{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Paul Cato Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":27.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":1615505,"projectId":9506199,"letterContent":"A Lasting Legacy of Support\r\n\r\nThe true value of your donation extends far beyond running events. This inflatable arch is a durable, lasting asset that will serve our school for years to come. We plan to use it as an impressive entryway for school-wide gatherings, including our annual science fair, school orientation, and even as a grand, photo-friendly backdrop for graduation ceremonies. Your support has given us a permanent fixture of school spirit and pride.\r\n\r\nEvery time this arch is inflated—whether for a marathon, a quick sprint, or a community welcome—it will serve as a glowing reminder of the incredible generosity of people like you. Your investment in our students' physical and emotional well-being will encourage thousands of children to strive for their personal best and celebrate their fitness goals.\r\n\r\nFrom the bottom of our hearts, thank you for believing in our students and making this incredible project a reality. We are so grateful for your partnership in providing an educational experience that is truly unforgettable.","fullyFundedDate":1758636492177,"projectUrl":"project/from-start-to-finish/9506199/","projectTitle":"From Start to Finish","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Ribaudo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1615505_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y50&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1615499269221","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ribaudo"},{"teacherId":3198126,"projectId":8603905,"letterContent":"THANK YOU so much for your donation! We have been loving our rolling whiteboards and using them quite often. My students are constantly asking to go work on them. It has added a level of eagerness in our math class. \r\n\r\nWhen we first received our whiteboards, the kids were so SHOCKED! They automatically wanted to work. Of course, they were bragging to other kids that they got rolling whiteboards in our math class! Many kids peeped in to see it! \r\n\r\nWe of course are going to continue using it. We would love for the rest of the classes to get at least one, so that those students can also love working with their teacher and having one on one. \r\n\r\nThank you so much!!","fullyFundedDate":1731940504969,"projectUrl":"project/back-to-school/8603905/","projectTitle":"Back to School","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Acevedo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3198126_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723150611194","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-acevedo92"},{"teacherId":3198126,"projectId":9046383,"letterContent":"THANK YOU so much for your donation! We have been loving our kidney table and using it quite often. My students are consistently asking to go work on it. It has added a level of eagerness in our math class. \r\n\r\nWhen we first received our table, the kids were so SHOCKED! They automatically wanted to work. Of course, they were bragging to other kids that they got a whiteboard table in our math class! Many kids peeped in to see it! \r\n\r\nWe of course are going to continue using it. We would love for the rest of the classes to get one, so that those students can also love working with their teacher and having one on one. \r\n\r\nThank you so much!!","fullyFundedDate":1739366815619,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-math/9046383/","projectTitle":"Hands-on Math","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Acevedo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3198126_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723150611194","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-acevedo92"},{"teacherId":3198126,"projectId":9123782,"letterContent":"Thank you for donating treats and drinks to our class. Thanks to your donation, my kiddos have treats when they are hungry. There are times, that my students come to class and get hungry, and I didn't have anything to give them. Now, I can reach into my snack closet and give something to my students. \r\n\r\n\r\nWhen my students learned about our donation, they were EXCITED but overall, GRATEFUL! They feel more safe coming to class, and having something to eat in class, when they couldn't have breakfast. \r\n\r\n\r\nI hope I can continue my donations throughout next year. Thank you for your help!","fullyFundedDate":1740509185077,"projectUrl":"project/refueling-our-math-class/9123782/","projectTitle":"Refueling our Math Class","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Acevedo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3198126_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723150611194","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-acevedo92"},{"teacherId":9736637,"projectId":8749894,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your gracious donation to our classroom. My students were very happy to receive all the items and eager to look through each and every one. They love them and tell their friends about them any time they want to be helpful to their friends. \r\n\r\nMy students gravitate to the zen garden every morning before school begins. They really enjoy the mindfulness tools that are on the table along with the zen garden. This has helped them tremendously as they get to relax and ground themselves prior to class beginning. Once class begins they are ready to learn and I have noticed less distractions.\r\n\r\nFrom the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU!","fullyFundedDate":1731940471229,"projectUrl":"project/calm-minds-bright-futures-support-our/8749894/","projectTitle":"Calm Minds, Bright Futures: Support our Students","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. T","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9736637"},{"teacherId":3213568,"projectId":8955317,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your continued support! Technology has truly transformed the way my students learn, bringing new opportunities for engagement, collaboration, and creativity. Tools like interactive animation tools, educational apps, and online resources have made lessons more dynamic and accessible, allowing students to explore topics in ways that were previously impossible. With the help of these technologies, students can engage in personalized learning experiences, giving them the ability to work at their own pace and focus on areas that need improvement. It's wonderful to see how technology has encouraged them to take ownership of their learning in a more interactive and engaging way.