{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"First Creek Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":37.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8272499,"projectId":9678279,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our students were able to participate in **Thirsty Thursday** during Wellness Week, where they learned firsthand how hydration and healthy choices support both physical and mental well-being. Using the donated resources, we created a fruit-infused water station where students explored flavor combinations with fresh fruit and discussed how small choices, like choosing water over sugary drinks, can make a big impact on their health.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the hydration station, their excitement was immediate. Many were eager to try flavors they had never experienced before, especially the cucumber-berry blend, and several students shared that it was the first time they had ever had fruit-infused water. For a school where many students live in a food desert, this was a powerful and meaningful experience.\r\n\r\nNext, students will continue building on these lessons by setting personal hydration and wellness goals and connecting what they learned during Wellness Week to everyday habits at school and at home. Your support didn't just provide a refreshing drink, it created a learning moment that will last well beyond this week.","fullyFundedDate":1758202917194,"projectUrl":"project/sip-on-health/9678279/","projectTitle":"Sip on Health","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cosom","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8272499_orig.png?crop=257,257,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756846951081","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8272499"},{"teacherId":8272499,"projectId":9674037,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our students were able to participate in a schoolwide step challenge that brought movement, motivation, and excitement into every classroom during Wellness Week. Students used the step-tracking resources to monitor their activity throughout the day, cheer on their classmates, and work together toward shared goals. One of the most meaningful moments was watching entire classes pause to compare steps, celebrate progress, and encourage each other to keep moving—even students who are usually hesitant to participate were proudly showing off their totals.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the step-tracking materials, their reaction was pure excitement. Many had never used a pedometer or activity tracker before, and it instantly turned walking into a game. For our school, where over 80% of students qualify for free lunch and many live in a food desert, this opportunity to engage in healthy competition and physical activity was especially powerful. The project made fitness feel fun, accessible, and something every student could succeed in.\r\n\r\nNext, we will continue building on this momentum by connecting physical activity to long-term wellness goals. Students are already setting personal step targets and learning how daily movement supports mental focus, stress relief, and overall health. Your support helped us plant the seed for lifelong healthy habits, and we are so grateful that you stepped in to make this experience possible for our students.","fullyFundedDate":1759433062423,"projectUrl":"project/step-into-wellness/9674037/","projectTitle":"Step Into Wellness","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cosom","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8272499_orig.png?crop=257,257,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756846951081","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8272499"},{"teacherId":10198769,"projectId":9631678,"letterContent":"Dear Donor\r\nOn behalf of my students and our entire school community, I wish to extend my deepest appreciation for your extraordinary generosity and your commitment to supporting educators. Your donation of classroom supplies, teacher resources, and the English and Spanish novel sets of The Giver has significantly strengthened the learning experiences we are able to provide in our classroom.\r\nBecause of your support, each student received a complete, high-quality copy of the novel—free of torn covers, missing pages, or fragile binding. For many of our learners, this was the first time they had the opportunity to engage with a text that felt sturdy, new, and truly their own. Having access to intact and reliable materials not only improved their reading experience but also honored their effort, curiosity, and sense of belonging in the classroom.\r\nAs we studied The Giver, students examined the distinct contrasts between the two worlds presented in the novel:\r\n•\tJonas's tightly controlled community, defined by uniformity, restricted emotion, and limited personal choice,\r\n•\tand the world beyond, rich with authentic emotion, individuality, memory, and the freedom to make meaningful decisions.\r\nStudent annotations—made possible because they had their own dedicated copies—revealed thoughtful engagement and genuine enthusiasm. Several reflections included:\r\n•\t\"I didn't know a world without colors could feel so sad. I'm glad our world has choices.\"\r\n•\t\"When Jonas starts seeing color, it's like he's waking up.\"\r\n•\t\"I never thought about what it would be like if feelings were controlled. That would be scary.\"\r\n•\t\"The Community thinks they're keeping people safe, but they're actually taking away what matters.\"\r\n•\t(Spanish annotation) \"Me siento mal por Jonas porque no puede decidir nada por sí mismo.\"\r\n•\t\"This book is actually fun to read because nothing is missing.\"\r\n•\t\"I like having my own copy. I can underline parts that make me think.\"\r\n•\t\"The two worlds are so different—one feels fake and one feels real.\"\r\n•\t\"I wrote that Jonas is brave because he wants something better for everyone.\"\r\n•\t\"It's easier to focus when the pages aren't falling out.\"\r\nThese reflections were central to our culminating project, in which students compared and illustrated the differences between the two worlds. Their work demonstrated comprehension, creativity, and analytical thinking—all directly supported by the resources you provided.