{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"John Gutierrez Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":29.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8558111,"projectId":10218048,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our 6th graders have officially embarked on a heroic quest with our new copies of Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief! Teaching a text like this goes far beyond basic plot comprehension; having fresh, matching books allows our entire class to dive deep into high-level critical thinking together. We use Rick Riordan's rich narrative to teach students how to analyze classic Greek mythology alongside modern storytelling, examine literary elements like foreshadowing and tone, and track character development. Having clean, individual copies means every student can actively annotate, practice close-reading strategies, and pull direct textual evidence to support their claims during classroom debates on the classic hero's journey.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom has transformed into a vibrant, collaborative experience. On any given day, you might see students engaged in partner reading, reading key action scenes aloud in small groups, or quietly immersed with sticky notes in hand tracking Percy's growth from a struggling student to a brave demigod. Because every student now holds an identical, high-quality book, we can effortlessly pause for whole-class read-alongs, line-by-line text analysis, and lively discussions about character motives. This shared physical experience keeps energy levels high and helps turn reading into an active process of discovery rather than a passive task.\r\n\r\nThese new copies have particularly revitalized our reluctant readers and English Language Learners. Holding a brand-new book creates a strong sense of pride and ownership that instantly lowers anxiety around reading. Percy's story—especially his own struggles with ADHD and dyslexia—deeply resonates with 6th graders, and having their own pristine copy makes them feel valued and ready to engage. One student, who previously hesitated to participate during reading time, proudly raised his hand last week to read a full passage aloud to the class, excited simply to follow along with his own book. Your gift hasn't just provided our classroom with stories—it has built a community where every student feels equipped, included, and genuinely excited to turn the page.","fullyFundedDate":1778035724556,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-young-heroes-through-literacy/10218048/","projectTitle":"Empowering Young Heroes Through Literacy","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Fink","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8558111"},{"teacherId":9245180,"projectId":10032736,"letterContent":"The new books, Charlie Hernández and the League of Shadows and The Castle of Bones, give students opportunities to strengthen reading comprehension, vocabulary, making inferences, predicting, and analyzing characters and themes. The stories also introduce meaningful lessons about courage, friendship, perseverance, identity, and problem-solving. Because the books are engaging fantasy and adventure stories, they encourage students to think critically while enjoying what they read.\r\nReading in our classroom includes independent reading, partner reading, read-alouds, and group discussions. Students share predictions, ask questions, make connections, and support their ideas with evidence from the text. Students who especially enjoy fantasy, mystery, and adventure have been drawn to these books because of the exciting plots and imaginative characters. Some students who are typically less excited about reading have also been more eager to pick up these books and continue reading to find out what happens next.","fullyFundedDate":1773885108471,"projectUrl":"project/fostering-a-love-for-reading/10032736/","projectTitle":"Fostering a Love for Reading!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Armenta","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9245180_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724286407877","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9245180"},{"teacherId":9245180,"projectId":10032834,"letterContent":"Our students are exploring three new hardcover books: Charlie Hernández and the Hand of Darkness, The Phantom of Time, and The Golden Dooms. These texts give students opportunities to strengthen reading comprehension, vocabulary, making predictions and inferences, character analysis, and identifying themes. They also encourage students to think about courage, problem-solving, friendship, and perseverance while engaging with exciting fantasy and adventure stories.\r\nReading in our classroom includes independent reading, partner reading, read-alouds, and group discussions where students share predictions, questions, and connections to the text. Students who especially enjoy fantasy, mystery, and adventure have been very excited about the new books. The hardcover format has also made the books feel special and inviting, and students are eager to choose them during independent reading and recommend them to their classmates.","fullyFundedDate":1778526803602,"projectUrl":"project/adventure-awaits-fund-our-classroom-lib/10032834/","projectTitle":"Adventure Awaits: Fund Our Classroom Library!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Armenta","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9245180_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724286407877","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9245180"},{"teacherId":9245180,"projectId":10032550,"letterContent":"Our students are exploring Charlie Hernández and the League of Shadows, a book that introduces lessons around mythology, identity, courage, and perseverance. As they read, students are building skills such as making inferences, analyzing characters, understanding unfamiliar vocabulary through context, and connecting the story's themes to their own experiences and cultures. The book also gives us opportunities to discuss how authors blend fantasy and cultural traditions to create engaging stories.