{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Goodrell Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":33.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9438965,"projectId":9647681,"letterContent":"I am fortunate to be piloting a Spanish 1 high school course in our middle school with one class of 8th graders. The high school recommended a book for all students to read, and with your help, we were able to purchase a class set of those books. My students absolutely loved the book and asked to read more. I was able to borrow another novel by the same author, and they read that book, as well.\r\n The kids were so excited by the \"new book\" look of our novels. They take pride in our materials and in those books. We read them as a whole class and had lessons on the culture that was discussed in there. I am working very hard to help my students become biliterate (reading and writing in 2 languages), so any novel that gets students involved and reading is beneficial. \r\n These books will be used for a long time to come. Students in several different grade levels can read and borrow these books to practice their vocabulary acquisition and fluency. They can also read them for enjoyment.\r\n\r\nThank you for playing an integral part with the biliteracy of our students.","fullyFundedDate":1761238951389,"projectUrl":"project/biliteracy-in-the-spanish-classroom/9647681/","projectTitle":"Biliteracy in the Spanish Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Buckroyd","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9438965"},{"teacherId":9565759,"projectId":9835719,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom library is now filled with new, engaging books that students are excited to read. These books are being used daily during independent reading time, small-group instruction, and book clubs, giving students more choice and ownership over what they read. Students are selecting books that match their interests, reading levels, and life experiences, which has made reading feel more personal and meaningful.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the new books, their excitement was immediate. Many eagerly browsed the shelves, shared recommendations with classmates, and couldn't wait to start reading. Some students who were previously reluctant readers were especially excited to find books that finally felt \"just right\" for them. Seeing students light up as they discovered stories they connected with was a powerful reminder of how important access to high-interest books truly is.\r\n\r\nSince adding these new titles, I've noticed increased engagement, longer reading stamina, and richer discussions during book clubs and conferences. Students are more confident in sharing their thinking, asking questions, and making connections between texts and their own lives. Reading is no longer just an assignment—it's something students look forward to.","fullyFundedDate":1766330768072,"projectUrl":"project/books-to-inspire-a-love-of-reading/9835719/","projectTitle":"Books to Inspire a Love of Reading","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Small","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9565759_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1727054787760","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9565759"},{"teacherId":9565759,"projectId":9849935,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom hygiene cart is stocked and ready to support students every day. Students are able to quietly grab what they need—such as deodorant, sanitary pads, toothpaste, or other essentials—without having to ask or feel uncomfortable. This simple system has become a normal, trusted part of our classroom routine and helps students take care of themselves with confidence. Since the cart has been available, I've noticed students are more focused, engaged, and willing to participate in class. Instead of worrying about personal needs, they can concentrate on learning, collaborating with peers, and contributing to discussions. This has helped create a classroom environment built on dignity, trust, and care.","fullyFundedDate":1763233164658,"projectUrl":"project/refilling-our-hygiene-cart-keeping-stud/9849935/","projectTitle":"Refilling Our Hygiene Cart: Keeping Students Fresh, Focused, and Confident","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Small","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9565759_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1727054787760","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9565759"},{"teacherId":8390470,"projectId":9847438,"letterContent":"I am truly grateful for your generous support of our project, Exploring Our World Through Smithsonian Timelines and Encyclopedias! Your kindness is giving my students access to an incredible collection of books that will open their minds to the wonders of science, history, art, nature, and the human body. These resources are more than just books—they are windows into the world, sparking curiosity and inspiring a lifelong love of learning.\r\nFor many of my students, opportunities to explore such rich and detailed content outside of school are limited. Thanks to you, they will now have the chance to dive into timelines that connect past and present, and encyclopedias that answer the big questions they've always wondered about. These materials will help us create lessons that are interactive, engaging, and full of discovery. Students will be able to research, ask questions, and make connections that deepen their understanding of the world around them.\r\nYour generosity is not only providing knowledge—it's creating excitement and confidence in learners who are eager to grow. I can already imagine the smiles and the \"aha!\" moments when they open these books and find answers to questions they didn't even know they had. Thank you for believing in our classroom and for helping us build a space where curiosity thrives.","fullyFundedDate":1766443277528,"projectUrl":"project/exploring-our-world-through-smithsonian/9847438/","projectTitle":"Exploring Our World Through Smithsonian Timelines and Encyclopedias","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McKinley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8390470_orig.jpg?crop=271,271,x40,y122&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760974819694","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8390470"},{"teacherId":8390470,"projectId":9847412,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to our project, An Ice Machine for Thermal Energy Exploration! Your support means the world to my students and me. With this resource, we'll be able to bring science concepts to life through hands-on experiments that make learning exciting and meaningful.\r\nYour kindness is helping create opportunities for students to explore, question, and discover—and that's a gift that lasts a lifetime. We can't wait to share our learning journey with you! We are excited for all of the amazing projects to come with this project!","fullyFundedDate":1764696446633,"projectUrl":"project/an-ice-machine-for-thermal-energy-explor/9847412/","projectTitle":"An Ice Machine for Thermal Energy Exploration!