{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Hercules Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":18.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":3981677,"projectId":9598716,"letterContent":"Your generous donations towards this project has really elevated our seating in the library. Students love having more variety to choose from and they love enjoying this new seating area. \r\n\r\nIn addition to our new cafe tables and chairs, we were able to also purchase some much needed storage for our library makerspace, so that students who have long-term projects have somewhere safe to keep their works-in-progress without worrying they'll get misplaced or mixed up with other projects.\r\n\r\nWe were also able to choose some extra tabletop display sign holders that we use for book displays to elevate the presentation of information about the book display theme. Thanks to your support of this project we were able to finally realize a whole new seating area for our students and we're so thrilled to see them enjoy the new tables and chairs. Thank you again for continuing to support our students and giving me the opportunity to make our library the best place on campus!","fullyFundedDate":1756574556678,"projectUrl":"project/elevated-experience-cafe-seating-for-the/9598716/","projectTitle":"Elevated Experience-Cafe Seating for the Library","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Barron","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3981677_orig.jpg?crop=710,710,x0,y37&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1634843414255","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsbooknerd18"},{"teacherId":3250568,"projectId":9063042,"letterContent":"Thank you again and many times over for your contribution. Communication is key to maintaining a safe environment for our children and all community members. To promote that community enrichment through the use of parent volunteers and after-school activities, we need to have a means of communication between those parents and staff while they're out in the yard, etc. These radios provided exactly that.\r\n\r\nParents and staff are easily able to communicate concerns and questions and check-ins over the radios or walkie-talkies, saving everyone time and maintaining an anxiety-free experience for our parents! That's all possible because of your generosity and help.","fullyFundedDate":1742938022377,"projectUrl":"project/secure-communication/9063042/","projectTitle":"Secure Communication","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Owens","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3250568_orig.jpg?crop=384,384,x560,y224&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1704817297145","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/herculesmobility"},{"teacherId":4040159,"projectId":9300361,"letterContent":"My students used the resources to better understand the lesson. They created catapults to explore how mass impacts force. The owl pellets were used to demonstrate how paleontologists collect and organize fossil remains, and how these remains serve as evidence of evolution.\r\n\r\nUsing these resources ignites their curiosity, encourages creativity, and helps me deliver the lessons with greater clarity and engagement.\r\n\r\nOn behalf of my 170 students, we would like to sincerely thank you for donating the resources we needed.","fullyFundedDate":1754067920002,"projectUrl":"project/steamy-stem-projects/9300361/","projectTitle":"Steamy STEM Projects!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Domingo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4040159"},{"teacherId":3981677,"projectId":9334127,"letterContent":"This was a really big project and I can't thank you all enough for supporting my remarkable students with these new additions to our library makerspace. Having new Sphero robots and adding a second iPad for coding their movement will expand the availability for more students to experience. Making robotics and coding more accessible to all of the students we serve is what the maker spirit is all about- all makers are welcome! \r\nAlthough we received our project items at the very end of last school year, I can't wait to surprise students in the new school year with this awesome new tech for them to work with when they visit the makerspace during lunch or join our after school programming. Thank you so much for your incredible generosity, I truly couldn't have made this happen without you.","fullyFundedDate":1748893059590,"projectUrl":"project/ready-set-sphero/9334127/","projectTitle":"Ready, Set, Sphero!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Barron","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3981677_orig.jpg?crop=710,710,x0,y37&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1634843414255","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsbooknerd18"},{"teacherId":3981677,"projectId":9209000,"letterContent":"Having a fresh batch of new books to keep bringing students in even as the year came to a close (and the awesome spring weather had us wanting to be outside soaking in the rays) was a wonderful treat for our school library. Students were checking out so many of the new books that there were only about half of the books left from our new book display by the time school wrapped for the year. Typically, we receive and spend our book budget in early fall, so it was such an awesome surprise to bring requested books to our students to keep them excited and talking about books and their favorite new reads. I truly appreciate your generosity in helping fund this book project so that we can continue to keep the love of reading alive for our students.","fullyFundedDate":1743029725090,"projectUrl":"project/one-more-chapter-student-book-wishlist/9209000/","projectTitle":"One More Chapter-Student Book Wishlist","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Barron","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3981677_orig.jpg?crop=710,710,x0,y37&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1634843414255","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsbooknerd18"},{"teacherId":7156286,"projectId":6645305,"letterContent":"When my students first experienced the upgraded video lessons made possible by your generosity, the difference was clear. The improved lighting, crisp visuals, and better audio drew them in immediately — they were more engaged, more focused, and more eager to participate. Even students learning asynchronously told me they felt \"more connected\" and \"less distracted\" by technical issues.