{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"South Portland Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":31.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10086122,"projectId":9702188,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your support in laying the foundation of a multicultural classroom library for me! My students are loving the new books, and were excited to open each package as it arrived and see what was inside. One student was immediately drawn to a book set in her home country, others to Black Panther, and one student I think is determined to read every book on the shelf! \r\n\r\nThese books have supported our routine of independent reading in class twice a week and students in my Intensive English Development class have read over 40 books combined so far this year ! Having books featuring characters that a relatable to my students, as well as a variety of reading levels and book types (nonfiction, picture books, chapter books, graphic novels) has helped me engage all students in reading. I have a great variety to recommend from when a student is having a hard time finding a book, and I can push students to try harder books as their language proficiency increases. I'm also able to highlight the diversity of our community and country; for example with a display of books featuring stories of Hispanic Americans for Hispanic Heritage Month. \r\n\r\n\r\nThank you again for your contribution to my classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1758649734303,"projectUrl":"project/multicultural-classroom-library/9702188/","projectTitle":"Multicultural Classroom Library","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kralik","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10086122"},{"teacherId":218997,"projectId":9454354,"letterContent":"My students have been loving the books they are currently reading in this book club unit. Students are in groups of 3-4 students and are reading books they chose from the list of books in this grant. The focus of the unit is on building independence and agency in their reading. The book club groups are responsible for planning their reading on a calendar, holding one another to that plan and then using their time together to discuss their reading. I am teaching them how to take on different roles in their club (ex: facilitator, material manager, etc) and how to keep conversation going by using \"talk moves\" like building ideas, asking clarifying questions, making connections and playing devil's advocate. Students have really enjoyed both the books and this process. \r\n\r\nAside from the real life process of being independent readers in a book club, the lessons I can teach using these books include ones focused on noticing how characters and plot are impacted by setting, noticing character development and change and thinking about themes in literature. The books in this grant are relatable, engaging and accessible to all of my students and my students are feeling very successful in this reading unit. \r\n\r\nThe impact of the books from this grant is hard to measure since it will continue to grow over time. My students are each reading one of the books now, but most have already identified which other books from the set they want to read next on their own. Also, I built the unit in a way that would make it easy for my colleagues to borrow and implement. Already, another teacher has started using it and so his students are also reading these books. I am sure that in the years to come, this set of books will be well worn by many, many eager readers. \r\n\r\nIn this unit, my students are finding books and authors they didn't know that they loved. Having so many amazing books to choose from is possible because of your generosity.","fullyFundedDate":1755294361070,"projectUrl":"project/ignite-reading-lives-through-coming-of-a/9454354/","projectTitle":"Ignite Reading Lives Through Coming of Age Book Clubs","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Shepherd","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp218997_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y77&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1752086025614","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/218997"},{"teacherId":6325313,"projectId":8858158,"letterContent":"THANK YOU so very much for your impactful donation to my classroom! Teachers love to share high interest books with students - and you helped with that! I've been asked by my students to purchase the sequels to many of these books which is a request I am seriously considering.\r\n\r\n With the purchase of the books and comfy beanbag chairs, I was able to organize book clubs for my students. Students read agreed upon pages and met once a week to discuss their FAT and SKINNY questions. Skinny questions are questions that ask who, what, when and where and can be answered in a few words. FAT questions ask why, how, what if or to explain. These questions promote better discussions in our book clubs. Book Clubs encourage students to share their thoughts, understand different perspectives, and engage in respectful dialogue, fostering their ability to express themselves clearly and connect with others.\r\n\r\n Reading in my classroom just got a little bit more appealing with the donations of some high quality beanbag chairs. I have a devoted space in my classroom just for reading. Please see my photos for the classroom layout. This location in my classroom is a favorite hangout spot of my students!\r\n\r\n I have a particular group of young men who are reluctant readers. Their particular book is titled, The Impossible Escape: A True Story of Survival and Heroism in Nazi Europe by Steve Sheinkin. The conversation I overheard, the FAT questions they asked, the interest in Nazi Germany and the Holocaust and the desire to have another Book Club, made me a proud humanities teacher. It solidifies how powerful engaging books are for our youth!","fullyFundedDate":1738553722260,"projectUrl":"project/free-read-fridays/8858158/","projectTitle":"Free Read Fridays!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Thornfeldt","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6325313_orig.jpg?crop=960,960,x273,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1553541422138","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-thornfeldt"},{"teacherId":5597773,"projectId":9225597,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support in helping our students access books with diverse main characters. Your kindness not only enriches their reading experiences but also fosters a sense of belonging and understanding that will positively impact their lives.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, our students can see themselves reflected in stories, build empathy for others, and grow into thoughtful, inclusive individuals. We are deeply grateful for your commitment to creating a more welcoming and diverse learning environment.","fullyFundedDate":1743707186082,"projectUrl":"project/nonfiction-for-sixers/9225597/","projectTitle":"Nonfiction for Sixers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Connors","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5597773"},{"teacherId":9551072,"projectId":9122873,"letterContent":"Having a complete set of classroom headphones has been a game changer for my 6th grade classroom. Beginning in the spring of last school year and continuing this fall, my students have been much more successful at engaging with interactive content. This includes personalized digital lessons, video-based quiz games, audiobooks, and even standardized testing. Before the headphones, we relied on mass market, low-quality earbuds that fit poorly, were ineffective at blocking out surrounding noise, and often broke. Now, we have reliable audio for every student whenever it's needed. \r\n\r\nThese headphones have been especially helpful to English language learners and students with IEPs, who rely more heavily on tools like \"text-to-speech.