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McKinley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8390470_orig.jpg?crop=271,271,x40,y122&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760974819694","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8390470"},{"teacherId":9480962,"projectId":9506866,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom sanitary supplies project. Because of your kindness, my students now have access to essential items that help keep our classroom clean, healthy, and ready for learning.\r\n\r\nThese supplies allow us to maintain a safe environment where students can focus on their learning without worrying about basic needs. From cleaning surfaces to promoting good hygiene habits, your donation helps protect student health and supports a positive, respectful classroom community.\r\n\r\nMy students and I are truly grateful for your generosity and for investing in their well-being. Your support makes a meaningful difference in our classroom every day.","fullyFundedDate":1758826430531,"projectUrl":"project/sanitary-supplies-for-healthy-learning/9506866/","projectTitle":"Sanitary Supplies for Healthy Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Harmon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9480962_orig.jpg?crop=2400,2400,x0,y280&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1709127499582","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9480962"},{"teacherId":9480962,"projectId":9494571,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom snack project. Because of your kindness, my students now have access to snacks that help them stay focused, energized, and ready to learn throughout the school day.\r\n\r\nFor many students, having a snack available makes a big difference in their ability to concentrate and participate, especially during long mornings or afternoons. Your donation helps create a classroom environment where students feel cared for and supported, not just academically but physically as well.\r\n\r\nMy students are truly grateful for your generosity, and I am thankful for your belief in their success. Your support has a direct and meaningful impact on our classroom every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1758826430258,"projectUrl":"project/fueling-focus-healthy-snacks-for-hungry/9494571/","projectTitle":"Fueling Focus: Healthy Snacks for Hungry Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Harmon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9480962_orig.jpg?crop=2400,2400,x0,y280&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1709127499582","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9480962"},{"teacherId":9565759,"projectId":9835652,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom now has a reliable supply of healthy snacks that students can access when they need them. Students use these snacks during long class periods, after assessments, or when they come to school without having had breakfast. One meaningful moment was seeing a student quietly grab a snack before a lesson and then fully participate in the discussion—something that had been difficult for them before when hunger made it hard to concentrate.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the snack options available, their reactions were a mix of relief and excitement. Several students asked if they were \"really allowed\" to have them, and others expressed gratitude in simple but powerful ways. Knowing that food was available helped students feel more secure and supported, and it created a calmer, more focused learning environment for everyone.\r\n\r\nNext, students will continue using these snacks as part of our classroom routine to support focus, stamina, and self-regulation throughout the school day. We are also reinforcing the idea that our classroom is a community where needs are met with care and dignity. Your support has helped remove a major barrier to learning, ensuring that students can show up ready to think, engage, and succeed. Thank you for helping nourish both their bodies and their ability to learn.","fullyFundedDate":1760829648120,"projectUrl":"project/fuel-for-thought-snacks-to-help-our-bra/9835652/","projectTitle":"Fuel for Thought: Snacks to Help Our Brains Learn!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Small","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9565759_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1727054787760","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9565759"},{"teacherId":9565759,"projectId":9835566,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our classroom library is filled with fresh, high-interest books that students are genuinely excited to read. These new titles are being used every day during independent reading time, book clubs, and choice reading, giving students the freedom to select stories that match their interests and reading identities. One memorable moment was watching a student who previously struggled to finish books race through an entire graphic novel and immediately ask for the sequel—then eagerly recommend it to a classmate.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the new books on the shelves, their reactions said it all. They crowded around the library, flipping through pages, calling out titles to friends, and making reading lists for themselves. Many students immediately recognized characters and experiences that felt familiar to them, which sparked conversations about identity, perspective, and shared experiences. For some students, this was the first time they truly felt that the books in a classroom were meant for *them*.\r\n\r\nNext, students are using these books to deepen their reading stamina, participate in peer book talks, and make connections to our current reading and writing units. They are beginning to reflect on how stories shape their thinking and influence their own writing, experimenting with genres and styles they discover through independent reading. Your support has transformed our classroom library into a welcoming, vibrant space where students feel seen, motivated, and empowered—and where a lifelong love of reading can begin.","fullyFundedDate":1760844036311,"projectUrl":"project/hooked-on-reading-high-interest-books-f/9835566/","projectTitle":"Hooked on Reading: High-Interest Books for Middle School Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Small","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9565759_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1727054787760","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9565759"},{"teacherId":10028461,"projectId":9474311,"letterContent":"We are incredibly grateful for your generous support of our project to provide saxophone mouthpieces for our beginning band students. Thanks to you, our young musicians now have the tools they need to start their musical journey with confidence and excitement.