{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Long Branch Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":46.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":7028094,"projectId":10220298,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our bead and bracelet-making activities and games! These hands-on experiences provide students with something truly special: an opportunity to slow down, relax, and find peace and comfort in the simple joy of creating. There is something incredibly calming and rewarding about working with beads, choosing colors and charms, and making something uniquely your own. Beyond the finished bracelets, these activities give students a chance to unwind, share stories, express themselves, and get to know one another on a deeper level. Whether they are creating together, laughing over a game, or simply enjoying each other's company, they are building friendships, confidence, and a stronger sense of belonging. In a busy world, these moments of connection and calm are so important. Your generosity is helping us create more than bracelets and game time; you are helping us build a classroom community where students feel comfortable, connected, valued, and happy. Thank you for giving our students the opportunity to create, connect, and make memories together!","fullyFundedDate":1777988254021,"projectUrl":"project/strings-strategy-smiles-building-min/10220298/","projectTitle":"Strings, Strategy & Smiles: Building Minds and Connections","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bidner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7028094_orig.jpg?crop=2233,2233,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1588072714060","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/bidnercoolteacher"},{"teacherId":9431951,"projectId":10243219,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom. Your generosity has already made a real difference for my students.\r\n\r\nThe bright colored paper has been a wonderful addition to our room. Not only does it brighten the space, but it also helps important information stand out and catch students' attention. Whether it's directions, reminders, or key learning materials, the colorful copies make it easier for students to focus on what matters most.\r\n\r\nThe paper cutter and Velcro have also been incredibly helpful. They allow me to quickly create, cut, and mount classroom materials so important resources are organized, visible, and accessible for students every day.\r\n\r\nYour kindness helps create a more engaging, welcoming learning environment, and my students and I are truly grateful. Thank you for investing in our classroom and helping our students succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1778516654339,"projectUrl":"project/color-paper-our-way-to-success/10243219/","projectTitle":"Color (Paper) Our Way to Success","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Vallese","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9431951"},{"teacherId":7028094,"projectId":10213523,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my Slime and Design project! Your generosity has helped make science creative, hands-on, and memorable for my students—not just this year, but across multiple groups of students. We have been able to make slime with two different years of students and create shirts with last year's group, with supplies left over to give this year's students the same exciting opportunity. The same with the slime events! I love that your support continues to make an impact beyond a single classroom experience!\r\n\r\nMy crafty chemists get to explore science in a way that feels like play while learning about polymers, viscosity, states of matter, textures, and chemical reactions. They mix, test, observe, create, and experiment while also expressing themselves, collaborating with classmates, and building confidence. These activities bring together science and social-emotional learning in a way that makes learning exciting and meaningful.\r\n\r\nAs a teacher in a low-income school district, I work hard to give my students the most memorable educational experiences possible. Our school serves more than 1,000 students, over 80% of whom receive free or reduced-price lunches. We have a wonderfully diverse student population, a large Latino community, many multilingual learners, and students with a wide range of learning needs. Although many of our students face economic challenges, they continue to show up and give their best in the classroom. I want to give them that same commitment in return.\r\n\r\nProjects like Slime and Design help me create a classroom where students feel welcomed, supported, and excited to learn. Seeing them have fun creating while discovering the science behind it is incredibly rewarding. Your generosity helps make these experiences possible, and the fact that the supplies can be used with multiple groups of students makes your impact even greater.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in my students, encouraging their creativity, and helping me make science a subject they can experience, enjoy, and remember. Thank you for investing in my classroom and in public education. Your kindness is making a lasting difference!","fullyFundedDate":1777988254917,"projectUrl":"project/the-crafty-chemist-project-slime-and-d/10213523/","projectTitle":"The Crafty Chemist Project - Slime and Design","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bidner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7028094_orig.jpg?crop=2233,2233,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1588072714060","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/bidnercoolteacher"},{"teacherId":7028094,"projectId":10329380,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our 8th-grade Color War! Your generosity is helping us create an experience that is about so much more than wearing team colors. It is about building connections, showing school spirit, encouraging one another, and creating memories that our students will carry with them long after middle school.