{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Sweet Home Junior High School","outOfStateSupporters":64.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8191586,"projectId":9686612,"letterContent":"The arrival of our new STEM resources has completely transformed the energy in our classroom. For my students, many of whom navigate the world with unique sensory and learning needs, these tools are more than just \"supplies\"—they are a bridge to a world of discovery. Watching their faces light up as they examined the first sprouts in our seed starter trays or felt the invisible pull of the magnets was a powerful reminder that every child deserves the chance to be a scientist. The succulent building kits have provided a calming, tactile way for my students to practice fine motor skills and patience, turning moments of potential frustration into a sense of quiet accomplishment.\r\n\r\nThe impact on our inclusive environment has been especially profound. The high-quality earbuds you provided have been a game-changer for my student who is hard of hearing, allowing them to engage with digital lessons and interactive simulations with newfound independence and confidence. No longer on the sidelines of the conversation, they are now full participants in our STEM journey. By removing these barriers, you haven't just given us materials; you've given my students the message that their education is worth investing in. You have planted seeds of curiosity that will continue to grow long after this school year ends.","fullyFundedDate":1762561111928,"projectUrl":"project/planting-seeds-of-curiosity/9686612/","projectTitle":"Planting Seeds of Curiosity","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ellis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8191586_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1657591706432","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ellis-sped"},{"teacherId":8191586,"projectId":9690756,"letterContent":"On behalf of my students and the entire community at Sweet Home Junior High School, I want to express my deepest gratitude for your incredible generosity. Because of your support, our project, \"Stimming with STEM,\" has been fully funded. This is more than just a collection of classroom supplies; it is a transformative investment in the education, comfort, and future of ten remarkable students who learn differently.\r\n\r\nIn our classroom, we celebrate the fact that every brain is wired uniquely. My students are bright, inquisitive, and eager to solve problems, but they often face barriers in a traditional academic setting. For many students with disabilities—particularly those on the autism spectrum—remaining perfectly still in a hard plastic chair isn't just difficult; it's a distraction that drains the mental energy they need for learning.\r\n\r\n\"Stimming\" (self-stimulatory behavior) is a natural and necessary way for many of our learners to regulate their sensory systems. By providing flexible seating options, such as the Flex-Space Ergo Bounce Cantilever Chairs, you have given them the freedom to move, wiggle, and bounce safely while they work. This physical outlet allows them to focus on the complex tasks at hand rather than on the struggle to stay still. You haven't just bought chairs; you've created an environment where my students feel seen, respected, and physically supported.","fullyFundedDate":1764719889299,"projectUrl":"project/stimming-with-stem/9690756/","projectTitle":"Stimming With STEM","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ellis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8191586_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1657591706432","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ellis-sped"},{"teacherId":8191586,"projectId":9888803,"letterContent":"On behalf of our entire classroom community at Sweet Home Junior High School, I want to extend my deepest, most sincere gratitude for your incredible investment in our students' well-being. When I first launched the Oh Snap! Kids Are Hangry project, it was born out of a daily heartbreak: watching bright, capable middle schoolers struggle to focus on complex subjects like the Civil War or algebraic fractions because their bodies were crying out for basic nourishment. In our community, where food insecurity is a quiet but constant shadow for many families, the gap between school meals can feel like an eternity. Your generosity has fundamentally shifted the energy in our hallways and classrooms. By funding our \"Snack Station\" with protein-packed granola bars, peanut butter crackers, and nutritious fruit snacks, you have provided more than just calories; you have provided a sense of security. My students no longer have to worry about the \"unpredictable nature\" of assistance programs or the stress of a pantry that runs dry before the end of the month. They now enter my room knowing that their physical needs are seen and valued, which allows them to let go of the \"hangry\" irritability and exhaustion that so often masquerades as a lack of discipline or interest. You haven't just filled their stomachs; you have cleared their minds and leveled the playing field, ensuring that their socioeconomic circumstances do not dictate their academic potential. Your kindness is a tangible reminder to these 200 young people that there is a wider community standing behind them, rooting for their success and making sure they have the fuel they need to cross the finish line of every school day.\r\n\r\nThe ripple effect of your contribution will be felt throughout the remainder of the school year and beyond, as we cultivate a classroom culture rooted in care, equity, and readiness. Every time a student discreetly reaches for a pack of crackers or an applesauce pouch between classes, they are experiencing the direct result of your compassion. This project was never just about \"snacks\"—it was about dignity. It was about recognizing that a child cannot be expected to thrive in a high-stakes educational environment while grappling with the physical pain of starvation. Because of you, we are seeing fewer heads on desks during quiet study sessions and more hands raised during active discussions. We are seeing smiles where there was once frustration and engagement where there was once apathy. \r\n\r\nThank you for choosing to be the difference-maker in our classroom. You have turned a difficult \"hypothetical situation\" into a vibrant reality of health and happiness, and for that, we are eternally grateful. Your belief in our students is the greatest gift we could have received, and we promise to make the most of every \"happy and ready to learn\" moment you have made possible.","fullyFundedDate":1762874360510,"projectUrl":"project/oh-snap-kids-are-hangry/9888803/","projectTitle":"Oh Snap! Kids Are Hangry","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ellis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8191586_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1657591706432","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ellis-sped"},{"teacherId":8191586,"projectId":9379173,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity in fully funding the Data: The Key To Success project. Because of your support, my students at Sweet Home Junior High School now have the specialized technology they need to bridge the gap between instruction and progress tracking. The addition of the iPad and keyboard folio has transformed our classroom workflow, allowing me to capture vital learning milestones in real-time without ever having to step away from a small group or a one-on-one intervention.