{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"William L Sheppard Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":22.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9700263,"projectId":9717953,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our classroom and helping create a more inspiring science learning environment for my students. Your generosity has already made a positive impact on student engagement, curiosity, and confidence.\r\n\r\nThe colorful science posters have transformed our classroom into a space filled with learning and discovery. Students frequently refer to the posters during lessons and discussions, using them to better understand concepts like cells, DNA, ecosystems, and Earth science. The visuals help students make connections between scientific ideas and the real world, making learning more meaningful and memorable.\r\n\r\nThe copy paper has also supported daily classroom learning by allowing students to complete assignments, create diagrams, organize notes, and participate fully in science activities. Students are taking greater pride in their work and showing increased confidence when sharing their ideas.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, these resources are helping students see themselves as capable learners who belong in science. Many of my students are beginning to imagine futures as scientists, doctors, engineers, and problem-solvers, and your support is helping make those dreams feel possible.\r\n\r\nThank you again for investing in my students and their future success.","fullyFundedDate":1758501222249,"projectUrl":"project/building-a-science-classroom-that-inspi/9717953/","projectTitle":"“Building a Science Classroom That Inspires”","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":9723567,"letterContent":"This project has already had a meaningful impact on my students by giving them the tools they need to express their learning in creative, organized, and hands-on ways. The new paper, construction materials, and classroom organizers have made it possible for students to fully participate in STEM activities and project-based learning.\r\nStudents were immediately excited when they saw the colorful construction paper, large sheets, and organized storage trays. Many of them began planning projects right away, eager to design and share their ideas. The simple addition of accessible materials has increased engagement and made students feel that their work is valued and important.\r\nWe are currently using these resources in STEM and science projects where students design models, create diagrams, and build presentations to show their understanding. The storage trays help students keep their work organized throughout multi-day projects, while glue sticks, staplers, and paper allow them to construct and revise their ideas with ease.\r\nNext, students will continue working on collaborative projects where they will design, build, and present their learning to the class. They will revise their work based on feedback, organize their materials independently, and take pride in producing polished final products.\r\nOverall, this project has increased student motivation, supported organization and independence, and helped students feel more confident sharing their learning in creative and meaningful ways.","fullyFundedDate":1758501230155,"projectUrl":"project/from-ideas-to-impact-student-stem-proje/9723567/","projectTitle":"From Ideas to Impact: Student STEM Projects","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":10090690,"letterContent":"This project positively impacted students by increasing their engagement, creativity, and confidence in science and engineering. Students became excited to work collaboratively as they researched extreme climates and designed solutions to help people survive in challenging environments.\r\n\r\nThrough building and testing prototypes, students strengthened their problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork skills. They learned how to use the engineering design process to improve their ideas by testing, revising, and making changes based on evidence. Many students showed greater perseverance and confidence as they discovered that mistakes are part of learning and innovation.\r\n\r\nThe hands-on materials allowed students to actively explore concepts such as insulation, heat transfer, reflection, and solar energy in meaningful ways. Students were especially motivated by creating real-world solutions and presenting their final designs to others.\r\n\r\nOverall, this project helped students become more engaged, collaborative, and confident learners while developing important STEM and life skills that will support their future success.","fullyFundedDate":1772546727263,"projectUrl":"project/future-engineers-in-stem-solving-heat-a/10090690/","projectTitle":"Future Engineers in STEM: Solving Heat and Cold Challenges","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":10088934,"letterContent":"This project has made a meaningful difference in my classroom. The color printer has given students the opportunity to create high-quality presentations, portfolios, reflections, and group projects that showcase their learning in a more engaging and professional way.\r\n\r\nStudents have become more motivated to take pride in their work, revise their assignments carefully, and communicate their ideas clearly. They are building important skills such as organization, collaboration, creativity, and responsibility while gaining confidence in their abilities.