{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Herbert Hoover Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":29.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9527216,"projectId":10321131,"letterContent":"This has been one of my most successful fund raising projects thanks to you. When I look at my adaptive supply carts I know that my students are set up for success. The assortment of adaptive tools, brain break activities, fidgets, clay, etc. will provide them with the complete art program they deserve. \r\nWe are most excited about all of the adaptive art tools that will allow my special ed students to more successfully attempt the projects that their Gen Ed peers are working on. Things like foam grippers that will allow my students with low fine motor skills to to hold a paintbrush and create a piece as opposed to paint slopping onto the paper as they struggle to control the brush. It feels like their world is about to open up as they now have new opportunities to express themselves in art, especially my non verbal students.\r\nNow that my cart is all just about set up I can not wait to roll it out and see their faces as they discover all of the new things. One of my students who I had last year already spotted the cart as I was filling it up with all of our new tools. It made me so happy how excited she got when she saw the cart out, but when she saw how many new things were on it she was giddy with excitement. This is going to be a great year because of it!","fullyFundedDate":1790954636975,"projectUrl":"project/continue-to-help-my-adaptive-art-student/10321131/","projectTitle":"Continue to Help My Adaptive Art Students!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wistuba","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9527216_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1749262169876","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mswistuba"},{"teacherId":5985079,"projectId":10473099,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for providing our art classroom with white acrylic paint markers! These markers have quickly become a favorite tool among my students because they allow them to add bright highlights, intricate details, patterns, and finishing touches to their artwork with much more control than traditional white paint.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the new markers, they were excited to try them immediately. They especially loved seeing how brightly the white showed up over darker colors and painted surfaces. Students quickly began experimenting with dots, lines, highlights, lettering, and decorative patterns. It was exciting to see them discover that a simple white mark could completely transform a piece of artwork.\r\n\r\nThe markers have been especially useful when students are adding the finishing details to their paintings and mixed-media projects. They can use the white paint markers to create highlights that make objects appear more dimensional, add contrast to dark areas, and incorporate decorative elements into their compositions. The precision of the markers also makes it easier for students to add small details without the mess or frustration that can sometimes come with using a paintbrush.\r\n\r\nAs we continue working on our current projects, students will use the white markers to refine their artwork and add those final details that make their pieces feel complete. They are learning that the finishing stage of an artwork is an important opportunity to evaluate their composition, make thoughtful choices, and add details that strengthen their overall design.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping provide my students with a tool that encourages experimentation and creativity. Your generosity has given our young artists another way to add their own personal touches to their artwork and has helped them discover how powerful a simple highlight or detail can be!","fullyFundedDate":1790951243385,"projectUrl":"project/white-acrylic-paint-markers/10473099/","projectTitle":"White Acrylic Paint Markers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Dressel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5985079_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1786498598286","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/missdressel"},{"teacherId":5985079,"projectId":10712091,"letterContent":"Dear Donors,\r\n\r\nThank you so much for providing snacks for our art classroom! Having snacks available has been a wonderful way to support my middle school students throughout the school day. Middle school students often arrive to class hungry, tired, or distracted, and having a small snack available can make a meaningful difference in their ability to settle in, participate, and focus on their artwork.\r\n\r\nThe snacks have been especially helpful on our early dismissal days when students do not receive lunch at school. By the time they arrive in art class, many students have gone several hours without a meal, and having a snack available gives them something to eat before they head home. These snacks have provided a simple but meaningful way for me to make sure my students feel supported, especially on days when their regular school-day routine is different.\r\n\r\nThe students were incredibly excited when they first saw the snacks arrive! They were especially appreciative of having a variety of options to choose from. Something as simple as being able to grab a snack has created moments where students feel cared for and supported in our classroom. It has also become a wonderful way to build positive relationships and create a welcoming classroom environment where students know that their needs matter.\r\n\r\nThe snacks have also been helpful during longer, hands-on art projects. When students are working through a challenging drawing, painting, or three-dimensional project, having a quick snack available can help them recharge and return their attention to their work. Rather than allowing hunger to become a distraction, students can take care of that immediate need and get back to creating.\r\n\r\nAs we continue our current art projects, students will be using the skills they have developed to complete, refine, and reflect on their artwork. My goal is always to create a classroom where students can focus on learning and creativity while feeling supported as individuals. Thank you for helping make our art room a welcoming place where students can create, learn, and feel cared for. Your generosity has made a difference far beyond the materials on our supply shelves—it has helped create a more supportive environment for my young artists.","fullyFundedDate":1791072912901,"projectUrl":"project/snacks-for-art-class/10712091/","projectTitle":"Snacks for Art Class","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Dressel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5985079_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1786498598286","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/missdressel"},{"teacherId":5985079,"projectId":10489935,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for providing our art classroom with liquid masking fluid! This resource has opened up new possibilities for my students as they explore watercolor painting and learn how artists can plan, layer, and build a painting over time. Students are using the masking fluid to protect areas of their paper, creating crisp lines, patterns, and highlights that remain bright even as they add layers of watercolor over them.