{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"North Saginaw Charter Academy","outOfStateSupporters":56.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":5767716,"projectId":10515978,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project! The new reeds have ensured that our clarinet and saxophone students have the supplies they need to participate fully in rehearsals. Reeds wear out and break frequently (especially while beginning musicians are learning how to handle them) so having replacements readily available prevents students from missing valuable playing time.\r\n\r\nMy students were thrilled to see the new boxes of reeds and relieved to know that a broken or worn-out reed would no longer keep them from participating. One meaningful moment was being able to immediately give a student a new reed when theirs broke during class. Instead of sitting out, the student prepared the new reed, rejoined the band, and continued learning alongside their classmates.\r\n\r\nNext, our woodwind students will continue developing a clear, consistent tone while improving their note-reading and ensemble skills. They will use these reeds as we begin learning new concert music and prepare to perform together. Thank you for providing this essential resource and helping every student remain an active, confident member of our band!","fullyFundedDate":1787320548192,"projectUrl":"project/reed-all-about-it-keep-our-band-playing/10515978/","projectTitle":"Reed All About It: Keep Our Band Playing!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mueller","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5767716_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1692047662027","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5767716"},{"teacherId":5767716,"projectId":10241756,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting \"From Notes to Music: Band Literacy Essentials!\" With the Teachers Pay Teachers gift card, I was able to purchase a variety of engaging resources for both my beginning and advanced middle school bands. These materials support note reading, rhythm, instrument fingerings, music vocabulary, and other essential skills students need to become confident, independent musicians.\r\n\r\nMy students were excited to see the variety of new activities available to them. We have used the resources for whole-group instruction, individual practice, review activities, and extra support for students who need more time with a particular concept. One especially helpful benefit is that I can now provide materials at different skill levels, allowing beginning students to build a strong foundation while advanced students continue to strengthen their music literacy and take on more challenging work.\r\n\r\nThese resources have made it easier to reinforce important concepts beyond simply playing through our band music. As students continue using them, they will apply their growing note-reading and rhythm skills to new concert selections and become more confident during rehearsals. Thank you for giving our middle school musicians the tools they need to turn notes on a page into music together!","fullyFundedDate":1787320449374,"projectUrl":"project/from-notes-to-music-band-literacy-essen/10241756/","projectTitle":"From Notes to Music: Band Literacy Essentials","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mueller","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5767716_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1692047662027","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5767716"},{"teacherId":5767716,"projectId":10196011,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project! This colorful rug has created a welcoming, organized space where my young musicians can sing, move, play games, and learn together. Each student now has a clearly defined place to sit and participate, making transitions smoother and allowing us to spend more time actively making music.\r\n\r\nMy students were thrilled when they first saw the rug! They immediately noticed the bright colors and were excited to find their own spots. We have already used it for movement activities, rhythm games, singing circles, and lessons where students move to demonstrate musical concepts such as tempo, dynamics, and steady beat. It has been especially helpful for giving students the personal space they need to move safely while remaining part of the group.\r\n\r\nNext, students will continue using the rug as we explore musical patterns, creative movement, and classroom instruments. It will also serve as our gathering place for listening activities, stories, and group performances throughout the year. Thank you for giving my students a comfortable and engaging place to learn, create, and experience the joy of music together!","fullyFundedDate":1785771077030,"projectUrl":"project/step-into-music-with-a-movement-rug/10196011/","projectTitle":"Step Into Music With a Movement Rug!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mueller","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5767716_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1692047662027","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5767716"},{"teacherId":5767716,"projectId":10516057,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting \"The Little Things That Keep Our Band Playing.\" The reeds, cork grease, slide oil, ligatures, and cleaning supplies you provided are already making a meaningful difference in our band room. My students can now properly maintain their instruments, replace worn-out essentials, and spend more class time making music instead of worrying about whether they have the supplies they need. They were excited to see the new materials and especially proud to learn how to use them responsibly.\r\n\r\nThese resources have also created valuable hands-on learning opportunities. Students are learning that being a musician includes caring for their instrument, preparing it correctly, and recognizing when something needs attention. One especially rewarding moment was watching students help one another apply cork grease, check reeds, and prepare their instruments so everyone could participate successfully.\r\n\r\nNext, our beginning band students will continue developing a clear tone and learning their first notes, while our returning musicians build toward more challenging ensemble music. Because of your generosity, every student has a better opportunity to participate, grow in confidence, and experience the joy of performing as part of a band. Thank you for helping us keep our instruments and our young musicians playing!","fullyFundedDate":1787320662713,"projectUrl":"project/the-little-things-that-keep-our-band-pla/10516057/","projectTitle":"The Little Things That Keep Our Band Playing","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mueller","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5767716_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1692047662027","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5767716"},{"teacherId":5767716,"projectId":9921589,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, Strong Reeds for Strong Musicians. Because of your generosity, my students now have access to quality reeds that allow them to produce a clear and consistent sound every day in class. This has made an immediate difference in our rehearsals. Students are able to focus on tone, articulation, and musicality instead of struggling just to get a sound out of their instrument.