{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"West Orange-Stark Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":48.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":2957833,"projectId":9852748,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity and belief in our students, the \"Every Voice Matters: Bridging the Language Gap\" project has had a transformative impact on our classroom community.\r\n\r\nFor many of my students, English is not their first language. Every day, they walk into school carrying the challenge of navigating new vocabulary, unfamiliar phrases, and academic expectations in a language they are still learning. Before this project, some students hesitated to participate in discussions, avoided raising their hands, and sometimes felt invisible in whole-class settings.\r\n\r\nThe resources provided through this project have changed that.\r\n\r\nWith access to language supports and communication tools, my students are no longer sitting silently. They are asking questions. They are participating in group conversations. They are advocating for themselves. Most importantly, they are gaining confidence.\r\n\r\nI have watched students who once avoided speaking now volunteer to share their ideas. I have seen relief on their faces when they realize they can understand directions independently. The ability to access content in both their native language and English has not only improved comprehension — it has restored dignity and independence.\r\n\r\nThis project did more than provide materials. It created equity. It reminded my students that their voices matter — not someday, but now.\r\n\r\nThe impact reaches beyond academics. When students feel understood and capable, behavior improves, engagement increases, and classroom culture strengthens. Our room feels more inclusive, more connected, and more respectful of the rich diversity each child brings.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping us bridge the language gap. Because of you, my students are not just learning English — they are finding their voice.","fullyFundedDate":1763587148480,"projectUrl":"project/every-voice-matters-bridging-the-langua/9852748/","projectTitle":"Every Voice Matters: Bridging the Language Gap","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Courtier","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2957833_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y772&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1555350256539","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2957833"},{"teacherId":2957833,"projectId":9855187,"letterContent":"Creating care packages for the nursing home before Christmas had a profound impact on my students. What began as a simple service project quickly became a powerful lesson in empathy, gratitude, and human connection. Many of my students had never considered the loneliness that elderly residents might experience during the holidays. Through discussion and preparation, they began to see beyond themselves.\r\n\r\nAs they selected items, wrote cards, and assembled the packages, I watched a shift happen. Their conversations changed from \"Is this enough?\" to \"Do you think this will make someone smile?\" They were no longer completing an assignment — they were serving real people.\r\n\r\nThe handwritten notes were especially meaningful. Students thoughtfully crafted messages of hope, encouragement, and kindness. For some of my quieter students and English learners, this became a safe and authentic opportunity to practice writing with purpose. They weren't writing for a grade; they were writing to bring comfort.\r\n\r\nWhen we talked about where the packages were going, students asked questions about the residents. They showed curiosity and compassion. Several expressed that they wanted to visit or do something similar again. The experience helped them understand that even small acts of kindness can have a large impact.\r\n\r\nBeyond academics, this project strengthened our classroom culture. Students felt proud. They felt useful. They felt connected to something bigger than themselves. It reinforced that generosity is powerful and that our classroom is a place where compassion matters.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, they learned that they have the ability to make someone's day brighter — and that lesson will stay with them far longer than any worksheet ever could.","fullyFundedDate":1763146564076,"projectUrl":"project/connecting-generations-through-kindness/9855187/","projectTitle":"Connecting Generations Through Kindness","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Courtier","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2957833_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y772&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1555350256539","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2957833"},{"teacherId":10086029,"projectId":9482296,"letterContent":"On behalf of my students and myself, thank you so much for your generous donation of science supplies. Your support has made a meaningful difference in our classroom and has already enhanced our students' learning experiences.\r\n\r\nBecause of your kindness, students are able to participate in hands-on investigations, experiments, and activities that spark curiosity and deepen their understanding of scientific concepts. These supplies help bring science to life and encourage students to think critically, ask questions, and explore the world around them.\r\n\r\nWe truly appreciate your commitment to education and your willingness to support our students. Your generosity has had a direct and positive impact, and we are very grateful for your contribution.