\r\n\r\nBeing able to print and share their work has helped students feel that their ideas matter and deserve to be seen. This project has supported both academic growth and personal development by encouraging students to become more confident, independent, and future-ready learners.","fullyFundedDate":1772546724226,"projectUrl":"project/building-college-and-career-readiness-o/10088934/","projectTitle":"Building College and Career Readiness, One Project at a Time","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":9730747,"letterContent":"Our classroom has been transformed into a hands-on science lab thanks to your generosity! My students were beyond excited when they first saw the microscopes, DNA models, thermometers, and globe arrive. Many of them immediately started asking questions and could not wait to explore the materials. Their curiosity and enthusiasm made the classroom feel like a real scientific discovery center.\r\n\r\nWe are already using the microscopes and prepared slides during our life science investigations. One of the most exciting moments was when students observed tiny details on slides that they had only seen before in textbooks. They were amazed to realize that an entirely different world exists beyond what the naked eye can see. During our strawberry DNA extraction activity, students successfully extracted visible strands of DNA and were thrilled to connect abstract science concepts to a real-life experiment they could perform themselves. The DNA double helix model has also helped students better understand how genetic information is structured, making complex concepts much more accessible and engaging.\r\n\r\nThe thermometers are being used during our weather and heat transfer lessons, allowing students to collect and analyze real data during experiments. The globe has become an important tool during Earth science and geography discussions, helping students visualize continents, oceans, latitude, longitude, and global weather patterns.\r\n\r\nThese resources are encouraging students to think critically, ask questions, collaborate with classmates, and develop confidence as young scientists. Our next steps include creating student-led science investigations where students will design experiments, collect observations using the microscopes and thermometers, and present their findings to the class. We also plan to continue integrating hands-on STEM activities that allow students to explore science through inquiry and discovery.\r\n\r\nThank you for opening the door to meaningful scientific exploration and helping make learning exciting, interactive, and memorable for my students!","fullyFundedDate":1766461630284,"projectUrl":"project/stem-explorers-tools-for-discovery/9730747/","projectTitle":"STEM Explorers: Tools for Discovery","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":10172802,"projectId":9984329,"letterContent":"With the materials you provided, my students were able to deepen their understanding of important Earth sciences concepts. They created concept posters to explain and natural disasters and their impacts on life on Earth, conducted data analysis, and developed presentations to explain natural forces such as weathering, erosion, deposition, glaciation, and plate tectonics shape our planet.\r\n\r\nYour contributions helped foster curiosity and critical thinking.\r\nOn behalf of my students and I, thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1772546743442,"projectUrl":"project/learn-and-do-stem/9984329/","projectTitle":"Learn and Do STEM","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Suresh","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10172802_orig.jpg?crop=1063,1063,x0,y159&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768282776265","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10172802"},{"teacherId":10172802,"projectId":10017087,"letterContent":"With the materials you provided, my students were able to deepen their understanding of important Earth sciences concepts. They created concept posters to explain and natural disasters and their impacts on life on Earth, conducted data analysis, and developed presentations to explain natural forces such as weathering, erosion, deposition, glaciation, and plate tectonics shape our planet.\r\n\r\nYour contributions helped foster curiosity and critical thinking.\r\nOn behalf of my students and I, thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1772546730780,"projectUrl":"project/tools-for-success/10017087/","projectTitle":"Tools for Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Suresh","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10172802_orig.jpg?crop=1063,1063,x0,y159&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768282776265","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10172802"},{"teacherId":10172802,"projectId":10075664,"letterContent":"With the materials you provided, my students were able to deepen their understanding of important Earth sciences concepts. They created concept posters to explain and natural disasters and their impacts on life on Earth, conducted data analysis, and developed presentations to explain natural forces such as weathering, erosion, deposition, glaciation, and plate tectonics shape our planet.\r\n\r\nYour contribution helped foster curiosity and critical thinking.\r\n\r\nOn behalf of my students and I, thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1772546733512,"projectUrl":"project/tools-for-classroom/10075664/","projectTitle":"Tools for Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Suresh","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10172802_orig.jpg?crop=1063,1063,x0,y159&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768282776265","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10172802"},{"teacherId":9642412,"projectId":10082099,"letterContent":"This project has a multifaceted impact on students' academic, personal, and social development. Academically, it strengthens students' STEM knowledge by providing authentic, hands-on opportunities to apply concepts in math, geometry, engineering, and problem-solving. By designing and iterating their own prototypes, students move beyond rote learning and develop a deeper understanding of how scientific and technical principles function in real-world contexts.