Meridian Junior High School in Sanford, Michigan on DonorsChoose

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They're learning how to think critically instead of just summarize what happens.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom looks very interactive. Students are part of book clubs, where they read sections of their novel throughout the week and come prepared to discuss. Each week, they participate in Socratic seminars, where they lead conversations, ask thoughtful questions, and respond to each other's ideas. It's not teacher led, it's student driven, which has been really powerful to watch. They take ownership of their learning and genuinely care about what their peers think.\r\n\r\nSome students have really connected with these books in meaningful ways. Students reading Among the Hidden often relate to Luke's feeling of being hidden or not having a voice, which leads to really thoughtful discussions. The Giver has sparked a lot of curiosity and even frustration, in a good way, as students debate whether a \"perfect\" society is actually worth the cost. And Legend has been a favorite for many, especially students who love fast paced stories, because it pulls them in quickly and gets even reluctant readers excited to participate.\r\n\r\nOverall, these books have helped turn reading into something active and meaningful instead of just an assignment. Students are not only improving their reading skills, but also learning how to communicate, think deeply, and engage with big ideas, and that's been the most rewarding impact of all.","fullyFundedDate":1770263615183,"projectUrl":"project/differentiated-dystopian-book-clubs-for/10071050/","projectTitle":"Differentiated Dystopian Book Clubs for 8th Graders","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lundquist","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10422662"},{"teacherId":9976169,"projectId":9208696,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous contribution to our classroom! 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About this school

Meridian Junior High School is a rural public school in Sanford, Michigan that is part of Meridian Public School District. It serves 441 students in grades 5 - 8 with a student/teacher ratio of 18.4:1. Its teachers have had 4 projects funded on DonorsChoose.

Supporting this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Public School

Title 1

Grades 5 - 8

441 Students

24 Teachers

3475 N Meridian Rd

Sanford, MI 48657 View local requests

http://www.merps.org

Direct, proactive support

Empower teachers at Meridian Junior High School to request what their students need.

Give to this school

Ms. Vero, a DonorsChoose teacher for 9 years.

Kindergarten teacher at PS81 - Robert J. Christen School in Bronx, NY

Meridian Junior High School Teachers on DonorsChoose

Ms. Felker

Mrs. Lundquist

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Meridian Junior High School Demographics

66%

of students receive free or reduced price lunch

Source: the National Center for Education Statistics

of students are Black, Latino, Native American, or Asian

Schools in districts that mainly serve students of color receive substantially less state and local support than similar districts that serve primarily White students. Learn more about this gap, why it exists, and how you can help close it.

Meridian Junior High School Support on DonorsChoose Last updated May 13, 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.