{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Mesa Alta Junior High School","outOfStateSupporters":57.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9861446,"projectId":9438374,"letterContent":"The speaker, portable vacuum, and portable heater provided through this project have had a meaningful and immediate impact on my classroom environment and my students' ability to learn effectively. In a special education and academic intervention setting, learning is not only about instruction—it is also about creating a space where students feel comfortable, supported, and ready to engage. These resources have helped meet both academic and basic classroom needs that directly affect student focus and success.\r\n\r\nThe classroom speaker has greatly enhanced instruction and student engagement. While many donors may use speakers at home for entertainment, in the classroom it serves as an essential instructional tool. I use the speaker daily to ensure that all students can clearly hear directions, explanations, and instructional videos, regardless of where they are seated. Many of my students struggle with attention, processing information, or auditory comprehension. Clear and amplified sound helps reduce misunderstandings and allows students to stay focused during lessons. The speaker is especially helpful during guided instruction, math modeling, and small group activities, where consistent audio clarity supports comprehension and participation.\r\n\r\nStudents are most excited about the speaker because it makes lessons feel more interactive and accessible. Instructional videos, digital lessons, and verbal explanations are easier to follow, and students are more engaged when they can clearly hear what is being taught. Students who previously struggled to stay attentive during instruction are now more focused and responsive, as they no longer have to strain to hear or ask for repeated directions.\r\n\r\nThe portable vacuum has contributed to a cleaner and more organized classroom, which is especially important for students with sensory sensitivities or difficulty focusing. In a special education environment, clutter and debris can be distracting and overwhelming. Having a portable vacuum allows me to quickly clean up after activities, ensuring that the classroom remains a calm and structured learning space. Students benefit from a tidy environment that supports focus and reduces unnecessary distractions.\r\n\r\nThe portable heater has had the most immediate and significant impact on student comfort and learning. Our classroom heater is not working, and during colder days, the room becomes uncomfortable and difficult for students to concentrate. The portable heater has helped maintain a warm and safe learning environment, allowing students to focus on instruction rather than discomfort. When students are cold, they struggle to remain attentive and engaged. Providing warmth has directly supported students' ability to participate, stay seated, and complete tasks.\r\n\r\nSeveral students have especially benefited from the heater, particularly those with sensory needs or medical sensitivities who are more affected by temperature changes. Once the classroom temperature became more comfortable, these students showed improved focus, reduced frustration, and greater willingness to engage in learning activities.\r\n\r\nTogether, these resources have transformed my classroom into a more effective and supportive learning environment. The speaker enhances instruction, the vacuum maintains organization, and the heater ensures physical comfort—all of which are essential for student success. Because of our donors' generosity, my students are learning in a space that supports their academic, emotional, and physical needs. These tools may seem simple, but they have made a lasting difference in my students' daily learning experience, and I am deeply grateful for this support.","fullyFundedDate":1754546355771,"projectUrl":"project/comfort-and-focus-creating-the-best-spa/9438374/","projectTitle":"Comfort and Focus: Creating the Best Space to Learn","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Virginia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9861446_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1733427781849","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9861446"},{"teacherId":9861446,"projectId":9438357,"letterContent":"The iPad funded through this project has made a significant and meaningful impact on instruction and learning in my 7th and 8th grade special education math and academic intervention classroom. Many of my students face challenges with attention, processing information, math anxiety, and confidence. The iPad, used daily with a projector, allows me to present instruction in a way that is clear, visual, structured, and responsive to their individual learning needs.\r\n\r\nUsing the iPad, I project lessons, model math strategies step by step, and guide students through problems in real time. This approach allows students to see exactly how to approach a task while listening to explanations and participating in guided practice. I am able to highlight important information, annotate problems, correct errors immediately, and adjust instruction based on student understanding. This has reduced confusion and helped students remain engaged throughout the lesson.\r\n\r\nWhile many donors may use technology at home, in the classroom the iPad serves as a powerful instructional tool rather than just a device. It helps bridge learning gaps by making abstract math concepts more concrete and accessible. Students benefit from repeated visual modeling and clear demonstrations, which are especially important for learners who struggle with memory, processing speed, or reading comprehension. The ability to slow down instruction, revisit steps, and reinforce concepts has led to stronger understanding and improved performance.\r\n\r\nStudents are most excited about seeing their work displayed on the screen and being actively involved in the lesson. They enjoy following along as problems are solved and feel encouraged when they recognize steps or contribute answers. This interactive approach has increased participation, particularly among students who were previously hesitant to engage in math instruction.\r\n\r\nSeveral students have responded especially positively to this technology, including those with learning disabilities, attention difficulties, or low confidence in math. Students who once avoided participating are now more willing to try, ask questions, and stay focused. Seeing the work modeled visually while receiving verbal guidance has helped them feel supported rather than overwhelmed. As a result, students are developing greater independence and a more positive attitude toward learning.