\r\nOne of the most powerful moments came during our first full rehearsal using the new reeds. Students who had previously struggled with squeaks, airy tones, or inconsistent sound were suddenly able to play with confidence. I watched students sit up taller, play louder, and take more pride in their sound. It completely changed the energy in the room. Instead of frustration, there was excitement and that shift has carried into every rehearsal since.\r\nLooking ahead, we are continuing to build on these improvements as we prepare more challenging music for performance. With reliable equipment, my students can now focus on blending as an ensemble, improving intonation, and developing stronger musicianship skills. Your support has given them the tools they need not just to play but to truly grow as musicians.\r\nThank you for making this possible and for investing in my students' success.","fullyFundedDate":1776442516530,"projectUrl":"project/strong-reeds-for-strong-musicians/9921589/","projectTitle":"Strong Reeds for Strong Musicians","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mueller","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5767716_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1692047662027","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5767716"},{"teacherId":5767716,"projectId":10157248,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, my students are experiencing music in a whole new way through books. These texts are helping us build both musical understanding and reading skills at the same time. As we read together, students are practicing fluency, expression, and comprehension while also learning important musical concepts like rhythm, tempo, and storytelling through sound. They are making connections between what they see on the page and what they hear and perform in music, which has deepened their overall understanding in both areas.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom is active, engaging, and often musical. Students might echo read, follow along with expressive storytelling, or even add instruments and movement to bring a story to life. We pause to discuss vocabulary, make predictions, and connect the story to musical elements we are learning. These books have given my students a chance to participate in reading in a way that feels fun, inclusive, and meaningful—especially for those who may not always feel confident during traditional reading time.\r\n\r\nI have already seen students light up with excitement when it is time to read and make music together. Some of my quieter students have found confidence through participating in group reading and musical activities, while others are eager to volunteer, share ideas, and lead. Your support has created opportunities for creativity, growth, and joy in our classroom, and I am so grateful for the impact you have made on my students' learning.","fullyFundedDate":1773868797024,"projectUrl":"project/music-through-books-building-readers-an/10157248/","projectTitle":"Music Through Books: Building Readers and Musicians","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mueller","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5767716_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1692047662027","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5767716"},{"teacherId":5767716,"projectId":10012634,"letterContent":"Dear donors,\r\n\r\nThank you so much for supporting our project, \"Every Musician Needs a Pencil.\" Because of you, my students now have the simple, everyday tool that makes a huge difference in music class: a pencil ready to go when learning starts. We use them constantly for circling rhythms, marking repeats, labeling musical form, writing in note names, tracking fingerings, and making quick reflections in our music journals. It's such a small thing, but it removes a big barrier where students can stay engaged instead of losing time searching, borrowing, or trying to remember what they learned without being able to mark it down.\r\n\r\nWhen the pencils arrived, my students were genuinely excited (and a little surprised!) that someone they've never met would care enough to help our music room. A few of them said things like, \"So we all get one?\" and \"Now I can actually write on my music!\" That moment mattered, my kids felt noticed and supported, and it set the tone that music class is important and worth investing in.\r\n\r\nNext, we're using these pencils as we build stronger musicianship skills: reading rhythms more independently, learning how to \"track the score,\" and making smart edits as we practice. My students are currently working on improving accuracy and confidence so we're using pencils to annotate and problem-solve in real time (not just guess and hope). Your generosity is helping my students build responsibility, independence, and pride in their work, and I'm so grateful you chose to be part of their musical growth.","fullyFundedDate":1770818450110,"projectUrl":"project/every-musician-needs-a-pencil/10012634/","projectTitle":"Every Musician Needs a Pencil","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mueller","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5767716_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1692047662027","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5767716"},{"teacherId":5767716,"projectId":9870266,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, my band students are now able to play with confidence, consistency, and pride every single day. The new reeds are being used immediately in daily rehearsals and small group practice, allowing students to focus on tone quality, articulation, and musical expression instead of struggling with worn out or broken equipment.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the new reeds, their excitement was instant. Many of them carefully examined the packaging, eager to choose one and test it out right away. Several students commented on how much easier it felt to produce a sound, and the improvement in tone was noticeable almost immediately. For some students, this was the first time they had access to a brand new reed of their own, something that made them feel valued and supported as musicians.\r\n\r\nThese reeds have already made a meaningful difference in our rehearsals. Students are more willing to participate, take risks, and push themselves musically because they are not worried about their equipment holding them back. As we continue our current unit, students will use these reeds to refine their ensemble skills, prepare performance music, and build the foundational habits needed for long term success in band.