McAuliffe Middle School in Los Alamitos, California on DonorsChoose

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At the same time, everyday supplies like dry erase markers, colored pencils, and tape are being used constantly during lessons and projects, allowing students to actively participate, collaborate, and express their understanding in creative ways.\r\n\r\nStudents were genuinely excited when the materials arrived. The new bookshelf instantly became a focal point in the room, and the added book options made the reading challenge feel more accessible and inviting. The class store items, fidgets and small rewards, have also had a powerful impact. Students earn tickets for positive participation and staying on task, and they are highly motivated by the opportunity to use those tickets. This system has helped create a positive classroom culture where students are encouraged to engage, support one another, and take pride in their learning.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, these resources will continue to support both academic and classroom community goals. Students will keep engaging in meaningful reading and one-on-one discussions through the book challenge, while also using the supplies for upcoming projects that require creativity and collaboration. The class store will remain an important tool for reinforcing positive behavior and building a supportive environment where students feel motivated and valued. 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Through these books, students are practicing key skills such as summarizing, identifying central ideas and themes, analyzing perspective, and supporting their thinking with evidence. Just as importantly, they are learning to ask thoughtful questions, make connections, and engage in meaningful discussions about complex global issues.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom looks a little different with these books. Students are given the choice to select a story that interests them, and they read at their own pace, often during independent reading time or at home. Instead of completing a traditional written assignment, students meet with me one-on-one to talk about their book. These conversations allow them to share what they learned, reflect on what impacted them, and practice speaking and listening skills in a more personal and authentic way. It has created some of the most meaningful academic conversations I've had with students.\r\n\r\nI've already seen students become deeply engaged with these stories. Some who don't typically gravitate toward reading have been especially drawn to the graphic memoirs, while others have connected strongly to the personal journeys in books like Solito and We Are Displaced. Students are asking insightful questions, expressing empathy, and making connections between the past and present in ways that go far beyond a typical assignment. 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About this school

McAuliffe Middle School is a suburban public school in Los Alamitos, California that is part of Los Alamitos Unified School District. It serves 1,064 students in grades 6 - 8 with a student/teacher ratio of 24.2:1. Its teachers have had 7 projects funded on DonorsChoose.

Public School

Grades 6 - 8

1,064 Students

44 Teachers

4112 Cerritos Ave

Los Alamitos, CA 90720 View local requests

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Ms. Vero, a DonorsChoose teacher for 9 years.

Kindergarten teacher at PS81 - Robert J. Christen School in Bronx, NY

McAuliffe Middle School Teachers on DonorsChoose

Ms. Bellendir

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McAuliffe Middle School Demographics

21%

of students receive free or reduced price lunch

Source: the National Center for Education Statistics

48%

of students are Black, Latino, Native American, or Asian

Schools in districts that mainly serve students of color receive substantially less state and local support than similar districts that serve primarily White students. Learn more about this gap, why it exists, and how you can help close it.

McAuliffe Middle School Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Apr 8, 2026

DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.