{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Springfield Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":24.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9263677,"projectId":9731424,"letterContent":"Physical activity plays a vital role in helping students build confidence, develop teamwork, and improve both their physical and mental well-being. Many of my students thrive when they have opportunities to move, compete, and work together in a positive environment. With equipment such as agility ladders, soccer cones, footballs, pop-up defenders, and flag football gear, they will be able to participate in structured PE lessons and an engaging after-school fitness club that promotes healthy habits while strengthening communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.\r\n\r\nThe protein snacks included in this project will help ensure students have the energy they need to fully participate in physical activities. Many of our students come to school hungry or without access to nutritious snacks, making it difficult to stay focused and active. Providing convenient, high-protein snacks before or after activities will help fuel their bodies, encourage healthy choices, and allow them to perform their best while learning the importance of wellness and nutrition.\r\n\r\nYour support will create opportunities for students to stay active, build lifelong healthy habits, and experience the joy of teamwork through sports and fitness. These resources will provide meaningful, hands-on experiences that encourage perseverance, sportsmanship, and confidence while giving students a safe and positive outlet to stay engaged both during and after the school day. Every donation brings us one step closer to creating an environment where every student has the tools they need to succeed—both on and off the field.","fullyFundedDate":1758670716719,"projectUrl":"project/active-strong-pe-and-sports-program-f/9731424/","projectTitle":"Active & Strong: PE and Sports Program for Student","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Shippy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9263677_orig.jpg?crop=2664,2664,x0,y62&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1729009409766","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9263677"},{"teacherId":9263677,"projectId":9731303,"letterContent":"Thank you for making this project possible and for investing in the students of Springfield Middle School. Because of your generosity, our classroom now has the tools to bring creativity, technology, and hands-on learning together in exciting new ways. The Cricut machine, EasyPress, vinyl, tools, and crafting workstation will allow students to design and create meaningful projects that showcase their learning while building confidence, creativity, and problem-solving skills. These materials will help transform classroom ideas into real products that students can proudly take home or display throughout our school.\r\n\r\nAs a special education teacher, I strive to provide engaging, differentiated learning experiences that meet the diverse needs of my students. These resources will allow me to create personalized instructional materials, visual supports, classroom labels, behavior incentives, and interactive learning activities that make lessons more accessible and engaging. Students will also have opportunities to design projects that connect to literacy, social-emotional learning, and school-wide events, giving them authentic ways to express themselves and celebrate their accomplishments.\r\n\r\nYour generosity extends far beyond providing classroom supplies—it is opening the door to creativity, collaboration, and real-world learning experiences. These materials will help foster independence, encourage students to take pride in their work, and inspire them to think beyond the classroom. Thank you for believing in our students and helping us create a learning environment where every child has the opportunity to succeed, create, and shine.","fullyFundedDate":1768178194416,"projectUrl":"project/stem-by-design-bringing-student-creatio/9731303/","projectTitle":"STEM by Design: Bringing Student Creations to Life!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Shippy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9263677_orig.jpg?crop=2664,2664,x0,y62&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1729009409766","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9263677"},{"teacherId":9263677,"projectId":9451102,"letterContent":"On behalf of everyone in Ms. Shippy's classroom at Springfield Middle School, thank you for your amazing support and generosity. Every item you donated has helped create a classroom where students feel welcomed, organized, and inspired to learn. The new bookcase keeps our classroom library neat and accessible, while the rug provides a comfortable space for reading, collaborating, and building relationships with classmates. These additions have made our classroom feel like a place where every student belongs.\r\n\r\nThe bulletin board paper, borders, inspirational artwork, reading posters, and literature displays have brought our classroom walls to life. Students enjoy seeing their work displayed in a colorful environment that encourages kindness, perseverance, and a love of learning. The binders, desk supplies, and classroom organization materials help us stay prepared each day, while the cleaning supplies ensure our classroom remains a safe and healthy place for everyone.