{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Gaspar de Portola Charter Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":7.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10191509,"projectId":9650179,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous contribution toward purchasing New Kid for my new kids! Your support helps us place engaging, meaningful books directly into the hands of young readers at an important stage in their academic and personal growth. Graphic novels have a unique ability to inspire students, build reading confidennce, and encourage a lifelong love of learning, and your kindness is making that possible. \r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, our students are excited to read. Graphic novels help students strengthen literacy skills and create opportunities for connection both inside and outside the classroom. We are deeply grateful for your investment in our students and our school community. Thank you for helping us create an encouraging and enriching experience for every new middle schooler. \r\n\r\nSincerely, \r\nTrish Kiernan","fullyFundedDate":1757377680813,"projectUrl":"project/new-kid-for-the-new-kids/9650179/","projectTitle":"New Kid for the New Kids","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kiernan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10191509"},{"teacherId":5102269,"projectId":10124209,"letterContent":"The sheep heart dissection has quickly become one of the most impactful learning experiences in our classroom this year. When students first saw the materials, their reactions ranged from excitement and curiosity to complete amazement. Many students had never seen a real organ up close before, and it immediately sparked thoughtful questions and genuine engagement with the lesson.\r\n\r\nOne powerful classroom moment occurred when students carefully opened the hearts and compared the thickness of the left and right ventricles. After learning about how the heart pumps blood throughout the body, students were able to physically see why one side of the heart is more muscular than the other. Watching students connect textbook concepts to real-life anatomy in such an authentic way was incredibly rewarding.\r\n\r\nThe materials gave students the opportunity to practice real scientific skills such as observation, teamwork, critical thinking, and inquiry. Students took pride in using proper lab tools and procedures while collaborating with their groups to identify different structures of the heart. Even students who are usually quiet in class became actively involved in discussions and eager to share discoveries with their classmates.\r\n\r\nAs we continue this unit, students will use what they learned during the dissection to deepen their understanding of the cardiovascular system and how it works together with the respiratory and digestive systems to keep the body functioning. They will complete follow-up activities that include labeling diagrams, analyzing blood flow, and applying their knowledge to health and wellness topics. These hands-on experiences are helping students see science as something real, exciting, and connected to t","fullyFundedDate":1772487934850,"projectUrl":"project/sheep-heart-dissection/10124209/","projectTitle":"Sheep Heart Dissection","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bugyik","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5102269"},{"teacherId":5102269,"projectId":9624422,"letterContent":"Our students were incredibly excited when the sheep heart dissection materials arrived. For many of them, this was their very first opportunity to participate in a real dissection, and the anticipation in the classroom was amazing. The moment students walked in and saw the lab setup, they immediately began asking questions and sharing what they already knew about the heart and circulatory system. Their curiosity and enthusiasm made the experience even more meaningful.\r\n\r\nOne especially memorable classroom moment happened when students were able to identify and trace the path of blood flow through the chambers of the heart using actual specimens. Concepts that can sometimes feel abstract in a textbook suddenly became real and tangible. Students worked collaboratively to identify valves, ventricles, arteries, and veins while making connections to how their own bodies function every day. Many students commented that this was one of the most engaging science activities they had ever done.\r\n\r\nThe materials allowed students to fully immerse themselves in hands-on learning and scientific observation. Even students who were initially nervous became fascinated once they began exploring and working with their lab groups. It was incredible to watch students build confidence, ask deeper questions, and truly think like scientists.\r\n\r\nAs we move forward, students will continue building on this experience by connecting what they observed during the dissection to larger lessons about body systems, circulation, respiration, and overall human health. They will be analyzing how the cardiovascular system works together with other body systems and applying their knowledge through follow-up labs, diagrams, and collaborative projects. These resources have helped create meaningful, unforgettable learning experiences that bring science to life for our students, and we are so grateful for the support that made this possible.","fullyFundedDate":1755747288990,"projectUrl":"project/dissection-fun/9624422/","projectTitle":"Dissection Fun","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bugyik","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5102269"},{"teacherId":10191509,"projectId":9893378,"letterContent":"Your generosity has made a meaningful difference in our classroom, and we are incredibly grateful for your support. Because of your contribution, our students now have access to iPads that open the door to interactaive learning, creativity and new opportunities for growth. These tools are already helping to engage students in exciting ways, making lessons more dynamic and accessible for every learner.