{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"McLoughlin Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":32.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8838337,"projectId":9852244,"letterContent":"My students and I are using mancala to learn strategic thinking and problem solving. When we are working in stations, one of the stations is a logic station. The options available to students rotate but mancala is one of the regular options students can choose from. Even though students see this station as a \"break\" from the content they are learning in the other math stations, they are actually engaging in high level mathematical thinking to plan their game strategy.\r\n\r\nStudents were very excited and curious the first day they learned how to play mancala. They felt so privileged that someone donated these game sets to our class. We have played with these game sets regularly since December and they are just as excited as the first time they played with the game sets.\r\n\r\nSome students had played this game before but played with different rules. It was amazing to have an opportunity for students to share some of their home life with us over a simple game of mancala. Thank you so much for providing this opportunity to my class.","fullyFundedDate":1762267642785,"projectUrl":"project/making-math-moves-with-mancala-building/9852244/","projectTitle":"Making Math Moves with Mancala: Building Strategic Thinkers at MAC!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hernandez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8838337_orig.png?crop=288,288,x0,y2&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1668047339144","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8838337"},{"teacherId":7753128,"projectId":9784212,"letterContent":"Thank you for helping bring our Zones of Regulation: Building Calming Choices for the Panther Den project to life. Because of you, our Panther Den is becoming an even more supportive space where students can recognize their emotions, choose strategies that work for them, and return to class ready to learn.\r\n\r\nThese new resources are already making a difference. Students are using the flexible seating, soft lighting, and sensory tools to calm their bodies when they feel overwhelmed. The art supplies, kinetic sand, sand art, and affirmation cards give students safe and creative ways to process emotions and reset. When students enter the Panther Den, they identify their feelings using the Zones of Regulation and then select a calming activity that helps them move back toward the \"green zone.\" Having more choices means students can find what truly works for their brains and bodies.\r\n\r\nThis project especially supports our neurodiverse learners, including students with ADHD, anxiety, and sensory sensitivities. Instead of feeling singled out, students now have a variety of regulation tools that are available to everyone, which promotes inclusivity and belonging. We are seeing students settle more quickly, reflect more effectively, and return to class with greater confidence and readiness to participate.\r\n\r\nYour generosity is helping us teach lifelong self-regulation skills, not just manage difficult moments. Thank you for investing in our students' emotional wellness and their ability to succeed in school and beyond.","fullyFundedDate":1760914477301,"projectUrl":"project/zones-of-regulation-building-calming-ch/9784212/","projectTitle":"Zones of Regulation: Building Calming Choices for the Panther Den","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Thompson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7753128_orig.jpg?crop=958,958,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1625422678542","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-fuquay"},{"teacherId":7753128,"projectId":9687672,"letterContent":"Because of you, our Panther Den is no longer just a space; it's a toolkit for success that students are using every single day.\r\n\r\nStudents use these calming tools during structured regulation breaks, reflection times, and reset moments when learning feels overwhelming. One powerful moment happened just last week:\r\n\r\nA student came to Panther Den frustrated and on the edge of shutting down after a difficult class period. Instead of escalating, they chose the weighted sloth and sat with the breathing light. After a few minutes of guided breathing, the student said, \"Okay, I think my brain is ready now.\" They returned to class and completed their work, something that might not have happened before these tools were available.\r\n\r\nWe are also using the zen gardens and magnetic poetry as creative regulation stations. Students who struggle to express emotions verbally often process feelings through these activities before rejoining learning. These tools are teaching students how to calm themselves, not just asking them to.\r\n\r\nFor many of our students, having access to sensory tools and calming supports sends a powerful message: your feelings matter, and you deserve support.