{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"R - S Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":41.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10351165,"projectId":9897045,"letterContent":"Thank you for helping transform our minimal classroom into a cozy, calming space where my students feel comfortable and ready to learn. The new resources are already part of our daily routines—students use the flexible seating and defined spaces for reading, small-group work, and sensory breaks throughout the day.\r\n\r\nThe jellyfish sensory tube has been an absolute favorite! Students were immediately drawn to it, and it has quickly become a calming spot they independently choose when they need to regulate or reset. The soft, comforting lighting from our new materials has also made a big difference, creating a peaceful atmosphere that helps students stay engaged and relaxed during lessons.\r\n\r\nWe are using these cozy spaces during our literacy activities and themed reading lessons, and students are staying engaged longer and participating more confidently. Next, we will continue building independence and communication skills through structured centers and reading time in these supportive environments.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has created a classroom that truly meets my students' sensory and learning needs. Thank you for making this possible for them.","fullyFundedDate":1767889076261,"projectUrl":"project/making-our-minimal-au-classroom-cozy-thr/9897045/","projectTitle":"Making Our Minimal AU Classroom Cozy through Sensory Lights!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Watson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10351165_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1763167704523","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10351165"},{"teacherId":2870051,"projectId":9637188,"letterContent":"I appreciate your support of our school's project. We have been in need of new books in the library. The books have benefited the students tremendously in their reading engagement. The students love reading new books and having a new selection of books to choose from. The books have also helped increase the number of books in the library.\r\n\r\nThe new books also introduced new series that the students had never seen or read before. The students were so excited when they were told that we had new books. They had to hurry over to take a look at the new books and choose one that they wanted to read.","fullyFundedDate":1764689038208,"projectUrl":"project/fueling-imagination-through-books/9637188/","projectTitle":"Fueling Imagination Through Books","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Millwood","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2870051_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1549233672020","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/maggie-millwood"},{"teacherId":10100686,"projectId":9516111,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support of our DonorsChoose project. Because of you, my students had access to a high-quality, engaging book during a reading unit about the Great Depression that was not connected to screens or technology. Your contribution has made a lasting and meaningful impact on our classroom, and I am truly grateful for your investment in our students' learning and growth.\r\n\r\nWe are proud to teach and learn in a district that has one-to-one technology devices for all students. While this technology has its benefits, many of our 6th grade students struggle to slow down, focus, and truly immerse themselves in reading. The physical books you helped provide gave students the opportunity to experience reading in a different and powerful way. Holding a book, turning pages, and visually tracking their progress helped students build stamina, focus, and a deeper connection to the text.\r\n\r\nWhile using these books during our unit on the Great Depression, I observed a significant increase in student engagement during our reading time. Students were more eager to begin reading, more willing to stay focused for longer periods, and more excited to talk about what they were reading. The books sparked curiosity, thoughtful conversations, and genuine enthusiasm for stories, characters, and ideas. Many students who were previously reluctant readers looked forward to reading this book and sharing their thoughts with their classmates.\r\n\r\nThe use of the novels that were not technology based also supported important literacy skills. During this unit, students demonstrated improved comprehension, vocabulary, and the willingness and ability to reflect on what they read. They learned to reread favorite sections, make predictions, and form personal connections to texts—skills that are sometimes rushed or overlooked when reading digitally. The calm, screen-free reading environment has helped students feel more relaxed and confident as readers.\r\n\r\nBeyond academics, your gift has had a positive social and emotional impact. Students are starting to recommend books to one another, and have asked for other books written by this author. This sense of shared reading has strengthened our classroom community and helped students see reading as an enjoyable and meaningful activity rather than a task. Several students shared that reading this novel was one of their favorite parts of the school day.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, your generosity showed my students that people outside of their classroom believe in them and care about their success. Thank you for helping us foster a love of reading, build strong literacy skills, and create lasting memories around books. Your support is helping shape confident, lifelong readers, and we are so thankful for you.","fullyFundedDate":1760262408860,"projectUrl":"project/reading-real-books/9516111/","projectTitle":"Reading Real Books!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10100686"},{"teacherId":2426,"projectId":9006628,"letterContent":"My students have LOVED using the outside equipment when they earn the opportunity to go outside. Actually since out grant was funded and the items came we have had more 7th graders work to earn the opportunity to go outside on Friday because they actually have something to do when they go outside. Sitting on the bleachers just did not excite them! They love being able to be active with their friends! Thank you so much for allowing me to offer these items for them to provide some physical activity for them throughout the week that is not organized. They can use the items and just play with them how they wish. Getting this grant funded has helped two-fold. it has helped our students become more active and it has helped them reach their academic goals because they now have something they want to work towards! Thank you is just not even close enough to show our appreciation! It is so nice to be able to see them excel both in and outside of the classroom! Thank you for providing the materials needed to give them the excitement to work toward meeting their weekly academic goals!","fullyFundedDate":1740355781394,"projectUrl":"project/we-want-to-move-it-move-it/9006628/","projectTitle":"We want to MOVE it, MOVE it!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. K.","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2426_orig.png?crop=359,359,x72,y31&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1734208425132","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/t-klanert"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_3425","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":557,"numTeachers":38,"percentFrplEligible":93,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":12,"percentWhite":68,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":9,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"14.7:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"RURAL","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_FRINGE"},"inStateSupporters":58.3,"schoolId":3425,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about R - S Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"R - S Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/north-carolina/rutherford-county-school-district/r-s-middle-school/3425"}
Join the 72 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
R - S Middle School is
a rural public school
in Rutherfordton, North Carolina that is part of Rutherford County School District.
It serves 557 students
in grades 6 - 8 with a student/teacher ratio of 14.7:1.
Its teachers have had 31 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Boost support for this school! Share this page with friends, family, alumni, and fellow supporters. Every connection helps teachers get the supplies they need and shows how much your community cares about its students.
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for public school teachers.
Every donation funds real needs — pencils, books, lab equipment, art supplies, and more — helping students learn and thrive. We ship supplies directly to the school, and you'll see exactly where each dollar goes.
of students receive free or reduced price lunch
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
Source: the National Center for Education Statistics
21%
of students are Black, Latino, Native
American, or Asian
Data about school demographics comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. The numbers in this chart may not add up to 100% because of limitations in the available data.
R - S Middle School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Mar 20, 2026
DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students
in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.
R - S Middle School
$14,766
raised using DonorsChoose
31
projects
funded
15
teachers
funded
72
donors
1
project for
technology
11
projects for
books
1
project
for
art supplies
R - S Middle School has received support from
42 individuals from North Carolina and
30 individuals out-of-state.
