{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Vista Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":33.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":1360588,"projectId":9472870,"letterContent":"We are at the end of our running season and the snacks, Gatorades and waters have kept us fueled and hydrated. The jump ropes and exercise bands allowed our team to work on strength and speed. \r\n\r\nSince receiving the donation, we have run 6 races, attended about 100 practices both after school and weekends. Some students have logged up to 400 miles. It is incredible what these kids can do when they put their minds to it. \r\n\r\nWe truly wouldn't be able to do it without support from people like you. Your generosity helps beyond the races. It fills their minds and hearts with hope for their future.","fullyFundedDate":1755101976370,"projectUrl":"project/fuel-to-keep-our-team-running/9472870/","projectTitle":"Fuel to Keep Our Team Running","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Martinez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1360588_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1612845464579","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1360588"},{"teacherId":1360588,"projectId":9644845,"letterContent":"My class has been enjoying the novel Ghost by Jason Reynolds. It is a highly impactful book with a great character arc and compelling story. Personally, I love this novel because I have been a life long runner. My students have been learning that they are not the only ones who face challenges in school and personal life. They are making wonderful connections to the novel. \r\n\r\nI really appreciate your generous donation so we can have this class set of books. Your generosity makes all the difference in my students lives.","fullyFundedDate":1759431214894,"projectUrl":"project/books-needed/9644845/","projectTitle":"Books Needed","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Martinez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1360588_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1612845464579","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1360588"},{"teacherId":413169,"projectId":9755914,"letterContent":"With the new glue guns, my students are building and testing STEAM projects that bring big ideas to life. We are currently working on a design challenge where students create scale models that solve real-world problems, such as building stable bridges and protective structures. The glue guns allow students to quickly prototype, revise, and improve their designs, which encourages perseverance and creativity.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the materials, they were excited and eager to get started. Many immediately began brainstorming ideas and collaborating with their peers.\r\n\r\nNext, students will analyze their designs using math and science concepts, revise based on data, and present their final models, explaining their design choices and problem-solving process.","fullyFundedDate":1762787029948,"projectUrl":"project/building-big-ideas-glue-guns-for-steam/9755914/","projectTitle":"Building Big Ideas: Glue Guns for STEAM Projects","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Coleman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp413169_orig.png?crop=398,398,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1725299159989","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/413169"},{"teacherId":9725052,"projectId":9797850,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom. I was able to create a calm corner with the rug, LED lights, desk, and laminator, where students can go when they need a moment to reset. When the materials first arrived, my students were really excited about the new space. We talked about how the calm corner is a place where they can take a break, calm their bodies, and get ready to come back to learning.\r\n\r\nI've already seen how helpful it can be. One day a student was feeling really frustrated during a lesson and chose to sit in the calm corner for a few minutes. After taking that time, they came back to their seat much calmer and ready to keep working. Having this space provides my students a spot to work in that they feel more comfortable in.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, we'll keep using the calm corner as part of our daily classroom routine. The laminator has also been really helpful because I can make and reuse visuals and calming strategy cards for students to use in the space which I keep in the pink desk. Your support helped create a small but meaningful area in our classroom where students can regulate their emotions and get back to learning. Thank you for making that possible for my students.","fullyFundedDate":1769177683695,"projectUrl":"project/cozy-corner-for-math-classroom/9797850/","projectTitle":"Cozy Corner for Math Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Robles","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9725052"},{"teacherId":9725052,"projectId":9652601,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my classroom and my students. We are using these supplies every day, and they've made a big difference. Having basics like pencils, erasers, sharpeners, and highlighters available has helped my students stay focused on their work and take notes without interruptions. One detail that has helped our classroom run smoothly is having students confidently grab what they need and get right to work. Although this may seem small, it is very helpful especially when, normally, I would usually have multiple kids up at the same time which can cause distractions. Now there are no distractions. \r\n\r\nWhen the supplies arrived, my students were excited and immediately noticed how organized everything was. The caddies and organizers have helped reduce disruptions, and students know exactly where to look when they need something. The calculator storage keeps our math tools ready to use, and the stress balls have been especially helpful for supporting focus and emotional regulation during lessons. These simple tools have made our classroom feel calm, prepared, and supportive.