{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Maxson Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":26.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9001577,"projectId":9172199,"letterContent":"We would like to express our deepest gratitude to all of the generous donors who supported our classroom. Your kindness and contributions made a real difference in the way our students experienced learning this year. Something as simple as providing snacks—like Teddy Grahams—became the foundation for some of the most exciting, engaging, and meaningful math lessons we've ever had.\r\n\r\nMath can sometimes feel like a challenge for young learners. Concepts like multiplication, division, and fractions are important building blocks, but they can seem confusing when only taught with numbers on a page. Thanks to your generosity, we were able to turn those abstract ideas into hands-on learning moments. By using snacks, we transformed our classroom into a place where math felt real, fun, and easy to understand.\r\n\r\nFor example, when we practiced division, students were given small groups of Teddy Grahams and worked together to share them equally. If there were 12 Teddy Grahams and 4 students, each student received 3. Instead of just reading \"12 ÷ 4 = 3,\" students could see it and feel it happen. Their eyes lit up as they realized they were doing real math while sharing snacks.\r\n\r\nWhen we practiced multiplication, the students learned to group their Teddy Grahams in different ways. They discovered that 4 groups of 3 Teddy Grahams meant a total of 12 snacks. They laughed as they arranged their groups on napkins, counted, checked their answers, and proudly explained their thinking. They weren't just solving problems—they were becoming confident mathematicians.\r\n\r\nAnd when it came time to explore fractions, Teddy Grahams became the perfect tool. Students learned how to split snacks into halves, thirds, and quarters. They understood that fractions represent parts of a whole because they could see and touch the pieces themselves. The lesson became something they could remember—not just for a test, but for life.\r\n\r\nNone of this would have been possible without the generosity of our donors. Your support went far beyond just providing snacks. You helped create joyful learning experiences, build strong mathematical foundations, and foster a love for learning that will last for years to come. You showed our students that education matters and that there are people who believe in their potential.\r\n\r\nWe are so grateful for your kindness and the difference you've made. Because of your donations, our students not only learned important math skills but also experienced the power of teamwork, sharing, and discovery. You turned an ordinary day into an extraordinary memory for every child in the room.\r\n\r\nFrom all of us—students and teachers alike—thank you for making learning sweet, meaningful, and full of smiles.","fullyFundedDate":1749215597778,"projectUrl":"project/food-for-state-test-prep/9172199/","projectTitle":"Food for State Test Prep","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Boger","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9001577_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1743433185516","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9001577"},{"teacherId":9001577,"projectId":9080536,"letterContent":"We utilized a variety of educational kits and resources to enhance learning through hands-on projects. The 2Pepers Electric Motor Robotic Science Kit (4-in-1) served as a foundational STEM toy, enabling kids to engage in circuit engineering and robotic building activities.\r\n\r\nWe incorporated a set of 36 assorted EXPO low-odor dry erase markers for creative expression and classroom use, which helped kids visualize their projects and collaborate effectively.\r\n\r\nTo further broaden the STEM experience, we employed six different science kits targeted at kids aged 8-12, including model car building projects and wooden 3D puzzles, which encouraged critical thinking and creativity.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, we invested in Hygloss crafting yarn in 12 vibrant colors to enhance hands-on crafts and art projects.\r\n\r\nThe Poraxy 5 Set STEM Science Kits provided varied engineering experiments, appealing to children aged 8-13 and fostering problem-solving skills.\r\n\r\nLastly, we introduced the Hula Home Stained Glass Mandala Art Kit, featuring DIY window clings and markers, offering a fun and engaging artistic outlet for both kids and adults.\r\n\r\nOverall, these kits provided a comprehensive STEM experience that encouraged creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking among participants.","fullyFundedDate":1743164596914,"projectUrl":"project/lets-think-critically/9080536/","projectTitle":"Let's Think Critically","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Boger","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9001577_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1743433185516","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9001577"},{"teacherId":9001577,"projectId":9050840,"letterContent":"We recently had a blast using the Playz Edible Candy Making Science Kit with the kids, ages 8-12. This kit is packed with 40 different experiments that let them create their own chocolates, which was not only fun but also educational. The hands-on approach to food science really engaged their curiosity about chemistry. \r\n\r\nAfter that, we snacked on the Desert Sun Snacks Variety Pack, which was perfect for both adults and kids. It came in a bulk box with 40 individually wrapped treats like cookies and granola bars, making it an ideal choice for parties or family gatherings.\r\n\r\nTo keep things organized, we relied on Kleenex Professional Facial Tissues. With a bulk order of 6,000 tissues, we had plenty for everyone, ensuring cleanliness during our candy-making session.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, we introduced some STEM education with the Engino Newton's Laws kit. It offered a practical look at inertia and energy, suitable for children in grades 5-10.