{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Edith M Smith Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":30.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10396188,"projectId":9981215,"letterContent":"The impact of \"Beyond the Paper\" has been such a game-changer for my 8th graders. In a traditional art setting, students are often held back by the fear of making a \"permanent\" mistake on paper, but this technology has completely removed that barrier. By using digital canvases, they are much more willing to experiment with complex concepts like color value and layering because they know they can simply undo a stroke and try again. It has transformed the classroom from a place where they just follow instructions into a true digital studio where they feel safe to take creative risks and push their boundaries.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting part for the students has definitely been the animation component. There is this collective \"wow\" moment in the room whenever they use a tool like the Wick Editor to bring a static drawing to life. Seeing their own characters actually move—even if it's just a simple bouncing ball—gives them a sense of pride that is hard to replicate with physical media. It's not just \"doing schoolwork\" to them anymore; they feel like they are developing real-world skills that professional creators use, and that relevance keeps them incredibly locked in.\r\n\r\nI've been especially moved by how some of my quieter, more reserved students have flourished with these tools. One student in particular, who often struggled to express himself through traditional drawing, has completely found his voice on the digital tablet. She's become a leader in the class, often being the first to figure out a technical shortcut and then eagerly showing his peers how to do it. For students like her, this technology isn't just a new way to make art—it's a platform where they feel confident and capable, often for the first time in an elective course.","fullyFundedDate":1773679223473,"projectUrl":"project/beyond-the-paper-digital-canvases-for-8/9981215/","projectTitle":"Beyond the Paper: Digital Canvases for 8th Grade Creators","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Baguio","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10396188"},{"teacherId":5795060,"projectId":8232123,"letterContent":"I want to sincerely thank you for your incredible generosity in supporting our classroom. Your donations made it possible to purchase essential supplies like file totes, folders, pencils, erasers, cleaning wipes, tissues, and paper towels—items that keep our space organized, healthy, and ready for learning every day.\r\n\r\nThese resources have already made a noticeable difference in our classroom. Students are more focused and prepared, and our environment feels more welcoming and efficient. Your kindness has provided both practical tools and a meaningful reminder that our community values education and the success of every student.\r\n\r\nThank you for supporting in our classroom and helping create a positive space where learning can thrive. We are truly grateful for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1715102120493,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-basics/8232123/","projectTitle":"Classroom Basics","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Zeppo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/zeppo"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_26020","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":482,"numTeachers":40,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":13,"percentWhite":4,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":78,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"12.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":69.4,"schoolId":26020,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Edith M Smith Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Edith M Smith Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/waukegan-community-unit-school-district-60/daniel-webster-middle-school/26020"}
Join the 258 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Edith M Smith Middle School is
a suburban public school
in Waukegan, Illinois that is part of Waukegan Community Unit School District 60.
It serves 482 students
in grades 6 - 8 with a student/teacher ratio of 12.0:1.
Its teachers have had 99 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
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of students receive free or reduced price lunch
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
Source: the National Center for Education Statistics
91%
of students are Black, Latino, Native
American, or Asian
Data about school demographics comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. The numbers in this chart may not add up to 100% because of limitations in the available data.
Edith M Smith Middle School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Apr 7, 2026
DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students
in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.
Edith M Smith Middle School
$65,275
raised using DonorsChoose
99
projects
funded
39
teachers
funded
258
donors
9
projects
for
basic supplies
30
projects for
technology
8
projects for
books
4
projects
for
art supplies
Edith M Smith Middle School has received support from
179 individuals from Illinois and
79 individuals out-of-state.