{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Bernardo Heights Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":6.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":3109628,"projectId":9091770,"letterContent":"This project has made a powerful difference in how my students learn and engage with lessons each day. The iPad, Apple Pencil, and Apple TV work together to turn instruction into a more visual, interactive, and student-centered experience. Instead of only listening or copying from the board, students can now see concepts come to life as I model thinking in real time, write directly on diagrams, and walk through problems step by step.\r\n\r\nThe iPad and Apple Pencil allow me to create clear, handwritten digital notes that closely mirror how students think and work. I can annotate graphs, highlight key steps, and revise explanations instantly based on student questions. Using the Apple TV, I mirror my iPad to the screen so every student—no matter where they sit—has a clear view of the lesson. This has been especially helpful for visual learners and students who benefit from seeing ideas broken down slowly and clearly.\r\n\r\nWhat excites students most is how interactive the technology is. They love watching problems unfold live rather than seeing static slides, and they are eager to come up and explain their thinking using the iPad themselves. Students are also highly motivated by the opportunity to create and lead presentations, sharing their reasoning and solutions with confidence.\r\n\r\nSeveral students who previously struggled to stay engaged have especially warmed to this technology. Students who learn best visually are more confident following lessons, while others who enjoy presenting have stepped into leadership roles by explaining concepts to their peers. The digital notes also give students a reliable resource they can revisit after class, helping them review and reinforce their understanding.\r\n\r\nBecause of this project, I've been able to provide more accessible, engaging instruction that supports a wide range of learning styles. The technology has transformed how I deliver notes, how students interact with content, and how confident they feel participating in class. Thank you for helping create a learning environment where students feel supported, excited, and empowered to succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1746546085377,"projectUrl":"project/enhancing-learning-with-ipad-and-apple-t/9091770/","projectTitle":"Enhancing Learning With iPad and Apple TV for Better Notes","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mougel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3109628_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1471472078499","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-mougel"},{"teacherId":3109628,"projectId":9791891,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my classroom has become an even more flexible, student-centered learning space. The standing desk and ergonomic chair are already making a meaningful difference in how my students work and engage with math each day.\r\n\r\nWe use the standing desk during independent practice, problem-solving tasks, and collaborative work. Some students choose to stand while working through multi-step problems or checking their reasoning on whiteboards, while others rotate in when they feel their focus slipping. The ergonomic chair has quickly become a favorite for students who do their best thinking while seated comfortably—it allows them to stay focused longer without being distracted by discomfort.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the new furniture, their excitement was immediate. They were eager to try both options and loved having the choice of how and where to work. Several students commented on how \"official\" and \"comfortable\" the setup felt, and many took pride in respectfully sharing the space with their classmates. It sparked great conversations about self-awareness, focus, and what each learner needs to be successful.\r\n\r\nYour support has given my students more than just furniture—it has given them ownership over their learning environment. As we continue our current lessons, students are using these resources to stay engaged during challenging tasks, collaborate more effectively, and build confidence in their abilities. The next step is continuing to normalize choice and flexibility in the classroom so students can independently select the setup that helps them learn best.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in my students and for giving them a classroom that supports their energy, creativity, and growth every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1760776947423,"projectUrl":"project/flexible-seating-for-an-engaged-classroo/9791891/","projectTitle":"Flexible Seating for an Engaged Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mougel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3109628_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1471472078499","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-mougel"},{"teacherId":9705659,"projectId":9397655,"letterContent":"Thank you so very much for your generous support of our DonorsChoose project. I sincerely apologize for the delay in this message. I truly believed I had already sent a thank-you note through DonorsChoose, and I was surprised to learn it had not gone through. I appreciate your patience and understanding.\r\n\r\nI was especially touched by your note about your mom and the reason you chose to support this project. It means so much to know that people like you recognize the often unseen work teachers do outside of the classroom to make the magic happen for students. That recognition makes me feel truly appreciated and encouraged.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has already made a meaningful difference. The alternative seating options you funded are being used daily, and students are more comfortable, engaged, and excited about learning. They absolutely love having choices that help them do their best work.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your kindness, your thoughtfulness, and for honoring your mom through your support. My students and I are deeply grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1755718768568,"projectUrl":"project/2025-2026-bhms-math-furniture/9397655/","projectTitle":"2025-2026 BHMS Math Furniture","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Richer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9705659_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724565335067","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsricher"},{"teacherId":10228468,"projectId":9658469,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support. The iPad you provided has already made a powerful difference in our math classroom. While many people use technology at home, its use in school especially for algebraic thinking is incredibly impactful. The iPad allows students to practice solving equations using interactive tools that give immediate feedback, guide them through each step, and help them understand why certain moves are valid. Concepts like balancing equations, isolating variables, and checking solutions become much clearer when students can see each step modeled and then try it themselves at their own pace.