{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"William L Sheppard Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":22.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9700263,"projectId":10515794,"letterContent":"This project has made our classroom more organized, welcoming, and functional for my students. The five-section organizers have given us designated spaces to sort and manage student materials, making it easier for students to find what they need and keep track of their work. The Command hooks and XL hook have also helped me make better use of our classroom space by keeping frequently used materials organized and accessible.\r\n\r\nThe power strips and extension cord have made it easier to provide access to power for classroom technology and learning devices, allowing students to use technology without creating unnecessary clutter around the classroom.\r\n\r\nThese resources may seem simple, but they have made a meaningful difference in our daily classroom routines. When the learning environment is organized and students know where materials belong, we spend less time searching and more time learning. A comfortable and thoughtfully organized classroom also helps students feel that their learning space is cared for and that they belong.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping me create a classroom where my students can feel comfortable, organized, and ready to learn. Your generosity has made our everyday learning environment better for my students.","fullyFundedDate":1787175510794,"projectUrl":"project/a-place-for-everything-organization-for/10515794/","projectTitle":"A Place for Everything: Organization for Student Success","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gupta","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9700263_orig.jpg?crop=736,736,x49,y154&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758263738673","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9700263"},{"teacherId":10227846,"projectId":10182600,"letterContent":"Thank you very much for your generous donation to the students in my Language Arts and Social Studies classes.\r\n\r\nThanks to you, every student will have their own novel to read when we begin our novel studies with The Breadwinner, and Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH later on during this school year. We explore the elements of The Hero's Journey, Story Elements, Cause and Effect, Sequencing and so much more with these stories! I'm also eager to see the development in their writing skills after reading these books!\r\n\r\nThe art supplies will be used for various projects with the social studies curriculum we have. We will be using the paper bags and charcoal pencils to create cave art very soon! I look forward to sharing pictures of their artwork with you! The clay will be used in their Egyptian Mummy project this fall, and the tissue paper squares in a mosaic project for when they study Ancient Greece/Rome!\r\n\r\nThank you again for your generosity. Please know that it has not gone unnoticed, and that I am truly grateful for your support. These students wouldn't have been able to explore literature or have history come alive for them without your generous contributions to their educational experience.","fullyFundedDate":1778505730758,"projectUrl":"project/6th-grade-ela-and-social-studies-2026-2/10182600/","projectTitle":"6th Grade ELA and Social Studies, 2026-2027","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Macias","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10227846_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1775513322521","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10227846"},{"teacherId":9700263,"projectId":10312448,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, \"Science in Action: Creating Collaborative Experiment Stations.\" Your generous donation of tables has made a meaningful difference in our classroom. These tables have transformed our learning space into a more functional and collaborative environment where students can work together, conduct hands-on experiments, organize materials, and share their scientific ideas.\r\n\r\nMy students are excited to have designated spaces where they can investigate questions, build models, record observations, and solve problems as a team. The tables allow us to create experiment stations and give students the opportunity to learn science by doing rather than simply reading about it.\r\n\r\nYour support is helping create a classroom where students can collaborate, communicate, and engage in authentic scientific experiences. Thank you for investing in my students and helping make science more active, accessible, and exciting for them!","fullyFundedDate":1786127540711,"projectUrl":"project/science-in-action-creating-collaborativ/10312448/","projectTitle":"Science in Action: Creating Collaborative Experiment Stations","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gupta","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9700263_orig.jpg?crop=736,736,x49,y154&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758263738673","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9700263"},{"teacherId":9700263,"projectId":10444336,"letterContent":"These resources will help me create a welcoming, organized, and engaging classroom where my students feel comfortable learning and participating. The JOLLY RANCHER candies will provide small incentives to celebrate student effort, participation, positive behavior, and academic growth. The hair dryers will support hands-on science investigations and demonstrations involving heat, evaporation, and energy, giving students opportunities to connect science concepts to real-world applications.