\r\n\r\nYour generosity extends far beyond the supplies themselves. You have helped create a positive learning environment that supports academic growth, creativity, and student well-being. Thank you for believing in our students and helping us build a classroom where every child has the opportunity to succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1760737113912,"projectUrl":"project/inspired-spaces/9451102/","projectTitle":"Inspired Spaces","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Shippy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9263677_orig.jpg?crop=2664,2664,x0,y62&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1729009409766","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9263677"},{"teacherId":9263677,"projectId":9903023,"letterContent":"The impact of this project has been incredible. These creative tools have transformed my classroom into a space where students confidently express themselves through hands-on design projects. Using the Cricut, printable sticker paper, heat transfer materials, and digital camera, students have created custom apparel, stickers, classroom décor, and other personalized projects that reflect their creativity and individuality. They have taken great pride in seeing their ideas come to life, which has strengthened their confidence, perseverance, and problem-solving skills.\r\n\r\nBecause of these materials, I have been able to provide engaging, project-based learning experiences that connect creativity with real-world skills. Students have learned the design process from brainstorming and creating to producing finished products while developing collaboration, communication, and digital literacy. These resources have also introduced them to careers in graphic design, photography, marketing, and entrepreneurship, helping them see new possibilities for their future. Most importantly, the materials have created a classroom environment where every student feels empowered to create, explore, and succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1771545414852,"projectUrl":"project/tools-for-student-designers/9903023/","projectTitle":"Tools for Student Designers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Shippy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9263677_orig.jpg?crop=2664,2664,x0,y62&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1729009409766","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9263677"},{"teacherId":10473471,"projectId":10177731,"letterContent":"I would like to sincerely thank you for all the support and donations you provided for our 8th grade graduation project.\r\n\r\nThe students truly appreciated the food and utensils that were donated to help make our 8th grade graduation celebration special and memorable. Your generosity and kindness helped create a wonderful experience for the students as they celebrated this important milestone with their classmates, teachers, and families.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and supporting this project. We are very grateful for everything that was sent to the school. It was a wonderful way for the students to finish off their middle school careers and celebrate their accomplishments together. Your support helped make this event successful, meaningful, and enjoyable for everyone involved.","fullyFundedDate":1778025525412,"projectUrl":"project/8th-grade-graduation/10177731/","projectTitle":"8th Grade Graduation","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. D","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10473471_orig.jpg?crop=1080,1080,x0,y216&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1775061721377","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10473471"},{"teacherId":9811357,"projectId":9373797,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, we have already begun using these resources to strengthen how we support students across the entire school. The materials are helping guide staff conversations and reflections around how we respond to students who are experiencing trauma, chronic stress, and behavioral challenges. One moment that stood out was during a recent staff discussion where team members were able to openly share what students are struggling with and focus on more supportive, proactive ways to respond. It created a sense of unity and reassurance that our staff truly needed.\r\n\r\nWhen staff first saw the materials, the reaction was very positive and hopeful. Many expressed that they felt supported and appreciated, especially knowing these resources were chosen to help them feel more confident when working with students who need additional emotional and behavioral support. Moving forward, we will continue using these materials to strengthen a more consistent, compassionate, and trauma-informed approach so that students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn every day. Thank you for making this possible.","fullyFundedDate":1755718000718,"projectUrl":"project/stronger-together-cultivating-success-f/9373797/","projectTitle":"Stronger Together: Cultivating Success for Staff and Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Raquel Mateo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9811357"},{"teacherId":9811357,"projectId":9331715,"letterContent":"The technology we received has played a meaningful role in supporting both learning and student wellness. It allows students to track physical activity, set personal and team goals, and reflect on how movement, teamwork, and healthy habits impact their overall well-being. For many of our middle schoolers, especially those who may not have access to extracurricular sports or wellness resources outside of school, this technology helps create structure, motivation, and a sense of ownership over their growth. It also supports staff in monitoring participation and engagement, allowing us to better meet students where they are and celebrate progress in real time.