{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Desert Mirage High School","outOfStateSupporters":21.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10425932,"projectId":10076408,"letterContent":"Receiving the digital clock, biology game, classroom rug, and spin the wheel prize system was very impactful because each item provides a different way to support student learning, engagement, and classroom community. The digital clock will help me and my students stay organized by providing a clear visual reminder of how much time is available for activities, transitions, and assignments. The biology game will make learning more interactive and enjoyable while giving students an opportunity to review important science concepts in a way that feels less like traditional classwork. The rug will create a welcoming and comfortable space where students can participate in discussions, small-group activities. Overall, these items will help me build stronger relationships with my students and create a classroom where students feel encouraged to participate, learn, and be successful. I got the items with my new students they were amaze of the items and are extremely grateful to be in a classroom that feels closer to home.","fullyFundedDate":1778263981652,"projectUrl":"project/sped-teacher-in-need-of-assistance/10076408/","projectTitle":"Sped Teacher in Need of Assistance","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Alvarado","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10425932"},{"teacherId":9609314,"projectId":10082656,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to our art class! Your support has made a wonderful difference in our classroom and has given our students even more opportunities to learn and be creative.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, we now have a new printer, a large supply of cardstock paper, and laminating sheets. These materials have allowed us to print colorful posters, create engaging worksheets, and make durable art resources that our students can use again and again. Having these supplies has made our art lessons more creative, organized, and enjoyable for our students.\r\n\r\nWe truly appreciate your kindness and generosity. Your donation has helped us create a better learning environment where students can explore their creativity and enjoy making art. We are so grateful for everything you have done to support our class and our students.\r\n\r\nThank you again for helping make our art classroom a more creative and inspiring place!","fullyFundedDate":1780019537721,"projectUrl":"project/color-resources-for-inclusive-high-schoo/10082656/","projectTitle":"Color Resources for Inclusive High School Art Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Espinoza","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9609314_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1787199639190","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9609314"},{"teacherId":4140161,"projectId":10271339,"letterContent":"In my class we have a reading requirement. We read a class article that focuses on reading and all the benefits that come with being a reader. We focus on the growth they will have in their vocabulary skills. Studies show that if students consistently read, they can read about 1 million words per year and learn about one thousand new words. I really highlight these facts because I tell them there is a lot of learning that can happen if they focus and practice reading. I also, let them know there is no way I could teach all my 180 students one thousand new words to each student. That is the power that comes with reading. I try to encourage students to read and for students to understand that if they want to attend college in the future, they will need to be able to pick up those college books and read on their own. I want then to understand the importance of building the habit to read. \r\n\r\nStudents are to choose a book from our class library. Students then read their book in class Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. We read in class for about 10-12 minutes. Students keep track of the book they read and pages they read. This helps them build a routine when reading. For Freshmen, they are required to complete a summary of the book they are reading then they have to share their summary with the class. I like to have students write their summary on a single seating so it can be authentic and not copied from the internet. For Sophomores, they complete 4 different projects in which they focus on a part of the book. This pushes them to think a little more than just the plot of the book (Which is what they do Freshman year). Students then present their projects to the class. \r\n\r\n\tI make it a point to showcase books that are received from Donors Choose. I display the books in front of the class and I will announce to students that we got a project funded. I can see in my students' reactions they are happy to see new books in the room. It's such a privilege to be able to unpack these new books that are ready for us to read. Today, one of my students picked up one of the new books that arrived, I told her, that was a new book and she responded by questioning if she was allowed to check it out. I was sure to tell her that is who the books are for... for students; and of course, she could read it! In my community, unfortunately having access to books is not very common so it is awesome to be able to have generous donors from Donors Choose to donate books for us. I have noticed a trend that more and more students are being inclined to buy their own books. One student told me she wanted to take notes on the book and preferred to have her own copy; that was awesome. I also create lists for students to add titles of books they'd like to see in our class library. Little by little I want students to tell each other that reading is a good thing; that to be a reader is a good quality to instill. I want to continue helping students build good reading habits so they can continue to grow and take the life skill of reading with them.","fullyFundedDate":1780019533989,"projectUrl":"project/more-books-for-our-library/10271339/","projectTitle":"More Books for Our Library","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Rodriguez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4140161_orig.png?crop=398,398,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1635280980354","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4140161"},{"teacherId":8040874,"projectId":9954880,"letterContent":"Thank you for donating all the materials we needed for our saponification lab. This project was an opportunity for our students to make a soap brand/logo, to explore the use of sodium hydroxide, and how to take accurate measurements using a digital scale. \r\n\r\nMy students were so excited to see all the materials they had to work with in order to make soap, and they were also very happy about creating something that they see at the stores, but actually making it themselves. The majority of them have shared that they really enjoyed this lab and that it was something they have never done before. \r\n\r\nThe saponification lab allowed them to learn about pH, accurate measurements, and how to make digital logos. Overall they were able to be more creative, think about what its like to make a business, and finally the importance of chemists when it comes to safe, high quality products that we use every day. \r\n\r\nIn the next weeks we will be learning about the mole and how it can be used to measure matter in different units. After that we will be going into chemical equations and the different types of chemical reactions. Thank you for supporting teachers like me, and for offering a high quality education to so many students; you change their high school educational experiences with your generous donations.","fullyFundedDate":1765921203783,"projectUrl":"project/saponification-exploring-one-early-exam/9954880/","projectTitle":"Saponification: Exploring One Early Example of O-CHEM and MAN-MADE Products!","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Debbie Hernandez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8040874_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1763507810915","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8040874"},{"teacherId":8040874,"projectId":9892282,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting