{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Bancroft Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":23.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":2160956,"projectId":10099367,"letterContent":"Thank you for helping bring movement, teamwork, and joy to our students through your generous support of our team sports equipment project. Because of your donations, our students now have access to quality footballs, basketballs, volleyballs, and soccer balls that allow them to fully participate in structured games, clinics, and team-building activities. Recently during lunch, a group of students organized their own soccer match using the new equipment. One student paused in the middle of the game and said, \"This feels like a real team now.\" That simple comment captured something powerful: students are not just playing games — they are building confidence, connection, and a sense of belonging.\r\n\r\nYour support is also helping students develop leadership and life skills that extend far beyond the field. During a recent basketball skills clinic, one student who is usually quiet in class stepped into a leadership role by organizing teams, encouraging peers, and helping younger students learn drills. At the end of the activity, another student told him, \"You should coach more often — you make people feel included.\" Moments like these remind us that sports create opportunities for students to practice communication, collaboration, perseverance, and empathy in real and meaningful ways. Thanks to your generosity, our students are gaining more than athletic equipment — they are gaining opportunities to lead, grow, and believe in themselves.","fullyFundedDate":1779301589672,"projectUrl":"project/gear-up-to-grow-building-leaders-throug/10099367/","projectTitle":"Gear Up to Grow: Building Leaders Through Team Sports","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Slaton","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2160956_orig.jpg?crop=717,717,x0,y305&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1606838207179","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2160956"},{"teacherId":2160956,"projectId":10050851,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our classroom has become an even more welcoming and supportive space for students each day. The snacks and drinks you helped provide are doing so much more than filling hungry stomachs — they are helping students feel cared for, comfortable, and ready to learn. Recently, one student quietly came into class looking exhausted after a long morning. After grabbing a granola bar and a juice, they smiled and said, \"I didn't even realize how hungry I was. I can actually focus now.\" Moments like that remind me how powerful simple acts of kindness can be. Your support is directly helping students feel seen, valued, and prepared to fully participate in school.\r\n\r\nOur students work incredibly hard and spend long days on campus supporting one another, engaging in thoughtful conversations, and building a stronger school community together. Thanks to your donation, students now know there is always a small corner of the classroom where they can grab a snack without embarrassment or worry. One student recently turned to a classmate while sharing crackers and said, \"This feels like our classroom really cares about us.\" That comment stayed with me because it captures exactly what your generosity has created: a classroom environment rooted in compassion, dignity, and community. Thank you for helping us nourish not only our students' bodies, but also their sense of belonging.","fullyFundedDate":1778603057805,"projectUrl":"project/snacks-smiles/10050851/","projectTitle":"Snacks & Smiles","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Slaton","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2160956_orig.jpg?crop=717,717,x0,y305&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1606838207179","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2160956"},{"teacherId":10421819,"projectId":10068630,"letterContent":"First, I want to apologize for the delay in sending this letter. Our season was such an unforgettable one, and before I could properly thank you, I realized I needed to explain just how much your support truly meant to our team.\r\n\r\nLast year, I was not the coach, but I attended many games and even helped run a \"Special Guest\" practice. During that time, I noticed the girls were using PE basketballs instead of quality basketballs designed specifically for the sport. Some balls were meant for indoors, others for outdoors. Some were overinflated, some underinflated, some heavier, and some unusually light. There was little consistency, and unfortunately, the girls did not have access to the quality equipment they deserved.\r\n\r\nThat is why I reached out to DonorsChoose and you showed up almost instantly.\r\n\r\nThe returning players from last season were shocked when they saw the new basketballs. They kept asking:\r\n\"Are these OUR basketballs?\"\r\n\"How did we get these?\"\r\n\"Where did they come from?\"\r\n\r\nTheir excitement was priceless. Meanwhile, our newer players, especially our sweet 6th graders, are now learning from the very beginning that quality and care are the standard, not the exception.\r\n\r\nAs cute as it was to hear them thank me, I reminded them that this support did not come from one person. It came from a village of generous people willing to invest in them, believe in them, and cheer them on.\r\n\r\nFrom the bottom of my heart, thank you for supporting our girls basketball program. Whether your contribution felt small or large, it meant everything to us. Because of you, basketball became more enjoyable and equitable for all of our players. No more racing for the \"good ball\" every athlete, both JV and Varsity, was treated fairly and given the opportunity to practice with quality equipment.\r\n\r\nI also wanted to share a few highlights from our season:\r\n\r\nBoth our JV and Varsity teams made it to the first round of playoffs.\r\nBecause we finally had enough basketballs for every player, we were able to run drills and games like dribble tag that previously were impossible.\r\nWe are currently planning to host a summer or winter basketball camp, where our student-athletes can serve as coaches and team leaders for younger players in the community.\r\n\r\nYour generosity created opportunity. You gave our student-athletes the chance to experience basketball the way it should be experienced with proper resources, confidence, and pride. More importantly, you helped create an environment where these girls can now learn to give back and pay their opportunities forward into the community.