{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Duane D Keller Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":53.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8268450,"projectId":9992538,"letterContent":"While technology is still used in our classroom, we have been moving away from it at least three days a week. We use technology as a resource, not the main form of instruction and activities. This is forcing our students to think again, practice their writing skills, and using parts of their brains that are not active when they are on a computer. Because of this, our projects and work are becoming more interactive and peers are working together and talking more frequently.\r\n\r\nI'm including pictures of a few of our projects. First, the yellow poster paper shows students working in groups, discussing common classroom routines, and making suggestions or rationale for why we do or do not need to follow those instructions. Every student participated and we needed to tape on extra sheets in order for all of the ideas to flow. Another project was when our students researched an animal that is both a pet and a wild animal to gather information that they will then use on an argumentative essay deciding if people should be able to own exotic animals as pets or not. This research and project gave students a chance to collaborate, show creativity, research, and develop an informed opinion before writing their argument. Finally, after reading a short story, students had five different choices to show their comprehension of the short story. Some picked to draw advertisements, others wrote newspaper articles, and the others picked to write a letter pretending to be one of the characters in the story. Each option was done on paper so that students focused on their ideas instead of relying on looking things up on the computer. They thought for themselves, utilized their imaginations, and ultimately received a more in depth understanding of the story.\r\n\r\nNone of these projects would be possible without basic school supplies available to all students in the classroom, especially paper.","fullyFundedDate":1768101380950,"projectUrl":"project/supporting-critical-thinking-through-pap/9992538/","projectTitle":"Supporting Critical Thinking Through Paper-Based Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Aveleno","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8268450_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1651534600871","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-aveleno"},{"teacherId":8268450,"projectId":9855524,"letterContent":"Technology is a necessity in our classroom. Not only do we have district programs that require students to utilize a Chromebook to help fill in academic gaps, but also we use technology to add interest within our lessons. The issue is that most students do not have the ability to creatively use the technology we have because they have so much academic work that must be completed first.\r\n\r\nThis project allowed us to tie both together in a program that focused on code building and game design skills while also showing the comprehension and character analysis they need to fully understand literature. My students reveled in the chance to show off their skills by writing realistic choices for their characters to go through. In a video game that basically gave the player a chance to choose their own adventure, the characters move around the video game and are given prompts of options based on the story that we read. When that character makes a decision it leads them further into the story and the game player continues to make decisions for them. This forced our game designers to truly understand the chosen character from the story and decide what consequences would go with every decision that is made. It was a wonderful challenge that enforced comprehension skills in literacy and coding.","fullyFundedDate":1763572847209,"projectUrl":"project/game-on-exploring-how-technology-shapes/9855524/","projectTitle":"Game On: Exploring How Technology Shapes Our Lives!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Aveleno","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8268450_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1651534600871","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-aveleno"},{"teacherId":10246734,"projectId":10023032,"letterContent":"Since the help and materials have arrived, it has been relatively easier and more organized in my classes. For instance, I have more papers to use for printing bell ringer activities. This helps students who do not have chromebook to the do their bell ringers. The coming in procedure has a better flow. Students who cannot afford to replace their chromebook are not disadvantaged. The classes settle down quicker and get ready for the main activity.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, we have notebooks and pencils for them to use on writing stories and planning the visuals. We have a better way of back-tracking their work and keeping them in tact because everything they have written out is all in one notebook. They do not lose it anymore!\r\n\r\nLastly, we have used the paper plates on serving the kids snacks, such as pop corn. Although initially, I intend to use them for visuals, I see the need on why we cannot use them on another purpose. Kids enjoy eating snacks while being hygienic and clean. \r\n\r\n\r\nI really appreciate you, donors!","fullyFundedDate":1768934393285,"projectUrl":"project/film-and-creative-writing-endeavour/10023032/","projectTitle":"Film and Creative Writing Endeavour","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. RR","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10246734"},{"teacherId":6624814,"projectId":9990256,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for funding my project. Words can't explain the excitement my students and I felt about the new materials being added to our classroom. The new pencils, folders, erasable colored highlighters and erasable colored pencils will help us stay organized and make our notes pop. Helping us focus on the important things in the lesson. The table has been a great solution to flex seating as some of my students prefer to stand for part of the class. The flower pillows give flex seat to the ground without their bottoms hurting.","fullyFundedDate":1768092537322,"projectUrl":"project/mathematicians-need-tools-to-succeed/9990256/","projectTitle":"Mathematicians Need Tools to Succeed","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Luca","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6624814_orig.png?crop=244,244,x0,y24&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746393970860","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-luca3rdgradeseating"},{"teacherId":9347524,"projectId":9991160,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of folders and notebooks for our students. These materials may seem simple, but in our classroom they have made an incredible difference. Because of your support, every student now has a dedicated place to organize notes, keep track of assignments, and feel prepared when they walk into class each day. Our mornings have become smoother, transitions between activities are quicker, and students are able to focus more on learning instead of worrying about not having the basic tools they need.