\r\n\r\nWhat excites my students most is the sense of independence and mastery they gain while working through equation-solving apps. They enjoy being able to experiment testing different approaches, undoing mistakes instantly, and watching the equation change as they apply each algebraic step. Instead of feeling intimidated by multi-step problems, they begin to view equations as puzzles they can confidently break down and solve. This shift in mindset has made math feel more approachable, engaging, and even fun.\r\n\r\nSeveral students have especially warmed to this new technology. One student who usually struggles with staying organized during long equations has been thriving with guided digital workspaces that highlight each step and help keep their thought process clear. Another student who rarely participates in whole-class instruction has become more excited about math after using the iPad to practice solving equations at his own pace, he now volunteers to share his steps and explain his reasoning. These changes in confidence, accuracy, and enthusiasm are possible because of your generosity. Thank you for helping our students grow as problem-solvers and mathematicians.","fullyFundedDate":1757011184882,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-instruction-with-an-ipad/9658469/","projectTitle":"Empowering Instruction with an iPad","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Villalvazo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10228468_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y504&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756337041066","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10228468"},{"teacherId":3251155,"projectId":9184366,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donations towards restocking our classroom supplies and snacks to get us through the end of the school year. The calculators, ink, and paper were invaluable for my students learning. I was able to print endless handouts in class as needed and students were able to access calculators to aid them in solving equations.\r\nThe classroom snacks were a huge success for our positive behavior classroom store. Students worked hard to earn coins to spend at our store on Fridays. This helped improve our classroom environment.","fullyFundedDate":1744084485013,"projectUrl":"project/math-supply-spring-restock/9184366/","projectTitle":"Math Supply Spring Restock","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cruz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3251155_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1473032117546","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/gcruz-math"},{"teacherId":3109628,"projectId":9544652,"letterContent":"The new iPad Air and Apple Pencil Pro have transformed how my students experience math in our classroom. Many of our donors use technology every day, but in a classroom setting, these tools become powerful teaching partners—allowing me to model problem-solving in real time, annotate examples clearly, and make abstract concepts visible and engaging.\r\n\r\nMy students are most excited by how interactive lessons have become. When I use the iPad to work through a complex ratio or geometry problem, they can watch each step unfold on the board, ask questions in the moment, and even revisit recorded lessons later for extra support. Visual learners especially love being able to see how ideas connect, and it has boosted their confidence to try challenging problems independently.\r\n\r\nOne student, who used to hesitate when sharing answers, now eagerly volunteers to explain her thinking after following a modeled example on the screen. Others have started creating their own visual notes, inspired by how I use the Apple Pencil to color-code and highlight strategies.\r\n\r\nThese tools have not only replaced what was lost—they've elevated our lessons, helping every student feel more capable, curious, and connected to math.","fullyFundedDate":1755710549903,"projectUrl":"project/a-teachers-tech-toolkit-for-interactive/9544652/","projectTitle":"A Teacher’s Tech Toolkit for Interactive Math","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mougel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3109628_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1471472078499","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-mougel"},{"teacherId":3109628,"projectId":9533804,"letterContent":".The Apple TV has completely changed the way my students experience math. Many of our donors use technology every day, but in our classroom, it has become a bridge that helps students see math come to life. By wirelessly projecting my iPad, I can model problem-solving in real time, highlight important steps, and show visuals that make abstract concepts clear and engaging. Students no longer struggle to follow along—they can easily see each example unfold from anywhere in the room.\r\n\r\nWhat excites my students most is how interactive our lessons have become. They love watching their own work appear instantly on the screen when we share examples, and they take real pride in explaining their thinking to the class. The flexibility to move around while teaching also helps me connect more with individual learners, providing feedback and encouragement as I go.\r\n\r\nOne student who often hesitated to participate now eagerly volunteers to share his strategies after seeing how his work can be celebrated and discussed with the whole class. The Apple TV has truly made learning more visual, collaborative, and confidence-building for everyone.","fullyFundedDate":1755695222512,"projectUrl":"project/mirror-mirror-on-the-walllets-learn-t/9533804/","projectTitle":"Mirror, Mirror on the Wall—Let’s Learn Together, One and All!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mougel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3109628_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1471472078499","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-mougel"},{"teacherId":9169794,"projectId":9321037,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredibly generous donation! Thanks to your support, we've been able to purchase a class set of Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson series.