\r\n\r\nThank you again for investing in our classroom and in the future of our students.\r\n\r\nWith sincere appreciation,","fullyFundedDate":1758784651531,"projectUrl":"project/mrs-esmes-science-class/9482296/","projectTitle":"Mrs. Esme’s Science class","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Esme","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10086029"},{"teacherId":10352459,"projectId":9899595,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support and for helping me create a memorable Holiday Party for my Spanish classes! \r\n\r\nWe used the new materials/supplies to make learning about the cuisines of different Hispanic cultures more engaging by having them enjoy a little taste from various countries. It made their learning interactive and meaningful. A specific moment during the holiday party was when students practiced their Spanish to describe their thoughts on Hispanic foods and recalled the ingredients in some dishes. The donated materials help bring the lesson to life and allow students to build their confidence by practicing their Spanish in a restaurant setting, which they can apply in real life. When they saw the setup of the food line, they were excited, and their expressions and curiosity about the new cuisine were priceless.\r\n\r\nMany students eagerly asked for confirmation of the party as soon as they saw the boxes rolling in. Their excitement grew each time, prompting them to practice their Spanish more to be prepared for the holiday party. It was clear that these resources made them feel motivated, knowing that people outside the classroom care about their educational opportunities.\r\n\r\nYour support has allowed us to take their learning to the next level. Students will continue to use the leftover donated resources, as they will receive treats and do projects throughout the semester based on the current lesson at hand to promote critical thinking and real-world experience, and to address some of the information discussed.\r\n\r\nThank you again for giving my students this opportunity. They continue to talk about the holiday party and are looking forward to similar opportunities.","fullyFundedDate":1763498232888,"projectUrl":"project/a-hispanic-holiday-taste/9899595/","projectTitle":"A Hispanic Holiday Taste","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Martinez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10352459"},{"teacherId":2957833,"projectId":9803918,"letterContent":"My students were overjoyed when our STEM Challenge project was fully funded. The moment the materials arrived, their excitement was contagious—each student eager to build, experiment, and discover. These hands-on resources have already transformed our classroom into a place where creativity and curiosity thrive. Students who are usually quiet have become leaders during group challenges, and those who struggle academically are now confidently solving problems and explaining their thinking.\r\n\r\nThese STEM activities have given my middle schoolers opportunities to practice teamwork, communication, and critical thinking in ways traditional lessons can't always provide. They're designing structures, testing ideas, making revisions, and celebrating their successes together. Every challenge encourages them to think deeper, try again, and believe in their own abilities.\r\n\r\nThank you for giving my students the tools to explore, invent, and dream bigger. Your generosity has created an environment where learning feels exciting, possible, and full of opportunity, and I am truly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1760737527644,"projectUrl":"project/stem-challenge-lab-problem-solvers-in-a/9803918/","projectTitle":"STEM Challenge Lab: Problem Solvers in Action","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Courtier","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2957833_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y772&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1555350256539","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2957833"},{"teacherId":2957833,"projectId":9719743,"letterContent":"I want to sincerely thank you for your incredible generosity in supporting my classroom through this project. Your donation of games, board games, and books has truly changed the atmosphere of our ESL room and the lives of my students in lasting ways. These materials have given my students new opportunities to learn, communicate, and connect—not just with the English language, but with one another.\r\n\r\nWhen the boxes first arrived, my students' excitement filled the room. For many of them, this was their first time opening brand-new classroom materials chosen just for them. The games immediately caught their attention, and they couldn't wait to explore them all. From the moment we began using them, I saw something shift. The nervousness and hesitation that sometimes come with learning a new language began to fade. The laughter, collaboration, and joy that followed were exactly what I hoped for.\r\n\r\nGames and books have become a bridge between cultures and confidence. Playing together gives my students a safe, comfortable way to practice English naturally. As they take turns, read directions, or cheer each other on, they use new vocabulary and sentence structures without even realizing how much they're learning. Board games like Scrabble Junior and Bananagrams have helped them spell new words and strengthen their reading skills. Team games encourage cooperation, listening, and communication—skills essential not just for language learning, but for life.