{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Tefft Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":38.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9868562,"projectId":10000893,"letterContent":"These tools will have a meaningful impact on my students' daily learning experience. They will help students stay organized, focused, and engaged in the classroom. Having easy access to materials will allow students to spend less time looking for supplies and more time learning. A well-organized learning space can also help students feel more comfortable, confident, and prepared to participate. These resources will support independence, responsibility, and positive classroom routines. Most importantly, they will help create a welcoming environment where every student can feel ready and motivated to learn.","fullyFundedDate":1777559929103,"projectUrl":"project/visual-organization-tools-for-a-better-l/10000893/","projectTitle":"Visual Organization Tools for a Better Learning Space","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lafuente","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9868562_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1735144291184","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9868562"},{"teacherId":9868562,"projectId":9979767,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, Teaching Civics Through Real-Life Economic Choices. Your help has truly made a difference in our classroom.\r\n\r\nWith the recording cameras, my students are now learning in a much more active and meaningful way. Instead of just writing or talking about economic decisions, they are recording their ideas, having discussions, and reflecting on real-life situations. This has helped them better understand how choices impact their lives and their communities.\r\n\r\nWhat they love the most is being able to record themselves. They get excited to share their opinions, act out scenarios, and watch their own videos. It has made learning feel more real and fun for them.\r\n\r\nI've also seen some of my quieter students open up more. Recording gives them the chance to think, try again, and feel more confident sharing their ideas. It's been really special to see them participate in new ways.\r\n\r\nThank you again for giving my students this opportunity. Your support is helping them build confidence, think critically, and find their voice.","fullyFundedDate":1768337926181,"projectUrl":"project/teaching-civics-through-real-life-econom/9979767/","projectTitle":"Teaching Civics Through Real-Life Economic Choices","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lafuente","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9868562_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1735144291184","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9868562"},{"teacherId":9868562,"projectId":9833127,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our classroom has transformed in meaningful ways. What once felt busy and overwhelming is now structured, accessible, and purposeful. Our class is now more organized, and that clarity has directly improved how students learn and engage.\r\n\r\nThanks to the labeling system and materials you provided, students now know exactly where everything is for each different period. Supplies, resources, and materials are clearly organized by class time, which has eliminated confusion and saved valuable instructional minutes. Transitions are smoother, and students begin their work quickly because they understand the system and can independently locate what they need.\r\n\r\nWhat excites students most is the sense of ownership. When everything has a clear place and purpose, they feel empowered. They take pride in maintaining the organization and in contributing to a classroom that runs efficiently.\r\n\r\nSeveral students who previously struggled with organization or attention have especially benefited. With clear visual labels and structured systems, they are more confident and less anxious. They participate more actively because they know exactly what to do and where to find what they need. The organization has created a calmer, more equitable learning environment for everyone.\r\n\r\nYour support has helped us move from chaos to civic champions. Thank you for investing in a classroom environment that promotes responsibility, focus, and meaningful learning.","fullyFundedDate":1767247193334,"projectUrl":"project/from-chaos-to-civic-champions-help-us-l/9833127/","projectTitle":"From Chaos to Civic Champions: Help Us Label Our Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lafuente","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9868562_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1735144291184","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9868562"},{"teacherId":9868562,"projectId":9779218,"letterContent":"I'm deeply grateful for your generosity. The Apple Pencil is already transforming how my students learn—helping them take organized digital notes, create detailed diagrams, and brainstorm ideas more effectively. With the iPad case and screen protector, they can now explore, write, and present safely and confidently.\r\n\r\nThese tools are opening new possibilities for creativity and critical thinking in Civics. My students are better able to connect ideas, visualize complex concepts, and share their understanding through interactive presentations. Your support is helping them engage deeply with the world around them and become active, informed citizens.\r\n\r\nThank you for making this possible!","fullyFundedDate":1760704528093,"projectUrl":"project/civics-unlocked-digital-notes-in-action/9779218/","projectTitle":"Civics Unlocked: Digital Notes in Action","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lafuente","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9868562_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1735144291184","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9868562"},{"teacherId":9868562,"projectId":9676951,"letterContent":"The Apple Beats Pill Wireless Speaker has quickly become a favorite in our classroom. Students can play their presentations, podcasts, or project audio so the whole class can hear clearly, which makes sharing ideas much more engaging. 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It's not just about being heard—it's about giving them the courage to share their ideas and participate fully.\r\n\r\nWhat excites them most is how fun and empowering it is to use. They love hearing themselves clearly and knowing the whole class can listen. It turns presentations and debates into something lively and engaging, and they take pride in doing it well.\r\n\r\nSome of our shyer students have really embraced the microphones. They're volunteering more, leading discussions, and working with peers in ways we hadn't seen before. This technology isn't just helping them speak—it's helping them grow as thinkers, leaders, and collaborators.","fullyFundedDate":1759168779925,"projectUrl":"project/learning-democracy-in-action-fun-hands/9763118/","projectTitle":"Learning Democracy in Action: Fun, Hands-On Civic Engagement for Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lafuente","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9868562_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1735144291184","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9868562"},{"teacherId":9868562,"projectId":9765964,"letterContent":"The iPad made a transformative impact on student learning. By pairing it with the microphones we already had, students were able to record and edit speeches and debates, produce multimedia projects, and share their work with classmates. 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By supporting Tefft Middle School on DonorsChoose, you make it possible for teachers to request the specific resources their students need most. We'll show you the tangible difference your gift made.
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About this school
Tefft Middle School is
a suburban public school
in Streamwood, Illinois that is part of Elgin School District U - 46.
It serves 814 students
in grades 7 - 8 with a student/teacher ratio of 15.4:1.
Its teachers have had 16 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Supporting this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.
Public School
Title 1
Data about Title 1 status comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education.
Grades 7 - 8
814 Students
53 Teachers
1100 Shirley AveContact info is sourced from our partners at MDR Education, and DonorsChoose updates our site ahead of each school year.
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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
86%
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.
Tefft Middle School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Sep 6, 2026
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.
Tefft Middle School
$5,010
raised using DonorsChoose
16
projects
funded
6
teachers
funded
49
donors
2
projects
for
basic supplies
8
projects for
technology
4
projects for
books
Tefft Middle School has received support from
30 individuals from Illinois and
19 individuals out-of-state.