{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Taft Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":32.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9926799,"projectId":9493218,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for making the Taft Zen Den a reality! The space had been underutilized with old tables and chairs. Creating this special area with comfy seating and lights has transformed the library.\r\n\r\nThe students have loved the Zen Den, and teachers and staff have loved it as well! Students are allowed to go to the Zen Den after checking out books when their classes come to the library. Students have also chosen to spend time in the Zen Den to relax during their lunch break. It is by far the most popular spot in the library. Another bonus of the Zen Den is it provides an incentive for students to make good choices in the library, because everyone wants to hang out in there. \r\n\r\nI also have teachers come to the library during their plan to work in the Zen Den. This has been a surprising and wonderful result! It gives those teachers a comfortable place to work away from their classrooms, and contributes to the library being a welcoming place for all.","fullyFundedDate":1755734892864,"projectUrl":"project/a-zen-den-for-tms/9493218/","projectTitle":"A Zen Den for TMS","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Walvoord","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9926799_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753332589491","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9926799"},{"teacherId":9919184,"projectId":9547474,"letterContent":"Receiving the binders has greatly impacted my classroom! Students are excited to have a physical place to keep all the material we use in class. Each binder was even personalized and decorated with a cover page to celebrate each students individuality. I believe this is extremely important for motivation. Moreover, students use the binders to keep track of their bell work, notes, and vocabulary. They are used to support students' learning process and overall goals, which sets them up for success.","fullyFundedDate":1755367651752,"projectUrl":"project/binders-needed/9547474/","projectTitle":"Binders Needed","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lainez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9919184"},{"teacherId":8704233,"projectId":9528572,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to \"Big Dreams, New Words: A Path to Confidence and Communication\". Your support has made an incredible difference in the language learning journey of my newcomer students.\r\nThe materials you provided have transformed our classroom. The notebooks provide my students with a space to practice writing and keep track of new vocabulary words. The magnetic letters and trays have made phonics lessons more engaging and hands-on. Students enjoy moving the letters around, sounding out words, and seeing how letters come together to form meaning.\r\nThe headphones with microphones have been game-changers. Students can now practice listening and speaking at their own pace, repeating words and phrases until they feel confident. Hearing themselves speak has helped them notice their own progress and build confidence in using the English language. The whiteboards and markers allow students to practice without worrying about mistakes—they can erase and try again as many times as needed.\r\nWhat I appreciate most is seeing my students' resilience and determination every day. They come to class ready to work with their pencils, notebooks, and the phonics games. Your donation has helped speed up their learning process. Students are more engaged and enjoying the learning experience. There's real happiness in the classroom when students successfully sound out a word or complete a writing activity.\r\nThank you for believing in my students and providing them with these essential learning tools. Your generosity has made their adjustment to a new language and a new country a little easier and a lot more hopeful.","fullyFundedDate":1755958624830,"projectUrl":"project/big-dreams-new-words-a-path-to-confide/9528572/","projectTitle":"Big Dreams, New Words: A Path to Confidence and Communication","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lilley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8704233"},{"teacherId":10072385,"projectId":9449223,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom at Taft through the interactive notebook project. These notebooks have truly transformed the way our students engage with learning . \r\n\r\nWith the interactive notebooks, students have become more organized, creative, and confident in expressing their ideas. They eagerly participate in lessons, enjoy hands-on activities, ans show greater enthusiasm for exploring new concepts. Many students have shared how much they love personalizing their notebooks, which makes learning feel more meaningful and fun. \r\n\r\nThe positive energy and excitement in the classroom has grown immensely. Your kindness has made a real differnece in their educational experience and we are deeply grateful for your investment in thier growth.","fullyFundedDate":1752256530738,"projectUrl":"project/notebooks-in-action-igniting-curiosity/9449223/","projectTitle":"Notebooks in Action: Igniting Curiosity and Creativity","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Stark-Appleton","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10072385_orig.jpg?crop=1536,1536,x0,y97&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1752026342360","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10072385"},{"teacherId":9912620,"projectId":9537017,"letterContent":"When the snacks and drinks arrived, my cross country athletes were so excited! After a long meet, it was such a great feeling to hand out something refreshing and see their smiles. The students were so thankful and kept saying how much it meant to have something waiting for them after their hard work. It created such a positive and supportive atmosphere a simple gesture that made them feel appreciated and motivated to keep pushing toward their goals. We truly appreciate your generosity and support. Your donation made a real difference for our athletes, and we're so grateful for your kindness!","fullyFundedDate":1754782052463,"projectUrl":"project/run-snack-repeat/9537017/","projectTitle":"Run, Snack, Repeat!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Lopez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9912620_orig.jpg?crop=1024,1024,x424,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754600314348","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9912620"},{"teacherId":9282135,"projectId":9048679,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our wrestling team received brand new wrestling shoes that will directly impact our student athletes growth and success. When the wrestling team saw the new wrestling shoes come in, they were excited and obsessed with the looks of them. The new wrestling shoes will be used everyday for both practice and competition during the school year. These new wrestling shoes also helps remove financial barriers for our student athletes since wrestling shoes are required to compete.","fullyFundedDate":1746507142793,"projectUrl":"project/wrestling-shoes-for-team/9048679/","projectTitle":"Wrestling Shoes for Team","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Sumners","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9282135_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1750279361561","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9282135"},{"teacherId":8632056,"projectId":9341753,"letterContent":"Thanks to the generous donations, our PE program has been transformed. With the new futsal balls and soccer goals, students are now able to participate in small-sided soccer games that encourage teamwork, quick decision-making, and higher levels of engagement. The basketballs have allowed us to run skill stations where every student has their own ball to practice dribbling, shooting, and passing—no more waiting in long lines. The cricket equipment opened the door to a new sport for many of my students, sparking curiosity and excitement as they learned rules and techniques for the first time.