{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"West Side Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":44.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10229350,"projectId":9673974,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom project, \"STEM + Stitches = Wild New Species!\" Your generosity made something truly magical happen in our gifted classroom.\r\nBecause of you, my students were able to take their imaginative hybrid species from research and sketches all the way to fully sewn 3D creatures they proudly created and took home. Many of my students are typically reluctant learners, but this project transformed the room — they were engaged, focused, excited, and incredibly proud of themselves. You helped them experience STEM, art, problem-solving, and hands-on craftsmanship all in one meaningful project.\r\nYour support didn't just provide materials; it gave my students the confidence to try something new, the joy of seeing their ideas come to life, and the pride of creating something totally unique from start to finish. The smiles, the teamwork, and the \"I can't believe I made this!\" moments were priceless.\r\nThank you for believing in my students and making this project possible. You made a real difference, and we appreciate you more than words can say.","fullyFundedDate":1758104931179,"projectUrl":"project/stem-stitches-wild-new-species/9673974/","projectTitle":"STEM + Stitches = Wild New Species!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ransbottom","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10229350_orig.jpg?crop=1242,1242,x0,y335&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756819026638","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-ransbottom"},{"teacherId":9298622,"projectId":9697809,"letterContent":"Thanks to you my students now have a brand new piece of technology that they are able to use. This engraver is used to create and design different items that not only showcase each students unique vision and talent but also help fund school activities. \r\n\r\nNot only is the machine itself important, but the software and the engineering skills that they acquire from the design process as well. Because of this West Side students will have a leg up as they enter into the next phase of their lives. \r\n\r\nThey will have a variety of marketable skills and experience with many different types of machines and software and this will lead to them being able to accept better offers from potential employers.","fullyFundedDate":1758104931435,"projectUrl":"project/west-side-middle-wants-a-laser-engraver/9697809/","projectTitle":"West Side Middle Wants A Laser Engraver","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kirk","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9298622"},{"teacherId":10258050,"projectId":9710054,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation. As soon as my students saw the supplies, their faces lit up with excitement and curiosity—they couldn't wait to dive in! Your kindness truly brought joy and energy into our classroom. My students love any activity that is hands-on and allows for creativity, which is exactly what this project was all about. \r\nUsing the Play-Doh and toothpicks, my students created their own clay tablets, just like the ones used thousands of years ago. They carefully translated their names and initials into cuneiform, the ancient writing system, and proudly etched them into their tablets. It was amazing to watch their creativity and engagement as history came alive before their eyes. It was definitely the best activity I have done this school year and my classroom was filled with smiles, positive attitudes, and creativity. This project also really got the students thinking and engaged. \r\nLooking ahead, we're continuing our exploration of early civilizations. Now that students understand the basics of ancient communication, we're diving into how these societies influenced modern governments, laws, and culture. Your donation gave us more than just supplies—it helped build a deeper connection between the past and present in a way that my students will never forget. Thank you again for supporting our classroom and making such a meaningful impact. We are so thankful!","fullyFundedDate":1758104928894,"projectUrl":"project/make-ancient-civilizations-more-engaging/9710054/","projectTitle":"Make Ancient Civilizations More Engaging","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Baldwin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10258050_orig.jpg?crop=1440,1440,x0,y163&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757685952701","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10258050"},{"teacherId":6737510,"projectId":9681132,"letterContent":"The donated science materials have made a powerful impact on student learning in my health classroom. Before receiving these resources, many of my students had limited opportunities for hands-on science exploration. Now, they can actively engage in experiments, demonstrations, and group investigations that connect scientific concepts directly to real-life health topics. \r\nUsing lab equipment, models, and visual materials has helped students better understand how the body works, how nutrition affects wellness, and why healthy choices matter. \r\nThese interactive experiences have deepened comprehension, increased curiosity, and encouraged critical thinking. Students are now more enthusiastic about learning, more confident in discussing scientific ideas, and more capable of applying what they learn to their own lives and communities.","fullyFundedDate":1758104931682,"projectUrl":"project/science-in-health/9681132/","projectTitle":"Science in Health","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Scott","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6737510"},{"teacherId":10229350,"projectId":9661357,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom project! Because of you, my gifted students were able to rescue two bonded guinea pigs, Blueberry and Gooseberry, and give them a loving home in our classroom. The supplies you funded made it possible to provide everything they need to be safe, comfortable, and well cared for.