{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"South Gate Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":19.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":1223392,"projectId":9748020,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous donations, our classroom has been transformed into a more efficient and engaging learning environment. The quad notebooks have become essential tools for my students as they track their progress and take detailed notes during our math project-based learning units. The excitement was palpable when students first received their materials—especially when they realized they could keep their work organized and see their growth over time. One memorable moment was when a group of students proudly flipped through their notebooks to show how their understanding of linear equations had evolved from rough sketches to polished, well-documented solutions.\r\n The printing paper and toner cartridge have allowed students to bring their final drafts to life, giving them a sense of pride and ownership in their work. Being able to print and present their projects has elevated the quality and seriousness of their efforts. Additionally, the universal laptop charger has been a game-changer—keeping our Chromebooks powered throughout the day so students can research, collaborate, and create without interruption. As we move into our next unit on data analysis, students will continue using these resources to document their findings and present their conclusions. Your support has made a lasting impact, and we are deeply grateful!","fullyFundedDate":1758681235154,"projectUrl":"project/math-journals-for-stem/9748020/","projectTitle":"Math Journals for STEM","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Machado, J","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1223392_orig.png?crop=454,454,x0,y21&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1731094811572","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1223392"},{"teacherId":1063581,"projectId":9433122,"letterContent":"I want to express my sincere gratitude for the beads and white paper you helped provide for my students. The excitement in the room was immediate as they opened the supplies and began creating. The beads have been used for calm-down activities, while the white paper has become a canvas for sketches, designs, and creative thinking.\r\nThese materials have brought a sense of joy and focus to our classroom. It's been wonderful to see my students engaged, proud of their work, and eager to share what they've made. What may seem like simple supplies have truly made a lasting impact on their learning experience.\r\nThank you for your generosity and for supporting my students. Your kindness continues to make a difference every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1756849597036,"projectUrl":"project/fueling-creativity-one-bead-at-a-time/9433122/","projectTitle":"Fueling Creativity, One Bead at a Time","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Solorzano","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1063581_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1449813542085","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1063581"},{"teacherId":5293212,"projectId":8495894,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous donations, our classroom now has headphones that are making a real difference in how our students learn. Many of our donors might use technology at home, but the way we use it in schools is very focused on helping each student learn in the best way for them.\r\n\r\nThese headphones help students by completely canceling out background noise, allowing them to concentrate fully on important lessons without distractions. Whether they're working on math apps, listening to audiobooks in science, or taking tests, the headphones make it easier for students to hear questions clearly and focus deeply.\r\n\r\nWhat excites my students most about this new technology is how it makes learning more fun and engaging. The headphones open up a world of interactive activities, making lessons feel like an adventure rather than a chore.\r\n\r\nI've noticed that auditory learners—who make up about 30% of the class—have especially embraced the headphones. These students learn best by listening and discussing, and the headphones give them the perfect tool to access information in their preferred style. Overall, the headphones are helping every student learn more effectively, with a personalized touch that respects their unique learning needs.\r\n\r\nThank you for supporting a project that truly transforms learning experiences!","fullyFundedDate":1725887533382,"projectUrl":"project/learning-math-and-science-using-headphon/8495894/","projectTitle":"Learning Math and Science Using Headphones!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Castro","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5293212_orig.jpg?crop=1249,1249,x826,y1380&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1687830342959","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5293212"},{"teacherId":9871407,"projectId":9001709,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our project, \"Empowering our Youth for a Greener, Healthier Future.\" Your contributions have truly made a difference in our classroom, providing resources that inspire and engage our students in meaningful environmental learning.