{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Arcadia Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":34.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10488943,"projectId":10270790,"letterContent":"My students and I are using the new storage bins and book organizers every day to keep our 7th grade science classroom neat and organized. Students now have designated places for their binders, notebooks, classroom books, and supplies, which has made it much easier for them to find materials quickly and stay prepared for class activities. The organized system has reduced clutter and helped create a calmer, more focused learning environment.\r\n\r\nThe new resources have also helped students build important responsibility and organization skills. Students are taking greater ownership of their materials and classroom spaces, which has improved classroom routines and saved valuable instructional time. Because materials are easier to access and manage, we are able to spend more time focused on science learning and hands-on activities each day.","fullyFundedDate":1778327928809,"projectUrl":"project/organized-minds-book-bins-and-storage-f/10270790/","projectTitle":"Organized Minds: Book Bins and Storage for Student Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kowalsky","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10488943"},{"teacherId":10488943,"projectId":10270635,"letterContent":"This project greatly improved our 7th grade science classroom by giving students the opportunity to experience science through hands-on learning. Instead of only reading about photosynthesis and plant growth in a textbook, students were able to grow and observe their own plants using both soil and hydroponic systems. This made learning more engaging and helped students better understand how plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to survive and grow.\r\n\r\nThe materials provided also helped create a more interactive and meaningful learning environment. Students strengthened their observation, data collection, and critical thinking skills while making real-world connections to sustainability, agriculture, and environmental science. This project increased student excitement and participation in class while helping me provide lessons that were more memorable, creative, and impactful.","fullyFundedDate":1778193158791,"projectUrl":"project/growing-minds-exploring-plants-hydropo/10270635/","projectTitle":"Growing Minds: Exploring Plants, Hydroponics, and Photosynthesis","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kowalsky","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10488943"},{"teacherId":10488943,"projectId":10267566,"letterContent":"This project has improved my 7th grade science classroom by giving students a hands-on, creative way to explore sustainability and waste reduction. By building upcycled phone holders from everyday materials, students can see how \"trash\" can be turned into something useful. This has increased engagement and helped students make real-world connections to environmental science concepts.\r\nBecause of this project, I was able to guide students through the engineering design process, including brainstorming, designing, building, testing, and improving their creations. Students collaborated, problem-solved, and used critical thinking skills throughout the activity. This allowed me to move beyond traditional instruction and focus on creativity, innovation, and applying science concepts like recycling and conservation in a meaningful way.\r\nOverall, this project has made science more engaging and relevant for students. They are more excited about sustainability, more confident in their problem-solving abilities, and more aware of how small design choices can support a greener future.","fullyFundedDate":1778061868987,"projectUrl":"project/trash-to-tech-upcycled-phone-holders-fo/10267566/","projectTitle":"Trash to Tech: Upcycled Phone Holders for a Greener Future","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kowalsky","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10488943"},{"teacherId":10488943,"projectId":10267237,"letterContent":"This project has improved my 7th grade science classroom by making environmental science more engaging, hands-on, and relevant to students' daily lives. Through analyzing ingredient labels and exploring the impact of palm oil on deforestation and orangutan habitats, students were able to clearly see how consumer choices affect global ecosystems. This increased participation, curiosity, and meaningful discussion in class.\r\n\r\nBecause of the materials and structure of this lab, I was able to guide students through an inquiry-based experience where they identified palm oil in products and then created energy balls using more sustainable ingredients. This allowed students to apply their learning in a real-world way and understand that small changes can make a positive environmental impact.\r\n\r\nOverall, students are more engaged, collaborative, and thoughtful about sustainability. This project helped me connect science to real life in a way that is memorable, meaningful, and accessible for all learners.","fullyFundedDate":1778061882037,"projectUrl":"project/fueling-minds-while-saving-orangutans-a/10267237/","projectTitle":"Fueling Minds While Saving Orangutans: A Sustainable Food Lab","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kowalsky","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10488943"},{"teacherId":10488943,"projectId":10265612,"letterContent":"This project has greatly improved my 7th grade science classroom by turning abstract chemistry concepts into a hands-on, engaging investigation. With the borax crystal ornament activity, students are no longer just reading about solutions, temperature, and crystal formation—they are actively observing and experiencing these changes over time, which has increased curiosity and understanding.