{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Pleasantville Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":37.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":6163793,"projectId":9886721,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my students have been fully engaged with our new ROKR mechanical puzzles. We've been using the kits as part of our hands-on STEM lessons, where students work in teams to analyze diagrams, follow multi-step instructions, and problem-solve as their models come to life.\r\n\r\nOne of my favorite moments was watching a group of students celebrate when their wooden gear mechanism finally turned smoothly after several trial-and-error attempts. Their excitement filled the room—they were amazed that they could build something so intricate with their own hands. Many students said it felt like \"real engineering.\"\r\n\r\nSeeing the materials for the first time brought a mix of curiosity and awe. Students couldn't stop examining the laser-cut pieces and immediately started discussing which puzzles they wanted to build first.\r\n\r\nOur next steps involve using the completed puzzles to explore motion, energy transfer, and design improvements. Students will also reflect on their building process and compare strategies with their classmates.\r\n\r\nThank you for giving my students such a meaningful STEM experience. Your support continues to inspire creativity, perseverance, and confidence in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1763566105424,"projectUrl":"project/stem-in-motion-building-engineering-ski/9886721/","projectTitle":"STEM in Motion: Building Engineering Skills with ROKR Puzzles","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Mierzwinski","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp6163793_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1548956953675","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mattmierzwinski"},{"teacherId":9437654,"projectId":9860353,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom! My students have been putting the new snack donations to great use during our community service project. One of our favorite moments was when students gathered to assemble \"Snack Packs\" for families in need—everyone worked together, counted items, and proudly filled each bag with care.\r\nWhen the students first saw the boxes of snacks, their faces lit up. Many were amazed by the variety and immediately started talking about how many people they could help. Your generosity truly made them feel empowered and capable of making a real difference in our community.\r\nOur next steps are to continue assembling and organizing more snack packs, tracking how many families we're able to support, and preparing for our upcoming service event. Students are excited to improve their process, create posters to raise awareness, and deliver the packs to community partners.\r\nThank you again for giving them the chance to serve others in such a meaningful way!","fullyFundedDate":1762382271260,"projectUrl":"project/students-taking-action-combating-hunger/9860353/","projectTitle":"Students Taking Action: Combating Hunger with Snack Packs","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. LeCras","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9437654"},{"teacherId":6163793,"projectId":9801951,"letterContent":"Our new snacks have already helped my students feel empowered to give back! Thanks to your generosity, students are organizing and donating snacks to support others in our community who may not have access to food throughout the day. This project has helped them understand the impact that even a small act of kindness can have.\r\n\r\nOne standout moment was when students formed an assembly line to sort, bag, and label snack packs for donation. They were so focused and proud, especially when they realized how many people they would be helping. A few students even asked if they could stay after school to finish \"just a few more\" snack packs — a sign of the excitement and ownership they feel.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials arrived, the classroom buzzed with energy! Students cheered as they unpacked boxes of snacks and immediately began brainstorming creative ways to reach more people in need. Their motivation to serve others has grown stronger than ever.\r\n\r\nAs we continue this project, students will track their donations, write messages of encouragement to include in future snack packs, and work on presentations about food insecurity to build awareness among their peers.\r\n\r\nThank you for making this meaningful community service work possible. You are helping our students learn that they can be leaders and change makers — one snack at a time!","fullyFundedDate":1761245324642,"projectUrl":"project/students-taking-action-combating-hunger/9801951/","projectTitle":"Students Taking Action: Combating Hunger with Snack Packs","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Mierzwinski","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp6163793_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1548956953675","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mattmierzwinski"},{"teacherId":6163793,"projectId":9779663,"letterContent":"When our new resources arrived, my students were beyond excited! The moment I opened the boxes, their faces lit up with curiosity and anticipation. They couldn't wait to explore everything and start using the materials right away.\r\n\r\nWe've been using the new resources to support hands-on learning in our current classroom projects. For example, students recently worked together on a collaborative activity where they applied problem-solving and critical thinking skills using the new materials. It's been amazing to see how much more engaged and confident they've become now that they have the proper tools.\r\n\r\nThe next steps for my students involve taking what they've learned and applying it to real-world challenges. We're planning to build on this momentum by incorporating these resources into our upcoming unit, where students will create their own projects and share their learning with others.