{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Morley - Stanwood Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":32.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":1039103,"projectId":9963634,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom library and helping us grow our graphic novel collection. One of the most exciting shifts in our classroom has been the arrival of the books that the students helped select themselves. The moment the books arrived, the excitement was immediate — students eagerly explored the new titles, shared recommendations with classmates, and several books now even have waiting lists. This sense of ownership has made a huge difference in engagement and motivation.\r\n\r\nThese texts introduce important reading skills such as making inferences, using visual clues to determine meaning, identifying character emotions and motivations, sequencing events, and strengthening comprehension through text-to-image connections. For many of my students, the graphics are essential for understanding what is happening in the story. The illustrations help clarify vocabulary, support struggling readers, and allow students to access deeper meaning than they could from text alone.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom looks calm, joyful, and purposeful. We've even started what the students call \"Starbucks Reading,\" where we read in soft voices while listening to gentle music, creating a relaxed and focused environment. Students often share their books with peers, discuss favorite scenes, and point out details in the illustrations that helped them understand the story better.\r\n\r\nSeveral students who previously struggled to stay engaged during reading time are now asking for extra time to read — some have literally begged to extend our reading block because they are so invested in their books. Seeing their confidence grow, watching them choose books independently, and hearing meaningful conversations about stories has been incredibly rewarding.\r\n\r\nYour generosity is helping our students build critical literacy skills while also rediscovering the joy of reading. Thank you for making such a positive impact on our classroom and our learners.","fullyFundedDate":1766956440877,"projectUrl":"project/graphic-novels-for-struggling-readers/9963634/","projectTitle":"Graphic Novels for Struggling Readers","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kangas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1039103_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1766983368607","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1039103"},{"teacherId":8270247,"projectId":9561900,"letterContent":"When our students returned to class and saw the new supplies—fresh whiteboard markers, Kleenex, hand sanitizer, deodorant, two sturdy pencil sharpeners, cleaning wipes, towels, stacks of paper, and a full set of clipboards—they lit up. Middle schoolers notice when their learning space feels cared for, and these items immediately made our classroom more comfortable and functional. The clipboards were especially exciting for students who love our flexible seating options; they can now sit on the floor, on cushions, or at our low tables while still having a solid surface for their work.\r\n\r\nWe've already put everything to use. The whiteboard markers have been a game-changer during small-group ELA lessons, especially when students come up to the board to model their thinking during annotation or discussion practice. The new pencil sharpeners have ended the usual morning \"pencil struggle,\" and the hygiene items—like tissues and deodorant—provide quiet support for students who need them. The towels and sanitizer wipes have helped us build a routine of taking pride in our shared space, with students volunteering to wipe down tables at the end of each class. The clipboards are now a favorite tool during reading sessions, writing practice, and partner discussions around the room.\r\n\r\nThese resources allow us to focus on what really matters: growing as readers and writers. Right now, students are strengthening their argumentative writing, and having reliable materials means fewer interruptions and more time deeply engaged in their work. Your generosity didn't just provide supplies—it created a smoother, calmer, and more supportive learning environment. Thank you for giving my students the tools they need to feel prepared, respected, and excited to learn each day.","fullyFundedDate":1763404630540,"projectUrl":"project/starting-off-strong/9561900/","projectTitle":"Starting Off Strong!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Coty","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8270247_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1720493717880","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-coty"},{"teacherId":8121365,"projectId":9371278,"letterContent":"In our classroom, reading is more than just a quiet activity; it's a shared experience. We read aloud together, pause to make predictions, discuss characters' choices, and connect the stories to our own lives. During independent reading, students spread out with their chosen books, jot down reflections, and share recommendations. The classroom feels alive with conversation and curiosity.\r\n\r\nSeveral students who once struggled to find books they enjoyed are now truly hooked. One student who rarely read during silent reading time now asks to borrow books to take home. Another has found a favorite author and is working through every title in the series. Watching their confidence and joy grow as readers has been one of the best parts of this project.\r\n\r\nYour support has made a lasting difference—not just in our library shelves, but in how my students see themselves as readers. Thank you for helping make that possible.","fullyFundedDate":1753027073892,"projectUrl":"project/everyone-deserves-a-story-building-a-di/9371278/","projectTitle":"Everyone Deserves a Story: Building a Diverse Classroom Library","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Mund","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8121365_orig.jpg?crop=595,595,x693,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1650377931795","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8121365"},{"teacherId":8270247,"projectId":9383985,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our students have been able to explore a richer, more diverse collection of books that better reflect the world around them. These new texts have opened the door to conversations about identity, culture, and perspective—skills that go far beyond reading comprehension. We've discussed how an author's background shapes their storytelling, how representation matters, and how literature helps us see both ourselves and others more clearly.\r\n\r\nIn our classroom, reading is an active, engaging experience. Students read independently, in small groups, and through guided discussions that connect the stories to their own lives. They're learning to analyze themes, question assumptions, and empathize with characters whose experiences may be very different from their own.\r\n\r\nOne student, in particular, has found a deep connection with The Only Black Girl. As the only Black girl in our class, she shared how meaningful it was to finally read a story that mirrored parts of her own experience. Watching her light up with that sense of recognition and pride reminded all of us just how powerful representation can be.\r\n\r\nYour donation didn't just provide books—it gave my students mirrors and windows: mirrors to see themselves, and windows to better understand others. Thank you for helping us build a more inclusive, thoughtful community of readers.","fullyFundedDate":1750612729506,"projectUrl":"project/reading-outside-the-box/9383985/","projectTitle":"Reading Outside the Box","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Coty","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8270247_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1720493717880","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-coty"},{"teacherId":8270247,"projectId":9148011,"letterContent":"Having a full class set of A Long Walk to Water completely transformed our reading unit. Before, we had to rely on excerpts or shared copies, which made it difficult for every student to fully engage with the story. Now, with each student having their own book, we've been able to dive deeper into the text, discuss it meaningfully, and make powerful cross-curricular connections.\r\n\r\nStudents have become much more invested in the reading — they annotate, share insights, and connect with Salva's story on a personal level. The themes of perseverance, hope, and empathy have sparked thoughtful discussions about global issues like access to clean water and the experiences of refugees.","fullyFundedDate":1746785902075,"projectUrl":"project/a-long-walk-to-reading/9148011/","projectTitle":"A Long Walk to Reading","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Coty","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8270247_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1720493717880","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-coty"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_65927","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":234,"numTeachers":18,"percentFrplEligible":94,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":90,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":4,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"13.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"RURAL","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_DISTANT"},"inStateSupporters":67.5,"schoolId":65927,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Morley - Stanwood Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Morley - Stanwood Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/michigan/morley-stanwood-community-school-district/morley-stanwood-middle-school/65927"}