{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Higgins Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":18.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9886290,"projectId":10169999,"letterContent":"Thank you for supplies for our Higgins Middle School nature club team! Our students were busy last spring preparing our nature courtyard for migratory song birds by placing the glass decoys/cling-ons to deter passing birds. We also collected data on which species use our courthyard and rain gardens. \r\n\r\nYour supplies allowed students to collect authentic data and do bio-inventories on our green space. Thank you for your financial and emotional support. We look forward to identifying and documentaing other species who utilize ouur bio swales such as the endangererd migratory monarch. Thanks again. \r\n Well done!!","fullyFundedDate":1775226501952,"projectUrl":"project/middle-school-nature-club-needs/10169999/","projectTitle":"Middle School Nature Club Needs!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Behrens","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9886290"},{"teacherId":10537222,"projectId":10526196,"letterContent":"We are so appreciative of the materials that are helping to build my classroom activity space. The students have already been utilizing specific items and areas to color, play games, and interact with each other without technology. \r\nWithin the first day of having the new materials, students commented on the rug area and utilized it to play games during their social/emotional learning block. I also asked the opinion of my students on where to put the wall coloring page-they decided collectively that they would like it to remain on the table for coloring and we will hang it when it's complete.\r\nThe next steps for this project will be to keep the area clean and organized and use the chairs for a silent reading option. I am hoping that students will enjoy reading the magazines and books that have been added to my classroom library. Having the choice to read in a more comfortable space could be motivating to the students. I am also hoping they use items, like the notecards, to implement vocabulary flashcards before tests and quizzes.\r\nAgain, we are so thankful for your generous donations to this classroom activity space.","fullyFundedDate":1788623056882,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-activity-space/10526196/","projectTitle":"Classroom Activity Space","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Blomerth","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10537222_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1786408237810","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10537222"},{"teacherId":9490465,"projectId":10505839,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your kindness in helping us create a mobile classroom for our special education teachers! Your support in providing an iPad has made a tremendous difference in the way we are able to support our students throughout the school day. Students especially enjoy using the iPad during small-group instruction, where it allows teachers to model skills, reinforce concepts, and make learning more interactive and engaging.\r\n\r\nThe iPad has also been an invaluable tool for our staff as they move throughout the cluster. Because our special education teachers work with students in multiple classrooms, having a portable device allows them to collect important student data quickly and efficiently without interrupting instruction. Your generosity has given our teachers the flexibility to bring their classroom tools wherever they are needed while giving our students more engaging, individualized support. We are incredibly grateful for your investment in our students and teachers!","fullyFundedDate":1788283544188,"projectUrl":"project/mobile-classroom-an-ipad-for-learning/10505839/","projectTitle":"Mobile Classroom: An iPad for Learning, Data, and Support","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Driscoll","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9490465_orig.jpg?crop=516,516,x564,y942&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1710172712329","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9490465"},{"teacherId":9490465,"projectId":10392259,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity in supporting our personalized water bottle project! Your donation made a meaningful impact in our cluster and gave our students an opportunity to create something that was truly their own. They had so much fun choosing their designs, personalizing their bottles, and showing off their creativity. Having their own water bottles also encourages hydration throughout the school day while giving students a sense of ownership and pride.\r\n\r\nEven more importantly, this project helped our students connect with their new peers within the cluster. As they worked side-by-side, shared ideas, and admired each other's creations, they had natural opportunities to build friendships and a stronger sense of belonging. Your generosity helped turn a simple water bottle into a way for our students to express themselves, connect with others, and feel like an important part of our cluster community. We are incredibly grateful for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1785433154312,"projectUrl":"project/water-you-waiting-for-personalized-w/10392259/","projectTitle":"\"Water You Waiting For?\" Personalized Water Bottles for Every Student","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Driscoll","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9490465_orig.jpg?crop=516,516,x564,y942&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1710172712329","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9490465"},{"teacherId":10537222,"projectId":10349839,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your donation of new, updated texts for my 8th grade ELA classroom library. One of the things I am trying to focus on this year is giving my students more opportunities to read independently. While I know that this is difficult or \"boring\" for some, I wanted to eliminate that as an excuse.\r\nAlong with some of the more traditional options, like chapter books, I also included magazines and graphic novels in what I ordered. Longer texts can be intimidating but smaller chunks of reading such as those allow me to reach more students. While we have shorter reads and novel studies that we do throughout the year, this independent reading option will allow them to choose their own adventure. They will be given the opportunity for extra credit for each book, magazine, or graphic novel they complete, along with a review of what they read.