\r\n\r\nThe artificial plant will help create a warm and inviting classroom environment where students feel a sense of belonging. The acrylic sign holders will allow me to clearly display directions, learning targets, classroom procedures, and important information so students can work more independently. The dry-erase markers will be used for collaborative problem-solving, practicing concepts, graphing, and sharing ideas during lessons. The index cards will support vocabulary practice, review activities, exit tickets, quick checks for understanding, and interactive learning games.\r\n\r\nTogether, these materials will help me build a positive classroom culture while providing students with more opportunities to participate, collaborate, practice important skills, and take ownership of their learning. My goal is for every student to feel supported, engaged, and excited to come to science class each day.","fullyFundedDate":1787140751391,"projectUrl":"project/creating-a-welcoming-and-engaging-classr/10444336/","projectTitle":"Creating a Welcoming and Engaging Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gupta","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9700263_orig.jpg?crop=736,736,x49,y154&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758263738673","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9700263"},{"teacherId":10482809,"projectId":10206377,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity in supporting our middle school STEAM class. The students' eyes lit up as we unboxed everything together, passing around supplies and eagerly exploring each new material. Your gift didn't just supply our classroom with tools; it completely transformed our space into a buzzing lab where students are excited to learn, experiment, and collaborate every day.\r\n\r\nBecause of your kindness, our students immediately jumped into their first major project: creating original stop-motion videos. They put the donated supplies to work right away, designing characters, constructing elaborate sets, and filming frame-by-frame stories. A huge highlight for everyone was using the 3D printer filament you provided to print custom props for their scenes. Seeing their digital designs physically turn into detailed, colorful props that star in their videos gave them an incredible sense of pride and ownership over their work.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we are taking this hands-on learning even further. Our next step is to challenge the students to construct concert stages using cardboard boxes, clay, and their new 3D-printed elements, which will serve as the backdrop to showcase working electrical circuits they build using our Snap Circuits. Your support has given these young makers the materials they need to see their wildest ideas come to life. Thank you for investing in their education, sparking their imagination, and showing them that their creative ideas matter.","fullyFundedDate":1778505727700,"projectUrl":"project/inspiring-our-future-one-steam-project/10206377/","projectTitle":"Inspiring our future, one STEAM project at a time!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Johnstone","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10482809_orig.jpg?crop=1989,1989,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1778795106583","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10482809"},{"teacherId":10540002,"projectId":10356016,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for bringing our project to life! Because of your generosity, Room C5 is officially stocked and completely equipped for interactive, hands-on science. Having these essential supplies ready to go transforms our day to day routine, allowing us to focus on active learning and exploration from day one.\r\n\r\n\r\nWe are getting everything ready to launch our very first science unit: Kinetic Energy! The digital infrared thermometer guns are prepped for our upcoming energy transformation labs. Students will be using them to measure and track heat generated through friction, motion, and energy transfers during our hands-on investigations.\r\n\r\nEvery group of students at the table is now fully equipped with its own set of dry erase lapboards, EXPO markers, and erasers. Whiteboarding has become a core part of our daily routine students can quickly sketch out system models, brainstorm hypotheses with their lab partners, and hold up their boards for instant feedback. I have them ready and set up before students came in and we will be using them tomorrow for the first time!\r\n\r\nThe massive supply of pre-sharpened #2 pencils is kept continuously accessible in our classroom station so no student ever has to worry about missing a note or lab entry because they don't have a pencil. Meanwhile, the giant Post-it Super Sticky Easel Pads are ready to serve as collaborative anchor charts around the room, I plan to put a lot of the Super Sticky Easel we write around the wall and post student work!","fullyFundedDate":1782705423579,"projectUrl":"project/sparking-science-interactive-tools-for/10356016/","projectTitle":"Sparking Science: Interactive Tools for Young Investigators","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Nguyen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10540002_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1783160040388","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10540002"},{"teacherId":7731412,"projectId":5381505,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the books about math. I find that reading them to the students, especially, at the beginning of units where the books are the same topic helps to engage them right