{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Thomas Jefferson Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":41.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":475207,"projectId":9432786,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom. Because of you, my reluctant readers now have access to an exciting variety of graphic novels, and the impact has been immediate and inspiring.\r\n\r\nEach day, my students participate in 15 minutes of independent reading. In the past, this time was a challenge for many of them. With the addition of our new graphic novels, something remarkable has happened. Students are engaged, focused, and genuinely excited to read. Books are being traded, discussed, and recommended among classmates with an enthusiasm I have rarely seen.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has opened doors for students who often need just the right book to help them fall in love with reading. Thank you for helping my classroom become a place where curiosity grows, confidence builds, and reading becomes something students look forward to not only in school but at home as well.","fullyFundedDate":1755206548278,"projectUrl":"project/many-stories-one-world-exploring-diver/9432786/","projectTitle":"Many Stories, One World: Exploring Diversity in Independent Reading","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Petersen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp475207_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1745577029221","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/475207"},{"teacherId":475207,"projectId":9432453,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom. Because of you, my reluctant readers now have access to an exciting variety of graphic novels, and the impact has been immediate and inspiring.\r\n\r\nEach day, my students participate in 15 minutes of independent reading. In the past, this time was a challenge for many of them. With the addition of our new graphic novels, something remarkable has happened. Students are engaged, focused, and genuinely excited to read. Books are being traded, discussed, and recommended among classmates with an enthusiasm I have rarely seen.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has opened doors for students who often need just the right book to help them fall in love with reading. Thank you for helping my classroom become a place where curiosity grows, confidence builds, and reading becomes something students look forward to not only in school but at home as well.","fullyFundedDate":1758291846282,"projectUrl":"project/many-voices-many-views-a-graphic-novel/9432453/","projectTitle":"Many Voices, Many Views: A Graphic Novel Project","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Petersen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp475207_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1745577029221","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/475207"},{"teacherId":475207,"projectId":9253162,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom. Because of you, my reluctant readers now have access to an exciting variety of graphic novels, and the impact has been immediate and inspiring.\r\n\r\nEach day, my students participate in 15 minutes of independent reading. In the past, this time was a challenge for many of them. With the addition of our new graphic novels, something remarkable has happened. Students are engaged, focused, and genuinely excited to read. Books are being traded, discussed, and recommended among classmates with an enthusiasm I have rarely seen.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has opened doors for students who often need just the right book to help them fall in love with reading. Thank you for helping my classroom become a place where curiosity grows, confidence builds, and reading becomes something students look forward to not only in school but at home as well.","fullyFundedDate":1750173292520,"projectUrl":"project/chill-read-no-pressure-just-stories/9253162/","projectTitle":"Chill & Read: No Pressure, Just Stories","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Petersen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp475207_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1745577029221","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/475207"},{"teacherId":475207,"projectId":9223821,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom. Because of you, my reluctant readers now have access to an exciting variety of graphic novels, and the impact has been immediate and inspiring.\r\n\r\nEach day, my students participate in 15 minutes of independent reading. In the past, this time was a challenge for many of them. With the addition of our new graphic novels, something remarkable has happened. Students are engaged, focused, and genuinely excited to read. Books are being traded, discussed, and recommended among classmates with an enthusiasm I have rarely seen.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has opened doors for students who often need just the right book to help them fall in love with reading. Thank you for helping my classroom become a place where curiosity grows, confidence builds, and reading becomes something students look forward to not only in school but at home as well.","fullyFundedDate":1744223069210,"projectUrl":"project/graphic-novel-quest-engaging-in-indepen/9223821/","projectTitle":"Graphic Novel Quest: Engaging in Independent Reading Adventures","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Petersen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp475207_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1745577029221","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/475207"},{"teacherId":475207,"projectId":9196347,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my independent reading library. Students in my classroom participate in 15 minutes of silent sustained reading daily while I confer with them about their selected books. Many of my students choose to take their books home, and some read up to three books a week!\r\n\r\nMy students were elated when I was able to offer them a set of fresh titles. One of my reluctant readers is reading \"Rez Ball,\" and it is amazing to witness the joy the book is bringing to him. \r\n\r\nOn behalf of all my students, your kindness and generosity are most appreciated. Thank you again.","fullyFundedDate":1743532354515,"projectUrl":"project/building-lifelong-readers-expanding-ind/9196347/","projectTitle":"Building Lifelong Readers: Expanding Independent Reading Opportunities","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Petersen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp475207_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1745577029221","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/475207"},{"teacherId":475207,"projectId":9193051,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my independent reading library. Students in my classroom participate in 15 minutes of silent sustained reading daily while I confer with them about their selected books. Many of my students choose to take their books home, and some read up to three books a week!