{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Barack and Michelle Obama Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":46.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":6210005,"projectId":9971653,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting the bracelet makers at my school. When the boxes arrived, the joy and excitement on my students' faces were incredible to witness. Asking them to wait while I took photos before they could begin was both hilarious and heartwarming—they were practically bursting with anticipation, ready to dive in the moment they got the go-ahead.\r\n\r\nOnce we opened everything, students eagerly helped sort and organize the beads so they could easily find colors and styles (and keep things manageable for everyone!). As soon as the materials were ready, their creativity took off. They made bracelet after bracelet, proudly sharing their designs and ideas, and then came back the next day ready to create even more.\r\n\r\nWe're also planning a celebration for the end of the third quarter, where arts and crafts will be an option. I know students will be thrilled to make bracelets for themselves, their friends, and even their teachers. Thank you for making this joyful, creative experience possible for our students—we are so grateful!","fullyFundedDate":1770907284638,"projectUrl":"project/bead-yond-the-mess-beads-and-storage/9971653/","projectTitle":"Bead-yond the Mess: Beads and Storage","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Orensten","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6210005_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y907&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755727738110","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/orenstenlibrary"},{"teacherId":6210005,"projectId":9767518,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting the readers in my school. Your generosity has made an immediate impact, and my students are absolutely devouring the new graphic novels and manga. Since we put them out, the shelves have hardly stayed full—series like Bleach and Fairy Tail are constantly in students' hands.\r\n\r\nOne of the most meaningful parts of your donation was the addition of single volumes that filled gaps in our existing manga collections. These missing pieces had left students waiting a long time to continue their favorite stories, and your support finally made it possible for them to do so.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, our library is a more exciting and complete space for young readers. You've helped spark enthusiasm, support literacy, and bring joy to so many students—thank you for making that difference!","fullyFundedDate":1770873067520,"projectUrl":"project/more-manga-please/9767518/","projectTitle":"More Manga Please!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Orensten","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6210005_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y907&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755727738110","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/orenstenlibrary"},{"teacherId":6210005,"projectId":10096971,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of LEGO materials to our library makerspace. Your support has made an immediate and meaningful impact on our students' learning environment.\r\n\r\nStudents have been experiencing a special kind of joy as they build and create without the use of technology. The simple act of working with bricks has sparked creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving in ways that are both engaging and refreshing. They've especially enjoyed working independently as well as tackling fun LEGO challenges together.\r\n\r\nBecause of your kindness, our makerspace has become an even more vibrant place for imagination and hands-on learning. We are truly grateful for your support in helping our students explore, create, and grow.\r\n\r\nSometimes the exact items we request aren't available—and this time, that turned out to be a wonderful surprise. I was able to substitute one set of LEGO bricks with the MindWare KEVA Contraptions wooden marble run kit, which has quickly become a favorite. The creativity and ingenuity students have shown while designing and building their contraptions have been truly incredible to witness. Their creations go far beyond what I imagined, and it's been exciting to watch their ideas come to life in such dynamic ways.\r\n\r\nThank you again for supporting my students through our school library makerspace giving all students fun and creative opportunities.","fullyFundedDate":1771109655658,"projectUrl":"project/lego-to-the-library/10096971/","projectTitle":"LEGO to the Library","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Orensten","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6210005_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y907&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755727738110","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/orenstenlibrary"},{"teacherId":6210005,"projectId":9617931,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for granting us the upgrade to our Cricut in the library makerspace. Adding the heat press has truly made all the difference. Students have been thrilled to expand what they can create, and the energy in our makerspace has grown right along with their creativity.\r\n\r\nWith the new equipment, students have been designing and pressing custom mugs for themselves and for their families. One especially meaningful moment stands out. A student who became sick at school was cared for so kindly by our school nurses. She immediately wanted to do something to thank them. Together, we designed and created personalized mugs just for them.\r\n\r\nI had the privilege of watching her present the mugs to the nurses. The joy in her eyes as she gave her gifts of gratitude was unforgettable. The nurses were deeply touched --- not just by the mugs themselves, but by the thoughtfulness and initiative of a student who wanted to say thank you in such a personal way.