away. The fact that these books are light-hearted math and not intimidating helps my students see math does not have to be scary. \r\n\r\nI truly appreciate your funding my project. I apologize for the late review, in all truthfulness, I believed I wrote this. Perhaps I did not post it correctly? I honestly do not know. \r\n\r\nPlease know I am grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1613073816185,"projectUrl":"project/multiple-ways-to-relate-to-math/5381505/","projectTitle":"Multiple Ways to Relate to Math.","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Riedstra","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7731412_orig.png?crop=750,750,x0,y232&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1611416043521","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7731412"},{"teacherId":9700263,"projectId":10283820,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom and making these new learning resources possible. Your generosity has created exciting opportunities for my students to engage in hands-on science learning.\r\n\r\nThe zip-top bags, water cycle models, and lung apparatus have already made a meaningful impact in our classroom. During our Earth science unit, students used the zip-top bags to create mini water cycle experiments that allowed them to observe evaporation, condensation, and precipitation right at their desks. They were excited to watch the tiny water droplets form and eagerly discussed how the model represented the natural water cycle.\r\n\r\nThe lung apparatus has been a favorite resource during our human body lessons. Students were fascinated to see how the \"lungs\" inflated and deflated, helping them better understand how breathing works. Many students asked thoughtful questions and made connections to healthy habits and exercise after seeing the model in action.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, the classroom was filled with excitement. Students couldn't wait to explore the new supplies and were thrilled to know that caring donors had invested in their education. Their enthusiasm made our science lessons even more engaging and memorable.\r\n\r\nAs we continue our science curriculum, students will build on these experiences by designing investigations, recording observations, and explaining scientific concepts using evidence from their hands-on activities. These resources will continue to support inquiry-based learning, collaboration, and critical thinking throughout the school year.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students and helping make science come alive in our classroom. Your kindness is making a lasting difference in their learning experience.","fullyFundedDate":1779985787747,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-science-to-life-hands-on-learn/10283820/","projectTitle":"Bringing Science to Life: Hands-On Learning for Every Student","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gupta","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9700263_orig.jpg?crop=736,736,x49,y154&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758263738673","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9700263"},{"teacherId":9700263,"projectId":10192275,"letterContent":"These resources will bring science to life in exciting, hands-on ways that will greatly enhance my students' learning experiences. The digestive system models and visible human body kits will allow students to explore human anatomy in an interactive and engaging way. Instead of simply reading about body systems in a textbook, students will be able to build, observe, and better understand how the human body functions through hands-on learning activities.\r\n\r\nThe illuminated Sun, Earth, and Moon orbital model will help students visualize important science concepts such as planetary motion, seasons, day and night, and eclipses. This interactive model will make abstract concepts easier to understand while encouraging curiosity and deeper scientific thinking.\r\n\r\nThe UV-reactive beads will provide students with fun and memorable opportunities to explore ultraviolet light, energy, and scientific observation through creative experiments and STEM activities. These types of interactive lessons help students stay engaged, think critically, and develop a stronger connection to science learning.\r\n\r\nThe balloons will be used to support classroom science projects, demonstrations, and educational celebrations that help create a positive and exciting classroom environment. Incorporating creative and visual elements into lessons helps students remain motivated and enthusiastic about learning.\r\n\r\nOverall, these materials will encourage exploration, collaboration, creativity, and hands-on discovery while helping students build confidence and excitement in science. These experiences will make learning more meaningful, memorable, and enjoyable for every student in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1778505728598,"projectUrl":"project/curious-minds-discover-through-steam/10192275/","projectTitle":"Curious Minds Discover Through STEAM","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gupta","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9700263_orig.jpg?crop=736,736,x49,y154&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758263738673","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9700263"},{"teacherId":9700263,"projectId":10281977,"letterContent":"These resources will have a meaningful impact on my students by creating more engaging, hands-on, and interactive learning experiences in our classroom. The inflatable globes will help students better understand geography, cultures, and the world around them through visual and collaborative activities that make learning more exciting and memorable.