{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Milwaukee Academy of Science","outOfStateSupporters":37.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10171422,"projectId":9580001,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom through this DonorsChoose project. Your generosity provided us with essential snacks and cleaning supplies that immediately made a difference. The snacks have helped students stay focused and energized throughout the day, especially during our morning work and afternoon learning blocks. The cleaning supplies have kept our space fresh, organized, and safe -something my students take great pride in maintaining.\r\n\r\nWhen the boxes arrived the students were thrilled! They excitedly helped unpack, sort, and set up a snack station. They also helped stock our cleanup corner. Several students mentioned how it felt like they were working as a team, taking care of our classroom space together. Because of these new resources students have been more independent, more prepared for learning, and more aware of the importance of caring for their environment.\r\n\r\nOur next steps are to continue fostering responsibility and independence. Students will rotate weekly jobs to maintain the cleaning supplies and distribute snacks as needed. We are also using this project to spark conversations about healthy habits, cleanliness, and kindness within our classroom community. Your support made all this possible and we are truly grateful!","fullyFundedDate":1755723609534,"projectUrl":"project/help-meet-the-basic-needs-of-my-students/9580001/","projectTitle":"Help Meet the Basic Needs of My Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Shaw","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10171422_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756778314076","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10171422"},{"teacherId":10030994,"projectId":9553194,"letterContent":"Thanks to your incredible generosity, my students and I have been able to transform our classroom into a more supportive, calming, and empowering space. The materials provided through this project have had a tremendous impact on both our daily routines and the emotional climate of the classroom. What began as an effort to find tools that promote safety and mindfulness has become an essential part of how my students learn to navigate their emotions, build self-awareness, and strengthen their ability to cope with challenges.\r\n\r\nWe use these new resources every day in a variety of ways. The sensory tools, fidget items, emotion cards, and mindfulness resources have become core components of our social-emotional learning (SEL) lessons and daily check-ins. Each morning, students begin with a short \"Mindful Moment\" where they select a tool or activity to help them ground themselves before starting the day. During difficult moments, students know they can take a brief break to use one of these items to refocus or regulate their emotions before returning to class. The addition of these tools has not only reduced classroom disruptions but has also improved students' ability to communicate their feelings and needs in healthy, constructive ways.\r\n\r\nOne of the most powerful moments since introducing these materials happened during a group reflection activity called *\"Emotions in Action.\"* Students were asked to identify an emotion they felt recently and describe how they responded to it. One student, who often struggles with frustration, shared that using one of the fidget tools helped him calm down during a challenging assignment. He explained to the class that taking a few minutes to focus on the movement of the tool helped him clear his mind and try again instead of giving up. Hearing him speak so openly about using a strategy to manage his emotions inspired other students to share their own successes with the new tools. It was a beautiful reminder that self-regulation is not only being practiced but also being celebrated within our classroom community.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the materials, their reactions were filled with excitement and genuine appreciation. They were curious about each item and eager to learn how to use them. Many of my students commented that the classroom \"felt calmer\" and that they \"finally had something that helps when things feel too big.\" Several students even asked if they could help organize the items and label the storage areas so everyone could easily access what they needed. That sense of ownership and shared responsibility has made the tools even more meaningful—they're not just classroom supplies; they're part of a supportive system that belongs to all of us.\r\n\r\nAs for next steps, my students and I are continuing to integrate these materials into our ongoing SEL curriculum. We recently began a project called *\"Calm Minds, Strong Hearts,\"* where students are creating visual journals to document the coping strategies and tools that work best for them. They're reflecting on what helps them feel grounded, how they can support their peers, and how emotional awareness connects to their goals both inside and outside of school. Over time, these journals will serve as personal guides to emotional wellness and growth.\r\n\r\nWe also plan to introduce small peer-led \"Mindful Break Stations,\" where students can take turns leading brief breathing exercises, gratitude reflections, or calming activities using the donated materials. This helps promote leadership, empathy, and community care—values that align perfectly with our mission to support both hearts and minds.\r\n\r\nYour contribution has made a lasting difference. These tools have become much more than classroom resources—they are lifelines that help students find balance, confidence, and peace. Because of your generosity, students who once struggled to express emotions or manage stress now have tangible ways to recenter themselves and keep learning. You've helped create an environment that teaches resilience, compassion, and self-awareness every single day.