\r\nWhen I first told my students that we were getting a class pet, their faces lit up with excitement. They immediately began researching guinea pig care and created \"how-to\" posters to make sure we were prepared. The day we introduced Blueberry and Gooseberry, the room was filled with joy, laughter, and curiosity—my students couldn't wait to welcome them.\r\nSince then, my students have taken ownership of feeding, brushing, and learning about their new furry friends. It has become a true classroom project that teaches responsibility, compassion, and teamwork. Our next steps include developing a rotating \"pet care team\" so that everyone gets a chance to be directly involved in caring for them.\r\nYour generosity has given my students not just classroom pets, but an opportunity to learn life skills and create lasting memories. Thank you for making this possible!","fullyFundedDate":1757426271971,"projectUrl":"project/one-pet-two-schools-joy-and-responsibi/9661357/","projectTitle":"One Pet, Two Schools: Joy and Responsibility for Gifted Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ransbottom","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10229350_orig.jpg?crop=1242,1242,x0,y335&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756819026638","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-ransbottom"},{"teacherId":1792630,"projectId":9175251,"letterContent":"We are using our materials to enhance music games and activities in the classroom. Musical Frogs is a fun way to review note values. Students \"jump\" the frogs into the bucket and add up how many points they earn based on the notes they were able to land in the bucket. For example; if a students lands a whole note, they get four points. if they land a quarter not they get one point. We used the play dough with my 6th grade and intellectually challenged students to craft notes, rests and clefs. Students created notes and then made different rhythms that they played.\r\n Students were excited to use the different things. It is much better than completing a review worksheet or doing a whole class activity. They like getting to participate in tactile learning and having the pieces needed to play the different games let them show off their competitive side as well.\r\n Our next steps are to keep using these as the years go on. Letting students have a variety of things to accomplish the learning objective lends itself to the students being able to understand what they are learning and help recognize it outside of the music classroom. Students enjoy having these \"game days\" and remember the information even after we have moved on to our next topic. Thank you for helping me take it beyond a \"mid\" experience for the students.","fullyFundedDate":1742241339518,"projectUrl":"project/help-middle-school-music-go-beyond-mid/9175251/","projectTitle":"Help Middle School Music Go Beyond \"Mid\"","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Bukovinsky","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-bukovinsky"},{"teacherId":9991435,"projectId":9550255,"letterContent":"On behalf of West Side Middle School, I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks for your generous donation on behalf of our initiative to \"Empower through Access.\"\r\n\r\nYour support plays a vital role in helping us meet the needs of our students and families. Thanks to your generosity, we are better equipped to tackle our attendance initiative and empower our students through electronics and hydration.\r\n\r\nDonations like yours are more than just gifts — they are an investment in the success and well-being of our students. Your kindness and commitment to our school community inspire us and make a lasting difference.\r\n\r\nThank you once again for your support. We truly appreciate your partnership in helping us ensure that every student has the resources and encouragement they need to succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1755261569332,"projectUrl":"project/empower-through-access/9550255/","projectTitle":"Empower through Access","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. McKinnon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9991435"},{"teacherId":6737510,"projectId":9573999,"letterContent":"My students and I will be using the new resources daily to bring our lessons to life. For example, during our recent unit, the students used the materials to create fun track and field activities. The equipment rack really helps save space and allows for more equipment to be played with when pulling the new rack out. Having the resources made the lesson more engaging and interactive.\r\n\r\nOne of my favorite moments happened when a small group of students worked together to demonstrate how different activities affect heart rate. Using the new materials, they built a chart to track their results, and they were so excited to share their findings with the rest of the class. It sparked a great discussion about healthy choices and teamwork.\r\n\r\nThe students were thrilled! Many of them couldn't believe the resources were \"just for us.