\r\n\r\nIt's amazing to watch how something as simple as a board game can build both English skills and self-esteem at the same time.\r\nStudents who were once quiet now confidently ask, \"Whose turn is it?\" or \"I got it right!\" The more they play, the more they talk, laugh, and build friendships across languages. The games have become a shared language of their own—one that unites students from different countries and backgrounds under the same joy of learning.\r\n\r\nThe books you helped provide have also had a profound impact. Many of my students come from homes where English books aren't easily accessible. Having a variety of high-interest and culturally diverse stories has sparked a genuine love of reading. They are curious about new topics, excited to check out books, and proud to take them home to share with their families. These books have helped them see that reading is not just an academic task—it's a window into the world and a mirror that reflects their own stories.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, my students are learning that education can be fun, creative, and full of connection. They are developing not only language and literacy skills but also teamwork, patience, and problem-solving. The classroom feels more alive, more inclusive, and more like a family. You've given them a reason to smile every day, and for many, that spark of joy makes all the difference in how they approach learning.\r\n\r\nYour kindness reminds my students that people believe in them—even those they've never met. You've shown them that their learning and happiness matter. On behalf of every student in my class, thank you for making our classroom a place of laughter, growth, and discovery. You haven't just given us games and books—you've given us connection, confidence, and the gift of possibility.","fullyFundedDate":1758805941121,"projectUrl":"project/smart-start-station/9719743/","projectTitle":"Smart Start Station","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Courtier","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2957833_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y772&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1555350256539","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2957833"},{"teacherId":9801621,"projectId":9625848,"letterContent":"I want to express my deepest gratitude for your generous support of our classroom library. Because of your donations, my students now have access to a wide variety of books they can explore, enjoy, and learn from—many of them for the very first time. Your kindness has opened doors to new worlds, sparked imagination, and inspired a love of reading in each of my students.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has made a lasting impact on these young readers. I have watched students eagerly pick up books, share stories with friends, and even request more challenging titles because they are excited to read. Your contribution has not only enriched our classroom library but has also helped cultivate confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning in my students. Thank you for making this possible—you have truly changed lives.\r\n\r\nWith heartfelt appreciation,","fullyFundedDate":1758805940896,"projectUrl":"project/putting-books-in-hands-inspiring-lifelo/9625848/","projectTitle":"Putting Books in Hands: Inspiring Lifelong Readers in Class","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lopez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9801621"},{"teacherId":2957833,"projectId":9472834,"letterContent":"I want to sincerely thank you for your generous support of my classroom through our snack project. Your kindness has made a tremendous difference for my students and has helped create a more caring, supportive, and focused learning environment. Because of you, my students now have access to healthy snacks that keep their energy up and their minds ready to learn throughout the day.\r\n\r\nFor many of my ESL students, school is not only a place to learn English but also a place to feel safe, cared for, and supported. Some of my students come to school hungry or without access to nutritious snacks at home. Before this project, I often noticed students becoming tired, distracted, or discouraged in the afternoons. Their focus would fade, and I could see how hard it was for them to give their best when their bodies simply needed nourishment. Your donation changed that completely.\r\n\r\nNow, my students know they can count on our classroom snack station to help them refuel and stay ready to learn. Having access to snacks like crackers, granola bars, fruit cups, and water bottles has transformed our afternoons. The energy and smiles in the room are proof of how something so simple can make such a huge impact. Students who once felt shy or hesitant now eagerly ask questions, participate in group discussions, and stay engaged during lessons. They are learning that their basic needs matter — and that people in the world care about their success.\r\n\r\nA small snack has become a big symbol of kindness, encouragement, and belonging. Each time a student reaches for a snack, they're reminded that someone out there believes in them — someone they've never even met. This project has allowed me to teach more than reading, writing, or English vocabulary. It's allowed me to teach compassion, gratitude, and the importance of taking care of ourselves and one another.