{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Cascade Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":12.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9472711,"projectId":10255191,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity. Because of your support, our middle school English language learners have received the tools they need to build a strong foundation in reading. When the boxes arrived, the students were filled with excitement and curiosity. Middle schoolers can sometimes be hard to read, but their faces completely lit up when they saw the new books and phonetic games. Several students immediately picked up the mirrors, laughing and inspecting their expressions, eager to start using them.\r\n\r\nWe now use these materials daily to practice phonetic sounds and build reading fluency. During a recent small group lesson, students used the individual mirrors to practice tricky pronunciation structures. One of my newer English learners, who had been struggling for weeks to position his tongue correctly, looked into his mirror and finally mastered the sound. His eyes went wide with joy when he realized he did it. Afterward, the students played a phonetic game to practice those same sounds in a fun, low stress environment.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, the students will take the fluency strategies they learned from the games and apply them to our new books. We will begin partner reading sessions where they can track their speed and expression. By mastering these foundational skills, these students are gaining the confidence they need to succeed in all of their middle school classes. Thank you for investing in their futures.","fullyFundedDate":1778039728046,"projectUrl":"project/were-breaking-down-the-sounds/10255191/","projectTitle":"We're Breaking Down the Sounds!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kasper","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9472711_orig.jpg?crop=1536,1536,x0,y368&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1734402118649","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9472711"},{"teacherId":9472711,"projectId":10075313,"letterContent":"As we sorted supplies as a class, students were shocked and surprised at all the amazing new materials at their disposal. Students were eager to use their new materials right away! Students are currently channeling their excitement into preparing for our upcoming Socratic Seminar. Using their newly replenished supply caddies, they are diving deep into our current text, Refugee, marking up passages with their highlighters and jotting down critical thinking questions. The ability to grab a floor cushion and find a comfortable, focused spot in the classroom has transformed our prep sessions. Students are more engaged and relaxed, which has led to much more thoughtful analysis and stronger text evidence to support their discussion points.\r\nLooking ahead, we are all working toward our big AVID Showcase on April 1st, 2026. This event is a chance for the students to demonstrate the collaborative skills they've been honing with their \"one-pager\" projects and group discussions. Having access to high-quality materials like the headphones for focused catch-up work and the new markers for creative displays has given them a sense of professional pride. They are eager to showcase their growth to the community, and they feel truly valued knowing they have the tools necessary to succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1773027856866,"projectUrl":"project/help-my-students-feel-valued-supported/10075313/","projectTitle":"Help My Students Feel Valued, Supported, and Ready to Thrive","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kasper","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9472711_orig.jpg?crop=1536,1536,x0,y368&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1734402118649","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9472711"},{"teacherId":5900187,"projectId":9670831,"letterContent":"Our new resources are being used every single day in ways that directly support student learning and well-being. The breakfast snacks have made an immediate difference. Students who arrive late and would normally sit quietly and disengaged now have something to eat and are able to transition into learning much more smoothly. One specific moment that stood out was during a narrative writing lesson, after grabbing a quick snack, a student who typically struggles to focus was able to complete his first full draft without shutting down. That would not have happened if he were still hungry.\r\n\r\nThe classroom supplies have also strengthened our daily routines. Extra notebooks, pencils, and materials mean no instructional time is lost searching for supplies. Students can immediately annotate texts, draft writing, and participate in collaborative activities without feeling embarrassed about not having what they need.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the materials, their reactions were simple but powerful—relief and gratitude. Several students quietly said, \"Thank you,\" and one even shared that he hadn't eaten since the night before. The supplies communicated that our classroom is a place where their needs matter.\r\n\r\nNext, we are moving into an argumentative writing unit where students will research community issues and craft evidence-based claims. With consistent access to materials and a classroom environment that supports both academic and basic needs, students are better prepared to engage deeply, think critically, and use their voices with confidence.","fullyFundedDate":1758799388776,"projectUrl":"project/supporting-students-learning-community/9670831/","projectTitle":"Supporting Students' Learning Community","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Domer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5900187_orig.jpg?crop=434,434,x189,y165&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1693418970241","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mr-domer"},{"teacherId":9472711,"projectId":9782117,"letterContent":"Through The Adventures of Don Quixote, students have been learning key literacy skills such as identifying character traits, analyzing point of view, and understanding how an author develops themes and motivations. The text has also provided opportunities for students to practice writing narrative essays and CER (Claim-Evidence-Reasoning) paragraphs that deepen their comprehension and critical thinking. These lessons help students move beyond surface-level understanding to make meaningful connections between characters, events, and ideas.