\r\n\r\nOne of the most exciting ways we are using the new equipment is through our brand-new Royal Time Futsal League, which just launched this week. Royal Time is an enrichment program where students who are caught up on assignments and passing all their classes get two hours each week to join an activity of their choice. My athletic director and I created the league last year after noticing how many students love to play soccer, and now—with the futsal balls and goals—we are able to make it a reality. Students have formed teams, and games are already underway. This league not only gives them a chance to play competitively, but it also rewards academic responsibility by tying participation to classroom success.\r\n\r\nThe reaction was immediate—students were buzzing with excitement when they saw the new gear. Many commented that the balls felt \"real\" and \"professional,\" and the cricket set drew a crowd of students eager to try something brand-new. Students who were hesitant to participate before are now more willing to jump in because the equipment is engaging and fun.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, I plan to build on this momentum by incorporating more team tournaments and skill challenges into my lesson plans. For example, students will be tracking their progress in shooting accuracy, passing drills, and cricket batting skills. I also plan to integrate leadership roles, where students help referee games, keep score, and set up equipment—building responsibility alongside athletic skills","fullyFundedDate":1755744545869,"projectUrl":"project/equip-us-for-greatness/9341753/","projectTitle":"Equip Us for Greatness","teacherDisplayName":"Coach K","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8632056"},{"teacherId":7775142,"projectId":9542940,"letterContent":"The students had so much fun making the bag and key charms. I loved the different designs and charms they selected for themselves. Each charm they chose represented what they like or had meaning to them. Also, there were a lot of different colors for them to choose from which made their creations unique. I still have supplies and have purchased more charms, chains and jump rings so other students can have a chance to make one, as well. So far 20 students have enjoyed this opportunity and their positive feedback means the world to me. Thank you so much for your donation!","fullyFundedDate":1754696048011,"projectUrl":"project/royal-time-enrichment-project/9542940/","projectTitle":"Royal Time Enrichment Project","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Stewart","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7775142"},{"teacherId":9593837,"projectId":9311244,"letterContent":"Truly, this year is made better because of you! The children have all the supplies they need to be successful. Knowing the students can be successful and supported, they grow the urge to learn. The composition books are helping expand their knowledge by having their notes in them ready for them whenever they need them. Hector, the hippo, has been named the best class pet and they always want to hold him. The laminator sheets are helping create me opportunities to be successful by only having to print important documents once versus every year, which is ultimately cutting paper costs. This year is going to be a year for the books, and that includes the Maze Runner! Thank you for everything and supporting my class!","fullyFundedDate":1746786426912,"projectUrl":"project/ms-phillipss-year-2/9311244/","projectTitle":"Ms. Phillips's Year 2!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Phillips","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9593837_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1721080668962","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9593837"},{"teacherId":9626665,"projectId":8555551,"letterContent":"On behalf of our 7th grade science class, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you for your generous donation of white boards. These new boards have already transformed the way our students engage with science every day. Whether we're brainstorming hypotheses, working through complex problems, or illustrating scientific concepts, the white boards provide an interactive and flexible space for learning that truly brings our lessons to life.\r\n\r\nYour support not only provides essential tools but also shows our students that their education matters to the wider community. It's inspiring for them to know that people like you believe in their potential and are willing to invest in their growth. We're incredibly grateful for your kindness and the positive impact it has made in our classroom. Thank you again for helping us make science more hands-on, collaborative, and fun!","fullyFundedDate":1723640834168,"projectUrl":"project/project-class-participation/8555551/","projectTitle":"Project Class Participation","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Brown","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9626665"},{"teacherId":3310750,"projectId":9031888,"letterContent":"Thank you for your donation to the Paint Chip Poetry project. The teachers thought it would enrich their student's vocabulary and writing skills. I trained the Language Arts teachers on using it during a professional development and they were very excited about using it with their students. I was amazed at the stories and poetry the teachers created with the game.\r\n\r\nThe game is very flexible and teachers can adapt it to their students needs.\r\nA couple of classes have used it and the students were very driven to create some fantastic poetry and stories.","fullyFundedDate":1738528555335,"projectUrl":"project/touching-tasting-smelling-seeing-and/9031888/","projectTitle":"Touching, Tasting, Smelling, Seeing, and Hearing Poetry","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Morrow","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3310750_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1479488230799","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/paula-morrow"},{"teacherId":3781334,"projectId":8963997,"letterContent":"The spelling help is a great tool for kids who need a little help. This gives the kids some relief from the anxiety of wondering if they have spelled words correctly. Since, they have to get close to the spelling it helps to reinforce spelling skills. \r\nBell Ringers are one way to get kids working. It is also a great way to get the kids using pencil and paper. They are so used to doing work on the computer that working on pencil and paper is a skill that is often ignored. Having ink will allow me to make regular exit tickets. Exit tickets is the last thing the kids do before they leave. This will give me a quick check of how well the class understood the skill and can count as a grade for the student for effort. \r\nWe will be using these methods for years to come. Thanks so much!!","fullyFundedDate":1739372328924,"projectUrl":"project/a-little-spelling-help-a-lot-of-bell-ri/8963997/","projectTitle":"A Little Spelling Help, A Lot of Bell Ringers & Exit Tickets!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. O","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3781334_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y386&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1725236819931","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/sharonodom"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_87044","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1056,"numTeachers":46,"percentFrplEligible":81,"percentAsian":7,"percentBlack":7,"percentWhite":8,"percentIndigenous":1,"percentLatinx":69,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"5 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"23.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":67.8,"schoolId":87044,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Taft Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Taft Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/oklahoma/oklahoma-city-school-district/taft-middle-school/87044"}