\r\n\r\nMany of my students are learning English as a second language, and small acts of generosity like yours help them feel included and valued in our classroom community. It's amazing to watch their confidence grow. They talk more, smile more, and even help distribute snacks to their classmates. It's become a team effort, and that sense of togetherness carries over into their learning.\r\n\r\nYour support also gave me the chance to connect snacks to lessons in responsibility and organization. We now have a designated \"snack helper\" who tracks inventory and restocks our bins — building math and leadership skills at the same time. These small routines make students feel trusted and responsible, which is so important for their social and emotional growth.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, I've also seen a decrease in behavior issues and an increase in engagement. A quick snack break gives my students time to reset and refocus, especially after challenging academic tasks. It's amazing how something so practical can create such powerful results.\r\n\r\nThank you for recognizing that learning doesn't happen in isolation — that students can't do their best work when they're hungry or uncomfortable. Your donation has not only provided snacks but also dignity, motivation, and hope. It's a reminder that when we care for children's hearts and basic needs, their minds and spirits thrive as well.\r\n\r\nOn behalf of my ESL students and myself, thank you for your generosity and compassion. You've given my students more than just food — you've given them energy, encouragement, and the confidence to keep growing. Your kindness fills both their stomachs and their hearts, and I am deeply grateful for the difference you've made in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1758805939865,"projectUrl":"project/tasty-tokens/9472834/","projectTitle":"Tasty Tokens","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Courtier","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2957833_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y772&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1555350256539","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2957833"},{"teacherId":2957833,"projectId":9720823,"letterContent":"Thanks to your incredible generosity, my ESL students at West Orange–Stark Middle School experienced a transformation that reached far beyond the soccer field. The soccer equipment and books funded through our DonorsChoose project gave my students opportunities to learn, play, and connect in ways that traditional classroom lessons simply can't capture.\r\n\r\nWhen the boxes first arrived, my students' eyes lit up. Many of them come from diverse backgrounds, and several are new to the United States. For some, this was the first time they had received something brand new in a classroom setting. As we unpacked the soccer balls, cones, and books, there was a shared excitement and sense of belonging that immediately filled the room. It was as if the barriers of language, culture, and nervousness melted away in that moment.\r\n\r\nSoccer is a universal language. It doesn't require fluency in English to play, and that's what makes it such a powerful tool for teaching and connection. My students naturally worked together, calling out vocabulary words, cheering for one another, and using the sport to practice communication and teamwork. Suddenly, \"pass,\" \"goal,\" \"fast,\" \"team,\" and \"win\" weren't just words in a book — they were words in action. Students who were once hesitant to speak English began shouting encouragement and laughing with their classmates. The soccer activities created a safe and joyful space where they could take risks, make mistakes, and celebrate progress together.\r\n\r\nThe soccer-themed books also made a remarkable impact. Many of my students were drawn to stories about athletes who overcame obstacles, worked hard, and followed their dreams. These stories became mirrors and windows — mirrors in which they saw themselves represented, and windows into the broader world of perseverance, sportsmanship, and courage. Students began using these books as springboards for writing and discussion, connecting reading and language skills to real-life experiences.\r\n\r\nAcademically, the soccer project provided countless opportunities for skill-building. We integrated vocabulary lessons, sentence writing, and grammar practice into our soccer activities. Students kept \"Player Journals\" where they wrote about teamwork, goals (both personal and athletic), and new words they learned. They collaborated on short presentations about their favorite teams and players, building confidence in speaking. Even our most reserved students began volunteering to share their thoughts aloud, often inspired by something they experienced during our soccer games.\r\n\r\nBeyond academics, this project nurtured emotional and social growth. It gave my students a sense of pride and ownership in their classroom. They cared for the equipment, set up games, and took turns leading warm-ups or drills. Every student had a role to play, and that sense of teamwork carried over into their daily learning. Soccer became a bridge between cultures — a reminder that even though we come from different countries and languages, we all share the same desire to learn, belong, and succeed.\r\n\r\nBecause of your kindness, my students learned so much more than English words. They learned to trust themselves, to cheer for others, to communicate across differences, and to find joy in movement and learning. The laughter, energy, and camaraderie that filled our classroom during these lessons are moments we will never forget.