\r\nReading in our classroom is lively and interactive! We read Don Quixote together as a class, and students love following along as I pause to let them fill in the blanks or predict what will happen next. This shared reading approach encourages participation and keeps everyone engaged. Students also practice fluency by reading aloud, discussing key scenes, and working collaboratively on comprehension and writing tasks. The room is filled with energy, curiosity, and lots of laughter as we explore the humor and imagination of Don Quixote's adventures.\r\nSeveral students who were previously hesitant readers have become some of the most enthusiastic participants during our Don Quixote lessons. They've connected with the story's humor and the idea of dreaming big, even when things don't go as planned. Many have shown noticeable improvement in their reading fluency and confidence, volunteering to read aloud, answering comprehension questions eagerly, and even referencing the story in their writing. It's been wonderful to see their excitement for reading grow with each chapter.","fullyFundedDate":1759608785325,"projectUrl":"project/the-adventures-of-don-quixote/9782117/","projectTitle":"The Adventures of Don Quixote","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kasper","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9472711_orig.jpg?crop=1536,1536,x0,y368&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1734402118649","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9472711"},{"teacherId":1051806,"projectId":9627180,"letterContent":"I want to extend my deepest gratitude for your generous support in providing vital supplies for my classroom. The moment my students received the history and Native American history posters, their faces lit up with excitement. These visuals have truly transformed our learning environment, making history come alive and helping students connect with the material in meaningful ways.\r\n\r\nThe LED light-up fidget spinner bracelets and bumpy rings have quickly become favorites, serving as fun and effective incentives that encourage positive behavior and keep my students engaged during lessons. Thanks to the bulk pack of quality wood-cased pencils and the pencil sharpener, every child now has the tools they need for writing and creative expression—removing barriers and ensuring full participation. And the colorful water bottle stickers add a special touch of motivation, making each student feel recognized and inspired on their learning journey.\r\n\r\nYour thoughtful contributions have enriched both the academic and emotional experience in our classroom. These resources support diverse learning styles and help foster a nurturing atmosphere where every student feels valued, confident, and eager to succeed.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in my students' growth and for helping create a dynamic classroom where curiosity and creativity flourish. Your kindness truly makes a lasting difference in their education and lives.","fullyFundedDate":1758305335346,"projectUrl":"project/fueling-curiosity-and-motivation-through/9627180/","projectTitle":"Fueling Curiosity and Motivation Through History and Rewards","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Fonda","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1051806"},{"teacherId":5900187,"projectId":8783791,"letterContent":"How are you and your students using the new resources? Share a specific classroom project or moment.\r\n\r\nMy students are using the aisle as a central gathering space during Reader's and Writer's Workshop mini-lessons, and the clipboards allow them to move around the classroom to find a spot where they can focus best. For example, during a recent writing workshop, students spread out with their clipboards to draft narrative leads. Some chose to sit on the rug near the aisle for inspiration while others worked in pairs by the windows, sharing feedback with one another. This flexibility has helped create a more authentic, collaborative environment where students feel empowered in their learning.\r\n\r\nHow did your students react when they first saw the materials?\r\n\r\nThe students were genuinely excited when they realized they had the freedom to move around with clipboards instead of being tied to their desks. Many commented that it made writing feel \"less like work\" and more like a choice. They also quickly took ownership of the aisle as a community space, treating it as a special spot for sharing ideas and celebrating their writing.\r\n\r\nWhat are the next steps for your students on a current classroom lesson or project?\r\n\r\nCurrently, my students are working on developing their own personal narrative pieces. The next step is for them to polish their drafts through peer conferences, using the aisle for group modeling and discussions while also spreading out with clipboards to write and revise. This process will eventually culminate in a \"publishing celebration,\" where students will share their final pieces aloud, practicing not only their writing skills but also their confidence as presenters and storytellers.","fullyFundedDate":1733276557363,"projectUrl":"project/with-one-easel-we-can-read-write-and-s/8783791/","projectTitle":"With One Easel We Can Read, Write, and Share Together!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Domer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5900187_orig.jpg?crop=434,434,x189,y165&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1693418970241","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mr-domer"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_35738","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":966,"numTeachers":41,"percentFrplEligible":78,"percentAsian":13,"percentBlack":8,"percentWhite":30,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":30,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":7,"percentMultiracialImputed":8,"gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"23.6:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":87.4,"schoolId":35738,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Cascade Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Cascade Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/washington/auburn-school-district-408/cascade-middle-school/35738"}