\r\n\r\nYour generosity made that moment possible. Because of you, our students are not only building creative skills but also learning how to use those skills to express kindness and appreciation. Thank you for supporting our makerspace and the meaningful experiences it brings to our students.","fullyFundedDate":1755726078095,"projectUrl":"project/operation-cricut-makerspace-overhaul/9617931/","projectTitle":"Operation Cricut Makerspace Overhaul","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Orensten","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6210005_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y907&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755727738110","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/orenstenlibrary"},{"teacherId":6210005,"projectId":9199506,"letterContent":"My students have been incredibly busy designing 3D projects, and I have been just as busy printing their creations! Thanks to your generous support of our filament refresh project, our 3D printers have been running nonstop, turning student ideas into reality.\r\n\r\nStudents have learned how to design and print using TinkerCAD, both during the school day and in extended learning time before school starts. They all started as complete beginners, and it has been amazing to watch their confidence grow as well as their projects.\r\n\r\nOur first projects were personalized keychains. While they may sound simple, these keychains taught important foundational skills. Students learned how to properly save their work by including their name, the project title, and their chosen print color. They practiced following detailed directions and learned to advocate for themselves by clearly communicating their preferences. (If they didn't specify a color, I chose one for them!) That small detail quickly motivated students to be crystal clear about their design choices.\r\n\r\nAfter mastering keychains, students moved on to designing holiday ornaments. Now, they are independently finding tutorial videos and teaching themselves how to create even more complex projects. They are exploring, experimenting, and problem-solving on their own.\r\n\r\nEvery time I receive an email with a newly created student project attached, I get so excited to see what they've designed. Your support has not only provided materials—it has sparked creativity, built confidence, strengthened communication skills, and empowered students to see themselves as designers and creators.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping bring their ideas to life! I have included photos of the materials only as most had their names on the project or I was so excited to bring the student their printed project --- I forgot to take photos first. Thank you again so very much for helping me provide this opportunity for my students. We are so very grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1750681729063,"projectUrl":"project/filament-color-refresh-for-student-desig/9199506/","projectTitle":"Filament Color Refresh for Student Designed 3D Prints","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Orensten","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6210005_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y907&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755727738110","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/orenstenlibrary"},{"teacherId":6210005,"projectId":9870647,"letterContent":"My students were SO excited when they opened the boxes of games. We talked about what Donors Choose is and why it's special for students and teachers. They were so thankful for your support.\r\n\r\nThe games have been huge successes. Currently Dumpster Dice, Abducktion, and Magnetic Chess are the top favorite games. The fits of giggles when students are playing Magnetic Chess when the magnets connect is hilarious to listen to, and truly is the sound of pure joy.\r\n\r\nThe origami paper has also be a welcome addition. Students have created things on their own, and I also know the origami books will be pulled from the library to give students new creation ideas. \r\n\r\nWe are so grateful to be able to add these wonderful materials to our makerspace. Thank you so much for your donation and support.","fullyFundedDate":1764855761658,"projectUrl":"project/stem-games-and-crafts-for-the-library-ma/9870647/","projectTitle":"STEM Games and Crafts for the Library Makerspace","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Orensten","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6210005_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y907&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755727738110","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/orenstenlibrary"},{"teacherId":6210005,"projectId":9349240,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to our school library. The step stool has been a game changer! Students can independently select the books that they want and our library circulation increased in our fiction section where the books were not accessible before. \r\n\r\nThe bookmarks were a huge a gift! The students love the bright cheerful bookmarks to hold their place in their book while they are reading. We have had to put them out slowly as they fly off the display case as soon as they are put out. Bookmarks truly add a level of joy to student reading.