Southwest Middle School in San Diego, California on DonorsChoose

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We are thrilled to have anything in our closet, but having it organized makes it feel much less like a place the students NEED to visit, and more like a place they WANT to visit.","fullyFundedDate":1779776097039,"projectUrl":"project/treasure-chest-storage-bins/10285996/","projectTitle":"Treasure Chest Storage Bins","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Case","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1050611_orig.png?crop=2550,2550,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1787082123845","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1050611"},{"teacherId":1050611,"projectId":10389209,"letterContent":"Our students often do not have the means to purchase their school supplies. Providing locks to loan out has been something that I've wanted to do for quite a while. Keeping track of the locks and keeping them in good condition will require a bit of extra effort, but I am certain that it will be worth it. When I handed locks to a few students who needed them immediately, they seemed so relieved and were very grateful. They were able to assure that their belongings were secure in the locker room. Once again, generous donations from Donors Choose save the day!","fullyFundedDate":1786224766764,"projectUrl":"project/pe-locker-locks/10389209/","projectTitle":"PE Locker Locks","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Case","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1050611_orig.png?crop=2550,2550,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1787082123845","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1050611"},{"teacherId":1050611,"projectId":10188596,"letterContent":"Having access to basic undergarments and socks has been a game-changer already in terms of being able to help students whose families are struggling. When students do not have access to basic care, they often struggle with academics and in social situations. The fact that we are now more easily able to give our students, not only undergarments to take with them, but options as to what they can take from our Treasure Chest is incredibly uplifting. The students who have already gotten so much from this project and their parents have expressed immense gratitude.","fullyFundedDate":1776984668095,"projectUrl":"project/undergarments-for-middle-school-boutique/10188596/","projectTitle":"Undergarments for Middle School Boutique","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Case","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1050611_orig.png?crop=2550,2550,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1787082123845","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1050611"},{"teacherId":8803632,"projectId":9618296,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the fidgets and little puzzles for our classroom. They have truly made such a difference, especially in my co-teach classes. Some of my students just need something small in their hands to help them feel calm and settled, and these tools have helped more than I can explain. I've seen students who normally struggle to stay in their seats quietly use a fidget and feel more at ease. It's such a simple thing, but it helps them feel understood and supported.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw everything, they were so excited. They immediately wanted to try each one and were smiling and laughing as they figured out the puzzles. Even my regular education students who finish early now choose to work on the little brain games instead of going on their iPads or doom scrolling. They genuinely enjoy challenging themselves, and it keeps the energy positive in the room.\r\n\r\nMore than anything, these materials show my students that someone cares about their comfort and happiness at school. They are very grateful, and so am I. Thank you for thinking of our classroom and giving my students something they truly love and use every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1758835775401,"projectUrl":"project/help-my-students-focus-one-fidget-at-a/9618296/","projectTitle":"Help My Students Focus, One Fidget at a Time","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Leon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8803632_orig.jpg?crop=1513,1513,x751,y524&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1666078983895","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8803632"},{"teacherId":8803632,"projectId":9654016,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom. Because of your generosity, my students now have access to basic hygiene items like deodorant and menstrual pads right inside our classroom. These may seem like small things, but they have made a huge difference. Instead of feeling embarrassed or asking to leave class, my students can quietly grab what they need and continue learning. It has created a safe and supportive space where they know their needs matter.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the materials, many of them were surprised and relieved. They especially loved the axolotl heating pads because they think they are so cute and absolutely love them. Beyond being adorable, they are easy to use and truly help soothe cramps and discomfort during the school day. Seeing their faces light up over something that also brings them comfort was really special. Over time, I've noticed something even more powerful... they feel comfortable coming to me. They know they can tell me how they're feeling or ask for what they need without judgment. That trust has strengthened our classroom community.\r\n\r\nAs we continue through our current lessons, my goal is to keep building a classroom where students feel safe, respected, and ready to learn. When basic needs are met, students can focus on their work, participate in discussions, and stay present in class. 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About this school

Southwest Middle School is an urban public school in San Diego, California that is part of Sweetwater Union High School District. It serves 501 students in grades 7 - 8 with a student/teacher ratio of 16.7:1. Its teachers have had 5 projects funded on DonorsChoose.

Supporting this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Public School

Title 1

Grades 7 - 8

501 Students

30 Teachers

2710 Iris Ave

San Diego, CA 92154 View local requests

http://www.sweetwaterschools.org

Direct, proactive support

Empower teachers at Southwest Middle School to request what their students need.

Give to this school

Ms. Vero, a DonorsChoose teacher for 9 years.

Kindergarten teacher at PS81 - Robert J. Christen School in Bronx, NY

Southwest Middle School Teachers on DonorsChoose

DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for public school teachers.

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.

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Southwest Middle School Demographics

77%

of students receive free or reduced price lunch

Source: the National Center for Education Statistics

97%

of students are Black, Latino, Native American, or Asian

Schools in districts that mainly serve students of color receive substantially less state and local support than similar districts that serve primarily White students. Learn more about this gap, why it exists, and how you can help close it.

Southwest Middle School Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Aug 19, 2026

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.