\r\n\r\nColor War gives our students the opportunity to come together as a team, step outside their comfort zones, cheer for their classmates, and celebrate what it means to be part of a community. The shirts, accessories, and other spirit supplies help bring that excitement to life and allow our students to show their pride in a BIG way!\r\n\r\nLast year, our students brought incredible energy and spirit to the competition, and we are excited to build on that tradition. As teachers, we know that some of the most meaningful moments in school happen outside of a textbook. They happen when students laugh together, encourage a teammate, demonstrate good sportsmanship, and feel like they belong.\r\n\r\nYour support helps make those moments possible. Thank you for investing in our students, their happiness, and the sense of community that makes middle school special. You are helping us create not just a Color War, but memories, friendships, and connections that will last far beyond the final competition!\r\n\r\nWith gratitude and lots of school spirit,","fullyFundedDate":1787842514876,"projectUrl":"project/creating-lasting-memories-with-color-war/10329380/","projectTitle":"Creating Lasting Memories With Color War Spirit","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bidner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7028094_orig.jpg?crop=2233,2233,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1588072714060","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/bidnercoolteacher"},{"teacherId":7028094,"projectId":10714531,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity and for helping provide snacks for my students! Food insecurity is a real challenge for many of our families, and having snacks available in the classroom makes a much bigger difference than you might imagine. When students are hungry, it is difficult for them to focus, participate, and give their best effort. Being able to offer a snack helps them recharge, refocus, and get back to learning. It truly makes a difference in our classroom, helping students stay engaged and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nThe snacks mean so much to my students. Sometimes, a snack might seem like a small thing, but to a hungry student, it can mean everything. When I told my students that our project had been funded, they actually CHEERED! Their excitement said it all. Knowing that we would continue to have snacks available brought them so much happiness, and it reminded me just how meaningful this simple act of kindness is to them.\r\n\r\nOne of the most rewarding parts of teaching is being able to meet a student's needs in the moment, whether that means helping them understand a difficult concept or simply making sure they aren't sitting through class with an empty stomach. Something as simple as saying, \"Here you go, have a snack!\" can remind a student that someone cares about them. It allows me to focus on teaching while knowing my students' basic needs are being met.\r\n\r\nIn my family, feeding others has always been an act of love, and I try to bring that same spirit into my classroom. Thanks to your kindness, I can continue showing my students that they are valued, supported, and cared for. Your generosity is nourishing more than just their bodies; it is helping create a classroom where students feel safe, connected, and ready to learn. Thank you for being part of our classroom family and for making a real difference in the lives of my students!","fullyFundedDate":1791076553067,"projectUrl":"project/food-for-thought/10714531/","projectTitle":"Food for Thought","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bidner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7028094_orig.jpg?crop=2233,2233,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1588072714060","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/bidnercoolteacher"},{"teacherId":7028094,"projectId":10651389,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity and for helping provide snacks for my students! Food insecurity is a real challenge for many of our families, and having snacks available in the classroom makes a much bigger difference than you might imagine. When students are hungry, it is difficult for them to focus, participate, and give their best effort. Being able to offer a snack helps them recharge, refocus, and get back to learning.\r\n\r\nOne of the most rewarding parts of teaching is being able to meet a student's needs in the moment, whether that means helping them understand a difficult concept or simply making sure they aren't sitting through class with an empty stomach. Something as simple as saying, \"Here you go, have a snack!\" can remind a student that someone cares about them.\r\n\r\nIn my family, feeding others has always been an act of love, and I try to bring that same spirit into my classroom. Thanks to your kindness, I can continue showing my students that they are valued, supported, and cared for. Your generosity is nourishing more than just their bodies; it is helping create a classroom where students feel safe, connected, and ready to learn. Thank you for being part of our classroom family!","fullyFundedDate":1790184566548,"projectUrl":"project/food-for-thought/10651389/","projectTitle":"Food for Thought","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bidner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7028094_orig.jpg?crop=2233,2233,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1588072714060","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/bidnercoolteacher"},{"teacherId":7028094,"projectId":10330010,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our Color War/Field Day project! Your generosity will help make this special day even more fun, exciting, and memorable for our students. The team shirts will build school spirit, encourage camaraderie, and give our students a sense of pride and belonging as they represent their team. They will also help us keep everyone organized and safe throughout the event.\r\n\r\nMy homeroom students are already so excited about all their Color War swag! Their enthusiasm has been contagious, and students from other homerooms have even wanted to join our group because it looks like so much fun. It has been wonderful to see how this excitement is spreading throughout our school. I also hope our project inspires other teachers to give DonorsChoose a try so they can get supplies for their own Color War teams and create these same kinds of memorable experiences for their students.