{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Irene Hernandez Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":42.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8632087,"projectId":10257171,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom has become a more engaging, organized, and student-centered learning environment. Your support has allowed my students to participate in fast-paced, collaborative review games that make practicing math concepts exciting and memorable.\r\n\r\nThe portable document scanner has quickly become one of our most valuable classroom tools. It allows me to instantly scan and project student work for the entire class to analyze and discuss. Instead of only reviewing one solution, students can compare different strategies, identify mistakes, explain their reasoning, and learn from one another in real time. This has encouraged more meaningful mathematical discussions and has helped students become more confident in sharing their thinking.\r\n\r\nThe organizational materials have also had a tremendous impact. The stacking drawers keep our review game materials, task cards, and classroom resources neatly organized and easily accessible, while the laminating sheets have allowed us to create durable game cards and instructional materials that can be reused throughout the year. Because everything is organized and protected, we spend less time preparing materials and more time learning.\r\n\r\nPerhaps the most exciting part for my students is knowing that our classroom review activities feel more like interactive games than traditional worksheets. Students eagerly volunteer to participate, cheer one another on, and remain actively engaged from beginning to end. Even some of my quieter students, who are often hesitant to participate during whole-class discussions, have become much more willing to contribute when reviewing classmates' work or participating in our classroom games.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has done far more than provide classroom supplies—it has created opportunities for increased collaboration, deeper mathematical thinking, and a classroom culture where students are excited to learn. Thank you for investing in my students and helping make math a place where every student has the opportunity to succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1777937388067,"projectUrl":"project/leveling-up-our-learning-with-gamificati/10257171/","projectTitle":"Leveling Up Our Learning With Gamification and Classroom Organization","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Reyes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8632087_orig.png?crop=848,848,x0,y121&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1661126561077","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8632087"},{"teacherId":8914780,"projectId":9694904,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping us meet our goal. We have had so many students enjoy chess and ask about using them more often. I find that they have helped students problem solve and think strategically in a way that they have not been accustomed to. It also has given them a break from screens which has also been noted with their behavior. \r\n\r\nStudents were so grateful that people care enough about their well being that they are willing to donate to them. I am also grateful for all that you do to support children in the classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1758824673860,"projectUrl":"project/building-strategic-minds-with-chess-enri/9694904/","projectTitle":"Building Strategic Minds With Chess Enrichment","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Martinez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8914780_orig.jpg?crop=2448,2448,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1685454756993","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8914780"},{"teacherId":8859084,"projectId":10135071,"letterContent":"Just last week, during our core lesson, a student who typically struggles to stay focused was completely locked in. They were using the new materials to problem-solve, and when the solution clicked, they literally jumped out of their seat with excitement, shouting, \"I actually get it now!\" It was a beautiful reminder of how the right tools can unlock a student's confidence. When the boxes arrived and we opened them together as a class, the room was buzzing with pure excitement. Many students gasped and asked, \"Are these really for us?\" Students will be working in small collaborative groups to design and present their own final projects using materials.","fullyFundedDate":1773768995362,"projectUrl":"project/revving-up-stem-building-futures-throug/10135071/","projectTitle":"Revving Up STEM: Building Futures Through RC Engineering!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Guzman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8859084"},{"teacherId":4427966,"projectId":10114963,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation that made our classroom project possible. Your support makes a direct and immediate difference in my students' education. Because of your kindness, my students now have access to hydroponics and fresh vegatables. These resources allow them to engage in hands-on learning and stay excited about coming to school every day.It is incredibly inspiring for our class to see members of our community invest in their future. On behalf of all my students, thank you again for believing in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1773768995578,"projectUrl":"project/hydroponically-amazing/10114963/","projectTitle":"Hydroponically Amazing","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Aleman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4427966_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1492885417788","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/laleman"},{"teacherId":4427966,"projectId":7510803,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation that made our classroom project possible. Your support makes a direct and immediate difference in my students' education. Because of your kindness, my students now have access to printer, specific items, math manipulatives, flexible seating and books for our reading corner. These resources allow them to engage in hands-on learning and stay excited about coming to school every day.It is incredibly inspiring for our class to see members of our community invest in their future. On behalf of all my students, thank you again for believing in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1692808229630,"projectUrl":"project/endless-opportunities/7510803/","projectTitle":"Endless Opportunities","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Aleman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4427966_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1492885417788","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/laleman"},{"teacherId":4427966,"projectId":6577851,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation that made our classroom project possible. Your support makes a direct and immediate difference in my students' education. Because of your kindness, my students now have access to printer, specific items, math manipulatives, flexible seating and books for our reading corner. These resources allow them to engage in hands-on learning and stay excited about coming to school every day.It is incredibly inspiring for our class to see members of our community invest in their future. On behalf of all my students, thank you again for believing in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1666027286929,"projectUrl":"project/a-colorful-start/6577851/","projectTitle":"A colorful start","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Aleman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4427966_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1492885417788","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/laleman"},{"teacherId":4427966,"projectId":6577631,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation that made our classroom project possible. Your support makes a direct and immediate difference in my students' education. Because of your kindness, my students now have access to printer, specific items, math manipulatives, flexible seating and books for our reading corner. These resources allow them to engage in hands-on learning and stay excited about coming to school every day.It is incredibly inspiring for our class to see members of our community invest in their future. On behalf of all my students, thank you again for believing in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1660951453519,"projectUrl":"project/unlimited-access/6577631/","projectTitle":"Unlimited Access","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Aleman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4427966_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1492885417788","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/laleman"},{"teacherId":4427966,"projectId":5788995,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation