{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Gwinn Middle High School","outOfStateSupporters":47.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":7815194,"projectId":9390461,"letterContent":"When the oil painting materials arrived, my students were immediately curious, they crowded around the table, picked up brushes, and asked when they'd get to \"try the fancy paints.\" Even though we haven't reached the oil portion of our painting unit yet, the excitement is already building. Students are fascinated by the idea of using the same medium as many of the artists we've studied, and having the real materials in front of them makes the upcoming lessons feel much more real and achievable.\r\n\r\nRight now, we're working through a structured painting sequence: students started with watercolor to explore transparency and loose mark-making, and they're currently transitioning into acrylic to build confidence with layering, opacity, and more intentional color mixing. These skills are setting the foundation they'll need before we move into oil painting.\r\n\r\nThe new materials will become the centerpiece of the final stage of this unit. Once students complete their acrylic projects, they'll begin learning how to create an underpainting, build slow layers, and use oils to create rich, expressive surfaces. Having high-quality brushes, paints, and mediums ready to go means they can jump in without hesitation, and it sends a powerful message that their artistic growth is worth investing in.\r\n\r\nYour support is giving students access to a medium they rarely get the chance to work with in school. Thank you for helping us expand their creative toolkit and for making our classroom feel like a real studio.","fullyFundedDate":1757423920990,"projectUrl":"project/layers-of-expression-introducing-oil-pa/9390461/","projectTitle":"Layers of Expression: Introducing Oil Painting to the Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Soucy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7815194_orig.jpg?crop=375,375,x21,y25&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1705587340139","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/meghan-soucy"},{"teacherId":9091404,"projectId":9332631,"letterContent":"Our new popcorn machine has quickly become one of the most meaningful additions to our classroom. Each week, my students work together to prepare popcorn for students and staff across the school, turning a simple treat into a powerful learning experience. They measure ingredients, follow multi-step directions, and practice safety skills, all while taking pride in creating something that brings joy to others. \r\n\r\nWhen the machine first arrived, the excitement was immediate. My students' faces lit up as we got it set up, and they were eager to explore how it worked. The smell of fresh popcorn filling the classroom that first day created a sense of celebration none of us will forget.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, we are using the popcorn project to expand into lessons about entrepreneurship, money management, and communication skills. Students practice how to greet staff members, count change, and track supplies. Thanks to your generosity, what began as a fun classroom activity has grown into a meaningful weekly routine that supports independence, confidence, and connection within our school community. We are so grateful for the opportunities this gift continues to create.","fullyFundedDate":1756929845596,"projectUrl":"project/popcorn-popcorn-get-your-popcorn/9332631/","projectTitle":"Popcorn Popcorn, Get Your Popcorn!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Harrington","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9091404_orig.jpg?crop=1583,1583,x0,y126&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1736348055781","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-gracie-harrington"},{"teacherId":9091404,"projectId":9337882,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our special education classroom has been filled with excitement, creativity, and hands-on learning. The new craft supplies have already made a tremendous impact on our daily lessons and on my students' ability to express themselves in ways that feel accessible, meaningful, and joyful.\r\n\r\nWe've been incorporating the supplies into fine-motor practice, social-skills group work, and our weekly \"fun Fridays\". These resources have helped students stay engaged longer, work together more cooperatively, and feel successful in tasks that once felt challenging.\r\n\r\nThank you for giving my students the tools to create, explore, and shine. Your kindness is felt every day in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1755702386501,"projectUrl":"project/art-supplies-for-special-education/9337882/","projectTitle":"Art Supplies for Special Education","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Harrington","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9091404_orig.jpg?crop=1583,1583,x0,y126&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1736348055781","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-gracie-harrington"},{"teacherId":1061582,"projectId":9089037,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donations to this project. This is by far, my favorite assignment of the year. \r\n\r\nThis assignment proves to be more than just a task. It becomes a transformative experience for my students. \r\n\r\nMany students began the assignment unsure of their abilities, hesitant to share their thoughts or take creative risks. But as they progressed, they began to trust their instincts. Their writing became bolder, their ideas more nuanced. \r\n\r\nThe assignment requires students to dig beneath the surface. They were not just completing a task. They were engaging with it.\r\n\r\nPerhaps most importantly, students recognized the relevance of their work. They saw how the skills they were developing - critical thinking, communication, and creativity. And how these skills could be applied beyond the classroom. This realization sparked motivation and a sense of purpose.