{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"John Duggan Academy","outOfStateSupporters":37.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10073205,"projectId":9882132,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous gift of an iPad for our classroom. Your support has made a meaningful difference in how my students learn and engage with instruction each day.\r\n\r\nIn our classroom, the iPad is helping students access interactive learning tools, practice skills at their own pace, and receive immediate feedback that supports their growth. It has also allowed me to differentiate instruction more effectively, so students can work on activities that meet them where they are academically.\r\n\r\nOne of the most exciting features has been the ability to highlight text together as a class and clearly show students key information on the screen. This makes lessons much more interactive and helps students follow along as we read, annotate, and break down important ideas in real time. It has strengthened comprehension and allowed students to visually see how we think through texts step by step.\r\n\r\nSeveral students who were previously hesitant to participate have really warmed up to this technology. In particular, students who need extra support with reading and writing have shown increased confidence because the iPad allows them to listen to texts, interact with material, and follow along with highlighted sections that clearly guide their thinking. It has given them a sense of independence and pride in their work.\r\n\r\nYour generosity is not just providing a device—it is opening doors for learning, confidence, and success. Thank you again for investing in my students and helping create a more engaging and supportive classroom environment.","fullyFundedDate":1771459747754,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-learning-through-technology/9882132/","projectTitle":"Empowering Learning Through Technology","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Washington","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10073205_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753069389885","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10073205"},{"teacherId":5815214,"projectId":10167901,"letterContent":"Thank you again for your generous donation to our classroom.\r\n\r\nSince the beginning of the school year, students have required laptop chargers almost daily. Managing the single charger provided by the school was a logistical challenge, so having a full classroom set is a significant relief. My students can now charge their devices simultaneously, eliminating the issues of dead batteries or the need to share chargers.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, the floor lamps have allowed me to turn off the fluorescent overhead lights. Because my classroom has no windows, the overhead lighting was quite harsh; now, the atmosphere is much more gentle and welcoming. My students have noted that they feel more relaxed while reading and writing.\r\n\r\nThank you for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1777991269224,"projectUrl":"project/bright-minds-need-bright-lights-and-cha/10167901/","projectTitle":"Bright Minds Need Bright Lights (and Charged Laptops!)","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Underwood","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5815214_orig.jpg?crop=984,984,x0,y216&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1697638043663","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5815214"},{"teacherId":3425056,"projectId":10033430,"letterContent":"Thank you for allowing us to host a MTG tournament. We had 12 students participate in the competition and 5 additional student learned how to play and build a deck. \r\n\r\nUnboxing day is always a blast. We set up all the cards and gear as stations. Each student sat at a station and we all opened our packs all at once time. Then they had time to trade cards to build a 40 card deck for the tournament. The kids randomly assigned the match ups for the first round. The kids decided to have one round of the tournament each week and then have some free play time. The tournament lasted a month and the kids loved the experience. \r\n\r\nWe continue to have our club weekly and the tournament drew in a few new club members. A group of students now get together on Sundays to play. They found some parents who play and now it warms my heart that adults and kids are getting together and playing. What a wonderful way to bring people together.","fullyFundedDate":1771459747816,"projectUrl":"project/magic-the-gathering-club-tournament-supp/10033430/","projectTitle":"Magic the Gathering Club Tournament Support","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jill","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3425056_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768530409807","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3425056"},{"teacherId":8537234,"projectId":9739618,"letterContent":"The addition of the 13-inch iPad to our classroom has had a meaningful impact on student learning and engagement. Many of our donors may be familiar with using technology at home, but in the classroom this device becomes a powerful instructional tool. It allows students to access digital texts, interactive reading platforms, and differentiated assignments that meet them exactly where they are. I am able to provide immediate feedback, model skills in real time, and support students with visuals and audio features that strengthen comprehension. For my students who benefit from repeated exposure and scaffolding, the iPad has made learning more accessible and engaging.