{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Vista Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":32.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":413169,"projectId":9592698,"letterContent":"These materials will directly support collaborative learning and conceptual understanding in Algebra and in 8th grade math. The materials have been used during group problem-solving tasks, error analysis, and math talks, allowing students to model equations, graph linear relationships, and present solution strategies to the class. The bulk colored pencils allowed interactive note-taking, graphing in multiple colors to distinguish functions, and visual representations of slope, transformations, and systems—helping students clearly annotate and analyze their work. The file folders and two-pocket folders will helped the students organize their unit packets, guided notes, assessments, and intervention materials, which is especially important in a course where concepts build progressively across the year. The bulk dry-erase markers are used daily for whiteboard practice, enabling students to show work step-by-step, receive immediate feedback, and engage in rapid-cycle practice with equations, inequalities, and graphs without the barrier of permanent mistakes. Together, these resources created a structured and engaging Algebra environment where students can think critically, collaborate, and take ownership of their learning.","fullyFundedDate":1758119998827,"projectUrl":"project/steam-essentials-tools-for-every-studen/9592698/","projectTitle":"STEAM Essentials: Tools for Every Student","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Coleman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp413169_orig.png?crop=398,398,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1725299159989","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/413169"},{"teacherId":10112545,"projectId":9538231,"letterContent":"My students were so excited when our calm corner materials arrived. They immediately gravitated towards the fidgets and the bean bags. Frequently my students will rest on the bean bags with a weighted blanket on their laps. They find the weight calming and soothing. One student told me that the weighted blanket \"makes me feel safe\". \r\n\r\nDuring our reading intervention sessions, my students will ask me for a break. They get to go to the calm corner and sit on the bean bags. Some students sit on the bean bags during learning activities to help them focus. Other students like to have weighted blankets with them to keep them focused on the learning. Almost every student uses fidgets during our intervention sessions. \r\n\r\nI have noticed since utilizing the calm corner resources you have generously donated, that my students are more focused during reading intervention. They participate more and feel more ready and able to learn. Thank you again for your generous donation to my students!","fullyFundedDate":1758227133547,"projectUrl":"project/calm-down-corner-cuddles/9538231/","projectTitle":"Calm Down Corner Cuddles","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Barnett","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10112545_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755041859288","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10112545"},{"teacherId":9427612,"projectId":9574838,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my DonorsChoose project to help create a true Thinking Classroom! Your generous contribution is already making a powerful difference in my students' learning experiences and the way they engage with mathematics every day.\r\nThanks to your support, we now have the essential whiteboard supplies needed to implement the Building Thinking Classrooms strategies by Peter Liljedahl. These tools—so simple yet so powerful—have transformed our classroom into a vibrant space where students are no longer passive learners sitting at desks. Instead, they are on their feet, working together at vertical whiteboards, actively thinking, discussing, and problem-solving.\r\nIt's incredible to witness the shift: students who were once hesitant to participate are now confidently sharing their ideas. They revise their thinking in real time, learn from one another, and support each other through challenges. The whiteboards have become a space where mistakes are not feared, but valued as part of the learning process.\r\nThis transformation isn't just academic—it's emotional and social, too. In this collaborative environment, students are building essential life skills: communication, empathy, perseverance, and resilience. They are learning that their voices matter and that it's okay to not have the answer right away. That growth mindset is taking root, and it's beautiful to see.\r\nYour donation helped make all of this possible. You've contributed more than just markers and erasers—you've given my students the tools to think deeply, work together, and grow with confidence. Thank you for believing in this vision and for investing in a joyful, student-centered approach to math education.","fullyFundedDate":1755896516973,"projectUrl":"project/build-my-thinking-classroom/9574838/","projectTitle":"Build My Thinking Classroom!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Thomason","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9427612_orig.jpg?crop=172,172,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1735415732451","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9427612"},{"teacherId":9427612,"projectId":8949937,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom project! Because of your kindness, my students now have access to materials that will transform how they learn and apply math in real-world situations.\r\nWith your donation, we were able to bring our classroom \"store\" to life. The snacks and fidgets you helped provide are now being \"sold\" by students who are learning to calculate prices, make change, and track profits — all while practicing essential math skills like working with integers and applying operations in meaningful ways. These small items have become powerful tools for engagement, responsibility, and financial literacy.\r\nThe whiteboards are being used to create vibrant signs, price lists, and calculation charts. It's incredible to watch students take pride in their work, collaborate on designs, and explain their math reasoning visually to others. These boards allow for quick corrections and experimentation, which helps build confidence in even the most reluctant learners.\r\nThe paper you provided might seem like a simple supply, but it has made a big impact. Students use it daily to brainstorm ideas, draft inventory lists, and complete math worksheets tied directly to our store project. It's been instrumental in helping them plan, reflect, and organize their thinking — all essential skills both in and outside the classroom.