{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Estrella Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":33.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8375636,"projectId":9463773,"letterContent":"This project enriches students' English Language Arts experience by integrating arts and crafts directly into literacy learning, giving students opportunities to express their understanding of texts in creative and meaningful ways. With materials like canvases, paints, construction paper, and art tools, students can visually represent characters, themes, and settings from literature, which deepens comprehension and strengthens critical thinking. The ability to connect visual art with reading and writing also supports diverse learning styles, increases engagement, and builds confidence in students who may struggle with traditional literacy tasks.\r\n\r\nBeyond academic growth, this project transforms the classroom into a vibrant, student-centered learning environment that fosters imagination, collaboration, and pride in student work. By providing ample art supplies and tools that were previously limited or unavailable, all students — especially those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds — have equitable access to enriching, hands-on learning experiences that build persistence, focus, and creative problem-solving. This project not only enhances classroom culture but also helps students see themselves as capable, expressive learners who can communicate in multiple modes.","fullyFundedDate":1752788468093,"projectUrl":"project/community-service-project-for-school-uni/9463773/","projectTitle":"Community Service Project for School Uniforms","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Grandinetti","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8375636"},{"teacherId":8375636,"projectId":9129203,"letterContent":"This project has a powerful impact on students by giving them access to books, art supplies, and hands-on materials that spark creativity, curiosity, and joy in learning. The books help students build literacy skills, expand vocabulary, and see themselves reflected in stories while also learning about others' experiences. The art and craft materials allow students to express ideas in non-traditional ways, supporting creativity, fine motor skills, and confidence—especially for students who may struggle with written expression alone.\r\n\r\nBeyond academics, this project transforms the classroom into a welcoming, engaging space where students feel safe to collaborate, play, and grow socially. Interactive games and flexible materials encourage teamwork, problem-solving, and positive peer relationships, while comfortable seating and organized supplies create an environment where students can focus and feel valued. For students in a high-need school with limited access to enrichment resources, these materials provide meaningful opportunities to learn through creativity, play, and connection—making school a place they are excited to be every day.","fullyFundedDate":1740599909265,"projectUrl":"project/inspiring-creativity-through-books-art/9129203/","projectTitle":"Inspiring Creativity Through Books, Art, and Play","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Grandinetti","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8375636"},{"teacherId":8361884,"projectId":9645822,"letterContent":"This project had a powerful impact on my students by giving them access to hands-on STEM tools that transformed curiosity into meaningful learning. My stars were eager to explore science, technology, engineering, and math, but many lacked opportunities to work with materials that allowed them to design, build, and experiment. With these resources, students engaged in real-world problem-solving as they used design materials, building kits, and robotics tools to test ideas and learn through trial and error.\r\n\r\nAs students collaborated and created, they built confidence in teamwork, creativity, and critical thinking. These experiences helped students see themselves as engineers, designers, and innovators. Most importantly, this project helped students connect classroom learning to real-world applications and future careers in engineering, robotics, and technology—opening doors to possibilities they may not have previously imagined.","fullyFundedDate":1757508783587,"projectUrl":"project/building-careers-in-steam/9645822/","projectTitle":"Building Careers in STEAM","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Breceda","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8361884_orig.jpg?crop=4160,4160,x1680,y1093&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1690583743262","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8361884"},{"teacherId":8361884,"projectId":9557348,"letterContent":"This project had a meaningful and lasting impact on my students by providing them with hands-on STEM materials that encourage creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration. My students are curious thinkers who thrive when they are given opportunities to build, design, and test their ideas. The STEM kits introduced students to real-world challenges and guided them through structured engineering activities that develop critical thinking and perseverance. The hot glue gun and glue sticks allowed students to safely construct, refine, and improve prototypes, helping them turn abstract ideas into concrete models. Poster paint supported creativity and communication as students express their thinking through design sketches, STEM identity posters, and final project presentations. These resources ensured equitable access to high-quality STEM learning experiences for all students and helped foster confidence, ownership, and a strong STEM identity through meaningful, project-based instruction.","fullyFundedDate":1755699128247,"projectUrl":"project/supplies-for-hands-on-learning/9557348/","projectTitle":"Supplies for Hands-On Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Breceda","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8361884_orig.jpg?crop=4160,4160,x1680,y1093&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1690583743262","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8361884"},{"teacherId":2354810,"projectId":9321620,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of headphones to our English Language Development classroom. Your gift has made a meaningful difference in our students' learning experience.\r\n\r\nWith access to individual headphones, our English learners can now fully engage in listening and speaking activities that strengthen their language skills. Students are able to focus without distractions, practice pronunciation with confidence, and learn at their own pace. \r\n\r\nThey take pride in being able to work independently and participate more fully in our digital learning environment.","fullyFundedDate":1751724979777,"projectUrl":"project/headphones-for-els/9321620/","projectTitle":"Headphones for ELs","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Seideman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2354810_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y494&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1752169652964","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2354810"},{"teacherId":3514247,"projectId":9193496,"letterContent":"We can't thank you enough for your support. Every item that was purchased has been a blessing to our students. Our school serves a 100% free-lunch community, where many families face daily financial challenges. Because of this, parents often do not have the resources to buy supplies like headphones or calculators. Your generosity helps bridge that gap and ensures our students have what they need to succeed.\r\n\r\nPlease rest assured that every item you donated is making a difference in my classroom. My students now have the necessary tools to focus on their education and academic growth. Their excitement when using the new materials is a daily reminder of your kindness.