\r\n\r\nThank you again for helping us create an inspiring and well-equipped classroom. Your generosity is making a lasting impact every single day!","fullyFundedDate":1760569331750,"projectUrl":"project/level-up-learning-designing-games-buil/9779663/","projectTitle":"Level Up Learning: Designing Games, Building Futures","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Mierzwinski","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp6163793_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1548956953675","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mattmierzwinski"},{"teacherId":6163793,"projectId":9747750,"letterContent":"When the new resources arrived, my students were immediately curious and excited. One of the first projects we started was using the baseball cards as part of a math and design challenge. Students worked in groups to sort and analyze the cards, looking at player stats and then brainstorming ways those numbers could connect to a baseball-themed video game they want to design. This gave them a chance to merge their love of games with hands-on problem-solving, while also practicing critical thinking and collaboration.\r\n\r\nWhen they first saw the cards, there was a real buzz in the room—students were trading, comparing, and imagining how these could become part of their own creative projects. It was a wonderful moment of engagement that went beyond just collecting; they were seeing the cards as tools for learning.\r\n\r\nThe next step is for my students to take the stats and designs they've been working on and start building storyboards and early prototypes for their baseball game idea. They'll use the data to influence character abilities and game mechanics, and eventually, they'll share their creations with the class. This will help them practice not only math and design skills but also communication and presentation as they bring their ideas to life.","fullyFundedDate":1758855283395,"projectUrl":"project/connecting-anime-to-baseball-cards/9747750/","projectTitle":"Connecting Anime to Baseball Cards","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Mierzwinski","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp6163793_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1548956953675","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mattmierzwinski"},{"teacherId":8890635,"projectId":9222973,"letterContent":"When the new baseball and softball equipment arrived, the excitement in our classroom and on the field was immediate. Students rushed to open the boxes, trying on gloves, tossing balls back and forth, and asking if we could start a game right away. For many of them, this was the first time they had access to quality gear, and it gave them a sense of pride and belonging. The simple act of putting on a glove or picking up a bat made them feel like real athletes, and the smiles on their faces said it all.\r\n\r\nWe've been using the new equipment to practice skills like catching, throwing, and teamwork, but it has quickly become more than just physical activity. Students are learning how to support each other, encourage their teammates, and bounce back from mistakes. One special moment came when a student who is usually shy at school caught a fly ball during practice—his classmates erupted in cheers, and the confidence he gained in that moment carried over into the classroom. That kind of growth wouldn't have been possible without your generosity.\r\n\r\nAs we look ahead, our next steps are to organize small scrimmages and integrate team-building activities into our physical education lessons. My goal is to use this equipment not only to build athletic skills, but also to foster leadership, resilience, and community among my students. Thank you for giving them the opportunity to play, learn, and grow together. Your support has left a lasting impact that will stay with them long after the final inning.","fullyFundedDate":1746786522128,"projectUrl":"project/swinging-for-success-baseball-and-softb/9222973/","projectTitle":"Swinging for Success: Baseball and Softball Equipment for All!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Hegenbart","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8890635_orig.png?crop=272,272,x7,y37&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1700232114559","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8890635"},{"teacherId":8890635,"projectId":9210080,"letterContent":"I want to take a moment to extend my deepest gratitude for your generous donation to our classroom project. Because of your support, my students now have a set of Rubik's Cubes that are already transforming the way we learn, collaborate, and think critically.\r\n\r\nWhen the colorful boxes first arrived, the excitement in the room was contagious. Many of my students had only ever seen a Rubik's Cube in passing or on TV, but very few had ever had the chance to hold one, let alone try to solve it. The moment I opened the package, hands shot into the air, eager to grab a cube and twist it for themselves. Within seconds, the classroom was buzzing with laughter, curiosity, and determination. What started as playful exploration quickly turned into serious concentration as students began challenging themselves and each other.\r\n\r\nThe Rubik's Cubes have provided us with far more than just a fun activity. They have become a tool for teaching perseverance, patience, and problem-solving skills. In our science lessons, I often talk about the importance of critical thinking and how real-world problems are solved step by step. Now, I can point to the Rubik's Cube as a tangible, hands-on example of those very concepts. Students are learning that solving the cube isn't about luck—it's about strategy, algorithms, and the willingness to keep trying even when the solution isn't immediately clear.\r\n\r\nWhat has amazed me most is the collaboration these cubes have inspired. Students naturally began to group up, share tips, and encourage each other. One student who figured out a basic solving method proudly stood in front of the class to teach others. Another student who usually struggles to stay engaged during lessons found himself completely absorbed in solving the first layer of the cube. Watching students cheer for one another as they make progress has been a highlight of my teaching year.