{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Rio Norte Junior High School","outOfStateSupporters":18.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10253973,"projectId":9705539,"letterContent":"The movement-based sensory items have quickly become one of the most loved parts of our speech room. \r\n\r\nWhen the students walked in after we set up the sensory center, their reactions were priceless. They immediately gravitated toward the new items, curious, excited, and smiling. Many of them now make a beeline for the sensory area as soon as they enter the room. It has genuinely changed the tone of our sessions. Many of their teachers have come in to look at the materials because the more verbal students, aides, and even our custodial staff have been talking about them.\r\n\r\nOne of our students even used the little movement chair on his own while taking a reading break; it was spontaneous and completely appropriate for what his body needed in that moment.\r\n\r\nStudents use them before, during, and after sessions to help their bodies stay calm and focused. Depending on their needs that day, we weave the wheelchair, basketball hoop, tent, movement stools, and sensory step blocks into our regular speech, language, social, and AAC (iPad with communication application) activities. These tools give students a way to regulate positively and purposefully, which has made a noticeable difference in their attention and participation.\r\n\r\nThese are some of the ways we're using these items during our sessions: \r\n-The wheelchair is used as a movement-break option during testing or longer structured tasks. A short \"ride\" helps students who normally have trouble staying in one spot and lets them reset without losing momentum.\r\n-The basketball hoop has been a great tool for students who like to throw things when they're overwhelmed. It gives them a safe and appropriate way to get that sensory input while still staying engaged with us.\r\n-The parachute has become a small \"calm corner\" when a student needs a few minutes to regroup before coming back to the table.\r\n-The movement stools help students who need to wiggle or rock a bit in order to stay seated and attend.\r\n-The sensory step blocks are perfect for teaching descriptive words, practicing sequencing, and giving students a fun movement break between communication trials.\r\n\r\nThere are already a few specific moments that stand out:\r\nA student who usually starts to throw objects when he feels stressed grabbed something and was about to escalate. We gently redirected him to the basketball hoop on the wall. He took a shot, his behavior staff and SLP joined him, and the entire tone of the session shifted. He stayed regulated, safe, and engaged with us. That has never happened in that situation before.\r\n\r\nAnother student, who had never been able to sit long enough to complete direct testing, was able to participate for the first time by using the wheelchair for short breaks. The movement helped her stay regulated and focused in a way we hadn't been able to achieve before.\r\n\r\nAs we continue using these items, our next goal is to bring some of the movement activities into outdoor spaces and classrooms. Once the weather warms up, we plan to introduce the big parachute outside for communication games. We'll also be using the sensory step blocks for classroom lessons focused on describing textures and temperatures (\"bumpy,\" \"soft,\" \"hard,\" \"cold,\" etc.), giving students more chances to use new language in real situations.\r\n\r\nThis has been a game-changer for our students, and it provides even more opportunities for us to work on speech, language, social, and AAC (iPad with communication application) skills with our amazing students.","fullyFundedDate":1758035346147,"projectUrl":"project/calm-to-connect-move-to-express-expan/9705539/","projectTitle":"Calm to Connect, Move to Express: Expanding Our Sensory Space","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Julie Casady","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10253973_orig.png?crop=494,494,x0,y143&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1759269127576","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10253973"},{"teacherId":3832341,"projectId":9834587,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting this project and helping bring excitement, motivation, and joy into our speech therapy room! Your generosity has made an immediate difference in how they learn and how they feel about their own hard work.\r\n\r\nThe new prize box has enhanced our speech therapy sessions. The mini bubbles, slime kits, finger skateboards, stress balls, and notebooks have become meaningful incentives that keep students focused, regulated, and eager to participate—especially during challenging communication tasks. The snack shelf has been a wonderful way to celebrate goals and acknowledge moments of perseverance that might otherwise go unnoticed.\r\n\r\nThe earbuds have also opened doors for students who benefit from listening to speech recordings or using digital tools in a quieter, more personal way. With the new shelf keeping everything organized, our reward area is now clean, accessible, and inviting, which makes choosing a prize feel like an accomplishment in itself.\r\n\r\nThis project has truly enhanced my students' engagement, confidence, and willingness to take risks in their communication practice. It has also made it easier for me to individualize rewards, reinforce positive behaviors, and create a classroom environment where effort feels exciting and success feels celebrated.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students and helping make speech therapy a place where they feel motivated, supported, and proud of their growth. Your generosity made this possible!","fullyFundedDate":1762267487801,"projectUrl":"project/motivation-station-sparking-success-in/9834587/","projectTitle":"Motivation Station: Sparking Success in Speech Therapy","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lauren Miles, MS CCC-SLP","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3832341_orig.jpg?crop=1340,1340,x463,y1360&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755897062196","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lmiles"},{"teacherId":3832341,"projectId":9780664,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my speech therapy space is now organized, comfortable, and fully equipped to support my junior high students. The ergonomic chair allows me to work with students throughout the day without discomfort, and the paper shredder, file folders, and magnetic organizers make managing student records secure and efficient. The vacuum cleaner keeps our space clean and safe, even with frequent use of sensory tools and games.\r\n\r\nClassroom management magnets, pre-sharpened pencils, and card holders help sessions run smoothly, keeping students engaged and ensuring that every student can participate fully, regardless of motor or attention challenges. With these resources in place, I can focus entirely on helping students build critical communication, social, and organizational skills.