{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Berkner STEM Academy","outOfStateSupporters":29.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9832701,"projectId":9129086,"letterContent":"Your donation has made such a positive impact in my classroom! Students have the supplies they need to succeed. Students use the pencils every day to take notes, record data, answer questions, and solve equations. The rulers have been used to measure plant growth and make posters in my environmental science class. All the tissues have been used to wipe runny noses. My chemistry students loved to see the cotton ignite under intense pressure! The demonstration improved their understanding of the relationship between pressure and temperature in regards to the behavior of gases! The Montgomery Family Fund has helped hundreds of students through supporting my classroom. Thank you so much for supporting my students. With these supplies we are able to put more energy into learning!","fullyFundedDate":1740670816241,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-essentials-and-chemistry-demon/9129086/","projectTitle":"Classroom Essentials and Chemistry Demonstration (Gay-Lussac's Law)","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Knowlton","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9832701"},{"teacherId":9175704,"projectId":9241927,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my students had the incredible opportunity to conduct hands-on dissections with the pig autopsy kits. These kits gave them the chance to apply their anatomy knowledge in a real-world, investigative way—examining organs, tracing body systems, and even practicing the careful observation skills used by real forensic pathologists. The moment the kits arrived, students' excitement was contagious. Many eagerly put on gloves right away, asking questions and making predictions about what they would discover.\r\n\r\nThroughout the unit, students worked collaboratively to identify structures and connect them back to what we've studied in class. The experience not only deepened their understanding of biology but also sparked genuine curiosity about careers in science, medicine, and forensics. Several students shared that this was their favorite project of the year because it allowed them to feel like \"real scientists.\" Your support gave them an unforgettable learning experience that combined rigor, engagement, and excitement—we are so grateful!","fullyFundedDate":1746785569803,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-anatomy-to-life-fetal-pig-diss/9241927/","projectTitle":"Bringing Anatomy to Life: Fetal Pig Dissections for Future Scientists","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ramos","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9175704_orig.jpg?crop=2400,2400,x0,y304&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1729707848525","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9175704"},{"teacherId":9175704,"projectId":9247689,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom is now safer, cleaner, and more organized. Your gift helps us maintain a safe and clutter-free environment during hands-on experiments. \r\nAn extra set of fire extinguishers also provide an important layer of protection, giving us peace of mind to focus on learning while knowing we are well-prepared for emergencies.\r\nStudents love to participate with end of the day clean-up after labs, and it has made the process both quicker and more engaging. These resources have encouraged students to take ownership of their learning environment and develop responsibility for maintaining it. Thank you for providing tools that make a real difference in both safety and daily routines—your support means so much to all of us!","fullyFundedDate":1746785284941,"projectUrl":"project/prepared-polished/9247689/","projectTitle":"Prepared & Polished","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ramos","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9175704_orig.jpg?crop=2400,2400,x0,y304&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1729707848525","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9175704"},{"teacherId":9175704,"projectId":9242007,"letterContent":"The DEWALT drill/driver kit has been a game-changer for classroom projects. Students recently used it while helping me assemble organizational shelving and equipment stands, and they were thrilled to safely try out the tools themselves under supervision. Many commented on how empowering it felt to use professional-grade tools, and it sparked conversations about careers in engineering, trades, and science fields where these skills are essential.\r\n\r\nThese resources will continue to support us throughout the year, whether it's building classroom setups for labs, maintaining equipment, or providing a more comfortable and inviting learning environment. Your generosity not only improved our daily routines but also gave students real-world, hands-on experiences that connect directly to their learning. Thank you for giving them tools—and confidence—that they'll carry far beyond the classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1746785417078,"projectUrl":"project/supporting-the-support-system-tools-for/9242007/","projectTitle":"Supporting the Support System: Tools for a Better Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ramos","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9175704_orig.jpg?crop=2400,2400,x0,y304&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1729707848525","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9175704"},{"teacherId":9175704,"projectId":9155828,"letterContent":"The drill/driver kit has been a game-changer for classroom projects. Students recently used it while helping me assemble organizational shelving and equipment stands, and they were thrilled to safely try out the tools themselves under supervision. Many commented on how empowering it felt to use professional-grade tools, and it sparked conversations about careers in engineering, trades, and science fields where these skills are essential.\r\n\r\nThese resources will continue to support us throughout the year, whether it's building classroom setups for labs, maintaining equipment, or providing a more comfortable and inviting learning environment. Your generosity not only improved our daily routines but also gave students real-world, hands-on experiences that connect directly to their learning. Thank you for giving them tools—and confidence—that they'll carry far beyond the classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1744032857199,"projectUrl":"project/powering-up-learning-organizing-and-equ/9155828/","projectTitle":"Powering Up Learning: Organizing and Equipping Our Science Classroom!