{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Desert Ridge Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":15.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9604760,"projectId":9978075,"letterContent":"On behalf of our students and music program, I would like to extend our deepest gratitude for your thoughtful and impactful donation. Your support in providing our classroom with double-sided dry erase whiteboards—featuring a blank surface on one side and a music staff on the other—along with dry erase markers and erasers, has made a remarkable difference in how our students engage with music learning every day.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, our classroom has been transformed into a more interactive, creative, and collaborative environment. These tools have allowed students to move beyond passive learning and become active participants in their musical growth. The excitement and enthusiasm they bring to each lesson has increased significantly, and it is truly inspiring to witness.\r\n\r\nStudents have already found a variety of innovative ways to use the whiteboards. One favorite activity has been rhythm racing games, where teams compete to correctly write rhythms as quickly as possible. These games not only reinforce rhythmic understanding but also build teamwork, communication, and confidence. What might have once felt like a challenging concept has become something students eagerly look forward to practicing.\r\n\r\nIn addition, students have been using the staff side of the boards to write solfège notes during relay races. This has turned note recognition and pitch relationships into a dynamic and energetic experience. Students are physically moving, thinking critically, and applying their knowledge in real time—all while having fun. The combination of movement and music has proven to be especially effective in helping concepts \"stick.\"\r\n\r\nAnother powerful outcome of your donation is the way it has encouraged student creativity. Learners have begun creating their own sight-singing exercises to challenge one another. This peer-to-peer learning fosters a sense of ownership and pride, as students not only practice their skills but also step into the role of teacher and composer. They are thinking more deeply about how music works and how to communicate it clearly.\r\n\r\nPerhaps most exciting of all, students have started composing their own original pieces using the whiteboards. The ability to quickly write, revise, and share ideas has made composition more accessible and less intimidating. Students who may have previously been hesitant are now experimenting with musical ideas, taking risks, and expressing themselves in new ways. The classroom is filled with creativity, laughter, and a genuine love of learning.\r\n\r\nYour donation has done more than provide supplies—it has opened doors. It has allowed us to create meaningful, hands-on musical experiences that support a wide range of learning styles and abilities. It has helped build confidence, strengthen collaboration, and inspire creativity in every student who uses these materials.\r\n\r\nWe are incredibly grateful for your investment in our students and their education. Your kindness and generosity are making a lasting impact, and the benefits of your support will continue to be felt throughout the school year and beyond. Thank you for believing in our program and for helping us bring music to life in such an engaging and meaningful way.","fullyFundedDate":1767460782233,"projectUrl":"project/music-dry-erase-boards/9978075/","projectTitle":"Music Dry Erase Boards","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Jones","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9604760"},{"teacherId":6953175,"projectId":9612094,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous contributions toward our robotics parts and equipment. Your support has made a meaningful difference in our program by giving our students access to the tools and components they need to design, build, and improve their robots. Because of your generosity, our team were able to focus on innovation, problem-solving, and hands-on learning that brings engineering concepts to life. Your investment is not just in materials—it's an investment in curiosity, creativity, and the confidence our students gain as they turn ideas into reality.\r\n\r\nYour partnership helps create opportunities that extend far beyond competition. With the parts you've helped provide, students are developing teamwork, perseverance, and critical thinking skills that will serve them in school, careers, and their communities. We are truly grateful for your belief in our program and our students. Thank you for helping us build, learn, and grow—we couldn't do it without you.","fullyFundedDate":1755804957557,"projectUrl":"project/mix-and-match/9612094/","projectTitle":"Mix and Match","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Williams","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6953175_orig.jpg?crop=1512,1512,x26,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1573580029481","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6953175"},{"teacherId":6953175,"projectId":9510935,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous contributions toward our robotics parts and equipment. Your support has made a meaningful difference in our program by giving our students access to the tools and components they need to design, build, and improve their robots. Because of your generosity, our team were able to focus on innovation, problem-solving, and hands-on learning that brings engineering concepts to life. Your investment is not just in materials—it's an investment in curiosity, creativity, and the confidence our students gain as they turn ideas into reality.