{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Gaspar de Portola Charter Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":7.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":1139255,"projectId":9794270,"letterContent":"Many students expected history to be boring, but the projects and artifacts that they've been interacting with and creating as part of our class has allowed them to engage in fun and exciting ways. Through both collaborative and individual work, students have been able to let their creativity and passion take center stage.\r\n\r\nThank you so much for your donations! Because of your kindness, students have an organized and well-stocked hub for their creativity and learning. They are able to get the supplies they need independently, maintain creation stations, and visit the Calm Corner when they need to.\r\n\r\nYour donation has made focusing on project-based learning less intimidating to students and their parents. The students are able to do their research, plan and get into the characters of their artistic presentations, and relax. Parents don't have to stress about taking last-minute treks (during their work week) to the art supply store to find specialty art supplies.\r\n\r\nI'd like to give a special shout-out to Google.org for their impactful 5x match which really made it possible to get our project funded quickly and supplies right into the hands of the students.","fullyFundedDate":1760475385122,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-update-lets-fill-in-the-blan/9794270/","projectTitle":"Classroom Update: Let's Fill in the Blanks","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Marjani-Ptah","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1139255_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755232506192","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/marjani-ptah"},{"teacherId":1139255,"projectId":9643914,"letterContent":"It is hard to fully express the impact of the Calm Corner on students in my classroom. Not only has it become a place for students to process their emotions, it is the safe bubble in a sea of expectations. My diverse mix of sixth-grade students are full of energy, curiosity, and big feelings. They sometimes face challenges managing emotions, stress, or focus during the school day. Thank you for helping me create a space that supports their emotional well-being as much as their academic growth.\r\n\r\nMy plan was to create a quiet, comforting space where students can take a mindful moment to reset, reflect, \"let off some steam\", and return to learning ready to engage. Thanks to your donation students visit the Calm Corner for the soft seating, calming visuals, sensory items, journals, and mindfulness tools. They practice emotional regulation, reflection, and self-awareness — skills that support lifelong learning and resilience. Interestingly enough, not a day does by where the Calm Corner is unvisited. I keep my room open for students to get individualized academic help during our mid-morning break time. Students come, even then, to use the Calm Corner. Some have even brought their friends to be in the space with them. And there are students in other grades that have started to come. As a teacher, I have been impacted, as well. I have grown even more patient and compassionate toward students and adults. I am even more effective as an educator because the students feel seen and valued and safe.\r\n\r\nThank you so much for your help; this space has empowered students to take ownership of their emotions and mental health in a positive, supportive way. And a special shout out to Google.com for supporting student social emotional well-being. Your special five-times-match allowed me the purchasing power to make the space inviting, fun, and special.","fullyFundedDate":1759759331780,"projectUrl":"project/care-comfort-social-and-emotional-calm/9643914/","projectTitle":"Care, Comfort, Social and Emotional Calm: Giving Kids a Break","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Marjani-Ptah","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1139255_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755232506192","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/marjani-ptah"},{"teacherId":1139255,"projectId":9628463,"letterContent":"Thanks to your donations our sixth graders have access to an exploratory classroom environment, supplies for everyday tasks, and especially, creative project materials.\r\n\r\nYou have helped my students take their project-based learning to the next level with access to hands-on artifacts, art supplies, costumes for the history-based plays that they write and perform, and even games that support team-building as well as You have helped my students challenge their expectations of what they can create and do!\r\nTheir teamwork, creativity, and passion is taking center stage in our classroom and they are excited to show off their skills. \r\n\r\n\r\nStudents rush to the classroom to play the instruments and it has inspired so many of them to explore how instrumentation influenced ancient peoples and cultural development. Because our ancient history and geography classroom is stocked with the proper supplies, focusing on project-based learning is less intimidating to students and their parents. The students want to do their research, find technology applications to enhance their projects, plan and get into the characters of their artistic presentations. Parents are not stress about taking expensive last-minute treks (during their work week) to the art supply store to find specialty art supplies, costumes, focus elements, or artifacts. In fact, parents have expressed relief and amazement that the kids are so proactive and take learning and creative risks. They are historical explorers and you, donors, are part of that-helped create that sense of academic excitement and safety.