{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Emerson Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":25.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9274143,"projectId":10392844,"letterContent":"I want to sincerely thank our generous donors for providing my Physical Education students with resistance bands, yoga blocks, and an agility ladder. Your generosity has allowed me to expand our fitness program and introduce new activities that focus on strength, flexibility, mobility, balance, coordination, and athletic development. The resistance bands have been an incredible addition to our classroom, allowing students to improve muscular strength, develop proper movement patterns, and participate in exercises that accommodate different fitness levels. The yoga blocks have helped students improve their flexibility, balance, and body awareness while providing additional support during stretching and mobility activities. The agility ladder has also been a fantastic resource for developing footwork, coordination, quickness, and overall athletic performance. Together, these resources have helped create a more engaging, inclusive, and well-rounded Physical Education experience for all my students.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, I have been able to incorporate more variety into our daily fitness routines, strength-training circuits, and athletic development activities. My students now have opportunities to participate in exercises that challenge them physically while teaching the importance of proper technique, consistency, and personal improvement. These resources have allowed me to create activities that are both challenging and accessible, helping students build confidence in their abilities while developing skills they can use in sports and everyday life. Most importantly, your donations have helped me create an environment where students are excited to participate, motivated to improve, and encouraged to develop lifelong healthy habits. I am incredibly grateful for your kindness and willingness to invest in my students' health, fitness, and overall well-being. Thank you for making a meaningful difference in our classroom and helping me provide my students with the tools they need to become stronger, healthier, and more confident individuals!","fullyFundedDate":1787151923572,"projectUrl":"project/speed-and-mobility/10392844/","projectTitle":"Speed and Mobility","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Ortiz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9274143_orig.jpg?crop=590,590,x436,y81&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1694790438727","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9274143"},{"teacherId":9274143,"projectId":10243888,"letterContent":"I want to sincerely thank our generous donors for providing my Physical Education students with a pull-up station and weighted vests. Your generosity has allowed me to expand our fitness program and provide students with more opportunities to develop strength, muscular endurance, and overall physical fitness. The pull-up station has been a great addition to our classroom, allowing students to challenge themselves with bodyweight exercises while improving their upper-body and core strength. The weighted vests have also added variety to our workouts, allowing students who are ready for an additional challenge to safely increase resistance during appropriate strength and conditioning activities. These resources have helped me create a more engaging and well-rounded fitness experience for students of different abilities and fitness levels.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, I have been able to introduce new exercises, expand our strength-training circuits, and teach students the importance of setting goals and working toward personal improvement. Students have opportunities to build confidence, develop proper exercise techniques, and recognize the progress they make through consistent effort. Having access to this equipment has also allowed me to emphasize the importance of lifelong fitness and show students that strength training can be both challenging and rewarding. Your donations have made a meaningful difference in our Physical Education program, and I am incredibly grateful for your investment in my students' health, growth, and success. Thank you for helping provide them with the tools and opportunities to become stronger, healthier, and more confident individuals!","fullyFundedDate":1787154999340,"projectUrl":"project/push-it-to-the-limit/10243888/","projectTitle":"Push It to the Limit!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Ortiz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9274143_orig.jpg?crop=590,590,x436,y81&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1694790438727","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9274143"},{"teacherId":9274143,"projectId":10271298,"letterContent":"The YES4ALL Lat Pulldown Machine is a valuable addition to my Physical Education classroom because it provides students with an opportunity to develop upper-body strength, muscular endurance, and overall physical fitness. This equipment allows students to strengthen important muscle groups, including their back, shoulders, and arms, while learning proper lifting techniques and safe exercise habits. The adjustable resistance makes it possible to accommodate students of different strength levels and abilities, allowing each student to progress at their own pace. By incorporating this machine into our PE curriculum, students can build confidence, improve muscular strength, and develop a better understanding of the importance of resistance training.