\r\n\r\nOne of the most impactful features has been the ability to screen share directly from the iPad. This has made whole-group and small-group instruction much more efficient and clear. Students are able to follow along with me step-by-step as I model reading strategies, annotate texts, or complete assignments. The larger screen size makes it especially easy for all learners to see clearly, which reduces confusion and increases participation. It has strengthened my ability to teach in real time while keeping students actively engaged in the same task.\r\n\r\nWhat has been most exciting for students is the ability to interact directly with their learning in new ways. They love using annotation tools while reading, participating in interactive lessons, and completing assignments that feel more personalized and dynamic than traditional paper-and-pencil tasks. There are also several students who have especially benefited from this technology. Students who typically struggle with reading stamina or written expression have shown increased confidence when using features like text-to-speech, speech-to-text, and guided reading supports. I've also noticed that some of my most reluctant learners are more willing to participate and take academic risks when using the iPad, as it reduces barriers and allows them to focus on their thinking rather than the mechanics of the task. Overall, this resource has helped create a more inclusive, supportive, and engaging learning environment for all students.","fullyFundedDate":1769041508051,"projectUrl":"project/an-ipad-for-engaged-and-accessible-learn/9739618/","projectTitle":"An iPad for Engaged and Accessible Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Coderre","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8537234"},{"teacherId":10159052,"projectId":10039618,"letterContent":"This project expanded students' understanding of sports through the lens of spring athletics, giving them access to texts that connected athletic experiences with history, culture, teamwork, and personal development. Many students previously had limited opportunities to explore sports literature that went beyond gameplay and statistics, which narrowed their exposure to the broader meaning and impact of athletics.\r\n\r\nBy incorporating these spring sports books into the classroom, students were able to engage with stories and information about athletes, seasons, and sporting traditions in a more meaningful and reflective way. These texts supported reading comprehension, vocabulary development, and the ability to make connections between sports and larger societal themes such as leadership, perseverance, and community.\r\n\r\nStudents became more engaged when reading materials reflected sports they were actively participating in or following during the spring season. This increased motivation translated into stronger participation in discussions, improved writing responses, and more thoughtful analysis of how sports shape identity and experience.\r\n\r\nOverall, this project strengthened student engagement, supported literacy growth through high-interest content, and helped students better understand the value of sports as both a personal and cultural force.","fullyFundedDate":1770389488700,"projectUrl":"project/spring-sports-history-book-request/10039618/","projectTitle":"Spring Sports History Book Request","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Hanson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10159052"},{"teacherId":10159052,"projectId":10039920,"letterContent":"his project strengthened our classroom reading culture by giving students consistent access to meaningful, engaging texts that supported both skill development and a love of reading. Many students previously had limited access to a wide range of high-interest reading materials, which made it difficult for them to build reading stamina and confidence.\r\n\r\nBy implementing this class reading program, students were able to read more regularly, choose from a broader selection of texts, and engage in structured reading routines that supported comprehension, discussion, and reflection. This increased both the quantity and quality of student reading time in the classroom.\r\n\r\nAs a result, students improved their ability to analyze texts, cite evidence, and discuss complex ideas with greater confidence. The program also helped foster a stronger sense of community around reading, as students shared ideas, recommendations, and interpretations with one another.\r\n\r\nOverall, this project increased access to high-quality reading experiences, supported literacy growth across all students, and helped build a more consistent and engaged classroom reading environment.","fullyFundedDate":1772211380972,"projectUrl":"project/history-class-reading-program/10039920/","projectTitle":"History Class Reading Program.","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Hanson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10159052"},{"teacherId":10159052,"projectId":10039665,"letterContent":"This project improved the daily learning environment by ensuring that students had consistent access to the basic materials they needed to fully participate in class. Many students previously did not always have reliable access to essential supplies such as paper, pens, pencils, and other classroom tools, which sometimes created barriers to completing work and staying organized.\r\n\r\nBy providing these classroom supplies, students were able to focus more fully on learning rather than worrying about missing or unavailable materials. This helped increase student independence, reduced instructional interruptions, and supported smoother transitions during lessons and activities.