\r\n\r\nI'd like to make an extra special shout out to Google.org for their donation and unending commitment to making classroom innovation a reality for teachers. The supplies I was able to attain for my students has made such a difference in student engagement, ownership, and al-around excitement about learning.\r\n\r\nAgain, thank you for making history rock!","fullyFundedDate":1759175176735,"projectUrl":"project/ancient-instruments-games-costumes-oh/9628463/","projectTitle":"Ancient Instruments, Games, Costumes: Oh My!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Marjani-Ptah","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1139255_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755232506192","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/marjani-ptah"},{"teacherId":1349401,"projectId":9586033,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generosity. At the beginning of the second semester, I will be able to give all students who need the basic supplies for their English class. They will receive notebooks, pencils, colored pencils, highlighters, post it notes to start the semester with tools to help them be successful. \r\n\r\nWith Donors choose, I have been able to give students what they need at the beginning of the school year. The relief on their faces when they walk to their desk and their supplies are there with their names on it overwhelms me. I don't know why they can't get their own supplies and it doesn't really matter. Becuase of your generosity, they know they have the right tools and don't have to stress on how they are going to get their supplies. They don't feel looked down upon and instead begin to show resilience.\r\n\r\n2026 is looking bright for my second semester English students. On day 1, they have the resources to start strong. Thank you for empowering students!","fullyFundedDate":1762267742968,"projectUrl":"project/lets-start-6th-grade-with-the-basics/9586033/","projectTitle":"Let’s Start 6th Grade With the Basics","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Goodman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1349401_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753115166661","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1349401"},{"teacherId":6636504,"projectId":9709736,"letterContent":"Thank you again for your generous support of my classroom. Because of your donation, we were able to purchase an iPad that has already made a meaningful difference for my Algebra 1 students. This device has allowed students to access digital notes for the first time, giving them an important learning resource in a subject that many find especially challenging.\r\n\r\nHaving access to digital notes has been incredibly helpful for students who are absent, need extra time to process new material, or want to review concepts outside of class. Students can revisit lessons at their own pace, and parents and tutors are also able to better understand the topics we cover each day. This added layer of accessibility has strengthened communication between school and home and has helped students feel more supported in their learning.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, my students are genuinely excited about this new opportunity. Many of them had never had access to digital notes before, and they take pride in using technology to support their education. Your generosity has helped create a more equitable and engaging learning environment for my Los Angeles classroom, and I am truly grateful for the impact you have made on my students' academic confidence and success.","fullyFundedDate":1758117059129,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-learning-to-life-one-ipad-at-a/9709736/","projectTitle":"Bringing Learning to Life One iPad at a Time!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Geidel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6636504_orig.jpg?crop=887,887,x1612,y295&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1565585031269","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6636504"},{"teacherId":5178092,"projectId":9552077,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for funding a new laptop. My old one was literally falling apart from corner to keyboard! This new laptop is a joy to work with! Its bright color sets it easily apart from my students' devices, and its light weight makes it easy to port from classroom to meetings. The mouse enables me to enter grades and respond to correspondence faster, as does the updated processing drive and brand-new keyboard! Having an extra calculator on the side has been invaluable while I calculate final project grades from a 5-point rubric to the 4-point mastery-learning system we are encouraged to use here at Portola. Although I have only been able to use the laptop for the last 2 weeks (our tech admin had to approve it for our secured network), I already love it!! It's perfect! Unfortunately at this time I don't have photos yet, as I've used it only a couple weeks and during that time students were finishing final projects and presentations, but it was super nice being able to port this laptop away from the front of the room, set it up neatly in the back, and not have to worry about a missing \"y\" key or plugging it in all the time!!","fullyFundedDate":1758496011622,"projectUrl":"project/from-my-laptop-to-their-learning/9552077/","projectTitle":"From