Richard Yoakley School in Knoxville, Tennessee on DonorsChoose

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They were so proud of their work that they asked to share it with the class, and it sparked a conversation about how technology can make learning more accessible for everyone. Others have gravitated toward using drawing and music apps during free time, finding a creative outlet that helps them decompress between challenging assignments.\r\n\r\nThis technology has especially resonated with students who benefit from visual and hands-on learning. It has made complex concepts easier to understand, encouraged self-expression, and provided tools to help them stay organized and on track. The iPad and Apple Pencil have not only enhanced academic learning but have also supported mental well-being in our classroom. Your generosity has given my students more than just a device—you've given them a resource that empowers, motivates, and inspires them every day.","fullyFundedDate":1723468120450,"projectUrl":"project/empower-minds-donate-ipad-for-student-w/8563214/","projectTitle":"Empower Minds: Donate iPad for Student Well-being","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Heather Sexton","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8837121_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753130402921","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/sextonsciencerys"},{"teacherId":8837121,"projectId":8300919,"letterContent":"When the big box of biology supplies arrived, my students gathered around like it was Christmas morning. They didn't just see \"school materials\"—they saw the promise of real science happening right here in our classroom. Your donation transformed our space from a room where we talked about science into one where we can truly do science.\r\n\r\nOne of the most exciting moments came the first day we used the gel electrophoresis kit. Many of my students had only seen this technique in crime shows or YouTube videos. Now, they were the scientists—measuring precise amounts of \"DNA\" samples with our new glass pipettes, carefully loading them into the gel wells, and watching as the bands began to separate. I could see the lightbulbs turn on. One student said, \"I've seen this on NCIS before—now I actually understand what they're doing!\" This hands-on experience bridged the gap between abstract textbook diagrams and real-world applications, showing students that biology is alive, dynamic, and within their reach.\r\n\r\nThe new classroom models and visuals have also been game changers. The cross-section animal cell model and plush cell replicas are not only engaging but also accessible to our tactile learners. Students pass them around during lessons, pointing to organelles as they explain their functions. The colorful science posters now lining our walls serve as constant reminders of key concepts, sparking curiosity even when students are just glancing around the room.\r\n\r\nAnd then there are the smaller—but no less important—additions, like the classroom clock. It may seem like a simple item, but in a room where many students rely on structure and routine, having a clear, visible timepiece helps keep them focused and calm during labs and transitions.\r\n\r\nSince receiving these resources, we've been able to turn lessons that were once purely theoretical into engaging, interactive experiences. Instead of just reading about cells, students can hold, examine, and even laugh about the giant plush cell models. Instead of merely learning that DNA fragments can be separated by size, they can run the experiment themselves and see the results form before their eyes.\r\n\r\nThe next step for my students is to expand our lab work into more advanced molecular biology techniques. Now that they have mastered basic electrophoresis, they're ready to apply it to real-world scenarios—like simulating genetic testing or analyzing \"evidence\" in a mock forensic investigation. These future projects will challenge them to think critically, collaborate, and use the scientific method from start to finish.\r\n\r\nYour support has done more than just buy equipment—it has created opportunities for my students to see themselves as scientists. For many of them, this is the first time they've had access to authentic, hands-on science experiences. In a school where nearly all students come from low-income households, these moments matter. You've given them the tools to not only learn science, but to love it. 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About this school

Richard Yoakley School is an urban public school in Knoxville, Tennessee that is part of Knox County Schools. It serves 200 students in grades 6 - 12 with a student/teacher ratio of 9.1:1. Its teachers have had 20 projects funded on DonorsChoose.

Equity Focus School

Support towards this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Public School

Title 1

Grades 6 - 12

200 Students

22 Teachers

4415 Washington Pike

Knoxville, TN 37917 View local requests

Evidence-based impact

Inspire teachers to stay in the classroom and boost student achievement.¹

Give to this school

Ms. Vero, a DonorsChoose teacher for 9 years.

Kindergarten teacher at PS81 - Robert J. Christen School in Bronx, NY

Richard Yoakley School Teachers on DonorsChoose

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Richard Yoakley School Demographics

95%

of students receive free or reduced price lunch

Source: the National Center for Education Statistics

48%

of students are Black, Latino, Native American, or Asian

Schools in districts that mainly serve students of color receive substantially less state and local support than similar districts that serve primarily White students. Learn more about this gap, why it exists, and how you can help close it.

Richard Yoakley 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.