\r\n\r\nFor many of my students, this was their first experience with a puzzle that requires such focus and determination. They are learning that mistakes are not failures but steps toward progress. Each twist and turn of the cube is an opportunity to learn patience and persistence—skills that extend far beyond the classroom. These are the lessons that will serve them in science, math, and life in general.\r\n\r\nYour donation has also given my students the chance to see learning in a new light. Instead of associating problem-solving with tests and worksheets, they now connect it to fun, challenge, and personal growth. I've had students ask if they can borrow cubes to take home, eager to keep practicing and show their families what they've learned. That excitement is a direct result of your generosity.\r\n\r\nIn classrooms like mine, where resources are limited, opportunities like this are rare. Your support has not only placed Rubik's Cubes into the hands of my students but has also placed joy, curiosity, and confidence into their hearts. These cubes may seem like small objects, but to my students, they are gateways to problem-solving, teamwork, and persistence.\r\n\r\nOn behalf of myself and my entire class, thank you for believing in the power of education and for giving my students the chance to finish the year stronger, smarter, and more inspired. Your generosity has made a lasting impact, and we are so grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1746785521869,"projectUrl":"project/think-outside-the-cube-rubiks-puzzles/9210080/","projectTitle":"Think Outside the Cube: Rubik's Puzzles for Brain Power!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Hegenbart","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8890635_orig.png?crop=272,272,x7,y37&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1700232114559","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8890635"},{"teacherId":8890635,"projectId":9207035,"letterContent":"As our school year comes to a close, I want to take a moment to extend my heartfelt gratitude for your generosity in supporting our classroom through the \"Finishing the Year Strong\" supplies project. Your contribution has made an incredible difference in the lives of my students, and I want to share just how meaningful your gift has been as we wrap up another year of learning, growth, and achievement.\r\n\r\nThe end of the school year can be a challenging time in any classroom. Supplies start to run low, students are preparing for final projects and assessments, and energy levels begin to dip. Thanks to your kindness, we were able to keep our momentum going strong. With the new supplies you provided, students were able to continue participating in hands-on activities, group projects, and daily lessons without worrying about whether we had enough materials. This sense of security helped us finish the year with focus, energy, and excitement.\r\n\r\nFor many of my students, having access to fresh supplies made them feel re-energized. Something as simple as a new notebook, fresh pens, or additional classroom resources gave them a sense of pride in their work. It reminded them that their learning matters, that people outside of our school believe in their potential, and that they are supported not just by their teacher, but by a larger community of caring individuals like you. The message that sends to a middle school student is powerful: you are worth investing in.\r\n\r\nThe supplies also helped us maintain consistency in our lessons. In the past, I have had to scale back activities at the end of the year because of dwindling resources. This year, because of your generosity, we didn't have to make those compromises. Students were able to work on their projects fully prepared, explore topics through interactive activities, and focus on learning rather than on limitations. It allowed us to truly finish the school year as strongly as we began it.\r\n\r\nOne moment that stood out to me came when a group of students were working on their final science project. They were able to gather their materials quickly and dive right into their work without hesitation. Watching their teamwork, enthusiasm, and confidence reminded me why support like yours matters so much. These small moments add up to big learning experiences, and your contribution helped make that possible.\r\n\r\nBeyond the tangible impact, your gift has also modeled the values of generosity and kindness for my students. Many of them were surprised and touched that someone they had never met would care enough to support their classroom. It sparked conversations about giving back, about community, and about the importance of helping others when you can. That lesson is just as valuable as the academic content we cover in class.\r\n\r\nAs I reflect on this school year, I feel deeply grateful for the way your support helped us persevere and thrive all the way to the finish line. Teaching in a school where resources are often stretched thin, I am continually inspired by the difference that donors like you make. You are helping me provide not only knowledge, but also encouragement, stability, and hope for the future.\r\n\r\nOn behalf of myself and my students, thank you for your generosity, your belief in education, and your willingness to invest in our classroom. Your support allowed us to finish the year strong, and it will continue to inspire my students long after the final bell rings.","fullyFundedDate":1744032784132,"projectUrl":"project/finishing-the-year-strong-with-necessary/9207035/","projectTitle":"Finishing the Year Strong with Necessary School Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Hegenbart","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8890635_orig.png?crop=272,272,x7,y37&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1700232114559","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8890635"},{"teacherId":6163793,"projectId":9721167,"letterContent":"We are so excited that the resources for our Level Up Learning: Designing Games, Building Futures project are on their way! My students can't wait to start exploring how games are made and how design connects to creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork. Even before the materials arrive, the excitement has sparked conversations about what makes a good game, how rules shape experiences, and how math and storytelling fit into design.