\r\n\r\nIn addition to improving physical fitness, the YES4ALL Lat Pulldown Machine helps create a more engaging and well-rounded Physical Education program. Students can use this equipment during strength-training circuits, fitness assessments, and individualized workouts, giving them hands-on experience with exercises commonly performed in fitness centers. It also provides an opportunity to teach students about goal setting, tracking progress, and developing lifelong healthy habits. Having access to quality strength-training equipment encourages students to take ownership of their fitness and introduces them to exercises they can continue using throughout their lives.","fullyFundedDate":1779312630389,"projectUrl":"project/help-us-lift/10271298/","projectTitle":"Help us Lift!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Ortiz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9274143_orig.jpg?crop=590,590,x436,y81&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1694790438727","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9274143"},{"teacherId":9274143,"projectId":9362461,"letterContent":"Introducing a JBL speaker into my physical education classroom has had a noticeable impact on student participation, energy levels, and willingness to engage in dance-based activities. Music instantly changes the atmosphere of the space, making it feel more welcoming, fun, and less intimidating—especially for students who may be hesitant to move or express themselves. With clear, high-quality sound, students can easily hear the rhythm and tempo, which helps them stay on beat and feel more confident when learning new movements. This has been especially important during introductory dance units, where timing and comfort are key to participation. The speaker allows me to incorporate a wide range of music styles that reflect student interests, helping build connections and increase buy-in from diverse groups of learners.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, music has encouraged more students to step outside their comfort zones. When a familiar or favorite song plays, students are more likely to join in, try new steps, and stay actively involved. It also supports classroom management by creating natural cues for starting, stopping, and transitioning between activities. Overall, the JBL speaker has transformed my classroom into a more engaging and inclusive environment where students feel motivated to move, participate, and explore dance with greater confidence.","fullyFundedDate":1752586506633,"projectUrl":"project/music-helps/9362461/","projectTitle":"Music Helps!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Ortiz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9274143_orig.jpg?crop=590,590,x436,y81&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1694790438727","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9274143"},{"teacherId":9274143,"projectId":9350284,"letterContent":"The addition of plyometric boxes and jump ropes in my physical education classroom has significantly increased student activity levels, engagement, and overall enthusiasm for fitness. These pieces of equipment are simple, versatile, and highly effective at promoting continuous movement, which is essential in maximizing active time during class. Plyo boxes provide students with opportunities to develop lower-body strength, coordination, and explosiveness through exercises like step-ups, box jumps, and modified movements that can be scaled to any ability level. Because they can be adjusted in height or used in different ways, all students—from beginners to more advanced—can participate safely and successfully. Jump ropes, on the other hand, offer a fast-paced, cardiovascular-focused activity that keeps students constantly moving while improving rhythm, timing, and endurance. One of the biggest benefits of both tools is how easily they can be incorporated into stations, circuits, or individual challenges, reducing downtime and eliminating long wait periods that often decrease participation.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, these activities naturally encourage goal-setting and self-improvement. Students can track how many jumps they complete or how many repetitions they achieve on a box, creating a sense of accomplishment and motivation to improve. The instant feedback they receive—whether it's clearing a rope consistently or successfully completing a jump—builds confidence and keeps them engaged. Another major impact has been the increase in student choice and autonomy; students often gravitate toward these stations because they are fun, challenging, and allow for personal pacing. This sense of ownership over their activity leads to higher effort levels and more sustained participation throughout the class period. Furthermore, both plyo boxes and jump ropes require minimal setup and can be used in a variety of ways, making transitions between activities quick and efficient. Overall, incorporating these tools has created a more dynamic, inclusive, and active learning environment where students are consistently moving, challenged, and motivated to improve their fitness.","fullyFundedDate":1753894871445,"projectUrl":"project/push-it-to-the-limit/9350284/","projectTitle":"Push It to the Limit!