{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Theron L Swainston Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":54.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":4640859,"projectId":10009695,"letterContent":"Thank you for providing the funding so I could order headphones with microphones for all my students. Not only will my students be using them this school year, but students in future classes will be using them as well. With pending changes in our curriculum, I have learned we will be doing even more with audio tracks and having headphones (and not earbuds) in the classroom ready for any student to use will be such a huge benefit. I've already had several students use them and report they are comfortable to wear and effective in transmitting the audio from their Chromebook to their ears. Recently, a student needed to use these headphones to complete an assignment and she found them effective, comfortable, and easy to adjust. She asked to use them again and I left them out for her during an unexpected absence I experienced.\r\n\r\nAlso, with upcoming video lessons in our current curriculum, students will be able to listen to the audio within the video as they work to answer questions pertaining to the video. The multiple colors are also such a vibrant change from the plan black ones and now students can select from one of 5 beautiful colors to listen to their audio (and they all work equally well, but some student have a personal preference). These headphones will be used for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1768272936059,"projectUrl":"project/share-your-voice/10009695/","projectTitle":"Share Your Voice","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Smith","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4640859_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1502503945668","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/smithea"},{"teacherId":9360596,"projectId":9994357,"letterContent":"The new resources have truly transformed our classroom in ways that go beyond academics—they've helped build confidence, excitement, and a genuine love for reading. With the donated materials, my students are now able to engage in new and exciting ways. \r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the new materials, their reactions were immediate and heartfelt. Many of them don't have access to books and games at home, so simply being able to hold brand-new, high-interest novels was incredibly exciting. There were smiles, gasps, and even a few students who asked, \"Are these really for us?\" That moment alone made it clear how impactful your generosity has been.\r\n\r\nOne especially meaningful project we've started is our \"Identity Journals.\" Students use the journals to reflect on their experiences, set personal goals, and respond to prompts about resilience, empathy, and self-awareness. They use many of the SEL tools in the donation to help with that. \r\n\r\nAs we move forward, we are connecting our social-emotional learning work to our reading and writing curriculum. Our next step is a narrative writing project where students will craft personal stories that highlight a time they demonstrated perseverance or learned an important life lesson. They'll use their Identity Journals to brainstorm and reflect before drafting their stories. We also plan to incorporate peer feedback circles, where students practice giving kind, constructive responses—another important SEL skill.\r\n\r\nThank you for opening new doors for my students. Your support is helping them see themselves as readers, writers, and creators—and that is a gift that will last far beyond our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1768169480160,"projectUrl":"project/a-fun-safe-and-loving-environment-for/9994357/","projectTitle":"A Fun, Safe, and Loving Environment for All Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Corpuz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9360596"},{"teacherId":10406116,"projectId":10028106,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your support of our Yearbook Magic project! The lenses are making a huge impact on our ability to take quality photos at a distance. We have used the lenses for our sporting events and at a couple of assemblies and the difference in the quality of photos taken with the new lenses compared to the standard lens in significant. Our yearbook was just sent to the publisher for printing last Friday and we were able to utilize so many of the photos taken since the new lenses arrived in the book. I can't wait for the book to come in and have the students see the great photos the yearbook team took this year. \r\n\r\nWhen the lenses arrived, I had to teach the students how to use them. The students were used to the camera making focus adjustments for them. This was a real challenge for many of the students to learn how to handle making minute focus adjustments and knowing how to handle a more \"powerful\" camera. The students will continue to use the new lenses throughout the school year to perfect their skills.","fullyFundedDate":1768696236330,"projectUrl":"project/yearbook-magic/10028106/","projectTitle":"Yearbook Magic","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Saulski","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10406116"},{"teacherId":10406824,"projectId":10029486,"letterContent":"Thanks so much for supporting my project. \r\n\r\nThe kids are sitting in the reading nook every day. They read many of the books I have placed on the shelves due to these very contributions. Kids really seem to get a kick out of all the books, especially the graphic novels. Several of the graphic novels depict scenes from stories we have read in class, so it is very helpful to the students to visualize the various stories and the way that the authors have imagined it.