{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Manzanita Charter Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":23.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8574773,"projectId":9762575,"letterContent":"When our students first saw the new materials for our school store, their faces lit up with excitement. They could hardly believe that their hard work and positive behavior would now earn them the chance to visit a real store right inside the school! The shelves—filled with school supplies, snacks, and fun incentives—quickly became a source of pride and motivation for everyone.\r\n\r\nEach week, students earn \"school dollars\" for positive behavior, participation, and effort in class. During our designated shopping time, they get to decide whether to save or spend—a real-life lesson in money management and goal setting. Some students have learned the satisfaction of saving up for something special, while others are practicing how to make thoughtful choices in the moment. It's been amazing to watch them apply financial literacy and self-control in such a meaningful, hands-on way.\r\n\r\nThe school store has transformed our behavior system from simple rewards into a real-world learning experience. It encourages kindness, responsibility, and teamwork, while teaching lifelong financial habits. Students are learning that good choices lead to opportunities, and that saving and patience can pay off in exciting ways.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, our students are not only motivated to do their best every day—they're gaining skills that will serve them for years to come. You've helped create a joyful, empowering space where learning meets life.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and helping them build brighter futures—one \"school dollar\" at a time.","fullyFundedDate":1761237200582,"projectUrl":"project/building-bright-futures-school-store-fo/9762575/","projectTitle":"Building Bright Futures: School Store for PBS and Financial Literacy","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Freiri-Foley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8574773_orig.png?crop=1121,1121,x57,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1727883957327","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8574773"},{"teacherId":8574773,"projectId":9657162,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our students now have access to a variety of sensory tools that are making a real difference in their daily learning experience. From the moment they walked into the room and saw the new fidgets, mindfulness coloring books, and sensory cushions, their faces lit up with excitement and curiosity. It was incredible to see how quickly they began exploring and using the materials in meaningful ways.\r\n\r\nWe've incorporated these tools throughout the school day—during lessons, transitions, and especially in moments when students feel overwhelmed or need help refocusing. For example, one of our students who often struggles with anxiety before tests now uses a tactile fidget and quiet timer to take short, calm breaks. He's learned to recognize when he needs to step back and use the tools to self-regulate, and he's proud of being able to return to class feeling centered and ready to work.\r\n\r\nOur mindfulness and coloring books have become a favorite part of our \"Calm Corner,\" where students can choose to take a few minutes to color, reflect, or breathe before returning to their lessons. This space has helped students practice emotional regulation strategies we teach in class—such as identifying feelings, grounding themselves, and asking for help when they need it. It's been wonderful to see them take ownership of these strategies and support one another in using them.\r\n\r\nBeyond emotional regulation, these resources have improved students' focus and engagement during academic tasks. Fidgets help keep hands busy and minds focused, while social-emotional games give students a chance to connect and collaborate in low-pressure, joyful ways. The classroom feels calmer and more inclusive, and students are learning that it's okay to need a break and use tools that help them do their best.","fullyFundedDate":1758829599418,"projectUrl":"project/mindful-moments-sensory-tools-for-stude/9657162/","projectTitle":"Mindful Moments: Sensory Tools for Student Success","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Freiri-Foley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8574773_orig.png?crop=1121,1121,x57,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1727883957327","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8574773"},{"teacherId":4556934,"projectId":3666741,"letterContent":"First and foremost, thank you for your generosity and shared passion for reading—it's donors like you who bring vibrant opportunities into our classrooms. I'm delighted to answer your thoughtful questions about how the books you've helped provide are transforming the lives of our students.\r\n\r\nSkills and Lessons Introduced by These Texts\r\nThe new books we've added to our classroom library are more than just stories or information—they are springboards for developing critical academic and life skills. Through these texts, students practice skills such as:\r\n\r\nClose Reading: Analyzing specific passages for themes, language, and intent.\r\nCritical Thinking: Asking questions like Why did the author choose this perspective? or What are the implications of this argument?\r\nWriting: Responding to prompts that encourage personal reflection and persuasive analysis.\r\nDiscussion: Engaging in conversations where they express their ideas and respectfully challenge others.\r\nEmpathy and Cultural Awareness: Reading stories from diverse perspectives helps students understand and appreciate experiences different from their own.\r\nEach book, whether fiction or nonfiction, offers unique opportunities for students to connect with the material while honing these essential skills.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom is dynamic and interactive. It's not just students sitting quietly with their noses in books (though that happens, too!). Picture this:\r\n\r\n- Small groups discussing a novel's plot twists or a character's motivations.\r\n- A lively debate about the credibility of an argument in a nonfiction text.\r\n- Students annotating, reading and engaging in texts. \r\n\r\nOverally, students are engaged and excited to learn and grow as readers. 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About this school
Manzanita Charter Middle School is
a suburban public school
in Richmond, California that is part of West Contra Costa Unified School District.
It serves 89 students
in grades 6 - 8.
Its teachers have had 66 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. Each classroom request for funding was created by a classroom teacher and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
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
98%
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.
Manzanita Charter Middle School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Dec 5, 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.
Manzanita Charter Middle School
$203,238
raised using DonorsChoose
66
projects
funded
16
teachers
funded
590
donors
3
projects
for
basic supplies
4
projects for
technology
6
projects for
books
Manzanita Charter Middle School has received support from
452 individuals from California and
138 individuals out-of-state.