\r\n\r\nThank you, truly, thank you so much. I'm not sure words can fully express how grateful we are, but please know your kindness made a real and lasting difference.","fullyFundedDate":1770658966896,"projectUrl":"project/girls-basketball-equipment/10068630/","projectTitle":"Girls Basketball Equipment","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. MENESES","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10421819_orig.jpg?crop=988,988,x0,y92&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1769620130516","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10421819"},{"teacherId":2160956,"projectId":10189211,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom. The raised planter box and 3-tier shelving unit have already made a meaningful impact on how we organize and use our space. Right now, we are using both pieces for storage, helping us create a more structured and clutter-free environment where materials are easy to find and return. This has made transitions between activities smoother and has supported students in taking more responsibility for keeping our classroom organized and functional.\r\n\r\nBeyond their practical use, these additions have also brought a sense of excitement and ownership to our classroom. Students had a great time helping assemble the pieces, working together, problem-solving, and taking pride in setting up our shared space. While the planter box is currently being used for storage, we are excited to keep the door open for future gardening projects that will bring hands-on learning into our classroom. We are so grateful for your support in helping us create a space that is not only more organized, but also engaging and full of possibility for our students.","fullyFundedDate":1776092533290,"projectUrl":"project/storage-for-success/10189211/","projectTitle":"Storage for Success!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Slaton","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2160956_orig.jpg?crop=717,717,x0,y305&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1606838207179","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2160956"},{"teacherId":3997861,"projectId":9960231,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our Bancroft Middle School music program. With your help, we have funded yet another quality instrument for our band program, an acoustic bass guitar. \r\nThis bass guitar is special in that it has a shorter fret board and neck. Ideal for smaller students, this allows beginning band students to comfortably reach all of the notes on the bass. Although it is a small bass, students of all sizes can play on this instrument with ease. \r\nBecause this is not a traditional concert band instrument, we rely on outside funding for basses and guitar. Thank you again for your continued support of a well-rounded music program!","fullyFundedDate":1765820034951,"projectUrl":"project/acoustic-bass-guitar/9960231/","projectTitle":"Acoustic Bass Guitar","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Hargreaves","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3997861_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1517439384754","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3997861"},{"teacherId":2160956,"projectId":9521005,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support in funding healthy snacks and drinks for our classroom. When the materials arrived, students were immediately excited and grateful. Many expressed how much it meant to have access to snacks during long school days, and their reactions showed how impactful this support truly is. The availability of healthy options has helped students stay focused, energized, and engaged in learning, reducing distractions and allowing them to fully participate in class activities.\r\n\r\nToday, our classroom includes a small, welcoming space where students can independently grab a snack or drink when needed and return ready to learn. This routine has strengthened our sense of community and responsibility while supporting students' well-being throughout the day. Your support has made a meaningful difference by helping our students feel cared for, comfortable, and prepared to succeed, and we are incredibly grateful for your investment in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1762827797960,"projectUrl":"project/snacks-for-success/9521005/","projectTitle":"Snacks for Success!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Slaton","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2160956_orig.jpg?crop=717,717,x0,y305&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1606838207179","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2160956"},{"teacherId":4584607,"projectId":9656468,"letterContent":"Thank you sincerely for your generous donation. This gaming device has created an exciting and welcoming space for our students to enjoy during lunch. It has encouraged them to socialize, form friendships with peers who share similar interests, and feel more connected to one another. Because of this device, we've also been able to offer lunchtime gaming clubs that many students look forward to each day.\r\n\r\nThe students are having so much fun that they're reluctant for lunch to end. They're able to game in a supervised, positive environment while developing valuable social skills. Thank you again for helping us bring these clubs to our school and provide such a fun and meaningful experience for our students.","fullyFundedDate":1757191869162,"projectUrl":"project/its-game-time/9656468/","projectTitle":"It's Game Time!