\r\n\r\nWe will continue using scissors, glue sticks, and staplers for hands-on projects throughout the year that encourage creativity and collaboration. With these supplies in place, my students can focus on learning, problem-solving, and growing without worrying about whether they have what they need. Your generosity supports both their academic learning and emotional well-being, and I'm so grateful for the impact you've made on our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1759512253639,"projectUrl":"project/student-support/9652601/","projectTitle":"Student Support","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Robles","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9725052"},{"teacherId":10112545,"projectId":9741514,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation that has purchased decodable chapter books for my reading intervention students. They were so excited to read age appropriate looking books that were possible for them to read independently. One student said that he wanted to read a second chapter because he wanted to know what happened next. \r\n\r\nThese decodable chapter books help my students to feel confident as readers because they can read books that look like those their peers are reading. At the same time, they feel successful because the words in these decodable chapter books are written with words that my students are capable of reading since they are curated for skills my students have learned.\r\n\r\nThese books will start my students on the path of independent reading, which will lead to a lifetime love of books!","fullyFundedDate":1760731958148,"projectUrl":"project/realizing-we-are-readers/9741514/","projectTitle":"Realizing We Are Readers!","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Barnett","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10112545_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755041859288","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10112545"},{"teacherId":5907108,"projectId":9813042,"letterContent":"\nThank you for donating to my music classroom! As you can imagine, there are many supplies to organize and prepare for students to use to facilitate a creative learning experience! However, I needed a way for students to be able to easily access these materials for themselves so that they could increase their self-sufficiency in retrieving the materials they need. Increased student independence free me to focus on helping the students in the classroom who need help.\n\nThese multi-drawer, colorful cabinets have been a lifesaver in my classroom. Students can more easily pin-point were the materials are, and where to return them. I plan on labeling each drawer to make it more student friendly! ","fullyFundedDate":1760693649513,"projectUrl":"project/organize-those-papers/9813042/","projectTitle":"Organize Those Papers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cho","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5907108_orig.jpg?crop=1285,1285,x1742,y1285&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753490640675","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5907108"},{"teacherId":5907108,"projectId":9464486,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting my project, \"Caught Being Good! Prizes.\" The idea behind this project is to provide students with prizes that they look forward to winning through a classroom raffle system. My students enjoy the prizes and look forward to winning tickets they can add to the classroom raffle! \r\n\r\nThe slap bracelets and small cars are the most popular with my students. The slap bracelets are almost all gone. Without your support, my students wouldn't have such an amazing prize box to acknowledge their good deeds.","fullyFundedDate":1758636798307,"projectUrl":"project/caught-being-good-prizes/9464486/","projectTitle":"Caught Being Good Prizes!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cho","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5907108_orig.jpg?crop=1285,1285,x1742,y1285&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753490640675","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5907108"},{"teacherId":5907108,"projectId":9488934,"letterContent":"Thank you for believing in this project! I am excited to continue to put this tool to good use. Planted use of this item includes scanning student work, such as drawings, so that they can create and build their own digital portfolio.\r\n\r\nThis digital portfolio documents their journey though learning a new instrument, and includes multi media such as recordings, photos, videos, and scanned items.