\r\nReading in our classroom looks like a mix of independent reading, partner conversations, read-alouds, and whole-group discussion. Students are especially enjoying the book's adventure, humor, and supernatural elements, and many are excited to make predictions about what will happen next. Students who enjoy fantasy and action have been particularly drawn to Charlie's journey, while others are connecting with the themes of family, identity, and discovering where they belong.","fullyFundedDate":1769177817767,"projectUrl":"project/enrich-libraries-sponsor-charlie-hernn/10032550/","projectTitle":"Enrich Libraries: Sponsor Charlie Hernández Books for our classroom!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Armenta","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9245180_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724286407877","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9245180"},{"teacherId":9141751,"projectId":10180337,"letterContent":"Having a physical, class set of John Steinbeck's The Pearl has completely elevated how my English Language Arts students engage with literature every day. With these books in hand, we are tackling essential middle and high school reading skills, such as analyzing central themes like greed and human nature, identifying foreshadowing, and unpacking rich symbolic elements—like the pearl itself. Having their own copy allows students to annotate directly, track character development, and pull direct textual evidence to support their arguments during class discussions and analytical writing assignments.\r\n\r\nHaving enough physical books for every child creates a cohesive classroom community; no one is forced to share a text or read from a cramped, glowing screen, which makes the act of reading feel grounded, authentic, and focused.\r\n\r\nThese new books have been a huge hit with all of my students, but they have particularly captivated some of my reluctant readers. Your generosity didn't just give us books—it gave my students a rich literary experience that is building their confidence as critical thinkers and lifelong readers.","fullyFundedDate":1786831509093,"projectUrl":"project/the-pearl-for-salinas-students/10180337/","projectTitle":"The Pearl for Salinas Students","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Antunez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9141751_orig.png?crop=762,762,x0,y27&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1691082364301","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/misterantunez"},{"teacherId":9141751,"projectId":10110526,"letterContent":"The new computer mouse sets have completely transformed how my students navigate their digital learning environment each day. Rather than struggling with trackpads—which can be incredibly frustrating for young learners developing fine motor skills—students now click, drag, and drop with ease. This small change has drastically reduced transition times and tech-related anxiety, allowing my class to focus on learning math, reading, and coding rather than fighting with hardware. Having physical mice gives them the tactile control they need to confidently work through interactive lessons at their own pace.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting part of this new addition for the students has been the immediate boost in independence and control. The bright design and responsive feel made the classroom laptops feel brand new to them. They were thrilled that they no longer had to double-tap or hold down a trackpad while trying to highlight text or complete digital puzzles. Watching their eyes light up when they realized how smooth and fast their assignments became was pure joy; it made our daily tech time feel less like a chore and more like an engaging, modern workspace.","fullyFundedDate":1778205225196,"projectUrl":"project/little-mice-in-the-classroom/10110526/","projectTitle":"Little Mice in the Classroom!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Antunez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9141751_orig.png?crop=762,762,x0,y27&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1691082364301","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/misterantunez"},{"teacherId":9245180,"projectId":9066848,"letterContent":"This class set introduces lessons about perseverance, family, identity, and empathy. In The Circuit by Francisco Jiménez, students learn about the experiences of a migrant family and the challenges they face as they move from place to place for work.\r\n\r\nReading in my classroom looks like a combination of independent reading, classroom read out loud, partner work, and whole class conversations. Students are encouraged to make connections to the text, ask questions, identify important details, and support their ideas with evidence. With The Circuit, students discuss what Panchito is going through and reflect on how his family's frequent moves affect his education, friendships, and sense of belonging.\r\n\r\nMany students enjoy this book because they connect with its themes of family, moving, making friends, and overcoming challenges. Students who have experienced changes in their own lives often make strong personal connections to Panchito's story. The book has helped create meaningful conversations and encourages students to appreciate experiences and perspectives that may be different from their own.","fullyFundedDate":1746786271716,"projectUrl":"project/be-the-hero-for-our-classroom-library/9066848/","projectTitle":"Be The Hero for Our Classroom library!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Armenta","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9245180_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724286407877","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9245180"},{"teacherId":9245180,"projectId":8688871,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your donation. The new text introduces important lessons about perseverance, family, identity, and empathy. In The Circuit by Francisco Jiménez, students learn about the experiences of a migrant family and the challenges they face as they move from place to place for work. The book also gives students opportunities to discuss character development, setting, point of view, and how an author uses personal experiences to tell a meaningful story. It encourages students to think about how circumstances can shape a person's choices and opportunities.