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Amy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4584607"},{"teacherId":5829680,"projectId":9616006,"letterContent":"This new collection of diverse Young Adult books has transformed our classroom reading culture. Students now encounter characters and voices that reflect their own lives and broaden their perspectives. \r\n\r\nI find that the students are engaging more deeply in reading and discussion. With fresh, relevant titles in their hands, they are more excited to pick up books, stay focused during independent reading, and share recommendations with peers. \r\n\r\nAs comprehension and analytical skills grow, students' writing and discussions become richer, with greater depth and empathy. The inclusive library encourages reluctant readers by offering them entry points they truly relate to, boosting confidence and fostering a love of reading.","fullyFundedDate":1755706501789,"projectUrl":"project/building-a-diverse-ya-library-stories-t/9616006/","projectTitle":"Building a Diverse YA Library: Stories that Reflect Our Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Contreras","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5829680_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1556848702320","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsbcontreras"},{"teacherId":5829680,"projectId":9621255,"letterContent":"The class set of dictionaries has already made a meaningful impact in our classroom. Students now have the tools they need to build vocabulary, strengthen reading comprehension, and become more independent learners. Instead of skipping unfamiliar words or waiting for assistance, they confidently look up definitions, synonyms, and correct spellings on their own. This has especially supported my emerging readers and English learners, who now engage more deeply with texts and participate more confidently in discussions. \r\n\r\nThe dictionaries have also improved the quality of students' writing, as they can check word meanings, refine their word choice, and revise with greater accuracy. Having a set for every student has removed barriers, increased access, and created a learning environment where students feel empowered to explore language and expand their knowledge every day.","fullyFundedDate":1755706355667,"projectUrl":"project/unlocking-words-a-class-set-of-dictiona/9621255/","projectTitle":"Unlocking Words: A Class Set of Dictionaries","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Contreras","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5829680_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1556848702320","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsbcontreras"},{"teacherId":7447767,"projectId":9268947,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the art supplies! My students are the most engaged when their learning objectives are connected to coloring and painting activities. These creative tasks capture their attention and inspire enthusiasm, allowing them to express themselves freely while developing important skills. When students have the opportunity to incorporate art into their lessons, they become more motivated to participate, explore their creativity, and actively learn. This hands-on approach not only makes learning enjoyable but also helps reinforce concepts through visual and tactile experiences, leading to deeper understanding and a stronger connection to the material.","fullyFundedDate":1755296190808,"projectUrl":"project/celebrating-cultura-through-color/9268947/","projectTitle":"Celebrating Cultura Through Color","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Castro","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7447767_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1618510135162","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7447767"},{"teacherId":7447767,"projectId":6479414,"letterContent":"My students love playing educational games! One of their favorite games is Desafio en 10. In Spanish, students have to guess the animal. They are given clues and keywords. For them, it is a challenge to guess the animals. Riddles are excellent for the mind because they help improve various cognitive skills. They enhance problem-solving abilities, boost critical thinking, and encourage creative thinking. Additionally, riddles can improve vocabulary, memory, and pattern recognition. Engaging with riddles regularly can also increase mental agility and sharpness. Overall, they are a fun and stimulating way to keep the brain active and healthy! The second game that they enjoy playing is Get Loud. With the word that is given, they have to come up with synonyms to describe the word. Thank you so much for these games that keep my students engaged.","fullyFundedDate":1659652960272,"projectUrl":"project/lets-have-fun-learning-spanish-with-the/6479414/","projectTitle":"Let's Have Fun Learning Spanish with These Wonderful Games","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Castro","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7447767_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1618510135162","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7447767"},{"teacherId":2520602,"projectId":9227198,"letterContent":"My colleagues and I are so grateful for your generous donation of the hardback Lightning Thief books. Sixth graders read this book every year, and last year we only had enough old, falling-apart paperback books as class sets to use with our students. These new books will last much longer, and students will be much more excited about using them.\r\n\r\nWe use The Lightning Thief to teach \"The Hero's Journey,\" which is the standard archetype for heroic tales. Percy Jackson fits the reluctant hero profile perfectly, and students are engaged by his adventures. As a bonus, the story is based on Greek gods and myths. 6th graders learn about Greece and Rome in social studies, so it serves as a fun crossover with their history class.\r\n\r\nI needed to take the pictures before the 6th graders get to read it, so I had my 7th graders pose for the pictures. They are very excited for this year's 6th graders to get to use the new books (and maybe a little envious). We all thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1746787342457,"projectUrl":"project/real-books/9227198/","projectTitle":"Real Books!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Passmore","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2520602_orig.jpg?crop=955,955,x0,y146&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1634771162246","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/teacherpassmore"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_4010","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":920,"numTeachers":45,"percentFrplEligible":76,"percentAsian":11,"percentBlack":15,"percentWhite":7,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":57,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":1,"percentMultiracialImputed":7,"gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"20.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":76.9,"schoolId":4010,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Bancroft Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Bancroft Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/san-leandro-unified-school-district/bancroft-middle-school/4010"}