\r\n\r\nYour contribution does more than just provide hardware; it ensures that every one of my 50 students receives a more personalized and responsive education. By streamlining our data collection, I can immediately adjust my teaching strategies to meet their individual social-emotional and academic goals. Seeing the students' growth documented so clearly is a powerful motivator for them and a testament to the community's commitment to supporting students with disabilities. We are so grateful for your help in making data the true key to their success!","fullyFundedDate":1756857765093,"projectUrl":"project/data-the-key-to-success/9379173/","projectTitle":"Data: The Key To Success","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ellis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8191586_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1657591706432","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ellis-sped"},{"teacherId":8191586,"projectId":10020715,"letterContent":"For many middle schoolers, science and technology are the most exciting parts of the day. However, for students with significant reading barriers, these lessons often brought frustration instead of excitement. Before this project was funded, my students with learning disabilities often felt sidelined during independent research or lab work because they couldn't access the written instructions. Your support has officially bridged that gap, turning a source of anxiety into a source of empowerment.\r\n\r\nBy integrating these electronic reading pens into our daily routine, we have created a truly inclusive STEM environment. Whether we are working on robotics or environmental science, my students now have the autonomy to scan, listen, and learn at their own speed. The combination of the scanning technology and high-quality wireless headphones ensures that they can receive this support discreetly and effectively, right alongside their friends in the general education classroom.\r\n\r\nThis transition toward independence is the ultimate goal of special education. Because of your generosity, these 12 students are no longer defined by what they can't read, but by what they can create and discover. You have provided them with the \"gift of access,\" ensuring that their future in STEM is limited only by their own imagination, not by a printed page.","fullyFundedDate":1771062035520,"projectUrl":"project/class-of-2026-safe-graduation-celebr/10020715/","projectTitle":"Class of 2026 S.A.F.E. Graduation Celebration","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ellis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8191586_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1657591706432","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ellis-sped"},{"teacherId":8191586,"projectId":9900687,"letterContent":"For many middle schoolers, science and technology are the most exciting parts of the day. However, for students with significant reading barriers, these lessons often brought frustration instead of excitement. Before this project was funded, my students with learning disabilities often felt sidelined during independent research or lab work because they couldn't access the written instructions. Your support has officially bridged that gap, turning a source of anxiety into a source of empowerment.\r\n\r\nBy integrating these electronic reading pens into our daily routine, we have created a truly inclusive STEM environment. Whether we are working on robotics or environmental science, my students now have the autonomy to scan, listen, and learn at their own speed. The combination of the scanning technology and high-quality wireless headphones ensures that they can receive this support discreetly and effectively, right alongside their friends in the general education classroom.\r\n\r\nThis transition toward independence is the ultimate goal of special education. Because of your generosity, these 12 students are no longer defined by what they can't read, but by what they can create and discover. You have provided them with the \"gift of access,\" ensuring that their future in STEM is limited only by their own imagination, not by a printed page.","fullyFundedDate":1768454467791,"projectUrl":"project/reading-pens-for-stem/9900687/","projectTitle":"Reading Pens for STEM","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ellis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8191586_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1657591706432","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ellis-sped"},{"teacherId":10334448,"projectId":9861869,"letterContent":"I can't express enough gratitude for the overwhelming support of our 3D printing project at Sweet Home Junior High. Since receiving the Bambu Lab 3D printer, it has been running nearly nonstop to create everything from fun fidgets, to educational models, to functional backpack hooks and everything in between. \r\n\r\nMany students were beyond excited to get some of the fun new fidgets that this printer could produce that the older model couldn't. Fidget spinners, gyro spinners, fidget wands, and all sorts of other fun and cool models. However, it was really helpful to print some sensory fidgets for students like spikey cylinders and balls that have already helped some autistic students help calm down.