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the masking fluid, they were fascinated by the idea that they could paint over an area and later reveal the untouched paper underneath. They were especially excited when they rubbed away the dried masking fluid and saw their bright lines and shapes appear. It created a wonderful \"reveal\" moment in the classroom and helped students understand how planning and patience can affect the final result.\r\n\r\nThe masking fluid has also encouraged students to experiment with techniques they may not have tried before. They are learning how to apply it carefully, allow it to dry completely, layer transparent watercolor washes, and then remove the masking fluid to reveal highlights and details. These steps require students to think ahead and make intentional artistic decisions rather than simply reacting to what they see on the paper.\r\n\r\nAs we continue our watercolor projects, students will use the masking fluid to refine their compositions and add contrast, highlights, and intricate details. They are learning that watercolor is not just about applying paint—it is also about planning, preserving areas of the paper, layering color, and discovering creative ways to control the medium. Thank you for helping make these hands-on learning experiences po","fullyFundedDate":1790951242807,"projectUrl":"project/liquid-masking-fluid/10489935/","projectTitle":"Liquid Masking Fluid","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Dressel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5985079_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1786498598286","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/missdressel"},{"teacherId":5985079,"projectId":10638959,"letterContent":"Dear Donors,\r\n\r\nThank you so much for supporting our art classroom with our new collection of scissors! These materials have already made a wonderful difference in the way my students approach hands-on art projects. The decorative scissors have been especially exciting because students can now experiment with zigzag, scalloped, wavy, and other patterned edges to add detail and interest to their artwork. They have enjoyed discovering how a simple change in the edge of a piece of paper can completely change the look of a design.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the carousel of scissors, they were immediately curious about all of the different patterns. They wanted to try each pair and see what kind of edges they could create. It has been exciting to watch students make creative choices about which scissors best fit their designs rather than simply using scissors as a tool for cutting paper.\r\n\r\nThe loop scissors have also been an important addition to our classroom. They provide additional support for my Special Education students who may have difficulty with the hand strength, coordination, or repeated squeezing required to operate traditional scissors. Being able to access an easier-to-use pair of scissors helps these students participate more independently in cutting, collage, paper sculpture, and mixed-media activities alongside their classmates.\r\n\r\nThe new storage caddy has made a difference as well. Students can easily see and select a pair of scissors from their table, while the upright design keeps the scissors organized with the points facing downward for safer classroom use. Students are also learning to take responsibility for returning materials to their proper place, which helps our classroom run more independently and efficiently.\r\n\r\nWe are continuing to use these scissors in our current hands-on projects, where students are combining cutting, layering, pattern, and design to create their artwork. Thank you for helping provide tools that encourage creativity while also making our art classroom safer, more organized, and accessible for all of our young artists. Your generosity has given my students more ways to create, experiment, and experience success!","fullyFundedDate":1790951243616,"projectUrl":"project/scissors-for-art-class/10638959/","projectTitle":"Scissors for Art Class","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Dressel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5985079_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1786498598286","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/missdressel"},{"teacherId":5985079,"projectId":10470285,"letterContent":"Dear Donors,\r\n\r\nThank you so much for supporting our art classroom with Chromacryl acrylic paint! These paints have already given my middle school artists exciting new opportunities to explore color, texture, layering, and painting techniques. Having a variety of colors available allows students to experiment with color mixing and make more intentional choices about the colors they use in their artwork.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the new paint, they were excited to get started and especially interested in mixing their own colors. One of my favorite moments has been watching students discover that they can create colors they do not have directly from the bottle. They have been experimenting with different combinations, adding lighter and darker values, and learning how the amount of paint and water they use can affect their results.\r\n\r\nThe new acrylic paint has also allowed me to provide more hands-on painting experiences without students having to share a limited selection of colors. Students are able to work more independently, try different techniques, and make changes to their artwork as they develop their ideas. This has created more opportunities for experimentation and problem-solving while helping students build confidence with a new artistic medium.\r\n\r\nAs we continue through our current projects, students will use these paints to develop their compositions, refine details, and add layers of color and value. They are learning that creating artwork is a process of experimentation, revision, and discovery. Thank you for helping make these experiences possible and for giving my students the opportunity to explore, create, and grow as young artists!","fullyFundedDate":1786542176277,"projectUrl":"project/acrylic-paints/10470285/","projectTitle":"Acrylic Paints","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Dressel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5985079_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1786498598286","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/missdressel"},{"teacherId":5985079,"projectId":10470309,"letterContent":"Dear Donors,\r\n\r\nThank you so much for providing our students with these alcohol markers! They have already become one of the most popular materials in our art classroom. My students immediately noticed the difference between these markers and the colored Sharpies we have used in the past. They especially love having a dual-tip marker, which gives them more options for creating both fine details and broader areas of color. The wide variety of colors has also made it easier for students to experiment with color, blending, shading, and creating more detailed artwork.\r\n\r\nOne of my favorite moments was seeing how excited students were when they first saw the markers and the zippered storage cases. Students were eager to look through all of the colors and immediately began organizing them by color family. They love being able to carry the case to their tables, select the colors they need, and return everything neatly when they are finished. This simple system has helped students become more independent and responsible with our art materials.