{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Austin Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":26.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":6277902,"projectId":9471832,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom! The new cleaning tools have quickly become part of our daily routine. Students now rotate jobs to wipe desks, organize supplies, and keep our learning space tidy. They get genuinely excited about their responsibilities, and it has created a wonderful sense of teamwork.\r\n\r\nThese resources have helped our classroom feel calmer and more organized, and students take real pride in caring for their environment. I've seen them become more responsible and more motivated to keep our space welcoming for everyone. Your generosity made all of this possible, and we are truly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1755736447519,"projectUrl":"project/tools-to-keep-our-classroom-clean-sharp/9471832/","projectTitle":"Tools to Keep Our Classroom Clean, Sharp, and Stocked","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rangel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6277902_orig.png?crop=1089,1090,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1694483122204","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/miss-rangel"},{"teacherId":8902789,"projectId":9789445,"letterContent":"The materials funded by family and fiends and also Riot Games Social Impact Fund transformed learning for my elementary students with special needs. The gaming equipment increased engagement, teamwork, and communication skills while supporting inclusion and confidence. Through video games, students practiced problem-solving, strategy, and social interaction in a fun, motivating way. I was able to integrate esports-based lessons that built focus and collaboration, helping every student feel successful and excited to learn each day.","fullyFundedDate":1759784726501,"projectUrl":"project/esports-gaming-freaks/9789445/","projectTitle":"Esports Gaming Freaks","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. A","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8902789_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1672979312066","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8902789"},{"teacherId":8963462,"projectId":9321157,"letterContent":"My students were so excited when they first saw the new outdoor activity materials like cornhole and ring toss. Their faces lit up with joy, and they couldn't wait to start playing. These simple yet engaging games have brought so much energy and fun to our recess and outdoor learning time. It's been wonderful to see them build teamwork, coordination, and communication skills through play.\r\n\r\nWe've started using the materials not only for free play but also to support social-emotional learning and movement breaks during the day. For example, I organized a small group activity where students worked together in teams to complete challenges using the new equipment. It helped reinforce cooperation and gave them a positive outlet for their energy. Looking ahead, I plan to incorporate these resources into more structured lessons to promote physical wellness and continue building classroom community.","fullyFundedDate":1746544784193,"projectUrl":"project/outdoor-adventures/9321157/","projectTitle":"Outdoor Adventures","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Cortez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8963462"},{"teacherId":8963462,"projectId":9327113,"letterContent":"Thank you for your continuous support for the students! They truly appreciate it and deserve it! Once again thanks for taking time to read and to donate to this important cause that helps students tremendously! The donated items have helped students in many ways, it is also a great way to get them excited to complete work for an item of their choice. Items funded will continue to help and benefit more students to come for this new school year. The students will be happy and willing to go the extra for manipulatives such as the items funded!","fullyFundedDate":1746799575564,"projectUrl":"project/hard-work-pays-off-in-toys-and-candy/9327113/","projectTitle":"Hard Work Pays Off, in Toys and Candy!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Cortez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8963462"},{"teacherId":6277902,"projectId":9306289,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for providing our classroom with laptop chargers and power towers! These resources have made a big difference in keeping students focused and learning without interruptions. My students were so excited to see them and immediately put them to use during group projects and independent work. Now they feel confident knowing their devices will stay charged, especially during important lessons and tests. Your generosity has truly made our classroom run more smoothly and given students one less thing to worry about each day.","fullyFundedDate":1752671554999,"projectUrl":"project/charging-success-empowering-students-wi/9306289/","projectTitle":"Charging Success: Empowering Students with Essential Tech Tools!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rangel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6277902_orig.png?crop=1089,1090,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1694483122204","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/miss-rangel"},{"teacherId":9250643,"projectId":8560192,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support! Your donation helped provide essential classroom supplies—pencils, highlighters, Expo markers, dry erase boards, and headphones—that my 7th graders use every day.\r\n\r\nWhen the supplies arrived, the students were thrilled. We've already put everything to good use during group activities, review games, and independent research. The dry erase boards made our quiz games more interactive, and the headphones have been a huge help during digital lessons.