\r\nI began the year by doing a quick \"speed dating\" activity with many of the new texts. This allowed students to preview some of the newer books and take notes on what they may want to choose at a later date. I can already see this piqued their interest and all of the groups were also discussing the different book options. \r\nI am looking forward to the progression as the year continues and am eternally grateful for your generosity.","fullyFundedDate":1786992870395,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-library/10349839/","projectTitle":"Classroom Library","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Blomerth","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10537222_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1786408237810","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10537222"},{"teacherId":9490465,"projectId":10093935,"letterContent":"Our students were thrilled to use the materials from our project, Crowning Creativity: Student-Designed Field Day Hats, to design and create personalized trucker hats for Field Day. Each student had the opportunity to express their unique personality by selecting from a variety of patches, paints, markers, and decorative materials. Throughout the project, students carefully planned their designs, collaborated with classmates, and proudly customized hats that reflected their interests, hobbies, and creativity. The finished hats became a special part of our Field Day celebration and helped students feel a strong sense of ownership and pride. Providing all of the supplies through this project also removed a financial burden from many families, ensuring that every student could fully participate regardless of their family's circumstances.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the materials, the excitement in the room was immediate. They eagerly explored the different patches, colors, and design options, buzzing with ideas about how they wanted to personalize their hats. Many students could hardly wait to get started and spent time discussing their plans with friends. Seeing their enthusiasm and creativity come to life was incredibly rewarding. Thanks to your generosity, our students experienced a fun, memorable activity that encouraged self-expression, boosted confidence, and created lasting memories of their school year!","fullyFundedDate":1774478465267,"projectUrl":"project/crowning-creativity-student-designed-fi/10093935/","projectTitle":"Crowning Creativity: Student-Designed Field Day Hats","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Driscoll","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9490465_orig.jpg?crop=516,516,x564,y942&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1710172712329","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9490465"},{"teacherId":6352214,"projectId":10044040,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom! Your donation of posters, markers, and other project supplies has already made a huge impact on my students and the way we approach science. We recently used the materials for a project on food webs, where students created their own boardgames using food webs to show their learning. Having access to colorful, high-quality supplies allowed them to fully express their ideas and take real ownership of their work.\r\n\r\nMy students were genuinely excited when they first saw the materials. Many of them immediately started brainstorming how they wanted to design their projects. The classroom energy completely shifted, and even students who can sometimes be hesitant to participate were eager to jump in.\r\n\r\nAs we move forward, students will continue building on these projects by presenting their work to the class and connecting their visuals to deeper scientific concepts. We'll also be using these materials for upcoming projects and experiments. Your support has helped create a more engaging, hands-on learning environment, and it's making a lasting difference in how my students experience science. Thank you again for investing in their learning and creativity!!","fullyFundedDate":1769639593682,"projectUrl":"project/showcasing-student-science/10044040/","projectTitle":"Showcasing Student Science","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Micheli","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6352214_orig.jpg?crop=144,144,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1737134690963","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6352214"},{"teacherId":9886290,"projectId":9850435,"letterContent":"My students love their new hand lenses! They are observing forced bud branches in science class and preparing to collect data on bud burst as a citizen science project. Having new, authentic, easy to use lenses with two magnifications makes all the difference. Thank you for believing in us and supporting our need for data collection equipment in and outside of our classroom. \r\n\r\nOur outdoor classroom is a valuable and rich opportunity for students to gather authentic data, upload it to water quality data websites, and spark curiosity. Thank you for donating to our classroom!!","fullyFundedDate":1765734402290,"projectUrl":"project/middle-school-hands-on-investigations-in/9850435/","projectTitle":"Middle School Hands-on Investigations in the Field!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Behrens","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9886290"},{"teacherId":9490465,"projectId":9881916,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donations to our Student Wage Rewards Cart for our 7th-grade students. Because of your support, our classroom now has a meaningful system that connects positive behaviors, responsibility, and effort with real-world financial concepts. When students first saw the rewards cart, their excitement was immediate—they were eager to learn how they could earn wages, save their money, and eventually purchase rewards they worked hard for.\r\n\r\nAs the program launched, students became highly motivated to take ownership of their \"student jobs,\" manage their earnings, and make thoughtful decisions about spending and saving. The rewards cart has become more than just an incentive; it has turned into a powerful learning tool that teaches budgeting, delayed gratification, and accountability. Students frequently discuss their goals, compare prices, and decide whether to spend now or save for a larger reward later—skills that mirror real-life financial decision-making.