\r\n\r\nWith the new materials, we've been able to dive deeper into hands-on projects about sustainability and healthy living. One memorable moment was when students used the STEM kits to create a scale model of a home and be able to integrate solar panels to increase awareness about the impact of renewable energy. Watching their excitement as seeds sprouted showed how these resources bring lessons to life in a tangible way. \r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the new supplies, their eyes lit up with curiosity and enthusiasm. They felt empowered to take action and understood that even small steps can contribute to a greener future. This enthusiasm has sparked ongoing discussions about how they can make healthier choices for themselves, our community, and the planet.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, our next steps include integrating these resources into a larger project where students will create presentations about sustainable habits and community health initiatives. They will research local environmental challenges and propose actionable solutions, building skills in collaboration, critical thinking, and public speaking. Thanks to your support, our students are not only learning about the environment—they are becoming advocates for change.\r\n\r\nWe are deeply grateful for your investment in their education and growth. Your generosity is planting seeds of knowledge and hope that will grow far beyond our classroom walls.","fullyFundedDate":1734731676631,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-our-youth-for-a-greener-heal/9001709/","projectTitle":"Empowering our Youth for a Greener, Healthier Future","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Cervantes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9871407"},{"teacherId":9693556,"projectId":8683070,"letterContent":"I would like to express my sincere gratitude for your generous donation to my English class. Your contribution is invaluable in enhancing the learning experience for my students. I firmly believe that incorporating art into language arts offers a unique opportunity for students to express their creativity and individuality through literature. This integration not only enriches their understanding of the texts but also fosters a deeper appreciation for the beauty of language.\r\nFurthermore, I am pleased to share that my students have thoroughly enjoyed engaging with the resources provided by your generous donations. These materials have allowed them to explore their artistic selves while deepening their connection to literature. Your support plays a crucial role in inspiring young minds and facilitating their growth as both readers and creators. Thank you once again for your kindness and commitment to education.","fullyFundedDate":1725888088109,"projectUrl":"project/artistic-activities-provide-students-wit/8683070/","projectTitle":"Artistic Activities Provide Students With a Break From Traditional learning.","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Espinoza","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9693556"},{"teacherId":9821835,"projectId":8913206,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for donating the book Ghost to our program. Your generosity has significantly contributed to our ELPAC scores and enhanced the learning experience for our students. We genuinely appreciate your support and commitment to their education; you have changed their lives through a powerful read. The three academic requirements for reclassification include an ELPAC score of 4, an i-Ready score per grade level, and a grade of C or higher in an English/English Language Development course. \r\n\r\nOf 113 students, Potential Long Term English Learners and Long Term English Learners, a total of 50 received the highest score of 4 on the ELPAC, 44 received a score of 3, 16 received a score of 2, and 3 received a score of 1. A few more scores may come in as we approach the end of the year. However, this is the heart of our data for our PLTEL and LTEL students. I must say, these are AMAZING results. Thank you for contributing to this change! \r\n\r\nAs we approach the end of the year, our i-Ready data is still pending. However, from the beginning of the year to mid-year, there was improvement in our English Learners.\r\n32% of 6th graders, 54% of 7th graders, and 42% of 8th graders met their typical growth. \r\n \r\nAlthough we have not yet completed the end of the school year and our reclassification rate is pending, I am pleased to share the exciting news that we have already surpassed last year's reclassification rate. We look forward to seeing the final percentile. \r\n \r\nThank you once again from the bottom of my heart. On a personal note, I have to share the book Ghost engaged even the few most mischievous students. They were reading and did not want to stop. You have forever changed the lives of students and have passed forward the gift of reading.","fullyFundedDate":1730699824490,"projectUrl":"project/change-lives-through-a-powerful-read/8913206/","projectTitle":"Change Lives Through a Powerful Read","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mendoza","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9821835"},{"teacherId":1063581,"projectId":9123986,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of supplies that have helped create a much-needed calm space in our classroom. The addition of bean bags, fidget toys, a soft carpet, and stress rings has transformed a small area into a peaceful retreat where students can take a moment to reset, breathe, and manage their emotions. This space has already made a meaningful difference for many of our students, especially those who benefit from sensory support and quiet moments during the school day. Your kindness is helping us foster a classroom environment that supports not only academic success but also emotional well-being. We are