{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Edwin Markham Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":27.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":4507221,"projectId":9376945,"letterContent":"The manga books you have provided to our classroom are truly exceptional, and they have quickly become some of the most loved and frequently read materials in our library. Your generous contribution has had a meaningful impact on our students' engagement with reading and has helped create an inclusive and exciting literacy environment.\r\n\r\nSince the introduction of the manga collection, student interest in reading has noticeably increased. Many students who were previously hesitant or reluctant readers are now eagerly selecting books and spending extended periods of time engaged in reading. The visual storytelling, relatable characters, and dynamic plots found in manga have helped students connect with texts in a way that feels accessible and enjoyable. This has been especially impactful for students who struggle with traditional novels, as manga provides a supportive entry point into reading.\r\n\r\nThe manga books have also supported literacy development in powerful ways. Students are strengthening comprehension skills by interpreting both text and visuals, analyzing story structure, and making inferences based on illustrations and dialogue. These skills are transferable to other forms of reading and have helped students build confidence when approaching more complex texts. Additionally, exposure to new vocabulary and narrative styles has broadened students' understanding of storytelling and genre.\r\n\r\nBeyond literacy skills, the manga collection has fostered a strong sense of community within the classroom. Students frequently recommend titles to one another, discuss storylines, and share their excitement about favorite characters. These shared reading experiences have encouraged collaboration, communication, and positive peer interactions. The classroom library has become a vibrant hub where students feel comfortable expressing their interests and discovering common ground with their classmates.","fullyFundedDate":1753973834330,"projectUrl":"project/manga-in-the-classroom/9376945/","projectTitle":"Manga in the Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Schnablegger","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4507221_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1498105388948","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-schnablegger"},{"teacherId":4507221,"projectId":9421557,"letterContent":"Thank you for the books on epidemics that you have generously provided to our classroom. Your thoughtful contribution has greatly enriched our learning environment and given students a valuable opportunity to explore an important and timely topic in a meaningful way.\r\n\r\nBefore receiving these books, students had limited access to age-appropriate, reliable resources that explained epidemics in a clear and engaging manner. The addition of these texts has expanded our classroom library and provided students with accurate information that supports both academic learning and real-world understanding. Having these resources readily available has allowed students to explore complex topics such as disease transmission, prevention, and public health in a way that feels accessible and relevant.\r\n\r\nThe books have sparked curiosity and thoughtful discussions among students. Many have shown a strong interest in understanding how epidemics affect communities, how scientists and healthcare workers respond to outbreaks, and how individuals can play a role in keeping themselves and others safe. These conversations have helped students develop critical thinking skills as they ask questions, analyze information, and make connections between science, history, and current events.\r\n\r\nYour donation has also supported literacy development across multiple subject areas. Students are using the books for independent reading, small-group discussions, and research projects. The variety of texts allows students with different reading levels and learning styles to engage with the material confidently. As a result, students feel more empowered to explore nonfiction texts and expand their academic vocabulary while deepening their comprehension skills.\r\n\r\nIn addition, the books have helped students better understand the importance of empathy and global awareness. Learning about epidemics has encouraged students to think beyond their own experiences and consider how health challenges impact people around the world. This has fostered compassion, responsibility, and a greater appreciation for science, medicine, and community care.\r\n\r\nOverall, your generous contribution has had a lasting impact on our classroom. The books on epidemics have not only strengthened our science and literacy instruction but have also inspired curiosity, understanding, and meaningful learning. We are incredibly grateful for your support and for investing in resources that help students become informed, thoughtful, and engaged learners. Thank you for making such a positive difference in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1752440050497,"projectUrl":"project/pandemics-epidemics-and-society/9421557/","projectTitle":"Pandemics, Epidemics and Society","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Schnablegger","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4507221_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1498105388948","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-schnablegger"},{"teacherId":4507221,"projectId":9077562,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the bookshelves you have generously provided to our classroom library. Your thoughtful contribution has made a meaningful difference in the learning environment for our students and has greatly enhanced their daily classroom experience.\r\n\r\nBefore receiving the bookshelves, our classroom library space was limited and difficult to manage. Books were often stacked or stored in a way that made it challenging for students to browse independently or locate titles that matched their interests and reading levels. With the addition of the new bookshelves, our library has been transformed into a welcoming, organized, and accessible space where students feel encouraged to explore and engage with books.