{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Col J K Tuffree Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":4.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":5096267,"projectId":9693213,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our Falcon Films students are thriving with new technology that has completely elevated their learning experience. The Mac Mini and monitor have given them the power to edit projects smoothly, while professional tripods, LED lighting kits, and phone mounts allow them to film with clarity and stability. The walkie-talkies help with real-time coordination on set, just like in a professional studio. This will be particularly useful later in the year when we put on our Falcon Films Fest! Students are most excited about the studio lighting, which transforms their productions and makes them feel like real filmmakers. These tools inspire creativity and teamwork every day.","fullyFundedDate":1757559352400,"projectUrl":"project/from-scripts-to-scenes/9693213/","projectTitle":"From Scripts to Scenes","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Huicochea","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5096267_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1516840503652","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5096267"},{"teacherId":5096267,"projectId":9469806,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom has been updated in numerous ways. The new Mac mini, monitor, microphones, tripods, and accessories have given students access to professional-level tools that make learning hands-on and exciting. The new MacMini has replaced a more outdated computer which was struggling to process the large data files that were being created by our new 4k cameras, allowing our kids to produce impressive videos in a more time-efficient manner. Even small items like memory cards, adapters, and power strips keep projects moving smoothly. What excites students most is seeing their work look and sound professional, sparking pride and interest in careers in broadcasting, filmmaking, and design. The rode mics have given our daily morning broadcasts better and more consistent audio than we have ever had. Your support has given them opportunities that will impact their learning for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1755755388246,"projectUrl":"project/going-small-to-go-big/9469806/","projectTitle":"Going Small to Go Big!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Huicochea","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5096267_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1516840503652","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5096267"},{"teacherId":5096267,"projectId":9055789,"letterContent":"I'm writing to express my heartfelt thanks for your generous support of our video production classroom this year. Because of your contribution, our students had access to a wide array of professional tools—lapel microphones, extra camera battery packs, a drone, replacement keyboards, dead cats (wind mufflers), and a versatile selection of film props—that elevated their learning experience and creative output in meaningful ways.\r\n\r\nThe addition of lapel microphones had an immediate impact on our students' work. For the first time, they were able to capture crisp, clear audio during interviews, mock newscasts, and short films. Previously, audio had been one of the most challenging parts of our projects, often limiting how much dialogue we could use effectively. With these microphones, students learned the importance of sound design and discovered how audio clarity can shape the mood and professionalism of a film. Many students took pride in how \"real\" their projects sounded, and it motivated them to take more creative risks.\r\n\r\nThe extra camera battery packs were a quiet game-changer. Before, students would often have to stop filming mid-scene or abandon outdoor shoots due to dead batteries. Now, with reliable power backups, they were free to shoot on-location, experiment with longer takes, and better manage their time. This allowed us to simulate the kind of planning and logistics professionals handle on a set, which added another layer of realism and responsibility to their training.\r\n\r\nOne of the most exciting additions was the drone. This opened up a world of creative opportunity that my students had only dreamed of. Aerial footage added dynamic production value to student projects, particularly in music videos and mini-documentaries. Students learned to storyboard and plan shots with a new sense of scale, and they practiced careful coordination and safety protocols during flights. This experience introduced many to the basics of drone piloting and FAA rules, skills that could benefit them in future career or hobbyist endeavors.\r\n\r\nThe \"dead cats\" (fuzzy wind mufflers) may have gotten a few laughs when they were first unboxed, but they quickly became one of the most-used tools on set. Students noticed the difference immediately: outdoor scenes filmed with wind protection sounded dramatically better. These mufflers allowed us to shoot at the park, near the school courtyard, and even during sports events without sacrificing audio quality. Students also began to understand the role of gear in professional productions and the importance of planning for unpredictable environmental conditions.\r\n\r\nThe replacement keyboards ensured that our post-production workflow stayed efficient and frustration-free. Editing is where much of the magic happens, and broken or unresponsive keyboards had previously slowed down our process. With new equipment in place, students edited more confidently and quickly, using tools like Adobe Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve to cut together polished final projects.\r\n\r\nLastly, the wide variety of film props you helped provide gave our students the ability to tell more vivid and imaginative stories. From costumes to everyday set pieces, these props brought their scripts to life and deepened their understanding of how visual storytelling works.","fullyFundedDate":1737046658323,"projectUrl":"project/a-little-bit-of-everything/9055789/","projectTitle":"A Little Bit of Everything","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Huicochea","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5096267_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1516840503652","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5096267"},{"teacherId":5096267,"projectId":8937959,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our Falcon Films class has reached a new milestone! With the new MacBooks funded through Donors Choose, we now have enough for 2 film crews of students to work simultaneously uninterrupted! Thank you! Students can now dive into creative projects like filming school dances, sporting events, and band concerts from the comfort of home. This means fewer early mornings or late afternoons spent in the classroom to edit footage. Your support has empowered our students, and we can't wait to see the amazing projects they'll produce. Thank you for believing in their potential!","fullyFundedDate":1733267737740,"projectUrl":"project/edit-on-the-go/8937959/","projectTitle":"Edit On The Go","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Huicochea","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5096267_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1516840503652","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5096267"},{"teacherId":5096267,"projectId":8621913,"letterContent":"We are thrilled to announce that our Falcon Films video production class has received new MacBooks through a successful Donors Choose fundraiser! These powerful tools will allow our students to edit videos of school dances, sporting events, and band concerts at home. This means fewer early mornings and late afternoons for editing time. With these MacBooks, our students are set to unleash their creativity and share their stories more easily than ever. 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Join the 470 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Col J K Tuffree Middle School is
a suburban public school
in Placentia, California that is part of Placentia Yorba Linda Usd.
It serves 613 students
in grades 7 - 8 with a student/teacher ratio of 23.6:1.
Its teachers have had 45 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
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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
64%
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.
Col J K Tuffree Middle School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Dec 5, 2025
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Col J K Tuffree Middle School
$69,673
raised using DonorsChoose
45
projects
funded
11
teachers
funded
470
donors
1
project
for
basic supplies
28
projects for
technology
Col J K Tuffree Middle School has received support from
448 individuals from California and
22 individuals out-of-state.