{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"South Gate Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":19.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10278273,"projectId":9757308,"letterContent":"To Rachelle and Scott,\r\nI am writing this letter to express my gratitude for your support of our project Whiteboard Brings Student Diagrams to Life. Our previous whiteboard was rarely used due to water damage as well as wear and tear that made cleaning the board between periods challenging and messy. It was not magnetic so tape was used to place materials on the whiteboard which contributed to the wear and tear.\r\nWith your funding of the new, magnetic whiteboard student participation is more accessible, transitions from one board activity to another are quicker as the board is cleaned, and materials can easily be added using magnets. The board is on the side of the classroom which allows access for students to approach it rather than the front of the room where the main whiteboards are already utilized. Students have used the board in a variety of ways: icebreakers, warmup surveys at the beginning of class, to draw images and diagrams to share understanding and make connections, as well as end of lesson exit slips. Students can approach the board individually or in pairs to contribute to the class discussion. This allows students at different levels who may be reluctant to participate a chance to work with a partner if they need more time to build understanding. This has been especially rewarding to see Inclusion students and students whose primary language is Spanish engage more often in whole class lessons. Having used the board for about a month or two I look forward to developing more strategies for the future.\r\nOnce again, thank you for funding our whiteboard. It may seem like a small gift but it has and will continue to have a significant impact on our students' engagement and learning in the classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1769173785911,"projectUrl":"project/whiteboard-brings-student-diagrams-to-li/9757308/","projectTitle":"Whiteboard Brings Student Diagrams to Life!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Kilroy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10278273"},{"teacherId":1264877,"projectId":9720581,"letterContent":"Due to your incredible generosity, our classroom has been transformed into a more positive, motivating, and supportive learning environment. The rewards, incentives, and prizes you provided have quickly become a meaningful part of our classroom. I use these to recognize students who demonstrate effort, kindness, stay on task, show improvement, make responsible choices, and participate in class discussions. In all, students are rewarded if they are caught doing something good! Throughout the week, students are rewarded by receiving tickets. \r\n\r\nSpecial moments stand out during our \"Friday Store\", where students exchange their tickets for prizes. Watching their excitement as they proudly and carefully select their rewards is truly heartwarming. It's not just about the prizes, but about feeling seen, valued, and successful. \r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the prizes, their faces lit up with excitement and curiosity. They immediately began asking how they could earn rewards and what they needed to do to earn a prize. This created an instant shift in our classroom culture. Students became more motivated, focused, and encouraging toward one another.\r\n\r\nYour support has not only given supplies, but you have helped create a more positive and safe learning environment where students feel empowered to succeed every day.","fullyFundedDate":1768532410610,"projectUrl":"project/rewards-for-success-building-a-positive/9720581/","projectTitle":"Rewards for Success: Building a Positive and Safe Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. C. Vazquez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1264877_orig.png?crop=271,271,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1566147636303","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/cvazquez"},{"teacherId":1264877,"projectId":9720524,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our classroom has been transformed into a space where students truly become scientists. With our new lab materials, my students are actively engaging in hands-on investigations as \"medical detectives\". Instead of simply learning about germs and disease, they were able to safely grow their own bacteria samples, observe patterns, and analyze results just like real microbiologists. \r\n\r\nIn this activity, students swabbed their petri dishes with bacteria and placed paper discs containing different antibiotics. They hypothesized which antibiotic would prohibit the growth of bacteria most effectively. After a few days, students made observations and measured the zone of inhibition for each antibiotic disc. When the results began to appear in the Petri dishes, the classroom was filled with excitement! Students were amazed to see the invisible world come to life. They eagerly compared findings, and asked thoughtful questions. Students presented their learning as \"medical reports\", thus strengthening both their scientific reasoning and communication skills. \r\n\r\nYour support has not only provided materials, but it has also opened the door to meaningful, memorable learning experiences. You have helped my students see themselves as scientists, thinkers, and problem solvers. Thank you for making this possible and for investing in their future.","fullyFundedDate":1768531456864,"projectUrl":"project/stem-future-medical-detectives-hands-o/9720524/","projectTitle":"STEM: Future Medical Detectives: Hands-On Investigations","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. C. Vazquez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1264877_orig.png?crop=271,271,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1566147636303","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/cvazquez"},{"teacherId":1346870,"projectId":10061119,"letterContent":"We are greatly appreciative for you generosity. Our materials arrived and immediately students were excited to see that we finally have our much needed pencil sharpener. In a high use environment they often break down but this one is specifically for high capacity use. \r\n\r\nStudents were also ecstatic to see new prizes for our prize box. Recognizing students for their hard work and effort Erik's wonders versus pointing out areas where they need improvement. These prizes go a long way in motivating students to excel during classroom instruction and producing quality work. \r\n\r\nThe pens are being put to use in our shared material area where student may check out pens and le corks when they forget to bring their materials. We are eternally grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1771001742545,"projectUrl":"project/sharpener-pens-and-prizes/10061119/","projectTitle":"Sharpener, Pens and Prizes","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":626652,"projectId":9487335,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of The First Rule of Punk .This book has made a remarkable impact on my 8th-grade ELD students this year. Through reading this engaging novel, my students discovered a genuine love of reading for pleasure which is something that doesn't always come easily in language development classrooms. The relatable characters resonated deeply with our diverse learners, allowing them to see themselves reflected in the story.\r\n\r\nThis connection transformed reading from a skill-building exercise into a joyful experience that students were genuinely excited to discuss. We held this book club after school and I thought it would be hard to retain their attention after a long day, but in fact it boosted my attendance. My students looked forward to reading every single day!\r\nBeyond fostering a love of reading, it also helped sharpen their critical discussion and communication skills. As my students engaged with the book's themes of identity, belonging, and cultural pride, they participated in meaningful conversations about their own experiences. These discussions pushed them to articulate their thoughts, listen actively to their peers, and build upon one another's ideas. Your donation didn't just provide books; it created a bridge between literature and personal connection, empowering my students to grow as readers, thinkers, and communicators. Thank you for believing in our students and investing in their futures.","fullyFundedDate":1759432252776,"projectUrl":"project/class-novel-the-first-rule-of-punk/9487335/","projectTitle":"Class Novel: The First Rule of Punk","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Mayra Chamorro","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp626652_orig.jpg?crop=652,653,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1588286614079","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/626652"},{"teacherId":573963,"projectId":9616823,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generosity and support of our classroom. Because of you, my students are learning science through hands-on discovery instead of just reading about it.\r\nWith the solar STEM kits, magnetic tools, and microscope slides, students are building models, designing investigations, and exploring cells—many for the first time. Their excitement has been incredible, and several students shared that it feels like a \"real science lab.\"\r\nYour support has motivated students to take on new projects, including designing engineering solutions connected to renewable energy and ecosystems. You have sparked curiosity, creativity, and a love for learning, and we are truly grateful for the opportunities you've made possible.","fullyFundedDate":1757541120250,"projectUrl":"project/igniting-curiosity-hands-on-steam-for-m/9616823/","projectTitle":"Igniting Curiosity: Hands-On Steam for Middle School Scientists","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Martinez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp573963_orig.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754680362737","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/573963"},{"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":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.png?crop=940,940,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1778075605540","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1643867"}],"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","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":0,"gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"17.6:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":80.2,"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"}