\r\n\r\nNow, students are able to easily see, select, and return books on their own. The clear organization has helped them develop a sense of responsibility and independence, as they take pride in keeping the library neat and well maintained. This sense of ownership has been especially impactful, as students are more excited to visit the library and more motivated to read during independent reading time.\r\n\r\nThe bookshelves have also supported differentiated learning in our classroom. With books clearly displayed and categorized, students can more easily find materials that align with their reading abilities and personal interests. This has helped foster confidence in reluctant readers while also allowing advanced readers to challenge themselves with new genres and topics. As a result, reading time has become more engaging, inclusive, and productive for all students.\r\n\r\nBeyond organization, the shelves have contributed to creating a calm and inviting classroom atmosphere. A well-structured library sends a strong message about the value of reading and learning. Students now see the library as a special space for discovery, imagination, and quiet reflection. Several students have even shared that they enjoy spending more time reading because the library feels \"like a real library.\"\r\n\r\nYour generosity has had a lasting impact on our classroom community. By providing these bookshelves, you have supported not only literacy development but also a love of reading that will benefit students far beyond the classroom. We are deeply grateful for your support and for investing in our students' growth, curiosity, and success. Thank you for helping us create a learning environment where every student has the opportunity to thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1746787249742,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-library/9077562/","projectTitle":"Classroom Library","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Schnablegger","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4507221_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1498105388948","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-schnablegger"},{"teacherId":10188955,"projectId":9794000,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my students are using the letter stamps and silly sentence builder puzzles daily during literacy centers and small-group instruction. One of my favorite moments was watching students proudly build their own sentences and read them aloud using the picture supported puzzles. My students who are usually hesitant to participate were excited to share their work, and the hands-on nature of these materials helped them stay engaged and confident. These resources have turned sentence building into a joyful and meaningful learning experience.\r\n\r\nI remember when my students first saw the materials, their faces lit up with excitement. They were eager to explore, touch, and create right away. The colorful pictures and interactive pieces immediately captured their attention and helped them feel successful. Many students asked to use the materials again and again, which showed how motivating and accessible these tools are for learners with special needs.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, our next steps include expanding sentence building into storytelling and early writing activities. Students will use the stamps and puzzles to create longer sentences, practice grammar skills, and eventually write their own short stories. You have given my students more than classroom supplies, you have given them confidence, independence, and the joy of learning. Thank you for giving my students a peek into what learning through play and creativity can look like.","fullyFundedDate":1760906108902,"projectUrl":"project/building-sentences-in-fun-creative-ways/9794000/","projectTitle":"Building Sentences in Fun, Creative Ways","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ku","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10188955"},{"teacherId":7335660,"projectId":9591386,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity in donating to my classroom project for a large area rug and two beanbag chairs. Students use this new Reading Station during Independent Reading with their library books and during paired Timed Reading Checks. They are well-loved additions to our classroom. Several of my students walk into class and go straight to this comfortable respite instead of their desk seats. It's a wonderful escape for them in the middle of their middle school days. \r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the beanbag chairs and rug, their eyes widened. They had found a cozy new spot to look forward to using. Your kindness really helped my students soften into a relaxed atmosphere for learning, and the learning became much more enjoyable.\r\n\r\nAt the end of Fall Semester, I was re-assigned to a different location. Administrators at Markham allowed me to take these pieces with me to my new worksite, and I'm so excited to share them with students here at De La Torre Span School in Wilmington for Spring Semester! \r\n\r\nYour kindness and consideration in donating is bringing joy in learning to many students. I can't thank you enough for your help.","fullyFundedDate":1755741147167,"projectUrl":"project/independent-reading-station/9591386/","projectTitle":"Independent Reading Station","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kopaitich","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7335660"},{"teacherId":8232397,"projectId":9389140,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, History in Our Hands: Learning Through Culture & Creativity. This project allowed students to be more engaged and hands-on with their learning. We first used the materials while studying early humans. Students built Paleolithic tools that were used during that time, which helped them better understand how early humans thought and problem-solved using the materials around them.