\r\n\r\nOverall, the iPad has transformed how instruction is delivered in my classroom. It has strengthened engagement, supported diverse learning styles, and created a more inclusive and effective learning environment. My students are more confident, more motivated, and better equipped to understand challenging math concepts. This project has not only enhanced academic learning but has also helped students believe in their ability to succeed. I am deeply grateful to our donors for providing a resource that has made such a lasting difference in my students' educational experience.","fullyFundedDate":1754546355940,"projectUrl":"project/tech-for-teaching-an-ipad-for-better-le/9438357/","projectTitle":"Tech for Teaching: An iPad for Better Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Virginia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9861446_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1733427781849","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9861446"},{"teacherId":9546646,"projectId":9260476,"letterContent":"The H.E.L.P. PEN – Helping Every Learner Progress resources have truly transformed our classroom! My students and I are using the new materials to support personalized learning across all subjects. Each student now has access to tools that help them write, edit, and express their ideas more confidently. The pens have been especially helpful for students who struggle with handwriting or organization—giving them a boost of independence and pride in their work.\r\n\r\nOne memorable moment was during our creative writing unit. A student who often hesitated to write because of fine motor challenges proudly shared a full-page story using the H.E.L.P. PEN. The excitement on their face—and the applause from their classmates—was priceless! Moments like that remind us why these resources matter so much.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the materials, their reactions were priceless—wide eyes, big smiles, and lots of curiosity. They couldn't wait to try them out. Many immediately began brainstorming how they could use the pens for upcoming science projects, math problem-solving, and journal writing.\r\n\r\nNext Steps:\r\n\r\nOur next project involves using the H.E.L.P. PEN tools for a \"Learning Showcase,\" where students will present what they've discovered through self-directed projects. They'll research, write, and illustrate their findings, then present them to families and classmates. These new resources will continue to help every learner progress at their own pace—building confidence, creativity, and collaboration along the way.","fullyFundedDate":1754546352904,"projectUrl":"project/help-pen-helping-every-learner-pro/9260476/","projectTitle":"H.E.L.P. PEN – Helping Every Learner Progress","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ann","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9546646_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y54&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1715619607285","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9546646"},{"teacherId":5387734,"projectId":9313529,"letterContent":"The donation of the 3D printer to my New Mexico History classroom has transformed not only how my students learn but how I teach. It has enhanced access to learning, responsibility, and teamwork in ways that reach far beyond what I expected.\r\n\r\nThis single tool expanded my repertoire as an educator. Learning to print was not easy—I faced a steep curve of trial, error, and persistence—but those same qualities became the heartbeat of my students' work. As they built dioramas and designed historical figures, they confronted their own challenges: refining their writing, deepening their historical understanding, and realizing the power of creativity as part of scholarship.\r\n\r\nThe 3D projects have revealed dimensions of learning that traditional instruction could never reach. They've given students tangible ways to express abstract historical concepts and have made history a living, breathing subject in Room 124. I've witnessed students who once struggled with engagement become leaders in design, collaboration, and storytelling.\r\n\r\nIt only takes one reed to stir the ocean. This donation was that reed—it stirred my instruction, my students, and the current of learning that runs through this classroom. The ripple effect continues to grow, shaping young historians and inspiring me to reach higher in every lesson.","fullyFundedDate":1754546352956,"projectUrl":"project/figure-it-out/9313529/","projectTitle":"Figure It Out","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Webb","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5387734_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1525885149809","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/naabadragons"},{"teacherId":9548727,"projectId":9407366,"letterContent":"dents learn and engage in the classroom. With the new laptop, students can complete interactive lessons, access research materials, and collaborate on projects more easily. The technology allows them to work at their own pace, explore topics more deeply, and receive immediate feedback, which helps them understand lessons better and stay motivated.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting part for my students is having access to the laptop for group work and creative projects. They love using it to create presentations, complete interactive exercises, and explore educational apps that make learning more fun. Some students who usually struggle with participation have especially warmed to the technology, using it confidently to share their ideas and contribute to group projects.\r\n\r\nAs we continue our lessons, students are using the laptop for research, digital projects, and collaborative activities that reinforce their learning. This shared technology has not only increased engagement but also helped students develop digital skills that are essential for success. Thanks to our generous donors, my students are learning in a more interactive, creative, and meaningful way.","fullyFundedDate":1754546352444,"projectUrl":"project/my-desk-to-theirs-a-shared-laptop-for-s/9407366/","projectTitle":"My Desk to Theirs: A Shared Laptop for Student Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Janelyn Rentura","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9548727_orig.jpg?crop=360,360,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1741014582533","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9548727"},{"teacherId":9548727,"projectId":9258088,"letterContent":"The Making Learning Clear and Timed for Every Student's Success project has greatly improved how my students engage with lessons and manage their learning. With the new technology, students can work at their own pace, access interactive activities, and receive immediate feedback, which helps them understand concepts more clearly. This has been especially helpful in keeping lessons organized and ensuring that every student stays on track and feels supported in their learning.