{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"William L Sheppard Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":22.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"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"},{"teacherId":9642412,"projectId":10006439,"letterContent":"This project has had a meaningful impact on student learning by significantly strengthening hands-on engagement in math, engineering, and science concepts. With access to materials such as Lelix Felt Tip Pens, a Photo Studio Light Box, wooden clothespins, marbles, a polymer clay roller machine, and paper for planning and documentation, students are now able to move through the full design process—from initial ideas to tested, refined prototypes.\r\nStudents are more actively involved in sketching, planning, building, and evaluating their work. The structured use of these tools has helped them develop stronger problem-solving skills, improve attention to detail, and better understand the importance of iteration in the engineering process. Documenting their prototypes with the light box has also increased pride in their work and encouraged more thoughtful reflection and revision.\r\nBecause of this project, I have been able to implement more intentional, coaching-based instruction where I guide students through real-world STEM practices rather than simply teaching content. This has increased collaboration, creativity, and persistence in my classroom, while also helping students build confidence in their ability to design and improve solutions.\r\nOverall, the project has deepened student engagement and provided them with authentic STEM experiences that connect classroom learning to real-world problem solving and future academic pathways.","fullyFundedDate":1773088977696,"projectUrl":"project/mesa-prototype-makers-hands-on-learning/10006439/","projectTitle":"Mesa Prototype Makers: Hands-On Learning Toolkit","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":9966679,"letterContent":"Thank you for this support. This project has significantly enhanced student learning by bringing abstract science concepts to life through hands-on 3D design and printing. Using the Flashforge Adventurer 5M Pro 3D Printer and silk PLA filament, students are now able to transform ideas into tangible models, which has deepened their understanding of scientific principles and improved engagement across STEM lessons.\r\nStudents are actively participating in the full engineering design cycle—planning, building, testing, and refining their prototypes. This has strengthened their critical thinking, spatial reasoning, and problem-solving skills, while also encouraging perseverance through trial and error. As a result, students are more confident in their ability to tackle complex problems and are beginning to see themselves as capable scientists and engineers.\r\nWith this equipment, I have been able to shift instruction toward more inquiry-based, project-driven learning experiences. Students are no longer just learning about scientific concepts—they are applying them in meaningful, real-world ways. This has increased motivation, collaboration, and excitement around STEM learning.\r\nI would also like to sincerely thank An Anonymous Supporter for helping make this opportunity possible. Their support has directly contributed to a richer, more engaging classroom experience and has opened the door for students to explore future careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.","fullyFundedDate":1778276718573,"projectUrl":"project/innovate-prototype-3d-printing-in-sci/9966679/","projectTitle":"Innovate & Prototype: 3D Printing in Science","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":10179734,"letterContent":"This project being funded has already made a positive impact on my classroom by providing students with the tools and supports they need to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. The PBIS resources, including sensory fidgets, squishy toys, and motivational rewards, have helped create a more structured, engaging, and supportive learning environment where students feel encouraged to do their best.\r\nWith access to these materials, students are better able to regulate their emotions, maintain focus during instruction, and participate more successfully in classroom activities. The sensory tools provide appropriate outlets for movement and stress relief, helping reduce disruptions and increase student engagement. At the same time, the reward system has strengthened positive behaviors by recognizing effort, persistence, responsibility, and positive social interactions in a meaningful and motivating way.\r\nAs a result, students are demonstrating improved self-regulation, stronger classroom participation, and greater confidence in their abilities. Funding this project has helped foster a more inclusive and positive classroom culture where students feel safe, supported, and motivated to learn each day.","fullyFundedDate":1778505710767,"projectUrl":"project/supporting-positive-behavior-and-engagem/10179734/","projectTitle":"Supporting Positive Behavior and Engagement for all Students PBIS Rewards","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":10009841,"letterContent":"This funded project had a significant impact on my MESA students by transforming coaching sessions into highly interactive, hands-on learning experiences where students could actively design, build, present, and refine their ideas. With the addition of wireless microphones and a 4K USB document camera, students were able to clearly communicate their thinking, record presentations, and receive immediate feedback while engaging in authentic STEM learning.\r\nThe document camera allowed me to model step-by-step engineering and design processes in real time, making complex concepts more accessible and helping every student follow along successfully during both in-person and hybrid coaching sessions. Students used acrylic paints, gesso, EVA foam, and hot glue to build prototypes, create models, and test solutions during STEM challenges and competitions. These materials gave students opportunities to apply science, engineering, and problem-solving skills in creative and meaningful ways.\r\n\r\nThe project also strengthened students' confidence, collaboration, and communication skills. By using microphones to present ideas and create project videos, students practiced public speaking, digital literacy, and professional communication skills that are essential for future college and career success. Students became more comfortable explaining their design choices, reflecting on improvements, and working together to solve challenges.\r\n\r\nBecause many of my students come from low-income households, this project provided access to high-quality STEM tools and creative materials that they may not otherwise experience. The funded resources created a more equitable and engaging learning environment where students could explore engineering concepts, develop leadership skills, and see themselves as capable innovators, creators, and future STEM professionals.","fullyFundedDate":1770654605920,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-stem-coaching-for-mesa-students/10009841/","projectTitle":"Hands-On STEM Coaching 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"},{"teacherId":9642412,"projectId":10039688,"letterContent":"Getting this project funded had a powerful impact on my MESA students by giving them access to meaningful, hands-on STEM experiences that brought abstract concepts in sound, light, and wave phenomena to life. With tools such as tuning forks, resonance tubes, decibel meters, prisms, and convex and concave mirrors, students were able to actively investigate wave behavior, collect quantitative data, and apply scientific concepts through real-world experimentation aligned to the Stanford SCALE Unit 4 curriculum.\r\nThe funded materials increased student engagement and collaboration during MESA coaching sessions. Students rotated through investigation stations, worked together to solve problems, and used evidence from experiments to explain concepts like frequency, amplitude, resonance, reflection, and refraction. The mesh supply pouches helped students stay organized and responsible for shared materials, while the cooler supported student comfort and focus during extended STEM activities and challenges.\r\n\r\nThis project also strengthened students' college and career readiness skills. Through collaborative investigations and engineering-style problem solving, students practiced communication, leadership, critical thinking, and data analysis skills that mirror those used in STEM professions. Students became more confident presenting ideas, interpreting results, and working effectively as a team. Most importantly, the project helped students see themselves as future scientists, engineers, and innovators by connecting classroom learning to authentic STEM applications and career pathways.","fullyFundedDate":1771941269900,"projectUrl":"project/waves-light-and-sound-hands-on-stem-c/10039688/","projectTitle":"Waves, Light, and Sound: Hands-On STEM Coaching 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"},{"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"}],"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":77.3,"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"}