{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Riverside Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":28.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10227355,"projectId":9910737,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support of Thermal Sparks: Tools to Bring Amplify Science Alive. Because of you, our students are experiencing science in powerful, hands-on ways that spark curiosity, deepen understanding, and build confidence.\r\n\r\nYour contribution is helping bring Amplify Science lessons to life through engaging tools and materials that allow students to explore real-world concepts, ask meaningful questions, and think like scientists. From investigating thermal energy to collaborating on experiments, our learners are developing critical thinking skills that will serve them far beyond the classroom.\r\n\r\nWe are truly grateful for your partnership in creating equitable, engaging learning experiences. Your support makes a lasting difference for our students and our school community.\r\n\r\nThank you again for investing in education and inspiring the next generation of scientists.","fullyFundedDate":1769177108324,"projectUrl":"project/thermal-sparks-tools-to-bring-amplify-s/9910737/","projectTitle":"Thermal Sparks: Tools to Bring Amplify Science Alive","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":10227355,"projectId":9910565,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, \"Launch, Race, Collide: Hands-On Physics With Hot Wheels.\" Because of your generosity, my students were able to explore physics in a way that was engaging, memorable, and truly hands-on.\r\n\r\nWith the Hot Wheels tracks and cars you provided, students didn't just learn about forces, motion, speed, and collisions — they experienced them. They designed ramps, tested different launch angles, measured distances, timed races, and analyzed crashes. What could have been abstract concepts suddenly became real as students observed cause and effect right in front of them.\r\n\r\nThe excitement in our classroom was contagious. Students who are usually hesitant to participate were eager to experiment, collaborate, and share their discoveries. They practiced critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork while building confidence in STEM skills. Best of all, learning felt like play — and that made a lasting impact.\r\nYour kindness helped transform our classroom into a mini physics lab where curiosity led the way. Thank you for investing in my students and helping them see that science is something they can touch, test, and understand.\r\nWe are incredibly grateful for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1767202509053,"projectUrl":"project/launch-race-collide-hands-on-physics/9910565/","projectTitle":"Launch, Race, Collide: Hands-On Physics With Hot Wheels","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":10227355,"projectId":9970107,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, my 8th grade students at Riverside Middle School are exploring the universe in ways they never imagined possible. When the telescopes arrived, students were immediately excited—many couldn't wait to open the boxes and start investigating. Using these new telescopes we've been able to dive into hands-on activities like modeling planetary motion, analyzing images of galaxies, and discussing how light travels across space. For many of my students, especially our English Language Learners and special education students, these visual and interactive tools have made abstract space concepts feel real and accessible.\r\n\r\nI've already seen a noticeable increase in curiosity, engagement, and confidence. Students are asking deeper questions, collaborating during investigations, and making connections between classroom learning and the world beyond Earth. One student shared that this was the first time science felt \"fun and understandable,\" which truly captures the impact of your support.\r\n\r\nNext, students will use these materials as we move into lessons on stars, energy transfer, and the life cycle of the universe. They'll apply what they've learned through group projects and presentations, building both scientific knowledge and communication skills. Because of you, my students are not just learning about space—they're beginning to see themselves as explorers and scientists. Thank you for opening their eyes to the universe and helping make learning meaningful.","fullyFundedDate":1766444252262,"projectUrl":"project/from-curiosity-to-cosmos-opening-our-ey/9970107/","projectTitle":"From Curiosity to Cosmos: Opening Our Eyes to the Universe","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":10227355,"projectId":9945354,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my students now have access to snacks and hygiene supplies that help them feel comfortable, cared for, and ready to learn. From the moment the materials arrived, students were excited and grateful—many quietly said \"thank you,\" while others shared how much it helped them get through the day. Having these resources available has already made a noticeable difference in focus, behavior, and participation during our 8th grade physical science lessons.\r\n\r\nWe use these supplies daily to support learning during labs, group work, and class discussions. Students are more engaged during hands-on investigations, from exploring chemical reactions to modeling energy transfer. Something as simple as clean hands and a snack has helped create a calmer, more welcoming classroom environment where students—especially our English Language Learners and special education students—feel supported and ready to take academic risks.\r\n\r\nNext, my students will continue applying their energy and focus toward upcoming science experiments and collaborative projects. Because of you, they can concentrate on learning instead of hunger or discomfort. Your kindness has helped build confidence, curiosity, and a sense of belonging in our classroom. Thank you for making such a meaningful impact on our Riverside Middle School scientists.","fullyFundedDate":1766967882643,"projectUrl":"project/clean-hands-full-minds/9945354/","projectTitle":"Clean Hands, Full Minds","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":10227355,"projectId":9910169,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, my students are learning about magnetism in a way that is tangible, exciting, and genuinely memorable. We are using the magnetic STEM materials daily during our \"Attraction in Action\" unit to explore magnetic forces, poles, and fields through hands-on investigations. One standout moment was watching students test different materials and eagerly debate whether an object would be attracted or repelled—cheering when their predictions were confirmed and immediately revising them when they weren't. These tools turned abstract science concepts into something they could see, feel, and experiment with in real time.