\r\n\r\nOne moment that really stood out to me happened during our first week using the new supplies. As students set up their folders and labeled their notebooks, I saw a sense of ownership and pride take over. Several students who previously struggled to stay organized began carefully arranging their work and referring back to past notes during lessons. During group activities, I noticed students flipping through their notebooks to explain their thinking and support classmates — something that rarely happened before because papers were often missing or incomplete.\r\n\r\nThese materials are truly essential to our daily learning. Notebooks allow students to practice skills, reflect on their progress, and build confidence as they see how much they've learned over time. Folders help them stay organized and responsible for their work. Because of your kindness, students are more engaged, more prepared, and more confident participants in class. What may have started as school supplies has turned into stronger routines, improved independence, and a more positive classroom environment.\r\n\r\nPlease know how deeply grateful we are for your generosity and belief in our students. Your support has had a meaningful and lasting impact on our classroom community, and we think of your kindness every single day as we learn and grow together. Thank you for helping make our days smoother, more complete, and full of opportunity for every student.","fullyFundedDate":1768075668982,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-essentials/9991160/","projectTitle":"Classroom Essentials","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Viola","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9347524_orig.png?crop=1592,1592,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726616980593","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9347524"},{"teacherId":9843158,"projectId":10003542,"letterContent":"On behalf of my students, we would like to express our gratitude for your generous donation to support our classroom snacks and the new \"Space for Break.\" Your kindness has helped provide healthy snacks and calming materials that keep students nourished and ready to learn, and it created a welcoming area where students can take short, restorative breaks to refocus and manage stress.\r\n\r\nThe snacks were used to motivate students to complete their assigned Pre‑Algebra workspaces. And have observed that the presence of snacks positively influenced classroom behavior. Where students were more on‑task and engaged in completing their assignments.\r\n\r\nWhile the cleaning wipes and hand sanitizer have helped us maintain a healthier classroom environment by supporting regular surface cleaning and hand hygiene. These supplies reduced disruptions for health‑related issues and allowed instructional time to remain focused on learning.\r\n\r\nYour gift directly supports student well‑being, builds a positive classroom culture, and strengthens our learning environment. We appreciate your trust and investment in our school community and look forward to sharing updates on the positive impact your donation makes.","fullyFundedDate":1768177556280,"projectUrl":"project/snacks-clean-spaces/10003542/","projectTitle":"Snacks & Clean Spaces","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Generalo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9843158"},{"teacherId":2579634,"projectId":7991697,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom has transformed into a true makerspace where creativity, problem‑solving, and hands‑on learning happen every single day. The 3D printer filament, laser engraving blanks, and safety hood have already become essential tools in our students' learning, and the excitement they've brought into the room is incredible.\r\n\r\nThe very first day the materials arrived, students crowded around the tables, pointing out ideas they wanted to try and sketching designs before I even asked them to. Many had never seen a 3D printer or laser engraver up close before, and their reactions ranged from wide‑eyed amazement to \"Can we start right now?\" One student said, \"I didn't know school could have stuff like this,\" and that moment alone showed how meaningful your support truly is.\r\n\r\nWe've already begun our first makerspace project: students are designing personalized keychains and nameplates using the laser engraver. They started by learning basic vector design, then moved into testing materials, adjusting settings, and evaluating their results. Watching them troubleshoot together — comparing engravings, adjusting power levels, and celebrating each successful attempt — has been a powerful reminder of how hands‑on tools build real confidence.\r\n\r\nOur next step is to move into 3D design. Students will be creating small functional objects, such as cable organizers, classroom tool holders, and custom tokens for our school's PBIS program. These projects help them practice measurement, iteration, and design thinking while giving them a chance to create something meaningful for their school community.\r\n\r\nYour support didn't just provide materials — it opened the door to experiences that help students see themselves as creators, engineers, and innovators. Thank you for believing in their potential and for giving them the tools to explore it. Your generosity is shaping their skills, their confidence, and their future.","fullyFundedDate":1698971984908,"projectUrl":"project/unlocking-creativity-empowering-student/7991697/","projectTitle":"Unlocking Creativity: Empowering Students With Cutting-Edge Makerspace Materials","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Hanna","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2579634_orig.jpg?crop=320,320,x0,y10&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768409402843","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2579634"},{"teacherId":8912839,"projectId":9993529,"letterContent":"Thank you again for your generous support of our classroom incentive project. Because of you, my students now have meaningful and motivating rewards to work toward as they complete their Mathia and Edmentum goals.\r\n\r\nWe are using these incentives as part of a structured goal-setting system. Students earn trophies in Mathia and Edmentum by completing lessons, passing quizzes, and showing consistent effort. When they reach their goals, they are able to choose a small reward. One of the most meaningful moments was watching students who usually struggle with motivation stay focused for an entire class period because they were determined to earn their next trophy. Students who previously gave up easily are now asking, \"How many lessons do I need to finish to earn my reward?\"\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the incentive items, they were genuinely excited and immediately more engaged. The classroom energy shifted in a positive way—students became more focused, more persistent, and more willing to help each other succeed. Even students who typically avoid math began attempting more problems and staying on task longer.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, these incentives have helped build confidence. Students are proud of what they accomplish, and they now associate effort with success. Instead of avoiding challenging work, they are learning to push through it.