\r\n\r\nYour support has transformed our therapy space into a welcoming, structured, and student-centered environment—one where my students feel motivated, supported, and able to succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1760977671438,"projectUrl":"project/comfort-cleanliness-and-care-in-our-th/9780664/","projectTitle":"Comfort, Cleanliness, and Care in Our Therapy Space","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lauren Miles, MS CCC-SLP","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3832341_orig.jpg?crop=1340,1340,x463,y1360&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755897062196","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lmiles"},{"teacherId":3832341,"projectId":9661028,"letterContent":"Thanks to your support, my students now have access to engaging, hands-on games that make speech therapy something they look forward to each week. These materials have transformed our sessions into fun, interactive learning experiences where students can practice language, social, and problem-solving skills in meaningful ways.\r\n\r\nBy using games like Zingo, Building Language Lotto, Scattergories, and Hues & Cues, students are strengthening their vocabulary, grammar, and communication while also learning cooperation, turn-taking, and flexible thinking. This playful approach has increased motivation, participation, and confidence—especially for learners who often find communication tasks challenging.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has helped create a positive, supportive environment where students are not only improving their speech and language skills but also building social connections and lifelong confidence in expressing themselves.","fullyFundedDate":1760196808656,"projectUrl":"project/learning-games-galore/9661028/","projectTitle":"Learning Games Galore!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lauren Miles, MS CCC-SLP","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3832341_orig.jpg?crop=1340,1340,x463,y1360&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755897062196","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lmiles"},{"teacherId":10190036,"projectId":9625111,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous donations, our classroom has come alive with excitement and meaningful learning! The Artic Chipper Chat has become a favorite tool during speech sessions as students are eager to take turns using the magnetic wand to collect chips as they practice articulation in a fun, interactive way. The Pancake Pile-Up game has also been a big hit, helping students with motor planning, sequencing, and teamwork skills all while laughing and racing to stack pancakes just right!\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, the students were excited and curious and couldn't wait to dive in. One memorable moment was during a small group session when we used the Reading Informational Text Folder Game; a normally quiet student lit up with confidence as they correctly identified key details in a passage. It was a powerful reminder of how the right tools can unlock learning in new ways. We're now building on these skills by combining the Tapple game and Social Skills Board Game to support vocabulary building and turn-taking during group activities. These resources have brought both structure and joy to our classroom, and we're so grateful to you for making it possible!","fullyFundedDate":1755747288882,"projectUrl":"project/voices-of-tomorrow-empowering-students/9625111/","projectTitle":"Voices of Tomorrow: Empowering Students with Speech Tools","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Morgan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10190036"},{"teacherId":7999262,"projectId":9457648,"letterContent":"The organizational tools for my classroom have made such an impact on my teaching. I cannot thank you enough for your kind generosity. I am able to organize important papers and supplies for the students. This has been invaluable for my sanity this year, so thank you very much for your contributions.\r\n\r\nThe students are able to get their supplies more readily without relying on me. This has increased their independence, which is a goal of mine for the classroom. Thank you for making this possible. It is much appreciated!","fullyFundedDate":1752597212346,"projectUrl":"project/organization-for-students-with-special-n/9457648/","projectTitle":"Organization for Students with Special Needs","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Turner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7999262_orig.jpg?crop=1512,1512,x0,y433&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1629404773153","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7999262"},{"teacherId":7999262,"projectId":9449000,"letterContent":"I can't thank you enough for contributing to my special education classroom. My students with special needs are highly impacted with autism and ADHD. Having wonderful, unique fidgets in the class is necessary for them to be able to focus on the lesson and participate fully in the curriculum.\r\n\r\nThank you for caring about the learners in my area and making a strong contribution to their success in school. They are better able to focus and attend to their lessons now. This has really made a difference in the overall flow of my classroom.\r\n\r\nWe are able to use the simple games for breaks, when students are finished with the curriculum. Thank you again for your kindness and generosity!","fullyFundedDate":1752503955080,"projectUrl":"project/fidgets-games-for-special-needs-studen/9449000/","projectTitle":"Fidgets & Games for Special Needs Students","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Turner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7999262_orig.jpg?crop=1512,1512,x0,y433&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1629404773153","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7999262"},{"teacherId":7999262,"projectId":9448934,"letterContent":"I can't thank you enough for the reading materials for my classroom. These books and supplies have been so valuable to me so far this year. Seeing the students' faces light up with excitement as I bring them out is so very encouraging. Students need color to motivate them to read in my classroom. These materials provide the visual stimulation needed to keep my students engaged in their work.\r\n\r\nThis writing book is going to be so helpful to me as well this year. It gives small narratives for the students to read then allows them to write about the prompt.\r\n\r\nThank you so much for supporting my classroom. It is greatly appreciated!","fullyFundedDate":1752198799949,"projectUrl":"project/boosting-reading-comprehension-for-stude/9448934/","projectTitle":"Boosting Reading Comprehension for Students with Special Needs","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Turner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7999262_orig.jpg?crop=1512,1512,x0,y433&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1629404773153","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7999262"},{"teacherId":7999262,"projectId":9284968,"letterContent":"I really wish that you could see the excitement on my students' faces when I pulled out the Legend graphic novels! Their words were, \"Are these really for us!?