\r\n\r\nThe new product we've introduced through stop motion productions has sparked immense excitement among the students. What they love most is how it makes learning feel like an adventure. They are more motivated and enthusiastic than ever to participate in lessons. Certain students, especially those who previously struggled with traditional learning methods, have really flourished with the new technology. For example, some students with special learning needs have found the visual and auditory features incredibly helpful, while others thrive in the independent learning environment it provides. It's incredible to watch their confidence grow as they interact with the technology and discover new ways to express their ideas. Your support has made a world of difference in making this possible—thank you once again!","fullyFundedDate":1739366815250,"projectUrl":"project/animation-creation/8955317/","projectTitle":"Animation Creation","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Street","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3213568_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1686680041990","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3213568"},{"teacherId":3213568,"projectId":8803505,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your continued support! Technology has truly transformed the way our students learn, bringing new opportunities for engagement, collaboration, and creativity. Tools like interactive animation tools, educational apps, and online resources have made lessons more dynamic and accessible, allowing students to explore topics in ways that were previously impossible. With the help of these technologies, students can engage in personalized learning experiences, giving them the ability to work at their own pace and focus on areas that need improvement. It's wonderful to see how technology has encouraged them to take ownership of their learning in a more interactive and engaging way.\r\n\r\nThe new product we've introduced through stop motion productions has sparked immense excitement among the students. What they love most is how it makes learning feel like an adventure. They are more motivated and enthusiastic than ever to participate in lessons. Certain students, especially those who previously struggled with traditional learning methods, have really flourished with the new technology. For example, some students with special learning needs have found the visual and auditory features incredibly helpful, while others thrive in the independent learning environment it provides. It's incredible to watch their confidence grow as they interact with the technology and discover new ways to express their ideas. Your support has made a world of difference in making this possible—thank you once again!","fullyFundedDate":1731940486181,"projectUrl":"project/animation-creation/8803505/","projectTitle":"Animation Creation","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Street","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3213568_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1686680041990","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3213568"},{"teacherId":9773146,"projectId":8812757,"letterContent":"I wanted to take a moment to thank you for your generous contribution to our classroom. Your support has made such a positive impact on both me and my students, and we truly appreciate your kindness and thoughtfulness. The materials we received—ranging from the smaller expo markers and organizational supplies to the snacks and their dedicated storage—have already begun to transform our daily learning experiences.\r\n\r\nThe smaller expo markers have helped students keep their whiteboard work neat and legible, which has been a huge help for both them and me when checking their progress. The ability to have clearer, more organized work has boosted students' confidence and made it easier to address areas where they may need extra help. One project where this became especially valuable was when the class worked on math problem-solving. The clear, vibrant writing on their individual whiteboards allowed them to quickly share their thoughts and solve problems interactively, all while staying organized.\r\n\r\nThe art supply organization has also been a game-changer. My students have really embraced the fact that everything is so easily accessible. Before receiving the storage materials, keeping markers, colored pencils and other supplies was always a bit chaotic. Now, students can focus more on the creative process, knowing that the tools they need are right where they should be. This has not only improved the flow of art lessons but has also taught students valuable skills in taking care of shared resources.\r\n\r\nI also want to share how impactful the snack materials have been for our students. For many, having a snack available during the day has made a noticeable difference in their energy levels and focus. The fact that they have this support has made them feel seen and cared for. They were absolutely thrilled when they first discovered the snacks were available.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we are excited about the next steps in our current projects. Our next unit involves collaborative group work and focused skill building which require organized work and readily accessible materials. We'll also continue with our art lessons, building on the foundation of creative exploration and learning the importance of taking care of the supplies so that they last. It's inspiring to see the students take ownership of their learning in such a tangible way, and your contribution has been a huge part of that.\r\n\r\nOnce again, thank you for your incredible generosity. Your thoughtful donation has made a real difference in the lives of my students, and we are so grateful for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1731940469166,"projectUrl":"project/we-create-we-thrive/8812757/","projectTitle":"We Create, We Thrive!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hopkins","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9773146"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_107344","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":654,"numTeachers":36,"percentFrplEligible":80,"percentAsian":3,"percentBlack":2,"percentWhite":21,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":70,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"18.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":72.5,"schoolId":107344,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Paul Cato Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Paul Cato Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/bakersfield-city-school-district/paul-l-cato-middle-school/107344"}
Join the 51 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Paul Cato Middle School is
an urban public school
in Bakersfield, California that is part of Bakersfield City School District.
It serves 654 students
in grades 6 - 8 with a student/teacher ratio of 18.2:1.
Its teachers have had 46 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Boost support for our school's classrooms. Share this page with friends and family who want to make a difference. If you're a teacher, sign up to get started!
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. Each classroom request for funding was created by a classroom teacher and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
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
75%
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.
Paul Cato Middle School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Dec 5, 2025
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.
Paul Cato Middle School
$30,276
raised using DonorsChoose
46
projects
funded
20
teachers
funded
51
donors
7
projects
for
basic supplies
7
projects for
technology
5
projects for
books
6
projects
for
art supplies
Paul Cato Middle School has received support from
37 individuals from California and
14 individuals out-of-state.