{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Tefft Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":31.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"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. It's not just about listening, it gives students confidence that their work will be heard.\r\n\r\nWhat they love most is how easy it is to use. They get excited controlling the speaker, playing music for projects, or adding sound to presentations. It makes learning feel more fun and real, and they take pride in showing their work this way.\r\n\r\nSome students who are usually shy or quiet have really embraced the speaker. Hearing their own voices or projects played back makes them more willing to participate and collaborate. This little speaker has done a big job, helping students express themselves, work together, and build confidence.","fullyFundedDate":1758835103164,"projectUrl":"project/loud-and-clear-amplifying-student-voice/9676951/","projectTitle":"Loud and Clear: Amplifying Student Voices in Civics","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":9763118,"letterContent":"In our classroom, technology like the JBL PartyBox Digital Wireless Microphones makes a real difference. Students who are usually quiet now feel confident speaking up during debates, presentations, and class discussions. 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. These creative, hands-on experiences made learning more engaging and interactive while helping students build essential critical thinking, communication, and collaboration skills.\r\n\r\nBeyond technology, this project empowered students to become confident, informed, and active participants in their communities. By integrating digital tools into civic learning, they took ownership of their ideas, strengthened their voices, and discovered meaningful ways to engage with the world around them. Through this process, they not only deepened their academic learning but also developed the skills and confidence needed to lead and make a difference.","fullyFundedDate":1759168780071,"projectUrl":"project/speak-up-shape-democracy/9765964/","projectTitle":"Speak Up, Shape Democracy","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":9291544,"letterContent":"When my students first walked into the classroom and saw the new mats and books in our Reading Corner, their faces lit up. Many of them immediately sat down on the mats and started flipping through the books, excited to have a cozy space just for reading.\r\n\r\nOne special moment was when a group of students who usually struggle to stay focused during silent reading chose to sit together in the new corner. They took turns reading out loud and even asked if we could add more time for reading that day.\r\n\r\nWe are also using the space for our Board Games and Chess Club, which has been a wonderful way for students to connect, practice critical thinking, and build teamwork skills in a welcoming environment.\r\n\r\nOur next step is to launch a \"Reading Corner Challenge,\" where students set personal goals for the number of books or pages they want to read each week. We'll also use the space for small reading groups to practice comprehension strategies and share book recommendations.\r\n\r\nThe Reading Corner has already made reading and learning feel special for my 7th graders, and it's become a favorite spot in the classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1746787059544,"projectUrl":"project/stories-from-everywhere-a-cozy-reading/9291544/","projectTitle":"Stories from Everywhere: A Cozy Reading Corner","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":7059695,"projectId":9261210,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, my culinary students now have access to a high-quality, structured curriculum that has completely transformed our classroom. The \"Introduction to Culinary Arts\" course from Teachers Pay Teachers has brought consistency, clarity, and excitement to each lesson. Students are now learning not just how to cook, but also why—exploring food safety, nutrition, culinary techniques, and career paths in a meaningful, organized way. With engaging slideshows, interactive note guides, and hands-on activities, the curriculum allows students to connect their learning to real-world skills that will benefit them far beyond the classroom.\r\n\r\nOne of the most exciting things for my students has been seeing themselves as professionals in a real culinary program. The curriculum's visuals, layout, and structure make our lessons feel like they're part of a formal culinary school. It's especially powerful for my English learners and students who are new to the country—they are gaining vocabulary, confidence, and technical skills all while celebrating their own food cultures. I've watched students who were previously shy light up during lessons and take the lead when prepping, plating, and presenting food. They're not just cooking—they're developing a passion for the culinary arts.","fullyFundedDate":1746487754604,"projectUrl":"project/cooking-up-success-culinary-arts-curric/9261210/","projectTitle":"Cooking Up Success: Culinary Arts Curriculum for High School Chefs","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hernandez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7059695_orig.jpg?crop=3400,3400,x0,y266&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1737646994609","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7059695"},{"teacherId":7059695,"projectId":9257895,"letterContent":"When our project was fully funded and the materials arrived, my students were absolutely thrilled. The moment they put on their lab coats and picked up their clipboards, you could see the transformation—not just in how they looked, but in how they carried themselves. They proudly walked around the room saying things like \"I feel like a real scientist!