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, the excitement was immediate. Students crowded around the bins, asking questions before I could even finish unpacking. Several students who are usually quiet or hesitant jumped right in, volunteering to demonstrate experiments and explain what they noticed to their peers. The magnets sparked curiosity, collaboration, and confidence—especially for students who don't always see themselves as \"science kids.\"\r\n\r\nNext, students will build on these experiences by mapping magnetic fields, designing mini investigations, and connecting what they observe to real-world applications like electric motors and everyday technology. Because of you, my classroom feels more like a science lab—full of curiosity, discovery, and student-led learning. Thank you for giving my students the opportunity to experience science in such an engaging and meaningful way. Your support truly makes a lasting difference.","fullyFundedDate":1767202509402,"projectUrl":"project/attraction-in-action-magnetic-stem-for/9910169/","projectTitle":"Attraction in Action: Magnetic STEM for Middle School Scientists","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":5812027,"projectId":9878642,"letterContent":"Thank you for continuing to support my students here at Riverside Middle School! Your generous donations have given me a chance to provide wired headphones to each of my 6th grade science students. As required by our school, these help students avoid wireless headphones in class as they are not allowed. I was able to also have enough earbuds to hand out to new students who arrived to my classroom later in the school year. \r\nThe over the ear headphones have proven to be a quality reward for specific academic challenges that I have designed month-to-month in our classroom. Each month, I have been able to give five pairs away to the top five performers regarding an academic challenge set at the beginning of each month.\r\nYour contributions continue to matter and improve the quality of access to education for my students. Thank you all again for the continued support!","fullyFundedDate":1763569136835,"projectUrl":"project/ear-resistible-science-supporting-digit/9878642/","projectTitle":"Ear-Resistible Science! Supporting Digital Learning Tools","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Cox","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5812027_orig.jpg?crop=720,720,x111,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1661807049654","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5812027"},{"teacherId":5222021,"projectId":9947344,"letterContent":"Thank you for your support of Supporting Sensory Needs, One Fidget at a Time. Your generosity goes beyond a simple donation—it creates comfort, focus, and a sense of belonging for individuals who rely on sensory tools to thrive.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, students and individuals who face sensory challenges have access to resources that help them feel regulated, confident, and ready to learn. Your kindness makes a meaningful difference, one fidget at a time, and we are deeply grateful for your commitment to inclusion and understanding.\r\n\r\nThank you for being part of this important work and for helping us create environments where everyone can succeed","fullyFundedDate":1767202508603,"projectUrl":"project/supporting-sensory-needs-one-fidget-at/9947344/","projectTitle":"Supporting Sensory Needs, One Fidget at a Time","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Felchle","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5222021_orig.jpg?crop=1159,1159,x1441,y1270&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1764953808195","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/scott-felchle"},{"teacherId":10227355,"projectId":9910503,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, my classroom has become a more welcoming, comfortable, and confident learning space for my students. The supplies from this project are used every single day—students rely on them for note-taking, organizing their thinking, and expressing their ideas clearly. Having consistent access to these materials has removed small but meaningful barriers, allowing students to focus more on learning and less on what they might be missing.\r\n\r\nWhen the supplies first arrived, my students were genuinely excited. They immediately noticed the colors, the organization, and the sense that this classroom was prepared for them. Several students commented that it made the room feel more \"put together\" and calm. For some, simply having their own materials available boosted confidence and helped them feel more comfortable participating and taking academic risks.\r\n\r\nAs we continue through the school year, these supplies will support our ongoing lessons and projects across all content areas. Students are currently using them to organize scientific thinking, track learning goals, and collaborate more effectively. Your support has had a lasting impact—not just on our classroom environment, but on how my students show up each day as learners. Thank you for helping create a space where students feel supported, prepared, and confident.","fullyFundedDate":1764036908500,"projectUrl":"project/color-comfort-and-confidence-essentia/9910503/","projectTitle":"Color, Comfort, and Confidence: Essential Supplies for My Students","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":5222021,"projectId":9914089,"letterContent":"Thank you for the essential healthy snacks. The students have been actively engaged longer on their work. They have been raising their hands with questions, actively participating with classroom discussions, and working more with their peers in a small group setting. \r\n\r\nStudents have increased their engagement with academics and behavior problems have decreased. Peer interactions are continuing with positive reinforcements and the pride of the work is amazing. Thank you so much!\r\n\r\nThrough your generous donations, all my students are showing greater patience and resilience!","fullyFundedDate":1763996381461,"projectUrl":"project/essential-healthy-snacks/9914089/","projectTitle":"Essential Healthy Snacks","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Felchle","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5222021_orig.jpg?crop=1159,1159,x1441,y1270&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1764953808195","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/scott-felchle"},{"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"}],"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":71.6,"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"}