\r\n\r\nYour generosity is helping students build skills that last far beyond middle school. You didn't just fund materials — you helped create moments of calm, confidence, and second chances.","fullyFundedDate":1758854065511,"projectUrl":"project/from-stress-to-success-calming-tools-fo/9687672/","projectTitle":"From Stress to Success: Calming Tools for Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Thompson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7753128_orig.jpg?crop=958,958,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1625422678542","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-fuquay"},{"teacherId":8261451,"projectId":9641767,"letterContent":"Thank you for providing our science classrooms with these state-of-the-art microscopes. They have opened up an entirely new world for our 8th-grade students, allowing them to zoom in on fascinating details of countless specimens and truly see science up close. The ability for multiple microscopes to connect directly to a computer and project images on the screen for the whole class has taken collaboration to a whole new level—students can observe the same specimen at the same time, ask questions, and discuss ideas together in real time. This shared exploration has sparked curiosity, deeper conversations, and a stronger sense of scientific community. We are incredibly grateful for this opportunity to give our students such meaningful, hands-on exposure to the microscopic world.","fullyFundedDate":1758815951488,"projectUrl":"project/from-cells-to-careers-tiny-worlds-to-bi/9641767/","projectTitle":"From Cells to Careers: Tiny Worlds to Big Futures","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Heitschmidt","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8261451_orig.jpg?crop=640,640,x0,y81&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755788584565","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8261451"},{"teacherId":3620357,"projectId":9757906,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your amazing generosity! I am truly so appreciative of your support. Books are the foundation of our reading classroom and it is so important that we have books for all reading levels. Each student is able to access a book at their own level to engage with reading and grow in their reading journey! I am so thankful you chose to invest in our classroom and it really means a lot to me.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your kindness and the gift of reading! These books will be loved for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1759013936988,"projectUrl":"project/novels-the-key-to-a-lifelong-learner/9757906/","projectTitle":"Novels: the Key to a Lifelong Learner","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Wakeman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3620357_orig.jpg?crop=962,962,x0,y137&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1649959259863","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3620357"},{"teacherId":10236465,"projectId":9672482,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our AVID and Math Game Closet. Because of your generosity, my students now have access to a variety of high-quality math and strategy games that we use intentionally to build both academic skills and essential learning behaviors.\r\n\r\nThe games you helped provide are now a regular part of our classroom routine, especially during structured review days and AVID reflection activities. Students use the games to practice math concepts such as operations, reasoning, and problem-solving, while also working on collaboration, communication, and perseverance. After gameplay, students complete WICOR-based reflections where they analyze strategies they used, how they supported teammates, and what they would improve next time. This has transformed game time from \"free play\" into purposeful learning.\r\n\r\nOne of the most meaningful outcomes has been watching students who typically struggle with confidence or engagement find success. I've seen students who are hesitant to participate during whole-class instruction step into leadership roles during games—explaining rules, modeling strategies, and encouraging peers. One student who often shuts down during traditional math lessons shared during a reflection that the games helped them \"finally understand math without feeling stressed.\" Moments like that remind me why this project mattered so much.\r\n\r\nYour support has helped create an inclusive, low-pressure learning environment where students feel safe taking risks, learning from mistakes, and building positive relationships with one another. The materials from this project will continue to be used throughout the year and for many future classes, impacting far more students than just the ones in my room right now.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students and investing in learning experiences that support both academic growth and confidence. Your generosity has made a lasting difference in our classroom, and my students and I are incredibly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1760718672799,"projectUrl":"project/avid-math-game-closet/9672482/","projectTitle":"AVID & Math Game Closet","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Goodenough","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10236465"},{"teacherId":3212408,"projectId":9642505,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for your generous donation of the DeWalt powered tool set to our program. Your support has made an immediate and meaningful impact on our students, providing them with hands-on opportunities that simply would not have been possible without your generosity.