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting part for my students is being able to use the new tools to actively participate in lessons. They enjoy using digital timers, interactive apps, and guided exercises that make learning fun and motivating. Many students have told me that these resources help them focus better and make difficult topics easier to understand. Even students who often struggle to stay engaged have warmed to the technology, using it confidently to complete tasks and track their progress.\r\n\r\nAs we continue to use these tools, my students are applying them in group projects, independent work, and classroom activities that reinforce key skills and concepts. This technology has allowed me to provide more personalized and effective instruction, helping every student succeed. Thanks to our generous donors, learning is now more interactive, clear, and enjoyable for all of my students.","fullyFundedDate":1746785572875,"projectUrl":"project/making-learning-clear-and-timed-for-eve/9258088/","projectTitle":"\"Making Learning Clear and Timed for Every Student’s Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Janelyn Rentura","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9548727_orig.jpg?crop=360,360,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1741014582533","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9548727"},{"teacherId":9548727,"projectId":9258031,"letterContent":"The From Molars to Mindfulness: Exploring Teeth, Emotions, and Healthy Habits project has had a wonderful impact on my students' learning. With the new resources, my students can explore oral health, emotional awareness, and healthy habits in a hands-on and interactive way. One memorable classroom moment was when students used the new dental models to practice proper brushing and flossing techniques while also discussing how emotions can affect daily habits. They were engaged, asking questions, and excited to share what they learned with their peers.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the new materials, they were thrilled and immediately wanted to explore everything. The combination of tactile models and visual aids made the lesson fun and easier to understand. Even students who are usually shy became more confident, participating in demonstrations and discussions with enthusiasm. The new resources have made learning more interactive, practical, and memorable for everyone.\r\n\r\nAs we continue our lessons, students will use these resources to create small projects connecting oral health, emotional well-being, and healthy habits. These activities will help reinforce what they've learned and encourage them to make positive choices in their daily lives. Thanks to our generous donors, my students are learning in a hands-on, meaningful way that truly brings health education to life.","fullyFundedDate":1746785491432,"projectUrl":"project/from-molars-to-mindfulness-exploring-te/9258031/","projectTitle":"From Molars to Mindfulness: Exploring Teeth, Emotions, and Healthy Habits","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Janelyn Rentura","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9548727_orig.jpg?crop=360,360,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1741014582533","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9548727"},{"teacherId":9548727,"projectId":9257948,"letterContent":"The From Textbooks to Touch: Bringing Human Body Learning to Life project has truly transformed how my students learn about health and the human body. With the new hands-on models and visual resources, my students can now explore and understand each body system in a more interactive and meaningful way. Instead of just reading from textbooks, they are able to see, touch, and connect what they learn to real-life health concepts. During one exciting lesson on the digestive system, students worked together using the new models to trace how food moves through the body. Their excitement and curiosity filled the room as they discovered how different organs work together.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the new materials, their faces lit up with joy and amazement. Many couldn't wait to touch and explore the models, asking questions and sharing what they already knew. The visual and tactile tools helped them understand difficult concepts more easily and encouraged even the quiet students to participate. Learning became more fun, engaging, and memorable for everyone.\r\n\r\nAs we continue our health lessons, students are now working on small projects to connect what they've learned about the body systems to healthy living. These new resources have made learning science more exciting and meaningful. Thank you to our generous donors for making this possible and for helping my students learn through curiosity and discovery!","fullyFundedDate":1746785551225,"projectUrl":"project/from-textbooks-to-touch-bringing-human/9257948/","projectTitle":"From Textbooks to Touch: Bringing Human Body Learning to Life","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Janelyn Rentura","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9548727_orig.jpg?crop=360,360,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1741014582533","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9548727"},{"teacherId":9548727,"projectId":9146991,"letterContent":"The Essential Tools for a Dynamic Learning Environment project has made a big difference in how my students learn and participate in class. The new materials have helped me create more engaging and interactive lessons that keep students excited about learning. We use the resources during group work, discussions, and hands-on projects, allowing students to take a more active role in their learning. One special moment was during a lesson on teamwork, when students used the new supplies to create visual posters that showed how communication and respect build a healthy classroom community. They were proud to present their ideas and support one another.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the new materials, their faces lit up with excitement. They immediately wanted to explore and use them. Many shared that these tools made learning easier to understand and more enjoyable. Even students who are usually quiet became more confident and willing to participate because the resources encouraged creativity and collaboration.