\r\n\r\nI'm surprised how respectful kids are of the space. They realize they can only go in there if they are being constructive, using the time to read and learn, or take a test. They don't sit in there and cause any trouble. They realize it is a reward and incentive for them to do their best in class. \r\n\r\nThe beanbags are perfectly comfortable, and they can fit up to two students at a time when a lot of kids crowd in there. The books are right on the shelf next to the beanbags. The colorful rug has been very helpful too. Students can relax on it if there is not an open beanbag space. \r\n\r\nI noticed they do not eat in the space, sneak snacks, or leave trash in the area. They take ownership of the space, and are proud when other students from other classes want to come in and hang out in our room. I am very impressed with their respectful attitudes towards our reading nook and they are certainly doing more reading than I've seen before. \r\n\r\nI'm very glad I had the ambition to post my dream reading nook and get the support of you great patrons! \r\n\r\nI'm posting a picture of the reading space that I set up next to my desk. Unfortunately, students did not want me to post their pictures, for understandable reasons.\r\n\r\nOnce again, I am so very grateful for your support, and it is very thrilling to receive these awesome enhancements to the atmosphere of the once-plain room where I teach these awesome young people!\r\n\r\nThanks, \r\n\r\nWith gratitude, \r\nMr. Vance Mellen, \r\n\r\n7th Grade instructor.","fullyFundedDate":1768697350525,"projectUrl":"project/the-perfect-reading-nook-i-love-books/10029486/","projectTitle":"The Perfect Reading Nook = I Love Books!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Mellen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10406824"},{"teacherId":10402928,"projectId":10023022,"letterContent":"On behalf of everyone at Swainson Middle School, I would like to extend our sincere gratitude for your generous donation of key rings and shrinky dink paper. Your support plays a vital role in helping us continue to be able to try new materials we never would have been able to with the large class sizes.\r\n\r\nBecause of your contribution, we are able to use the shrinky dink paper to make art like the artist Chiluy and have it hang on a key ring immitating his chandeliers. Your generosity truly makes a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.\r\n\r\nWe are deeply grateful for your commitment and partnership. Thank you for believing in our work and for helping us create lasting impact in our community.","fullyFundedDate":1769177562860,"projectUrl":"project/ms-ruggieros-art-room/10023022/","projectTitle":"Ms. Ruggiero's Art Room","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ruggiero","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10402928"},{"teacherId":5620867,"projectId":9994794,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting middle school minds. Your generosity is making a difference in the lives of my middle school students. \r\nBecause of your support, we have sensory tools, such as fidgets and coping skill resources that help students build essential social-emotional skills. These tools provide students with health ways to cope, calm, focus and express emotions. \r\nThanks to you, the counseling space has become a safe and welcome environment where students can practice coping strategies. Your kindness is helping students grow academically, as well as emotionally, and I am truly grateful for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1768615213057,"projectUrl":"project/tools-for-focused-middle-school-minds/9994794/","projectTitle":"Tools for Focused Middle School Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Huibregtse","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5620867_orig.jpg?crop=274,274,x0,y30&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1595353122511","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5620867"},{"teacherId":8985891,"projectId":9992482,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our classroom calm center has become a meaningful, daily support for my middle school students. We are using the new resources intentionally during advisory, independent work time, and moments when students need help regulating their emotions so they can return to learning successfully.\r\n\r\nOne powerful moment stands out: during a particularly stressful afternoon, a student asked to use the calm center instead of leaving the room. They used the breathing cards, sensory tools, and reflection prompts to reset. A few minutes later, they rejoined the class focused and ready to participate. That moment alone showed how valuable these resources are—not just for calming down, but for building independence and emotional awareness.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the materials, their reaction was immediate and genuine. They were excited, curious, and relieved to see a space that acknowledged their feelings. Several students said things like, \"I wish we had this last year,\" and \"This makes school feel safer.\" They treat the calm center with care and respect, which speaks volumes about how much they value it.\r\n\r\nThanks to you, students are learning practical strategies for managing stress, frustration, and big emotions—skills that extend far beyond the classroom. Our next steps include teaching students how to independently choose tools that work best for them and connecting the calm center to ongoing lessons about self-regulation, goal-setting, and mindfulness. Over time, students are becoming more confident in recognizing when they need support and advocating for themselves.