\r\n\r\nThe book label stickers have allowed us to update spine and barcode labels to process library books on our project cart. \r\n\r\nThank you again for your donation - supporting public education, public educators, and students! We truly appreciate your generousity.","fullyFundedDate":1762099588436,"projectUrl":"project/a-step-in-the-read-direction/9349240/","projectTitle":"A Step in the “Read” Direction","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Orensten","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6210005_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y907&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755727738110","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/orenstenlibrary"},{"teacherId":10169625,"projectId":9576466,"letterContent":"I cannot express enough gratitude for your contributions that helped our classroom flourish. Due to some shipping conflicts, we actually weren't able to start our school year off with some of the materials that we were hoping to have before our donor's choose was funded. This means that the materials from this fundraiser made up the majority of our classroom supplies for the first chunk of the year. We wouldn't have been able to make, discuss, and display art without the items that you helped us obtain!\r\nThe kids have been thrilled about class so far! They love to experiment with different mediums and are always asking me to display their art in the hallways- even their sketches! Some of them haven't had art class before, so we've been building skills and comfort from the ground up. Students have been familiarizing themselves with 2D mediums while getting used to our classroom environment. We will be transitioning to 3D mediums soon, and I'm so excited to see which kids take a shining to sculpture. Some of them have written thank you cards for you which are attached in the photo collection. Thank you so much for supporting our kids and giving them th","fullyFundedDate":1755195568195,"projectUrl":"project/newly-opening-art-room-lets-discover-t/9576466/","projectTitle":"Newly Opening Art Room- Let's Discover Through Making!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Eve","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10169625_orig.jpg?crop=2696,2697,x0,y179&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754946985362","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/estrasser"},{"teacherId":6210005,"projectId":9401852,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to support adding a 3D printer to our school library makerspace. My students have been so excited! Whenever they're in the library, they love watching through the printer's window to see what's being created next.\r\n\r\nThe 3D printer has already been put to great use - we've made prizes for our school's PBIS rewards, custom bookmarks for students, new signs for the library, and fun prints to brighten up our space.\r\n\r\nTwice a week, I run a before school program where students can spend two hours in the library exploring our makerspace. They use a variety of materials including card/board games, beads for bracelets, and now TinkerCAD to design their own 3D models. Recently, students have been creating personalized keychains with their names on them, and they've turned out beautifully! While I can't share photos since their names are included, I wish you could have seen their faces light up when they picked up their finished projects. They've been proudly showing them off to teachers, classmates, and families.\r\n\r\nI can't wait to see what else our students dream up, whether it's new designs for PBIS rewards or creative projects of their own. We are all truly grateful for your support. Thank you again for helping our students learn, create, and imagine in such meaningful ways.","fullyFundedDate":1750780680162,"projectUrl":"project/operation-library-makerspace-overhaul/9401852/","projectTitle":"Operation Library Makerspace Overhaul","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Orensten","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6210005_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y907&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755727738110","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/orenstenlibrary"},{"teacherId":6210005,"projectId":9118453,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping rebuild the makerspace at my new school! The students are absolutely loving the new materials. Otrio and Cinco Linko have quickly become favorite games. Both reimagine traditional two-player gameplay into exciting 2–4 player challenges that add new layers of strategy—students are working hard to outsmart me every time we play!\r\n\r\nThe Perler beads have also been a huge hit. Many students had never used them before, and both the fuse and snap varieties have become fast favorites for creative craft projects.\r\n\r\nMy students are so grateful for these resources to make bracelets, draw, and build connections through art and hands-on creativity. Thank you again for supporting our school library makerspace and helping create a fun, collaborative space where all students can learn and create together.","fullyFundedDate":1746844321322,"projectUrl":"project/project-makerspace-refresh/9118453/","projectTitle":"Project Makerspace Refresh","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Orensten","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6210005_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y907&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755727738110","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/orenstenlibrary"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_134237","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":null,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":null,"percentAsian":23,"percentBlack":19,"percentWhite":18,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":12,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":false,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Not specified","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"MDR District Record","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"UNCLASSIFIED","ncesMetroType":null},"inStateSupporters":53.5,"schoolId":134237,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Barack and Michelle Obama Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Barack and Michelle Obama Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/minnesota/saint-paul-public-schools/barack-and-michelle-obama-middle-school/134237"}