{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Ranchos Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":13.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9828069,"projectId":9534492,"letterContent":"I want to extend my sincere gratitude for your generous support of our STEM classroom. Your donations have truly transformed our learning environment into a space filled with creativity, collaboration, and innovation. Because of your kindness, my students have had the opportunity to take on exciting engineering challenges that bring science and design to life in meaningful ways.\r\n\r\nThis year, we've built cargo planes that can carry weight, self-launching planes that soar across the room, spider web bridges designed for maximum strength, self-moving cars powered by creative energy, and even moon bases built to withstand meteor impacts. Each project has sparked incredible teamwork, problem-solving, and perseverance. It's been amazing to watch students experiment, make adjustments, and celebrate when their designs finally work.\r\n\r\nThe new building materials—and especially the robotics charge hub—have helped make all of this possible. Having the right tools has given students the freedom to explore ideas without frustration and to see themselves as true engineers and innovators. One of my favorite moments was seeing a student who usually hangs back take the lead in explaining how her group redesigned their bridge to handle more weight. These moments of confidence and discovery are exactly what your generosity inspires.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in the power of hands-on learning and for helping me create a classroom where curiosity drives success. Your support has made a lasting difference for my students, and we are deeply grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1755795379033,"projectUrl":"project/powering-stem-potential-building-solvi/9534492/","projectTitle":"Powering STEM Potential: Building, Solving, and Exploring in Every Direction!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Colwell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9828069_orig.jpg?crop=2208,2208,x392,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1737750288744","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9828069"},{"teacherId":4372973,"projectId":9200977,"letterContent":"Thank you again for your generosity and thoughtfulness with your donations to my project. My Fashion & Sewing students were able to complete a couple of assignments with the materials that you provided. First, they sketched an accessory then used the play dough to create their accessory with more detail. The second assignment was to sketch and outfit and different accessory. Then they were able to use the mannequins and play dough to display their outfit creations. \r\nThey truly enjoyed the creativity they could express in the assignments and loved being able to use the mannequins like actual designers use. Thank you again for the supplies, we appreciate it!!","fullyFundedDate":1742926977931,"projectUrl":"project/creative-fashion/9200977/","projectTitle":"Creative Fashion","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Moore","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4372973_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1490243411099","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4372973"},{"teacherId":9828069,"projectId":9276888,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom transformed into a hub of creativity, critical thinking, and real-world STEM exploration. The materials you helped provide were immediately put to use across multiple hands-on engineering challenges, including preparation for our MESA (Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement) competition. Students tackled complex builds like Rube Goldberg machines, gliders, and moon bases engineered to survive asteroid impacts. These projects sparked problem-solving, collaboration, and resilience—and students were incredibly proud of their innovations.\r\n\r\nIn addition to MESA, your donations fueled an engaging amusement park physics unit, where students applied Newton's Laws by designing and building model roller coasters. They calculated speed, tracked energy transfers, and truly saw physics in motion. When the materials first arrived, students lit up with curiosity—eager to dive in and get their hands dirty building and testing their ideas.\r\n\r\nThis hands-on learning has opened new doors for many students, especially those who thrive in creative and kinesthetic environments. It's not just about building—it's about building confidence.\r\n\r\nNext up: we're launching a new engineering challenge called \"From Balsa to Boom: Engineering in Action!\" Students will explore structural design and physics concepts as they construct and test balsa wood bridges for strength and efficiency. They can't wait to apply what they've learned in new and exciting ways.\r\n\r\nYour support made all of this possible—thank you for being a part of our learning journey!","fullyFundedDate":1746708932968,"projectUrl":"project/from-balsa-to-boom-engineering-in-actio/9276888/","projectTitle":"From Balsa to Boom: Engineering in Action!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Colwell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9828069_orig.jpg?crop=2208,2208,x392,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1737750288744","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9828069"},{"teacherId":9828069,"projectId":9128090,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our project, Fuel Young Inventors: Support Hands-On STEM Projects! Because of you, my students experienced the thrill of learning science through something they love—roller coasters!\r\n\r\nWhen the materials arrived, the excitement was contagious. Students eagerly unpacked the kits, instantly buzzing with ideas and anticipation. \r\n\r\nWe launched into a physics unit focused on amusement park engineering. Using the donated resources, students researched Newton's Laws, built model roller coasters, and calculated speed, potential, and kinetic energy. One unforgettable moment was when a group who had struggled with physics concepts saw their roller coaster successfully loop and complete the track. Their cheers of excitement said it all—it clicked.\r\n\r\nUp next, students will apply their understanding by designing their own \"dream coasters,\" using real-world constraints and presenting their work like engineers pitching ideas to a theme park board. The project is helping them connect scientific theory to the world around them, and I've never seen them more engaged.