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Ortiz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9274143_orig.jpg?crop=590,590,x436,y81&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1694790438727","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9274143"},{"teacherId":9274143,"projectId":9340988,"letterContent":"The introduction of chain basketball nets in my physical education classroom has had a surprisingly powerful impact on student participation, engagement, and overall enthusiasm for basketball-related activities. At first glance, switching from traditional nylon nets to metal chain nets may seem like a minor equipment change, but in practice it has created a noticeable shift in how students interact with the game. One of the most immediate differences is the sensory feedback that chain nets provide; the distinct metallic \"swish\" or clank when a shot goes in offers instant, satisfying reinforcement that students find exciting and motivating. This auditory reward has made shooting feel more meaningful, especially for beginners who may not always see consistent success. As a result, students are more willing to take shots, try new skills, and stay engaged for longer periods of time. Additionally, chain nets are far more durable than traditional nets, which is particularly important in a high-traffic PE setting where equipment is used by multiple classes throughout the day. Previously, worn or broken nets often led to frustration or even disengagement, as students felt the equipment was not worth their effort. With chain nets, that issue has been virtually eliminated, creating a more consistent and reliable playing environment that encourages participation.\r\n\r\nBeyond durability and sensory appeal, chain nets have also contributed to a more authentic basketball experience, which resonates strongly with students. Many associate chain nets with outdoor courts and pickup basketball culture, and bringing that element into the PE setting has made activities feel more \"real\" and less like a forced exercise. This authenticity has been especially impactful for students who may not typically engage in structured sports but are drawn to the informal, street-style feel of the game. It has helped bridge the gap between organized physical education and recreational play, making students more comfortable and willing to participate. Furthermore, the sound and visual feedback from chain nets have made it easier to run certain drills and games, as students can clearly recognize successful shots without needing constant teacher confirmation. This has increased the pace of activities, reduced downtime, and allowed for smoother transitions between drills, all of which contribute to higher overall participation rates.\r\n\r\nAnother important benefit has been the way chain nets influence classroom management and student behavior. Because students are more engaged and excited, there are fewer off-task behaviors and less need for redirection. The novelty of the nets initially sparked curiosity, but over time that curiosity has evolved into sustained interest. Students who were previously hesitant to join in basketball units are now more likely to participate, often encouraged by the fun and rewarding experience the nets provide. In addition, the durability of chain nets reduces maintenance interruptions, meaning more class time is spent actively moving rather than fixing or replacing equipment. This increased activity time is crucial in a PE setting, where maximizing movement is a primary goal.\r\n\r\nOverall, the shift to chain basketball nets has proven to be a simple yet highly effective way to boost participation in my PE classroom. By enhancing the sensory experience, increasing equipment reliability, creating a more authentic playing environment, and improving overall engagement, this small change has had a significant positive impact on student involvement. It serves as a reminder that even minor adjustments to equipment and environment can play a major role in shaping student attitudes toward physical activity and can ultimately lead to a more active, inclusive, and enjoyable PE experience for all students.","fullyFundedDate":1752858822595,"projectUrl":"project/we-playing-basketball/9340988/","projectTitle":"We Playing Basketball!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Ortiz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9274143_orig.jpg?crop=590,590,x436,y81&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1694790438727","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9274143"},{"teacherId":8614157,"projectId":9697998,"letterContent":"A sincere thank you to the Campbell Foundation for your continued support of our PE program. When the dodgeballs we initially selected were out of stock, I used the replacement funds to purchase a classroom equipment repair toolkit and push-up platforms for circuit training. The repair kit allows us to extend the life of our equipment, teaching students responsibility and care for shared resources. The push-up platforms enhance our fitness circuits by improving form, increasing challenge, and keeping workouts engaging. Your flexibility and generosity continue to strengthen our program and positively impact student learning and activity.","fullyFundedDate":1763474741818,"projectUrl":"project/galaxy-dodgeballs-in-phys-ed/9697998/","projectTitle":"Galaxy Dodgeballs in Phys Ed.","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Garcia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8614157_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757521910865","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/garciape"},{"teacherId":8614157,"projectId":9860585,"letterContent":"A huge thank you to the Campbell Foundation for providing our new volleyballs! These high-quality volleyballs have transformed our PE lessons by giving every student more opportunities to practice, compete, and build confidence. With enough equipment for small-group drills, students stay active instead of waiting in line, maximizing learning time and skill development. The improved grip and consistency also help students focus on proper technique, teamwork, and game strategy. Your generosity supports a positive, energetic environment where students feel encouraged to participate, grow, and enjoy being active. We truly appreciate your continued support of our program!","fullyFundedDate":1763474759281,"projectUrl":"project/volleyball-fun-in-pe/9860585/","projectTitle":"Volleyball Fun in Pe!