\r\nBecause of the materials provided, I was able to guide students through the full scientific process, including making predictions, measuring, mixing solutions, and tracking crystal growth over several days. Students recorded observations, analyzed results, and practiced key science skills such as following procedures, collecting data, and maintaining organized scientific records.\r\nThis project also ensured that all students could participate equally in a safe, structured lab environment, regardless of access to supplies outside of school. Overall, it has increased engagement, supported different learning styles, and helped students build a deeper, more lasting understanding of chemistry concepts through real, hands-on learning.","fullyFundedDate":1778061945157,"projectUrl":"project/growing-science-borax-crystal-ornaments/10265612/","projectTitle":"Growing Science: Borax Crystal Ornaments in Action","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kowalsky","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10488943"},{"teacherId":10488943,"projectId":10252314,"letterContent":"This project has greatly improved my 7th grade science classroom by creating a calmer, more comfortable learning environment. The light covers and curtains have reduced harsh fluorescent glare that previously caused eye strain and made it difficult for students to focus during labs, note-taking, and digital work. Now students are more comfortable, less distracted, and better able to stay engaged throughout lessons.\r\n\r\nWith reduced glare, students can concentrate longer and participate more confidently in discussions, group work, and hands-on science activities. The softer lighting has also helped decrease sensory overload for students who are sensitive to bright environments, creating a more inclusive classroom for all learners. I have been able to focus more on delivering interactive, hands-on science instruction rather than managing discomfort or distractions.\r\n\r\nOverall, this project has helped improve student focus, engagement, and comfort, while making our classroom a more positive and productive space for learning every day.","fullyFundedDate":1777999270322,"projectUrl":"project/reducing-glare-for-better-focus-in-scien/10252314/","projectTitle":"Reducing Glare for Better Focus in Science","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kowalsky","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10488943"},{"teacherId":10488943,"projectId":10245978,"letterContent":"This project has already improved our classroom by creating a safer, more organized, and more efficient learning environment for my 7th-grade science students. With durable storage containers and clearly labeled bins, I am able to safely store science chemicals and organize classroom materials so students can quickly access what they need during labs and activities. This has allowed me to spend more time focusing on hands-on instruction, experiments, and student engagement instead of searching for supplies or managing clutter.\r\n\r\nThe classroom library bins have also helped students access science books more independently and encouraged greater interest in reading about science topics. Students are learning responsibility by helping maintain organized materials and following proper lab safety procedures. Because of these resources, our classroom feels more structured, calm, and welcoming, which helps students stay focused and ready to learn each day.","fullyFundedDate":1778061908239,"projectUrl":"project/safe-science-organized-learning-stora/10245978/","projectTitle":"Safe Science & Organized Learning: Storage for Our Growing Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kowalsky","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10488943"},{"teacherId":10488943,"projectId":10243566,"letterContent":"This project has already made a positive impact on our classroom by helping students stay organized, creative, and engaged in science learning every day. With access to binders, markers, colored pencils, glue, scissors, and other essential supplies, students are better able to complete interactive notebook activities, create models and diagrams, and participate fully in hands-on projects. Having these materials readily available has reduced stress for students who may not always have school supplies at home and has created a more equitable learning environment where everyone can succeed.\r\n\r\nThe supplies have also improved classroom organization and student responsibility. Students are able to keep their notes, CER writing, and handouts organized in binders, which helps them study more effectively and stay focused during lessons. Because of these resources, I have been able to provide more engaging lessons, meaningful projects, and collaborative learning experiences that make science both exciting and accessible for all students.","fullyFundedDate":1778061961197,"projectUrl":"project/stocking-our-science-classroom-for-crea/10243566/","projectTitle":"“Stocking Our Science Classroom for Creativity and Success”","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kowalsky","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10488943"},{"teacherId":10488943,"projectId":10242069,"letterContent":"This project has greatly improved our classroom by transforming it into a more engaging and interactive learning environment. The science posters provide students with constant visual reminders of important concepts, vocabulary, and processes that we study throughout the year. Students are referencing the posters during class discussions, labs, and independent work, which has helped strengthen their understanding and confidence in science content.