\r\n\r\nThe new backdrops and lighting transformed my home and classroom recordings into visually appealing, professional-looking lessons. The camera adaptor has been a lifesaver, allowing me to record without interruptions from dead batteries, and the windscreen has eliminated the distracting background noise that once pulled students out of the moment. Now, every lesson feels intentional, polished, and accessible to all learners.\r\n\r\nThe Audible subscription has been an equally powerful addition. Listening to professionally narrated books has brought our Social Science lessons to life, allowing my students — many of whom are not traditional readers — to engage with complex material in a more approachable way. Hearing history, economics, and social studies texts read aloud has opened up new ways for them to connect with the content and build deeper understanding.\r\n\r\nIn my Economics classes, the new financial literacy resources have sparked some of the most meaningful discussions we've had all year. Using stock and securities simulations, students are learning not only how markets work but also how financial decisions affect their futures. Several students have even shared that they've started talking about investing and budgeting with their families at home — a ripple effect I hadn't expected but deeply appreciate.\r\n\r\nThanks to you, my diverse group of learners — many of whom receive free lunch and rely on school as a safe, supportive space — now have more engaging, relevant, and inspiring lessons. Your support has elevated not just the quality of my teaching, but the quality of their learning.\r\n\r\nFrom the bottom of my heart, thank you for helping me reach my students in a way that's clear, connected, and impactful.","fullyFundedDate":1660196137808,"projectUrl":"project/financial-literacy-for-future-leaders/6645305/","projectTitle":"Financial Literacy for Future Leaders","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. I. Kira","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7156286_orig.jpg?crop=488,488,x0,y27&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1584051476315","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7156286"},{"teacherId":7156286,"projectId":8536777,"letterContent":"When my students walked into the classroom and saw the new materials, the excitement was immediate. The bright colored pencils, fresh poster paper, and the access to Study.com created a buzz of curiosity. Several students — including some who often hesitate to participate — began asking how they could use the new tools for our upcoming projects.\r\n\r\nStudy.com has quickly become a favorite resource. Its videos, games, and quizzes turn challenging topics like financial literacy and historical analysis into interactive learning experiences. During one lesson, students played budgeting simulations that sparked real conversations about saving, spending, and making smart choices. Even those who normally sit quietly were actively debating strategies with their peers.\r\n\r\nThe Teachers Pay Teachers gift card has allowed me to purchase creative, differentiated resources to meet the needs of all learners, including some with disabilities. This means every student can engage with lessons in a way that works for them — whether that's through visual organizers, interactive activities, or guided practice sheets.\r\n\r\nOur history projects have also taken on new life. Using poster paper, Sharpies, and colored pencils, students have been designing timelines, maps, and infographics that go beyond just listing facts — they're telling stories. They're making connections between historical events and the issues we face as a country today, which has been incredibly powerful in this critical time.\r\n\r\nThese resources have given us the flexibility to blend academic rigor with creativity, helping students develop skills they can carry into the real world. The next steps include applying these tools to bigger projects, like documenting school and community events for our yearbook, ensuring that student voices and perspectives are preserved for future generations.\r\n\r\nYour generosity hasn't just funded supplies — it has opened doors for engagement, collaboration, and confidence. My students now see learning as something they can actively shape, and for that, I am deeply grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1731539658239,"projectUrl":"project/holistic-learning-tools-posters-study/8536777/","projectTitle":"Holistic Learning Tools: Posters, Study.com, Color Pencils","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. I. Kira","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7156286_orig.jpg?crop=488,488,x0,y27&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1584051476315","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7156286"},{"teacherId":481483,"projectId":9014221,"letterContent":"On behalf of my students, we want to sincerely thank you for your donation of school supplies. Your support has significantly impacted our students' lives by providing them with the essential resources they need to learn and grow. From basic notebooks to pencils, each item has helped create a more inclusive and dynamic classroom environment. Your generosity has not only reduced financial stress for many families but also motivated our students to approach their education with increased confidence and enthusiasm.