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our students' future and believing in the power of education. Your kindness and commitment inspire us every day, and we are truly fortunate to have such supportive donors in our community. The impact of your gift will be felt far beyond the classroom, empowering students with skills and confidence that will last a lifetime.","fullyFundedDate":1763664812029,"projectUrl":"project/geniuses-for-stem/9893378/","projectTitle":"Geniuses for STEM","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kiernan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10191509"},{"teacherId":10191593,"projectId":9898194,"letterContent":"Your generous donation of Chromebooks has made a meaningful difference in our classroom. Because of your support, my students have reliable access to the technology they need to research, collaborate, and complete assignments more effectively. Our classroom was previously limited to the access of extra devices, especially with technological issues. Now, we are able to provide the additional support necessary so that all the students can be engaged. Having these additional Chromebooks available during class has opened the door for them to participate more fully in digital learning activities and build essential technology skills.\r\n\r\nBeyond academics, these Chromebooks have also helped boost my students' confidence and engagement. They are excited to explore new tools, work together on projects, and take greater ownership of their learning. Your generosity has created opportunities that truly enrich their educational experience, and it is deeply appreciated. Thank you for investing in our classroom and helping empower this next generation of learners.","fullyFundedDate":1763692533188,"projectUrl":"project/technology-for-our-room/9898194/","projectTitle":"Technology for Our Room!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Altamira","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10191593_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1763274159977","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/altamira108"},{"teacherId":10191509,"projectId":9892227,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the thoughtful contribution toward our classroom iPad. Your generosity has made an immediate and meaningful impact on our students' learning experience. With the new technology, we are able to bring lessons to life through interactive apps, creative projects, and engaging educational tools that support different learning styles. Your gift is not just a device-it is an opportunity for exploration, creativity, and growth in our classroom every day.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, our students have greater access to resources that enhance collaboration, research, and skill-building in ways that perpare them for the future. We are deeply greateful for your kindness and belief in the importance of education. Please know that your support is making a difference and we truly appreciate yur partnership in helping our students succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1763936835314,"projectUrl":"project/genius-hour-stem-for-students/9892227/","projectTitle":"Genius Hour STEM for Students!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kiernan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10191509"},{"teacherId":10091428,"projectId":9683917,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom! Because of you, my students are using the new resources every single day during small groups, independent work time, and partner activities. One of my favorite moments was watching them use the materials during a collaborative lesson — they were fully engaged, explaining their thinking, and actually excited to keep working. It made such a difference in their confidence and participation.\r\n\r\nWhen they first saw the new supplies, they were SO excited. A few of them kept asking, \"Are these really ours?\" They couldn't wait to open everything and start using it right away. Seeing their reactions reminded me how much these kinds of resources matter. They felt proud and special knowing that someone cared enough to invest in them.","fullyFundedDate":1762405649871,"projectUrl":"project/ms-gonzalezs-classroom/9683917/","projectTitle":"Ms. Gonzalez's Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gonzalez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10091428"},{"teacherId":5016537,"projectId":9337970,"letterContent":"Your support for this project will help transform the classroom into a more engaging, welcoming space that supports student learning and confidence. Educational math posters will reinforce key concepts daily, giving students visual reminders that strengthen understanding and retention, especially for those who benefit from visual learning. Decorative whiteboard borders will help create a more organized and inviting learning environment, improving focus and reducing distractions during instruction. Together, these visual tools will boost motivation, encourage positive learning habits, and help all students feel supported as they build confidence and persistence in math throughout the year.","fullyFundedDate":1753113872184,"projectUrl":"project/bright-minds-need-bright-walls/9337970/","projectTitle":"Bright Minds Need Bright