{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Goodrell Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":33.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9480962,"projectId":9506866,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom sanitary supplies project. Because of your kindness, my students now have access to essential items that help keep our classroom clean, healthy, and ready for learning.\r\n\r\nThese supplies allow us to maintain a safe environment where students can focus on their learning without worrying about basic needs. From cleaning surfaces to promoting good hygiene habits, your donation helps protect student health and supports a positive, respectful classroom community.\r\n\r\nMy students and I are truly grateful for your generosity and for investing in their well-being. Your support makes a meaningful difference in our classroom every day.","fullyFundedDate":1758826430531,"projectUrl":"project/sanitary-supplies-for-healthy-learning/9506866/","projectTitle":"Sanitary Supplies for Healthy Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Harmon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9480962_orig.jpg?crop=2400,2400,x0,y280&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1709127499582","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9480962"},{"teacherId":9480962,"projectId":9494571,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom snack project. Because of your kindness, my students now have access to snacks that help them stay focused, energized, and ready to learn throughout the school day.\r\n\r\nFor many students, having a snack available makes a big difference in their ability to concentrate and participate, especially during long mornings or afternoons. Your donation helps create a classroom environment where students feel cared for and supported, not just academically but physically as well.\r\n\r\nMy students are truly grateful for your generosity, and I am thankful for your belief in their success. Your support has a direct and meaningful impact on our classroom every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1758826430258,"projectUrl":"project/fueling-focus-healthy-snacks-for-hungry/9494571/","projectTitle":"Fueling Focus: Healthy Snacks for Hungry Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Harmon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9480962_orig.jpg?crop=2400,2400,x0,y280&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1709127499582","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9480962"},{"teacherId":9565759,"projectId":9835652,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom now has a reliable supply of healthy snacks that students can access when they need them. Students use these snacks during long class periods, after assessments, or when they come to school without having had breakfast. One meaningful moment was seeing a student quietly grab a snack before a lesson and then fully participate in the discussion—something that had been difficult for them before when hunger made it hard to concentrate.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the snack options available, their reactions were a mix of relief and excitement. Several students asked if they were \"really allowed\" to have them, and others expressed gratitude in simple but powerful ways. Knowing that food was available helped students feel more secure and supported, and it created a calmer, more focused learning environment for everyone.\r\n\r\nNext, students will continue using these snacks as part of our classroom routine to support focus, stamina, and self-regulation throughout the school day. We are also reinforcing the idea that our classroom is a community where needs are met with care and dignity. Your support has helped remove a major barrier to learning, ensuring that students can show up ready to think, engage, and succeed. Thank you for helping nourish both their bodies and their ability to learn.","fullyFundedDate":1760829648120,"projectUrl":"project/fuel-for-thought-snacks-to-help-our-bra/9835652/","projectTitle":"Fuel for Thought: Snacks to Help Our Brains Learn!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Small","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9565759_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1727054787760","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9565759"},{"teacherId":9565759,"projectId":9835566,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our classroom library is filled with fresh, high-interest books that students are genuinely excited to read. These new titles are being used every day during independent reading time, book clubs, and choice reading, giving students the freedom to select stories that match their interests and reading identities. One memorable moment was watching a student who previously struggled to finish books race through an entire graphic novel and immediately ask for the sequel—then eagerly recommend it to a classmate.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the new books on the shelves, their reactions said it all. They crowded around the library, flipping through pages, calling out titles to friends, and making reading lists for themselves. Many students immediately recognized characters and experiences that felt familiar to them, which sparked conversations about identity, perspective, and shared experiences. For some students, this was the first time they truly felt that the books in a classroom were meant for *them*.\r\n\r\nNext, students are using these books to deepen their reading stamina, participate in peer book talks, and make connections to our current reading and writing units. They are beginning to reflect on how stories shape their thinking and influence their own writing, experimenting with genres and styles they discover through independent reading. Your support has transformed our classroom library into a welcoming, vibrant space where students feel seen, motivated, and empowered—and where a lifelong love of reading can begin.","fullyFundedDate":1760844036311,"projectUrl":"project/hooked-on-reading-high-interest-books-f/9835566/","projectTitle":"Hooked on Reading: High-Interest Books for Middle School Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Small","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9565759_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1727054787760","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9565759"},{"teacherId":10028461,"projectId":9474311,"letterContent":"We are incredibly grateful for your generous support of our project to provide saxophone mouthpieces for our beginning band students. Thanks to you, our young musicians now have the tools they need to start their musical journey with confidence and excitement.\r\n\r\nAt our Title I school, many students face challenges that can limit their access to quality instruments and accessories. Your donation has helped remove one of those barriers, giving every student—regardless of background—the opportunity to participate fully in band and discover the joy of making music.