\r\n\r\nMy students were elated when I was able to offer them a set of fresh titles. My students have been fighting over the opportunity to read \"You've Reached Sam\" which is a fantasy romance. \r\n\r\nIn addition to new reading opportunities, the whiteboards have enhanced small-group instruction, allowing students to engage actively in lessons. \r\n\r\nOn behalf of all my students, your kindness and generosity are most appreciated. Thank you again.","fullyFundedDate":1750173292032,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-readers-enhancing-independen/9193051/","projectTitle":"Empowering Readers: Enhancing Independent Reading Through Small Group Instruction","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Petersen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp475207_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1745577029221","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/475207"},{"teacherId":475207,"projectId":7380930,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to my classroom and for giving my students the opportunity to read books that celebrate and promote diversity, as well as support learning about history. This school year, I've made it a priority to increase access to texts, both in book clubs and independent reading, that feature relatable characters and reflect a wide range of experiences. I want every student to feel seen and valued in our classroom, both in the books we read and in the conversations we share.\r\n\r\n\"Displacement\" was specifically requested by students who wanted to learn more about the experiences of Asian's in America. I spend a considerable amount having my students research the Holocaust; however, students need to learn about other events that occurred as a result of WW2. \r\n\r\nFostering a love of reading is at the heart of my teaching. Reading opens the door to stronger writing, deeper thinking, and more confident speaking, so creating meaningful reading experiences is essential in nurturing lifelong learners.\r\n\r\nI'm so grateful for your support and excited to continue sharing these impactful stories with current and future students. Thank you again for helping to make this possible.","fullyFundedDate":1694362636220,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-awareness-to-prejudices-in-amer/7380930/","projectTitle":"Bringing Awareness to Prejudices in American History","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Petersen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp475207_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1745577029221","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/475207"},{"teacherId":475207,"projectId":9117404,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to my classroom and for giving my students the opportunity to read books that celebrate and promote diversity. This school year, I've made it a priority to increase access to texts, both in book clubs and independent reading, that feature relatable characters and reflect a wide range of experiences. I want every student to feel seen and valued in our classroom, both in the books we read and in the conversations we share.\r\n\r\nThe Front Desk series was specifically requested by students who wanted to learn more about the experiences of Asian immigrants in America. These books have quickly become a favorite in our classroom. Students who start with the first book are often eager to continue with the rest of the series. Their enthusiasm has been truly inspiring.\r\n\r\nFostering a love of reading is at the heart of my teaching. Reading opens the door to stronger writing, deeper thinking, and more confident speaking, so creating meaningful reading experiences is essential in nurturing lifelong learners.\r\n\r\nI'm so grateful for your support and excited to continue sharing these impactful stories with current and future students. Thank you again for helping to make this possible.","fullyFundedDate":1741871646369,"projectUrl":"project/walking-in-their-shoes-building-empathy/9117404/","projectTitle":"Walking in Their Shoes: Building Empathy for the Immigrant Journey","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Petersen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp475207_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1745577029221","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/475207"},{"teacherId":475207,"projectId":7090125,"letterContent":"It is my goal to provide book choices to my students that they can learn from and relate to. Each school year, I facilitate two book clubs, one of which focuses on identity and one that encourages consideration of different perspectives to foster empathy. Using these nonfiction graphic texts, I would like to implement a nonfiction book club option to help my students better understand history and the connections to our world in 2025. \r\n\r\nStudents in my classroom will now have the choice to read the \"March\" series, John Lewis's story of perseverance to achieve strides in regard to civil rights. Hopefully, through discussion, students can make personal or real-world connections that will support their speaking, reading, and writing skill development. I also hope that these texts will support my students' social studies \"American History\" curriculum. \r\n\r\nIn my classroom, students enjoy book club structured reading units, but they also make independent reading selections and twice a year read a whole class text. I like students to have choices and access to texts that are more relevant to the world they live in than in the past.\r\n\r\nPromoting a love of reading is at the forefront of my mind when teaching lessons. Reading paves the way for improvement in areas of writing and speaking, so engagement is critical in developing a lifetime love of literature.\r\n\r\nThank you so much for supporting my goals and helping to create a world of kind and compassionate humans.\r\n\r\nWith gratitude,\r\nMrs. Petersen","fullyFundedDate":1683826343987,"projectUrl":"project/gaining-perspective-the-civil-right-mov/7090125/","projectTitle":"Gaining Perspective: The Civil Right Movement","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Petersen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp475207_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1745577029221","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/475207"},{"teacherId":475207,"projectId":9117438,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my independent reading library. Students in my classroom participate in 15 minutes of silent sustained reading daily while I conference with the about their selected books. Many of my students choose to take their books home, and some read up to three books a week!\r\n\r\nMy students were elated when I was able to offer them a set of fresh titles. One student is currently reading Echo by Pam Munez Ryan. He wishes to express his gratitude for this fantasy text. Another student, greatly appreciates \"Dissent,\" which is offering him the opportunity to read about a famous woman history. He likes that it is \"interesting but short.\" That student is working on his reading stamina. :-)\r\n\r\nOn behalf of all my students, you kindness and generosity are most appreciated. Thank you again.","fullyFundedDate":1741871646315,"projectUrl":"project/unlocking-a-love-for-literature/9117438/","projectTitle":"Unlocking a Love for Literature","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Petersen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp475207_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1745577029221","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/475207"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_81521","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":946,"numTeachers":66,"percentFrplEligible":41,"percentAsian":45,"percentBlack":15,"percentWhite":12,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":22,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"14.3:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":58.3,"schoolId":81521,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Thomas Jefferson Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Thomas Jefferson Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-jersey/edison-township-public-school-district/thomas-jefferson-middle-school/81521"}