\r\nYour generosity has also strengthened our ability to meet Tacoma's literacy standards by enabling students to:\r\n•\tread and annotate complex texts independently,\r\n•\tcompare and contrast themes and settings,\r\n•\tsupport their ideas with textual evidence in both English and Spanish,\r\n•\texpand academic vocabulary,\r\n•\tand express understanding through writing, discussion, and presentations.\r\nAs educators, we are profoundly grateful for partners like you who understand the value of equitable access to quality materials. Your support empowers teachers to create rigorous and engaging learning environments and ensures that students experience literacy in ways that are meaningful, dignified, and inspiring.\r\nThank you for believing in educators and for investing so generously in the success of our students. Your impact is lasting, visible, and deeply appreciated.\r\nWith sincere and heartfelt gratitude,\r\nMs. Julie Berggren \r\nFirst Creek Middle School\r\nTacoma Public Schools","fullyFundedDate":1756387063646,"projectUrl":"project/the-giver/9631678/","projectTitle":"The Giver","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Berggren","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10198769_orig.jpg?crop=1126,1126,x0,y544&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1763156785253","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10198769"},{"teacherId":9488564,"projectId":9128320,"letterContent":"My students are so grateful for the resources made available to them by this Donors Choose project. I have been able to incentivize students' good behavior with prizes. This past week, I was able to reward students for behaving wonderfully with a guest teacher, and for overall doing stellar in class throughout the week. My students use the markers and colored pencils on the daily, and they've absolutely loved having those supplies. My students impress me every day with their creativity, and I have been so lucky to be able to decorate my classroom with their art. I've also been pleasantly surprised by how much my students have gravitated towards the stationary materials. \r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the materials, they felt so spoiled. It is not every day that they have the opportunity to work with brand new, good quality materials. Every time they see the materials, whether it is coloring materials, snacks, fidgets, or prizes in general, it is a joy to see the excitement light up their eyes. \r\n\r\nAt the moment, there are a lot of changes going on in education and at our school. Our school is piloting a new ELA curriculum, and we are currently working towards a summative assignment. In addition, our student leadership is trying to put on events and show up for our school community in the midst of all the change. We seriously appreciate all your support!","fullyFundedDate":1746786250195,"projectUrl":"project/turning-hard-work-into-fun-motivating-s/9128320/","projectTitle":"Turning Hard Work into Fun: Motivating Students with Classroom Perks!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Valadez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9488564_orig.jpg?crop=2400,2400,x0,y88&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1728959735224","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9488564"},{"teacherId":7298330,"projectId":9345809,"letterContent":"Thank you for funding our performance tents project! While school just started and we haven't used them yet, we're excited to debut these tents at our large outdoor steel pan festival we will host for our community this spring. Your support will enable our students to share Caribbean rhythms with the entire community while protecting our valuable instruments from the sun or rain; whatever comes our way on performance day. This investment will transform outdoor spaces into magical musical celebrations, expanding our cultural impact beyond traditional venues.","fullyFundedDate":1752586574905,"projectUrl":"project/raising-the-roof-for-outdoor-concerts/9345809/","projectTitle":"Raising the Roof for Outdoor Concerts","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Oliver","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7298330_orig.jpg?crop=395,395,x204,y61&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1596835561499","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kkoliver"},{"teacherId":7298330,"projectId":9309022,"letterContent":"I want to share the transformative impact your generous support has had on our music program through the funding of our sturdy marimba stands project. Your investment in accessibility and inclusion has created a music classroom where every student, regardless of physical limitations, can participate fully and safely in our ensemble performances.\r\n\r\nThe arrival of the height-adjustable marimba stands on casters marked a pivotal moment for our program. What made this experience even more meaningful was watching our students assemble the stands themselves. The excitement and pride on their faces as they worked together, following instructions and problem-solving as a team, demonstrated that learning extends far beyond musical skills. Students developed confidence, collaboration abilities, and accomplishment that will serve them well beyond our music classroom.\r\n\r\nThe impact on accessibility has been profound and immediate. Previously, students who use wheelchairs or have difficulty controlling their physical movements faced significant barriers to participation. Our old, rickety stands with broken casters created unsafe conditions, forcing some students to attempt playing from uncomfortable positions or preventing participation altogether. The fear of knocking over unstable instruments or having to leave their wheelchairs to sit on the floor created both physical and emotional barriers to musical expression.\r\n\r\nYour support has eliminated these obstacles entirely. The new stands provide stability and adjustability that allow all students to find their optimal playing position. Students in wheelchairs can now roll up to the marimbas at perfect height, while those with mobility challenges can adjust instruments to accommodate their needs without compromising safety. The smooth-rolling casters enable students to independently position instruments, fostering autonomy and confidence.