\r\nStudents were excited when they first saw the materials and eager to get started. Many students shared how creative early humans had to be to make tools without the technology we have today. As an extension activity, students completed new tools of their own, using what they learned to design tools early humans could have used. This led to great discussions and deeper thinking.\r\nStudents will continue to use these materials as we study ancient civilizations. Our next chapter will be Ancient Egypt, where students will use the materials to build their own pyramids. Students are excited to continue learning in such an engaging and hands-on way. Thank you for making this meaningful learning experience possible.","fullyFundedDate":1758907304792,"projectUrl":"project/history-in-our-hands-learning-through-c/9389140/","projectTitle":"History in Our Hands: Learning Through Culture & Creativity","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Patterson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8232397_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1719981913346","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrspatterson45"},{"teacherId":9601139,"projectId":9503906,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom now has a reliable set of headphones that is already transforming the way students learn. Students immediately noticed the improved sound quality, and they've shared how much clearer and more enjoyable their iReady lessons, text to audio passages, and diagnostics are now. This has helped create a calmer, more focused learning environment where every student can work at their own pace without distractions.\r\n\r\nYour donation has made it possible for students to access meaningful digital content that enhances their understanding and supports their individual learning needs. These headphones are used daily, and students are excited to have tools that truly elevate their learning experience.\r\n\r\nWe are deeply grateful for your kindness and investment in our classroom. Your generosity makes a real difference every single day. Thank you for believing in our students!","fullyFundedDate":1754761399920,"projectUrl":"project/silence-the-noise-boost-the-learning/9503906/","projectTitle":"Silence the Noise, Boost the Learning!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kennedy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9601139_orig.jpg?crop=427,427,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1747958654908","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9601139"},{"teacherId":9474298,"projectId":9084857,"letterContent":"Access to hygiene essentials plays a vital role in supporting students' overall well being and academic success. Items such as soap, toothpaste, deodorant, and other personal care products help students maintain cleanliness, confidence, and good health. When students have access to these basic necessities, they are better able to focus on their education without the distraction or discomfort that can come from unmet personal care needs. A clean and healthy student is more likely to attend school regularly, engage in class, and build positive relationships with peers and teachers.\r\n\r\nEvery single day, our students express genuine gratitude for the hygiene essentials they receive. For many, these items relieve a burden they or their families may struggle to meet. Whether it's a simple toothbrush or a travel-sized shampoo, these essentials are more than just supplies. They're a reminder that someone cares. Students often share how thankful they are, and it's clear these small acts of kindness make them feel supported and valued. The sense of dignity and comfort that comes with having what they need is something they don't take for granted.\r\n\r\nProviding hygiene essentials has had a powerful and positive impact on our school community. It not only supports students' physical health but also boosts their self-esteem and confidence. When students feel good about themselves, they are more likely to participate, interact, and strive for success. Meeting these basic needs helps create a more equitable learning environment where all students have the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their circumstances. We are truly grateful for those who help make this possible.","fullyFundedDate":1746786122991,"projectUrl":"project/students-hygiene-essesntials/9084857/","projectTitle":"Students Hygiene Essesntials","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Reyes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9474298_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1722314016046","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9474298"},{"teacherId":8431684,"projectId":8947947,"letterContent":"Nothing excites my students more than hands-on projects, and this was absolutely the case with the garden project. Unfortunately, things didn't pan out exactly as planned, as I unexpectedly had to go on medical leave for the remainder of last school year. We received the materials, excitedly opened all the (many!) small bags of soil and put them into the planter boxes outside. Even this simple act brought the students great joy and required them to work together as a team which is especially important as middle school students who don't always get along. \r\n\r\nThe garden grow box allowed us to compare sizes of seeds, and pick apart seeds that had sprouted to see what they look like inside. Our big lesson with using the grow box was not to use too much water, as the soil became oversaturated which is likely why the seeds never actually sprouted in the soil! But we were able to place the seeds in wet paper towels and see them sprout that way. \r\n\r\nThis year, I have 3 of the same students (along with 4 more students) and we were able to plant a good handful of the edible plant seeds. I'm happy to report that they have all sprouted! We also have 4 house plants that we've begun to take care of as a classroom job. \r\n\r\nUnfortunately, I won't be able to keep everyone updated on the process of the plants as I'm being displaced to a different school. But the teacher who is taking over my classroom has promised to transfer the sprouts to pots and the outside planter boxes so hopefully they will continue to grow.","fullyFundedDate":1733259086957,"projectUrl":"project/markham-idm-students-get-growing/8947947/","projectTitle":"Markham IDM Students Get Growing!