\r\n\r\nThank you for giving my students the tools they need to sound their best and feel proud of their progress. Your support removes barriers and allows our classroom to focus on music, growth, and joy.","fullyFundedDate":1765605116510,"projectUrl":"project/reed-all-about-it/9870266/","projectTitle":"\"Reed\" All About It!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mueller","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5767716_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1692047662027","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5767716"},{"teacherId":825610,"projectId":9558647,"letterContent":"Time has flown by and I realized I am late on this post. Our Slush Machine arrived and is gearing up for action soon! Math Awards and Behavior Awards will be made even sweeter with our Ninja being put into action! \r\nStudents are doing their best to earn a spot in line for a treat during lunch. I purchased a carrier bag for the Ninja. It will keep it safe, clean, and ready to appear at so many exciting events! \r\nYour generous support of our classroom and projects allows us to enjoy things we would not otherwise have had. It means so much to know that donors want to help us. We appreciate you!","fullyFundedDate":1757538723721,"projectUrl":"project/ice-ice-baby-celebration/9558647/","projectTitle":"Ice, Ice Baby Celebration!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. McDonnell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp825610_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1522387892144","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsmcd-6"},{"teacherId":5767716,"projectId":9550677,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous donations, our youngest music students have been joyfully exploring rhythm, teamwork, and creativity with our brand-new classroom parachutes. The moment they saw the bright colors unfold, their eyes lit up and the room filled with excitement. We immediately jumped into one of their favorite songs, \"Jelly on the Plate,\" and the giggles and laughter were contagious. Students took turns creating waves, bouncing \"Jellies,\" and moving the parachute to the beat — all while strengthening listening skills and learning to work together.\r\n\r\nThese parachutes have quickly become a favorite part of our music lessons. We use them to explore tempo, dynamics, and form in songs. For example, students lift the parachute high when the music grows louder and bring it low when the music softens. They love discovering how their movements can match what they hear, turning abstract musical concepts into something they can see and feel. It has made our lessons more interactive and memorable, especially for our Young 5s and kindergarten students.\r\n\r\nAs we move forward, students will continue using the parachutes in our rhythm and movement units and in creative music games that build cooperation and coordination. The parachutes have brought new energy and joy to our classroom and remind us that music is something we experience with our whole selves — ears, hands, and hearts. Thank you for helping us make learning come alive for every child who walks through our music room.","fullyFundedDate":1760693594722,"projectUrl":"project/music-movement-with-a-giant-parachute/9550677/","projectTitle":"Music & Movement With a Giant Parachute","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mueller","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5767716_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1692047662027","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5767716"},{"teacherId":5767716,"projectId":9575538,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous donations, our middle school band students now each have their own stick bags — and it has made such a difference in our classroom!\r\n\r\nWhen the boxes arrived, the students were so excited to see the new gear. Several immediately started organizing their drumsticks, mallets, and brushes, proudly zipping up their new bags like professionals. One student even said, \"Now we look like a real drumline!\"\r\n\r\nWe've already put the stick bags to great use during our percussion sectionals and full band rehearsals. Having their own storage means students can keep their materials organized and ready to go, which has saved us valuable time during transitions. It's also teaching them responsibility — no more misplaced sticks or sharing between classes!\r\n\r\nRight now, our percussionists are preparing for the Winter Concert, and they're taking so much pride in their performance setup. The confidence these simple bags have given them shows in how they play — focused, prepared, and proud of their equipment.\r\n\r\nYour support helped create that moment. Thank you for believing in my students and helping them look and feel like musicians.","fullyFundedDate":1760693543642,"projectUrl":"project/stick-with-it-bags-to-keep-our-percussi/9575538/","projectTitle":"Stick With It! Bags to Keep Our Percussionists Organized","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mueller","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5767716_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1692047662027","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5767716"},{"teacherId":825610,"projectId":9176287,"letterContent":"Time flies when we're having fun! The students returned and, as expected, they brought their germs along. No worries! I unpacked your generous donation of hand sanitizer... today! \r\nWe use it to start the day before breakfast. We use it after lunch since we eat in our classrooms. And, of course, it's readily available for sneezes and runny noses. \r\nWe are so appreciative of having this on hand to help us eradicate germs! \r\nHoping you are feeling great and not suffering during this season of sneezin'!","fullyFundedDate":1748813334949,"projectUrl":"project/high-five-with-confidence/9176287/","projectTitle":"High Five with Confidence!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. McDonnell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp825610_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1522387892144","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsmcd-6"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_68904","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":692,"numTeachers":29,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":58,"percentWhite":9,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":18,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":13,"gradesServed":"K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"23.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":43.8,"schoolId":68904,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about North Saginaw Charter Academy on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"North Saginaw Charter Academy","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/michigan/michigan-department-of-education/north-saginaw-charter-academy/68904"}