\r\nThanks to you, learning math now feels relevant, hands-on, and fun for my students. They're not just solving equations — they're becoming entrepreneurs, problem-solvers, and confident thinkers.\r\nWe are so grateful for your belief in our project. You've made a lasting difference in our classroom, and we can't thank you enough.","fullyFundedDate":1742146380557,"projectUrl":"project/teaching-life-skills-integers/8949937/","projectTitle":"Teaching Life Skills & Integers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Thomason","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9427612_orig.jpg?crop=172,172,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1735415732451","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9427612"},{"teacherId":5907108,"projectId":9402870,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting my growing music program. I have always valued bringing different musical genres to my music classes - especially jazz! \r\n\r\nThis year, I plan to use these materials for a jazz unit that connects with Black History Month. I am going to convert my concert band into a jazz band so that we can learn the style of jazz together. Included will be a presentation of our learning in the form of a performance and mini history modules about important jazz musicians and their impact on the genre (and in rock/pop music).\r\n\r\nI am excited to take this journey with my students! Thank you for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1752586469842,"projectUrl":"project/lets-play-jazz/9402870/","projectTitle":"Let's Play Jazz","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cho","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5907108_orig.jpg?crop=1285,1285,x1742,y1285&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753490640675","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5907108"},{"teacherId":5907108,"projectId":9262713,"letterContent":"My growing music program finds success because of generous donors like yourselves. Slowly but surely, we are acquiring the tools to help us succeed. These chromatic tuners will help my students learn about intonation and tuning. \r\n\r\nMy goal with these tuners is to help my students become independent musicians outside of our classroom. Learning about intonation is one way to do that. My orchestra students (those who play violin/viola/cello/bass), will benefit mostly from the tuners. With them, they will be able to get their instruments in playing condition. \r\n\r\nThank you for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1746786135908,"projectUrl":"project/lets-get-in-tune/9262713/","projectTitle":"Let's Get in Tune!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cho","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5907108_orig.jpg?crop=1285,1285,x1742,y1285&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753490640675","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5907108"},{"teacherId":9929153,"projectId":9184078,"letterContent":"Our student in the art classroom have an opportunity to read and learn to love reading outside of English class thanks to you. It may seem strange that an art class asks for books, but imagination and creativity is taken from all places. You have helped my students have a library in the classroom that they can use when they need a break or finished all their work early. \r\nThank you for this wonderful opportunity and for supporting the students, myself and the future. I appreciate all that was done. I know my students do, and the students that will follow.","fullyFundedDate":1742963126287,"projectUrl":"project/a-book-for-the-future/9184078/","projectTitle":"A Book for the Future.","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Paz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9929153"},{"teacherId":413169,"projectId":9205481,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous donations, my students now have the tools they need to feel confident, organized, and fully engaged in their learning. The supplies you funded—including quad-ruled notebooks, scientific calculators, pencils, and glue sticks—have already made a visible impact in our classroom.\r\n\r\nThe moment the materials arrived, students were buzzing with excitement. Many of them had never received brand-new school supplies of their own. One student held up the calculator and exclaimed, \"We get to keep these?\" Another opened the composition book and immediately started sketching a graph, proudly showing it to classmates. These small moments showed just how big of a difference the right resources can make.\r\n\r\nWe've already put the quad-ruled composition books to great use. During our current math and science units, students are using them to record and analyze data, create graphs, and write reflections on their learning. The grid layout has helped them stay organized and precise, especially when plotting points and drawing diagrams. These notebooks have become a space for critical thinking, creativity, and pride in their work.","fullyFundedDate":1743213616620,"projectUrl":"project/building-math-success-essential-supplie/9205481/","projectTitle":"Building Math Success: Essential Supplies for Engaged Learning!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Coleman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp413169_orig.png?crop=398,398,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1725299159989","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/413169"},{"teacherId":9755734,"projectId":9083177,"letterContent":"Thank You for the Valuable Resources\r\nI want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the materials provided. They have proven to be incredibly useful, and my students have truly enjoyed them. The resources have significantly contributed to the educational experience in my classroom, enhancing both engagement and productivity.\r\nAs the school year approaches its conclusion, I reflect on the positive impact these materials have had on my students. Their enthusiasm for learning has noticeably increased, and I am thankful for the role your resources played in fostering this environment. The materials have not only facilitated academic success but have also helped in creating a classroom atmosphere where students feel valued and motivated to participate actively.\r\nThroughout the year, I have observed my students becoming more engaged and involved in their studies. They have expressed appreciation for the resources, and it is evident that these tools have made a difference in their learning journey. The materials have encouraged critical thinking and collaboration among peers, allowing them to explore concepts more deeply and creatively.