\r\n\r\nThe visuals have been especially helpful for students who learn best through diagrams and repeated exposure to information. Complex topics like ecosystems, energy flow, and photosynthesis are easier for students to understand when they can see the concepts displayed around the room. The posters have also sparked more curiosity and classroom conversations about environmental responsibility and the world around them. Overall, this project has created a more supportive, student-centered classroom where science feels more accessible and exciting for all learners.","fullyFundedDate":1777982652451,"projectUrl":"project/visualizing-our-impact-ecosystems-ene/10242069/","projectTitle":"“Visualizing Our Impact: Ecosystems, Energy, and Earth Systems”","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kowalsky","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10488943"},{"teacherId":4668456,"projectId":9471980,"letterContent":"A caring closet is so important because it helps meet the everyday needs that can often become barriers to learning. Many students come to school worried about things far beyond academics — whether they have food for later, basic hygiene items, clean clothes, or school supplies. When those needs go unmet, it can affect a student's confidence, focus, attendance, and overall well-being. A caring closet provides students with access to essential items in a safe, private, and supportive way, helping remove some of the stress they carry each day.\r\nBeyond the physical items, a caring closet sends a powerful message to students: you are cared for, you matter, and you are not alone. It creates a classroom environment built on compassion, dignity, and trust. Students are more likely to feel safe, connected, and ready to learn when they know their teacher and school community genuinely care about them as individuals. Sometimes the smallest acts of support can make the biggest difference in a child's life, and a caring closet helps provide that comfort and stability when students need it most.","fullyFundedDate":1755742986051,"projectUrl":"project/caring-closet-meeting-the-basic-needs-o/9471980/","projectTitle":"Caring Closet: Meeting the Basic Needs of My Students","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Thomas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4668456_orig.jpg?crop=1653,1653,x0,y766&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1744810506285","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4668456"},{"teacherId":4668456,"projectId":10247497,"letterContent":"A caring closet is so important because it helps meet the everyday needs that can often become barriers to learning. Many students come to school worried about things far beyond academics — whether they have food for later, basic hygiene items, clean clothes, or school supplies. When those needs go unmet, it can affect a student's confidence, focus, attendance, and overall well-being. A caring closet provides students with access to essential items in a safe, private, and supportive way, helping remove some of the stress they carry each day.\r\nBeyond the physical items, a caring closet sends a powerful message to students: you are cared for, you matter, and you are not alone. It creates a classroom environment built on compassion, dignity, and trust. Students are more likely to feel safe, connected, and ready to learn when they know their teacher and school community genuinely care about them as individuals. Sometimes the smallest acts of support can make the biggest difference in a child's life, and a caring closet helps provide that comfort and stability when students need it most.","fullyFundedDate":1777999274181,"projectUrl":"project/help-us-stock-our-caring-closet-for-stud/10247497/","projectTitle":"Help Us Stock Our Caring Closet for Students in Need","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Thomas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4668456_orig.jpg?crop=1653,1653,x0,y766&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1744810506285","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4668456"},{"teacherId":4668456,"projectId":10141074,"letterContent":"When students see themselves represented in books, it helps them feel valued, understood, and connected to learning in a meaningful way. Reading stories that reflect their culture, experiences, family dynamics, language, or personal struggles allows students to recognize that their voices and stories matter. It builds confidence and creates a stronger emotional connection to reading because students are able to relate to the characters and situations they encounter in literature.\r\n\r\nRepresentation in books also helps foster empathy, understanding, and inclusivity within the classroom. When students read about experiences both similar to and different from their own, they gain a deeper appreciation for the diverse world around them. Seeing themselves in books can inspire students to dream bigger, feel proud of who they are, and realize that they belong in the classroom, in literature, and in the world beyond school. Books become more than just stories — they become mirrors that reflect students' identities and windows that help them understand others.","fullyFundedDate":1773862949039,"projectUrl":"project/when-students-see-themselves-in-books-r/10141074/","projectTitle":"When Students See Themselves in Books, Reading Becomes Powerful","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Thomas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4668456_orig.jpg?crop=1653,1653,x0,y766&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1744810506285","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4668456"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_108999","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":332,"numTeachers":24,"percentFrplEligible":79,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":20,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":78,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"5 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"13.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"RURAL","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_DISTANT"},"inStateSupporters":65.7,"schoolId":108999,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Arcadia Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Arcadia Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/wisconsin/arcadia-school-district/arcadia-middle-school/108999"}