{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Alston Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":46.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9894223,"projectId":9059344,"letterContent":"I can not thank you enough for your generous support of our Savvy & Smart: Middle School Money Moves project. Your kindness is making a major difference in the lives of our students when it comes to executive functioning and financial literacy. \r\n\r\nBecause of you we are now able to utilize the strategies throughout the books to assist student with organization, time management, self-reflection, etc. Hosting small groups and lunch buddies has been over the moon excitement. These tools help create a safe and supportive space where my students can thrive socially and emotionally. Your donation shows our students that their executive functioning and financial literacy skills matter - and that the community and beyond believe in their potential.\r\n\r\nOn behalf of every student that will benefit, thank you for being part of our support system at Alston Middle School.","fullyFundedDate":1746661620131,"projectUrl":"project/savvy-smart-middle-school-money-moves/9059344/","projectTitle":"Savvy & Smart: Middle School Money Moves","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Willis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9894223"},{"teacherId":3145915,"projectId":9335666,"letterContent":"Thank you for generously funding our classroom label maker. While it may seem like a small tool, it has already made a surprisingly large impact in keeping both our classroom and our ham radio activities organized.\r\n\r\nThe label maker has been put to immediate use labeling ham radio equipment donated by the Active Amateur Radio Group (AARG), call sign KK4BZE. This ensures that their contributions don't get mixed up with Alston Middle School's own gear — because as we all know, once something goes unlabeled, its ownership suddenly becomes \"open to interpretation.\"\r\n\r\nBeyond radios, the label maker has diligently labeled books, chairs, pencils, even desks and chairs — all of which, apparently, required clarification. The students now live in a world where even their seat can claim an identity. Unfortunately, the labels are far too small for our classroom word walls, which I had hoped would finally bring a little order to the English language itself.\r\n\r\nStill, the results have been undeniable: the classroom is tidier, students are less likely to \"borrow\" equipment indefinitely, and our ham radio supplies are secure and ready for use.\r\n\r\nThank you again for supporting this project. Your generosity has helped us bring order to what might otherwise have been classroom chaos.","fullyFundedDate":1750255560773,"projectUrl":"project/oh-brother/9335666/","projectTitle":"Oh Brother!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Turoski","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3145915_orig.png?crop=512,512,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1599084315926","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3145915"},{"teacherId":3518640,"projectId":9427600,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our class project, Clean Body, Clean Mind. You gave my students basic hygiene products to improve their physical and mental well-being. Middle school is a period of significant physical and social development, and poor hygiene can impact children's self-esteem, social interactions, mood, and overall mental well-being. \r\nThe most exciting thing for my students was organizing them into bins. One student stated that they wanted to become a packager at Amazon one day. Another student stated that they want to drive the truck to deliver the packages. A third student said that they wanted to be the one receiving the packages!\r\nThe most exciting thing for me was observing their interactions during the unpacking and organization process. They interacted much differently than they usually do, working on daily classwork. I think it is because they had to work together with actual hands-on products they valued. \r\nThe students who did not participate in the unpacking and organization process expressed gratitude for being able to access these products. Many also expressed appreciation for the good hygiene discussions we have held since. It's because of your generosity that I get to share all this great news with others! The next step for this project is to continue holding discussions about good hygiene practices, because a clean body contributes to a clean mind.","fullyFundedDate":1751379142861,"projectUrl":"project/clean-body-clean-mind/9427600/","projectTitle":"Clean Body, Clean Mind","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Anderson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3518640_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1457717673203","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/tiff-anderson"},{"teacherId":5838547,"projectId":9323809,"letterContent":"When my students first saw their new chair pockets, their faces lit up with excitement. Many of them immediately began tucking away their notebooks, folders, and independent reading books, proudly showing me how neat and organized their space now looked. For students who often struggle to keep track of their materials, these chair pockets have been a game-changer—creating a sense of ownership over their supplies and reducing the time lost to searching for pencils, books, or assignments.