\r\n\r\nThese mouthpieces are more than just equipment; they are keys to opportunity. They will help our students develop proper technique, feel proud of their progress, and experience the teamwork and discipline that come with being part of a band.\r\nThank you for believing in our students and investing in their future. Your kindness will echo through every note they play.","fullyFundedDate":1754523537233,"projectUrl":"project/sound-it-out-saxophone-mouthpieces-for/9474311/","projectTitle":"Sound It Out: Saxophone Mouthpieces for Beginning Musicians","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Clark-Sindler","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10028461_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1750944128530","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10028461"},{"teacherId":9565759,"projectId":9713483,"letterContent":"When our new fidgets and snacks arrived, my students could hardly contain their excitement! They immediately started exploring the different textures and designs of the fidgets and couldn't wait to pick out their favorite snack. It was incredible to see how quickly these small additions made a big difference in their focus, energy, and confidence.\r\n\r\nNow, students are able to grab a fidget quietly when they feel restless or distracted, and enjoy a quick snack when they need a little boost to stay focused during lessons and discussions. One student even said, \"These help my brain calm down so I can listen better—and the snacks keep me from getting grumpy when I'm hungry!\"\r\n\r\nWe've incorporated both into our daily routines—students can use fidgets during independent reading, small group work, and tests to manage stress, while snacks help keep them fueled and ready to learn throughout the day. The atmosphere in our classroom feels calmer, more focused, and more positive. Students who used to struggle with staying on task are now participating more confidently and feeling more supported.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, my students have the tools—and the fuel—they need to self-regulate and succeed. Our next step is continuing to build these positive habits of focus, self-awareness, and community as we move into new lessons and projects.","fullyFundedDate":1758031635679,"projectUrl":"project/fueling-focus-snacks-and-fidgets-for-ou/9713483/","projectTitle":"Fueling Focus: Snacks and Fidgets for Our Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Small","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9565759_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1727054787760","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9565759"},{"teacherId":9565759,"projectId":9846312,"letterContent":"When our new fidgets arrived, my students could hardly contain their excitement! They immediately started exploring the different textures and designs, and it was incredible to see how quickly these small tools made a big difference in their focus and confidence.\r\n\r\nNow, students are able to grab a fidget quietly when they feel restless or distracted, which helps them stay engaged during lessons and discussions. One student even said, \"These help my brain calm down so I can listen better,\" which perfectly sums up the goal of this project.\r\n\r\nWe've incorporated the fidgets into our daily routines—students can use them during independent reading, small group work, and even during tests to help manage stress. The atmosphere in our classroom feels calmer and more focused, and students who used to struggle with staying on task are now participating more confidently.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, my students have the tools they need to self-regulate and succeed. Our next step is continuing to build these positive habits of focus and self-awareness as we move into new lessons and projects.","fullyFundedDate":1762266414132,"projectUrl":"project/fidgets-for-focus/9846312/","projectTitle":"Fidgets for Focus","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Small","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9565759_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1727054787760","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9565759"},{"teacherId":9565759,"projectId":9344051,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, educational and cooperative games are now a meaningful part of our classroom routine. Students use these games during small-group rotations, enrichment time, and community-building days to practice skills like communication, strategy, and problem-solving. One favorite moment so far was watching a group of students coach one another through a cooperative strategy game—students who are usually quiet were confidently explaining their thinking, while others practiced patience and active listening to reach a shared goal. These games have become a powerful way for students to apply academic vocabulary, logic, and collaboration skills in an authentic, hands-on way.\r\n\r\nWhen the games first arrived, the excitement was immediate. Students gathered around, asking questions, reading the instructions together, and eagerly volunteering to learn how each game worked. Many students who don't always feel confident in traditional academic settings lit up when they realized these games valued teamwork, creativity, and perseverance. Several students even commented that it \"didn't feel like school,\" which is exactly the kind of low-stress, high-engagement learning environment we strive to create.\r\n\r\nNext, students will continue using these games to support current lessons by practicing vocabulary, reasoning, and cooperative problem-solving alongside our academic units. We are also beginning to have students reflect on their gameplay—discussing strategies that worked, how they handled challenges, and how they supported their teammates. Your support has helped transform our classroom into a more inclusive, joyful space where students feel connected, capable, and excited to learn together. Thank you for giving my students the opportunity to grow—not just academically, but as thoughtful, collaborative members of our classroom community.","fullyFundedDate":1756935590451,"projectUrl":"project/brain-power-game-hour/9344051/","projectTitle":"Brain Power + Game Hour","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Small","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9565759_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1727054787760","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9565759"},{"teacherId":9565759,"projectId":9374068,"letterContent":"The new social justice books have completely changed the way my students see reading — and the world around them. Before, many of our classroom books didn't reflect my students' lives or the issues they care about. Now, they're reading stories that help them understand empathy, fairness, and the power of standing up for what's right.\r\n\r\nThese books have sparked deep discussions about equality, kindness, and how small actions can create big change. My students are thinking critically, asking thoughtful questions, and connecting what they read to what they see in their own communities. It's amazing to watch them recognize their own voices in the pages of these stories.