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ramos","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9175704_orig.jpg?crop=2400,2400,x0,y304&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1729707848525","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9175704"},{"teacherId":9175704,"projectId":9355740,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, I now have wellness tools that help me recharge and bring my best energy into the classroom each day. Teaching can be physically and mentally demanding, and your thoughtful gifts—like the massage gun, shower steamers, and even the cozy lounge set—are already making a meaningful difference in how I recover and reset after long school days. These small but powerful acts of self-care allow me to show up for my students with more focus, patience, and enthusiasm.\r\n\r\nMy students immediately noticed the impact when I came back to class more energized and centered. They even asked, \"Why are you smiling so much today?\"—a sweet reminder that when teachers are cared for, students feel the benefits too. Having time and tools to take care of myself means I can create a calmer, more supportive classroom environment where students are more engaged and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nAs we continue diving into hands-on projects in biology and forensic science, I know these resources will keep me grounded and refreshed, so I can better guide my students through labs, discussions, and creative activities. The ripple effect of your support extends far beyond me—it reaches every student I teach. Thank you for believing that teacher wellness matters and for helping me bring my best self to my students every day.\r\n\r\nWith gratitude,\r\n[Your Name]","fullyFundedDate":1752671651562,"projectUrl":"project/wellness-tools-for-a-recharged-and-ready/9355740/","projectTitle":"Wellness Tools for a Recharged and Ready Teacher","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ramos","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9175704_orig.jpg?crop=2400,2400,x0,y304&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1729707848525","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9175704"},{"teacherId":9834170,"projectId":8940407,"letterContent":"I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to each of you for your generous support of my DonorsChoose project, \"AP Biology Lab Supplies.\" Your contributions have made an incredible impact on my classroom and, most importantly, on my students.\r\n\r\nBecause of your kindness, my AP Biology seniors now have the tools they need to engage in hands-on learning and deeper scientific exploration. From microscopes to molecular models and lab reagents, every item you helped fund is being put to use in meaningful ways—allowing students to better understand complex biological concepts through experience rather than just theory.\r\n\r\nMany of my students are aspiring to careers in medicine, research, and environmental science. Your support has not only enhanced their current education but has also inspired them to pursue their futures with more confidence and curiosity. It's been a joy to see their excitement grow as they conduct real experiments and connect classroom content to the world around them.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students and for helping me bring science to life in our classroom. Your generosity truly makes a difference.","fullyFundedDate":1732383026506,"projectUrl":"project/ap-biology-lab-supplies/8940407/","projectTitle":"AP Biology Lab Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Wiant","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9834170_orig.jpg?crop=1464,1464,x1841,y40&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1732134328901","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9834170"},{"teacherId":9817637,"projectId":8905979,"letterContent":"Thank you again so much for funding my project 'Art Is Not Just an Elective!'\r\n\r\nThrough your generous donation, my students have been able to create several projects this year. My sculpture classes have been using plaster to create molds of their faces which they then decorate to show their personality. The Cricut has been used to make designs and quotes on vinyl which we have been ironing onto tote bags. Students have then been able to set prices to sell them - introducing them to the entrepreneurial side of the arts. \r\nMost students think art classes just mean drawing, but because of these supplies, I have been able to introduce them to new forms of art they didn't know was possible and show them how they can make a living selling their work. \r\nMy students are so grateful for these supplies. We are not always able to get all the supplies we would like, so it was very exciting to receive your donations. \r\nWe will continue to use these supplies wisely and grow our creative skills in the art room.","fullyFundedDate":1735931585688,"projectUrl":"project/art-is-not-just-an-elective-its-a-life/8905979/","projectTitle":"Art is Not Just an Elective! It’s a Lifetime Skill!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. M","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9817637_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1730090438871","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9817637"},{"teacherId":9832701,"projectId":8935480,"letterContent":"My high school chemistry students recently had an exciting hands-on experience conducting five different types of chemical reactions in the lab. They performed combustion, synthesis, decomposition, single replacement, and double replacement reactions, allowing them to see chemistry in action. The students were thrilled to handle real chemicals, including hydrochloric acid, whilst following proper safety protocols with gloves. They enthusiastically mixed substances, observed unexpected color changes, and recorded their findings. It was delightful to see their curiosity spark as they connected theoretical concepts to real-world reactions.\r\n\r\nFrom the moment they saw the materials, my students were filled with excitement and anticipation. This experience has deepened their understanding of chemical reactions and fostered a greater love for science. Thanks to your generosity, my students now have access to more resources that make learning interactive and engaging. Moving forward, we will build on this knowledge by exploring stoichiometric calculations and balancing chemical equations. Our next lab we will be investigating the relationships between volume, temperature, pressure, and moles to help students grasp the Combined Gas Law. My students are eager to do more labs. Thank you for your contribution to my students' education and investment in their learning!","fullyFundedDate":1732161633958,"projectUrl":"project/students-learning-about-different-types/8935480/","projectTitle":"Students Learning about Different Types of Chemical Reactions","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Knowlton","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9832701"},{"teacherId":9175704,"projectId":8918953,"letterContent":"I am so grateful for your generous support of my project, \"Hands-On Forensic Science: Pig Dissection Autopsy Kits for Future Pathologists.\" Thanks to your contributions, my students now have the opportunity to engage in an exciting and deeply educational hands-on forensic science experience. We've already begun using the dissection kits in class, and the results have been incredible. Students are stepping into the roles of forensic professionals, applying their knowledge of anatomy as they examine organs and simulate autopsies. Their enthusiasm is contagious as they record, analyze, and observe each step with the attention of true pathologists.