{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Ellen Ochoa Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":36.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8936506,"projectId":9443498,"letterContent":"Thank you for all the essential items! It's the middle of cold and flu season, so those tissues are super helpful! I also hung up our skip counting numbers in the front of the classroom to help my 6th graders with their multiplication fluency, they love the 6-7 :) In science class we've been making great use of the glue sticks, gluing in all our creative work and thoughts. Today we used them to glue in our work on vocabulary words related to genetics. The storage cabinet has been crucial in keeping many of our smaller items organized and makes it super easy and quick for me to find what a student needs, such as those bandaids you helped supply. Even though the school provides some of these materials, they don't provide enough, so your donation is very apprecciated.","fullyFundedDate":1757902220032,"projectUrl":"project/new-year-fresh-start/9443498/","projectTitle":"New Year, Fresh Start!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sullivan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8936506_orig.jpg?crop=2208,2208,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1674443421558","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8936506"},{"teacherId":7736695,"projectId":9758419,"letterContent":"From my perspective as a teacher, the donation of sports equipment transformed our low-income school in ways we hadn't anticipated. Before the donation, our physical education program was limited, and many students had never had access to quality equipment. When the new gear arrived—soccer balls that actually held air, jump ropes that weren't frayed, and uniforms that helped students feel part of a team—it completely changed the energy on our campus. Suddenly, PE classes became something students looked forward to, and lunch time break turned into an opportunity to learn new skills rather than simply pass the time. The equipment didn't just enhance our activities; it helped level the playing field for students who rarely get access to such resources.\r\nWhat stood out most to me was how the project made the students feel. There was a sense of pride, excitement, and genuine gratitude that spread throughout the school. Many students expressed that the donation made them feel seen and valued—that someone cared enough to invest in their joy and growth. It boosted their confidence, encouraged teamwork, and created a stronger sense of community in the classroom and on the field. Watching their faces light up as they tried new activities or finally got to participate fully in sports they'd only ever watched was one of the most rewarding experiences I've had as an educator.","fullyFundedDate":1759597240888,"projectUrl":"project/equity-in-motion-empowering-every-stud/9758419/","projectTitle":"Equity in motion.. Empowering Every Student Through Inclusive PE Equipment.","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Martin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7736695_orig.jpg?crop=1370,1370,x1397,y241&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1686873845301","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/elana-martin"},{"teacherId":1243981,"projectId":9191140,"letterContent":"Receiving the class set of books has had a powerful impact on my students. Each student has connected deeply with the story's main character, who faces challenges related to a disability. Even though the specific disabilities may differ, my students—who are all on the autism spectrum—see parts of themselves reflected in the story. This representation has opened meaningful conversations about what it means to be different, how everyone has unique strengths, and how our differences make us special. For many of my students, it was the first time they read a story that felt relatable and respectful to their own experiences.\r\n\r\nThrough our class discussions, students have explored important social-emotional themes such as overcoming obstacles, managing feelings of self-consciousness, and recognizing how friendships can support us through tough times. They've shared personal insights about what helps them feel included, how they show kindness to others, and what makes a good friend. These conversations have built empathy and understanding within our classroom community and have encouraged students to see their challenges not as limitations, but as parts of what make them strong and resilient.\r\n\r\nThe class books have truly enriched our learning environment. They've inspired confidence, self-awareness, and compassion—helping students express themselves and connect more meaningfully with peers. I am so grateful for this opportunity to bring stories into our classroom that reflect and celebrate the diverse experiences of my students.","fullyFundedDate":1752505847613,"projectUrl":"project/page-turners-unveiling-hidden-gems/9191140/","projectTitle":"Page Turners: Unveiling Hidden Gems","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Reynolds","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1243981_orig.jpg?crop=240,240,x0,y57&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1742398347703","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/breynolds"},{"teacherId":8936506,"projectId":9121640,"letterContent":"Thank you for the resources for our When Your Done Extensions project! Many teachers call these resources for 'early finishers'. Since this project has been funded I've been able to set up a shelf in the back of the class where students can go when they are done with a given activity and continue their learning in engaging ways. Students were happy when I taught them how to use these resources and have gain significant autonomy in the classroom now that they know exactly what to do if they finish their work early. Additionally, it has motivated some students to stay on task in order to finish their work so that they can extend their learning with these engaging resources. It's been a real asset to our classroom. Thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1743912262987,"projectUrl":"project/when-your-done-extentions/9121640/","projectTitle":"When Your Done Extentions","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sullivan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8936506_orig.jpg?crop=2208,2208,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1674443421558","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8936506"},{"teacherId":8715549,"projectId":9091073,"letterContent":"Because of your generous donation, our school was able to reward students at the middle school level for being respectful, responsible and safe in all areas of the school. Each day kiddos earn points for displaying good citizenship and twice a month they can redeem their points for snacks, drinks, arts and crafts supplies, fidgets and school supplies at the school store.\r\n\r\nWith your donation, our kiddos had more than a basic choice, like just popcorn, to choose from at the reward store. Because of the variety of reward choices, kids get excited to follow school expectations knowing they are noticed for their citizenship and they know the staff puts time and effort in providing rewards they like. \r\n\r\nWithout your help, none of this would be possible as our budget has been severely cut. We thank you again!","fullyFundedDate":1747071817811,"projectUrl":"project/help-middle-schoolers-learn-how-to-budge/9091073/","projectTitle":"Help Middle Schoolers Learn How to Budget!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sargent","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8715549_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1663733978790","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8715549"},{"teacherId":8936405,"projectId":7146648,"letterContent":"I want to personally thank you for your generous donation of pencils. It may seem like a small thing, but to the students who received them, it meant the world. I watched a young boy —who usually sits quietly, afraid to ask for supplies—light up when he was handed his own pencil. For the first time, he raised his hand to share what he had written. That moment, sparked by your kindness, was powerful.