\"\r\n\r\nYou would have to know that my students struggle with reading. Being able to look at the photos of the novel that we read last year brings out a whole new level of excitement for my students. I love their excitement in English class!\r\n\r\nI can't thank you enough for providing these readers for us. These have opened the window for my students to further grow their love for learning and especially their love and enjoyment of reading. Thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1750710501860,"projectUrl":"project/dystopian-reading-in-special-education/9284968/","projectTitle":"Dystopian Reading in Special Education","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Turner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7999262_orig.jpg?crop=1512,1512,x0,y433&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1629404773153","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7999262"},{"teacherId":7999262,"projectId":9375127,"letterContent":"I cannot thank you enough for providing the Classroom Necessities for me this year. This has made the beginning of the school year so flawless for me. The materials are helpful for me as I organize but then also helpful for my students with special needs to be able to access the general education curriculum. Thank you!\r\n\r\nI have used the organizational bins to put all of the supplies that my students need in them. Everything from scissors to glue to colored pencils now has a lovely home. This is so helpful and saves precious time in the classroom as we work and then clean up between classes.\r\n\r\nWhen the world is so chaotic sometime for my students, I sure appreciate the support because it allows me to provide a peaceful environment for them where they can learn and grow as they do the hard work in accessing the general education curriculum. THANK YOU!","fullyFundedDate":1750710502777,"projectUrl":"project/special-education-classroom-necessities/9375127/","projectTitle":"Special Education Classroom Necessities","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Turner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7999262_orig.jpg?crop=1512,1512,x0,y433&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1629404773153","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7999262"},{"teacherId":3832341,"projectId":9638165,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity in supporting our speech therapy office project! Because of you, we are now able to create a well-equipped, organized, and student-centered space that will benefit more than 50 students with communication challenges and sensory needs throughout the school year.\r\n\r\nThe materials you've helped provide will have a direct and meaningful impact. Organizational tools like the lockable file cabinet, utility cart, and storage organizers will allow me to keep materials secure, accessible, and ready to use—maximizing precious therapy time and ensuring sessions run smoothly. Sensory supports such as fidget tools, stress balls, and bubble poppers will offer students the calming options they need to regulate emotions and focus, while sanitizing wipes and the diffuser will make our space comfortable, welcoming, and safe.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, your kindness is helping create an environment where students can fully engage in therapy, practice new skills, and build the confidence they need to thrive both in and out of the classroom. You've made it possible for therapy to feel structured, supportive, and even fun, which will inspire students to work hard toward their goals.\r\n\r\nOn behalf of my students and myself, thank you for investing in their growth, success, and future. Your generosity is making a lasting difference in their lives, and we are truly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1757439401244,"projectUrl":"project/speech-therapy-office-organization-and-s/9638165/","projectTitle":"Speech Therapy Office Organization and Sensory Supports","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lauren Miles, MS CCC-SLP","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3832341_orig.jpg?crop=1340,1340,x463,y1360&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755897062196","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lmiles"},{"teacherId":3832341,"projectId":9657522,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity in supporting our speech therapy prize box! Because of you, our students now have access to fun and motivating rewards such as hair brushes and clips, fidget toys, water bottles, notebooks, pencils, pens, squish toys, and mesh zipper cases. These items might seem like simple classroom supplies or small treasures, but to junior high students, they represent choice, independence, and a reason to stay motivated.\r\n\r\nIn speech therapy, students work hard to practice communication skills that can sometimes feel frustrating or overwhelming. Having a prize box filled with exciting and useful rewards gives them something to look forward to and helps them stay engaged throughout their sessions. The variety of prizes ensures that each student can find something that fits their personality and interests, whether it's a colorful notebook to show off their creativity, a new fidget toy to help with focus, or a practical water bottle they can proudly use every day.\r\n\r\nYour support not only adds joy to the therapy room but also helps students connect their effort and perseverance with tangible, positive outcomes. This extra motivation makes a huge difference in keeping them encouraged and eager to reach their goals. Thank you for believing in our students and for making speech therapy a place where hard work is rewarded and celebrated!","fullyFundedDate":1757438869464,"projectUrl":"project/prize-box-glow-up/9657522/","projectTitle":"Prize Box Glow Up!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lauren Miles, MS CCC-SLP","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3832341_orig.jpg?crop=1340,1340,x463,y1360&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755897062196","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lmiles"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_29350","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1110,"numTeachers":55,"percentFrplEligible":13,"percentAsian":23,"percentBlack":4,"percentWhite":39,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":26,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"7 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"20.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":81.2,"schoolId":29350,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Rio Norte Junior High School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Rio Norte Junior High School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/william-s-hart-union-hs-dist/rio-norte-junior-high-school/29350"}