\r\n\r\nThe moment the kits arrived, my students were ecstatic. It was like a light bulb went off—this was real-world science at their fingertips, not just concepts in a textbook. Their curiosity has sparked even further as they begin to think critically about how to solve real forensic mysteries. This experience is more than just learning body systems; it's about honing their observational skills and critical thinking, which are vital in the field of science. I've already seen significant growth in their ability to connect classroom learning to real-world applications.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we will continue using the dissection kits to simulate different forensic investigations. This hands-on experience is setting the foundation for future units in forensic science and biology, and I'm excited to see where their newly acquired skills take them. Thank you again for helping make this project a reality.","fullyFundedDate":1731076351442,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-forensic-science-pig-dissectio/8918953/","projectTitle":"Hands-On Forensic Science: Pig Dissection Autopsy Kits for Future Pathologists","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ramos","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9175704_orig.jpg?crop=2400,2400,x0,y304&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1729707848525","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9175704"},{"teacherId":9175704,"projectId":8906180,"letterContent":"Thanks to your incredible support of our \"Bridge the Gap Between Theoretical Knowledge and Real World Application\" project, our classroom has undergone a transformative upgrade! These resources have had an immediate and significant impact on our students' learning experience.\r\n\r\nThe new TVs and HDMI cables have revolutionized how we incorporate technology into our lessons. Whether it's projecting interactive lab simulations, sharing detailed forensic case studies, or providing visual demonstrations of complex biology concepts, the enhanced visuals and connectivity have made learning more accessible and engaging for all students.\r\n\r\nBeyond the technology, items like the storage racks, magnetic hooks, and cord covers have created an organized and functional classroom environment. This allows us to spend more time focused on learning rather than logistics. The magnetic blackout curtains, for instance, help us control lighting for experiments, presentations, and even mock crime scene reconstructions!\r\n\r\nStudents have been especially drawn to the hands-on and collaborative nature of these tools. One of my advanced biology students, who initially struggled to engage with theoretical concepts, has become a leader in guiding peers through digital dissection simulations displayed on the TVs. These moments of peer-to-peer learning are a direct result of the tools you've made possible.\r\n\r\nWe're incredibly grateful to you for supporting our mission to connect theoretical knowledge to real-world applications. These materials have not only enhanced our lessons but have also empowered students to think critically, work collaboratively, and explore their interests in STEM fields.\r\n\r\nThank you for your belief in our classroom and for making such a meaningful difference!\r\n\r\nWith appreciation,","fullyFundedDate":1730726938973,"projectUrl":"project/bridge-the-gap-between-theoretical-knowl/8906180/","projectTitle":"Bridge the Gap Between Theoretical Knowledge and Real World Application","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ramos","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9175704_orig.jpg?crop=2400,2400,x0,y304&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1729707848525","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9175704"},{"teacherId":9175704,"projectId":8686485,"letterContent":"Thanks to your kindness, our classroom has been transformed into an engaging, hands-on learning environment where curiosity thrives! Your contribution to the \"Dissection Kits for Curious Minds\" project has made an incredible impact on our biology and forensic science classes.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials arrived, the excitement in the room was palpable. Students were thrilled to see the fetal pigs and dissection kits, which have provided them with a hands-on opportunity to explore anatomy in ways that no textbook or video could replicate. One unforgettable moment was during our first lab with the kits: students marveled at being able to physically examine the structure of the heart and trace the digestive system. For many, this was their first experience with such an in-depth scientific process, and it sparked endless questions and conversations about biology, medicine, and forensics.\r\n\r\nThe new TV mounts and cables have been a game-changer for collaboration and visual learning. Now, we can link all the TVs, allowing students to clearly see demonstrations and digital resources no matter where they are in the room. This setup has been especially useful during dissections, as we can project close-up views of key techniques and structures for everyone to follow along in real time.\r\n\r\nNext, we're diving into comparative anatomy lessons. Students will analyze the anatomical similarities and differences between the pigs they've dissected and other mammals, tying these observations to evolutionary biology concepts. Your support has made this depth of exploration possible, and the skills students are gaining will serve them far beyond the classroom.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and empowering them to learn in such meaningful, hands-on ways. Your generosity has not only enriched their education but also inspired a lifelong curiosity about the natural world.","fullyFundedDate":1730726940018,"projectUrl":"project/dissection-kits-for-curious-minds/8686485/","projectTitle":"Dissection Kits for Curious Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ramos","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9175704_orig.jpg?crop=2400,2400,x0,y304&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1729707848525","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9175704"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_102803","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":99,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":59,"percentAsian":7,"percentBlack":20,"percentWhite":29,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":36,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"9 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"MDR District Record","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":null},"inStateSupporters":70.3,"schoolId":102803,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Berkner STEM Academy on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Berkner STEM Academy","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/texas/richardson-independent-school-district/berkner-stem-academy/102803"}