\r\n\r\nBecause of your contribution, my students were able to move beyond theory and into real-world application. This semester, students worked in teams to design and build their shed from the ground up. With access to professional-grade power tools, they learned how to safely and accurately measure, cut, drill, fasten and assemble construction trade materials into a full sized, working shed with new confidence and pride. \r\n\r\nBeyond the technical skills, your donations helped foster teamwork, responsibility and sharing, since all of the students wanted to always use the new tools!\r\n\r\nYour investment in the new tool set will benefit students for years to come, and we are deeply grateful for your commitment to education and student growth.","fullyFundedDate":1764284722307,"projectUrl":"project/shed-construction-101/9642505/","projectTitle":"Shed Construction 101","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Mattson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3212408"},{"teacherId":8174088,"projectId":9529720,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our project, \"Seeing the Invisible: Exploring Science and Careers With Thermal Imaging.\" Because of your generosity, my students are now able to explore science in a way that feels real, exciting, and deeply meaningful.\r\nThe thermal imaging camera has helped students understand abstract science concepts by making the invisible visible. Students use the camera to observe heat transfer, insulation, energy loss, and temperature differences in real time. Instead of only reading about thermal energy, they can see how heat moves through their hands, water, classroom walls, and everyday objects. This hands-on experience has strengthened students' understanding of energy, matter, and systems far beyond what a textbook alone could provide.\r\nWhat excites students most is how immediate and interactive the technology is. The moment they see their own heat signature or watch warm and cool areas change on the screen, their curiosity skyrockets. Students eagerly ask questions, make predictions, and test ideas—engaging in authentic scientific inquiry. The camera has turned routine lessons into moments of discovery.\r\nThis technology has been especially impactful for multilingual learners and students receiving special education services. Visual, real-time feedback allows students to participate fully without language or reading barriers. Students who are often hesitant to speak in class confidently explain what they observe using the camera, point out patterns, and collaborate with peers. Many students who struggle with traditional instruction have become leaders during investigations, guiding classmates and sharing insights.\r\nMost importantly, this project has helped students connect classroom science to real-world STEM careers such as engineering, energy efficiency, construction, healthcare, and environmental science. Because of you, students are not just learning science—they are seeing themselves as scientists. Thank you for making this powerful learning experience possible.","fullyFundedDate":1755664822834,"projectUrl":"project/seeing-the-invisible-exploring-science/9529720/","projectTitle":"Seeing the Invisible: Exploring Science and Careers With Thermal Imaging","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cunz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8174088"},{"teacherId":9972294,"projectId":9590823,"letterContent":"I wanted to share the incredible impact that the Volley Lite volleyballs have had on 6th grade students and their learning experience. Since receiving these resources, we've seen a noticeable increase in student engagement during volleyball instruction. With more volleyballs available, every student had more opportunities to partcipate actively, practice skills, and stay involved throughout each lesson.\r\n\r\nThe lighter, softer volleyballs we have now made a tremendous difference in student enjoyment. Unlike traditional balls that often sting and leave forearms red, these balls allowed students to learn comfortably and confidently. This improvement has removed a common barrier for some beginners, timid, and neurodivergent students' participation, creating a more positive and inclusive environment for all learners.\r\n\r\nAs a result, students are not only more engaged, they are genuinely excited about volleyball. Each day when students came to class and learned that we were working on volleyball skills or playing actual games, they were excited and happy. This enthusiam is fostering teamwork, physical fitness, and a love for a lifelong activity.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping us create such a positve and motivating experience for our students. Your support has truly made a tremendous impact on our program.","fullyFundedDate":1755822488215,"projectUrl":"project/this-gym-is-not-a-waiting-room-all-stud/9590823/","projectTitle":"This Gym Is Not a Waiting Room! All Students Participate!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gaston","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9972294"},{"teacherId":10193467,"projectId":9807636,"letterContent":"When the new chess resources arrived, students immediately took ownership. During our first club meeting, they laid out the giant board on the floor and debated opening strategies as a group, physically walking moves and predicting outcomes before committing. In four-player chess, students tracked alliances, turn order, and outcomes on whiteboards, then reflected on which decisions helped or hurt their position. These moments mirrored our science classroom practices—making predictions, testing strategies, and revising thinking based on evidence.