\r\n\r\nThe practical improvements extend throughout our entire program. Marimbas that previously sat on the floor or inadequate supports are now elevated to proper playing height, improving posture and technique for all students. The sturdy construction has eliminated wobbling and instability that previously disrupted practice sessions and performances. \r\n\r\nThe inclusive environment these stands have created has strengthened our ensemble as a whole. Students with and without physical limitations now work side by side as true equals, with equipment barriers removed. This has increased empathy and created a classroom culture where diversity is celebrated and accommodation is normalized. \r\n\r\nYour generosity has created lasting change that will benefit countless students in the years to come. These stands will continue to provide safe, accessible music-making opportunities for future students with diverse physical needs. In a school serving students from low-income households, your support ensures that physical limitations never become barriers to musical participation and growth.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in the power of inclusive music education and for making it possible for all our students to get into the groove together.","fullyFundedDate":1746474704920,"projectUrl":"project/sturdy-marimba-stands/9309022/","projectTitle":"Sturdy Marimba Stands","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Oliver","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7298330_orig.jpg?crop=395,395,x204,y61&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1596835561499","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kkoliver"},{"teacherId":7298330,"projectId":9318407,"letterContent":"I want to share the transformative impact your generous support has had on our music program through the funding of our sturdy marimba stands project. Your investment in accessibility and inclusion has created a music classroom where every student, regardless of physical limitations, can participate fully and safely in our ensemble performances.\r\n\r\nThe arrival of the height-adjustable marimba stands on casters marked a pivotal moment for our program. What made this experience even more meaningful was watching our students assemble the stands themselves. The excitement and pride on their faces as they worked together, following instructions and problem-solving as a team, demonstrated that learning extends far beyond musical skills. Students developed confidence, collaboration abilities, and accomplishment that will serve them well beyond our music classroom.\r\n\r\nThe impact on accessibility has been profound and immediate. Previously, students who use wheelchairs or have difficulty controlling their physical movements faced significant barriers to participation. Our old, rickety stands with broken casters created unsafe conditions, forcing some students to attempt playing from uncomfortable positions or preventing participation altogether. The fear of knocking over unstable instruments or having to leave their wheelchairs to sit on the floor created both physical and emotional barriers to musical expression.\r\n\r\nYour support has eliminated these obstacles entirely. The new stands provide stability and adjustability that allow all students to find their optimal playing position. Students in wheelchairs can now roll up to the marimbas at perfect height, while those with mobility challenges can adjust instruments to accommodate their needs without compromising safety. The smooth-rolling casters enable students to independently position instruments, fostering autonomy and confidence.\r\n\r\nThe practical improvements extend throughout our entire program. Marimbas that previously sat on the floor or inadequate supports are now elevated to proper playing height, improving posture and technique for all students. The sturdy construction has eliminated wobbling and instability that previously disrupted practice sessions and performances. \r\n\r\nThe inclusive environment these stands have created has strengthened our ensemble as a whole. Students with and without physical limitations now work side by side as true equals, with equipment barriers removed. This has increased empathy and created a classroom culture where diversity is celebrated and accommodation is normalized. \r\n\r\nYour generosity has created lasting change that will benefit countless students in the years to come. These stands will continue to provide safe, accessible music-making opportunities for future students with diverse physical needs. In a school serving students from low-income households, your support ensures that physical limitations never become barriers to musical participation and growth.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in the power of inclusive music education and for making it possible for all our students to get into the groove together.","fullyFundedDate":1746624387702,"projectUrl":"project/more-sturdy-marimba-carts/9318407/","projectTitle":"More Sturdy Marimba Carts","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Oliver","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7298330_orig.jpg?crop=395,395,x204,y61&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1596835561499","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kkoliver"},{"teacherId":7298330,"projectId":9293130,"letterContent":"On behalf of my students and the entire music program at First Creek Middle School, I am writing to express our heartfelt gratitude for your support of our timbales project through DonorsChoose! Your generosity has transformed our music classroom and created opportunities for authentic cultural learning that extend far beyond what we initially imagined.\r\n\r\nSince receiving the timbales, our student musicians have embraced this new instrument with enthusiasm. The addition of both the free-standing timbale set and the drum set-mounted option has revolutionized our percussion section, allowing our \"engine room\" players to explore the rich rhythmic traditions of Latin and Afro-Latin music with authentic instrumentation. Students who previously had limited percussion opportunities now serve as the rhythmic foundation for our steel pan and marimba ensembles, creating a more complete and culturally accurate musical experience.