\r\n\r\nAlready, we've seen the difference these resources make during independent reading and writing workshops. Students are able to quickly grab their journals or novels from their pockets and dive into the task at hand without delay. One student told me, \"I feel like a real middle schooler now—organized and ready!\" These small moments of confidence and independence add up to big gains in focus and productivity.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, my students are about to begin a long-term writing project, and the chair pockets will help keep their drafts and resources in one safe, accessible place. Thanks to your generosity, they will not only stay more organized but also build stronger habits of responsibility and self-reliance that extend beyond the classroom. Your gift has given my students both practical support and the encouragement that others believe in their success.","fullyFundedDate":1746786945600,"projectUrl":"project/stay-organized-stay-focused-chair-pock/9323809/","projectTitle":"Stay Organized, Stay Focused: Chair Pockets for Student Success!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gregg","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5838547_orig.jpg?crop=427,427,x0,y22&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1710163517314","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/w-gregg"},{"teacherId":5838547,"projectId":9059322,"letterContent":"When my students opened the box of bilingual copies of The Outsiders, their excitement was contagious. Several students immediately flipped through the pages, surprised and thrilled to see the story available in both English and Spanish. For many, this was the first time they felt that a classroom novel was truly accessible to them. These books are already making a powerful impact by giving my bilingual readers the chance to build confidence, strengthen comprehension, and fully participate in our shared reading experience.\r\n\r\nIn class, reading now looks more collaborative and inclusive. Students follow along in English while checking the Spanish text when they need clarity, which allows them to stay engaged and not fall behind. This has encouraged them to take risks, share their thoughts in discussions, and make connections with the novel's themes of belonging and identity. I've even seen students who were previously hesitant to participate raise their hands to contribute powerful insights.\r\n\r\nOne particular student who usually struggles with English reading comprehension lit up when she realized she could use the Spanish text to support her understanding. She now reads eagerly and contributes to group discussions with newfound confidence. Your generosity has made moments like this possible—thank you for giving my students the gift of truly seeing themselves in literature and discovering the joy of reading together.","fullyFundedDate":1743722227075,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-the-outsiders-to-life-for-bil/9059322/","projectTitle":"Bringing 'The Outsiders' to Life for Bilingual Readers!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gregg","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5838547_orig.jpg?crop=427,427,x0,y22&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1710163517314","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/w-gregg"},{"teacherId":5838547,"projectId":9288358,"letterContent":"When my students first received their headphones, the excitement was immediate—they couldn't wait to try them out. For many of my learners, especially those who benefit from audiobooks or text-to-speech tools, having their own headphones has been a game changer. They now listen to stories and lessons without distraction, which helps them follow along more closely and fully engage with the text. Students have even commented that it feels like \"the story is just for me,\" which has helped foster a deeper connection to reading.\r\n\r\nThe headphones have also been essential during small-group learning and independent work. Students can focus on their assignments while I work with others, and they're able to use online reading platforms, language practice tools, and videos without the background noise that used to make it difficult. I've noticed that reluctant readers, in particular, are more motivated when they can listen and read at the same time. This simple resource has given them confidence and helped them grow as independent learners.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we'll be using the headphones in literature projects where students listen to paired texts and respond in journals. I'm excited to see how much more they'll be able to accomplish now that they have the tools to truly hear every word. Your generosity has not only provided headphones, but has also opened up opportunities for my students to engage, focus, and succeed in their learning.","fullyFundedDate":1745847060118,"projectUrl":"project/hear-every-word-headphones-for-engaged/9288358/","projectTitle":"Hear Every Word: Headphones for Engaged Readers and Learners!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gregg","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5838547_orig.jpg?crop=427,427,x0,y22&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1710163517314","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/w-gregg"},{"teacherId":5838547,"projectId":9299853,"letterContent":"When my students first walked into the room and saw the new seating, their faces lit up. Many rushed to claim a spot, curled up with a book, and immediately began reading. One student said, \"It feels like a real library in here now!