\" They are also perfect for students who need to access audio versions of our classroom texts. For example, last school a student with vision impairment was able to keep pace with the rest of our class as we read the novel Mananaland. \r\n\r\nWe are all very thankful for this learning tool!","fullyFundedDate":1745846943721,"projectUrl":"project/headphones-for-concentration-and-interac/9122873/","projectTitle":"Headphones for Concentration and Interactive Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Healy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9551072_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1740082623876","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9551072"},{"teacherId":9407812,"projectId":9312176,"letterContent":"This project was fully funded and realized at the end of the 2024/25 school year. Even though we were very near the end of our year together, students from all grade levels - Fifth through Eighth - were able to take full advantage of this incredible machine.\r\n\r\nThe Bambu Labs printer cut our printing time by almost 400%, allowing us to print more student projects faster and in more colorful choices. The large print area of this device made it possible to print multiple student projects per tray.\r\n\r\nFifth Grade students made a 'widget' of their choosing, using TinkerCad to design unique and playful objects. Seventh and Eighth grade students were treated to an opportunity to design and 3D print their own bubble wands, which we used to 'frolic' in late Spring. \r\n\r\nIt is with the kindness and generosity of our donors that we are able to make this all happen. From myself and all of my students - past, current and future - we say with deep gratitude, Thank You!","fullyFundedDate":1746492057068,"projectUrl":"project/bambu-can-do/9312176/","projectTitle":"Bambu... CAN DO!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Wetzel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9407812_orig.jpg?crop=2400,2400,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1703014427003","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/csteach-spms"},{"teacherId":9335479,"projectId":9013150,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom experience has been transformed! With the addition of carpet squares, students are now able to comfortably spread out from our cramped hallway setup and work in pairs on collaborative projects. The clipboards have been incredibly helpful, giving students a solid surface to jot down their ideas and stay focused—even without a traditional classroom setting.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials arrived, the excitement was contagious! Students couldn't wait to use the colorful whiteboard markers, erasers, and whiteboard clipboards for their math warmups. Choosing their favorite carpet square color for alternative seating quickly became a highlight of their class. And after months of using dull pencils in borrowed spaces without a sharpener, they were beyond thrilled to help me sharpen supplies with our new electric sharpener—it was a small moment that brought big joy.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we're excited to begin our unit on traditional literature next year. We'll be using the Bluetooth speaker to listen to audio stories as a class, embracing the oral storytelling tradition of fairy tales. These materials will help us start the year strong, building routines and comfort in our shared, flexible learning spaces. Thank you for being a part of our journey!","fullyFundedDate":1744032842585,"projectUrl":"project/grant-our-wish-magic-carpets-for-flexib/9013150/","projectTitle":"Grant Our Wish: Magic Carpets for Flexible Seating","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Stevens","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9335479_orig.png?crop=718,718,x101,y6&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1734624910543","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9335479"},{"teacherId":9407812,"projectId":8928115,"letterContent":"It is with great joy that I share the progress of our 'Reach For The Stars' project, so graciously facilitated by Donors Choose, and the generosity of people like you.\r\n\r\nWe received our Rocket Kits early winter and the kids were immediately intrigued by the possibilities. We put the kits away for several weeks, as the anticipation of better weather was important to consider build and eventual launch. \r\n\r\nStudents spent time considering how to properly construct their rockets. Following directions is an important and valuable skill set for Middle School students, and some learned the 'hard way' that rushing into a project without proper supports could prove detrimental. \r\n\r\nWe look forward to launching our rockets late Spring as the weather improves. As we are close to a local JetPort, we have also had to contact Airport services to ensure proper launch, power and trajectory in order to follow local guidelines.","fullyFundedDate":1731552477458,"projectUrl":"project/reach-for-the-starts-with-steam/8928115/","projectTitle":"Reach for the Starts With Steam","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Wetzel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9407812_orig.jpg?crop=2400,2400,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1703014427003","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/csteach-spms"},{"teacherId":5597773,"projectId":5400335,"letterContent":"I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for your ongoing support in helping our students connect with stories that reflect their diverse identities. Many of our students come from families who have fled places like Cuba, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, similar to the experiences of the main characters in the literature we are exploring.\r\n\r\nThrough these stories, students not only relate to the characters but also gain a deeper understanding of the varied experiences of others. Our discussions have been enriching, allowing students to connect with peers who may look or sound different.\r\n\r\nOur students' research about their characters has also heightened their awareness of social issues and the global conditions people face. This engagement is vital in fostering empathy and understanding among our students.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your support in this critical work.","fullyFundedDate":1615911356470,"projectUrl":"project/multicultural-reading/5400335/","projectTitle":"Multicultural Reading","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Connors","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5597773"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_65305","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":819,"numTeachers":22,"percentFrplEligible":38,"percentAsian":2,"percentBlack":20,"percentWhite":63,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":6,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"5 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"37.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":68.1,"schoolId":65305,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about South Portland Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"South Portland Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/maine/south-portland-city-school-district/daniel-mahoney-middle-school/65305"}