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students and for investing in their emotional and mental well-being. Your kindness continues to make a real and lasting impact in our classroom and beyond.","fullyFundedDate":1755734366761,"projectUrl":"project/sel-and-crisis-tools-to-support-students/9553194/","projectTitle":"SEL and Crisis Tools to Support Students’ Hearts and Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cunningham","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10030994_orig.jpg?crop=950,950,x91,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1747063713476","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10030994"},{"teacherId":10086891,"projectId":9484931,"letterContent":"My students were so so excited to see all the yummy snacks that were delivered today! My students all receive free breakfast and lunch at school, and snack is very much needed to keep them full until the end of the school day. My students can focus on becoming strong readers, writers, mathematicians, scientists, and amazing people when they are not worried about food. \r\n\r\nHaving this project funded allowed me to not worry about using my own money to buy snacks for my students everyday. Moving forward I know that I have snacks to give my students that they enjoy.","fullyFundedDate":1753653674409,"projectUrl":"project/first-grade-snacks/9484931/","projectTitle":"First-Grade Snacks!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Terry","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10086891"},{"teacherId":10030994,"projectId":9341285,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity and support of my classroom project. What started as an effort to provide tools that promote safety, focus, and emotional regulation for my students has grown into something far more impactful than I ever imagined. Your donation has helped me create a space where students not only learn academically but also develop lifelong coping and self-care skills.\r\n\r\nSince receiving the materials, my students and I have integrated them into our daily classroom routines in meaningful ways. The resources—such as sensory tools, fidget items, mindfulness activities, and calming corner supplies—have become an essential part of how we build focus, manage stress, and maintain emotional balance. Each morning, students begin by selecting a tool that supports how they are feeling that day. Some use breathing balls or fidget cubes to help ground themselves before a lesson begins, while others spend a few quiet minutes journaling or reflecting in our calm corner. These moments have transformed the energy in our classroom, creating a more mindful and centered environment where every student feels seen and supported.\r\n\r\nOne of my favorite moments since introducing these materials happened during a group activity focused on emotional awareness. Students were learning about identifying and expressing feelings in healthy ways. One student who often struggles with frustration used one of the new sensory tools to calm down before speaking up in our discussion. She later shared that having something to focus on helped her feel more in control and confident. Seeing that shift—watching her recognize and manage her emotions in real time—was a powerful reminder of why this project matters so deeply.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the materials, their reactions were filled with excitement, curiosity, and gratitude. Many couldn't believe the new tools were for them to use. Some students immediately wanted to explore each item, asking how they worked or how they could be used to help them focus. Others shared that they felt the classroom \"looked more peaceful\" and \"felt calmer.\" Their enthusiasm quickly turned into a shared understanding that these items weren't just fun—they were tools to help them succeed both emotionally and academically.\r\n\r\nAs we move forward, my students will continue using these resources as part of our ongoing lessons in emotional regulation, self-awareness, and goal setting. We are currently working on a classroom project called \"Calm Minds, Strong Hearts,\" where students reflect on strategies that help them stay focused and balanced during challenging moments. They are learning to take ownership of their emotions, practice self-regulation, and support one another in maintaining a positive classroom community.","fullyFundedDate":1747018851455,"projectUrl":"project/safe-spaces-strong-minds-empowering-ou/9341285/","projectTitle":"Safe Spaces, Strong Minds: Empowering Our Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cunningham","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10030994_orig.jpg?crop=950,950,x91,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1747063713476","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10030994"},{"teacherId":6249045,"projectId":8936761,"letterContent":"I am writing to extend my deepest thanks for your generous donation of classroom supplies, including Lysol, whisper phones, games, books, prize bucket toys, and more. Your thoughtful contributions have not only enhanced our learning environment but have also brought immense joy and excitement to our students.\r\n\r\nWith your support, we have been able to create a classroom atmosphere that is both engaging and conducive to learning. The whisper phones have been particularly beneficial in helping students improve their reading fluency, while the new books have sparked a renewed love for reading among them. The prize bucket toys have also been a wonderful incentive, motivating students to put forth their best efforts.