{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Sierra Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":40.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":7779790,"projectId":9652235,"letterContent":"This project has been useful all year long in my classroom from making water bottles and mini flags, to t-shirts and team jerseys. So many of my students can not afford high end swag or name brands, so when students can design their own personal swag it really encourages them and gives them a sense of self confidence that they did not have before. It quickly becomes quiet the reward for students to have their own swag that they not only designed but they physically created. I have no doubt that this project will benefit students for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1756490561367,"projectUrl":"project/replacing-our-broken-printers/9652235/","projectTitle":"Replacing Our Broken Printers","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Du Val","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7779790_orig.jpg?crop=279,279,x252,y389&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1705045996829","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7779790"},{"teacherId":7779790,"projectId":9663436,"letterContent":"This project has been so impactful in so many ways! Students absolutely love being able to come in on their lunch and play. I must say that although I am happy to see them jumping and swinging around with the motion controllers it bugs me when they can be lackadaisical during PE when I know that they have the energy! On top of the bonus of showing students that they can be active by simply modifying the games that they already play it has also created a relationship between me and many students that transfers out on to the PE classroom setting as well. I know that this project is going to benefit students for years to come so thank you.","fullyFundedDate":1756685530531,"projectUrl":"project/switching-up-gaming-club-x-2/9663436/","projectTitle":"Switching Up Gaming Club X 2!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Du Val","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7779790_orig.jpg?crop=279,279,x252,y389&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1705045996829","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7779790"},{"teacherId":7779790,"projectId":9722955,"letterContent":"This is speaker has been such a game changer for all of my classes. If I forget to bring the speaker out the students will quickly remind me. On top of that at the end of the day if I do not plug it in at the end of class to recharge they will remind me or they will just plug it in themselves lol. Each of my classes have thoroughly enjoyed being able to have music for almost every thing that we do that they have made request for their playlist, and now each period has their own list of songs that motivates them. Truly helps engage students who normally would be more lackadaisical. Thank you so much for your generosity.","fullyFundedDate":1763474857397,"projectUrl":"project/music-pe/9722955/","projectTitle":"Music + PE","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Du Val","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7779790_orig.jpg?crop=279,279,x252,y389&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1705045996829","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7779790"},{"teacherId":7779790,"projectId":8178703,"letterContent":"This was such a great project for my students, it really gave them an opportunity to make individual gifts of appreciation for the front line workers, that actually mean something to the community in which they not only go to school but where they live. Although logistics came in to place on how to have the students actually delivery them to the workers the opportunity presented itself when we had our career day and the police and sheriff department, and other front liners came to us. I think the workers were pleasantly surprised and grateful to know that our school's students cared and appreciated them.","fullyFundedDate":1706826627245,"projectUrl":"project/connecting-our-school-with-nearby-front-/8178703/","projectTitle":"Connecting Our School With Nearby Front-Line Workers","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Du Val","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7779790_orig.jpg?crop=279,279,x252,y389&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1705045996829","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7779790"},{"teacherId":10307778,"projectId":9815197,"letterContent":"When the boxes arrived and my students saw the Lego set, soft plush toys, and new books, the energy in our classroom shifted instantly. Their eyes widened with pure joy, and one student even cheered, \"Is this really for us?\" Watching them explore the sensory items was a powerful reminder of how much these \"extras\" mean to their daily well-being. The plush toys have already become \"calm-down companions\" for students who need a moment to regulate their emotions, while the Lego sets have turned our break corner into a hub of quiet, focused creativity where students can recharge their minds before diving back into their work.\r\n\r\nWe recently put these resources to use during a particularly challenging math unit. I noticed several students becoming frustrated, so we initiated a \"brain break\" using the new sensory tools. One student, who usually struggles to stay seated, spent five minutes building a small structure with the Legos; when he returned to his desk, he was noticeably more composed and ready to tackle his word problems. These items aren't just toys; they are essential tools for Social Emotional Learning that help my students develop self-awareness and resilience in real-time.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we are integrating the new SEL books into our morning meetings to spark discussions about empathy and managing big feelings. My students are currently working on a \"Community Helpers\" project, and we plan to use the Lego sets to build models of our neighborhood, practicing teamwork and communication as we go. Your generosity has provided more than just materials! It has created a safer, more inclusive space where my students feel supported enough to take risks in their learning.","fullyFundedDate":1762381605237,"projectUrl":"project/ms-special-education-classroom-sensory-m/9815197/","projectTitle":"MS Special Education Classroom Sensory Materials","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Peters","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10307778_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1763498899865","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10307778"},{"teacherId":10307778,"projectId":9851108,"letterContent":"The introduction of the three sensory weighted blankets has been a complete game-changer for our class. In a setting where sensory processing challenges can often lead to \"fight or flight\" moments, these blankets provide an immediate, grounding sense of security. My students have begun incorporating them into their daily \"reset\" routines; whether they are feeling overwhelmed by the hum of the fluorescent lights or the social pressures of the lunchroom, they know they can head to our cozy corner, drape a blanket over their shoulders, and feel the calming deep-pressure stimulation. It's been incredible to watch them develop the self-awareness to seek out these tools independently before a meltdown even begins.\r\n\r\nWhen the blankets first arrived, the excitement was palpable. A student who typically struggles to sit still for more than two minutes wrapped himself in the blue weighted blanket and remained focused on his graphic novel for 10 minutes straight. The look of pure, calm concentration on his face was a gift that every teacher hopes for. He later told me it felt like \"a big hug that helps my brain stay quiet.\"\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we are using this newfound focus to dive deeper into our \"Life Skills and Self-Regulation\" unit. Now that the students have reliable tools to help regulate their bodies, our next step is for them to create \"Personal Regulation Menus.