\r\n\r\nWhat excites students most about the new technology is how interactive and inclusive it feels. They enjoy being able to see their efforts reflected immediately, whether through progress tracking, team challenges, or shared goals that encourage collaboration. Students who previously struggled with engagement, particularly those facing social, emotional, or behavioral challenges have shown increased enthusiasm and confidence. Several students who were hesitant to participate in team activities have warmed to the technology because it reduces pressure, offers positive reinforcement, and allows them to contribute to a team in ways that feel achievable and meaningful. This has strengthened peer connections, boosted self-esteem, and reinforced the idea that wellness and teamwork are for everyone.","fullyFundedDate":1756415237998,"projectUrl":"project/support-wellness-and-team-sports-for-mid/9331715/","projectTitle":"Support Wellness and Team Sports for Middle Schoolers in Need","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Raquel Mateo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9811357"},{"teacherId":9811357,"projectId":9331335,"letterContent":"Our students have been excitedly incorporating the new STEM materials into hands-on learning and problem-solving activities. We've used the Legos for team engineering challenges, where students collaborate to design bridges, towers, and simple machines while applying key concepts from our STEM curriculum. The slime and therapeutic putty have also become valuable tools during sensory-based science lessons, but also therapeutically for students when emotionally dysregulated. \r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the materials, their faces immediately lit up. Many rushed to pick up the Legos and began brainstorming building ideas before the activity even began. Others were curious about the sensory items, asking questions and eagerly experimenting with textures and stretchability. Their excitement created an energetic, positive atmosphere that set the tone for meaningful exploration and collaboration.\r\n\r\nAs we continue promoting STEM, these resources will be integrated into ongoing design challenges and student-led projects. Students will be applying scientific inquiry, recording observations, testing hypotheses, and refining their creations based on feedback and classroom discussions. Our next steps include a mini-engineering showcase, where students will present their Lego prototypes or slime experiments, explain their design choices, and reflect on what they learned. These donations are helping our students deepen their curiosity, build confidence, and stay engaged in hands-on STEM learning.","fullyFundedDate":1747081022284,"projectUrl":"project/help-us-bring-stem-to-life-for-our-middl/9331335/","projectTitle":"Help Us Bring STEM to Life for Our Middle Schoolers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Raquel Mateo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9811357"},{"teacherId":9811357,"projectId":9359410,"letterContent":"The new culturally responsive books, puzzles, journals, and coloring materials have already become powerful tools for building students' understanding of identity, empathy, and social justice. These texts introduce essential skills such as recognizing bias, exploring cultural perspectives, understanding personal identity, and engaging in respectful dialogue. During counseling groups and classroom lessons, we use the books to spark conversations about belonging, representation, and how our differences make our community stronger. Reading in our space often looks like students sitting in small circles, taking turns sharing connections to the characters, or pairing the stories with reflective journaling activities. The puzzles and coloring materials help students decompress while still engaging with themes of culture and diversity in hands-on, accessible ways.\r\n\r\nA few students have already become especially drawn to the new books. One student, who often struggles to find reading material that reflects his lived experiences, immediately gravitated toward a story featuring a family that looked like his. He proudly shared portions of the book with his peers, while another student used the journal activities to reflect on her own identity. Another student, typically hesitant to participate in groups, eagerly joined a discussion after recognizing characters who shared his cultural background. Seeing themselves in these materials has helped students feel seen, valued, and more willing to engage. These resources are not just books, they are bridges that help students understand themselves, connect with one another, and build the inclusive school environment our REDI work strives for.","fullyFundedDate":1747701485196,"projectUrl":"project/fostering-racial-equity-diversity-and/9359410/","projectTitle":"Fostering Racial Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Raquel Mateo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9811357"},{"teacherId":9811357,"projectId":9421510,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous contribution to our mindfulness and stress-relief project. The new resources: coloring books, journals, fidget tools, stress balls, and mindfulness activity cards, have already become an important part of our daily routines. We've been using them during individual counseling sessions and \"calming corner\" breaks, where students practice grounding strategies before returning to class. One powerful moment came during a small-group session on emotional regulation: a student who usually shuts down during conflict chose a mindfulness card, followed the breathing steps, and then quietly began journaling about what upset him. It was the first time he used a coping tool independently, and it completely shifted the tone of the session. When students first saw the materials, their excitement was immediate, they explored the fidgets, flipped through the journals, and several said the space \"finally feels peaceful.