\r\n\r\nThis assignment reminds me why I teach: to witness those moments when students surprise themselves, when they grow in ways they did not expect, and when learning becomes personal. It was a joy to watch them rise to the challenge.","fullyFundedDate":1748190269828,"projectUrl":"project/the-lost-art-of-letter-writing/9089037/","projectTitle":"The Lost Art of Letter Writing","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Waldo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1061582_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1535335639757","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-laitinen"},{"teacherId":7815194,"projectId":9390430,"letterContent":"Our new rulers, compasses, and tracing templates have helped students on nearly every project they've completed so far. The rulers we had before were warped, chipped, and sometimes frustrating to use, but these new tools have truly elevated our tracing and measuring game! Students can now create precise, clean lines with confidence.\r\n\r\nOne recent project where these tools made a huge difference was our Room Design Project. Students practiced one and two-point perspective to design their own rooms, and having accurate rulers and compasses meant they could plan walls, furniture, and architectural details much more effectively. Seeing their ideas come to life so precisely brought a lot of excitement and pride to the classroom.\r\n\r\nThank you for making these supplies possible! They're transforming the way my students approach every project!","fullyFundedDate":1753972454525,"projectUrl":"project/precision-power-rulers-and-compasses-fo/9390430/","projectTitle":"Precision Power: Rulers and Compasses for Young Creators","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Soucy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7815194_orig.jpg?crop=375,375,x21,y25&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1705587340139","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/meghan-soucy"},{"teacherId":1061582,"projectId":9079141,"letterContent":"I want to extend my deepest gratitude for your thoughtful donation of new markers and colored pencils to our high school classroom. Your kindness has brought a burst of color and creativity back into our learning space, and the students couldn't be more excited to dive into their projects with fresh supplies. The first project that we tackled was a reflective piece on Ray Bradbury's, \"Fahrenheit 451\". \r\n\r\nThese tools are more than just classroom items. They're instruments of expression, imagination, and engagement. Thanks to you, our students can explore ideas more vividly, collaborate more enthusiastically, and take pride in their work.\r\n\r\nYour support reminds us that community truly makes a difference in education. Thank you for investing in our students' growth and for helping us build a brighter, more colorful future.","fullyFundedDate":1746580050248,"projectUrl":"project/help-replenish-our-art-supplies/9079141/","projectTitle":"Help Replenish Our Art Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Waldo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1061582_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1535335639757","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-laitinen"},{"teacherId":9091404,"projectId":9037227,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support! My students and I have been using the fleece fabric you helped provide to make cozy, handmade blankets for babies in our local NICU. This project has been an incredibly meaningful way for students to learn about community service while practicing real-world skills like measuring and cutting. Each student selected a fabric pattern and carefully crafted their blanket. One especially touching moment was when the students paused after finishing a blanket and reflected on how something they made with their own hands could offer comfort to a newborn and their family during such a fragile time.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the piles of soft, colorful fleece fabric, their faces lit up with excitement and curiosity. Many of them ran their hands over the material, marveling at the textures and vibrant patterns. Some students immediately began brainstorming what kind of blanket they would make, while others were surprised and touched by the idea that they were creating something to give away to someone in need. It sparked wonderful conversations about kindness, empathy, and how small acts can make a big difference.\r\n\r\nWe still have more blankets to make but our next phase of the project will be writing reflective essays about the experience and learning more about the NICU and the families we're supporting. We're also planning to explore other ways we can serve our community through future projects. Your donation did more than just provide supplies — it inspired a sense of purpose and compassion in my students that will stay with them far beyond the classroom. Thank you again for making this special experience possible!","fullyFundedDate":1746582062093,"projectUrl":"project/service-learning-blankets-for-local-ni/9037227/","projectTitle":"Service Learning - Blankets for Local NICU Babies","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Harrington","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9091404_orig.jpg?crop=1583,1583,x0,y126&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1736348055781","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-gracie-harrington"},{"teacherId":1031327,"projectId":9550186,"letterContent":"Thank you for helping me update our classroom for the new school year. The curtains and rug add a lot of flair to the room. The students like the addition of the plants and throw pillows. We also appreciate the new bulletin board paper. Currently, the board is being used to display posters of students' depictions of the monster Grendel from the epic poem Beowulf. You have helped to make our classroom a cozy and inviting space for teen learners. Is has been a great start to the school year, and it is fun to watch students' faces brighten the first time they walk into the room.","fullyFundedDate":1755692485169,"projectUrl":"project/vibe-check/9550186/","projectTitle":"Vibe Check","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hollands","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1031327_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1452392642016","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/heather-hollands"},{"teacherId":1031327,"projectId":9289712,"letterContent":"I'm writing to express my gratitude for your generous support of my project. Thanks to you, I have received the new MacBook, and I am absolutely thrilled!