beyond what I had hoped for. From building structures to exploring basic coding concepts, my students are more engaged, curious, and excited about learning than ever before. These hands-on activities have become a favorite part of our daily routine, and it's incredible to watch my students light up when it's time to use them.\r\n\r\nBecause my students are in a self-contained classroom and come from a low-income community, they often face unique challenges—both academically and outside of school. Many of them would not have access to these kinds of materials at home, so having them in our classroom is a game-changer. These tools are not just educational; they're empowering. They allow my students to experiment, problem-solve, and succeed in ways that are accessible and meaningful to them.\r\n\r\nIt's been especially rewarding to see how confident and independent they become when working on STEM projects. Tasks that might seem simple to others are major milestones for my students, and your support has made those achievements possible. You've helped create a classroom environment where every student feels capable and included.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in the potential of every child and for helping me bring that belief into my classroom each day. Your generosity has made a lasting impact, and I am so thankful to have been part of this experience.","fullyFundedDate":1746586120758,"projectUrl":"project/stem-kits-for-super-kids/9217792/","projectTitle":"STEM Kits for Super Kids","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Blacker","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9987353_orig.jpg?crop=1080,1080,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1743309287569","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9987353"},{"teacherId":9810924,"projectId":8893541,"letterContent":"The new social-emotional books I received have introduced valuable skills to help my students navigate emotions and challenges with resilience. The books on grief provide language for understanding loss, normalizing feelings of sadness, and offering strategies for coping, such as expressing emotions through journaling or talking to a trusted adult. Meanwhile, the books on flexible thinking encourage students to embrace change, consider different perspectives, and develop problem-solving skills. These lessons support students in building emotional intelligence, fostering empathy, and improving their ability to adapt to new situations.\r\n\r\nIn my classroom, reading is a dynamic and interactive experience. Students engage with books through read-aloud sessions, and small group discussions, allowing them to connect personally with the stories. The new books have resonated with several students, especially those who have faced personal challenges or enjoy exploring emotions through literature. One student who recently experienced a loss has found comfort in the grief-focused books, sharing how they help put feelings into words. Another student, who often struggles with frustration, has been particularly drawn to stories on flexible thinking, using the strategies to reframe challenges in a more positive light. These books have sparked meaningful conversations and have become a valued part of our classroom library.","fullyFundedDate":1731124829651,"projectUrl":"project/what-works-for-one-may-not-work-for-anot/8893541/","projectTitle":"What Works for One May Not Work for Another","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Erica","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9810924_orig.jpg?crop=846,846,x551,y689&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754582716175","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9810924"},{"teacherId":6532347,"projectId":8893639,"letterContent":"My heartfelt thanks to you for your thoughtful gifts. My students utilize the items you donated for educational breaks that support their emotional and physical regulation. We employ the zones of regulation, which enable my students to identify their feelings and positive constructive methods to calm themselves and return to a state of equilibrium. My students also utilize the items for art and self-expression. \r\n\r\nWhile I cannot post pictures of my students online, I can share what they have accomplished thus far. Again, I extend my deepest gratitude for your generous gifts.","fullyFundedDate":1731441829148,"projectUrl":"project/brain-break-grab-supplies-and-let-your/8893639/","projectTitle":"Brain Break - Grab Supplies and Let Your Head Unwind!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jones","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6532347_orig.png?crop=470,470,x9,y100&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1563301482117","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6532347"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_109225","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":69,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":36,"percentAsian":10,"percentBlack":28,"percentWhite":27,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":28,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Not specified","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"MDR District Weighted Average","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"UNCLASSIFIED","ncesMetroType":null},"inStateSupporters":66.7,"schoolId":109225,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Middlefork School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Middlefork School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/illinois-dept-of-education/middlefork-school/109225"}