that made our classroom project possible. Your support makes a direct and immediate difference in my students' education. Because of your kindness, my students now have access to printer, specific items, math manipulatives, flexible seating and books for our reading corner. These resources allow them to engage in hands-on learning and stay excited about coming to school every day.It is incredibly inspiring for our class to see members of our community invest in their future. On behalf of all my students, thank you again for believing in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1637277719609,"projectUrl":"project/ink-to-the-rescue/5788995/","projectTitle":"Ink To the Rescue","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Aleman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4427966_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1492885417788","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/laleman"},{"teacherId":3491033,"projectId":10103102,"letterContent":"Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart for fully funding our \"STEM Challenge Materials\" project! Words cannot express how thrilled and grateful I was to see this project brought to life. Because of your generosity, my students will have access to hands-on learning tools that make science, technology, engineering, and math come alive in our classroom.\r\n\r\nThese new materials will give my students the opportunity to collaborate, think critically, and solve real-world problems through fun, interactive engineering challenges. Instead of just reading about concepts in a textbook or on a screen, they will be designing, building, testing, and refining their own creations. Watching young minds brainstorm solutions, test their hypotheses, and learn from their mistakes is one of the best parts of teaching, and your support makes those \"aha!\" moments possible every single day.\r\n\r\nYour kindness does far more than just supply physical resources—it shows my students that a community of people believes in them and their potential. Thank you for investing in our classroom and inspiring the next generation of thinkers, innovators, and problem-solvers. We are so excited to dive into these challenges and share our progress with you!","fullyFundedDate":1773768995381,"projectUrl":"project/stem-challenge-materials/10103102/","projectTitle":"STEM Challenge Materials","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Calkins","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3491033_orig.jpg?crop=419,419,x0,y1&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1697385669712","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrscalkinsstem"},{"teacherId":8914780,"projectId":9693919,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support in providing hygiene products and snacks for my students. Your donation has made an immediate and meaningful difference in our classroom. For many of my students, having access to essential hygiene products removes barriers that can interfere with their ability to focus, participate, and feel comfortable at school. Because of you, students are able to show up with confidence and dignity, without worrying about needs that should never stand in the way of learning.\r\n\r\nThe snacks have also had a powerful impact on our daily routines. Many of my students come to school hungry or without enough to sustain them throughout the day. Having snacks readily available has helped improve focus, energy, and overall engagement. I've noticed students are more attentive, more willing to participate, and better able to collaborate with their peers. Small moments—like being able to offer a quick snack or quietly provide a student with what they need—have helped create a more supportive and inclusive classroom environment.\r\n\r\nYour kindness goes far beyond the items themselves. You have shown my students that there are people who care about them, believe in them, and want them to succeed. That message is incredibly powerful. Thank you for helping create a classroom where students feel supported, respected, and ready to learn each day.","fullyFundedDate":1764957075986,"projectUrl":"project/supporting-student-wellness-with-essenti/9693919/","projectTitle":"Supporting Student Wellness With Essential Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Martinez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8914780_orig.jpg?crop=2448,2448,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1685454756993","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8914780"},{"teacherId":45848,"projectId":9956950,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity in funding our project, \"Headphones to Enhance English Learning.\" These headphones have become a game-changer in our classroom, providing my students with a focused, immersive environment that is essential for language acquisition. By filtering out background noise, the headphones allow students to hear the subtle nuances of English pronunciation and phonics with crystal clarity.\r\n\r\nMy students are most thrilled by the sense of independence these headphones provide. They feel like they have their own personal \"language lab\" right at their desks. I've noticed a significant shift in a few of my more soft-spoken students who previously struggled with confidence. One student in particular, who used to be hesitant to participate in oral exercises, now practices their speaking fluency and is feeling empowered by the privacy and high-quality audio the headphones provide.\r\n\r\nYour support has not only provided us with headphones but has also sent a powerful message to my students that their education and their journey toward English proficiency are valued. Seeing them engage so deeply with their lessons is a direct result of your kindness. We are truly grateful for your investment in our classroom community.","fullyFundedDate":1767240677931,"projectUrl":"project/headphones-to-enhance-english-learning/9956950/","projectTitle":"Headphones to Enhance English Learning!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sanchez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp45848_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1533749237214","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/45848"},{"teacherId":6272074,"projectId":9849762,"letterContent":"Our students are absolutely thrilled with the new headphones and computer mice your generosity provided. Many of our donors use technology every day, but may not realize how essential these tools have become in a modern classroom. The headphones—with their sleek design, comfortable fit, and built‑in microphones—have already made a noticeable difference. Students feel confident using them for speech‑to‑text assignments, reading supports, and multimedia projects. They even request these specific pairs over older models in other classrooms because the quality helps them focus and produce stronger work.\r\n\r\nThe new computer mice have been just as impactful. For many students (and teachers), navigating a Chromebook trackpad can be frustrating and slow. Having a real mouse has sped up their clicking, improved accuracy, and boosted productivity—especially during our recent net force simulation, which required dozens of quick interactions. Instead of getting stuck on the mechanics of using the device, students could stay engaged with the science.\r\n\r\nWhat has surprised me most is the pride students feel in having updated, high‑quality tech in their classroom. They immediately wanted to label the equipment with our room number to make sure nothing got lost and everything stayed together. They know these tools were given to them by people who believe in their potential, and that sense of being valued has made them even more eager to learn. Thank you for giving them not just equipment, but a boost of confidence and ownership in their education.","fullyFundedDate":1764598852083,"projectUrl":"project/click-listen-learn-tech-tools-for-stu/9849762/","projectTitle":"Click, Listen, Learn: Tech Tools for Student Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Duffin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6272074_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1657649842413","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-duffin"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_97534","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":719,"numTeachers":50,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":97,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":0,"gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"14.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":57.4,"schoolId":97534,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Irene Hernandez Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Irene Hernandez Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/chicago-public-school-district-299/irene-hernandez-middle-school/97534"}