\r\n\r\nAs a teacher of 25 years, I believe that staying passionate and relevant is key to connecting with my students. This laptop is so much more than a piece of technology; it's a tool that will allow me to continue my professional learning and bring new ideas and best practices directly into our classroom. We already have started a new school year, and I have participated in a full-day textbook training using the new laptop. I will continue to put it to good use!","fullyFundedDate":1746463317289,"projectUrl":"project/macbook-air-to-inspire-and-share/9289712/","projectTitle":"MacBook Air to Inspire and Share","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hollands","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1031327_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1452392642016","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/heather-hollands"},{"teacherId":3786279,"projectId":9305867,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom project! Because of your generosity, we now have additional whiteboard spaces that are already transforming the way my students learn.\r\n\r\nThese boards have allowed each group to work, share, and showcase their thinking at the same time. Instead of being limited to just two wall-mounted boards, students now move around the room, collaborate more freely, and make their math strategies visible. This has made our lessons more interactive, engaging, and hands-on.\r\n\r\nI can now quickly see what each group is working on, identify misconceptions, and celebrate their problem-solving in real time. The classroom feels more dynamic and collaborative than ever before.\r\n\r\nYour support has made math more accessible, visible, and exciting for my students. Thank you for believing in the power of active learning and for helping create a space where every student's ideas can shine.","fullyFundedDate":1746580050362,"projectUrl":"project/vertical-thinking-visible-learning/9305867/","projectTitle":"Vertical Thinking = Visible Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Henry","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3786279_orig.jpg?crop=201,201,x0,y8&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746113975329","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3786279"},{"teacherId":1031327,"projectId":9206498,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our Great Gatsby Centennial Celebration. It was a memorable event with students dressing in Roarin' 20s costumes and roasting and toasting their favorite characters. We had prizes for best roaster, best toaster, best foodie, best flapper, best gangster, and best costume. This was a fun activity to do on the last day of school, and we set the stage with Roaring 20s backdrops. We ate candy from the 1920s, students brought in other snacks, and we toasted with sparkling cider. Thank you for your support in making this event \"the bees' knees,\" especially on the 100th anniversary of the publishing of The Great Gatsby.","fullyFundedDate":1742862734373,"projectUrl":"project/a-great-gatsby-centennial-celebration/9206498/","projectTitle":"A Great Gatsby Centennial Celebration","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hollands","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1031327_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1452392642016","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/heather-hollands"},{"teacherId":9883355,"projectId":9019763,"letterContent":"When we were running low on calculators in my classroom, I could tell my students were getting tired of constantly sharing. But oh my goodness — I wish you could have seen their faces when the packages arrived and they realized we had brand-new calculators! Their smiles lit up the room, and the excitement was sky-high. You have no idea how many small arguments you've saved me from over who gets the calculator first.\r\n\r\nAnd the juice boxes — wow. My students were genuinely bummed when I told them I couldn't do Juice Jammer anymore, and their motivation for warm-ups dropped. As soon as I restocked thanks to you, they were right back into it, eager and engaged.\r\n\r\nI can't thank you enough for supporting my students in ways that truly make a difference every single day. You are amazing, and we are so, so grateful!","fullyFundedDate":1741374168694,"projectUrl":"project/crunching-numbers-and-sipping-success/9019763/","projectTitle":"Crunching Numbers and Sipping Success!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jess","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9883355_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1735267555640","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9883355"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_71128","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":477,"numTeachers":29,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":80,"percentIndigenous":2,"percentLatinx":5,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"16.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"RURAL","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_REMOTE"},"inStateSupporters":52.1,"schoolId":71128,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Gwinn Middle High School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Gwinn Middle High School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/michigan/gwinn-area-community-schools/gwinn-high-school/71128"}