\r\n\r\nAs a result, students were more consistently prepared to engage in writing tasks, note-taking, group work, and assessments. The availability of shared classroom materials also helped create a more equitable learning environment where all students had the tools they needed to succeed, regardless of personal circumstances.\r\n\r\nOverall, this project strengthened classroom efficiency, supported student engagement, and helped create a more focused and equitable space for learning.","fullyFundedDate":1771459747226,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-supplies/10039665/","projectTitle":"Classroom Supplies.","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Hanson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10159052"},{"teacherId":10159052,"projectId":10036394,"letterContent":"This project helped students explore the history of sports as a powerful lens for understanding broader social, cultural, and historical change. Many students previously had limited access to engaging nonfiction texts about sports beyond surface-level media coverage, which restricted their ability to connect athletics to issues such as race, gender, economics, and national identity.\r\n\r\nBy adding these sports history books to our classroom library, students were able to independently read and analyze real historical narratives about the development of major sports, landmark athletes, and pivotal moments in athletic history. These texts supported deeper literacy skills, including close reading, identifying historical claims, and evaluating how sports both reflected and influenced society.\r\n\r\nStudents became more engaged in discussions when they were able to connect course content to sports figures and events they recognized. This increased participation, improved comprehension of historical themes, and strengthened their ability to make evidence-based connections between past and present.\r\n\r\nOverall, this project expanded access to high-interest academic reading, strengthened student engagement, and helped students better understand how sports history intersects with issues of identity, inequality, and cultural change.","fullyFundedDate":1769983402938,"projectUrl":"project/spring-history-classroom-needs/10036394/","projectTitle":"Spring History Classroom Needs","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Hanson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10159052"},{"teacherId":10159052,"projectId":9942991,"letterContent":"This project strengthened students' ability to think critically, read deeply, and engage with complex historical ideas using authentic, high-quality texts. Many of my students did not have consistent access to engaging, grade-level history books outside of school, which limited both their background knowledge and their confidence with challenging reading.\r\n\r\nBy adding these U.S. History books to our classroom library, students were able to interact with history in a more meaningful and independent way—rather than relying only on short excerpts or teacher-provided materials. These texts supported close reading, document analysis, and evidence-based writing, which are essential skills for success in both the classroom and beyond.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, this project helped students see history as something they could question, interpret, and connect to their own lives. When students accessed engaging historical narratives and primary source-based texts, they were more likely to participate in discussions, develop stronger literacy skills, and build a deeper understanding of how past events shape the present.\r\n\r\nIn short, these books did not just supplement instruction—they expanded opportunity, increased equity in access to academic materials, and helped students grow as critical thinkers and informed citizens.","fullyFundedDate":1767913111024,"projectUrl":"project/us-history-class-book-needs/9942991/","projectTitle":"US History Class Book Needs","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Hanson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10159052"},{"teacherId":8537234,"projectId":9302006,"letterContent":"Receiving these new books through DonorsChoose has truly transformed our classroom in meaningful and lasting ways. Before this project, access to high-interest, appropriately leveled texts was limited, which made it challenging to fully engage every student. Now, students have access to a wide range of books that reflect their interests, identities, and reading levels—and that has made a noticeable difference in both motivation and confidence.\r\n\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom now looks lively and student-centered. You might see students spread out around the room, fully immersed in their books, participating in partner discussions, or sharing their thinking during whole-group conversations. There is a sense of excitement around reading that continues to grow—students are recommending books to one another and eagerly asking for more time to read.\r\n\r\nSeveral students in particular have really thrived with these new materials. Some who previously struggled to stay focused are now able to sustain attention for longer periods because they've found books that truly interest them. Others who were hesitant readers are building confidence as they successfully complete books and contribute to discussions. It has been incredibly rewarding to watch students see themselves as readers and take pride in their progress.","fullyFundedDate":1746584717730,"projectUrl":"project/building-readers-frame-by-frame/9302006/","projectTitle":"Building Readers, Frame by Frame","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Coderre","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8537234"},{"teacherId":8537234,"projectId":9356293,"letterContent":"Getting laptop carts funded through DonorsChoose, with individual laptop chargers has had a meaningful and immediate impact on student access and classroom learning.