{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Thomas Jefferson Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":35.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10179318,"projectId":10077713,"letterContent":"On behalf of our dance program, I want to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your generous support. Thanks to your contributions, we were able to purchase new strength training equipment that is already making a meaningful difference in the lives of our students.\r\n\r\nDance requires not only artistry, but also physical strength, endurance, and resilience. With this new equipment, our students can train more safely and effectively, build their technique, and reduce the risk of injury. Your generosity is directly supporting their growth—both as dancers and as confident, disciplined individuals.\r\n\r\nWe would like to extend a special thank you to Panda Cares for their remarkable generosity and commitment to supporting youth programs. Your contribution has played a vital role in making this initiative possible, and your dedication to empowering young people is truly inspiring.\r\n\r\nWe are truly grateful for your investment in our program and in the future of these young artists. Your support empowers them to reach higher, push further, and achieve their goals.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and for helping us provide them with the tools they need to succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1770053442321,"projectUrl":"project/strength-equipment-for-dancers/10077713/","projectTitle":"Strength Equipment for Dancers","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Fukuda","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10179318_orig.jpg?crop=670,670,x255,y352&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755279820215","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10179318"},{"teacherId":10179318,"projectId":10078311,"letterContent":"On behalf of our students and staff, I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks for your generous donation of basic classroom supplies. Your kindness and support make a meaningful difference in our daily learning environment.\r\n\r\nBecause of your contribution, our students have access to essential materials that help them stay organized, engaged, and ready to learn. Items like file folders, tape, paper clips, printer ink, and other supplies may seem simple, but they play a vital role in fostering organizational skills that lead to academic success.\r\n\r\nYour generosity not only meets practical needs—it also sends a powerful message to our students that their education matters and that there are people in the community who believe in their potential.\r\n\r\nWe are truly grateful for your support and investment in our classroom. Thank you for helping us create a positive and productive learning space for every student.","fullyFundedDate":1770059293945,"projectUrl":"project/basic-classroom-necessities/10078311/","projectTitle":"Basic Classroom Necessities","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Fukuda","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10179318_orig.jpg?crop=670,670,x255,y352&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755279820215","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10179318"},{"teacherId":5210646,"projectId":10083619,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, my students have been able to experience reading in a much deeper and more meaningful way. These new books have allowed us to focus on critical skills such as analyzing character development, understanding theme, making connections to real-world issues, and supporting ideas with textual evidence. My students are also learning how to have thoughtful discussions, ask meaningful questions, and see reading as a way to better understand themselves and others.\r\n\r\nIn my classroom, reading is active and engaging. Students don't just sit quietly with a book—they annotate, discuss, collaborate, and reflect. They work in small groups, participate in class conversations, and connect the stories to their own lives. These books have helped create an environment where students feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and perspectives.\r\n\r\nSeveral of my students who were once reluctant readers are now excited to participate. I have seen students light up during discussions and even ask to take books home to continue reading. Your support has truly helped transform reading into an experience that is both enjoyable and empowering. Thank you for making this possible!","fullyFundedDate":1773841066677,"projectUrl":"project/inclusive-literacy/10083619/","projectTitle":"Inclusive Literacy","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Joan W. Wheeler","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5210646_orig.jpg?crop=1433,1433,x563,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1734549189657","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5210646"},{"teacherId":9158394,"projectId":8730406,"letterContent":"This printer has truly made a difference in my classroom because it allows me to respond to my students' needs in the moment. In our school, printing typically requires a wait time of a couple of days, which can be challenging when students need immediate support. With this printer, I'm able to create materials on the spot—whether it's extra practice, small-group resources, or reteach lessons—so learning doesn't have to pause. It has given me the flexibility to be the kind of responsive teacher my students deserve.\r\n\r\nThis has been especially meaningful for my inclusion, SPED, and 504 students. Many of them need differentiated materials like guided notes, sentence stems, chunked texts, and scaffolded assignments to fully access grade-level content. Being able to provide those supports right away has helped remove barriers and build confidence. I've seen students who would normally shut down stay engaged because they now have tools that meet them where they are. It's also helping me better align instruction to TEKS and prepare students for STAAR by targeting specific skills and filling gaps as they happen—not days later.