{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Vel Phillips Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":20.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10050912,"projectId":9515290,"letterContent":"I want to thank you so much for everything you got for my classroom \r\nThe bean bag chairs have been amazing in my classroom especially my adaptive class. The classroom they are normally in has swings and bean bag chairs so they are more comfortable, my gen ed classroom did not have that- allowing my students to be more comfortable in the classroom which in turn allows them to focus more. \r\nThe art supplies have been great for my project based learning and the bins have really helped keep track of all the stuff for my various classes","fullyFundedDate":1755521976342,"projectUrl":"project/a-comfortable-seat-can-make-all-the-diff/9515290/","projectTitle":"A Comfortable Seat Can Make All the Difference in Concentration","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Daane","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10050912"},{"teacherId":10169330,"projectId":9575613,"letterContent":"As the first year teacher, it was important for me to have a world map in my classroom that was accurate with all the changes going on in the world. I use the map often to show kids the impact of what we are learning and how it translates to today. We are learning early US history and to be able to point out routes that ships took and why is very helpful for their understanding. \r\n\r\nI'm also using the colored pencils for many art projects and coloring activities that we will be doing down the road as we learn about the 13 colonies and American Revolution.","fullyFundedDate":1756249567992,"projectUrl":"project/7th-grade-social-studies-us-history-expl/9575613/","projectTitle":"7th Grade Social Studies US History Exploration","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Karns","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10169330"},{"teacherId":9973126,"projectId":9252216,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for fully funding my Back to School Photo Booth. Students and families enjoyed taking and printing pictures at our annual back to school event.\r\n\r\n The Photo Booth, and photo paper are amazing and truly offer us an opportunity to let students and families see themselves in our school! Your generosity has created an opportunity for laughter, camaraderie and inclusion within our building. For years to come we will be able to take family photos and candid pictures at a variety of events. We intend to use the Photo Booth at our next event- The Halloween Dance! Thank you so much, we appreciate your generosity, thoughtfulness and support!","fullyFundedDate":1746787360009,"projectUrl":"project/family-photo-booth/9252216/","projectTitle":"Family Photo Booth","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Nikki Rapp","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9973126_orig.jpg?crop=686,686,x177,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1744397814309","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9973126"},{"teacherId":9973126,"projectId":9195757,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for fully funding my project \"Jelly Bean Statistics\". My students and I were truly delighted. As a 6th grade class, students enjoyed using jelly beans, construction paper, and colored pencils to collect data, graph and display statistics and share their measures of central tendency. \r\n\r\n Students were so excited to see jelly beans in Math! The addition of a classroom set of colored pencils and more than enough construction paper will be a treat for years to come.\r\n \r\n Your generosity has truly enhanced our arts integrated math project, making it an incredible opportunity for creativity and learning. I appreciate your support and thoughtfulness!","fullyFundedDate":1744299290621,"projectUrl":"project/jelly-bean-statistics/9195757/","projectTitle":"Jelly Bean Statistics","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Nikki Rapp","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9973126_orig.jpg?crop=686,686,x177,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1744397814309","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9973126"},{"teacherId":1061792,"projectId":9275436,"letterContent":"Thank you very much for the class set of the novel, \"Flush,\" by Carl Hiassen. This is a great story that teaches about environmental awareness and empowers students to make positive changes in their community. I was able to teach this book during our Summer School literacy classes and will teach it again next spring in my regular classes. The students really enjoyed the story and made many connections to the text. We studied Story Elements- such a plot, character, setting, and theme- and we learned new vocabulary and practices critical thinking, too. Thanks, again, for helping me make this possible for my students.","fullyFundedDate":1746787060849,"projectUrl":"project/flush-class-book-set/9275436/","projectTitle":"\"Flush\" Class Book Set","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mariin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1061792_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1633403773661","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/maho"},{"teacherId":1061792,"projectId":9219880,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my classroom, by purchasing a class set of the novel, \"The Mighty Miss Malone.\" My students love reading it right now. It is a great story to teach about the Great Depression and the challenges many families faced at that time. We are also studying literary elements while we read it, such as plot, characters, setting, and theme. Students will write a literary analysis when we complete the story, as well. Every day, I look forward to the conversations our class has been having, concerning this story. They are making deep connections to the story and it has been a wonderful experience.","fullyFundedDate":1745012260878,"projectUrl":"project/book-set-of-mighty-miss-malone/9219880/","projectTitle":"Book Set of \"Mighty Miss Malone\"","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mariin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1061792_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1633403773661","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/maho"},{"teacherId":9571330,"projectId":9255737,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our 6th grade special education students have been able to explore a variety of engaging new texts that meet them right where they are. These books have helped us focus on key reading skills such as identifying main ideas, making inferences, building vocabulary, and connecting stories to students' own lives. Because the books are both accessible and age-appropriate, students are practicing fluency and comprehension strategies in ways that feel meaningful to them, rather than frustrating.\r\n\r\nIn our classroom, reading now looks like a combination of partner reading, guided small groups, and independent practice. Students take pride in choosing books that match their interests, whether it's graphic novels, mysteries, or stories that reflect their own experiences. One student who previously avoided reading has been excited to share aloud from his favorite graphic novel, while another has started asking if she can borrow books to take home. These moments show how the right books not only build academic skills, but also spark joy, confidence, and curiosity in our students.","fullyFundedDate":1746785650692,"projectUrl":"project/books-for-my-special-education-classroom/9255737/","projectTitle":"Books for My Special Education Classroom!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Epling","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9571330_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1742589284749","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9571330"},{"teacherId":9571330,"projectId":9204584,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our 6th grade special education students have been able to explore a variety of engaging new texts that meet them right where they are. These books have helped us focus on key reading skills such as identifying main ideas, making inferences, building vocabulary, and connecting stories to students' own lives. Because the books are both accessible and age-appropriate, students are practicing fluency and comprehension strategies in ways that feel meaningful to them, rather than frustrating.