\r\n\r\nBefore this funding, inconsistent access to charged devices often interrupted instruction and limited students' ability to fully participate in digital learning activities. Now, with a dedicated cart and chargers for each device, all students have reliable, equitable access to fully charged laptops every day. This has eliminated downtime caused by dead batteries and reduced the need to share devices, allowing each student to work independently and stay engaged.\r\n\r\nAs a result, instructional time is used more efficiently, transitions are smoother, and students can consistently access online resources, complete assignments, and participate in interactive lessons. It has also helped foster greater independence and responsibility, as students can easily retrieve and return devices in an organized system.","fullyFundedDate":1757556687578,"projectUrl":"project/charging-carts-and-chargers-for-our-midd/9356293/","projectTitle":"Charging Carts and Chargers for Our Middle School Laptops","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Coderre","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8537234"},{"teacherId":10248015,"projectId":9696813,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our students now have access to essential hygiene and self-care supplies right here at school. These resources are being used to quietly support students who may not have consistent access to these items at home. We created a discreet \"care station\" where students can take what they need with dignity and privacy.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the materials, their reactions ranged from quiet gratitude to visible relief. Some simply said, \"Thank you.\" Others were surprised that someone cared enough to provide these items. It sparked meaningful conversations about self-respect, responsibility, and supporting one another as a community.\r\n\r\nYour support has helped create an environment where students can focus on academics instead of worrying about their appearance or being judged.","fullyFundedDate":1764274130913,"projectUrl":"project/from-struggle-to-strength-hygiene-suppo/9696813/","projectTitle":"From Struggle to Strength: Hygiene Support for Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hall","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10248015"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_60888","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":823,"numTeachers":65,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":2,"percentBlack":24,"percentWhite":10,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":58,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":2,"gradesServed":"6 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"12.7:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":62.8,"schoolId":60888,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about John Duggan Academy on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"John Duggan Academy","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/massachusetts/springfield-public-school-district/john-duggan-middle-school/60888"}
Join the 148 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
John Duggan Academy is
an urban public school
in Springfield, Massachusetts that is part of Springfield Public School District.
It serves 823 students
in grades 6 - 12 with a student/teacher ratio of 12.7:1.
Its teachers have had 168 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Supporting this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.
Public School
Title 1
Data about Title 1 status comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education.
Grades 6 - 12
823 Students
65 Teachers
1015 Wilbraham RdContact info is sourced from our partners at MDR Education, and DonorsChoose updates our site ahead of each school year.
Boost support for this school! Share this page with friends, family, alumni, and fellow supporters. Every connection helps teachers get the supplies they need and shows how much your community cares about its students.
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for public school teachers.
Every donation funds real needs — pencils, books, lab equipment, art supplies, and more — helping students learn and thrive. We ship supplies directly to the school, and you'll see exactly where each dollar goes.
of students receive free or reduced price lunch
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
Source: the National Center for Education Statistics
84%
of students are Black, Latino, Native
American, or Asian
Data about school demographics comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. The numbers in this chart may not add up to 100% because of limitations in the available data.
John Duggan Academy Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated May 21, 2026
DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students
in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.
John Duggan Academy
$127,312
raised using DonorsChoose
168
projects
funded
43
teachers
funded
148
donors
39
projects
for
basic supplies
37
projects for
technology
36
projects for
books
6
projects
for
art supplies
John Duggan Academy has received support from
93 individuals from Massachusetts and
55 individuals out-of-state.