\r\n\r\nYour kindness and generosity have made a significant impact on our classroom, and for that, we are truly grateful. Thank you for believing in our students and for helping to make their educational experience richer and more enjoyable.","fullyFundedDate":1739455203224,"projectUrl":"project/everyday-is-a-prize/8936761/","projectTitle":"Everyday Is a Prize","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Love","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6249045"},{"teacherId":7998270,"projectId":9023561,"letterContent":"Thank you for helping bring my project to life. My students and I greatly appreciate your generosity and ongoing support. We will forever be grateful and pass this blessing forward to someone who needs it. We will have snacks to keep students focused on learning now and child them over until they get home to a nice healthy meal.\r\n\r\nWe all know that students learn best when they are focused and not distracted by things such as hunger. Students lose focus and get upset when they are hungry, and I don't want them to lose interest in learning because of hunger. Your donations will help a lot of students, and I know with your help we made this a success.","fullyFundedDate":1735781407904,"projectUrl":"project/mid-year-refresher-2025/9023561/","projectTitle":"Mid Year Refresher 2025","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Dillon ELA","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7998270_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1667666860905","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7998270"},{"teacherId":1030788,"projectId":7000200,"letterContent":"I know it has been some time since you donated to my project, but I just wanted to belatedly reach out to you and let you know the impact they have had on countless student lives. Two years ago, I made the decision to uproot myself from my school of 14 years and begin work at Waukesha North High School. In those two short years, I have used the games you provided me to start a Board Game Club, double the enrollment in AP science courses, and strengthen student culture.\r\n\r\n The omnipresent screen is the greatest barrier to authentic love of learning; you have generously provided a means by which hundreds of students have engaged in genuine interpersonal critical thinking. I appreciate you beyond measure; you made the world a better place with your contribution, and please know that your donation's echo will sound for many, many years.","fullyFundedDate":1675872684887,"projectUrl":"project/from-cascadia-to-cryptid-critical-think/7000200/","projectTitle":"From Cascadia to Cryptid: Critical Thinking through Complex Games","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Paprocki","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1030788_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1502751631843","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1030788"},{"teacherId":7998270,"projectId":8978986,"letterContent":"Thank you for helping bring my project to life. My students and I greatly appreciate your generosity and ongoing support. We will forever be grateful and pass this blessing forward to someone who needs it. We will have Christmas cheer to keep students focused on learning and boost morale.\r\nWe all know that students learn best when they are focused and these materials help students feel like its Christmas time spirit in the classroom. We are forever grateful and we will always remember how you helped create a memorable experience for students in the classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1733176722191,"projectUrl":"project/spreading-christmas-joy/8978986/","projectTitle":"Spreading Christmas Joy","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Dillon ELA","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7998270_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1667666860905","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7998270"},{"teacherId":9422805,"projectId":8479252,"letterContent":"As a first-year teacher in a K4 classroom, I cannot express enough how much your generosity means to me and my students. Because of your support, my young learners now have a dress-up set that fuels their creativity, hands-on centers to practice patterns, a cash register for real-world math exploration, and sensory toys that provide comfort and engagement. These resources have transformed our classroom into a space filled with excitement, discovery, and meaningful learning experiences.\r\n\r\nYour kindness has made a lasting impact on my students' early education, giving them the tools they need to grow, explore, and develop essential skills in a fun and engaging way. Seeing their joy and curiosity blossom because of these materials has been incredibly rewarding, and I am deeply grateful for your generosity. Thank you for believing in my classroom and helping to create an enriching learning environment for my students.","fullyFundedDate":1731491534524,"projectUrl":"project/pre-kindergarten-wishlist-inspiring-min/8479252/","projectTitle":"Pre-Kindergarten Wishlist: Inspiring Minds With Toys and STEM Activities","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Larson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9422805_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1703930429485","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/misslarsonmke"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_70096","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1404,"numTeachers":62,"percentFrplEligible":93,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":96,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":1,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"22.6:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":62.7,"schoolId":70096,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Milwaukee Academy of Science on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Milwaukee Academy of Science","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/wisconsin/wisconsin-department-of-public-institute/milwaukee-academy-of-science/70096"}