\r\n\r\nYour partnership helps create opportunities that extend far beyond competition. With the parts you've helped provide, students are developing teamwork, perseverance, and critical thinking skills that will serve them in school, careers, and their communities. We are truly grateful for your belief in our program and our students. Thank you for helping us build, learn, and grow—we couldn't do it without you.","fullyFundedDate":1755688711133,"projectUrl":"project/refresh-and-restock/9510935/","projectTitle":"Refresh and Restock","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Williams","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6953175_orig.jpg?crop=1512,1512,x26,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1573580029481","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6953175"},{"teacherId":6953175,"projectId":9303106,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous contributions toward our robotics parts and equipment. Your support has made a meaningful difference in our program by giving our students access to the tools and components they need to design, build, and improve their robots. Because of your generosity, our team were able to focus on innovation, problem-solving, and hands-on learning that brings engineering concepts to life. Your investment is not just in materials—it's an investment in curiosity, creativity, and the confidence our students gain as they turn ideas into reality.\r\n\r\nYour partnership helps create opportunities that extend far beyond competition. With the parts you've helped provide, students are developing teamwork, perseverance, and critical thinking skills that will serve them in school, careers, and their communities. We are truly grateful for your belief in our program and our students. Thank you for helping us build, learn, and grow—we couldn't do it without you.","fullyFundedDate":1746539695708,"projectUrl":"project/sensors-motors-and-pneumatics-oh-my/9303106/","projectTitle":"Sensors, Motors, and Pneumatics! Oh My!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Williams","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6953175_orig.jpg?crop=1512,1512,x26,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1573580029481","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6953175"},{"teacherId":9797143,"projectId":9484461,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation toward improving our classroom resources and making our materials more durable and reusable. Your support has allowed us to obtain updated materials for students to use regularly during class. We have used the laminator and pouches to create word walls, review games, station activities, and to preserve student work. Your contribution has made a significant difference in ensuring that every student has the resources they need to thrive in our learning environment.","fullyFundedDate":1753898761938,"projectUrl":"project/materials-that-last/9484461/","projectTitle":"Materials That Last","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Garcia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9797143"},{"teacherId":6307918,"projectId":9856692,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our art studio has become an even more welcoming and calming space for students. The Posca paint markers were an immediate hit — as soon as students opened the box, they gasped at the bright colors and smooth tips. We used them right away during an abstract design lesson, and the confidence they felt while applying clean, vibrant strokes was incredible. Several students who often hesitate with messy materials were fully engaged, proudly layering color and adding fine details to their work.\r\n\r\nThe sensory tools have made an equally meaningful impact. Students who struggle with anxiety or attention now have quiet, appropriate outlets to help them regulate. One specific moment that stood out was watching a student who typically shuts down during transitions calmly reach for a tactile sticker on their sketchbook cover, breathe deeply, and rejoin the class activity without prompting. These small supports are making big differences, helping students feel grounded and ready to create. The prize stickers have also become a bright spot — a cheerful way to recognize craftsmanship, kindness, and perseverance.\r\n\r\nWe're now moving into a mixed-media project where students will continue using the Posca markers to add highlights and bold line work. Their excitement for these materials is carrying into each new assignment, and the sensory supports continue to help students settle into a creative mindset. Thank you for helping us build a studio that nurtures both artistic expression and emotional well-being. Your contribution has truly shaped our classroom community.","fullyFundedDate":1761815837960,"projectUrl":"project/calm-and-create-paint-markers-sensory/9856692/","projectTitle":"Calm and Create: Paint Markers & Sensory Supports","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Termini","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6307918_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1551534156888","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mstermini"},{"teacherId":6307918,"projectId":9702238,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my Media Literacy students are now experiencing photography and digital art in brand-new ways. Before this project, we relied on student phones, which created challenges and inconsistencies. Now, with access to cameras, stylus pens, and editing tools, students can fully immerse themselves in the process of capturing and editing images with the same types of tools professionals use. This technology has transformed our classroom into a digital media studio where students can learn hands-on skills that prepare them for high school, college, and beyond.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting part for my students has been the chance to use real cameras and equipment instead of just their phones. They love experimenting with composition techniques, trying out different lighting angles, and then editing their photos with precision using mice and stylus pens on Chromebooks. The stylus pens in particular have been especially popular—they've discovered how to use digital programs to create drawings on their Chromebooks, edit photos, and it has sparked endless creativity and laughter.","fullyFundedDate":1758070459974,"projectUrl":"project/picture-this-photography-digital-crea/9702238/","projectTitle":"Picture This: Photography & Digital Creativity for Middle School Artists","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Termini","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6307918_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1551534156888","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mstermini"},{"teacherId":6307918,"projectId":9434294,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, my students have been able to explore animation, stop motion, and claymation in ways they never imagined possible. For many of them, this was their very first experience with digital storytelling. The technology allowed students to combine traditional art techniques like drawing, painting, and sculpting with 21st-century media skills. Instead of just learning about animation, they were able to bring their own characters and stories to life frame by frame. This hands-on experience taught them patience, sequencing, problem-solving, and collaboration—all while having fun creating something uniquely their own.