\r\n\r\nYour support reminds our students that someone out there believes in them. A simple pencil can be the difference between feeling left out and being ready to participate. Your gift gave them the tools to draw, write, and express themselves with confidence. On behalf of every child who now walks into class ready to learn—thank you. Your generosity is truly shaping their futures, one pencil at a time.","fullyFundedDate":1680104242795,"projectUrl":"project/thats-write-we-need-pencils/7146648/","projectTitle":"That’s Write! We Need Pencils!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Valencia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8936405_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757864031353","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/valencias"},{"teacherId":9582386,"projectId":9076679,"letterContent":"Thank you, thank you from me and my students! One student in specific was extremely excited for the dog man books as our school library does not have any. He actually increased his reading and asked to read when he was done with work. Usually this student disliked reading. The girls were very pumped for The Babysitter Club as they usually don't see girl focused books. \r\nWe have been reading The magic Tree House as a class and it's been exciting to see the excitement in the students face. They often ask if I can read one more page please.","fullyFundedDate":1746786153049,"projectUrl":"project/graphic-novels-increase-student-reading/9076679/","projectTitle":"Graphic Novels Increase Student Reading !","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cortes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9582386_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1722119023350","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9582386"},{"teacherId":9582386,"projectId":9084882,"letterContent":"My students have increased their mobility and learned new motor skills while utilizing the sports balls, jump ropes and skippers. They have also started utilizing their Deodorants after P.E and after we go outside to use our other items.\r\nThank you for the contributions to our classroom. Education is an important part in students life and it's also where they spend most of their day. Being able to make it a little more enjoyable and get them moving is a plus!\r\nWe will be utilizing our water bottles this school year to help us stay hydrated.","fullyFundedDate":1746785613588,"projectUrl":"project/health-and-fitness/9084882/","projectTitle":"Health and Fitness","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cortes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9582386_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1722119023350","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9582386"},{"teacherId":8936405,"projectId":7148431,"letterContent":"I can't thank you enough for your generous donation of math manipulatives. When the box arrived, it honestly felt like Christmas morning — not just for me, but for my students, too.\r\nThese tools are already making a big impact. I've watched my students light up as they explore new math concepts with their hands, not just their heads. \r\n\r\nYour kindness reminds me why community support. You didn't just give supplies you gave my students a chance to learn in a way that's fun, meaningful, and engaging.","fullyFundedDate":1681693499303,"projectUrl":"project/math-manipulatives-and-small-groups/7148431/","projectTitle":"Math Manipulatives and Small Groups","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Valencia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8936405_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757864031353","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/valencias"},{"teacherId":7736695,"projectId":9007143,"letterContent":"Thank you for your donations to our low income school. Students familys have a hard time just trying to get the basic supplies for their children. Our school is high poverty and represents several different Hispanic cultures. \r\n Your contribution of three ping-pong/table tennis tables has put lots of smiles on the health and fitness class students. These students have never really seen or used a ping-pong table so it was super fun to see them learn the ins and outs of a tiny ball that was so light one could blow it out of their hands. After teaching ping-pong and how to keep score and how to move in doubles led us to teach pickleball. Now that the students have learned this fun game it has helped them build to more advanced games of pickleballand tennis.","fullyFundedDate":1740012896356,"projectUrl":"project/is-it-table-tennis-or-ping-pong/9007143/","projectTitle":"Is it Table Tennis or Ping Pong?","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Martin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7736695_orig.jpg?crop=1370,1370,x1397,y241&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1686873845301","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/elana-martin"},{"teacherId":9582386,"projectId":8733644,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous donations, my students have been able to get material in color. They have also received the opportunity to get task cards and charts needed to expand their education that they did not previously have the opportunity.\r\n\r\nColor is big in special education, especially with those students who are limited in their speech. Being able to create daily and visual schedules for them has made a major impact in their day to day life. Students now able to arrive and know what their day is going to look like without confusion. \r\nAgain, thank you for the donation and helping make this happen.","fullyFundedDate":1735360077596,"projectUrl":"project/life-in-color/8733644/","projectTitle":"Life in Color!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cortes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9582386_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1722119023350","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9582386"},{"teacherId":1243981,"projectId":8921729,"letterContent":"The implementation of a colored printer in my classroom has significantly enhanced the creation of daily visual schedules, particularly benefiting students on the autism spectrum. These students often thrive on structure and predictability, and visual schedules that incorporate color can cater to these needs more effectively. The use of color not only makes the schedules more visually appealing but also aids in distinguishing between different types of activities or subjects, thereby reducing cognitive load and making it easier for students to follow their routines.\r\n\r\nFurthermore, the ability to produce engaging social stories has been another notable advantage of utilizing a colored printer. Social stories are a powerful tool in teaching social norms and expectations, especially for students with autism, who may struggle with social cues. By incorporating vibrant colors, these stories become more captivating and relatable for students, which can enhance their understanding and retention of the material. The vivid imagery helps in maintaining the students' attention and can make abstract concepts more concrete and understandable.","fullyFundedDate":1740012896450,"projectUrl":"project/life-in-color/8921729/","projectTitle":"Life in Color","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Reynolds","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1243981_orig.jpg?crop=240,240,x0,y57&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1742398347703","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/breynolds"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_72033","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":832,"numTeachers":46,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":2,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":2,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":93,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"18.1:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":63.7,"schoolId":72033,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Ellen Ochoa Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Ellen Ochoa Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/washington/pasco-school-district-1/ellen-ochoa-middle-school/72033"}