\r\n\r\nReading in my classroom looks like a combination of independent reading, read out loud, partner discussions, and whole class conversations. Students are encouraged to make connections to the text, ask questions, identify important details, and support their ideas with evidence. With The Circuit, students can pause to discuss what Panchito is experiencing and reflect on how his family's frequent moves affect his education, friendships, and sense of belonging.","fullyFundedDate":1724874216898,"projectUrl":"project/help-build-a-brighter-future-donate-boo/8688871/","projectTitle":"Help Build a Brighter Future: Donate Books to Our Classroom!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Armenta","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9245180_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724286407877","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9245180"},{"teacherId":9141751,"projectId":10101538,"letterContent":"Reluctant readers have shown a noticeable shift, pulled in by high-interest storylines and relatable characters that match their interests. Students who previously struggled to stay engaged during quiet reading blocks are now eagerly grabbing these books as soon as they walk in the door, often recommending their favorites to classmates and asking to take them home over the weekend.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has given these students not just books, but the opportunity to see themselves as capable, thoughtful readers. Thank you for making this transformation possible in our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1773885107203,"projectUrl":"project/some-light-reading/10101538/","projectTitle":"Some Light Reading","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Antunez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9141751_orig.png?crop=762,762,x0,y27&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1691082364301","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/misterantunez"},{"teacherId":9308703,"projectId":10154956,"letterContent":"Many times teaching I've run into the problem that the books I loved as a kid don't connect with the group I'm teaching. All the skills of reading start at the love of reading. Percy Jackson is a novel that kids adore. Every year students get so excited, anticipating the novel read from the moment they find out.\r\n\r\nReading in the first person, through another kid's eyes, Riordan is an amazing author, depicting a young boy's life who struggles with ADHD, Dyslexia, and- of course- being a demigod. This very candid character becomes a connection point for many students, and helps them visualize and maintain a narrative that they wish to dissect. \r\n\r\nIn my class, reading is a solo activity, a group activity, a turn activity, and a friend activity. We practice it multiple shapes and forms, encouraging them to develop internal and spoken reading fluency. Thank you, for continuing to spread the love of reading.","fullyFundedDate":1773885106991,"projectUrl":"project/novel-study-dreams/10154956/","projectTitle":"Novel Study Dreams","teacherDisplayName":"Mx. Lugo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9308703_orig.jpg?crop=568,568,x0,y94&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1695864162883","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9308703"},{"teacherId":8834533,"projectId":10243268,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for donating to the project to support making over my classroom this year! I was able to redo all the walls of the classroom and make it a more welcoming place. During back to school night, many parents complimented it and said that they were happy that their students were able to learn in such a warm place. Classroom decor is one of those things that you don't think about through most of the year but it really make a difference in students' learning because it helps to foster a feeling of belonging.","fullyFundedDate":1778009836351,"projectUrl":"project/extreme-makeover-classroom-edition/10243268/","projectTitle":"Extreme Makeover: Classroom Edition","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tripp","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8834533_orig.jpg?crop=1179,1179,x0,y255&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1785013962813","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/tripp701"},{"teacherId":9308703,"projectId":9133630,"letterContent":"Students have deeply valued the headphones and mice. The mice have assisted my students with physical ability needs to navigate their chromebooks easier. It also helps for the pesky days the track pad breaks and we can't replace it immediatley. Right now, I have them stored in a cabinet for clean keeping, and the children get so excited when they see them coming out. An immediate win to whatever project I have planned!\r\n\r\nThe most LOVED one has been the headphones. Students love getting to hear audio readings od their text books, listen to music while working, and review class topics on Youtube! It really helps me personalize the materials I give students so they have their needs met, let's them have materials they can study to grow, and not feel othered by having something different. \r\n\r\nOverall, this type of technology donation is appreciated a thousand fold, and the love they have has made me more confident in looking for educational games and activities to keep them going!","fullyFundedDate":1744033074502,"projectUrl":"project/essential-tech/9133630/","projectTitle":"Essential Tech","teacherDisplayName":"Mx. Lugo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9308703_orig.jpg?crop=568,568,x0,y94&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1695864162883","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9308703"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_100958","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":552,"numTeachers":19,"percentFrplEligible":80,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":5,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":90,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":1,"gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"29.1:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_FRINGE"},"inStateSupporters":71.0,"schoolId":100958,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about John Gutierrez Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"John Gutierrez Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/santa-rita-union-school-district/bolsa-knolls-middle-school/100958"}