\r\n\r\nYour support didn't just fund a project—it empowered young scientists and engineers. Thank you for being part of this adventure!","fullyFundedDate":1742853243625,"projectUrl":"project/fuel-young-inventors-support-hands-on-s/9128090/","projectTitle":"Fuel Young Inventors: Support Hands-On STEM Projects!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Colwell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9828069_orig.jpg?crop=2208,2208,x392,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1737750288744","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9828069"},{"teacherId":9828069,"projectId":9079480,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity! Our students have already put the Circuit Playground circuits to use, and they absolutely loved creating apps that responded with sounds, lights, and buttons. It was incredible to see their excitement as they brought their ideas to life through coding and hands-on experimentation.\r\n\r\nYour support made this engaging learning experience possible, and I can't tell you how much it meant to them. Watching their creativity and confidence grow as they explored new possibilities was truly inspiring.\r\n\r\nWe are so grateful for your generosity and for helping to make this kind of real-world learning a reality in my classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1738033206663,"projectUrl":"project/circuit-quest-code-your-world/9079480/","projectTitle":"Circuit Quest: Code Your World!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Colwell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9828069_orig.jpg?crop=2208,2208,x392,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1737750288744","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9828069"},{"teacherId":9828069,"projectId":8923543,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible support of our STEM classroom! Your contributions have truly made an impact, giving my students the chance to engage in hands-on, creative learning that fosters critical thinking and teamwork.\r\n\r\nWhen the new materials arrived, the excitement in the room was contagious. Students were eager to dive in, exploring the possibilities and brainstorming ideas for their projects. One student exclaimed, \"This is the kind of stuff scientists do!\" From that moment on, they've been fully immersed in designing, building, and experimenting.\r\n\r\nOne of our current projects involves creating a moon base and designing a Rube Goldberg-style device we call the Mesa Machine. Through the moon base project, students are learning to think like engineers as they solve real-world problems. Their designs show not only creativity but also a deep understanding of scientific concepts like structural stability.\r\n\r\nMeanwhile, the Mesa Machine has challenged them to explore cause-and-effect relationships, physics, and the importance of precision. Students are building intricate systems where a chain reaction of events leads to a specific goal, like launching a paper projectile or turning on a light. They're learning to test, adjust, and try again—a key part of the scientific process.\r\n\r\nThese materials have transformed the way my students engage with STEM. They're no longer just learning concepts from a textbook—they're applying them, solving problems, and building confidence in their ability to think critically and creatively. One student recently shared, \"I didn't think I was good at science, but now I want to do this kind of stuff all the time!\"\r\n\r\nNext, students will focus on fine-tuning their projects, presenting their designs, and reflecting on what worked, what didn't, and how they can improve. These activities are preparing them to think like scientists and engineers and, more importantly, inspiring them to see themselves in those roles.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, my students are dreaming big and discovering their potential. You've made it possible for them to see how STEM connects to the world around them—and to their futures.\r\n\r\nThank you for being part of our journey and supporting the next generation of innovators!\r\n\r\nWarm regards,","fullyFundedDate":1731540147239,"projectUrl":"project/blueprints-to-reality-hands-on-supplies/8923543/","projectTitle":"Blueprints to Reality: Hands-On Supplies for Future Builders!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Colwell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9828069_orig.jpg?crop=2208,2208,x392,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1737750288744","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9828069"},{"teacherId":4372973,"projectId":8547322,"letterContent":"Thank you for donating all of the sewing supplies for my classroom. We spent the first semester on learning different hand sewing techniques. These ranged from sewing fabric together, sewing on buttons, embroidery, and creating tie blankets. The next semester we will be using some of the supplies to support or machine sewing. The students are very excited to sew their own pajama pants, bags, and other various items. We will also be doing a sewing project to help support patients at our local children's hospital. \r\nAgain, your generosity is very much appreciated. The students love to use all of the supplies!!","fullyFundedDate":1730396819732,"projectUrl":"project/supplies-for-our-sewing-fashion-design/8547322/","projectTitle":"Supplies for Our Sewing & Fashion Design Skills!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Moore","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4372973_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1490243411099","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4372973"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_31309","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":405,"numTeachers":14,"percentFrplEligible":40,"percentAsian":8,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":36,"percentIndigenous":1,"percentLatinx":49,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"7 - 9","studentTeacherRatio":"28.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"RURAL","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_FRINGE"},"inStateSupporters":86.3,"schoolId":31309,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Ranchos Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Ranchos Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/golden-valley-unified-school-district/ranchos-middle-school/31309"}