{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Desert Ridge Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":15.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"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"},{"teacherId":9836369,"projectId":8942974,"letterContent":"Thank you for helping me obtain the materials needed for some hands-on Earth Science labs. We used the dinosaur figurines to create molds and cast fossils; they also served as fossils during our stratigraphy lab. Students were able to create replica fossils using the molds to take home. The crayons were used in a lab to review the rock cycle, and we were able to reuse the wax for a convection lab. Your contribution has made a significant difference in ensuring that every student has the resources they need to thrive in our learning environment.","fullyFundedDate":1731554712101,"projectUrl":"project/fossil-earth-science-lab-materials/8942974/","projectTitle":"Fossil & Earth Science Lab Materials","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Starr","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9836369"},{"teacherId":6953175,"projectId":8552993,"letterContent":"On behalf of DRMS Robotics and our STEAM class, I want to extend our deepest gratitude for your generous donation to our robotics lab and STEAM class. Your support has had an incredible impact on our students and their ability to explore the world of robotics, engineering, and technology.\r\n\r\nThanks to your contribution, we have been able to purchase additional robot parts and expansion kits, but electronic components for creating robots and circuits for class and other various consumable materials.. These resources have enhanced the hands-on learning experiences of our students and allowed them to push the boundaries of their creativity and technical skills. Our teams are now better equipped to compete in regional and national robotics competitions, with many of our students already working on innovative projects that would not have been possible without your help.\r\n\r\n We were able to field 3 FIRST LEGO League teams, 3 VEX IQ teams, and 2 VEX VRC teams. One of the 8th grade VEX VRC won the NM State Championship and are headed to worlds next week. These accomplishments are a direct result of the opportunities your donation has made possible.","fullyFundedDate":1724113435197,"projectUrl":"project/scissors-and-glue-and-motors-oh-my/8552993/","projectTitle":"Scissors and Glue and Motors, 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":6953175,"projectId":8978728,"letterContent":"On behalf of DRMS Robotics and our STEAM class, I want to extend our deepest gratitude for your generous donation to our robotics lab and STEAM class. Your support has had an incredible impact on our students and their ability to explore the world of robotics, engineering, and technology.\r\n\r\nThanks to your contribution, we have been able to purchase additional robot parts and expansion kits, but electronic components for creating robots and circuits for class and other various consumable materials.. These resources have enhanced the hands-on learning experiences of our students and allowed them to push the boundaries of their creativity and technical skills. Our teams are now better equipped to compete in regional and national robotics competitions, with many of our students already working on innovative projects that would not have been possible without your help.\r\n\r\n We were able to field 3 FIRST LEGO League teams, 3 VEX IQ teams, and 2 VEX VRC teams. One of the 8th grade VEX VRC won the NM State Championship and are headed to worlds next week. These accomplishments are a direct result of the opportunities your donation has made possible.","fullyFundedDate":1733268338106,"projectUrl":"project/future-makers-empowering-innovation-thr/8978728/","projectTitle":"Future Makers: Empowering Innovation Through Robotics & Makerspace Supplies","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":9006287,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donations! Your support has greatly enhanced our classroom environment by providing our learners with more resources, such as differentiated notes for students to add to their interactive science notebooks and updated reading passages with visuals. Students have been able to receive up-to-date printed progress reports when needed. Your contribution has made a significant difference in ensuring that every student has the resources they need to thrive in our learning environment.","fullyFundedDate":1737009987529,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-resources/9006287/","projectTitle":"Classroom Resources","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Garcia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9797143"},{"teacherId":9797143,"projectId":8882750,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation! Your support has greatly enhanced our classroom environment by providing our learners with the headphones and accessories they need to effectively use their Chromebooks for digital activities. The stickers have served as a wonderful positive reward system, allowing students to personalize their interactive science notebooks and Chromebooks. Your contribution has made a significant difference in ensuring every student has the resources they need to thrive in our learning environment.","fullyFundedDate":1733276701063,"projectUrl":"project/chromebook-accessories-and-positive-ince/8882750/","projectTitle":"Chromebook Accessories and Positive Incentives","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":84.9,"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"}