\"\r\n\r\nAs we continue our social-emotional learning work, the next step is teaching students how to build their own coping routines using these tools. We're starting a \"Mindfulness Menu\" activity where students select strategies that work best for them and practice using them during real moments of stress. Your donation makes this possible by giving them hands-on tools they can rely on every day. Thank you for supporting our students' emotional well-being and helping us create a calmer, more supportive learning environment.","fullyFundedDate":1753397357512,"projectUrl":"project/colors-of-calm-supporting-students-thro/9421510/","projectTitle":"Colors of Calm: Supporting Students Through Creativity and Care","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Raquel Mateo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9811357"},{"teacherId":9811357,"projectId":9421700,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the generous donation of hygiene products. These resources have already become an important part of our work with students, especially those who quietly struggle with meeting basic needs. We have been using the items to create private \"care kits\" that students can request discreetly during counseling sessions or through trusted staff. One moment that stood out was when a student who had been avoiding school due to embarrassment about her appearance opened a kit and whispered, \"Thank you, I really needed this.\" Being able to respond immediately with shampoo, toothpaste, lotion, and other essentials made her feel cared for and allowed her to return to class with confidence. When students first saw that these supplies were available, their reactions ranged from relief to gratitude; several shared that it was the first time they'd had access to certain products of their own.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, we are incorporating these donations into a broader self-care and wellness lesson focused on building routines and understanding the connection between personal hygiene, confidence, and readiness to learn. Students will be participating in a \"Taking Care of Me\" activity, where they explore ways to advocate for their needs and practice healthy habits that support their emotional well-being. Your contribution has made it possible for us not only to teach these lessons, but to ensure students have the actual tools to follow through. These next steps will help them develop lifelong skills in self-respect, self-care, and personal agency made possible because of your kindness.","fullyFundedDate":1755718000956,"projectUrl":"project/give-the-gift-of-clean-to-kids-in-need/9421700/","projectTitle":"Give the Gift of Clean to Kids in Need","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Raquel Mateo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9811357"},{"teacherId":9811357,"projectId":8924643,"letterContent":"I want to extend my deepest gratitude for your generous contribution to our project. The sensory tools, fidgets, Legos/blocks, problem-solving materials, and art supplies you provided have already made a meaningful difference in our students' day-to-day experience. These items have become essential supports during individual counseling sessions, small group work, and quiet regulation breaks throughout the school day.\r\n\r\nOne of the first ways we put the materials to use was during a self-regulation activity where students practiced identifying their stress levels and choosing a tool that matched what they needed in that moment. Watching a student who typically struggles with frustration sit down, begin constructing with Legos, and calmly talk through his feelings was a powerful reminder of why these resources matter. The art supplies have also allowed students to express emotions they don't yet have words for, giving them a safe and creative outlet to process challenging moments.\r\n\r\nTheir initial reaction to the donated materials was priceless. Students lit up when they walked into the counseling room and saw shelves filled with new tools they could touch, explore, and call their own. Many were excited to try the fidgets and sensory items immediately, while others gravitated toward the paints and coloring materials. Several students commented that the space \"felt calmer\" and \"more fun,\" which is exactly the environment we want to create for them.\r\n\r\nAs we continue our current social-emotional lessons, the next step is helping students build routines around using these tools independently. We are introducing a \"regulation menu,\" where students learn to pick coping tools based on what their body and mind need. Your donations are allowing them to practice this skill daily, strengthening their ability to self-advocate, communicate emotions, and return to class in a more grounded state.\r\n\r\nThank you again for supporting our students. Your kindness has had a direct and lasting impact on their emotional well-being, and we are truly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1731506749337,"projectUrl":"project/self-regulation-tools-for-students/8924643/","projectTitle":"Self-regulation Tools for Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Raquel Mateo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9811357"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_104265","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":18,"numTeachers":10,"percentFrplEligible":86,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":17,"percentWhite":7,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":66,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":3,"gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"1.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR District Record","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":75.7,"schoolId":104265,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Springfield Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Springfield Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/massachusetts/springfield-public-school-district/balliet-middle-school/104265"}