\r\n\r\nNext, we're starting a cross-curricular project on environmental topics, where students will research, annotate texts, and present their findings—using the very tools you helped provide.\r\n\r\nThank you for making such a meaningful difference in our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1733198663360,"projectUrl":"project/essential-classroom-items/8560192/","projectTitle":"Essential Classroom Items","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Aranda","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9250643_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1733939132380","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/a-aranda"},{"teacherId":8902789,"projectId":9309591,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping bring these resources into our classroom. Since receiving the funded materials, we've been using them to support sensory learning and communication for my students with disabilities. these resources and gym equipment have become a daily tool in our school, helping students stay focused and calm during learning activities, while also building fine motor and language skills through guided exploration.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the new materials, their faces absolutely lit up. One nonverbal student clapped and smiled when handed a new set balls, showing immediate engagement and excitement. Another student, who often struggles with focus, sat for over 20 minutes calmly exploring a textured basketball we received—something that hadn't happened before. The joy, curiosity, and increased participation were immediate, and it was clear these tools made them feel supported and understood.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we're using these materials as part of an ongoing unit on \"All About Me,\" where students are learning to identify emotions, preferences, and personal strengths using adaptive PE tools. Thanks to your generosity, our classroom has become a more inclusive and empowering space where every child has a voice and a way to connect with the world around them.","fullyFundedDate":1746489904326,"projectUrl":"project/all-stars-all-abilities/9309591/","projectTitle":"All Stars, All Abilities","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. A","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8902789_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1672979312066","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8902789"},{"teacherId":6952135,"projectId":9150428,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous donation, our classroom was able to come alive with new supplies, manipulatives, and teaching materials that have made a meaningful difference in how we learn and engage each day. One of the first ways we put the new resources to use was during a math unit on area and perimeter. Students used the manipulatives to build shapes, measure sides, and visually understand mathematical relationships—bringing abstract concepts into tangible form. For many of my students, especially those with learning disabilities, being able to touch and see the math helped make it real and accessible. During a recent group project, students collaborated to design their own miniature theme parks on graph paper, using the new tools to calculate dimensions and solve real-world problems, all while having fun and staying fully engaged.\r\n\r\nThe moment the boxes arrived, my students were brimming with excitement. As we unpacked each item, they eagerly asked questions about how we would use everything. For students who don't always feel confident in the classroom, seeing vibrant, hands-on tools that were \"just for them\" made them feel special and supported. One student exclaimed, \"This is like getting new toys, but for learning!\" The joy and curiosity they expressed reminded me of how powerful the right tools can be—not just for instruction, but for building confidence and ownership in their learning.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we're preparing to launch an end-of-year reflection project where students will use the supplies to create visual boards that show their academic growth and goals. They'll incorporate math data, reading progress, and personal achievements, blending creativity and content knowledge. With the materials you provided, we can make this project both meaningful and memorable. Thank you again for your support—you've given us more than just supplies; you've helped us build a classroom where every student can thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1743637760651,"projectUrl":"project/essential-tools-for-exceptional-learners/9150428/","projectTitle":"Essential Tools for Exceptional Learners: Supporting Reading, Math, and More","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Serna-Nieto","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6952135_orig.jpg?crop=953,954,x0,y254&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1741294738528","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/serna-nieto"},{"teacherId":6277902,"projectId":8978881,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your donation of mechanical pencils and Kleenex! These may seem like simple supplies, but they've truly made a big difference in our classroom.\r\n\r\nThe students were thrilled when they saw the new pencils—no more standing in line at the sharpener or breaking their tips every few minutes. They've been using them every day and it's made our routines smoother and helped everyone stay more focused.\r\n\r\nThe Kleenex has been a huge help, too. Between allergy season and the usual sniffles, we go through tissues fast. Having a steady supply means students can stay comfortable and take care of themselves without needing to ask or leave the room.