\r\n\r\nThe craft sticks, hot glue guns, and glue sticks will allow students to participate in creative STEM and classroom projects that encourage problem-solving, teamwork, critical thinking, and innovation. Hands-on activities help students build confidence and strengthen their understanding by giving them opportunities to learn through creating and experimenting.\r\n\r\nThe balloons and kettles will support interactive science demonstrations and experiments that bring lessons to life and spark curiosity in young learners. These experiences help students become more engaged in learning and encourage them to ask questions, explore ideas, and think like scientists.\r\n\r\nIn addition, the air fresheners will help maintain a clean, welcoming, and comfortable classroom environment where students can focus and feel at ease throughout the school day.\r\n\r\nOverall, these materials will help foster creativity, collaboration, curiosity, and excitement for learning while giving students meaningful opportunities to actively participate in their education every day.","fullyFundedDate":1778505728237,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-stem-building-and-engineering-e/10281977/","projectTitle":"Hands-On STEM Building and Engineering Explorations","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gupta","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9700263_orig.jpg?crop=736,736,x49,y154&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758263738673","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9700263"},{"teacherId":9700263,"projectId":10284784,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity and support of our classroom. We are incredibly grateful to have received the supplies from our project, and my students are excited to put them to good use.\r\n\r\nThe pencils and glue sticks will help students stay prepared and engaged in their daily learning activities, while the disinfecting wipes will help us maintain a clean, healthy, and safe classroom environment. The broom and dustpan will also help us keep our classroom organized and welcoming for everyone.\r\n\r\nYour kindness helps provide my students with the tools they need to learn, create, and succeed each day. These supplies may seem simple, but they make a huge difference in helping our classroom run smoothly and ensuring students have access to the materials they need to do their best work.\r\n\r\nThank you again for investing in my students and supporting our classroom community. Your generosity is truly appreciated, and your support has made a meaningful impact on our students' learning experience.","fullyFundedDate":1779302842148,"projectUrl":"project/building-a-safe-and-organized-classroom/10284784/","projectTitle":"Building a Safe and Organized Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gupta","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9700263_orig.jpg?crop=736,736,x49,y154&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758263738673","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9700263"},{"teacherId":9642412,"projectId":10228202,"letterContent":"Funding this project has had a meaningful impact on student learning by giving MESA students the opportunity to turn abstract ideas into tangible, hands-on prototypes using polymer clay. Students are now able to fully engage in the engineering design process—brainstorming, building, testing, and refining their models—which has strengthened their understanding of science and engineering concepts in a more concrete and accessible way.\r\nWith access to these materials, students who learn best through hands-on experiences are more actively engaged and motivated during STEM activities. The ability to physically construct models has helped them better understand complex ideas, improve spatial reasoning, and develop stronger problem-solving and critical thinking skills. The variety of colors and translucent materials has also encouraged students to focus on precision, structure, and presentation, adding both depth and creativity to their work.\r\n\r\nAs a result, students are showing increased confidence in their abilities to design and innovate. They are more willing to take risks, revise their ideas, and persist through challenges. Overall, this funding has strengthened both academic learning and student identity as capable engineers, creators, and future innovators.","fullyFundedDate":1778304812652,"projectUrl":"project/from-ideas-to-innovation-polymer-clay-p/10228202/","projectTitle":"From Ideas to Innovation: Polymer Clay Prototyping for Mesa Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Edwards","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9642412_orig.jpg?crop=315,315,x0,y11&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723231674082","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9642412"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_4677","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":451,"numTeachers":24,"percentFrplEligible":82,"percentAsian":34,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":1,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":59,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":1,"gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"18.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":77.2,"schoolId":4677,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about William L Sheppard Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"William L Sheppard Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/alum-rock-elementary-school-district/william-l-sheppard-middle-school/4677"}