{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Emerson Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":55.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9560415,"projectId":10710993,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your kind donation. My students have demonstrated immense excitement about all the gifts we have received. They have been very eager to move around the room, interact with all the items, and use these new resources to their advantage.\r\n\r\nDuring the first day of receiving our fidget toys and bands, we got to explore the different fidgets and discuss the benefits they bring to students. We built our understanding of toys vs. tools and how they are used in class. We passed a few of each type of \"toy\" around the class so that each student could interact with them. Then, we discussed when they might be used and what we might need to remove and why (ex: any loud, distracting fidgets). \r\n\r\nAdditionally, the classroom rug and cushions have been a major hit. The students love moving around the room doing their independent work. My ESL students look forward to practicing their English because it means they get to move away from their desk. They each have their own pair of headphones (thanks to you) and can sit near their friends while still making progress. This is going to help them improve linguistically and academically. \r\n\r\nI plan on increasing the amount of pair or group interactions my students have because of the increase in flexible seating. I am confident in the spaces I am able to give them and excited to provide them with choice. It truly makes me happy being able to see their smiles when they get to use any of our new furniture and materials.","fullyFundedDate":1791068970757,"projectUrl":"project/a-home-away-from-home/10710993/","projectTitle":"A Home Away From Home","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Berrios","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9560415_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1769265723812","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/msberrios"},{"teacherId":7089076,"projectId":10712542,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom and making our monthly wellness breaks possible. Your generosity gives my students a chance to step away from their schoolwork, enjoy a snack, relax, and simply have a moment to reset.\r\n\r\nThese breaks may seem small, but they make a real difference. They help my students feel cared for, manage their emotions, and return to the classroom feeling more comfortable and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nThank you for thinking of my students, believing in them, and helping make our classroom a happier and more supportive place.","fullyFundedDate":1791049550629,"projectUrl":"project/brain-reset-refuel-relax-get-ready-t/10712542/","projectTitle":"Brain Reset: Refuel, Relax & Get Ready to Learn!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Zens","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7089076_orig.png?crop=1268,1268,x0,y71&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1603572989008","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7089076"},{"teacherId":1433226,"projectId":10180243,"letterContent":"The new resources are already being put to good use in our classroom. My students are using the Apple Pencil during small-group instruction to collaborate as they annotate digital texts. It has allowed them to share ideas, highlight important details, and discuss their thinking together.\r\n\r\nThe essential oil diffusers have also become a welcome addition to our classroom environment. They have helped create a calm and comfortable space for learning. As the year continues, students will continue using these resources to collaborate, engage with texts, and support a positive classroom environment.","fullyFundedDate":1775531288559,"projectUrl":"project/drawing-details-growing-responsibility/10180243/","projectTitle":"Drawing Details, Growing Responsibility","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Favuzzi-Morin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1433226_orig.jpg?crop=1032,1032,x45,y742&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1600294894014","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/favuzzi205"},{"teacherId":5944146,"projectId":10059775,"letterContent":"Because of your incredible generosity, this project became so much more than a classroom treat. You created moments of joy, laughter, and connection that my students will remember long after the last slushy was enjoyed. Seeing their smiles and excitement reminded me how meaningful even the smallest acts of kindness can be.\r\n\r\nYour support brought a little extra excitement to our classroom and gave students something special to look forward to. The brain break allowed them to take a moment to relax, enjoy time with their classmates, and return to learning feeling refreshed and ready to focus. It was a simple experience that made a big difference in the atmosphere of our classroom.\r\n\r\nYour generosity also allowed me to celebrate the students who gave up their recess to attend literacy tutoring. They worked incredibly hard to strengthen their reading and writing skills, and it meant so much to recognize their dedication with a fun and memorable experience. \r\n\r\nThank you for investing not only in supplies but also in my students' well being, confidence, and sense of belonging. Your kindness helped create a positive classroom environment where students felt valued, appreciated, and encouraged to keep learning. I am deeply grateful for your compassion and willingness to support my classroom. On behalf of my students and myself, thank you for making this experience possible.","fullyFundedDate":1777983193812,"projectUrl":"project/cool-down-and-recharge-monthly-slushi-a/10059775/","projectTitle":"Cool Down and Recharge: Monthly Slushi and Snack Brain Breaks","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Abad","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5944146_orig.jpg?crop=398,398,x0,y87&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1582592587948","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-abad"},{"teacherId":10317679,"projectId":10175606,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous contributions. \r\nBy providing snacks to my students I am able to keep them alert and looking forward to finishing their work. It keeps their brain fueled and ready to process information. If my students are hungry, I know they can become fatigued and lose focus. These snacks are