{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Whittier Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":35.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":6772988,"projectId":9842371,"letterContent":"Thank you again for helping make this project come to life! \r\n\r\nThis was my first time teaching Frankenstein and it was an absolute hit! These graphic novels helped this classic story be comprehensible for my 8th grade students. The curriculum I was given lacked the rich pictures this novel comes with, despit being centered around this book.\r\n\r\nMy students not only had a better grasp of the content, but also were eager to read. This can be hard to foster later in a student's educational career and I credit these graphic novels for making it possible.","fullyFundedDate":1761330315488,"projectUrl":"project/frankenstein-comes-to-life/9842371/","projectTitle":"Frankenstein Comes to Life!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Connell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6772988_orig.jpg?crop=618,618,x104,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1596820335687","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/connellsclassroom"},{"teacherId":9252257,"projectId":9609364,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for donating to K-Pop Dreams! Our club started five years ago. Back then, we had two loyal members. We were small in number, but our love for all things Korea was endless. Five years later, we have 30 students! Some are new to K-Pop, and some are just curious about South Korean culture. We welcome everyone at our school. With your donations, we have so many projects planned: rock decorating, origami, friendship bracelets, practicing our writing in Hangul. We could not have done it without your support. We are also able to provide a snack and a drink to each member during our meetings because of Donors Choose! All teachers know, if you have snacks, students will show up! Thank you so much for making this an exciting year for K-Pop Dreams.","fullyFundedDate":1759802560830,"projectUrl":"project/youre-my-soda-pop/9609364/","projectTitle":"You're My Soda Pop","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Carrola","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9252257_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1738212345759","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9252257"},{"teacherId":6772988,"projectId":9278680,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting this project, myself, my students, and classroom. Seeing students off to high school is both an exciting and tearful time but being able to gift them a personal book was extremely special for me.\r\n\r\nAs a reading and writing teacher I read countless books that remind me of the students in my life. This project allowed me to give 50 of them books that brought them to mind as I read. I hope you know hoe much your support means to me, without it this end of year celebration would not have been possible.","fullyFundedDate":1746783006233,"projectUrl":"project/8th-grade-promotion-books/9278680/","projectTitle":"8th Grade Promotion Books","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Connell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6772988_orig.jpg?crop=618,618,x104,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1596820335687","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/connellsclassroom"},{"teacherId":6772988,"projectId":9260957,"letterContent":"Thank you for making this project a reality. My myth unit kicks off my RLA class and my students absolutely love learning about the Greek gods and goddesses. Despite seeming like an old or outdated topic my students have been able to relate to the themes and stories represented in the myths. This connection them allowed them to dive deeper into reading comprehension.\r\n\r\nThis project allowed for my students to explore more myths than would be possible in this unit. They especially loved the graphic novels that were a part of this project. Medusa was an all around favorite.","fullyFundedDate":1746029484128,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-myths-to-my-library/9260957/","projectTitle":"Bringing Myths to my Library","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Connell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6772988_orig.jpg?crop=618,618,x104,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1596820335687","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/connellsclassroom"},{"teacherId":6772988,"projectId":9259664,"letterContent":"Thank you for helping make this project a reality. Your support for me, my students, and my classroom means a lot to me. My pandemics unit I teach focuses on the Bubonic Plague, the fictional story Masque of the Read Death, and the AIDs epidemic. My students learn so much and really start to gain a worldly perspective.\r\n\r\nThis project allowed my students to explore even more deadly diseases through literature. Once they realized these books were similar to the unit they studied they jumped right in.","fullyFundedDate":1745594353061,"projectUrl":"project/reading-the-pandemics/9259664/","projectTitle":"Reading the Pandemics","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Connell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6772988_orig.jpg?crop=618,618,x104,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1596820335687","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/connellsclassroom"},{"teacherId":6772988,"projectId":9259635,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting my classroom, my students, and myself with this project. These books were ab absolute hit with my students. They could not believe all the boxes that came for them. I was able to restock and check out some of the most loved books my students enjoy reading.\r\n\r\nIndependent reading is extremely important for students who are working on improving their comprehension and literacy skills. This project ensured that students were able to enjoy a task that is crucial to their success,","fullyFundedDate":1746386859423,"projectUrl":"project/library-favorites/9259635/","projectTitle":"Library Favorites","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Connell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6772988_orig.jpg?crop=618,618,x104,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1596820335687","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/connellsclassroom"},{"teacherId":9284595,"projectId":9305500,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom welcomed a unique and exciting addition last school year—a pet snake! With your donation, we were able to purchase all the essential materials to safely and comfortably set up our snake's habitat. This included a high-quality enclosure, heating equipment, substrate, hides, water bowls, and cleaning tools. These foundational supplies made it possible for us to create a safe, enriching environment where our pet could thrive—and our students could learn in unforgettable ways.\r\n\r\nFrom the moment the tank was set up, excitement buzzed through the classroom. Students eagerly took part in designing the habitat, researching our snake's needs, and learning how to responsibly care for a living creature. When our snake finally arrived, the energy and engagement skyrocketed. For many students, this was their first close-up experience with a reptile, and they quickly formed a deep curiosity—and even affection—for our slithery friend.\r\n\r\nThroughout the school year, our classroom snake became much more than a pet. They became a teaching tool, a calming presence, and even a source of emotional support. Students practiced observation skills, recorded data on feeding and behavior, and explored science topics such as ecosystems, habitats, and reptile anatomy. Caring for the snake helped build responsibility and routine, as students took turns feeding, cleaning, and monitoring the habitat. They also practiced empathy, learning how every animal—even one with scales—deserves respect, care, and understanding.