\r\n\r\nWhat excites students most is the sense of magic when they play back their work and see their clay characters move on screen. They light up with joy and pride, realizing they are capable of creating something that looks like it belongs in a movie or on TV. The animation tools made the process accessible and easy to understand, while the art supplies let their imaginations run wild. Students loved experimenting with set design, sculpting quirky characters, and even adding sound effects and dialogue.\r\n\r\nOne of the most inspiring moments has been seeing students who don't always shine in traditional art projects thrive with animation. A few students who are usually quiet or hesitant in class became leaders during this project, guiding their peers in using the stop motion app and troubleshooting challenges. Others who struggle with drawing found confidence in sculpting clay figures and creating stories visually. This project gave them a chance to take ownership of their learning, discover hidden strengths, and express themselves in new ways.","fullyFundedDate":1757423956617,"projectUrl":"project/lights-camera-claymation-bringing-ani/9434294/","projectTitle":"Lights, Camera, Claymation! Bringing Animation to Life","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Termini","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6307918_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1551534156888","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mstermini"},{"teacherId":9797143,"projectId":9160076,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation! Your support has greatly enhanced our classroom environment by providing our learners with a welcoming atmosphere for the start of the new school year. We are now able to utilize our whiteboards to showcase student work and important information. We were also able to use the adhesive Post-it note to extend our whiteboard area. Your contribution has made a significant difference in ensuring every student has the resources they need to thrive in our learning environment.","fullyFundedDate":1742328095361,"projectUrl":"project/updated-spring-classroom/9160076/","projectTitle":"Updated Spring Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Garcia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9797143"},{"teacherId":6307918,"projectId":9118031,"letterContent":"Thank you for helping our art room!\r\nBecause of you, we can stay organized and creative.\r\n\r\nThank you so much for supporting our Desert Ridge art studio! Your generosity helps us build an organized, creative space where students can take charge of their materials and focus on making meaningful art.\r\n\r\nWe're so grateful you believe in the power of student creativity—and in the joy of a well-stocked, color-coded classroom! Thank you for helping our art room! The students love making process based artwork","fullyFundedDate":1748435474613,"projectUrl":"project/colorfully-organized/9118031/","projectTitle":"Colorfully Organized","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Termini","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6307918_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1551534156888","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mstermini"},{"teacherId":6307918,"projectId":9305016,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our bookmaking project in our classroom! Your donation helps bring paper, stitching, folding, and creativity into our students' hands as they learn the art of making their very own books.\r\n\r\nThese aren't just blank pages—they're sketchbooks, journals, comics, and stories waiting to be told. Thanks to you, our students get to explore craftsmanship, creativity, and pride in creating something entirely their own. Thank you for helping our art room! The students love making process based art","fullyFundedDate":1746800720629,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-bookmaking-to-life-handmade-bo/9305016/","projectTitle":"Bringing Bookmaking to Life: Handmade Books for Middle School Artists","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Termini","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6307918_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1551534156888","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mstermini"},{"teacherId":9797143,"projectId":9039828,"letterContent":"Thank you for helping me obtain the materials needed for some hands-on Earth Science labs. We used the fossil kits to examine examples of the main types of fossils we learned about during this unit (trace, body, mold, and cast fossils). The strata kits helped students visualize how paleontologists and geologists use stratigraphy to determine the relative ages of fossils. Your contribution has made a significant difference in ensuring that every student has the resources they need to thrive in our learning environment.","fullyFundedDate":1737576477286,"projectUrl":"project/time-for-the-geologic-time-scale/9039828/","projectTitle":"Time For The Geologic Time Scale","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Garcia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9797143"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_66401","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":791,"numTeachers":62,"percentFrplEligible":52,"percentAsian":8,"percentBlack":2,"percentWhite":43,"percentIndigenous":2,"percentLatinx":37,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"12.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":84.3,"schoolId":66401,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Desert Ridge Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Desert Ridge Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-mexico/albuquerque-public-schools/desert-ridge-middle-school/66401"}