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has helped create a positive classroom culture while building essential financial literacy skills our students will carry with them beyond middle school. Thank you for investing in our students and for supporting a program that encourages responsibility, motivation, and real-world learning. We are incredibly grateful for your kindness and support.","fullyFundedDate":1765233003672,"projectUrl":"project/building-financially-savvy-scholars-thro/9881916/","projectTitle":"Building Financially Savvy Scholars Through a Student Wage Rewards Cart","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Driscoll","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9490465_orig.jpg?crop=516,516,x564,y942&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1710172712329","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9490465"},{"teacherId":7376264,"projectId":9852564,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to our classroom reward store, Bears Bodega. The snacks—especially the Takis—were an instant hit, and the fidget toys quickly became student favorites as well. It has been such a joy to see their excitement when they realize what's available, and your kindness has truly elevated the experience for them.\r\n\r\nBears Bodega is all about celebrating positive choices, hard work, and perseverance, and your donation has made that celebration even more meaningful. Our students feel proud earning their rewards, and your support has helped create a fun, motivating environment that they look forward to. We are incredibly grateful for your thoughtfulness and generosity—thank you for making such a positive impact on our classroom community.","fullyFundedDate":1765899619407,"projectUrl":"project/positive-reinforcement-pit-stop/9852564/","projectTitle":"Positive Reinforcement Pit Stop","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bricknell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7376264_orig.jpg?crop=1142,1142,x1842,y1242&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1788816243402","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7376264"},{"teacherId":9490465,"projectId":9696053,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to our 7th-grade math toolbox resources. Because of your support, our students now have access to essential learning tools such as calculators, sketch boards, and organizational materials that help them approach math with greater confidence and independence. When the toolboxes were introduced, students' excitement was immediate—they excitedly explored each item, asked how they could use them, and were excited to put the tools to work during class.\r\n\r\nThese resources have already made a meaningful difference in our classroom. Students are more engaged during lessons, better able to organize their thinking, and more willing to take academic risks when solving challenging problems. The sketch boards allow students to model their thinking, the calculators support accuracy and efficiency, and the organizational tools help students be prepared and accountable for materials. Together, these tools support a learning environment where students feel empowered and capable.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has had a direct and lasting impact on our students' math learning experience. Thank you for investing in our classroom and for helping our students develop the skills, confidence, and mindset they need to succeed in math and beyond. We are incredibly grateful for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1762265284917,"projectUrl":"project/the-math-toolbox-building-confident-pro/9696053/","projectTitle":"The Math Toolbox: Building Confident Problem-Solvers","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Driscoll","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9490465_orig.jpg?crop=516,516,x564,y942&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1710172712329","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9490465"},{"teacherId":9490465,"projectId":9512271,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our 7th-grade STEM vehicle projects. Because of your kindness, our students were able to engage in hands-on engineering experiences that brought science, technology, and problem-solving to life in a meaningful way. When the materials arrived, the excitement in the room was immediate—students eagerly gathered around, asking questions, examining each component, and enthusiastically brainstorming ideas for their vehicle designs.\r\n\r\nAs students began working with the materials, their eagerness quickly turned into focused creativity and collaboration. They applied critical thinking, tested ideas, learned from trial and error, and worked together to solve real-world engineering challenges. These projects not only strengthened their understanding of STEM concepts, but also built perseverance, teamwork, and confidence—skills that extend far beyond the classroom.\r\n\r\nYour support made it possible for our students to experience learning in a powerful, hands-on way that they will remember. Thank you for investing in our students and helping to inspire the next generation of problem solvers, engineers, and innovators. We are incredibly grateful for your generosity and belief in our students' potential.","fullyFundedDate":1762265327767,"projectUrl":"project/innovate-accelerate-building-stem-bas/9512271/","projectTitle":"Innovate & Accelerate: Building STEM-based Vehicles","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Driscoll","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9490465_orig.jpg?crop=516,516,x564,y942&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1710172712329","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9490465"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_60664","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1320,"numTeachers":94,"percentFrplEligible":70,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":5,"percentWhite":65,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":25,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":2,"gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"14.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":82.0,"schoolId":60664,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Higgins Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Higgins Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/massachusetts/peabody-public-school-district/higgins-middle-school/60664"}