{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Orono Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":16.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9651874,"projectId":9683237,"letterContent":"My students have been using the new resources during our speech and SEL sessions, especially the egg drop challenge and the dig kits. The egg drop activity encouraged them to brainstorm, explain their ideas, and work together to design a protective structure. The dig kits have been great for keeping students engaged while practicing descriptive language, turn-taking, and asking questions as they uncover different \"discoveries.\"\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the materials, they were immediately excited. The hands-on nature of the dig kits and the chance to experiment with the egg drop made the room buzz with curiosity and creativity. These tools helped even my quieter students feel comfortable participating and sharing their thoughts.\r\n\r\nOur next steps are to continue using these materials to support communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. The students will build on these activities by reflecting on their process, describing what they learned, and applying those skills to future STEM challenges.","fullyFundedDate":1760739085686,"projectUrl":"project/stem-sel-stronger-communicators/9683237/","projectTitle":"STEM + SEL = Stronger Communicators","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. LaBree","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9651874_orig.jpg?crop=1758,1758,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1741875339998","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9651874"},{"teacherId":9651874,"projectId":9370996,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for bringing this project to life for our students!\r\n\r\nSo far, we've decorated our PRISM bulletin board and are excitedly prepping to launch our zine-making sessions as our GSA/PRISM group kicks off next week. The students are already buzzing with ideas. They've been brainstorming topics like identity, intersectionality, and allyship, and they're eager to use the new materials to bring those ideas to life.\r\n\r\nWhen they first saw the art supplies, diverse books, and zine materials, their faces lit up with excitement. For many of them, it was the first time they'd seen their identities and experiences reflected so clearly in classroom resources. One student said, \"It finally feels like there's space for us to be ourselves here.\"\r\n\r\nThese resources are more than just tools, they're a statement that our students' voices matter. The bulletin board we created together is already drawing attention from classmates and staff, sparking important conversations about inclusion and visibility.\r\n\r\nNext, we'll be diving into zine-making, where students will explore themes like self-expression, advocacy, and representation. Each zine will be a personal and collective reflection of their hopes, struggles, and visions for a more inclusive school. These projects will not only allow students to lead with empathy and creativity, but also to take ownership of shaping a school culture that is safe, affirming, and empowering for everyone.\r\n\r\nOur students are courageous, compassionate leaders. With your help, they now have the tools they need to express themselves authentically and amplify voices that too often go unheard. Thank you for supporting this journey. You've made a real difference.","fullyFundedDate":1748869787640,"projectUrl":"project/voices-of-justice-art-identity-and-re/9370996/","projectTitle":"Voices of Justice: Art, Identity, and Representation","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. LaBree","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9651874_orig.jpg?crop=1758,1758,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1741875339998","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9651874"},{"teacherId":9651874,"projectId":9259298,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our summer enrichment program was amazing! The new materials brought so much excitement and energy into our space. One of our favorite projects was the tie-dye day. Students got to design their own shirts, socks, and even tote bags. They worked together to help each other fold, twist, and dye—laughing and sharing ideas as they went. What started as a simple activity turned into a lesson in teamwork, creativity, and patience. For many of our kids, it was their first time trying something like this, and they were so proud of their creations.\r\n\r\nThe moment we unpacked the supplies, their faces absolutely lit up! There were gasps, wide eyes, and a lot of excited chatter. For children who don't always have access to fun, hands-on resources, being given something new and just for them was powerful. It made them feel valued and special, and it set the tone for a summer filled with possibility.\r\n\r\nWe will continue with more social-emotional games and academic enrichment activities in the upcoming year, helping students grow in confidence while building friendships and foundational skills. The materials you provided aren't just supplies—they're the tools we're using to build a summer (and beyond) full of growth, joy, and connection.","fullyFundedDate":1746787153663,"projectUrl":"project/summer-of-support-building-brains-bon/9259298/","projectTitle":"Summer of Support: Building Brains & Bonds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. LaBree","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9651874_orig.jpg?crop=1758,1758,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1741875339998","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9651874"},{"teacherId":9789000,"projectId":9074060,"letterContent":"I want to extend my heartfelt thanks for providing our students access to the swing and weighted blanket. These tools have made a noticeable difference in how we support children with autism and behavioral regulation needs. The calming motion of the swing has proven to be especially effective in helping students manage overstimulation and anxiety, allowing them to return to learning activities with improved focus and a sense of emotional balance. The swing has become an essential part of our sensory regulation routine, and we've seen firsthand how much more grounded and engaged our students are after using it.\r\nLikewise, the weighted blanket has been a comforting and empowering resource. Many of our students seek deep pressure input, and the blanket offers exactly that in a soothing and safe way. It helps reduce agitation, supports transitions during the school day, and even encourages rest during quiet time. Beyond simple comfort, these tools are transformative supports that honor our students' sensory needs and foster a more inclusive, responsive classroom environment. I appreciate your commitment to providing meaningful, sensory-informed interventions for our learners.","fullyFundedDate":1739559226046,"projectUrl":"project/a-calm-body-is-receptive-to-learning/9074060/","projectTitle":"A calm body is receptive to learning.","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. King","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9789000"},{"teacherId":9789000,"projectId":8852615,"letterContent":"On behalf of our Special Education/Life Skills classroom, I would like to express our gratitude for the monetary donation, which has made a difference in the lives of our students. Your support has enabled us to create a more inclusive, supportive, and effective learning environment.\r\n\r\nThanks to your contribution, we have incorporated various sensory tools and equipment that help our students manage emotional, sensory, and behavioral challenges. Previously, we had only one swing to support dysregulated students, but it was too noisy and cumbersome to use because it impacted the teaching and learning moments. Now, with vestibular tools such as indoor and outdoor swings, balance boards, rebounders, textural mats, noise-canceling earphones, and fidgets, we can provide tailored sensory breaks that meet each student's unique needs, which allows me to do instructional lessons. \r\n\r\nThe equipment we purchased with our Donor's Grant has made the classroom atmosphere more cohesive. Students learn and thrive in a space where their emotional and sensory needs are met. We tailor the breaks to the student's sensitivities, encourage them to advocate for themselves, and manage themselves differently during moments of frustration, emotional imbalance, and sensory overload. By utilizing vestibular tools or controlled movement, they can now create a calmer, balanced sense of their internal state/world. \r\n\r\nThis investment in our classroom has made an immediate difference in the lives of our students, and we are truly grateful for the donation. The purchased tools allow us to continue to create an environment where every student can succeed—academically, emotionally, and socially. Thank you for helping us provide a safe, productive, and inclusive academic environment.","fullyFundedDate":1728060883415,"projectUrl":"project/wellness-through-sensory-items-for-our-s/8852615/","projectTitle":"Wellness Through Sensory Items For Our School.","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. King","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9789000"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_65552","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":145,"numTeachers":14,"percentFrplEligible":32,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":87,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":2,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"10.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":83.3,"schoolId":65552,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Orono Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Orono Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/maine/rsu-26/orono-middle-school/65552"}