My Laptop to Their Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Weber","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5178092_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1518393267393","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5178092"},{"teacherId":5102269,"projectId":9683881,"letterContent":"We had so much fun using these resources during our current atoms and elements unit, and they have truly transformed how students engage with the content. One standout project has been our Atom T-Shirt Project, where students designed wearable models of elements by creating accurate Bohr diagrams and illustrating real-world objects where their element is found. This project brought together science, creativity, and critical thinking, and students were incredibly proud to share and explain their work to classmates.\r\n\r\n\r\nThe students will use these same resources to deepen their understanding of isotopes and ions, comparing atomic structures and explaining how changes at the particle level affect matter. They will apply what they've learned through collaborative activities, short investigations, and reflective explanations. Thanks to our donors, students are moving beyond memorization and into true scientific sense-making—and they are excited to see what we explore next.","fullyFundedDate":1761169229745,"projectUrl":"project/atom-project-2/9683881/","projectTitle":"Atom Project #2","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bugyik","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5102269"},{"teacherId":8100548,"projectId":9564232,"letterContent":"This project has transformed how we experience learning in our classroom. Instead of using technology just for entertainment, we are using it as a tool to think deeply, ask questions, and create. The Nintendo Switch allows us to study video games like real case studies. We analyze how games are designed, how stories and visuals affect players, and why certain games keep people engaged. The Chromebooks help us research ideas, collaborate with classmates, and design our own original game concepts, turning our interests into real academic work.\r\n\r\nWhat excites us most is that we get to learn through something we already love. Many of us feel more focused and motivated when we are able to connect learning to video games, art, and storytelling. Students who sometimes struggle to participate in traditional lessons are eager to share ideas during discussions and group work. The hands-on experience helps us understand complex ideas like design choices, psychology, and problem-solving in a way that feels natural and engaging.\r\n\r\nSome students who are usually quiet in class have become leaders during this project. They help explain game mechanics, suggest creative ideas, and support classmates during discussions and design time. Having access to this technology makes everyone feel included and capable. Because of your support, we don't just feel like students completing assignments, we feel like creators, thinkers, and innovators. Thank you for helping make this learning experience possible.","fullyFundedDate":1758570189853,"projectUrl":"project/level-up-learning/9564232/","projectTitle":"Level Up Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sasaki","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8100548"},{"teacherId":10247217,"projectId":9704125,"letterContent":"I want to thank you all for your generosity towards my students and for my classroom. Your donation of an iPad and iPad pen has motivated my more academically challenged students towards success. Academics are a big challenge for my middle school special education students, but through vocabulary, math and science apps on the iPad, I have witnessed improved social and public speaking skills as well, and overall increased motivation and cooperation. \r\n As one semester closes, and a new one begins in January, my students will begin to make oral presentations on their iPads, and present and their projects to their peers, and the iPad will serve as their visual support. Thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1757818901022,"projectUrl":"project/leadership-and-technology-with-students/9704125/","projectTitle":"Leadership and Technology with Students Leading Small Groups!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Katurich","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10247217_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757291579429","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10247217"},{"teacherId":1139255,"projectId":9650899,"letterContent":"By funding our project, you have helped my students complete homework and project study at home, and share their ideas, talents, and hard work with pride. Thanks to you my history students are reaping the rewards of having full access to educational materials. Your generosity is helping to close the technology gap. Now every child—regardless of their family's resources—has access to the tools they need to succeed. Students are researching, collaborating, and creating ambitious projects that bring the ancient world to life. Whether designing digital maps, building interactive timelines, or producing multimedia presentations, students are now exploring their ideas without limitations. \r\n\r\nI like to have the students participate in both analog and digital contests and games to reinforce their learning about history. They love it and they want to show off their mastery. The prizes that you have allowed me to purchase have been an awesome way to celebrate student successes and keep them motivated.