\r\n\r\nWhat excites my students most is that they feel seen. They recognize when materials are created just for them, and that sense of support makes a difference in their effort and mindset. Some of my most hesitant learners are now participating more and taking risks because they feel more prepared. This printer may seem like a simple tool, but in my classroom, it has become a powerful way to provide equitable access, immediate support, and meaningful learning opportunities for every student.","fullyFundedDate":1732034693466,"projectUrl":"project/ready-set-go-print-no-need-to-wait-2/8730406/","projectTitle":"Ready, Set, Go, Print! No Need to Wait 2 Days.","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Steward","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9158394"},{"teacherId":5210646,"projectId":9631442,"letterContent":"One of the most exciting aspects for my students has been seeing their ideas come to life in a tangible way. When we studied Clap When You Land and explored themes of identity, grief, and resilience, students typed analytical reflections and printed them for peer review. The difference in engagement was remarkable. They treated their printed drafts like published pieces, eagerly highlighting strong passages and suggesting revisions. Even more powerful has been our Innocence Project book assignment. Students are researching real individuals who were wrongfully accused and creating books that tell their stories. Being able to format pages, print drafts, and design covers has made them feel like true authors and advocates. Watching their faces light up when they hold their printed pages is something I will never forget. For many, this is the first time their academic work has felt \"real\" beyond a grade in the gradebook.\r\nSeveral students in particular have blossomed because of this technology. One young man who typically struggled with organization now takes extra time revising because he wants his printed pages to look professional. A quiet young lady who rarely shared her writing now proudly asks to print her work so she can read it aloud to the class. Another student who often doubted his abilities has become our unofficial \"tech helper,\" assisting classmates with formatting and layout. The technology has not only strengthened writing and research skills but has also built leadership, confidence, and independence. Your support has created a classroom where students see themselves as capable scholars, creators, and change-makers. The impact reaches far beyond paper and ink—it has changed how my students see themselves and their futures.","fullyFundedDate":1765206658358,"projectUrl":"project/chromebooks-needed/9631442/","projectTitle":"Chromebooks Needed","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Joan W. Wheeler","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5210646_orig.jpg?crop=1433,1433,x563,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1734549189657","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5210646"},{"teacherId":5210646,"projectId":10052973,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our Chromebooks Opportunity project. Your generosity, my 8th grade students now have access to technology that improves learning, increases engagement, and builds critical academic skills. Many students lack reliable devices at home, so Chromebooks help level the playing field. Students can research, collaborate, receive feedback, and strengthen reading and writing skills. Your support has opened doors, built confidence, and positively impacted all my students' futures.","fullyFundedDate":1769310735156,"projectUrl":"project/chromebooks-opportunity/10052973/","projectTitle":"Chromebooks Opportunity","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Joan W. Wheeler","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5210646_orig.jpg?crop=1433,1433,x563,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1734549189657","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5210646"},{"teacherId":10176119,"projectId":9884428,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of food snacks for our classroom. Because of you, my students now have access to snacks that help them stay focused, energized, and ready to learn throughout the day. We use these snacks during long instructional periods and after assessments, and they have made a noticeable difference in students' ability to concentrate and participate. One meaningful moment was seeing a student who often struggles to focus relax and fully engage in a lesson after having a snack. When students first saw the snacks, their reactions were filled with excitement and gratitude. Many were genuinely relieved and thankful, knowing that they wouldn't have to worry about being hungry while trying to learn. Your kindness helped create a sense of comfort and care in our classroom, reminding students that they are supported not only academically, but personally as well. Thanks to your generosity, our next steps include continuing to build a positive and supportive learning environment where students feel safe, valued, and ready to succeed. By meeting this basic need, you have made it possible for students to focus on their lessons and give their best effort each day. We are incredibly thankful for your support and the difference you have made in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1763498197049,"projectUrl":"project/no-empty-stomachs-only-full-minds/9884428/","projectTitle":"No Empty Stomachs, Only Full Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Thompson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10176119_orig.jpg?crop=947,947,x0,y6&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755697316882","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10176119"},{"teacherId":5090038,"projectId":9505130,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donations to help purchase the books for our classroom library. The students and myself are super excited! Students are happy to be reading books that captivate their attention. Several have even made the comment about having good books to read. It thrills my heart to see my students who struggle with reading the most enjoy their reading experience. Because of these books, they are able to enhance their decoding skills so they can become better readers in a world where reading matters.","fullyFundedDate":1758797853090,"projectUrl":"project/a-world-of-readers/9505130/","projectTitle":"A World of Readers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sanders","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5090038_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757126050583","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5090038"},{"teacherId":8823465,"projectId":9710485,"letterContent":"This Esports project has had an immediate and meaningful impact on our students. The technology allows students to learn in a way that feels engaging and relevant, while also building critical skills such as teamwork, communication, strategic thinking, and problem-solving. Through Esports, students are not just playing games—they are learning how to collaborate, manage time, follow rules, and persevere through challenges.