\" and \"I look like a doctor!\" It was a moment of joy and pride that truly energized our classroom.\r\n\r\nWe've been using the clipboards during our hands-on labs to collect data, draw diagrams, and write CER responses. One specific activity where the clipboards made a huge impact was during our energy transfer investigation. Students moved between stations, observing heat changes and taking detailed notes. Thanks to the clipboards, they were able to stay organized, focused, and confident in documenting their findings—just like professionals in the field.\r\n\r\nThis project didn't just provide supplies—it gave my students a sense of identity and purpose in the science classroom. They now enter our lab days with excitement and pride, ready to take on the role of a scientist. Next, we're diving into our final unit of the year on waves and light, and students will continue using their clipboards and lab coats to explore how light interacts with different materials. Thanks to your generosity, they are not only learning science—they're living it. Thank you for helping me inspire the next generation of scientists!","fullyFundedDate":1744896481753,"projectUrl":"project/professional-scientists-in-the-making-c/9257895/","projectTitle":"Professional Scientists in the Making: Clipboards for Lab Success!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hernandez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7059695_orig.jpg?crop=3400,3400,x0,y266&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1737646994609","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7059695"},{"teacherId":9868562,"projectId":9247449,"letterContent":"The new books about immigration have brought meaningful opportunities for students to engage with themes of identity, empathy, and resilience. As we read, students are developing important literacy skills such as making inferences, identifying central themes, analyzing character development, and building vocabulary. Reading in our classroom is interactive—we combine independent reading, group discussions, and reflective activities like journaling or creative projects to deepen understanding. These new texts have sparked powerful conversations, especially among students with immigrant backgrounds who see their own experiences reflected in the stories. One student mentioned how closely a character's journey mirrored her family's, which encouraged others to share and connect as well. Even students without personal ties to immigration have responded with curiosity and compassion, showing growth not only as readers but as empathetic individuals. We're truly grateful for these books and the impact they're having in our learning environment.","fullyFundedDate":1744211306840,"projectUrl":"project/literature-with-soul-migration-memory/9247449/","projectTitle":"Literature with Soul: Migration, Memory, and Mind","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":9043471,"letterContent":"I want to take a moment to thank you for your generous support in bringing Maus into our classroom. This powerful graphic novel has made a significant impact on my students, and I'd love to share how it's shaping their learning experience.\r\n\r\nWith Maus, students are not just reading a book—they are developing critical thinking skills as they analyze themes of resilience, identity, and history. They are learning how visual storytelling enhances traditional narratives, deepening their comprehension of complex topics like the Holocaust and intergenerational trauma. We've had incredible discussions about symbolism, perspective, and the importance of historical memory.","fullyFundedDate":1737617683495,"projectUrl":"project/fostering-reflection-and-learning-throug/9043471/","projectTitle":"Fostering Reflection and Learning Through History","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":9009538,"letterContent":"My students are using the new resources, like the colorful Post-its and timer, to organize ideas and categorize thoughts during group activities. For example, in a recent project, they used the Post-its to create a mind map about an upcoming writing assignment, where each color represented a different aspect of the task (e.g., plot, characters, goals). \r\n\r\nWhen they first saw the materials, they were excited and curious about how to use the colors effectively. Some students immediately started using the Post-its to brainstorm in a more structured way, while others needed a bit of guidance.\r\n\r\nThe next steps for my students involve using these tools in a collaborative way to outline and write a group story, organizing each part of the narrative into categories and using the timer to stay on track and meet deadlines.","fullyFundedDate":1735004049606,"projectUrl":"project/hands-united-goals-achieved/9009538/","projectTitle":"Hands United, Goals Achieved","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"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_29986","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":860,"numTeachers":53,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":7,"percentBlack":7,"percentWhite":12,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":70,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"7 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"16.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":69.0,"schoolId":29986,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Tefft Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Tefft Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/elgin-school-district-u-46/tefft-middle-school/29986"}