\r\n\r\nOur next steps are to continue building consistency and independence. Students are currently working on mastering key math skills through Mathia and Edmentum, and we are setting short-term and long-term goals for each student. The incentives help reinforce positive habits like staying on task, completing assignments, and not giving up when the work feels difficult.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, our classroom is becoming a more positive, motivated, and achievement-focused learning environment. Your generosity is helping students believe in themselves and see that their hard work truly pays off.","fullyFundedDate":1768109693368,"projectUrl":"project/earn-it-to-learn-it/9993529/","projectTitle":"Earn It to Learn It","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lee","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8912839_orig.jpg?crop=1206,1205,x0,y52&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1672515199363","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8912839"},{"teacherId":8268450,"projectId":9847237,"letterContent":"When the supplies arrived, my students were thrilled. In our Title I classroom, brand-new materials are not something many students experience, so opening the boxes felt special and meaningful. The colorful highlighters are used daily to mark key evidence and main ideas, helping struggling readers feel more confident and organized. Fresh paper supports daily writing and fair testing, while erasers encourage students to revise without fear. These simple tools have made our classroom more focused, supportive, and empowering for every learner.","fullyFundedDate":1761933131773,"projectUrl":"project/everyday-essentials-for-engaged-students/9847237/","projectTitle":"Everyday Essentials for Engaged Students","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Aveleno","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8268450_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1651534600871","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-aveleno"},{"teacherId":8128969,"projectId":9695230,"letterContent":"Thank you for providing my History students with the opportunity to learn more about America's founding fathers and early leaders. The students have developed amazing skills by writing about their learning, creating timelines, and comparing government structures. Now, they are developing their own Declarations of Independence.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has enabled the students to experience the lives of early Pilgrims, Salem's founders, and Roanoke's colonists. They have gained pride in their country and learned that America is a unique and special place to live. Because of you, these students have experienced history for the first time and grown to understand its value.\r\n\r\nThank you to The Maxwell/Hanrahan Foundation, especially, for recognizing the need to support students in their educational journey. Without you, these students would not have had such unique lessons.","fullyFundedDate":1758803430228,"projectUrl":"project/traveling-around-the-world-through-the-p/9695230/","projectTitle":"Traveling Around the World Through the Past","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. McGregor","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8128969_orig.jpg?crop=620,620,x8,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768092106440","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/dr-wmcgregor"},{"teacherId":8268450,"projectId":9600501,"letterContent":"The new self-inking teacher stamps have already made a huge difference in our classroom. The very first day I used them, my students lit up when they saw a bright \"Well Done!\" or \"Needs Work\" stamped clearly on their papers. It gave them instant feedback they could actually understand without me having to write long notes on every assignment.\r\n\r\nYou can see in the photos how the stamps are showing up everywhere—from progress reports that go home to families to workbook pages where students are practicing comprehension skills. The kids immediately flip through their pages to find their stamp, and I've had several students proudly hold up a \"Perfect Paper\" stamp to show their classmates. Even my students who usually get discouraged by mistakes are more motivated now; instead of feeling embarrassed, they see the \"Redo Needed\" stamp as a simple, clear next step.\r\n\r\nThese stamps have also helped me speed up formative grading tremendously. With 160+ students, grading needs to be fast if I want to keep feedback meaningful—and these stamps make that possible.\r\n\r\nAs we move into our next unit, students are using their stamped work to track their progress and set goals. Your support has made feedback faster, clearer, and so much more motivating. Thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1760895583562,"projectUrl":"project/stamping-success-quick-clear-and-moti/9600501/","projectTitle":"Stamping Success: Quick, Clear, and Motivating Feedback for Students","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Aveleno","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8268450_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1651534600871","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-aveleno"},{"teacherId":8268450,"projectId":9293754,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom now has a scanner, and it has quickly become one of our most valuable tools. We have been focusing on doing more assignments on paper, since so many students are used to technology and we want to build their stamina with real writing and reading tasks. The scanner has allowed me to make sure those assignments are still accessible for everyone, even if they are working from home.\r\n\r\nOne of the best parts is how easy it is to share classwork right away. If a student is absent, I can scan our notes or graphic organizers and upload them so they do not fall behind. This has saved us so much time and has kept students more confident about catching up. The scanner has also been great when students misplace their work, since I can just reprint a copy instead of recreating it.","fullyFundedDate":1746786924298,"projectUrl":"project/work-from-anywhere-scan-to-pdf/9293754/","projectTitle":"Work From Anywhere, Scan to Pdf","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Aveleno","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8268450_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1651534600871","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-aveleno"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_65887","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1062,"numTeachers":50,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":12,"percentWhite":5,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":75,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"21.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":46.2,"schoolId":65887,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Duane D Keller Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Duane D Keller Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/nevada/clark-county-school-district/duane-d-keller-middle-school/65887"}