\r\n\r\nIt has also been great to offer students some exciting incentives for various projects and labs. Most notably, we had our microorganism unit where students learned about bacteria, viruses, and all of the microscopic organisms that live around us. In the process they learned how to use the microscopes. To get them proficient with microscope use, our classes went on a \"Bear Hunt\" where we searched for Tardigrades alaso known as Water Bears. They are not easy to find and because of the difficulty, any student who found one was rewarded with a 3D printed tardigrade to keep as a trophy of their achievement. Students were so invested that after an entire week of searching many of them kept wanting to search and see what else they could find.\r\n\r\nThis year I also started a Magic: the Gathering club at school where students can get together and play some fun card games with each other while also practicing their reading, social, and strategy skills. The printer has allowed me to give every student who signs up a free deck box and life counter to really make the experience more memorable. \r\n\r\nFinally, in addition to all of these other uses we have also been able to make some great functional prints. One of which has been to add backpack hooks to all of our science tables so that we aren't constantly tripping over each other backpacks on the ground. Such a simple idea and print but both staff and students were extremely exicted to get them installed. This upcoming spring we will also be using the printer to create wind turbine parts so that students can create their own blade designs and get some engineering practice in. We also found a file to allow us to create atomic models that students can combine to form molecules. This is especially helpful to one of our students who is blind making this lesson so much more accessible for him.\r\n\r\nThis is also just the beginning and the entire school loves searching for fun new prints and experimenting with how they can enhance our learning.","fullyFundedDate":1763595555543,"projectUrl":"project/3d-printing-inspiration-for-students/9861869/","projectTitle":"3D Printing Inspiration for Students","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Kildea","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10334448"},{"teacherId":10010118,"projectId":9303679,"letterContent":"I am so excited to share the impact your generous donation of markers has had on my middle school art classroom. Thanks to you, my students now have access to high-quality black and colored markers that have transformed both their creative process and the work they are able to produce.\r\n\r\nBefore this donation, many of our projects were limited by the materials available. Students often relied on pencils, ballpoint pens, or colored pencils to complete their work. While they worked hard and made the most of what they had, the results were often muted and lacked the vibrancy that they envisioned. When I introduced the new markers to the class, there was an immediate and joyful reaction. Students crowded around the supplies, excitedly sorting through the range of colors and testing them out. The energy in the room was electric—students couldn't wait to use them in their artwork.\r\n\r\nSince then, these markers have become an essential part of our daily work. They allow students to add bold outlines, rich shading, and vivid color that bring their ideas to life in ways that were previously impossible. For instance, during a recent unit on self-portraits, the markers gave students the ability to experiment with contrast, depth, and detail. One student who had struggled with confidence in art suddenly lit up as they layered vibrant colors into their portrait, proudly holding it up to show classmates. Another student used the fine-tipped black markers to add intricate patterns and textures that elevated their drawing from a simple sketch to a polished piece.\r\n\r\nThese resources do more than improve the technical quality of student work—they also expand the range of creative freedom students feel in my classroom. When they are given professional-quality tools, they approach their projects with a greater sense of seriousness and pride. Students who might otherwise disengage are now more invested because they have the means to fully express their ideas. The markers help bridge the gap between imagination and execution, giving students confidence that their vision can match what they see on the page.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has equipped nearly 300 students with the tools they need to elevate their art and find joy in creating. For many of my students in Sweet Home, where resources are often scarce, this donation sends a powerful message: their ideas are worth investing in. Thank you for believing in them and for providing the tools that allow their voices and creativity to shine.","fullyFundedDate":1747450602000,"projectUrl":"project/art-supplies-for-young-artists/9303679/","projectTitle":"Art Supplies For Young Artists","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. McLachlain","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10010118"},{"teacherId":10010118,"projectId":9303611,"letterContent":"I want to extend my deepest gratitude to you for supporting my classroom through your generous donation of snacks. Your gift has already had a tremendous impact on my middle school art students, and I am excited to share with you the difference you have made.\r\n\r\nAs a teacher in Sweet Home, I serve nearly 300 students each week, many of whom face food insecurity on a daily basis. Our community experiences a high rate of poverty, and for many students, access to consistent, healthy food is uncertain. This reality often comes to the forefront during the school day, when students' ability to focus, engage, and create is hindered by something as simple but as powerful as hunger. Your donation provided us with hundreds of dollars' worth of snacks, and these have quickly become an essential resource in my classroom.\r\n\r\nWhen the snacks first arrived, I took time to introduce them to my students as a new classroom resource. I explained that thanks to the kindness of strangers who believed in their potential, we now had a way to help make sure that no one had to go through class with an empty stomach. The response was immediate and heartfelt—students clapped, cheered, and even asked me to thank you personally on their behalf. Some students shared quietly that they had skipped breakfast or weren't sure if they would have food after school, and the relief on their faces when I reminded them that snacks would always be available was unforgettable.\r\n\r\nSince receiving this donation, I have seen a marked difference in the way my students approach their work. In art class, creativity demands both focus and stamina. Students who once struggled to concentrate during afternoon lessons now feel more energized and able to dive into their projects. For example, during a recent drawing unit, several students who had been restless and distracted were able to settle in and complete detailed, thoughtful work after grabbing a snack. It might sound small, but the act of eating a granola bar or a fruit snack can completely transform a student's ability to participate meaningfully in class.