\r\n\r\nBy supporting this project, you didn't just donate materials—you helped create a space where students feel seen, supported, and empowered. Thank you for giving our students the tools they need to succeed academically and emotionally.","fullyFundedDate":1768087335711,"projectUrl":"project/calm-center-middle-school/9992482/","projectTitle":"Calm Center Middle School","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Frontczak","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8985891"},{"teacherId":8522378,"projectId":9475824,"letterContent":"My students are studying acrylic painting and one of the projects was to recreate another artist's work. We do this so that they can learn about color choices, brush strokes and basic composition. It is a process very similar to the apprentice work of old.\r\n\r\nThe materials provided allowed students to get color prints so they could examine the work closely and make the necessary discoveries with paint. Many discover the fun of painting where other struggle and get frustrated.\r\n\r\nAll of this is a process especially today with the importance of technology and how it has removed the need for hands-on work. \r\n\r\nI am grateful for the assistance provided through the generosity of Donors Choose.","fullyFundedDate":1754262532275,"projectUrl":"project/art-room-2025-26/9475824/","projectTitle":"Art Room 2025-26","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Scanlon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8522378_orig.jpg?crop=2320,2320,x0,y131&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1752785498150","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8522378"},{"teacherId":6211367,"projectId":9997207,"letterContent":"My goodness. My students LOVED making their Monsters! Not only theirs but the kindergartners also. \r\n\r\nThey (middle schoolers and kindergartners) drew a monster. Then the middle schoolers made them come 'alive' by sewing felt and felt pieces then stuffing them. They hand sewed and machine sewed. Great skills to have I real life. Adding details such as eyes, hair, moths and more made them stand out. \r\n\r\nThank you for your support and generous donation to make this come alive. They want to make more by using their own pattern.","fullyFundedDate":1768148899441,"projectUrl":"project/monster-sew/9997207/","projectTitle":"Monster Sew","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Clapp","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6211367_orig.jpg?crop=750,750,x0,y140&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1562356301768","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6211367"},{"teacherId":6557201,"projectId":10014981,"letterContent":"My students have already started using the new resources in our daily math lessons, and they have made a big difference in how engaged and focused they are. We use the materials during small group instruction, independent practice, and collaborative activities. Having the proper supplies allows students to fully participate without feeling left out or unprepared. It has created a more organized and supportive learning environment where students can concentrate on understanding math instead of worrying about what they are missing.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the materials, they were excited and grateful. Many of them immediately asked when we would get to use them, and their enthusiasm showed how much it meant to have tools that were just for their learning. For some students, this was their first time having new classroom supplies of their own, and it made them feel valued and included in the classroom community.\r\n\r\nThe next step for my students is to continue building their confidence and skills in 6th grade math, especially with problem solving, teamwork, and independent learning. These resources will support upcoming lessons, projects, and assessments by giving students the tools they need to stay organized, practice consistently, and show their understanding. Your generosity is directly helping my students feel prepared, motivated, and successful in math.","fullyFundedDate":1768506317289,"projectUrl":"project/tools-for-success-supporting-6th-grade/10014981/","projectTitle":"Tools for Success: Supporting 6th Grade Math Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Walton","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6557201_orig.jpg?crop=180,180,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768281958761","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6557201"},{"teacherId":315018,"projectId":5191817,"letterContent":"Online tools give students more flexible and personalized learning experiences Students were more engaged in their learning. My students were well equipped with the donations you made. Some students became more proficient with technology. Students were able to work on projects. Your donations helped to make learning more interactive, personalized, and accessible. Students were able to work on project together and thus their learning was enhanced and they learned to work with others cooperatively.\r\n\r\nThank you so much!","fullyFundedDate":1601223856641,"projectUrl":"project/teaching-with-tech/5191817/","projectTitle":"Teaching With Tech","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Spigel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/315018"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_59361","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1020,"numTeachers":42,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":3,"percentBlack":28,"percentWhite":7,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":50,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"24.3:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":45.7,"schoolId":59361,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Theron L Swainston Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Theron L Swainston Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/nevada/clark-county-school-district/theron-l-swainston-middle-school/59361"}