\r\n\r\nThank you for your generous donation and continued support!","fullyFundedDate":1746787302497,"projectUrl":"project/updating-technology/9193496/","projectTitle":"Updating Technology","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Neal","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3514247"},{"teacherId":2354810,"projectId":9303136,"letterContent":"Thank you again so much for helping me decorate my classroom. I am on a journey to becoming an AVID certified educator, and one of the core components is having an intentionally inviting classroom environment.\r\n\r\nBy balancing aesthetic choices with educational resources, my students feel welcomed to learn and can see the forethought that went into designing my classroom. They comment on the design choices regularly, especially when they discover something new. When my former students visit, even they comment on the environment the classroom creates.","fullyFundedDate":1746529214239,"projectUrl":"project/new-year-new-classroom/9303136/","projectTitle":"New Year, New Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Seideman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2354810_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y494&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1752169652964","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2354810"},{"teacherId":8361884,"projectId":9308564,"letterContent":"This project helped remove language barriers for newcomer students by providing real-time translation during classroom instruction. Many students were able to access lessons in their home language while continuing to build their English skills, which significantly improved their understanding of academic content. With the use of AI translation earbuds, students participated more confidently in class discussions, asked questions without hesitation, and engaged more actively in collaborative learning activities. As communication barriers were reduced, students felt more connected to their peers and teachers, creating a more inclusive and supportive classroom environment. These tools increased student engagement, strengthened comprehension, and promoted equity by ensuring that language differences did not limit access to learning opportunities or student success.","fullyFundedDate":1746582344790,"projectUrl":"project/breaking-language-barriers-with-real-tim/9308564/","projectTitle":"Breaking Language Barriers with Real-Time Translation Earbuds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Breceda","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8361884_orig.jpg?crop=4160,4160,x1680,y1093&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1690583743262","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8361884"},{"teacherId":9039703,"projectId":9366899,"letterContent":"When our two rolling carts arrived, my students and I were so excited to put them to use right away. In the classroom, they've been a game-changer for organization. One cart is used for student supplies—markers, paper, and novels for our independent reading time—so students can quickly grab what they need without disrupting class. The other cart has become our mobile station for projects; during group activities, I can easily roll it around the room so each group has access to materials. Recently, while working on a creative writing project, the cart allowed students to grab art supplies and share them with their group seamlessly, keeping the energy and creativity flowing.\r\n\r\nThe students were thrilled when they first saw the carts and how much easier they made both class and volleyball practices. As a coach, I also use them to transport volleyballs, water, and equipment to the gym and even to away games. What used to take multiple trips back and forth is now quick and efficient, giving us more time to focus on warming up and preparing as a team. The athletes in particular love that everything we need is now organized and ready to go at a moment's notice.","fullyFundedDate":1752320787980,"projectUrl":"project/rolling-toward-brighter-futures/9366899/","projectTitle":"Rolling Toward Brighter Futures","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Soltero","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9039703_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1683683008305","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9039703"},{"teacherId":8361884,"projectId":9254840,"letterContent":"Our students completed a heartwarming community service project—Kindness in Every Fold for Our Senior Community. \r\n\r\nThey built both cloth and paper fans, adding their own creative touch by decorating the paper ones with care and color. These handmade fans were shared with our local senior center, bringing comfort and a smile to those who received them. \r\n\r\nYour support made it possible for our students to learn the joy of giving, the value of kindness, and the importance of community connection. Thank you for helping our students spread kindness, one fan at a time!","fullyFundedDate":1745012697013,"projectUrl":"project/kindness-in-every-fold-for-our-senior-co/9254840/","projectTitle":"Kindness in Every Fold for Our Senior community","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Breceda","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8361884_orig.jpg?crop=4160,4160,x1680,y1093&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1690583743262","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8361884"},{"teacherId":8361884,"projectId":9400041,"letterContent":"My students completed their very first STEM project—building the tallest free-standing tower—and it was a huge success! This hands-on challenge helped them apply and understand the STEM design process in action. Your generous support for \"STEM Identity & Representation: Clean, Creative, and Culturally Proud\" made it possible for students to experience the excitement of designing, testing, and improving their ideas. You're helping them see themselves as problem-solvers, creators, and future innovators. Thank you for believing in them and in the power of representation in STEM!","fullyFundedDate":1752671480208,"projectUrl":"project/stem-identity-representation-clean-c/9400041/","projectTitle":"STEM Identity & Representation: Clean, Creative, and Culturally Proud","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Breceda","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8361884_orig.jpg?crop=4160,4160,x1680,y1093&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1690583743262","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8361884"},{"teacherId":8361884,"projectId":9449881,"letterContent":"This project empowered our students to lead a schoolwide wellness initiative promoting equity, emotional well-being, and school pride through a uniform support program for peers in need. \r\n\r\nAt our Title I middle school, where many families face financial challenges, students recognized how limited access to essential clothing like shorts and sweatshirts affected their classmates' confidence and sense of belonging. Taking action, they organized, collected, and distributed uniform items to ensure every student could participate fully and comfortably in school life. Their efforts strengthened our sense of community, fostered compassion, and showed how student-led leadership can create meaningful, lasting change.","fullyFundedDate":1752877031561,"projectUrl":"project/a-wellness-project-for-our-school-commun/9449881/","projectTitle":"A Wellness Project for Our School Community","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Breceda","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8361884_orig.jpg?crop=4160,4160,x1680,y1093&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1690583743262","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8361884"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_58320","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":693,"numTeachers":59,"percentFrplEligible":55,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":2,"percentWhite":1,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":93,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"11.7:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":66.9,"schoolId":58320,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Estrella Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Estrella Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/arizona/cartwright-school-district-83/estrella-middle-school/58320"}