\r\n\r\nAs we continue our lessons, my students are using the new tools to complete group projects and creative presentations that promote problem-solving and critical thinking. These resources have truly brought more life and energy to our classroom. Thank you to all our wonderful donors for making this learning experience possible!","fullyFundedDate":1746786076331,"projectUrl":"project/enhancing-classroom-engagement-essentia/9146991/","projectTitle":"Enhancing Classroom Engagement: Essential Tools for a Dynamic Learning Environment","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Janelyn Rentura","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9548727_orig.jpg?crop=360,360,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1741014582533","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9548727"},{"teacherId":9548727,"projectId":9139188,"letterContent":"The Tech-Enhanced Learning: Transforming Health Education Through Interactive Instruction project has made a huge difference in how my students learn and participate in class. With the new technology, my lessons have become more engaging, interactive, and student-centered. Students can now use digital tools to explore health topics, complete interactive activities, and watch educational videos that bring lessons to life. This technology helps them better understand complex topics, stay focused, and enjoy learning in new and exciting ways.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting part for my students is being able to use the new devices during class projects and group activities. They love using technology to create presentations, research information, and share what they have learned in creative ways. Many students have told me that learning through technology makes lessons feel more real and fun, especially when they can see visuals or participate in online simulations.\r\n\r\nSome of my quieter students have also become more confident and involved since we started using the new tools. They enjoy working independently on digital assignments and are proud to show their work. Thanks to this project, my classroom has become a more interactive and inspiring space for learning. I'm deeply grateful to our donors for making this possible!","fullyFundedDate":1746785751736,"projectUrl":"project/tech-enhanced-learning-transforming-hea/9139188/","projectTitle":"Tech-Enhanced Learning: Transforming Health Education Through Interactive Instruction","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Janelyn Rentura","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9548727_orig.jpg?crop=360,360,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1741014582533","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9548727"},{"teacherId":9548727,"projectId":9125566,"letterContent":"The project Visual Learning: Understanding the Human Body for Resilience and Health has made a meaningful impact on my students' learning experience. With the new visual and hands-on resources, my health education classes have become more interactive and engaging. Students are now able to see and explore how different body systems work together to keep us healthy. During one memorable lesson on the circulatory system, students used the new visual models to trace how blood flows through the heart and lungs. They were excitedly pointing out each part and connecting what they learned from the diagrams to real-life situations, like the importance of exercise and good nutrition.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the new materials, their faces lit up with excitement and curiosity. Many of them expressed how much easier it was to understand lessons that they used to find challenging. Instead of just reading or listening, they were now touching, observing, and discovering. The visual aids encouraged even the quiet students to participate, and the overall energy in the classroom became more positive and enthusiastic.\r\n\r\nAs we continue our unit on the human body and wellness, my students are now working on small group projects that connect what they've learned to personal health goals. They're creating mini-presentations about how lifestyle choices affect body systems and overall well-being. Thanks to these resources, my students are not only learning science—they're building awareness, confidence, and a deeper appreciation for taking care of their bodies.","fullyFundedDate":1746786313095,"projectUrl":"project/visual-learning-understanding-the-human/9125566/","projectTitle":"Visual Learning: Understanding the Human Body for Resilience and Health","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Janelyn Rentura","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9548727_orig.jpg?crop=360,360,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1741014582533","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9548727"},{"teacherId":9891257,"projectId":9263534,"letterContent":"I am so grateful for your donation. Thanks to you, I have been able to give my students a real forensics class, using current technology and providing science education that has a very real application that they understand.\r\n\r\nWe have just completed our first month of school, and have been able to use the microscopes several times, and have just finished using the basic fingerprinting kit. Only one of my students had every used a microscope before, so it was very rewarding to give them a skill that they will be able to carry on to high school, and hopefully to college and work. My students have learned the basics of fingerprint analysis, and have analyzed their own prints. We plan on using the advanced kit next, followed by the body fluid analysis slides, and then we will end the course with the Forensics Mystery kit. \r\n\r\nMy students have been absolutely engaged, so much that they have even told their friends about the course, sharing their new knowledge with peers. We have already filled all the available slots for the forensics course next semester. The durable equipment that you have funded for us will be used by our students for years. Thank you for giving us this opportunity!","fullyFundedDate":1745262331545,"projectUrl":"project/forensic-science-activities-to-bring-csi/9263534/","projectTitle":"Forensic Science Activities to Bring CSI into My Classroom!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Allais","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9891257"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_82782","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":362,"numTeachers":27,"percentFrplEligible":91,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":32,"percentIndigenous":41,"percentLatinx":22,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"7 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"13.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"UNCLASSIFIED","ncesMetroType":"TOWN_FRINGE"},"inStateSupporters":42.2,"schoolId":82782,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Mesa Alta Junior High School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Mesa Alta Junior High School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-mexico/bloomfield-school-district/mesa-alta-junior-high-school/82782"}