Walls","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Shin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5016537"},{"teacherId":5016537,"projectId":9614890,"letterContent":"Your support for this project will create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment where every student has the opportunity to succeed. The Bose speaker bar will ensure that lessons, explanations, and instructional videos are heard clearly throughout the classroom, benefiting students with auditory processing challenges or hearing differences and helping all learners stay engaged. The noise-cancelling headphones will provide students with ADHD or sensory sensitivities a way to reduce distractions and focus on learning at their own pace. Together, these tools promote equity, increase student focus and confidence, and help students build the persistence and self-regulation skills they need not only in math class, but throughout their academic journey.","fullyFundedDate":1755547881597,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-math-to-life-with-sound-support/9614890/","projectTitle":"Bringing Math to Life With Sound Support for Every Learner","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Shin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5016537"},{"teacherId":5016537,"projectId":9610336,"letterContent":"Your support for this project will have an immediate and meaningful impact on our students by ensuring that every child has equitable access to the tools they need to succeed. Even in an affluent community, not all students have reliable access to a computer at home, which can create hidden barriers to learning. By providing five Chromebooks, you are helping to close the digital gap and giving students the ability to complete assignments, practice essential skills, and collaborate with confidence—both in and beyond the classroom. This support promotes fairness, boosts student confidence, and ensures that all students have an equal opportunity to fully engage in learning and reach their academic potential.","fullyFundedDate":1755531029362,"projectUrl":"project/closing-the-digital-gap-with-classroom-c/9610336/","projectTitle":"Closing the Digital Gap with Classroom Chromebooks","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Shin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5016537"},{"teacherId":10191509,"projectId":9757413,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation toward a new computer for my classroom. You kindess and support mean more than I can express. Because of you, I now have the tools I need to plan lessons more efficiently, accesss updated educational resources, and create a more engaging learning experience for my students.\r\n\r\nYour contribution has a direct and lasting impact on my students' education, and I am deeply greateful for your belief in the importance of learning and teaching. Thanks for investing in my classrooom and in the success of my students.","fullyFundedDate":1762267652961,"projectUrl":"project/technology-for-teaching/9757413/","projectTitle":"Technology for Teaching","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kiernan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10191509"},{"teacherId":10246130,"projectId":9846760,"letterContent":"I want to express my deepest gratitude for your support of our \"Project and Presentation Tools\" request. The addition of a high-quality color copier and printer has fundamentally changed the way my students approach their National History Day (NHD) projects. For many of my students, the cost of printing high-resolution images and primary source documents at local print shops was a significant barrier; having this resource in our classroom ensures that every student, regardless of their background, can produce a professional-level project.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting thing for the students is seeing their research come to life. In NHD, \"visual impact\" is a key part of the judging criteria. My students are now able to print vibrant maps from the Library of Congress, color-coded graphs to show historical trends, and high-quality portraits of the figures they are studying. This technology allows them to move beyond black-and-white text and create museum-quality exhibits and documentaries that they are truly proud to present.\r\n\r\nI've noticed a few students in particular who were previously hesitant to dive into the \"Exhibit\" category because they were worried about how to make it look \"good.\" Since we received the printer, they have been the first ones in the room every morning, experimenting with layouts and printing out primary source artifacts. It has turned a stressful technical hurdle into a creative opportunity. Thank you for giving them the tools to be true historians!\r\n\r\nWith gratitude, Mr. Goldstein","fullyFundedDate":1763594585337,"projectUrl":"project/project-and-presentation-tools/9846760/","projectTitle":"Project and Presentation Tools","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Goldstein","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10246130"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_7051","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1403,"numTeachers":69,"percentFrplEligible":46,"percentAsian":13,"percentBlack":3,"percentWhite":44,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":31,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":6,"gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"20.3:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":92.3,"schoolId":7051,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Gaspar de Portola Charter Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Gaspar de Portola Charter Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/los-angeles-unified-school-district/gasper-de-portola-middle-school/7051"}