\r\n\r\nThe effects of your contribution are visible every day in our classroom. Students who previously struggled due to limited resources are now fully engaged in lessons and exploring their creative potential without barriers. As a teacher, I want to express my deep appreciation for how these resources have enabled me to develop more interactive and effective teaching methods. Thank you for investing in our students' futures—your support is helping to develop capable, motivated learners who are better prepared to succeed both academically and personally.","fullyFundedDate":1742938022149,"projectUrl":"project/be-prepared-to-be-inspired-to-learn/9014221/","projectTitle":"Be Prepared to Be Inspired to Learn","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gatchalian","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp481483_orig.jpg?crop=729,729,x123,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1615316236683","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/481483"},{"teacherId":7180370,"projectId":8534928,"letterContent":"Wow your help is always greatly appreciated. My students absolutely love Vocesdigital.com They enjoy the books we read on the program and the activities we do as a class, in partners and in groups. They say vocesdigital.com is much easier to understand and that it helps them learn new words and review the Hispanic culture. \r\n\r\nThe students enjoy the videos they watch and find them much more relatable and engaging. They especially like the personalized questions they ask eachother when I have them stand up and move around to ask each other. Some students have found vocesdigital.com much more conducive to their learning and have improved their grades because they find it more approachable than our other curriculum. \r\n\r\n\r\nAgain many thank for all your generosity, you have made this year a lot less challenging for my students.","fullyFundedDate":1729208500077,"projectUrl":"project/providing-students-with-access-to-real-w/8534928/","projectTitle":"Providing Students With Access to Real-World Experiences","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Virginia Belen Hernandez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7180370_orig.jpg?crop=1980,1980,x492,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1585693241011","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/vbhernandez"},{"teacherId":9218642,"projectId":9085709,"letterContent":"I would like to extend my deepest gratitude for your generous funding of the Instax printer for our classroom. Thanks to your support, we now can create instant photos that enhance our learning experience in unique and exciting ways.\r\n\r\nThe Instax printer has already made a tremendous impact on our classroom activities. It allows students to visually document their progress, collaborate, and showcase their creativity in ways we never imagined before. This tool has brought a new level of engagement and excitement to our lessons, and our students are truly benefiting from the hands-on experience.\r\n\r\nYour support has provided more than just a piece of equipment—it has opened up new avenues for learning and helped foster a sense of pride and accomplishment among the students. We are truly grateful for your belief in the power of education and your commitment to making a difference in our classroom.\r\n\r\nThank you once again for your generosity. We will continue to make the most of this wonderful resource!","fullyFundedDate":1738291262428,"projectUrl":"project/creating-lasting-memories/9085709/","projectTitle":"Creating Lasting Memories","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Shannen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9218642_orig.png?crop=230,230,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1736655213713","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9218642"},{"teacherId":9218642,"projectId":9050847,"letterContent":"I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for your generous donations, which have made it possible to provide our students with color-printed materials. These resources have significantly enriched our classroom discussions and had a meaningful impact on our daily activities.\r\n\r\nWith access to more accurate and visually engaging images in their worksheets, our students are now able to share their answers with greater clarity and confidence. It has also motivated them to put more effort into making their classwork both better and more creative.\r\n\r\nYour support has truly made a difference, and we are incredibly grateful for your contribution to our learning environment.","fullyFundedDate":1738445074509,"projectUrl":"project/fueling-learning-with-ink-empowering-st/9050847/","projectTitle":"Fueling Learning with Ink: Empowering Students through Essential Resources","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Shannen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9218642_orig.png?crop=230,230,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1736655213713","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9218642"},{"teacherId":3981677,"projectId":8983494,"letterContent":"Our library has become even cozier for our students than ever before and it's all thanks to your incredible generosity! Our two new upholstered chairs are a big hit with students looking for a comfortable option where they can enjoy the sunshine coming in from the windows while they read and do work. The new cushion covers for our mindfulness area have not only brightened the space with the lighter gray color instead of the drearier dark olive green, but because the new covers were wider than our original set, we could amp up the coziness with thicker foam inserts making it a much more comfortable space for students needing a place to lower stress and participate on anxiety management strategies. Thank you so much for bringing extra comfort to our students when they visit the library!","fullyFundedDate":1733285563970,"projectUrl":"project/finding-comfort-in-knowledge-cozy-seati/8983494/","projectTitle":"Finding Comfort in Knowledge: Cozy Seating for the Library","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Barron","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3981677_orig.jpg?crop=710,710,x0,y37&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1634843414255","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsbooknerd18"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_4193","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":593,"numTeachers":38,"percentFrplEligible":37,"percentAsian":39,"percentBlack":15,"percentWhite":7,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":26,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"15.6:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":81.5,"schoolId":4193,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Hercules Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Hercules Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/west-contra-costa-unified-school-district/hercules-middle-high-school/4193"}