{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Iron Horse Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":9.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":4044438,"projectId":9633111,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity in providing essential supplies for our classroom. These resources are already being used daily and have made an immediate difference in how my students learn and work. From organizing materials and collaborating in groups to annotating texts and completing hands-on activities, students now have the tools they need to fully engage in lessons without interruption. One moment that really stood out was during a recent class activity when every student was able to jump right in—no one had to wait, borrow, or go without—and the focus stayed exactly where it should be: on learning.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the new supplies, their reaction was pure excitement. They were eager to explore, organize, and start using everything right away. It may seem simple, but having fresh, high-quality materials made students feel valued and motivated. Several students even commented on how much easier it was to stay focused and prepared when everything they needed was available and accessible. That sense of readiness has helped set a positive tone in our classroom.\r\n\r\nThese supplies are also helping us move forward with upcoming lessons and projects. Students are currently working on writing assignments, group discussions, and interactive activities that require consistent access to classroom materials, and now they can fully participate every step of the way. Because of your support, I'm able to spend more time teaching and less time troubleshooting logistics. Thank you for giving our students the tools they need to succeed and for being an important part of our classroom community.","fullyFundedDate":1765307256680,"projectUrl":"project/no-student-should-go-without-supplies/9633111/","projectTitle":"No Student Should Go Without Supplies!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Castro","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4044438_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1478850294866","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/castrocrew"},{"teacherId":4044438,"projectId":9629324,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity in supporting our classroom library. While many of our donors love reading books (we do, too!), teaching books is a whole different experience. These new texts allow us to teach critical reading skills such as making inferences, analyzing character development, identifying themes, and citing strong textual evidence. Students are learning not just to read the words on the page, but to think deeply about why characters act the way they do, how an author's choices shape meaning, and how stories connect to real-world issues and their own lives.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom is active, engaging, and student-centered. Students read independently, in small groups, and during whole-class discussions. You'll see students annotating texts, participating in book talks, responding in writing, and debating ideas with their peers. These books have helped create a culture where reading feels meaningful and relevant—not just an assignment, but a shared experience that builds empathy, curiosity, and confidence.\r\n\r\nSeveral students in particular have been especially excited about the new books. Some students who were previously reluctant readers are now eager to choose books that reflect their interests or personal experiences, while others are flying through novels and asking for recommendations as soon as they finish one. It has been incredibly rewarding to watch students light up as they see themselves in stories, make connections, and proudly share their thoughts. Your support has made a lasting impact on our students' love of reading, and we are deeply grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1764737591169,"projectUrl":"project/its-a-new-year-lets-get-reading/9629324/","projectTitle":"It's a New Year, Let's Get Reading!!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Castro","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4044438_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1478850294866","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/castrocrew"},{"teacherId":3030833,"projectId":9307756,"letterContent":"Our project for the new classroom carpet is fully funded and the carpet has arrived! It has already completely transformed our space! A massive, huge thank you—your generosity has truly made a difference.\r\n\r\nThis carpet is absolutely perfect for my middle schoolers. As you know, these kids are growing fast, and our old area just felt tiny. This new, larger carpet is amazing because it finally gives everyone the space they need to stretch out comfortably. It's not just a rug; it's now the heart of our learning community!\r\n\r\nWe are using this space for everything, and it's making learning so much more flexible and fun. It's where we gather every day for direct instruction and quick chats to kick off class. When students break into book clubs, they can settle in and really get cozy to debate their reading without feeling crowded. It's also become the go-to spot for big collaborative activities where teams need plenty of room to spread out charts and materials. Plus, it gives students a comfortable option for independent work when they need a flexible seat to focus.\r\n\r\nThank you so much for giving us this essential, spacious, and cozy area. It makes our classroom feel instantly more welcoming and adaptable! We are incredibly grateful for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1746712970657,"projectUrl":"project/from-cold-floors-to-warm-words-carpet-f/9307756/","projectTitle":"From Cold Floors to Warm Words: Carpet for Collaborative Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Granger","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3030833_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1523333922311","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/msgrangersroom"},{"teacherId":3030833,"projectId":9500126,"letterContent":"Wow! We're absolutely thrilled and deeply grateful that our project, \"A Welcoming, Organized Classroom,\" is fully funded and everything's already being used! Your support made a huge difference. You helped us get the basics—from supplies to organizers, including that amazing laminator and fresh bulletin board materials—creating a more focused and consistently welcoming space where our students feel totally supported.\r\n\r\nMy students are having a blast with the changes! They're super excited about our \"Festive Classroom Environment.\" Now, with the new bulletin board materials, they're transforming our walls into vibrant, visual displays that truly reflect their work and ideas. And thanks to the laminator, their favorite study tools and classroom centers will last for years, not weeks!\r\n\r\nThanks again for making this fundamental upgrade possible. We couldn't be happier that our students are thriving in this beautifully organized and functional new classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1753676766483,"projectUrl":"project/a-welcoming-organized-classroom-for-al/9500126/","projectTitle":"A Welcoming & Organized Classroom for All!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Granger","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3030833_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1523333922311","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/msgrangersroom"},{"teacherId":3030833,"projectId":6822826,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for your incredible support of our \"New Books for a New Year!