\r\n\r\nYour donation didn't just provide soccer balls and books — it gave my students confidence, connection, and community. It reminded them that people beyond our classroom believe in their potential and want to see them thrive. On behalf of every one of my students, thank you for making our learning environment richer, more inclusive, and full of joy. You turned a simple idea into an unforgettable experience that truly changed lives.","fullyFundedDate":1758805940460,"projectUrl":"project/soccer-stories-for-success/9720823/","projectTitle":"Soccer & Stories for Success","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Courtier","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2957833_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y772&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1555350256539","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2957833"},{"teacherId":2249296,"projectId":9563880,"letterContent":"Your support has made a huge impact on our whole school. With your help, we are starting to build our library up and are able to open the doors for our students. We have started to input the books, and our students have started to request more! \r\n\r\nWe are able to show our students that reading is the way to open up opportunities for the rest of their lives. By having more books, we are cultivating a love of reading, and we are showing our students their full potential. \r\n\r\nAs a school, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks for everything you have done, and the positive impact you are able to give to the students in our school.","fullyFundedDate":1758805939579,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-our-library-to-life/9563880/","projectTitle":"Bringing Our Library to Life","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Dolcini","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2249296"},{"teacherId":2957833,"projectId":9472740,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our ESL computer lab with the supplies we needed! These resources have already made a big difference for my students by giving them the tools to stay organized, focused, and successful during their lessons. One of my favorite moments was watching a group of students settle into the lab with their new materials, ready to log in and practice English with confidence. The supplies have helped turn our computer lab into a welcoming and productive space for learning.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first walked in and saw the new supplies, their reactions were priceless. They were excited to know that they had what they needed to complete assignments and activities without worry. Several students shared how much easier it was to focus on their language lessons now that they had headphones, notebooks, and other helpful tools right at their fingertips.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, our ESL lab is better equipped to meet the needs of every learner. The supplies you provided will continue to support daily practice in reading, writing, listening, and speaking, helping my students grow in both confidence and skill. Thank you for investing in their success and making our classroom a brighter, better place to learn!","fullyFundedDate":1755914046169,"projectUrl":"project/tools-for-tomorrows-bilingual-leaders/9472740/","projectTitle":"Tools for Tomorrow’s Bilingual Leaders","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Courtier","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2957833_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y772&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1555350256539","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2957833"},{"teacherId":9801621,"projectId":8873207,"letterContent":"I want to express my deepest gratitude for your generous support of our classroom library. Because of your donations, my students now have access to a wide variety of books they can explore, enjoy, and learn from—many of them for the very first time. Your kindness has opened doors to new worlds, sparked imagination, and inspired a love of reading in each of my students.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has made a lasting impact on these young readers. I have watched students eagerly pick up books, share stories with friends, and even request more challenging titles because they are excited to read. Your contribution has not only enriched our classroom library but has also helped cultivate confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning in my students. Thank you for making this possible—you have truly changed lives.","fullyFundedDate":1730406213766,"projectUrl":"project/the-more-books-the-more-the-students-mi/8873207/","projectTitle":"The More Books the More the Students' Minds Will Grow","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lopez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9801621"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_15532","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":490,"numTeachers":31,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":51,"percentWhite":17,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":23,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"15.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"TOWN","ncesMetroType":"TOWN_FRINGE"},"inStateSupporters":51.2,"schoolId":15532,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about West Orange-Stark Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"West Orange-Stark Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/texas/west-orange-cove-consolidated-independent-school-district/west-orange-stark-middle-school/15532"}