{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Riverside Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":27.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9701589,"projectId":8694756,"letterContent":"I was able to purchase a class set of the most beautiful atlas books. The geography books that we are using are almost 30 years old and have major current events missing. This has always been a challenge for my teaching partners and I as we could not rely on the validity of the book. Once we received this grant, my teaching partners and I went to work incorporating the new maps. \r\n\r\nMy students were excited to analyze, interpret and understand the value of an Atlas. They learned that reading maps is very similar to reading a book. There are rules, patterns and some are more difficult to understand than others. The vibrant colors, updated data and current publication date has made a huge impact of how I teach my students in Billings , Montana","fullyFundedDate":1726237161100,"projectUrl":"project/atlases-to-realistically-support-readin/8694756/","projectTitle":"Atlases to Realistically Support Reading","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Welch","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9701589_orig.jpg?crop=460,460,x0,y116&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1764822176429","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9701589"},{"teacherId":10227355,"projectId":9711541,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my students are now fully immersed in our new \"Hands-On Minds-On: Sensory STEM Stations.\" The moment we opened the boxes, the energy in the room shifted—students who are usually hesitant to engage were the first to kneel down on the floor, explore, sort, build, test, and ask questions. Within minutes, groups were experimenting with magnetic fields, force-and-motion challenges, and sensory-based engineering tasks. These stations have become the heartbeat of our Physical Science classroom, allowing every learner to interact with complex concepts in concrete, meaningful ways.\r\nOne of my favorite moments happened during a station on magnetism. A student who typically struggles with traditional assignments suddenly lit up after making a discovery with one of the magnetic manipulatives. He called across the room, \"I finally get how this works!\" That single moment captured exactly why these materials matter—they open doors for students who need to touch, move, and experiment to understand the world around them.\r\nAs we move deeper into our STEM units, these stations will continue to support inquiry-based learning, group collaboration, and problem-solving. Students are already planning mini-investigations using the materials, and we'll soon transition into student-designed challenges where they'll test hypotheses, explore patterns, and apply scientific reasoning in hands-on ways. Your contribution didn't just fund classroom supplies—it expanded what learning feels like for my students, and it will continue to shape their confidence and curiosity all year long.\r\nThank you for investing in my classroom and in the potential of every student who walks through my door. Your support has made a lasting difference.","fullyFundedDate":1759166441021,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-minds-on-sensory-stem-stations/9711541/","projectTitle":"Hands-On Minds-On: Sensory STEM Stations","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. McIntosh","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10227355_orig.jpg?crop=1440,1440,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1763664384660","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10227355"},{"teacherId":9720652,"projectId":8725576,"letterContent":"This resource has been so valuable for my students! They love coming to my room to do their work on the exercise bike! It has helped students who need to move, are neurodivergent, as well as students who just need a short break. \r\n\r\nMy students were so excited to see the bike! Their faces lit up, and they all wanted to be the first to ride it. In addition to its use for students' reading, we have also used time on the bike as an incentive for students who are on a behavior plan. It has been amazing!","fullyFundedDate":1725249524224,"projectUrl":"project/energize-learning-exercise-bikes-for-ac/8725576/","projectTitle":"Energize Learning: Exercise Bikes for Active Reading","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lee","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9720652_orig.jpg?crop=2143,2143,x0,y121&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1725052839882","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9720652"},{"teacherId":1259219,"projectId":8688343,"letterContent":"The Books & Belonging project fosters inclusive, student-centered reading communities where all middle school students feel represented, valued, and inspired. By expanding access to diverse books and creating a welcoming library space, this initiative strengthens literacy, social-emotional learning, and a sense of belonging.\r\n\r\nA core impact of this project is providing students with literature that reflects their identities and experiences. Many middle schoolers struggle to find books that resonate with them, particularly those from historically marginalized backgrounds or with neurodivergent traits. By incorporating books that showcase diverse voices, Books & Belonging ensures every student can see themselves in stories, fostering a deeper connection to reading. Research shows that representation in literature boosts engagement, empathy, and academic achievement, making these books a powerful tool for student success.\r\n\r\nBeyond books, the project enhances the library environment through interactive displays, comfortable reading spaces, and motivational tools such as stickers and incentives. A warm, engaging library encourages students to explore literature, participate in discussions, and share reading experiences with peers. These elements help shift libraries from quiet study spaces to vibrant hubs of learning, collaboration, and personal growth.\r\n\r\nUltimately, Books & Belonging transforms reading into a communal and empowering experience. By fostering inclusivity, representation, and a love for literature, the project helps middle school students develop lifelong reading habits, build empathy, and feel a stronger connection to their school community.","fullyFundedDate":1724505238625,"projectUrl":"project/books-belonging-creating-inclusive-re/8688343/","projectTitle":"Books & Belonging: Creating Inclusive Reading Communities in Middle Schools","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Woodard","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1259219_orig.png?crop=403,404,x0,y63&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1555009299255","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1259219"},{"teacherId":9387986,"projectId":8821922,"letterContent":"My students enjoyed the first activity we did from the activity booklets we received. It was fun to see them work together to uncover details from the past and become history detectives. Students are often disengaged when it comes to social studies and history, but when they are able to do hands-on activities like this it helps keep them involved and engaged.\r\n\r\nMy students often use their Chromebooks to complete work at school, especially since Covid times. It is so nice to be able to give them an alternative every once in a while. I am so excited to use these activities more often. I am very grateful for your support for my students and my classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1733180323765,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-history/8821922/","projectTitle":"\"Hands-On History\"","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Groshans","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9387986"},{"teacherId":9674123,"projectId":8659800,"letterContent":"My students are doing well with having more options in the classroom. They utilize the calming lights the most. Depending on the day, natural light is also used. The soothing lights are one way the students are supported.\r\n\r\nThe decals and stickers for the classroom are great. The students designed and put them on the walls and doors, even adding positive statements to some.\r\n\r\nThe students seek support at the teaching tables. It is excellent that they can stand or sit, which supports some of their needs to move.\r\n\r\nYour support is so appreciated. All items will remain in the classroom for the BASE program!\r\n\r\nSincerely,\r\nSusan Vite","fullyFundedDate":1723836767920,"projectUrl":"project/behavior-and-social-emotional-classroom/8659800/","projectTitle":"Behavior and Social Emotional Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Vité","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9674123"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_78796","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":460,"numTeachers":39,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":2,"percentWhite":55,"percentIndigenous":17,"percentLatinx":15,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"11.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":72.8,"schoolId":78796,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Riverside Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Riverside Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/montana/billings-school-district-2/riverside-middle-school/78796"}