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, our classroom has becoming not only a place of learning but a hub of innovation and fun. You have given my students the opportunity to showcase their talents, develop confidence, and take pride in work that truly represents who they are as learners. Thank you for believing in them and for helping ensure that every student has the chance to shine. Your kindness is making a lasting difference in their academic journey and beyond. They are excited to show the world how much they've learned about history! \r\n\r\nI'd like to give Google.org a special shout-out for their times 5 donation. They are really paying forward their commitment to helping communities impacted by the California wildfires get back on their feet. Your community outreach and involvement makes a world of difference. Thank you, thank you, and thank you...","fullyFundedDate":1757387468248,"projectUrl":"project/technology-celebration-caring-for-stude/9650899/","projectTitle":"Technology Celebration: Caring for Students with Laptops and Prizes","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Marjani-Ptah","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1139255_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755232506192","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/marjani-ptah"},{"teacherId":1139255,"projectId":9685065,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my 6th-grade ancient world history students. Every day, my classroom is filled with curious, creative, and passionate learners who are eager to explore the past and share their ideas with the world. While we are fortunate to have Chromebooks available at school, many of my students do not have reliable access to technology at home. Your donation creates an uneven playing field and limits their ability to fully develop the projects that reflect their growth, creativity, and deep engagement with history.\r\n\r\nYour generosity is helping to close this technology gap. With the addition of checkout laptops, every child—regardless of their family's resources—now has access to the tools they need to succeed. These devices have opened the door for students to research, collaborate, and create ambitious projects that bring the ancient world to life. Whether they are designing digital maps, building interactive timelines, or producing multimedia documentaries, students will now be able to explore their ideas without limitations.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, our classroom is becoming not only a place of learning but a hub of innovation. You are giving my students the opportunity to showcase their talents, develop confidence, and take pride in work that truly represents who they are as learners. Thank you for believing in them and for helping ensure that every student has the chance to shine. Your kindness will make a lasting difference in their academic journey and beyond.\r\n\r\nI'd like to give a special shout-out to Google.org for their donation and dedication to our community of learners. Your 5 times match donation comes at a time when teachers are desperately trying to empower all learners in an atmosphere of equity and inclusion. Your corporation pays forward that push.","fullyFundedDate":1757558355065,"projectUrl":"project/equity-unlocking-creativity-laptops-f/9685065/","projectTitle":"Equity & Unlocking Creativity: Laptops for Young Historians Part I","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Marjani-Ptah","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1139255_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755232506192","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/marjani-ptah"},{"teacherId":10247217,"projectId":9695374,"letterContent":"It's amazing how motivated my students are to complete their work in a timely manner, and have the time to be able to team up and compete while playing educational games. They do logic puzzles, create Science quizzes, and build their math and vocabulary knowledge in small cooperative groups with our beautiful new i-Pad! \r\n Their learning has been supplemented, and I'm very happy to witness the healthy competition/excitement levels in class. The kids are respectful with the I-pen and I-pad, and I hope to be able to get more I-pads funded because I have many students who have improved, and groups of 3 kids per I-pad is ideal. I also get to work with kids who are struggling while the others are competing and learning with their small I-pad teams!","fullyFundedDate":1757423424273,"projectUrl":"project/bright-futures-one-ipad-at-a-time/9695374/","projectTitle":"Bright Futures, One iPad at a Time!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Katurich","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10247217_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757291579429","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10247217"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_7051","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1403,"numTeachers":69,"percentFrplEligible":46,"percentAsian":13,"percentBlack":3,"percentWhite":44,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":31,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"20.3:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":92.4,"schoolId":7051,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Gaspar de Portola Charter Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Gaspar de Portola Charter Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/los-angeles-unified-school-district/gasper-de-portola-middle-school/7051"}