\r\n\r\nFor a fun brain challenge, we also played with the ThinkFun Gravity Maze Marble Run game, which is great for kids 8 and up. This award-winning toy combines play with essential STEM concepts, making learning enjoyable.\r\n\r\nLastly, we explored the STEM Powered Kits with an Electric Wind Car project. The kids really enjoyed assembling it and learning about basic engineering principles.\r\n\r\nOverall, it was a fantastic blend of science, creativity, and tasty treats!","fullyFundedDate":1741627587230,"projectUrl":"project/lets-cook-up-science/9050840/","projectTitle":"Let's Cook Up Science!!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Boger","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9001577_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1743433185516","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9001577"},{"teacherId":9001577,"projectId":8810222,"letterContent":"I want to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for your generous contribution of blue shirts for our school uniforms and shin guards for our students. Your support makes a significant difference in their daily lives.\r\n\r\nThe blue shirts not only help to create a sense of unity and belonging within our school community, but they also promote pride among our students. When they wear their uniforms, they feel part of something bigger, which positively impacts their confidence and engagement in school.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, the shin guards are crucial for our students participating in sports and physical activities. They provide essential safety and protection, allowing our students to enjoy sports while reducing the risk of injury. This enhancement to their athletic experience is invaluable and encourages them to be active and involved.\r\n\r\nThank you once again for your thoughtfulness and generosity. Your contributions make a lasting impact on our students and help create a positive learning environment.","fullyFundedDate":1735660307787,"projectUrl":"project/students-school-gear/8810222/","projectTitle":"Students' School Gear","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Boger","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9001577_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1743433185516","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9001577"},{"teacherId":9001577,"projectId":9050819,"letterContent":"We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your generous contributions of coats and hoodies. Your support plays a vital role in ensuring that our students stay warm and comfortable during the colder months.\r\n\r\nCoats and hoodies are essential for keeping our students warm. They provide insulation that traps body heat, helping to protect against the cold. The materials used in these garments, such as fleece and synthetic fibers, create a barrier against the chilly air, while features like hoods and high collars add extra protection. With these warm layers, students can focus on their studies without the distraction of being cold.\r\n\r\nMoreover, your donation not only helps in keeping our students warm but also promotes a sense of safety and comfort. When they wear these warm clothes, they can feel secure and ready to engage with their learning environment. This assurance allows them to thrive, both academically and socially.\r\n\r\nThank you once again for your kindness and generosity. Your contributions not only warm our students physically but also uplift their spirits and make them feel valued in our community.","fullyFundedDate":1737564058446,"projectUrl":"project/lets-show-warmth/9050819/","projectTitle":"Lets Show Warmth","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Boger","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9001577_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1743433185516","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9001577"},{"teacherId":9001577,"projectId":8912082,"letterContent":"Students often use whiteboards in a variety of ways to explore concepts like the Pythagorean theorem and linear functions, making their learning process more interactive and visual. \r\n\tPythagorean Theorem: When working with the Pythagorean theorem (a² + b² = c²), students can draw right triangles on whiteboards, labeling the sides 'a', 'b', and the hypotenuse 'c'. By manipulating the lengths of the sides, they can visually see how the squares of these lengths relate to one another. They might also use multiple colors to differentiate each segment, making it easier to grasp the relationship between the sides. \r\n\tLinear Functions: For linear functions, students can graph equations on the whiteboard, plotting points based on the slope-intercept form (y = mx + b). They can use different colors to represent different lines and make notes about the slope (m) and y-intercept (b) for each line. They can also experiment with shifting lines by changing values in the equation, helping them understand how these changes affect the graph. In group settings, students can collaborate on the whiteboard to solve problems together, share ideas, and explain their reasoning, which reinforces their understanding of both concepts. The ability to easily erase and modify their work also encourages experimentation and trial-and-error learning.","fullyFundedDate":1731526170366,"projectUrl":"project/fun-with-linear-functions/8912082/","projectTitle":"Fun with Linear Functions!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Boger","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9001577_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1743433185516","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9001577"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_82298","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":798,"numTeachers":56,"percentFrplEligible":78,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":16,"percentWhite":1,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":80,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"14.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":73.1,"schoolId":82298,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Maxson Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Maxson Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-jersey/plainfield-public-school-district/maxson-middle-school/82298"}