\r\n\r\nWe are currently using the markers for illustration and color projects that allow students to practice layering, blending, and creating value. As they continue working, students are learning how to make thoughtful choices about color and how different techniques can change the appearance of their artwork. They are excited to continue using the markers in upcoming projects where they can combine drawing, color theory, and creative expression.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping us bring new possibilities into our art classroom. Your generosity has given our students materials they genuinely enjoy using while helping them build artistic skills, confidence, and independence. We are so grateful for your support of our young artists!","fullyFundedDate":1786542186422,"projectUrl":"project/alcohol-markers/10470309/","projectTitle":"Alcohol Markers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Dressel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5985079_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1786498598286","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/missdressel"},{"teacherId":5985079,"projectId":10023397,"letterContent":"The Crayola Model Magic has already made a wonderful impact in our art classroom! Having this versatile, lightweight sculpting material available has given students an exciting opportunity to explore three-dimensional art, experiment with texture and form, and bring their creative ideas to life. Students have been able to work with the material in a way that encourages experimentation, problem-solving, and creative expression.\r\n\r\nHaving enough materials for students to actively participate has also helped create a more inclusive and engaging art experience. Students can work at their own pace while developing fine motor skills, spatial awareness, and confidence in their ability to create. The Model Magic has quickly become a favorite material in our classroom, and we are so grateful to our donors for making these creative experiences possible.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping provide our students with meaningful opportunities to create, explore, and grow as artists!","fullyFundedDate":1778001103333,"projectUrl":"project/crayola-model-magic/10023397/","projectTitle":"Crayola Model Magic","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Dressel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5985079_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1786498598286","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/missdressel"},{"teacherId":5985079,"projectId":10242840,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supplying a drying rack for my classroom that can be used for the art club students. It's going to be so useful when students need to store their artwork between club meets and keep their work separated from the students who have art class. \r\nThe drying rack is so useful to store their artwork between students drawings, paintings, canvases, wet and dry art projects. The students are excited to have their own dedicated space to keep their projects safe and organized from week to week. Thank you for supporting the art program at our school.","fullyFundedDate":1777983073445,"projectUrl":"project/drying-rack/10242840/","projectTitle":"Drying Rack","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Dressel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5985079_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1786498598286","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/missdressel"},{"teacherId":5985079,"projectId":10049961,"letterContent":"I've never heard \"this is my favorite class\" so many times. They were so pumped to find cute patches for their hats, helping each other look for the letters they needed. \r\n\r\nIt has been so cold this winter. The students aren't wearing gloves when they go outside, but now they are! We aren't supposed to wear hats inside, but they are so proud and want to show them off.\r\n\r\n We learned how to use iron on patches to customize our gear and they watched me and then they learned to do it themselves and be safe with the heat press. I wish I could show more of the designs but a lot of them did their names, initials, and nick names. They are absolutely creative and adorable. Thanks for bringing this experience and excitement to my classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1769543635812,"projectUrl":"project/personalized-hats-gloves-and-scarves-w/10049961/","projectTitle":"Personalized Hats, Gloves, and Scarves With Iron-on Patches","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Dressel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5985079_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1786498598286","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/missdressel"},{"teacherId":5985079,"projectId":10023038,"letterContent":"Advisory is so much better with snacks! We just had our first day of the new semester and the students were THRILLED to bits over the fact that I had snacks to offer. They are really excited to continue to come to advisory period now. Some of the students were feeling anxious and scared because they didn't know what advisory was going to be like, and they are now looking forward to the good times we will have together and feeling less nervous. We are looking forward to having enough snacks to get us through the end of the school year. Thank you for helping set a positive tone to our class!","fullyFundedDate":1768651588653,"projectUrl":"project/healthy-snacks-for-advisory/10023038/","projectTitle":"Healthy Snacks for Advisory","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Dressel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5985079_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1786498598286","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/missdressel"},{"teacherId":9527216,"projectId":9659312,"letterContent":"Wow, what a difference this paint has made! My students have been able to create work that is more detailed and even better, there is no worry about running out of a color mid work. They have so much of a wider range as well in regards to the colors they can achieve being that now they have variety. For example, we now have various shades of blue and various shades of red, which in turn allow the students get achieve an even wider variety of purples. \r\nThe students were perhaps most excited about the metallics and the neons. These are colors that have been on our wish list for so long, but just didn't fit the budget. These are shades that just can't be mixed.\r\nThank you again for helping us fulfill this wish. Going forward it will be so nice to now just worry about replenishing only the colors we run low on.","fullyFundedDate":1764627835876,"projectUrl":"project/help-us-fulfill-our-paint-order/9659312/","projectTitle":"Help Us Fulfill Our Paint Order","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wistuba","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9527216_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1749262169876","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mswistuba"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_81510","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1060,"numTeachers":76,"percentFrplEligible":44,"percentAsian":43,"percentBlack":13,"percentWhite":14,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":25,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":2,"gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"13.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":70.4,"schoolId":81510,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Herbert Hoover Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Herbert Hoover Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-jersey/edison-township-public-school-district/herbert-hoover-middle-school/81510"}