my students in their learning journey. They have been so eager to use and experience all the new positive behavior rewards you gave us! The spin the wheel has been an awesome contribution to our class and they love it because whoever finishes their bell work first gets to spin it and then gets a treat from our mystery bag! The chips and juices were appreciated, but I personally found that the chapsticks came at a perfect time now that it is really cold and dry in our desert. One thing they did not love was the cell phone locker, but from my perspective I have seen them interact with each other and I love that because although cell phones are a great way to stay connected with people we love, in school, students should interact with each other. I was sad when I saw that some kids were ignored by their group members because everyone was on their phone. I have noticed that now, they're all starting to socialize more with each other. I feel that they are trusting of me with their cell phones because they can see it in the locker and they know that it is safely locked in a secure space. \r\n\r\nWe have been having a blast using all the gifts you sent us! Yes, the focus of my STEM project was to incentivize academic achievement in my chem labs with rewards systems, but it also had a hands-on lab component. And, let me tell ya, my students did not disappoint! This last week of the semester we have been learning about ionic compounds and to connect to this topic I decided to show them how to create borax crystals using the pipe cleaners you donated them as well as the kite string that we needed! Overall, my chemists created some snowflake ornaments, some hearts, and even some mini-xmas trees! Overall it has been a delight to watch and they are really enjoying the class thanks to you! \r\n\r\nI appreciate that you make this possible in this frequently underserved community, my students come from humble homes and their gratitude is immense, so please know that you help make a difference in their lives. I am also grateful for the opportunity to have your support as I could not afford all these labs and projects by myself.","fullyFundedDate":1763600238086,"projectUrl":"project/the-alchemists-corner-transforming-our/9892282/","projectTitle":"The Alchemist's Corner: Transforming Our Chemistry Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Debbie Hernandez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8040874_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1763507810915","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8040874"},{"teacherId":9609314,"projectId":9759577,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of lights and lamps for our art class. Your kindness has truly made a difference in our learning environment. The improved lighting not only helps students see their work more clearly, but it also creates a welcoming, fun, and inspiring space where creativity can thrive.\r\nBecause of your support, our classroom feels brighter, more comfortable, and more inviting for every student who walks in. We are incredibly grateful for your thoughtfulness and for helping us create an environment where students feel excited to learn and express themselves through.","fullyFundedDate":1763639044059,"projectUrl":"project/let-there-be-light-creating-a-calm-cre/9759577/","projectTitle":"Let There Be Light: Creating a Calm, Creative Art Room","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Espinoza","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9609314_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1787199639190","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9609314"},{"teacherId":9609314,"projectId":9499753,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity in helping fund the essential cleaning supplies and materials for our classroom. Your support has made a bigger impact than you may realize. Because of you, our students walk into a clean, comfortable, and well-maintained environment where they can focus on learning. Items like tissues, wipes, and other daily essentials truly make a difference in creating a healthy and welcoming space. We are incredibly grateful for your kindness and commitment to our classroom community. Thank you again for believing in us and supporting our students.","fullyFundedDate":1758636624166,"projectUrl":"project/clean-comfortable-classroom-essentials/9499753/","projectTitle":"Clean & Comfortable Classroom Essentials","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Espinoza","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9609314_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1787199639190","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9609314"},{"teacherId":8040874,"projectId":9425230,"letterContent":"My class and I are using the materials you donated to us to showcase our amazing work. I created bulletin boards in my classroom, which is otherwise empty, so I can display students' work. When they first saw the bulletin boards, they expressed that it looked beautiful and colorful. They stated that most of their classes are empty, and lack colorful bulletins that highlight what we have done throughout the year. In addition to these, I also really appreciate the hand soap you gave us because the soap helps us clean up after the lab, some chemicals are irritants, and ensuring we have a good quality soap ensures that kids leave the lab clean and safe. \r\n\r\nCurrently, my chemistry kids complete the pumpkin explosion project with calcium carbide, and we did a quick intro to chemical equations for this lab activity; and it was quite literally \"the bomb!\" Now was are getting ready to learn some of the periodic trends of the elements, and have the flame test lab prepared for the next week. The flame test lab is wonderful because students get to see physical properties of various ionic compounds and also dive into the various lab apparatus that are important in chemistry.","fullyFundedDate":1754022996109,"projectUrl":"project/chem-tastic-a-project-for-a-new-dm-teac/9425230/","projectTitle":"Chem-tastic: A Project For A New DM Teacher!","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Debbie Hernandez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8040874_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1763507810915","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8040874"},{"teacherId":9609314,"projectId":9499768,"letterContent":"I would like to extend our sincerest gratitude for your generous support in funding aprons and inks for our art class. These resources have made such a meaningful difference — not only in our printmaking projects but also in painting and other creative activities.\r\n\r\nYour contribution ensures that our students can fully engage in hands-on art experiences without hesitation. The aprons allow them to dive into their work with confidence, and the new inks have opened up new possibilities for creativity and expression.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, our classroom feels more vibrant, inspired, and equipped for exploration. Thank you for believing in the power of art education and for helping our students grow as artists.\r\n\r\nWith heartfelt appreciation","fullyFundedDate":1756225472539,"projectUrl":"project/aprons-ink-plates-equipping-young-ar/9499768/","projectTitle":"Aprons, Ink & Plates: Equipping Young Artists for Printmaking Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Espinoza","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9609314_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1787199639190","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9609314"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_73915","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1818,"numTeachers":80,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":98,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":0,"gradesServed":"9 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"22.7:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"RURAL","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_FRINGE"},"inStateSupporters":78.9,"schoolId":73915,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Desert Mirage High School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Desert Mirage High School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/coachella-valley-unified-school-district/desert-mirage-high-school/73915"}