\r\n\r\nPersonally, the coaching approach fosters resilience, perseverance, and self-confidence. Students experience first-hand the value of persistence, attention to detail, and iterative problem-solving. They learn to embrace challenges, recover from setbacks, and refine their work through critical reflection, which cultivates a growth mindset that extends beyond STEM activities.\r\n\r\nSocially, students develop essential life and leadership skills. Working in teams encourages communication, collaboration, and mentoring, while structured guidance ensures students can navigate decision-making and time management effectively. This combination of technical skill-building and interpersonal growth empowers students to take ownership of their learning, support their peers, and develop leadership abilities, preparing them to succeed in future academic, professional, and real-world contexts.\r\nOverall, the project's impact is the holistic development of students as confident, capable, and resilient problem-solvers who are prepared to innovate, lead, and thrive in STEM fields and beyond.","fullyFundedDate":1770689391788,"projectUrl":"project/engineering-leaders-hands-on-prototypin/10082099/","projectTitle":"Engineering Leaders: Hands-On Prototyping and STEM Coaching for Student","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"},{"teacherId":9642412,"projectId":9990783,"letterContent":"Having access to a color printer and laminating sheets for volleyball coaching significantly improves both organization and instructional quality during practices and games. Color printing allows me to create clear, easy-to-read rotation charts, position diagrams, play strategies, skill breakdowns, and visual cues that athletes can quickly understand at a glance. When these materials are laminated, they become durable, reusable, and weather-resistant, allowing players to reference them during practice without damage from sweat, water bottles, or outdoor conditions. This also allows for dry-erase use, so rotations, lineups, and adjustments can be made in real time. As a result, practices run more efficiently, athletes spend more time actively training, and players develop a stronger understanding of game strategy, positioning, and teamwork. Overall, these tools enhance communication, increase athlete accountability, and support a more structured, professional, and engaging coaching environment.","fullyFundedDate":1770022446976,"projectUrl":"project/enhancing-volleyball-instruction-through/9990783/","projectTitle":"Enhancing Volleyball Instruction Through Visual and Reusable Coaching Tools","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"},{"teacherId":9642412,"projectId":9909303,"letterContent":"This project will transform my classroom into a fully interactive STEM learning environment where students learn by designing, building, and testing rather than simply observing. With organized storage bins and accessible materials, students can transition quickly into hands-on investigations, maximizing instructional time and maintaining a structured, collaborative workspace. The polymer clay and sculpting tools will allow students to create detailed 3D models of abstract concepts—such as atoms, molecules, tectonic boundaries, and cell structures—making complex scientific ideas more concrete and easier to understand. Engineering materials like toothpicks, chopsticks, and clothespins will support authentic design challenges where students test stability, explore forces and energy transfer, and refine earthquake-resistant or load-bearing structures through iteration. Ink pads will extend learning into forensic science applications, promoting inquiry and evidence-based reasoning. Overall, these materials deepen conceptual understanding, strengthen problem-solving and critical thinking skills, and give students meaningful opportunities to engage in real scientific and engineering practices, building both confidence and competence in STEM.","fullyFundedDate":1765190289369,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-stem-creation-kits-for-student/9909303/","projectTitle":"Hands-On STEM Creation Kits for Student Innovation","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"},{"teacherId":9642412,"projectId":9868720,"letterContent":"Your donation directly supports 125 students at William L. Sheppard Middle School in San Jose, CA, where more than three-quarters of students come from low-income households and access to hands-on STEM resources is limited. The freezer and sandwich bags will be used to safely store lab supplies, organize materials, and protect student prototypes and ongoing projects, ensuring that experiments can continue over multiple days without loss or damage. With organized, accessible materials, students can focus on designing experiments, testing prototypes, collecting data, and refining their ideas through real-world engineering challenges. This project strengthens critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills while helping close opportunity gaps by providing historically underfunded students with meaningful, inquiry-based STEM experiences that build confidence and perseverance.","fullyFundedDate":1764724327940,"projectUrl":"project/stem-in-action-hands-on-learning-with-s/9868720/","projectTitle":"Stem in Action: Hands-On Learning With Simple Supplies","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":463,"numTeachers":24,"percentFrplEligible":85,"percentAsian":34,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":2,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":59,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":1,"gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"19.3:1","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"}