\" They were curious, excited, and immediately wanted to start exploring. Their enthusiasm turned into motivation to dive deeper into the lessons","fullyFundedDate":1755037675332,"projectUrl":"project/active-learners/9573999/","projectTitle":"Active Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Scott","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6737510"},{"teacherId":6737510,"projectId":9584732,"letterContent":"The donated materials have made a tremendous impact on my classroom. Many of my students do not have access to basic school supplies or enrichment resources at home, so these donations have created new learning opportunities that were previously out of reach. \r\nWith these materials, students are more engaged, confident, and eager to participate in lessons. They can now complete hands-on projects, collaborate in small groups, and take pride in their work. The classroom feels more equitable and supportive, allowing every student—regardless of background—to succeed and feel valued. \r\nThese donations have not only improved academic performance but have also inspired my students to believe in their own potential","fullyFundedDate":1755692756095,"projectUrl":"project/better-health/9584732/","projectTitle":"Better Health","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Scott","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6737510"},{"teacherId":2947920,"projectId":9226231,"letterContent":"I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your generosity in providing our classroom with anxiety support tools, including a cozy tent, colorful ink floor tiles, and a standing desk.\r\n\r\nWhen we held our recent Open House Night, the students were instantly drawn to the new additions to the room. A few of them were excited about the standing desk, saying it will help them get their energy out while still completing their school work. \r\n\r\nThe tent is going to be perfect for a quick reset during moments of overwhelm. I have placed a few of the ink floor tiles inside it, along with some soft throw pillows. One female student told me she is happy to see that as an area that will be available in moments when she \"needs to cry and doesn't want anyone seeing her.\" This stirred up so many emotions for me to hear! \r\n\r\nThank you again for your kindness!","fullyFundedDate":1746787263440,"projectUrl":"project/student-support-center-supplies-needed/9226231/","projectTitle":"Student Support Center Supplies Needed!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Wilkinson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2947920_orig.jpg?crop=1590,1590,x725,y23&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1683119938496","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2947920"},{"teacherId":9991435,"projectId":9235099,"letterContent":"On behalf of West Side Middle School, I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks for your generous donation. Your support plays a vital role in helping us continue our mission to improve our attendance, provide educational resources, support families in need.\r\n\r\nYour contribution is deeply appreciated and will be put to immediate and meaningful use. Because of your generosity, we are able to award our students with items that they otherwise would not be able to have. Please know that your contribution makes a real and lasting difference. We are honored to have your trust and support, and we are committed to using your donation responsibly and effectively.\r\n\r\nWe are truly grateful for your commitment to our cause and for standing with us. Together, we can continue to make a difference.\r\n\r\nThank you once again for your support.\r\n\r\nWith sincere appreciation,\r\nTina McKinnon\r\nAssistant Attendance Director/ Social Worker\r\nWest Side Middle School\r\ntmckinnon@mail.kana.k12.wv.us\r\n304-348-6101","fullyFundedDate":1747083061051,"projectUrl":"project/attendance-incentives/9235099/","projectTitle":"Attendance Incentives","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. McKinnon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9991435"},{"teacherId":10106686,"projectId":9525522,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our DonorsChoose project, \"Organized Minds, Strong Writers.\" Because of your generosity, my students now have the essential tools—folders and composition notebooks—to stay organized, focused, and confident in their writing journey.\r\n\r\nAs soon as the supplies arrived, there will be a noticeable shift in the room. Each student will proudly label their folder and notebook, excited to have a dedicated space for their thoughts, drafts, and ideas. These simple tools will help them stay on track, keep their work in one place, and take ownership of their writing process. It truly will make a difference in how they engage with writing assignments, reflect on feedback, and revise with purpose.\r\n\r\nYour donation didn't just provide materials—it will send a powerful message to my students that their learning matters and that people believe in their potential. We're incredibly grateful for your kindness and support.","fullyFundedDate":1754507292442,"projectUrl":"project/organized-minds-strong-writers/9525522/","projectTitle":"Organized Minds, Strong Writers","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kennedy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10106686_orig.jpg?crop=560,560,x257,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754070495289","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10106686"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_38984","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":374,"numTeachers":40,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":38,"percentWhite":46,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":1,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"9.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":55.1,"schoolId":38984,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about West Side Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"West Side Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/west-virginia/kanawha-county-school-district/stonewall-jackson-middle-school/38984"}