truly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1744032768873,"projectUrl":"project/creating-a-calm-cozy-space-for-learnin/9123986/","projectTitle":"Creating a Calm & Cozy Space for Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Solorzano","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1063581_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1449813542085","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1063581"},{"teacherId":1063581,"projectId":9111246,"letterContent":"The donations have made a meaningful difference in my 7th grade classroom. With access to colored pens, composition notebook, white paper for foldables, and pencils, students are now more prepared, organized, and focused throughout the school day. The joy on their faces when they saw the new supplies was priceless—they were truly excited and grateful. It's amazing how something as simple as having the right tools can boost their confidence and motivation. \r\n Our classroom feels more structured, positive, and supportive, and that energy is reflected in how students approach their learning every day. Thank you for helping create that environment!","fullyFundedDate":1740064262728,"projectUrl":"project/organization-is-one-key-to-succeed/9111246/","projectTitle":"Organization is One Key to Succeed!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Solorzano","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1063581_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1449813542085","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1063581"},{"teacherId":1346870,"projectId":9061024,"letterContent":"This donation of a Mac Book Pro will benefit my full inclusion class for 6th grade. This class includes students with special needs delving into the 6th grade standards in the regular ed. instructional setting. \r\n\r\nStudents from all of my 6th grade math and science classes will be challenged to participate in social emotional learning lessons to help them navigate the challenges of middle school. We will be using a program called 2nd Step which focuses on Social Emotional learning. This program has slides and videos in which this Mac Book Pro will be used. Having this new and powerful technology to used in order to help students participate and have an interactive experience in learning about how to manage their emotions. \r\n\r\nThis new technology also helps the students collaborate with their peers and share their experiences to help them make better choices during their school experience.","fullyFundedDate":1743020486386,"projectUrl":"project/mac-book-pro-to-the-future/9061024/","projectTitle":"Mac Book Pro to the Future","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Espinosa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1346870_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1596691915404","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/cespinosa"},{"teacherId":1223392,"projectId":9083192,"letterContent":"I wanted to take a moment to extend my deepest gratitude for your thoughtful support in creating a classroom environment that promotes comfort, focus, and peace of mind for our students. Your commitment to providing tools and resources that enhance their learning experience truly makes a difference.\r\n\r\nThe fidget tools, such as stress balls and fidget cubes, have proven to be invaluable in helping students channel nervous energy in a quiet and unobtrusive manner. This allows them to stay engaged and calm during lessons, contributing to a more productive learning atmosphere. Additionally, the aroma diffuser with soothing scents like lavender and eucalyptus has created a serene ambiance, which has had a positive impact on the students' ability to concentrate and feel at ease.\r\n\r\nThe introduction of soft background music or white noise has also been a game-changer, offering a subtle and calming presence that reduces distractions and supports focused work. Together, these efforts combine to foster a learning space where students can thrive both academically and emotionally.\r\n\r\nOnce again, thank you for your dedication to building such a warm, supportive, and peaceful environment for our students. Your generosity and attention to their needs make a world of difference in their educational journey.","fullyFundedDate":1738440539565,"projectUrl":"project/creating-a-classroom-environment-that-fe/9083192/","projectTitle":"Creating a Classroom Environment That Feels Comfortable, and Warm","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Machado, J","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1223392_orig.png?crop=454,454,x0,y21&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1731094811572","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1223392"},{"teacherId":1643867,"projectId":8756109,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous contribution, our students are diving deep into the wonders of chemistry with an exciting and hands-on project—our *Spa Day Chemistry* project! The resources you've provided have truly enhanced our learning experience, and I can't wait to share how this has unfolded in the classroom.\r\n\r\nIn this project, students have been using new materials to create bath bombs, soap, and other self-care products while exploring the chemical reactions that make them work. The new science kits you helped fund have allowed us to conduct experiments with ingredients like citric acid, baking soda, essential oils, and various pigments. They were thrilled to mix ingredients and watch them fizz, change colors, and transform into something new, all while learning about the principles of acids, bases, and chemical reactions.