\r\n\r\nIn our classroom, reading now looks like a combination of partner reading, guided small groups, and independent practice. Students take pride in choosing books that match their interests, whether it's graphic novels, mysteries, or stories that reflect their own experiences. One student who previously avoided reading has been excited to share aloud from his favorite graphic novel, while another has started asking if she can borrow books to take home. These moments show how the right books not only build academic skills, but also spark joy, confidence, and curiosity in our students.","fullyFundedDate":1744207866264,"projectUrl":"project/books-for-my-special-education-classroom/9204584/","projectTitle":"Books for my Special Education Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Epling","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9571330_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1742589284749","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9571330"},{"teacherId":9930009,"projectId":9127408,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donations. The stickers are being used to reinforce positive behaviors by pairing verbal praise with the visual reinforcement of the stickers, helping to promote positive changes among students. It has been enjoyable to see students' expressions light up when they select the perfect sticker.\r\n\r\nOur new alternative seating options have been beneficial for students who require different environments to stay focused on their work. The lap desks facilitate effective use of Chromebooks during research activities in social studies and science classes.\r\n\r\nThe markers are already in use and will be utilized in social skills, science, and social studies projects to showcase students' learning throughout the school year. For example, in social studies, students are researching how Indigenous peoples in North America use turtles to symbolize various aspects of their culture. Also, in science, students are creating posters to share insights about the different branches of life science.\r\n\r\nAs we continue our exploration of life science, the prepared slides will offer students hands-on learning experiences. The dried flowers will be used to conclude our unit on flowers. Students will conduct research on specific flowering plants and create bar soaps to take home and share, demonstrating their understanding.\r\n\r\nWe sincerely appreciate all of your donations.","fullyFundedDate":1748367089240,"projectUrl":"project/igniting-flames-of-learning-behavioral/9127408/","projectTitle":"Igniting Flames of Learning: Behavioral Incentives in the Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Plier","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9930009"},{"teacherId":1061792,"projectId":9128139,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous gift! My students absolutely loved reading this story. It is such a riveting and beautiful story of the human spirit and resilience. All of my students read this book, and studied it deeply. They especially loved learning about Native American history and we ended up looking further into the true story of the woman who was lost on the island. The part that really resonated was her connection to the dog, especially the forgiveness aspect. The mercy she showed Rontu, the dog, was beautiful. Thanks, again, for helping my students achieve their goals. My students averaged 137% growth this year because of books like this.","fullyFundedDate":1742924416195,"projectUrl":"project/island-of-the-blue-dolphins-book-set/9128139/","projectTitle":"Island of the Blue Dolphins Book Set","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mariin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1061792_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1633403773661","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/maho"},{"teacherId":9496460,"projectId":9037987,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for your generous donation of books to our special education classroom. Your thoughtful contribution has had a profound impact on my students, and I want to share just how much it has meant to us.\r\n\r\nAs you know, many of my students have individual reading goals that are challenging to meet, but your donation has provided us with the resources and motivation needed to reach those goals. The new books have opened up new worlds for my students—worlds that are filled with excitement, adventure, and learning. These books are not only helping them improve their reading skills but also building their confidence and love for reading.\r\n\r\nOne of the most heartwarming moments was when a student who previously struggled with reading picked up a new book and, with determination, read aloud to the class. The smile on their face when they finished the last page was priceless. Moments like that are made possible because of your generosity.\r\n\r\nThese books have also given my students the opportunity to explore a wider variety of genres, from graphic novels to nonfiction, allowing them to connect with stories that resonate with their interests and learning styles. The impact on their reading comprehension and self-esteem has been remarkable. They now approach reading with enthusiasm, knowing they have materials that cater to their needs and spark their imaginations.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students and for investing in their educational journey. Your kindness has not only provided books, but it has also helped create a classroom atmosphere where every student feels valued and capable of achieving their reading goals.\r\n\r\nWe are all incredibly grateful for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1739455265368,"projectUrl":"project/books-for-brighter-futures/9037987/","projectTitle":"Books for Brighter Futures","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Frees","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9496460"},{"teacherId":9571330,"projectId":9204637,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom has become a more focused and supportive learning environment. When the fidgets arrived, my students were so excited—they lit up with curiosity and joy knowing these tools were meant to help them.\r\n\r\nSince we started using them, I've seen real changes in how students manage their attention and emotions. Students who previously struggled to stay engaged are now more focused during lessons, and several have commented that they feel calmer and more ready to learn.\r\n\r\nWe've made these tools part of our daily routines, using them to support transitions, quiet work time, and moments of stress. Our next step is to help students build independence in recognizing when and how to use the tools that help them most.\r\n\r\nThis project has made a meaningful difference in our classroom. Thank you for your generosity—you've helped create a learning space where students feel seen, supported, and empowered to succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1744299290680,"projectUrl":"project/fidgets-for-my-special-education-class/9204637/","projectTitle":"Fidgets for my Special Education Class","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Epling","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9571330_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1742589284749","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9571330"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_131707","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":802,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":51,"percentAsian":6,"percentBlack":6,"percentWhite":56,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":6,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"MDR District Record","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":null},"inStateSupporters":79.5,"schoolId":131707,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Vel Phillips Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Vel Phillips Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/wisconsin/oshkosh-area-school-district/vel-phillips-middle-school/131707"}