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Garcia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8614157_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757521910865","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/garciape"},{"teacherId":8614157,"projectId":9696949,"letterContent":"Thanks to the Campbell Foundation for the generous gift of our new Bluetooth speaker! This addition has completely elevated the energy in our PE class. Music keeps students motivated, engaged, and moving with purpose during workouts, games, and fitness circuits. It helps set the tone, improve focus, and create a fun, positive atmosphere where everyone feels excited to participate. Clear audio also allows me to give instructions and run activities more efficiently. Your support is helping us build an encouraging environment where students stay active, connected, and inspired every single day. We are truly grateful!","fullyFundedDate":1763474859389,"projectUrl":"project/music-speaker-vibes-in-pe/9696949/","projectTitle":"Music Speaker Vibes in PE!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Garcia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8614157_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757521910865","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/garciape"},{"teacherId":8614157,"projectId":9566466,"letterContent":"These metal cabinets have made a significant impact on my PE class by creating a safer, more organized learning environment. With secure storage for equipment, students can quickly access materials and transitions between activities run smoothly, maximizing active time. Lockable cabinets reduce distractions, prevent equipment loss, and promote student responsibility. Knowing equipment is stored safely builds trust and structure, allowing students to focus on skill development, teamwork, and effort. A clean, organized space sets clear expectations, supports classroom management, and fosters a positive atmosphere where students feel confident, respected, and ready to learn through movement and physical activity.","fullyFundedDate":1763474820335,"projectUrl":"project/lockable-storage-in-physical-education/9566466/","projectTitle":"Lockable Storage in Physical Education!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Garcia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8614157_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757521910865","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/garciape"},{"teacherId":8614157,"projectId":9562447,"letterContent":"Sports repair equipment such as paracord, and electrical tape has a strong impact on maintaining safe, effective, and engaging physical education programs. These simple tools allow teachers to quickly repair goals, nets, cones, and worn equipment, extending their lifespan and reducing class downtime. Paracord is durable and versatile, making it ideal for securing nets, fixing straps, creating boundaries, or building temporary activity stations. Electrical tape is useful for reinforcing grips, marking boundaries, color-coding equipment, and covering sharp edges to improve safety. Together, these tools save money, keep equipment usable, and ensure students can stay active with fewer interruptions, maximizing learning time and overall enjoyment in PE.","fullyFundedDate":1763474702575,"projectUrl":"project/sports-equipment-repair/9562447/","projectTitle":"Sports Equipment Repair","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Garcia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8614157_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757521910865","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/garciape"},{"teacherId":1982132,"projectId":9797478,"letterContent":"My students have been able to express their thoughts and feelings through art. The canvas and paint made it possible for students to be creative. They used a variety of colors and ideas and created beautiful paintings. \r\n\r\nThey absolutely loved the stained glass and had an opportunity to interact with each other while being creative on how they painted their glass. \r\n\r\nFor the plaster we haven't had the opportunity to use it yet, but I am planning on them making a starfish and coloring it. We have done this in the past and has turned out nicely and the students enjoy it.","fullyFundedDate":1763474839608,"projectUrl":"project/future-artists/9797478/","projectTitle":"Future Artists","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ramirez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1982132_orig.jpg?crop=960,960,x0,y150&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1649442367170","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1982132"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_79249","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":809,"numTeachers":35,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":13,"percentWhite":6,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":77,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":1,"gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"23.1:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":74.6,"schoolId":79249,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Emerson Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Emerson Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/bakersfield-city-school-district/emerson-middle-school/79249"}