\r\n\r\nThanks again for thinking of us and helping us out. Your support really does matter, and we appreciate it more than you know.","fullyFundedDate":1736273847086,"projectUrl":"project/providing-the-essentials/8978881/","projectTitle":"Providing the Essentials","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rangel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6277902_orig.png?crop=1089,1090,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1694483122204","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/miss-rangel"},{"teacherId":6277902,"projectId":8529933,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom! The math games you helped provide have been such a fun addition. When my students first saw them, they couldn't wait to try them out, and the room was instantly full of excitement. Even some of my quieter students jumped right in, and it's been great seeing their confidence grow while practicing mental math.\r\n\r\nWe've been using the games during stations and small groups, and they've already made math feel more engaging and enjoyable. I'm excited to keep using them throughout the year and to see how much progress my students make. Your generosity has truly made a difference for us, and we are so grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1728495749154,"projectUrl":"project/lets-enhance-mental-math-skills-through/8529933/","projectTitle":"Let's Enhance Mental Math Skills Through Fun Educational Games","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rangel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6277902_orig.png?crop=1089,1090,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1694483122204","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/miss-rangel"},{"teacherId":8963462,"projectId":9083555,"letterContent":"Strawberry chocolate materials provided a unique and engaging way to support students with disabilities by incorporating sensory experiences into their learning environment. Many students with disabilities benefit from multisensory approaches, and these materials allowed for lessons that stimulated taste, smell, touch, and sight. For example, using strawberry chocolate as a reward or as part of a hands-on science or math activity created positive reinforcement and increased motivation. These sensory tools helped students stay focused and engaged, making abstract concepts more tangible and accessible for diverse learners.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, the funding allowed for the purchase of adaptive tools and modified learning resources that aligned with students' individual education plans (IEPs). With this support, students had access to customized visual aids, tactile manipulatives, and differentiated instructional materials that addressed their specific learning needs. The incorporation of strawberry chocolate in lessons also promoted inclusion, as all students—regardless of ability—could participate and enjoy learning together. This fostered a sense of community, boosted confidence, and supported both academic growth and social-emotional development.","fullyFundedDate":1738683870470,"projectUrl":"project/berry-beautiful-business/9083555/","projectTitle":"Berry Beautiful Business","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Cortez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8963462"},{"teacherId":8902789,"projectId":9098024,"letterContent":"Funded resources like electric sharpeners and acrylic paints have greatly benefited my students with disabilities by providing tools that cater to their unique learning needs. The electric sharpener, for example, reduces the physical strain and frustration often experienced by students with limited fine motor skills. This simple tool allows them to focus more on their work rather than struggling with the manual task of sharpening pencils, enhancing their overall learning experience. Additionally, the convenience of an electric sharpener enables students to maintain focus on their assignments without needing frequent breaks, helping them remain engaged and productive.\r\n\r\nAcrylic paints have been equally transformative, offering students with disabilities the opportunity to express themselves creatively in a way that is both accessible and therapeutic. These paints are easier to handle for students with motor impairments, as they are less prone to smudging and provide vibrant, lasting colors. The flexibility of acrylics, whether used in a tactile, sensory approach or a more structured artistic method, allows students to engage in art therapy or classroom projects with confidence. By integrating these funded resources, students are given the tools they need to succeed in ways that are aligned with their individual capabilities, fostering a more inclusive and empowering learning environment.","fullyFundedDate":1738876627115,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-minds/9098024/","projectTitle":"Empowering Minds!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. A","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8902789_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1672979312066","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8902789"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_9867","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":871,"numTeachers":59,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":98,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"14.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":73.7,"schoolId":9867,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Austin Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Austin Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/texas/pharr-san-juan-alamo-independent-school-district/austin-middle-school/9867"}