great incentives. \r\nAs you can see from the picture, the colorful paper helps our student work stand out. It is also used to boost memory, organize chaotic thoughts, and foster collaboration. I love to use the colored paper as graphic organizers for the lessons we are covering. \r\nThanks again for donations. They have been a great asset to the classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1776852673603,"projectUrl":"project/safety-and-security/10175606/","projectTitle":"Safety and Security","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Garcia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10317679_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768955982313","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10317679"},{"teacherId":7096365,"projectId":8407231,"letterContent":"My students and I have been using the new resources every day in meaningful ways. One of the most impactful moments was during the first week of school when we set up our binders together. I was able to guide students step-by-step on how to organize their materials, and because of your donations, every student had what they needed to fully participate. My students were truly grateful to receive school supplies they could use in my classroom, and it created a strong sense of community right from the start. Having pencils readily available—along with lead refills—means students always have something to write with, which keeps our lessons running smoothly without interruptions.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the materials, they were excited and appreciative. Many of them immediately expressed gratitude and were eager to start using their new supplies. It made a big difference in their confidence and readiness to learn. Looking ahead, we will continue building on these organizational skills as we work on current and upcoming projects. Students will use their binders to keep track of notes, assignments, and completed work, helping them stay accountable and prepared. These resources are not just supplies—they are tools that support independence, responsibility, and success in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1717183208222,"projectUrl":"project/back-to-school-essentials/8407231/","projectTitle":"Back to School Essentials","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cisneros","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7096365_orig.jpg?crop=960,960,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1581457867148","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7096365"},{"teacherId":10414499,"projectId":10047005,"letterContent":"My students and I cannot thank you enough for your generous donations. As the packages arrived, my students were excited each day to see what had come in. The winter gloves were especially appreciated during this cold winter, and my students have truly valued having access to everyday necessities whenever they may need them. Because of your kindness, I was able to create a student care corner where students can quietly take what they need, whether it is a snack, deodorant, hair ties, headphones, wipes, hand sanitizer, tissues, sanitary napkins, or other essentials to make they school day a little easier. When student's basic needs are met and they feel safe and cared for, they are better able to focus on their learning. \r\n\r\nThe donations have also made a meaningful difference in our classroom lessons. During our probability unit, students used Jolly Ranchers and decks of cards to calculate experimental probability. Seeing math come to life through hands-on activities made the lesson more engaging, and students were excited to participate. \r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the materials, their reactions were priceless. Many were surprised that people they had never met cared enough to support them. Some immediately smiled when they saw the gloves and snacks, while others were grateful to know they could access supplies they may not otherwise have had. Those moments reminded my students that they are supported by a community that believes in them.\r\n\r\nWith state testing upon us, these resources continue to make an impact. I am now able to provide my students with snacks and juice after long testing days, along with small goodie bags filled with mints, gum, and Jolly Ranchers to help them stay focused and maintain their stamina. As we move into the next steps of our learning, my students will continue building confidence in math while knowing they have the support and resources they need to succeed. Your generosity has made a lasting difference in our classroom, and we are so grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1769713784976,"projectUrl":"project/warm-bodies-full-bellies-ready-to-lear/10047005/","projectTitle":"Warm Bodies, Full Bellies, Ready to learn 7th Grade Math","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rodriguez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10414499_orig.jpg?crop=2250,2251,x0,y270&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1769455389914","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10414499"},{"teacherId":10411003,"projectId":10037155,"letterContent":"I can't thank you enough for your generous donation to our school. We were able to help many students through your contributions. The students were most grateful for the coloring books and color pencils. These tools have helped our students during times of anxiety and stress. It has been beneficial to give these students a break during the long periods of classroom instruction.\r\n\tThe snacks were also a great hit. Some of the kids need a boost in the afternoon. They often tend to get sleepier and are more disengaged in the classes after lunch. By giving them snacks, they stay on task and continue to produce work. \r\n\tLastly, the beanies and gloves were fun to give out to students. The colors were very bright and actually motivated students to get the most colorful ones and show them off to other students.\r\n It's because of people like you that our students can succeed in the classroom. Thank you again!","fullyFundedDate":1769635279683,"projectUrl":"project/helping-out-a-community-in-its-most-diff/10037155/","projectTitle":"Helping Out a Community in Its Most Difficult Time.","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Hernandez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10411003"},{"teacherId":10408446,"projectId":10032723,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity. I am thrilled to share the impact your support has had on our classroom community.