\r\n\r\nAt our Title I school, many students face challenges that can limit their access to quality instruments and accessories. Your donation has helped remove one of those barriers, giving every student—regardless of background—the opportunity to participate fully in band and discover the joy of making music.\r\n\r\nThese mouthpieces are more than just equipment; they are keys to opportunity. They will help our students develop proper technique, feel proud of their progress, and experience the teamwork and discipline that come with being part of a band.\r\nThank you for believing in our students and investing in their future. Your kindness will echo through every note they play.","fullyFundedDate":1754523537233,"projectUrl":"project/sound-it-out-saxophone-mouthpieces-for/9474311/","projectTitle":"Sound It Out: Saxophone Mouthpieces for Beginning Musicians","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Clark-Sindler","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10028461_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1750944128530","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10028461"},{"teacherId":9565759,"projectId":9713483,"letterContent":"When our new fidgets and snacks arrived, my students could hardly contain their excitement! They immediately started exploring the different textures and designs of the fidgets and couldn't wait to pick out their favorite snack. It was incredible to see how quickly these small additions made a big difference in their focus, energy, and confidence.\r\n\r\nNow, students are able to grab a fidget quietly when they feel restless or distracted, and enjoy a quick snack when they need a little boost to stay focused during lessons and discussions. One student even said, \"These help my brain calm down so I can listen better—and the snacks keep me from getting grumpy when I'm hungry!\"\r\n\r\nWe've incorporated both into our daily routines—students can use fidgets during independent reading, small group work, and tests to manage stress, while snacks help keep them fueled and ready to learn throughout the day. The atmosphere in our classroom feels calmer, more focused, and more positive. Students who used to struggle with staying on task are now participating more confidently and feeling more supported.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, my students have the tools—and the fuel—they need to self-regulate and succeed. Our next step is continuing to build these positive habits of focus, self-awareness, and community as we move into new lessons and projects.","fullyFundedDate":1758031635679,"projectUrl":"project/fueling-focus-snacks-and-fidgets-for-ou/9713483/","projectTitle":"Fueling Focus: Snacks and Fidgets for Our Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Small","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9565759_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1727054787760","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9565759"},{"teacherId":9565759,"projectId":9846312,"letterContent":"When our new fidgets arrived, my students could hardly contain their excitement! They immediately started exploring the different textures and designs, and it was incredible to see how quickly these small tools made a big difference in their focus and confidence.\r\n\r\nNow, students are able to grab a fidget quietly when they feel restless or distracted, which helps them stay engaged during lessons and discussions. One student even said, \"These help my brain calm down so I can listen better,\" which perfectly sums up the goal of this project.\r\n\r\nWe've incorporated the fidgets into our daily routines—students can use them during independent reading, small group work, and even during tests to help manage stress. The atmosphere in our classroom feels calmer and more focused, and students who used to struggle with staying on task are now participating more confidently.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, my students have the tools they need to self-regulate and succeed. Our next step is continuing to build these positive habits of focus and self-awareness as we move into new lessons and projects.","fullyFundedDate":1762266414132,"projectUrl":"project/fidgets-for-focus/9846312/","projectTitle":"Fidgets for Focus","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Small","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9565759_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1727054787760","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9565759"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_51886","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":511,"numTeachers":42,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":5,"percentBlack":21,"percentWhite":34,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":31,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"12.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":67.0,"schoolId":51886,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Goodrell Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Goodrell Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/iowa/des-moines-public-schools/goodrell-middle-school/51886"}
Join the 576 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Goodrell Middle School is
an urban public school
in Des Moines, Iowa that is part of Des Moines Public Schools.
It serves 511 students
in grades 6 - 8 with a student/teacher ratio of 12.2:1.
Its teachers have had 371 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Boost support for this school! Share this page with friends, family, alumni, and fellow supporters. Every connection helps teachers get the supplies they need and shows how much your community cares about its students.
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Every donation funds real needs — pencils, books, lab equipment, art supplies, and more — helping students learn and thrive. We ship supplies directly to the school, and you'll see exactly where each dollar goes.
of students receive free or reduced price lunch
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
Source: the National Center for Education Statistics
57%
of students are Black, Latino, Native
American, or Asian
Data about school demographics comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. The numbers in this chart may not add up to 100% because of limitations in the available data.
Goodrell Middle School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Jan 14, 2026
DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students
in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.
Goodrell Middle School
$128,189
raised using DonorsChoose
371
projects
funded
36
teachers
funded
576
donors
38
projects
for
basic supplies
40
projects for
technology
136
projects for
books
29
projects
for
art supplies
Goodrell Middle School has received support from
386 individuals from Iowa and
190 individuals out-of-state.