\r\nThe variety of resources available has allowed me to cater to different learning styles and needs within the classroom. Whether through interactive activities, thought-provoking assignments, or engaging discussions, each student has found something that resonates with them. This adaptability has been instrumental in ensuring that all students feel included and supported in their educational endeavors.\r\nMoreover, the resources have sparked discussions and prompted students to ask questions, further enhancing their learning experience. They are no longer passive recipients of information; instead, they are active participants in their education. This shift in mindset is incredibly rewarding for both me as an educator and for the students themselves.\r\nAs we wrap up the academic year, I can confidently say that the materials have played a pivotal role in my students' success. They have not only excelled academically but have also developed a love for learning that I hope will continue beyond the classroom. The skills they have acquired through these resources will serve them well in their future studies and endeavors.\r\nIn conclusion, I cannot thank you enough for providing such valuable materials. They have made a significant difference in my classroom and have positively influenced my students' educational experiences. I look forward to continuing to utilize these resources in the future and will undoubtedly recommend them to my fellow educators. Your commitment to supporting teachers and students is commendable, and I am grateful for the opportunity to benefit from your work. Thank you once again for your support and dedication to enhancing the learning experience for all students.","fullyFundedDate":1738303173739,"projectUrl":"project/learning-is-fun/9083177/","projectTitle":"Learning is Fun!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Amaya","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9755734"},{"teacherId":8938430,"projectId":9058162,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of my classroom! Because of you, my 6th-grade special education students now have the tools they need to engage more deeply in math and build their confidence.\r\n\r\nThe dry-erase boards, markers, colorful visuals, and manipulatives like fraction tiles and base-ten blocks have made a real difference. These resources help my students visualize challenging concepts and work through problems in a hands-on, meaningful way.\r\n\r\nYour donation has also allowed me to create an equitable system, ensuring every student benefits from these tools, no matter their circumstances. You've helped foster a more inclusive, empowering classroom environment where every learner can thrive.\r\nThank you for believing in my students and making this possible. Your generosity is opening doors for them every day!","fullyFundedDate":1737511690667,"projectUrl":"project/equipping-students-for-mathematical-succ/9058162/","projectTitle":"Equipping Students for Mathematical Success: Providing Essential Tools for Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Loera","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8938430_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y772&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1725327134137","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8938430"},{"teacherId":9721536,"projectId":8745892,"letterContent":"I can't thank you enough for your generosity in supporting our classroom! The new resources have already made a tremendous impact on my students, and I wanted to share a little about how we're putting them to use. \r\n\r\nFrom the moment my students saw the materials, their faces lit up with excitement. One student exclaimed, *\"This is so cool! We've never had anything like this before!\"* Watching their enthusiasm reinforced how much this project means to them. \r\n\r\nWe've been using the resources in engaging, hands-on activities that bring math to life. Just last week, my students worked on a collaborative project where they used manipulatives to explore algebraic expressions. Seeing them actively discuss strategies, problem-solve together, and gain confidence in their understanding was truly rewarding. \r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we'll be diving into real-world math applications, using these tools to strengthen critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Your support has made all of this possible, and I can't wait to continue sharing our progress with you. \r\n\r\nThank you for being a part of our journey and making a difference in my students' education!","fullyFundedDate":1736197346448,"projectUrl":"project/math-manipulatives-for-stem-learners/8745892/","projectTitle":"Math Manipulatives for STEM Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bui","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9721536_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1725080646189","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-holly-bui"},{"teacherId":9755734,"projectId":8796862,"letterContent":"We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your generous donations. Your support means so much to us, and we cannot express how thankful our students are for the materials you've provided. \r\nThanks to your kindness, our students have been able to engage with these resources in meaningful ways. They are not only utilizing the materials but also expressing their appreciation for the opportunities these donations have created for their learning experiences. \r\nYour contributions have made a significant difference in their education, and we are excited to see how they continue to benefit from them. Thank you once again for your generosity and support.","fullyFundedDate":1726655910517,"projectUrl":"project/group-activities-are-fun-and-enhance-lea/8796862/","projectTitle":"Group Activities Are Fun and Enhance Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Amaya","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9755734"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_6984","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1159,"numTeachers":46,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":3,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":3,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":91,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"25.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":67.7,"schoolId":6984,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Vista Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Vista Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/los-angeles-unified-school-district/vista-middle-school/6984"}