\" The cozy seating has transformed our classroom into a space where students feel comfortable and excited to spend time with books.\r\n\r\nWe've already been using the seating during independent reading and small group discussions. Students are more focused and engaged when they can choose a comfortable spot, and I've noticed even my more reluctant readers are eager to grab a cushion or chair and settle into a story. The cozy corners have given them a sense of ownership and pride in our classroom space.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, my students are beginning literature circles, where they will work in groups to read, discuss, and share their thoughts about different novels. The cozy seating makes these group discussions feel natural and welcoming, encouraging every student to participate. Because of your generosity, my students are building stronger reading habits and discovering the joy of reading in a space that truly supports them.","fullyFundedDate":1746478593610,"projectUrl":"project/cozy-corners-comfortable-seating-for-pa/9299853/","projectTitle":"Cozy Corners: Comfortable Seating for Passionate Readers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gregg","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5838547_orig.jpg?crop=427,427,x0,y22&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1710163517314","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/w-gregg"},{"teacherId":7180676,"projectId":8693027,"letterContent":"Thank you. Your donations made it possible for my students to be able to have a tangible object that they could use to show their families and friends their hard work. Because you donated, we were able to provide the students with the necessary materials to be able to design, build and take home an example of their hard work and ingenuity. \r\n\r\nStudents were further able to display their unique sense of style through the color choices they made to decorate their wooden puzzle cubes. This allowed them the opportunity to express themselves in a manner that is not always available to them. \r\n\r\nThank you again for allowing me the opportunity to provide a way for my students to have a chance to take their work home and display it. It definitely gave them a sense of pride and accomplishment.","fullyFundedDate":1731530167535,"projectUrl":"project/student-designed-3d-puzzle-cube/8693027/","projectTitle":"Student Designed 3D Puzzle Cube","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Dawson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7180676"},{"teacherId":7180676,"projectId":8692330,"letterContent":"Thank you for donating to the Empowering Creativity and Personal Pride with 3D Printing Filament. Thanks to you and your generous donations students were able to do many things and receive recognition for their hard work that would have been impossible otherwise. \r\n Because you donated, over 50 students were able to design their own unique holiday ornaments. Once these designs were completed, we were able to 3D print their designs for them to take home and share with their families. In sharing their work, the students were able to show their work, and growth, in ways unique to them that can be displayed every year from now on.\r\n Students were also able to receive much needed recognition for their achievements at school, both in academics and sports, due to your generous contribution. Over 400 students were recognized for achieving A and/or AB Honor Roll (our Gold Club) through the printing of 3D tokens using gold filament. Students were also able to purchase 3D printed items from the school using the reward system currency which recognizes their positive contributions to the class and overall school environment. We were also able to print bag tags for our sports teams, using the school mascot, sport and jersey number so students could show the pride they have in making the various teams. \r\n \r\n Thak you for allowing me to help the students show off their hard work, and be recognized for it both at home and at school","fullyFundedDate":1731511789305,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-creativity-and-personal-pride/8692330/","projectTitle":"Empowering Creativity and Personal Pride with 3D Printing Filament","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Dawson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7180676"},{"teacherId":5838547,"projectId":8589312,"letterContent":"Receiving a class set of Nothing But the Truth by Avi has had a remarkable impact on my 7th-grade students. This thought-provoking novel, told through journal entries, memos, and dialogue, challenged them to think critically about perspective, bias, and the complexities of truth. My students were captivated by the realistic conflicts and deeply engaged with the moral questions the story raises.\r\n\r\nFor many of my students, this was the first time they encountered a nontraditional narrative structure, which sparked curiosity and enhanced their analytical skills. They eagerly debated who was \"right\" and \"wrong\" in the story, while learning how to support their opinions with evidence. This novel not only strengthened their reading comprehension but also fostered empathy as they examined the motivations and emotions of each character.