\r\n\r\nOur students look forward to Color War/Field Day as a chance to celebrate teamwork, sportsmanship, and school community. Thanks to your kindness, they will be able to show off their team color and make even more wonderful memories together. We truly appreciate your support in making this day extra special!","fullyFundedDate":1787843733510,"projectUrl":"project/united-by-color-connected-by-community/10330010/","projectTitle":"United by Color, Connected by Community","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bidner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7028094_orig.jpg?crop=2233,2233,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1588072714060","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/bidnercoolteacher"},{"teacherId":591917,"projectId":10678802,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our Warmth, Care, and Hunger project! Your generosity has helped provide snacks and food items for our students, making a meaningful difference in their school day.\r\n\r\nMany of our students face challenges outside the classroom, and having access to food and simple comforts can make a real difference in their ability to focus, learn, and feel supported. Knowing that there are snacks available when they are hungry helps students feel cared for and reminds them that their school community is looking out for them.\r\n\r\nBecause of your kindness, we can help meet some of our students' basic needs while creating a more welcoming and supportive learning environment. When students feel comfortable and know they are cared for, they are better able to concentrate on their learning and participate in classroom activities.","fullyFundedDate":1791220968388,"projectUrl":"project/warmth-care-and-comfort-a-classroom-s/10678802/","projectTitle":"Warmth, Care, and Comfort: A Classroom Safety Net","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Careri","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp591917_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1516888776537","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-careri"},{"teacherId":8797053,"projectId":6900841,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom by providing translators for our students! Your generosity is giving our students something incredibly important: the ability to fully understand, participate, and feel confident in their classroom experience.\r\n\r\nIn our school community, we have students who speak a variety of languages and are still developing their English skills. Sometimes a language barrier can make a student feel hesitant to ask a question, participate in a discussion, explain an idea, or show what they truly know. Having translators available helps remove that barrier and allows students to communicate more independently and confidently.\r\n\r\nThese translators will make a meaningful difference during hands-on STEM and sustainability activities, where communication is especially important. Students need to understand directions, collaborate with classmates, ask questions, record observations, and explain their thinking. Instead of struggling to understand the language of an assignment, students can focus on the actual learning and problem-solving.\r\n\r\nThe impact goes beyond academics. Being able to communicate helps students feel that they belong. It allows them to participate in group activities, build relationships with classmates, and share their ideas without worrying that their language skills will prevent others from understanding them.\r\n\r\nI have seen firsthand how much more engaged students become when we provide them with the tools they need to succeed. These translators will help create a classroom where language is not a barrier to curiosity, creativity, or achievement.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, your donation sends a powerful message to my students: Your voice matters. Your ideas matter. You belong here.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping us create a more welcoming, equitable, and inclusive classroom. Your generosity will have an impact every time a student uses these translators to understand a direction, ask a question, contribute an idea, or proudly demonstrate what they have learned.","fullyFundedDate":1666796030304,"projectUrl":"project/do-you-understand-me-now/6900841/","projectTitle":"Do You Understand Me Now?","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ortega","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8797053"},{"teacherId":7028094,"projectId":10220346,"letterContent":"I honestly don't know how to adequately thank you for funding my entire Food for Thought project. You did so much more than provide snacks—you helped make the end of the school year a happier, lighter, and more joyful experience for my students.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, my students knew there would always be something to eat. No one was sitting in my classroom hungry. No one had to try to learn while thinking about an empty stomach. Instead, there were snacks, happy kids, genuine smiles, laughter, and so many little moments of connection that made our classroom feel like a community.\r\n\r\nAs a teacher, I know that sometimes the things that seem small can make the biggest difference. A snack shared with a friend, a child realizing someone thought about them, or simply knowing that there is something waiting for you when you walk into a classroom—those moments matter.\r\n\r\nYou helped create those moments for my students over and over again.\r\n\r\nYou didn't just fund a project. You helped take care of my kids. You helped me make them feel comfortable, cared for, and ready to learn, and you helped me create the kind of classroom environment where kids could simply be kids.\r\n\r\nI am incredibly grateful for your generosity, but even more grateful for the heart behind it. Thank you for consistently showing up for my students and for helping make the end of their school year so special.