\r\n\r\nWhat excites students most about this new technology is the opportunity to be part of something positive and structured that they genuinely enjoy. Many of our students do not have access to this type of technology at home, so being able to participate at school has increased attendance, motivation, and overall engagement. Students are eager to earn their place, stay on task, and represent their program with pride.\r\n\r\nSeveral students who previously struggled with focus or behavior have especially connected with Esports. These students have shown improved self-control, leadership, and confidence. Esports has given them a sense of belonging and a constructive outlet where they can succeed and feel valued.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our students and believing in their potential. Because of your generosity, Memorial and Thomas Jefferson Middle School Esports Program is creating opportunities for students to grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Your support is helping us reach students who need it most, and we are truly grateful for the lasting impact you have made on our campus.","fullyFundedDate":1758223197596,"projectUrl":"project/8th-grade-esports/9710485/","projectTitle":"8th Grade ESPORTS","teacherDisplayName":"Coach Perreau","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8823465"},{"teacherId":10179318,"projectId":9600156,"letterContent":"You're support of the TJMS Crochet Club has impacted over 70 middle school students and teachers! Your donations made it possible to purchase crochet hooks, yarn, stitch markers, pattern books and much more. The students are so grateful to have access to this craft without adding a financial burden to their household. Every member was provided with the necessary materials and tools to learn how to crochet!\r\n\r\nIt has been amazing to watch the students develop their skills and get better each meeting. The joy a student expresses when they get a stitch correct is contagious and heartwarming! Each day, I have students say they are excited for the next meeting or they practiced at home. Our goal is to be able to make school spirit items and host a fundraiser that will benefit our club. Being able to provide a safe, enjoyable space for my students to come together and learn a new skill means the world to me and them. \r\n\r\nThank you for helping me share my passion for crocheting with the students at Thomas Jefferson Middle School!","fullyFundedDate":1755380319379,"projectUrl":"project/tj-middle-school-crochet-club/9600156/","projectTitle":"TJ Middle School Crochet Club","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Fukuda","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10179318_orig.jpg?crop=670,670,x255,y352&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755279820215","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10179318"},{"teacherId":5210646,"projectId":9228802,"letterContent":"When my students walked in and saw their new desks, the joy on their faces was unforgettable. Many had been using old, wobbly desks, and having their own sturdy space gave them pride and a sense of belonging. Ripple's generosity made this transformation possible, creating a more structured and professional classroom environment. Each day, students use their desks for reading, writing, and research, including our Innocence Project studies. Looking ahead, they will soon create their own books, and these desks provide the perfect space for focus, creativity, and growth. Thank you, Ripple, for investing in their success.","fullyFundedDate":1746787369560,"projectUrl":"project/new-desk/9228802/","projectTitle":"New Desk","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Joan W. Wheeler","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5210646_orig.jpg?crop=1433,1433,x563,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1734549189657","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5210646"},{"teacherId":5210646,"projectId":9228265,"letterContent":"With your help, \"Opening Worlds, One Book at a Time\" has become more than a project title—it has become a reality in our classroom.\r\n\r\nYour support has done more than just put books into their hands. It has given them confidence as readers, sparked conversations about big ideas, and encouraged them to see themselves in literature .\r\n\r\n\r\nOn behalf of my students and myself, thank you for believing in their potential and for making \"Opening Worlds, One Book at a Time\" a success. \r\n\r\nWith deep gratitude,,","fullyFundedDate":1744204705435,"projectUrl":"project/opening-worlds-one-book-at-a-time/9228265/","projectTitle":"Opening Worlds, One Book at a Time","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Joan W. Wheeler","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5210646_orig.jpg?crop=1433,1433,x563,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1734549189657","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5210646"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_17148","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":847,"numTeachers":52,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":3,"percentBlack":30,"percentWhite":2,"percentIndigenous":2,"percentLatinx":60,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"16.3:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":64.9,"schoolId":17148,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Thomas Jefferson Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Thomas Jefferson Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/texas/port-arthur-independent-school-district/edison-middle-school/17148"}
Join the 202 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Thomas Jefferson Middle School is
an urban public school
in Port Arthur, Texas that is part of Port Arthur Independent School District.
It serves 847 students
in grades 6 - 8 with a student/teacher ratio of 16.3:1.
Its teachers have had 107 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
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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
95%
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.
Thomas Jefferson Middle School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Apr 7, 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.
Thomas Jefferson Middle School
$76,344
raised using DonorsChoose
107
projects
funded
52
teachers
funded
202
donors
22
projects
for
basic supplies
36
projects for
technology
19
projects for
books
3
projects
for
art supplies
Thomas Jefferson Middle School has received support from
131 individuals from Texas and
71 individuals out-of-state.