{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Brownell Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":25.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10336364,"projectId":9865869,"letterContent":"One specific moment that truly captured the spirit of this project happened right after school, when students walked in and realized that something a little different—and very fun—was happening. As soon as they saw the popcorn being handed out, their faces lit up with genuine excitement. What might seem like a small treat to adults felt like a big celebration to them. There were smiles, laughter, and plenty of \"Wait... we get popcorn?!\" reactions. That moment alone reminded us how meaningful simple joys can be for students, especially when they come unexpectedly and are tied to positive behavior and community support.\r\nThe students' initial reaction to the materials was pure happiness. They were surprised, curious, and honestly just thrilled. Some students immediately asked questions about where the popcorn came from and why we were doing it, which opened the door to explaining that generous donors helped make moments like this possible. Others were just excited to sit with their friends, enjoy a snack, and feel seen and appreciated after a long school day. It created an instant sense of togetherness and positivity in the space. Even students who are usually quieter or more reserved were smiling and engaging more than usual, which was wonderful to see.\r\nThis small but joyful moment gave our donors a real peek into our classroom culture—one where relationships, encouragement, and positive reinforcement matter. The popcorn wasn't just a snack; it became a symbol of celebration, motivation, and community. Students associated it with feeling rewarded and recognized, which is incredibly powerful in a school setting. It also helped reinforce the idea that school can be a place where effort and positive choices are acknowledged in fun and meaningful ways.\r\nLooking ahead, the next steps for our students involve intentionally using this resource as part of our ongoing incentive system. We plan to utilize popcorn and similar treats for special occasions such as meeting classroom goals, celebrating improved attendance, recognizing teamwork, or rewarding students for demonstrating strong character and effort. These incentives will be tied to clear expectations so students understand that their actions and choices directly connect to these positive experiences.\r\nIn addition, we plan to incorporate these incentive moments into current lessons and projects by using them as celebrations after milestones are reached. For example, once a class completes a challenging unit, finishes a group project, or demonstrates consistent focus and collaboration, we can celebrate together. This approach helps students stay motivated and builds anticipation around working toward shared goals.\r\nOverall, this project has already made a meaningful impact—not just because of the popcorn itself, but because of the joy, motivation, and sense of community it created. Our students felt valued, our classroom atmosphere felt lighter and more connected, and we were reminded that learning thrives best when students feel supported and encouraged. Thanks to our donors, we're able to continue creating moments like these that make school memorable, positive, and fun—for the kids and for us too. 🍿✨","fullyFundedDate":1762266418284,"projectUrl":"project/popcorn-maker/9865869/","projectTitle":"Popcorn Maker","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jessica","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10336364"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_4809","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":695,"numTeachers":36,"percentFrplEligible":58,"percentAsian":6,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":16,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":66,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"19.3:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":75.0,"schoolId":4809,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Brownell Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Brownell Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/gilroy-unified-school-district/brownell-middle-school/4809"}
Join the 64 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Brownell Middle School is
a suburban public school
in Gilroy, California that is part of Gilroy Unified School District.
It serves 695 students
in grades 6 - 8 with a student/teacher ratio of 19.3:1.
Its teachers have had 16 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Boost support for this school! Share this page with friends, family, alumni, and fellow supporters. Every connection helps teachers get the supplies they need and shows how much your community cares about its students.
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Every donation funds real needs — pencils, books, lab equipment, art supplies, and more — helping students learn and thrive. We ship supplies directly to the school, and you'll see exactly where each dollar goes.
of students receive free or reduced price lunch
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
Source: the National Center for Education Statistics
73%
of students are Black, Latino, Native
American, or Asian
Data about school demographics comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. The numbers in this chart may not add up to 100% because of limitations in the available data.
Brownell Middle School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Feb 9, 2026
DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students
in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.
Brownell Middle School
$8,723
raised using DonorsChoose
16
projects
funded
11
teachers
funded
64
donors
1
project
for
art supplies
Brownell Middle School has received support from
48 individuals from California and
16 individuals out-of-state.