\" They will be documenting which sensory tools, like the blankets, work best for them during specific tasks—such as test-taking or group projects. This project will help them advocate for their needs as they transition toward high school, ensuring they carry the lessons of self-care and focus far beyond our classroom walls.","fullyFundedDate":1763474745223,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-weighted-blankets-for-sped-class/9851108/","projectTitle":"Sensory Weighted Blankets for SPED Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Peters","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10307778_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1763498899865","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10307778"},{"teacherId":3631663,"projectId":9873890,"letterContent":"Making a paper mâché mask had a strong impact on students' learning by combining creativity with hands-on problem solving. Students developed fine motor skills and spatial awareness as they built and shaped their forms, while also learning to plan, revise, and problem-solve when structures didn't work as expected. The project encouraged patience and perseverance, since paper mâché requires multiple steps and drying time.\r\n\r\nAcademically, students strengthened their understanding of design, form, and texture, and practiced following multi-step directions. Socially, the project promoted collaboration, communication, and peer feedback as students shared materials and ideas. Overall, paper mâché allowed students to express themselves creatively while building confidence and engaging in meaningful, experiential learning.","fullyFundedDate":1763474818984,"projectUrl":"project/cultural-art-for-the-classroom/9873890/","projectTitle":"Cultural Art for the Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mendez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3631663_orig.jpg?crop=1440,1440,x597,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1696026391749","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3631663"},{"teacherId":7779790,"projectId":8853506,"letterContent":"Wow I still can not thank the donors enough for their generous donations to this project as it has been such a blessing to my school. Just having the drone on campus sparks so much interest and engagement with students as it is usually only something that they see on tv or in movies. There has been so many positive reactions and conversations from students when they see what it can do, and how truly far technology has come for it to readily available in a classroom. It has also been quite the incentive for students as the ability to fly a piece of technology themselves is something that many love and enjoy and I have seen smiles from ear to ear on students that normally would not be as engaged in the classroom. I truly am grateful for you generosity towards my students.","fullyFundedDate":1731940505356,"projectUrl":"project/flying-into-the-future/8853506/","projectTitle":"Flying Into The Future","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Du Val","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7779790_orig.jpg?crop=279,279,x252,y389&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1705045996829","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7779790"},{"teacherId":7779790,"projectId":8750116,"letterContent":"Wow I still can not thank the donors enough for their generous donations to this project as it has been such a blessing to my school. Just having the drone on campus sparks so much interest and engagement with students as it is usually only something that they see on tv or in movies. There has been so many positive reactions and conversations from students when they see what it can do, and how truly far technology has come for it to readily available in a classroom. It has also been quite the incentive for students as the ability to fly a piece of technology themselves is something that many love and enjoy and I have seen smiles from ear to ear on students that normally would not be as engaged in the classroom. I truly am grateful for you generosity towards my students.","fullyFundedDate":1731940527785,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-esports-and-practical-applicati/8750116/","projectTitle":"Bringing Esports and Practical Application Together","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Du Val","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7779790_orig.jpg?crop=279,279,x252,y389&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1705045996829","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7779790"},{"teacherId":7779790,"projectId":8682609,"letterContent":"Wow I still can not thank the donors enough for their generous donations to this project as it has been such a blessing to my school. Just having the drone on campus sparks so much interest and engagement with students as it is usually only something that they see on tv or in movies. There has been so many positive reactions and conversations from students when they see what it can do, and how truly far technology has come for it to readily available in a classroom. It has also been quite the incentive for students as the ability to fly a piece of technology themselves is something that many love and enjoy and I have seen smiles from ear to ear on students that normally would not be as engaged in the classroom. I truly am grateful for you generosity towards my students.","fullyFundedDate":1731940526995,"projectUrl":"project/raising-students-engagement-to-new-heigh/8682609/","projectTitle":"Raising Students Engagement to New Heights With a Drone!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Du Val","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7779790_orig.jpg?crop=279,279,x252,y389&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1705045996829","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7779790"},{"teacherId":1615505,"projectId":9033996,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for taking the time to look at our project and for donating. Because of generous donors such as yourself, our project became a reality. Please know that you made an impact in the health, fitness, wellness, and education in a group of young people who need help the most. Your donation went directly to students at a Title 1 school where the impact made the most.\r\n\r\nThanks to your donation and the equipment that we were able to purchase with it, my students will now have a new understanding of fitness.","fullyFundedDate":1736977211183,"projectUrl":"project/step-it-up-in-2025/9033996/","projectTitle":"Step It Up In 2025!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Ribaudo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1615505_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y50&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1615499269221","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ribaudo"},{"teacherId":7779790,"projectId":9091087,"letterContent":"Thank you so much this was a huge success for my school. It was no huge surprise that many students loved having their face on signs at school. Something that we were able to do was use some of the signs to promote school expectations for our athletes by featuring some of the schools favorite players while addressing that those students were not just successful on the field, but that they were highly successful in the classroom as well such as straight As or just an overall positive encouraging attitude towards everyone they came across.","fullyFundedDate":1739366792934,"projectUrl":"project/personalized-signs-and-stickers-featurin/9091087/","projectTitle":"Personalized Signs and Stickers Featuring Students","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Du Val","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7779790_orig.jpg?crop=279,279,x252,y389&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1705045996829","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7779790"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_79367","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":746,"numTeachers":40,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":3,"percentWhite":2,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":92,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"18.6:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":59.8,"schoolId":79367,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Sierra Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Sierra Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/bakersfield-city-school-district/sierra-middle-school/79367"}