\r\n\r\nI truly can't thank you enough.","fullyFundedDate":1777988254725,"projectUrl":"project/food-for-thought/10220346/","projectTitle":"Food For Thought","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bidner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7028094_orig.jpg?crop=2233,2233,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1588072714060","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/bidnercoolteacher"},{"teacherId":591917,"projectId":10498682,"letterContent":"For our students, football is about so much more than what happens on game day. Practices teach them discipline, teamwork, communication, perseverance, and accountability. They learn to listen to their coaches, support their teammates, push through challenges, and understand that improvement comes from consistent effort.\r\n\r\nHaving quality practice equipment also means that more of our students can fully participate. Not every student has access to athletic equipment outside of school, so the resources provided through DonorsChoose help ensure that our athletes have what they need when they step onto the field.\r\n\r\nYour donation is helping create a safer and more productive practice environment where our students can learn, compete, and grow. Every drill with these blocking pads represents another opportunity for a student to improve a skill, gain confidence, and contribute to the team.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our students and supporting their athletic experiences. We are incredibly grateful for your generosity and for helping make sure our young athletes have the equipment they need to practice, learn, and play their best!","fullyFundedDate":1789602176701,"projectUrl":"project/block-tackle-protect/10498682/","projectTitle":"Block, Tackle, Protect!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Careri","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp591917_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1516888776537","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-careri"},{"teacherId":591917,"projectId":10573580,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom! We are incredibly grateful for your donation of flexible seating and classroom materials. Your generosity is helping us create a classroom environment where students can feel comfortable, supported, focused, and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nThe floor cushions and sensory seating options are already making a meaningful difference in the way our students experience our classroom. Every student learns differently, and having a variety of seating choices gives students the opportunity to find a space and position that helps them feel comfortable and engaged. Some students work best sitting at a traditional desk, while others benefit from being able to move, sit on the floor, or use a sensory-friendly cushion while they work.\r\n\r\nThe Wiggle Feet Sensory Cushion is especially helpful for students who benefit from movement and sensory input while learning. Having appropriate ways to move while remaining engaged can help students participate more comfortably in lessons, independent work, group activities, and STEM challenges. Instead of expecting every student to learn in exactly the same way, these materials allow us to provide choices and meet students where they are.\r\n\r\nThe colorful floor cushions also give us additional opportunities to create flexible learning spaces throughout our classroom. Students can use them during small-group instruction, collaborative projects, reading, independent work, or classroom activities. A comfortable and welcoming learning space can make a big difference in how students feel about coming to school and participating in the learning process.\r\n\r\nThe laminator is another incredibly useful addition to our classroom. It will allow us to create durable learning materials, activity cards, visual supports, STEM resources, games, classroom signs, and hands-on activities that can be used again and again. Being able to laminate materials means we can protect them from everyday classroom wear and make resources that are accessible for students throughout the school year.\r\n\r\nTogether, these donations are helping us build a classroom that is more flexible, organized, welcoming, and responsive to our students' individual needs. They give us additional tools to create an environment where students can focus on learning while also having appropriate opportunities for movement, comfort, and choice.\r\n\r\nWe are especially thankful because your donation is about so much more than providing classroom supplies. You are helping us create an environment where students can feel successful and supported. You are showing our students that their comfort, learning needs, creativity, and individuality matter.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our classroom and in our students. Your generosity helps us provide learning experiences and classroom supports that can make a lasting difference. We are excited to put these materials to use and watch our students learn, collaborate, create, and grow!","fullyFundedDate":1788965733716,"projectUrl":"project/flexible-spaces-focused-minds/10573580/","projectTitle":"Flexible Spaces, Focused Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Careri","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp591917_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1516888776537","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-careri"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_81714","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1142,"numTeachers":97,"percentFrplEligible":82,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":11,"percentWhite":19,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":65,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":2,"gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"11.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":54.0,"schoolId":81714,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Long Branch Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Long Branch Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-jersey/long-branch-school-district/long-branch-middle-school/81714"}