\r\n\r\nOne student who used to say they \"didn't like reading\" couldn't put down a book about a young activist. They told me it made them realize that \"kids can make a difference too.\" That moment alone showed how powerful representation and relevance in literature can be.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, my students now have access to books that inspire them to think, care, and take action. You've helped them see that stories aren't just words on a page — they're tools for understanding the world and finding their place in it. Thank you for giving them that gift.","fullyFundedDate":1748170093831,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-young-voices-through-social-j/9374068/","projectTitle":"Empowering Young Voices Through Social Justice Literature","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Small","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9565759_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1727054787760","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9565759"},{"teacherId":9565759,"projectId":9322741,"letterContent":"Our new 3D printer has completely transformed how my students think about learning, creating, and problem-solving! Before, design ideas stayed on paper — now, my students can bring those ideas to life right in our classroom.\r\n\r\nThe 3D printer helps students connect what they learn in science, math, and engineering to the real world. They design prototypes, test ideas, and see how small changes can improve their creations. It's hands-on learning at its best — and they're so excited every time they hear the printer start up!\r\n\r\nThe most exciting part for my students is seeing their digital designs turn into real, physical objects. Whether it's printing models for a science project, creating custom game pieces, or designing keychains with positive messages, every print sparks creativity and curiosity.\r\n\r\nOne student who was usually quiet in class has really come alive with this project. They've taken the lead in helping classmates design and print their own projects, proudly teaching others how to adjust models or fix errors. It's been amazing to see how this technology builds confidence, collaboration, and excitement for learning.\r\n\r\nThanks to this 3D printer and the filament you helped fund, my students now see themselves as creators, engineers, and innovators. You've given them the chance to imagine, design, and build — and that's an experience that will stay with them for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1746785785854,"projectUrl":"project/print-the-past-hands-on-history-and-lit/9322741/","projectTitle":"Print the Past: Hands-On History and Literacy","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Small","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9565759_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1727054787760","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9565759"},{"teacherId":10028461,"projectId":9434647,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our classroom through DonorsChoose. Your generous gift of cello and bass bows has already begun to make a meaningful impact on our students—especially those in our Title I school, where resources are often limited but dreams are limitless.\r\n\r\nThese bows are more than just tools for playing music. They are instruments of opportunity. For many of our students, this is their first experience with orchestral music. Having access to quality equipment allows them to participate fully, without feeling held back by worn or inadequate materials. It levels the playing field and gives every child a chance to shine.\r\n\r\nYour support also fosters independence. With reliable bows in hand, students can practice confidently at home and take ownership of their musical growth. They're learning discipline, self-expression, and the joy of creating something beautiful—all skills that will serve them far beyond the music room.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and helping us build a program where every child has the chance to succeed. Your gift is helping us create not just musicians, but confident, capable young people.","fullyFundedDate":1752586453781,"projectUrl":"project/better-bows-for-bigger-sound-supporting/9434647/","projectTitle":"Better Bows for Bigger Sound: Supporting Our Cellists and Bassists","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Clark-Sindler","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10028461_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1750944128530","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10028461"},{"teacherId":2047834,"projectId":9341213,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom! The four new stools have been such a wonderful addition to our learning space. My students were so excited when they first saw them — they immediately began experimenting with the different ways the stools could rotate and flip. It was like watching curiosity and engagement come alive right before my eyes.\r\n\r\nWe now use the stools daily during reading groups and fluency practice. Students take turns using them during partner reading and group discussions, and I've noticed a real difference in their focus and participation. The movement and flexibility allow students who need to fidget to stay seated and attentive, and the variety of seating signals that it's time for collaboration and active learning.\r\n\r\nOne moment that stood out was during a recent fluency practice session. Two students who often struggle to stay on task volunteered to use the new stools. They stayed focused the entire time, encouraging each other and even asking to read another passage! It's clear that the stools are not just seating—they're tools that help students engage their minds and bodies in learning.\r\n\r\nOur next goal is to continue building student-centered learning routines where collaboration feels natural and exciting. The stools have created a new sense of ownership and energy in our classroom, and we can't wait to keep growing together.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and for giving them a classroom environment where movement, comfort, and learning go hand in hand.","fullyFundedDate":1757071301548,"projectUrl":"project/perky-perchers/9341213/","projectTitle":"Perky Perchers","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Darr","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2047834_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1720395054251","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2047834"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_51886","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":511,"numTeachers":42,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":5,"percentBlack":21,"percentWhite":34,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":31,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"12.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":67.0,"schoolId":51886,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Goodrell Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Goodrell Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/iowa/des-moines-public-schools/goodrell-middle-school/51886"}