\r\n\r\nHaving a class set allowed every student to participate equally in these rich discussions and activities. They worked in small groups to create mock news reports, wrote their own alternative endings, and reflected on the role of truth and communication in their own lives. These activities encouraged collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking, making learning both engaging and meaningful.\r\n\r\nThis project provided my students with an opportunity to connect literature to real-world issues, and it inspired them to think deeply about how their words and actions can impact others. Thank you for helping bring this powerful story into our classroom and for empowering my students to become thoughtful readers and reflective citizens.","fullyFundedDate":1731546340923,"projectUrl":"project/pages-of-possibility-inspiring-young-re/8589312/","projectTitle":"Pages of Possibility: Inspiring Young Readers with Timeless Tales","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gregg","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5838547_orig.jpg?crop=427,427,x0,y22&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1710163517314","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/w-gregg"},{"teacherId":5838547,"projectId":8589501,"letterContent":"Receiving a class set of The Outsiders has been transformative for my 7th-grade students. This iconic novel resonated with them in ways I couldn't have imagined. Many students found themselves connecting deeply to the characters' struggles, friendships, and growth, which sparked meaningful conversations about empathy, identity, and the importance of belonging.\r\n\r\nFor some students, this was the first novel they truly couldn't put down. They came to class excited to discuss the chapters they had read the night before, often making connections to their own lives or current events. These moments of engagement strengthened their reading comprehension, critical thinking, and ability to articulate their thoughts in writing and discussion.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, The Outsiders opened a door for reluctant readers. The relatable characters and gripping storyline captured the attention of students who previously didn't see themselves as readers. Several of them went on to explore other books because of their positive experience with this one.\r\n\r\nHaving a class set meant that every student had equal access to the story, fostering a sense of community. We laughed, cried, and grew together through Ponyboy's journey, and the lessons of staying true to oneself and valuing others have left a lasting impression on our classroom culture.\r\n\r\nThis gift has not only enriched our curriculum but has also instilled a love of literature and a deeper sense of connection among my students. Thank you for making this possible!","fullyFundedDate":1728024214854,"projectUrl":"project/unite-inspire-bringing-the-outsiders/8589501/","projectTitle":"Unite & Inspire: Bringing 'The Outsiders' to Every Student","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gregg","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5838547_orig.jpg?crop=427,427,x0,y22&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1710163517314","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/w-gregg"},{"teacherId":3145915,"projectId":8572095,"letterContent":"First, thank you for awarding our classroom the grant for an air purifier. The students and I were genuinely excited to receive it, and for a brief, shining moment, it felt like a miracle of modern technology. For the first 50 hours, it hummed away faithfully, circulating crisp, clean air and giving allergy-prone students a chance to breathe a little easier.\r\n\r\nUnfortunately, its career was short-lived. After less than 50 hours of use, our purifier decided to retire early — apparently, clean air was too tall an order. While it lasted, students noticed a real difference: fewer sniffles, better focus, and overall comfort in the room. The impact was immediate, which made its sudden demise all the more... noticeable.\r\n\r\nSo yes, while our purifier's service to education was brief, it still made a point: improved air quality makes a measurable difference in how students feel and learn. We are now back to battling pollen, dust, and whatever else middle school manages to stir up daily, but at least we had a glimpse of what's possible.\r\n\r\nThank you again for the grant and for giving us that glimpse — even if our purifier couldn't quite keep up with the job.","fullyFundedDate":1726594859429,"projectUrl":"project/we-can-breathe-again/8572095/","projectTitle":"We Can Breathe Again","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Turoski","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3145915_orig.png?crop=512,512,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1599084315926","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3145915"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_6642","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":732,"numTeachers":53,"percentFrplEligible":87,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":35,"percentWhite":38,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":16,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"13.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":53.4,"schoolId":6642,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Alston Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Alston Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/south-carolina/dorchester-school-district-two/alston-middle-school/6642"}