\r\n\r\nThis isn't just about reading a fun book; it's about opening up a world of learning for our students. Having these novels will give us the amazing opportunity to explore various themes like mythology, heroism, friendship, and overcoming challenges in depth. \r\n\r\nYour contribution truly makes a difference in enriching our classroom experience.","fullyFundedDate":1746493184048,"projectUrl":"project/percy-jackson-and-the-olympians/9321037/","projectTitle":"Percy Jackson and the Olympians","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Wong","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9169794_orig.jpg?crop=672,672,x264,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1691542410549","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/flexibleseating2023"},{"teacherId":3109628,"projectId":9032871,"letterContent":"I am incredibly grateful for your generosity in funding our project, Enhancing Learning With a Reliable Document Camera. This technology has transformed the way my students engage with lessons, making learning more interactive and accessible. Whether we're exploring complex math problems, analyzing text together, or sharing student work in real-time, the document camera allows everyone to follow along with clarity and focus. It has been especially helpful for my visual learners, who now have a clearer, more detailed view of materials that might have been difficult to see before.\r\n\r\nOne of the most exciting aspects for my students has been the ability to showcase their own work instantly. They love coming up to the camera to present their solutions, annotate text, or share their creative ideas with the class. This has fostered a greater sense of collaboration and confidence among them. I've also seen students who were initially hesitant to participate become more engaged as they see their contributions valued and displayed for the whole class.\r\n\r\nYour support has truly enriched our classroom experience, making lessons more dynamic and inclusive. Thank you for investing in my students' education and for helping create a learning environment where every student can succeed!","fullyFundedDate":1736960020039,"projectUrl":"project/enhancing-learning-with-a-reliable-docum/9032871/","projectTitle":"Enhancing Learning With a Reliable Document Camera","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mougel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3109628_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1471472078499","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-mougel"},{"teacherId":3251155,"projectId":8615585,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donations to help fund the Macbook Pro to help support my students' learning. With the Macbook, I can make lessons for students and share between my iPad and Macbook. I'm also able to use the Macbook in the classroom to check student grades and walk over and talk to them about missing assignments without being tied to my desktop computer.\r\n\r\nThis new computer has been a game changer and has had a positive impact on student learning and success. Thank you again for making this possible.","fullyFundedDate":1734136360902,"projectUrl":"project/math-lessons-with-macbook-pro/8615585/","projectTitle":"Math Lessons With MacBook Pro","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cruz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3251155_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1473032117546","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/gcruz-math"},{"teacherId":3251155,"projectId":8661693,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for making this project a reality. The printer has come in super handy for printing handouts, especially the ability to make copies on the fly in our classroom when students need an extra copy of a handout. With the printer, I've been able to make resources for my students that help support their math understanding. \r\n\r\nThe pencils and expo markers are a hot commodity, they have already been exhausted. Students regularly borrow pencils, many need to take a pencil to complete assignments. The expo markers are used regularly since our student desks have a dry erase table top.","fullyFundedDate":1731511938437,"projectUrl":"project/math-printing/8661693/","projectTitle":"Math Printing","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cruz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3251155_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1473032117546","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/gcruz-math"},{"teacherId":9169794,"projectId":8876559,"letterContent":"Thank you for your support! \r\nThrough your donation we were able to receive 17 quilt making kits. \r\n17 kits were divided among the library, clubs, leadership homerooms and EL homerooms. \r\n\r\nStudents worked together to create the quilts.\r\n\r\nHalf the quilts were donated to the Poway Unified School District Youth in Transition program. The other half of the quilts were donated to Frosted Faces Foundation, a shelter for senior dogs. \r\n\r\nThank you once again for your support! \r\nStudents collaborated and enjoyed creating the quilts.","fullyFundedDate":1731528479990,"projectUrl":"project/community-service-project-spreading-we/8876559/","projectTitle":"Community Service Project - Spreading Wellness in Our Community","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Wong","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9169794_orig.jpg?crop=672,672,x264,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1691542410549","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/flexibleseating2023"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_54138","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1501,"numTeachers":60,"percentFrplEligible":15,"percentAsian":24,"percentBlack":2,"percentWhite":42,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":16,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"25.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":93.7,"schoolId":54138,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Bernardo Heights Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Bernardo Heights Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/poway-unified-school-district/bernardo-heights-middle-school/54138"}
Join the 637 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Bernardo Heights Middle School is
an urban public school
in San Diego, California that is part of Poway Unified School District.
It serves 1,501 students
in grades 6 - 8 with a student/teacher ratio of 25.0:1.
Its teachers have had 143 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Public School
Grades 6 - 8
1,501 Students
60 Teachers
12990 Paseo LucidoContact info is sourced from our partners at MDR Education, and DonorsChoose updates our site ahead of each school year.
Share and help support Bernardo Heights Middle School
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Every donation funds real needs — pencils, books, lab equipment, art supplies, and more — helping students learn and thrive. We ship supplies directly to the school, and you'll see exactly where each dollar goes.
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
42%
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.
Bernardo Heights Middle School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Dec 24, 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.
Bernardo Heights Middle School
$98,597
raised using DonorsChoose
143
projects
funded
32
teachers
funded
637
donors
19
projects
for
basic supplies
59
projects for
technology
12
projects for
books
7
projects
for
art supplies
Bernardo Heights Middle School has received support from
597 individuals from California and
40 individuals out-of-state.