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Streicher","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8431684_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y154&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760039519946","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8431684"},{"teacherId":8232397,"projectId":9176714,"letterContent":"When my students first saw the snacks in our classroom, they were so grateful. Many of them come to school without breakfast, and having this option has made a real difference. One particular moment that stands out happened during 3rd period history. Several students had just come from PE, and one student was having stomach pains from being hungry. Instead of struggling through the lesson, they knew they could grab a snack, which gave them the energy to participate and stay focused until lunch after 4th period.\r\n\r\nMoments like this show how impactful your generosity has been. The snacks not only fill an immediate need but also allow students to engage more fully in their learning. I've noticed students are more alert, more willing to participate, and more confident when they know their basic needs are met.\r\n\r\nAs we continue with our lessons, these resources remain an essential part of supporting our students' success. Thank you for helping create a classroom where students can concentrate on history, math, and reading—without the distraction of hunger. Your contribution is making a meaningful difference every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1746785850433,"projectUrl":"project/supporting-learning-one-snack-at-a-time/9176714/","projectTitle":"Supporting Learning, One Snack at a Time","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Patterson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8232397_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1719981913346","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrspatterson45"},{"teacherId":4699358,"projectId":9093195,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation. You really helped our school year get off to a great start. The writing tablets that you helped provide to my classes are giving my students a reusable surface to be able to show their thinking. They love it because it's something new to them, and I love it because I no longer have to worry about dry erase markers being dried out, losing marker caps, and providing them with whiteboard erasers.\r\n\r\nIn addition, my students started on their beginning of year assessments and the earbuds that you helped to provide are priceless! The assessments include some video and read aloud components. Without the earbuds, the students would be very distracted and the testing environment would be less than ideal.\r\n\r\nYour support to teachers like me make a world of difference and is truly appreciated.","fullyFundedDate":1744032967216,"projectUrl":"project/lets-get-engagedtablets-for-success/9093195/","projectTitle":"Let's Get Engaged...Tablets for Success!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Elsey","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4699358_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1522628518667","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4699358"},{"teacherId":9601139,"projectId":9375334,"letterContent":"I am thrilled to share that the books you donated have arrived, and their impact has already begun! Thank you for making this wonderful gift possible.\r\n\r\nSince receiving the new books:\r\n\r\n- Desire to read has soared. When students walked in on the first day of school, the first things they noticed was the inviting reading corner filled with many books that sparked their interest. In class, when students finish working, the most popular request is to grab a book from the library. \r\n\r\n- Growth in comprehension and reading stamina. Their love for independent choice reading has translated to the reading we do for the curriculum. I've observed students being able to read independently for longer periods of time and recall what they've read because of this practice.\r\n\r\n- Fostering empathy and representation. Since many of the books reflect students' backgrounds and experiences, we've seen moments of students seeing themselves in a character. We did a book tasting for students to explore different books. One student was not too fond of any of the books she explored and seemed disengaged. That was until she came across a book where the protagonist looked like her and had similar experiences. Now, I can't get her to put the book down!\r\n\r\nYour generosity has already made a noticeable difference in the classroom. The books are not just materials on shelves, they are opening doors, building confidence, and expanding students' worlds. We are deeply grateful for your support, and excited to see where this journey continues.","fullyFundedDate":1748405561814,"projectUrl":"project/stack-the-shelves/9375334/","projectTitle":"Stack the Shelves","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kennedy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9601139_orig.jpg?crop=427,427,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1747958654908","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9601139"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_7583","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":634,"numTeachers":38,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":22,"percentWhite":1,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":75,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"16.7:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":72.4,"schoolId":7583,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Edwin Markham Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Edwin Markham Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/los-angeles-unified-school-district/edwin-markham-middle-school/7583"}