\r\n\r\nI'll never forget the look on their faces when we first opened the kits. There was an immediate sense of excitement and curiosity as they couldn't wait to get started. They eagerly started reading through the instructions, asking questions, and bouncing ideas off one another about how they could tweak their creations. The materials have helped bridge the gap between textbook learning and real-world applications, sparking their imagination and making science feel more accessible and fun.\r\n\r\nThe highlight of this project so far was the day we made our first batch of bath bombs. Students worked in teams, measuring, mixing, and experimenting with scents and colors. When the bath bombs were ready, they were so proud to present their creations to the class. It was an incredible moment of hands-on learning, where chemistry came to life, and it helped the students make connections between science and the everyday world around them.\r\n\r\nAs we continue with this project, the next steps involve refining our formulations, experimenting with different chemical reactions, and learning about the importance of pH balance and solubility in creating personal care products. We're also planning to design packaging for our creations and present them as a part of a final class exhibition.\r\n\r\nYour contribution has truly brought chemistry to life for my students. They are learning in ways they never have before, and this hands-on approach is helping them not only understand scientific concepts but also build critical thinking and teamwork skills. We're so excited to continue exploring and growing, and I know this project will have lasting impacts on how my students approach both science and creativity. Thank you for being part of this journey!","fullyFundedDate":1736172964554,"projectUrl":"project/spa-day-science-the-world-of-serene-che/8756109/","projectTitle":"Spa Day Science: The World of Serene Chemistry","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Llamas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1643867_orig.jpg?crop=720,720,x248,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1663171149232","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1643867"},{"teacherId":1346870,"projectId":8795521,"letterContent":"My students and I are extremely grateful for your generosity in helping us get our magnetic fraction & percent circles and tiles. Students were able to use these magnetic manipulatives during our lessons on fractions. This concepts is difficult for students to grasp so being able to use and move around these magnetic tiles, helped them with seeing different examples of how fractions work.\r\n\r\nAnother way we will be able to use these magnetic manipulatives is during our lesson on equivalent fractions. Students will be able to visually compare the different ways they can show equivalency. \r\n\r\nThe magnetic percentage tiles will also be very useful when comparing fractions and percents. This will especially come in handy during out lesson on conversions from decimals to fractions and percents. \r\n\r\nWe look forward to discovering new uses of our magnetic manipulatives that will enhance our math learning.","fullyFundedDate":1734290182638,"projectUrl":"project/fractions-and-beyond/8795521/","projectTitle":"Fractions and Beyond","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Espinosa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1346870_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1596691915404","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/cespinosa"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_7527","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1264,"numTeachers":72,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":2,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":97,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"17.6:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":80.3,"schoolId":7527,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about South Gate Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"South Gate Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/los-angeles-unified-school-district/south-gate-middle-school/7527"}
Join the 780 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
South Gate Middle School is
a suburban public school
in South Gate, California that is part of Los Angeles Unified School District.
It serves 1,264 students
in grades 6 - 8 with a student/teacher ratio of 17.6:1.
Its teachers have had 254 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Boost support for our school's classrooms. Share this page with friends and family who want to make a difference. If you're a teacher, sign up to get started!
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. Each classroom request for funding was created by a classroom teacher and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
of students receive free or reduced price lunch
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
Source: the National Center for Education Statistics
97%
of students are Black, Latino, Native
American, or Asian
Data about school demographics comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. The numbers in this chart may not add up to 100% because of limitations in the available data.
South Gate Middle School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Dec 5, 2025
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.
South Gate Middle School
$161,409
raised using DonorsChoose
254
projects
funded
60
teachers
funded
780
donors
14
projects
for
basic supplies
67
projects for
technology
27
projects for
books
6
projects
for
art supplies
South Gate Middle School has received support from
626 individuals from California and
154 individuals out-of-state.