\r\n\r\nWhen I shared the news that the project had been funded, my students' faces lit up. They immediately started brainstorming ideas for characters, levels, and challenges they want to build. The anticipation alone has inspired them to think like designers, and I know that energy will only grow once they have the actual resources in their hands.\r\n\r\nThe next step will be to dive into our first design challenge—students will work in small groups to plan, test, and refine their own original games. Through this project, they'll strengthen skills in math, logic, literacy, and collaboration while also building confidence as creators. These resources will truly help them level up their learning and prepare for futures full of innovation.","fullyFundedDate":1758492230974,"projectUrl":"project/level-up-learning-designing-games-buil/9721167/","projectTitle":"Level Up Learning: Designing Games, Building Futures","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Mierzwinski","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp6163793_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1548956953675","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mattmierzwinski"},{"teacherId":6163793,"projectId":9724304,"letterContent":"We are so excited that the resources for our Count, Collect, and Learn: Financial Literacy with Baseball Cards project are on their way! My students have been talking nonstop about how they'll get to explore money skills, counting, and collecting through something they already find exciting—baseball cards. Even before the materials arrive, the anticipation has sparked conversations about value, trading, and decision-making, which shows just how eager they are to dive in.\r\n\r\nWhen I shared the news that the project had been funded, my students' faces lit up. They immediately began asking how we could use the cards to practice budgeting and how they might track collections. That excitement has already created momentum, and I know it will only grow once the cards and resources are in their hands.\r\n\r\nThe next step for us will be using the cards to practice real-world financial literacy skills. Students will work on projects like building a collection within a set \"budget,\" tracking statistics, and making smart choices about saving or trading. These activities will not only strengthen their math skills but also help them learn practical lessons about money management that will stay with them far beyond the classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1758541954382,"projectUrl":"project/count-collect-and-learn-financial-lit/9724304/","projectTitle":"Count, Collect, and Learn: Financial Literacy with Baseball Cards","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Mierzwinski","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp6163793_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1548956953675","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mattmierzwinski"},{"teacherId":6163793,"projectId":9688522,"letterContent":"We are so excited knowing that the \"Connecting Anime to Baseball Cards\" project materials are on their way to our classroom! My students are already buzzing with ideas and can't stop asking when everything will arrive. They've been talking about how cool it will be to connect something they love, like anime, with the strategy and collection aspect of baseball cards.\r\n\r\nThe anticipation has been building, and I know the moment the materials arrive will spark even more creativity and excitement. We're planning to use them in upcoming lessons to practice math skills, explore probability, and even write character comparisons, all while making connections between anime and baseball card collecting.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, my students are looking forward to learning in a way that feels both personal and fun. The next step will be diving right into our activities as soon as the resources arrive, and I can't wait to share the energy and discoveries that come from this unique project.","fullyFundedDate":1758118959399,"projectUrl":"project/connecting-anime-to-baseball-cards/9688522/","projectTitle":"Connecting Anime to Baseball Cards","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Mierzwinski","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp6163793_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1548956953675","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mattmierzwinski"},{"teacherId":9774800,"projectId":9353399,"letterContent":"My 7th grade class cannot thank you enough for your generosity! Your supplies have been extremely helpful. We have used the Lysol wipes to clean our surfaces to help prevent germ spread. \r\n\r\nThe snacks have helped curb the hunger of some students who walk far to school and may have missed breakfast. In our Abbott district so many students do not have to basic essentials needed to get through the day. Sometimes just a granola bar in the morning is enough to make the difference. \r\n\r\nSome students are also too shy to participate in class, but sometimes just offering them a snack for participation is enough to bring them out of their shell. This makes them a better student and helps the become comfortable sharing their ideas and views in class. \r\n\r\nAgain we cannot thank you enough. You have truly made a huge difference in our class!","fullyFundedDate":1749215588335,"projectUrl":"project/warmth-and-refuel/9353399/","projectTitle":"Warmth and Refuel","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. M.R.","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9774800_orig.jpg?crop=240,240,x49,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1729169373807","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9774800"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_66926","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":803,"numTeachers":71,"percentFrplEligible":80,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":27,"percentWhite":1,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":70,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"11.3:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":62.3,"schoolId":66926,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Pleasantville Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Pleasantville Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-jersey/pleasantville-public-schools/pleasantville-middle-school/66926"}