\r\n\r\nOne of the most beautiful impacts of this project was on classroom culture. The snake sparked curiosity in students who previously showed little interest in science. It gave our more anxious students something soothing to focus on during stressful moments. It provided countless teachable moments, not just about biology, but also about patience, consistency, and stewardship.\r\n\r\nHaving all the starting materials ready to go made the entire process smooth, safe, and stress-free. I can't emphasize enough how much this helped. I didn't have to scramble to piece together supplies or cut corners due to budget limitations. Your support allowed us to do things right from the start—and that made all the difference.\r\n\r\nNow, many months later, our snake is happy, healthy, and still a beloved part of our class community. New students are just as excited as last year's to meet and learn about them. The enclosure is holding up beautifully, the environment remains clean and enriching, and the learning continues every single day.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in the power of hands-on, real-world learning. Thank you for making it possible for my students to not only learn about reptiles but to live alongside one. Your donation brought joy, responsibility, and wonder into our classroom—and those lessons will stay with these students far beyond this school year.","fullyFundedDate":1746699607009,"projectUrl":"project/sssssuper-habitat-making-our-class-snak/9305500/","projectTitle":"Sssssuper Habitat: Making Our Class Snake Feel at Home","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Holloway","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9284595_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y504&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746110502410","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-aholloway"},{"teacherId":9252257,"projectId":9257179,"letterContent":"thank you so much for supporting my classroom lending library! Holding a new book in your hand is a magical experience. I want my students to experience that same magic and find joy in reading. Even though I now teach social studies, I want to share my love of reading with all of my students. I purposely chose graphic novels, in English and Spanish, for our classroom library because my struggling readers gravitate towards them. Graphic novels are imaginative, use context clues, and support our emergent bilingual students. Students will be able to check out a graphic novel, take it home to read, and write a review of the book for their classmates! My students set up the books on our classroom shelves; it looks like something you would see in a book store. As soon as they were done, students were already browsing through the selections, ready to check out a book! Thank you again.","fullyFundedDate":1746783023149,"projectUrl":"project/something-borrowed-something-new/9257179/","projectTitle":"Something Borrowed, Something New","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Carrola","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9252257_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1738212345759","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9252257"},{"teacherId":9523441,"projectId":9261808,"letterContent":"ChatGPT said:\r\nThe addition of these classroom items helped transform our 8th grade class into a welcoming and cozy space where students feel more at ease while reading. The soft, inviting seating encourages them to settle in, relax, and immerse themselves in their books, making independent reading time something they genuinely look forward to. This small shift in environment has had a big impact with students now associating reading with comfort and choice. \r\nAlongside the physical change, the inclusion of a diverse and culturally relevant set of books has deepened students' connection to reading. Seeing themselves reflected in characters and stories has fostered a greater sense of belonging and sparked meaningful conversations in the classroom. These texts honor their identities and lived experiences, helping all students feel seen, respected, and inspired to explore new perspectives through literature","fullyFundedDate":1746783025713,"projectUrl":"project/a-classroom-of-champions/9261808/","projectTitle":"A Classroom of Champions","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Elcock","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9523441_orig.jpg?crop=959,959,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1714487051193","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9523441"},{"teacherId":6772988,"projectId":9320279,"letterContent":"Thank you for making this project a reality! Unpacking all of these classroom supplies with my students was so much fun. Support like yours, through DonorsChoose, makes teaching just a little bit easier. Rather than worrying about stocking my classroom or meeting my students supply needs - I can focus on teaching and caring for them emotionally. As I enter my 6th year in the classroom I do so with excitement and hoy. Thank you for being a part of my student's educational village. It means more than words can describe.","fullyFundedDate":1746783047175,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-must-haves/9320279/","projectTitle":"Classroom Must Haves","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Connell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6772988_orig.jpg?crop=618,618,x104,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1596820335687","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/connellsclassroom"},{"teacherId":6772988,"projectId":9297404,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for making this project happen! Peaches (our class snake) has been such a wonderful addition to my classroom and this project was 100 for her. Her presences and care has inspired empathy and responsibility in my students.\r\n\r\nImmediately my students got to unpacking and renovating her terrarium. They took complete ownership of improving Peaches' quality of living. Since Peaches' got this home make over she has been exploring every corner, enjoying the live plants, and had a very successful shed (one smooth piece!).","fullyFundedDate":1746782996849,"projectUrl":"project/class-pet-set-up/9297404/","projectTitle":"Class Pet Set Up","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Connell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6772988_orig.jpg?crop=618,618,x104,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1596820335687","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/connellsclassroom"},{"teacherId":6772988,"projectId":9321289,"letterContent":"This projected helped stock my classroom with items I and my students use everyday. Having a well stocked classroom helps me feel so much more prepared to take on the role of an educator. Having a well stocked classroom means my students are able to simply show up and learn without having to worry about providing the materials for success.\r\n\r\nThank you for supporting me, my classroom, and my students. It takes a village to raise a child - thank you for being a part of my student's educational village.","fullyFundedDate":1746783048862,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-essentials/9321289/","projectTitle":"Classroom Essentials","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Connell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6772988_orig.jpg?crop=618,618,x104,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1596820335687","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/connellsclassroom"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_12696","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":709,"numTeachers":50,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":1,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":96,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"14.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":64.9,"schoolId":12696,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Whittier Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Whittier Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/texas/san-antonio-independent-school-district/whittier-academy/12696"}