\r\n\r\nWe have been putting these new resources to work every single day. While some items are for specific lessons, a major part of this project focused on the \"invisible\" essentials, like tissues, that keep a classroom running smoothly. Because our school is no longer able to provide these basic supplies, having them on hand has been a game-changer for our daily flow.\r\n\r\nA specific moment that stands out happened last week during a collaborative group session. In the past, a student with a cold would have to leave the room to find a restroom just to get a paper towel, interrupting their momentum and the group's work. Now, they can simply grab a tissue and stay engaged with their peers. It has created a much more seamless, focused environment where learning isn't interrupted by a lack of basic necessities.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the boxes arrive and realized they were filled with supplies just for them, there was a visible sense of relief and excitement. One student actually cheered when they saw the tissues and hand sanitizer, saying, \"Wait, we actually have the good stuff now?\" It made them feel seen and cared for, knowing that people outside our school walls invested in their comfort and well-being.\r\n\r\nWith our environment now fully stocked and comfortable, our next step is to dive deeper into our current curriculum projects. We are currently working on a collaborative unit where students are designing their own \"ideal communities.\" Having a stable, well-resourced home base allows them to focus entirely on their creativity and critical thinking.\r\n\r\nYour contribution did more than just buy supplies; it restored a sense of dignity to our everyday classroom life. We are so grateful for your help in making our room a place where students can focus on being students.","fullyFundedDate":1769031350131,"projectUrl":"project/helping-students-feel-warm-cared-for-a/10032723/","projectTitle":"Helping Students Feel Warm, Cared For, and Ready to Learn","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Curtin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10408446_orig.png?crop=455,455,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1769032027193","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10408446"},{"teacherId":1433226,"projectId":10050150,"letterContent":"Since this project was funded, my students have been able to enjoy snacks and small treats throughout the day, helping them stay focused and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nMany of my students are growing teenagers with big appetites, so having this resource reduces hunger‑related distractions and creates a welcoming, positive classroom where they feel cared for and supported.\r\n\r\nWith their energy restored, they can participate more fully in discussions, complete assignments, and engage confidently with their classmates. Your support has truly made a difference in helping every student feel ready to learn each day.","fullyFundedDate":1772550351329,"projectUrl":"project/fueling-learning-one-snack-at-a-time/10050150/","projectTitle":"Fueling Learning, One Snack at a Time","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Favuzzi-Morin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1433226_orig.jpg?crop=1032,1032,x45,y742&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1600294894014","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/favuzzi205"},{"teacherId":5944146,"projectId":10031628,"letterContent":"This project had a significant impact on my class by creating intentional moments for students to reset after extended academic work. Providing snacks and enjoyable activities allowed students to address both hunger and stress, helping them regulate their emotions and return to learning more focused and energized. These monthly brain breaks gave students a predictable and safe space to unwind, which supported their overall well-being and readiness to participate in lessons.\r\n\r\nBy meeting these basic needs, the project encouraged students to show up as their happiest selves and engage more fully with classroom activities. Students who might have arrived tired, hungry, or stressed had an opportunity to recharge, build confidence, and feel supported. This consistent approach not only improved focus and perseverance during academic tasks but also fostered a classroom culture where students felt cared for and prepared to succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1768699150446,"projectUrl":"project/snack-reset-supporting-student-wellne/10031628/","projectTitle":"Snack & Reset: Supporting Student Wellness Through Brain Breaks","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Abad","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5944146_orig.jpg?crop=398,398,x0,y87&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1582592587948","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-abad"},{"teacherId":1284677,"projectId":10047825,"letterContent":"The warm ski clothing funded through DonorsChoose had a huge impact on my Special Olympics athletes. As inner-city students who had never skied before, many of them would not have been able to participate without proper winter gear. The clothing kept them warm, dry, and comfortable, allowing them to feel safe and confident on the slopes.\r\n\r\nBecause of this support, my athletes were able to fully engage, try something completely new, and build confidence through an experience they otherwise never would have had.","fullyFundedDate":1769254690156,"projectUrl":"project/staying-warm-on-the-slopes/10047825/","projectTitle":"Staying Warm on the Slopes","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Diemer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1284677_orig.jpg?crop=2320,2320,x0,y386&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1704397074863","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kdiemer"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_59886","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":999,"numTeachers":64,"percentFrplEligible":87,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":1,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":97,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":0,"gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"15.6:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":44.6,"schoolId":59886,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Emerson Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Emerson Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-jersey/union-city-public-schools/emerson-middle-school/59886"}