\r\n\r\nThe reaction was instant excitement. Students who are usually quiet in class stepped forward to explain moves, coach teammates, and volunteer to run brackets. Seeing the oversized board and the four-player setup made chess feel accessible and inviting, especially for multilingual learners who benefit from visual and hands-on learning. Several students commented that the giant board helped them \"see the whole system,\" which translated into more thoughtful play and stronger confidence during matches.\r\n\r\nNext, students are using these materials to prepare for upcoming tournaments by analyzing past games, tracking data such as move count and endgame success, and setting personal improvement goals. We are also connecting chess to current STEM lessons by graphing outcomes, identifying patterns, and discussing cause-and-effect in complex systems. Thanks to our donors, students are not just playing chess—they are thinking like scientists, leaders, and competitors.","fullyFundedDate":1761965735536,"projectUrl":"project/chess-bridging-communication-collabora/9807636/","projectTitle":"Chess: Bridging Communication, Collaboration, and Creative Thinking.","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Schmidt","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10193467"},{"teacherId":10193467,"projectId":9698626,"letterContent":"This project gave students the chance to learn science by building, testing, and improving their own designs. Using 3D modeling software and a classroom 3D printer, students designed vehicles and immediately saw how their choices affected motion. Instead of just hearing about Newton's Laws, students experienced them. They discovered that heavier designs were harder to start moving, that friction from complex tire treads slowed their cars, and that reducing mass or simplifying tires increased momentum and speed. The technology helped students turn abstract physics ideas into something they could see and measure.\r\n\r\nWhat excited students most was watching their own 3D-printed designs come to life. When a car didn't perform as expected, students didn't give up—they went back to their designs, made changes, and tried again. Many proudly explained how they redesigned smoother tires to reduce friction or removed unnecessary parts to decrease mass. The printer became a tool for experimentation, and students were eager to test, compare, and improve their work like real engineers.\r\n\r\nSeveral students who don't always feel confident in traditional lessons became leaders during this project. Some students who are usually quiet took ownership of the printer, helped classmates fix design issues, and explained why certain changes worked better. Multilingual learners used their printed models and test results to communicate scientific thinking clearly. Seeing students explain physics through something they designed themselves showed how powerful hands-on, student-driven technology can be.","fullyFundedDate":1758816479737,"projectUrl":"project/lunar-transport-engineering-with-3d-prin/9698626/","projectTitle":"Lunar Transport Engineering with 3D Printing","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Schmidt","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10193467"},{"teacherId":9857988,"projectId":9609963,"letterContent":"The new volleyballs had an immediate and meaningful impact on our students. With equipment that was easier to control and consistent in quality, students felt more confident trying new skills and were more willing to participate fully in class activities.\r\n\r\nStudents who were previously hesitant to play became more engaged, taking risks with serving, passing, and setting without fear of failure. The improved equipment allowed for longer rallies, more successful practice, and greater teamwork, which increased both skill development and enjoyment.\r\n\r\nThe volleyballs also supported inclusive instruction. Students of all ability levels were able to work together in small groups, practice at their own pace, and experience success. This helped foster a positive class culture built on encouragement, communication, and mutual respect.\r\n\r\nOverall, this project increased student participation, boosted confidence, strengthened teamwork skills, and made physical education a more positive and accessible experience for every student.","fullyFundedDate":1759366692752,"projectUrl":"project/volleyballs-for-every-student-building/9609963/","projectTitle":"Volleyballs for Every Student: Building Skills, Confidence, and Teamwork","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Larson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9857988_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1735237592086","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9857988"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_35633","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1175,"numTeachers":70,"percentFrplEligible":69,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":33,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":59,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"16.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":67.7,"schoolId":35633,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about McLoughlin Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"McLoughlin Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/washington/pasco-school-district-1/mcloughlin-middle-school/35633"}