\r\n\r\nYour investment has created lasting change in our music program. These instruments will serve countless students in the years to come, providing them with opportunities to explore their musical potential while developing cultural awareness and appreciation. In a school where nearly all students come from low-income households, your support has ensured that economic barriers do not limit our students' access to high-quality music education and cultural experiences.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and for making their musical dreams a reality. Your generosity has truly helped us bring our music to life.","fullyFundedDate":1746787356899,"projectUrl":"project/timbale-time/9293130/","projectTitle":"Timbale Time!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Oliver","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7298330_orig.jpg?crop=395,395,x204,y61&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1596835561499","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kkoliver"},{"teacherId":3537226,"projectId":9706678,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom store project! Your generous contributions have transformed our room into an exciting, hands-on learning space where students are building real-world financial literacy skills. We're using the new snacks, toys, and school supplies as part of a classroom economy system where students earn, save, and budget \"money\" they receive for positive behavior, participation, and effort.\r\n\r\nOne of my favorite moments was watching their faces light up the first time they saw the fully stocked store. There was a buzz of excitement as they started calculating how much they could afford and discussing whether to spend right away or save for bigger rewards. It sparked meaningful conversations about trade-offs, priorities, and goal-setting — exactly the kinds of decision-making skills I hoped this project would inspire.\r\nNext, we'll be diving deeper into lessons about budgeting and saving for future goals. Students will practice setting savings targets and tracking their progress over several weeks, helping them connect classroom learning to real-world money management.\r\n\r\nThank you again for making this possible. Your support is helping my students gain skills and confidence they'll use for a lifetime!\r\nWith gratitude,","fullyFundedDate":1758389412572,"projectUrl":"project/our-student-store-learning-money-skills/9706678/","projectTitle":"Our Student Store: Learning Money Skills Through Shopping","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Flynn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3537226_orig.jpg?crop=2647,2647,x1384,y376&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758155320223","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3537226"},{"teacherId":8609008,"projectId":9077921,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your donations to this project! My student's love the new seating choices and use them every day. They enjoy sitting in them as they work on their computers and read choice books from the library. \r\n\r\nAs students in a Title 1 school my students have learned to make do with very limited resources. That is why it is so powerful to be able to get them nice, new supplies. Your donation helps put a smile on my students faces every day.\r\n\r\nWhen former students stop by my class to say hi they are also very impressed with the beanbags. My classroom is even more welcoming with this addition.","fullyFundedDate":1739558218648,"projectUrl":"project/flexible-seating-for-intervention-studen/9077921/","projectTitle":"Flexible Seating for Intervention Students","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Echeverria","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8609008"},{"teacherId":7298330,"projectId":8818323,"letterContent":"I can't thank you enough for your financial support of my students and my music program through your donations! I am continually amazed by the generosity of so many complete strangers and those we know and love! The supplies you provided through your donations have helped our classroom run smoother and students stay more organized. As a teacher of middle school students, I appreciate all the help I can get in that department.\r\n\r\nEvery student now has a pencil with their name on it and a pencil pouch to keep it in their music binder. We've had far less time wasted on students looking for lost pencils since receiving these supplies. Thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1736435887857,"projectUrl":"project/writing-notes/8818323/","projectTitle":"Writing Notes","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Oliver","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7298330_orig.jpg?crop=395,395,x204,y61&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1596835561499","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kkoliver"},{"teacherId":9878345,"projectId":9012520,"letterContent":"We are deeply grateful for your incredible kindness and support through DonorsChoose, funding water bottles for our students in need. Your generosity has made a tangible difference in their lives, ensuring that hydration is never a hurdle in their journey of learning and growth.\r\nThanks to you, our school community is healthier, happier, and more equipped to thrive. Every sip of water is a reminder of the compassion and care you've shared with us.\r\nYou have inspired hope and joy in ways words can scarcely capture. Thank you for empowering our students to dream big and achieve their fullest potential.","fullyFundedDate":1735615269671,"projectUrl":"project/hydration-for-success-water-bottles-as/9012520/","projectTitle":"Hydration for Success: Water Bottles as Positive Incentives for Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Porubek","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9878345"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_36364","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":585,"numTeachers":42,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":15,"percentBlack":14,"percentWhite":12,"percentIndigenous":1,"percentLatinx":32,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"13.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":62.5,"schoolId":36364,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about First Creek Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"First Creek Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/washington/tacoma-public-schools/first-creek-middle-school/36364"}