\r\n\r\nThese snacks have also provided a sense of dignity and safety. Students know they can take what they need without judgment, and that reassurance helps them feel supported not just academically, but personally. In a school community where many children carry the quiet burden of food insecurity, this gift is more than nourishment—it is a reminder that they are seen, valued, and cared for.\r\n\r\nOn behalf of myself, my students, and the Sweet Home community, thank you for your generosity. You have met a real and pressing need, and your kindness is already making a lasting impact on nearly 300 young people. The gift of food is also the gift of hope, focus, and creativity, and for that, we are endlessly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1747572348413,"projectUrl":"project/snacks-for-hungry-kids/9303611/","projectTitle":"Snacks For Hungry Kids","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. McLachlain","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10010118"},{"teacherId":8191586,"projectId":9291661,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for funding our classroom project! My students are thrilled to have the opportunity to expand their creativity and hands-on learning with the Cricut cart, vinyl, cardstock, and accessories you provided.\r\n\r\nIn our Life Skills classroom, we focus not only on cooking, sewing, and cleaning but also on preparing students with disabilities for future opportunities in the workforce. The Cricut machine and supplies give my students a chance to practice designing, personalizing, and creating projects that build fine motor skills, attention to detail, and pride in their work.\r\n\r\nAlready, my students are excited about making gifts and personalized items. These projects allow them to tap into their creativity while also learning skills they can carry with them into adulthood—skills that may one day open doors to employment or entrepreneurial opportunities.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has placed new tools in their \"toolbox for success.\" These resources will help them gain confidence, independence, and joy in learning while making meaningful connections to real-world skills.\r\n\r\nWe are deeply grateful for your support and belief in our students. You have given them more than supplies—you've given them the opportunity to dream, create, and grow.","fullyFundedDate":1746786112576,"projectUrl":"project/creativity-potential/9291661/","projectTitle":"Creativity Potential","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ellis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8191586_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1657591706432","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ellis-sped"},{"teacherId":8191586,"projectId":9198771,"letterContent":"Repetitive movements or fidgeting can help many of my students with autism stay calm, relieve stress, and manage overwhelming sensory input. Thanks to your generous support, our classroom will now have TWO Flex-Space Ergo Bounce Cantilever Chairs and two wobble stools.\r\n\r\nThese special chairs allow students to gently bounce, shift, and move while still remaining seated and engaged in learning. For some of my students, the ability to move without being disruptive is the difference between being able to focus or feeling overwhelmed. These chairs will give them a safe, supportive way to release energy and regulate their bodies so they can stay present and successful during lessons.\r\n\r\nYour kindness is helping to create a more inclusive and responsive classroom environment where every student has the tools they need to thrive.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students and giving them the opportunity to learn in ways that meet their unique needs.","fullyFundedDate":1746785876154,"projectUrl":"project/more-flexible-options/9198771/","projectTitle":"More Flexible Options","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ellis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8191586_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1657591706432","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ellis-sped"},{"teacherId":8191586,"projectId":9196258,"letterContent":"Repetitive movements or fidgeting can help many of my students with autism stay calm, relieve stress, and manage overwhelming sensory input. Thanks to your generous support, our classroom will now have TWO Flex-Space Ergo Bounce Cantilever Chairs.\r\n\r\nThese special chairs allow students to gently bounce, shift, and move while still remaining seated and engaged in learning. For some of my students, the ability to move without being disruptive is the difference between being able to focus or feeling overwhelmed. These chairs will give them a safe, supportive way to release energy and regulate their bodies so they can stay present and successful during lessons.\r\n\r\nYour kindness is helping to create a more inclusive and responsive classroom environment where every student has the tools they need to thrive.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students and giving them the opportunity to learn in ways that meet their unique needs.","fullyFundedDate":1742947197016,"projectUrl":"project/our-first-bouncy-chairs/9196258/","projectTitle":"Our First Bouncy Chairs","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ellis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8191586_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1657591706432","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ellis-sped"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_88064","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":358,"numTeachers":18,"percentFrplEligible":74,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":82,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":9,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"7 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"19.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"TOWN","ncesMetroType":"TOWN_DISTANT"},"inStateSupporters":36.0,"schoolId":88064,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Sweet Home Junior High School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Sweet Home Junior High School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/oregon/sweet-home-school-district-55/sweet-home-junior-high-school/88064"}