\r\n\r\nYour contribution to our classroom will impact students from all middle school grade levels, and for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1757423981323,"projectUrl":"project/digital-portfolio-document-scanner/9488934/","projectTitle":"Digital Portfolio Document Scanner","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cho","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5907108_orig.jpg?crop=1285,1285,x1742,y1285&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753490640675","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5907108"},{"teacherId":413169,"projectId":9592698,"letterContent":"These materials will directly support collaborative learning and conceptual understanding in Algebra and in 8th grade math. The materials have been used during group problem-solving tasks, error analysis, and math talks, allowing students to model equations, graph linear relationships, and present solution strategies to the class. The bulk colored pencils allowed interactive note-taking, graphing in multiple colors to distinguish functions, and visual representations of slope, transformations, and systems—helping students clearly annotate and analyze their work. The file folders and two-pocket folders will helped the students organize their unit packets, guided notes, assessments, and intervention materials, which is especially important in a course where concepts build progressively across the year. The bulk dry-erase markers are used daily for whiteboard practice, enabling students to show work step-by-step, receive immediate feedback, and engage in rapid-cycle practice with equations, inequalities, and graphs without the barrier of permanent mistakes. Together, these resources created a structured and engaging Algebra environment where students can think critically, collaborate, and take ownership of their learning.","fullyFundedDate":1758119998827,"projectUrl":"project/steam-essentials-tools-for-every-studen/9592698/","projectTitle":"STEAM Essentials: Tools for Every Student","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Coleman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp413169_orig.png?crop=398,398,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1725299159989","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/413169"},{"teacherId":10112545,"projectId":9538231,"letterContent":"My students were so excited when our calm corner materials arrived. They immediately gravitated towards the fidgets and the bean bags. Frequently my students will rest on the bean bags with a weighted blanket on their laps. They find the weight calming and soothing. One student told me that the weighted blanket \"makes me feel safe\". \r\n\r\nDuring our reading intervention sessions, my students will ask me for a break. They get to go to the calm corner and sit on the bean bags. Some students sit on the bean bags during learning activities to help them focus. Other students like to have weighted blankets with them to keep them focused on the learning. Almost every student uses fidgets during our intervention sessions. \r\n\r\nI have noticed since utilizing the calm corner resources you have generously donated, that my students are more focused during reading intervention. They participate more and feel more ready and able to learn. Thank you again for your generous donation to my students!","fullyFundedDate":1758227133547,"projectUrl":"project/calm-down-corner-cuddles/9538231/","projectTitle":"Calm Down Corner Cuddles","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Barnett","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10112545_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755041859288","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10112545"},{"teacherId":9427612,"projectId":9574838,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my DonorsChoose project to help create a true Thinking Classroom! Your generous contribution is already making a powerful difference in my students' learning experiences and the way they engage with mathematics every day.\r\nThanks to your support, we now have the essential whiteboard supplies needed to implement the Building Thinking Classrooms strategies by Peter Liljedahl. These tools—so simple yet so powerful—have transformed our classroom into a vibrant space where students are no longer passive learners sitting at desks. Instead, they are on their feet, working together at vertical whiteboards, actively thinking, discussing, and problem-solving.\r\nIt's incredible to witness the shift: students who were once hesitant to participate are now confidently sharing their ideas. They revise their thinking in real time, learn from one another, and support each other through challenges. The whiteboards have become a space where mistakes are not feared, but valued as part of the learning process.\r\nThis transformation isn't just academic—it's emotional and social, too. In this collaborative environment, students are building essential life skills: communication, empathy, perseverance, and resilience. They are learning that their voices matter and that it's okay to not have the answer right away. That growth mindset is taking root, and it's beautiful to see.\r\nYour donation helped make all of this possible. You've contributed more than just markers and erasers—you've given my students the tools to think deeply, work together, and grow with confidence. Thank you for believing in this vision and for investing in a joyful, student-centered approach to math education.","fullyFundedDate":1755896516973,"projectUrl":"project/build-my-thinking-classroom/9574838/","projectTitle":"Build My Thinking Classroom!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Thomason","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9427612_orig.jpg?crop=172,172,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1735415732451","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9427612"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_6984","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1159,"numTeachers":46,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":3,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":3,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":91,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"25.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":67.0,"schoolId":6984,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Vista Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Vista Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/los-angeles-unified-school-district/vista-middle-school/6984"}