Drake Middle School in Arvada, Colorado on DonorsChoose

{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Drake Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":19.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":2423692,"projectId":9997676,"letterContent":"We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of the generous donors who made it possible for us to purchase a GoPro for our underwater robotics program. Your support has made an immediate and meaningful impact on our students' learning experience. With this new equipment, students are now able to capture real-time footage of their underwater robots in action, helping them analyze performance, troubleshoot designs, and better understand how their creations operate beneath the surface.\r\n\r\nBeyond the technical benefits, this opportunity has sparked excitement and curiosity, inspiring students to dive deeper into STEM concepts like engineering, physics, and marine technology. They are not only building robots, but also developing problem-solving skills, teamwork, and confidence. Your generosity is helping bring these experiences to life, and we are truly grateful for your investment in our students' future.","fullyFundedDate":1774047185697,"projectUrl":"project/underwater-adventures/9997676/","projectTitle":"Underwater Adventures","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Jones","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2423692_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1533311029649","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/sciencejones"},{"teacherId":2423692,"projectId":10007799,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project! Our new walkie talkies are amazing!\r\nThe moment they opened the box, everything lit up. It was just pure, happy excitement—the kind where they can't sit still because everything feels awesome all at once. They made it so much easier at our last tournament to find teams and make sure everyone was where they were suppose to be! All of the other teams were so impressed! \r\nThese walkie talkies made it so much easier for us to communicate. We're excited to keep using them for the next few years.","fullyFundedDate":1768404967031,"projectUrl":"project/communication-is-key/10007799/","projectTitle":"Communication is Key","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Jones","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2423692_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1533311029649","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/sciencejones"},{"teacherId":2423692,"projectId":9989087,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting such an incredible drone tournament experience for our students! They had an amazing time participating, and the excitement was evident from start to finish. Beyond the fun and friendly competition, the event truly made an impact by sparking curiosity and enthusiasm for STEM learning. Many students walked away asking deeper questions about how drones work, how they're programmed, and what careers might involve this kind of technology. It was inspiring to see them collaborate, problem-solve, and build confidence in a hands-on environment. Experiences like this help bring classroom learning to life and show students that STEM is not only important, but also engaging and accessible. We are so grateful for the opportunity and look forward to more events like this in the future!","fullyFundedDate":1768404967053,"projectUrl":"project/drone-tournament-dreams/9989087/","projectTitle":"Drone Tournament Dreams","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Jones","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2423692_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1533311029649","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/sciencejones"},{"teacherId":2423692,"projectId":9278776,"letterContent":"This 3D printer has made a huge difference in our classroom. Instead of just learning about concepts, students now get to design and create their own objects, which makes learning much more exciting and meaningful. While many people use technology at home for everyday things, using a 3D printer at school helps students really understand how ideas in math, science, and engineering work in the real world.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting part for students is watching their designs turn into real objects. They love seeing the printer in action and can't wait to hold something they made themselves. It's helped them learn that it's okay to make mistakes, try again, and improve their designs. The pride on their faces when a print is finished is amazing.\r\n\r\nSome students who don't always shine in traditional lessons have really connected with the 3D printer. Hands-on learners, in particular, have become more engaged and confident. I've seen quieter students speak up to share ideas and help classmates, and others who struggled to stay focused are now excited to participate. This project has helped students see themselves as creators, and it wouldn't have been possible without your support.\r\n\r\n---\r\n\r\nIf you'd like it even more casual or shorter, just let me know 🙂","fullyFundedDate":1746838948507,"projectUrl":"project/3d-adventures-in-stem/9278776/","projectTitle":"3D Adventures in STEM","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Jones","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2423692_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1533311029649","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/sciencejones"},{"teacherId":2423692,"projectId":9141144,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous contributions to our Maker Cart project! Because of your support, our classroom has been transformed into a dynamic, hands-on learning space where creativity, innovation, and collaboration thrive.\r\n\r\nWhen the new materials arrived, the excitement in the room was electric. My students crowded around the cart, eagerly exploring the new tools, building materials,and craft supplies. One student exclaimed, \"This is like a mini invention lab!\"—and that's exactly what it's become.\r\n\r\nThese materials have not only enhanced our projects but have also deepened students' engagement and confidence. They're asking better questions, working more collaboratively, and taking creative risks they might have shied away from before.\r\n\r\nNext up, we're diving into a \"Makey Makey\" project, where students will design and create assistive technology for students with special needs. Thanks to your donation, they'll have access to the supplies and tools they need to bring their ideas to life.\r\n\r\nWe are so grateful for your support. You haven't just given us supplies—you've opened doors to exploration, innovation, and joyful learning. Thank you for being a part of our classroom community!","fullyFundedDate":1741651978823,"projectUrl":"project/maker-space-materials/9141144/","projectTitle":"Maker Space Materials","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Jones","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2423692_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1533311029649","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/sciencejones"},{"teacherId":8441283,"projectId":9288249,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your donation! We have used the circuit and supplies to print out finger tapes to place in the instrument. This has helped students become more aware and more successful when playing their instrument and playing in tune.\r\n\r\nStudents were so excited to see it when we received it. They have already made plans to print orchestra stickers and create locker magnets. This is just one example of how much pride they have in being in orchestra! \r\n\r\nWe also have plans to create custom shirts for our 8th grade orchestra trip to San Fransisco for our performance at Nationals.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your kind donation!","fullyFundedDate":1746787296852,"projectUrl":"project/cricut-and-supplies/9288249/","projectTitle":"Cricut and Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Coy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8441283_orig.png?crop=405,405,x0,y37&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1675373414942","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8441283"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_41941","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1003,"numTeachers":34,"percentFrplEligible":23,"percentAsian":2,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":78,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":12,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"29.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":80.7,"schoolId":41941,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Drake Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Drake Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/colorado/jefferson-county-school-district-r-1/drake-middle-school/41941"}

About this school

Drake Middle School is a suburban public school in Arvada, Colorado that is part of Jefferson County School District R-1. It serves 1,003 students in grades 6 - 8 with a student/teacher ratio of 29.5:1. Its teachers have had 88 projects funded on DonorsChoose.

Public School

Grades 6 - 8

1,003 Students

34 Teachers

12550 W 52nd Ave

Arvada, CO 80002 View local requests

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Ms. Vero, a DonorsChoose teacher for 9 years.

Kindergarten teacher at PS81 - Robert J. Christen School in Bronx, NY

Drake Middle School Teachers on DonorsChoose

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Drake Middle School Demographics

23%

of students receive free or reduced price lunch

Source: the National Center for Education Statistics

15%

of students are Black, Latino, Native American, or Asian

Schools in districts that mainly serve students of color receive substantially less state and local support than similar districts that serve primarily White students. Learn more about this gap, why it exists, and how you can help close it.

Drake Middle School Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Apr 30, 2026

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