\" project. \r\n\r\nYour contribution has truly revitalized our reading environment. These new books were specifically chosen to reflect my students' diverse interests and to introduce them to a wider range of authors and characters. Since their arrival, the students have been absolutely captivated, eagerly diving into these fresh titles and discovering new genres and stories. It's been wonderful to see their excitement and engagement with reading grow each day.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in the literacy and joy of my students. Your kindness has made a profound difference, providing them with the resources they need to explore new worlds through reading and to feel represented in the stories they encounter. We are so grateful for your partnership in fostering a vibrant and inclusive learning community.","fullyFundedDate":1669739178990,"projectUrl":"project/new-books-for-a-new-year/6822826/","projectTitle":"New Books for a New Year!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Granger","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3030833_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1523333922311","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/msgrangersroom"},{"teacherId":3030833,"projectId":7246874,"letterContent":"Thanks to your support for our \"New Titles for New Reading Adventures\" project, we successfully reached our goal of $591 and were able to bring a fresh collection of exciting books and much-needed book bins into our classroom.\r\n\r\nYour contribution has opened up a world of possibilities for my students, sparking their curiosity and fostering a deeper love for reading. These new titles have not only enhanced our classroom library but also provided diverse perspectives and engaging stories that resonate with each child. Since their arrival, these new books have been incredibly popular, with students eagerly checking them out and sharing their excitement about their new discoveries. \r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students and for investing in their literacy journey. Your kindness makes a tangible difference every day, and we are so grateful for your partnership in creating a vibrant and engaging learning environment.","fullyFundedDate":1690067831120,"projectUrl":"project/new-titles-for-new-reading-adventures/7246874/","projectTitle":"New Titles for New Reading Adventures","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Granger","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3030833_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1523333922311","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/msgrangersroom"},{"teacherId":4044438,"projectId":9200482,"letterContent":"I can't thank you enough for all of your generous donations. Unfortunately, with all the budget cuts our district is facing, parent donations are more needed than ever. We depend on you for so much - from Kleenex to paper! I'm just so grateful for my #CastroCrew parent community for coming through for us! We are fully stocked on Kleenex, paper, and headphones - all daily necessities in my class. In addition, I'm so grateful to have pencils again! These 8th graders go through them like crazy - you wouldn't believe it! Finally, the new books are going to be great, and hopefully meaningful, additions to our classroom library!\r\nThank you again!","fullyFundedDate":1744741772835,"projectUrl":"project/home-stretch-supplies/9200482/","projectTitle":"Home Stretch Supplies!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Castro","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4044438_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1478850294866","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/castrocrew"},{"teacherId":7983759,"projectId":8890080,"letterContent":"In our argument writing unit, students will use the fairy tale books purchased through DonorsChoose as key sources in their Fairy Tale Trials—a project that blends critical reading, argument writing, and presentation skills. Students will analyze classic fairy tales through a new lens, identifying perspectives, bias, and evidence within the text. They will then take on roles as prosecution, defense, or witnesses in a mock trial, arguing cases such as whether Goldilocks committed breaking and entering or if the Big Bad Wolf was truly guilty.\r\n\r\nThrough this unit, students develop claims, support them with textual evidence, and use reasoning (warrants) to explain their arguments. They will also anticipate counterarguments and craft rebuttals, strengthening their ability to think critically and defend their positions with logic and clarity.\r\n\r\nIn our classroom, reading is interactive and purposeful. Students read in small groups, discussing the texts to identify key details that will support their arguments. We also incorporate whole-class discussions and debate-style activities, allowing students to engage deeply with the material while sharpening their speaking and reasoning skills. The fairy tale books provide an engaging and accessible way for students to practice argument writing while exploring literature in a fun and meaningful way!","fullyFundedDate":1729625988547,"projectUrl":"project/building-critical-thinkers-exploring-ar/8890080/","projectTitle":"Building Critical Thinkers: Exploring Arguments Through Fairy Tales","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. LeDuc","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7983759"},{"teacherId":4044438,"projectId":8608856,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation in support of my students and my classroom. This year is passing incredibly fast, and our #CastroCrew family is really enjoying all of the learning and growing that we are doing together. Thanks to your generosity, we are able to have enough supplies for all the projects and work we do together. Additionally, we are enjoying the new, engaging books we received! We look forward to four short months more together, but, thankfully, the supplies and book will be around for the next class of #CastroCrew students!\r\n\r\nThank you so much!","fullyFundedDate":1730402382811,"projectUrl":"project/looking-forward-to-new-books-and-suppl/8608856/","projectTitle":"Looking Forward to New - Books and Supplies!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Castro","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4044438_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1478850294866","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/castrocrew"},{"teacherId":3791183,"projectId":8836927,"letterContent":"Having our library shelves restocked through this project has been so helpful! Students who had been waiting for weeks to get a book they placed on hold were surprised and delighted that they could finally get a copy of the book! It is also incredibly helpful to have your donations cover the cost of replacing lost books. Not every family can afford the fines when a library book is lost, so these donated books help both our library stay stocked and help our families!\r\n\r\nI greatly appreciate your generosity!","fullyFundedDate":1732657870138,"projectUrl":"project/stock-our-librarys-shelves/8836927/","projectTitle":"Stock Our Library's Shelves!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Martin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3791183_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1472410496206","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3791183"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_4268","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1007,"numTeachers":44,"percentFrplEligible":7,"percentAsian":53,"percentBlack":2,"percentWhite":23,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":11,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"22.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":90.7,"schoolId":4268,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Iron Horse Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Iron Horse Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/san-ramon-valley-unified-school-district/iron-horse-middle-school/4268"}