{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Fred T Korematsu Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":15.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9494546,"projectId":8993104,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity and for supporting our classroom through \"A Daily Dose of Math.\" Because of you, my students now have access to math intervention worksheets for 6th through 8th grades—building on the K-5 materials we already had. These resources have made a big difference.\r\n\r\nWhat makes these worksheets special is their design: they are printed on grid paper, with each number neatly placed in its own space. This layout makes it easier for students to write their solutions. With the iPad donated to our class (thanks to DonorsChoose donors like you!), I project the worksheet on the board using Apple TV, and we work through problems together. Seeing the steps unfold live keeps every student engaged. They let me know when I'm going too fast or when they need one-on-one support. The level of focus and participation has been incredible.\r\n\r\nEven students who usually resist math—those who say \"I'm bored\" or \"I don't want to do this\"—are now jumping in, finishing first, and asking for more. These worksheets are giving them the confidence to try, to make mistakes, and to keep going. They are starting to recognize patterns and understand steps, which motivates them to explore new topics.\r\n\r\nTechnology plays a big role in this engagement, but it is the combination of tech with thoughtfully designed, structured worksheets that really brings the magic. While online tools are everywhere these days, it turns out that old-fashioned worksheets, delivered with the help of new tech, are what truly work for our students.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, my students are experiencing little moments of math magic every day. I am beyond grateful.\r\n\r\nWith appreciation,\r\nMs. Lyn Young","fullyFundedDate":1739078054558,"projectUrl":"project/a-daily-dose-of-math/8993104/","projectTitle":"A Daily Dose of Math","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Young","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9494546_orig.png?crop=432,432,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1733470039446","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9494546"},{"teacherId":9494546,"projectId":9106374,"letterContent":"When noise rattles our students to the point that they cannot focus or function, these noise-canceling headphones become a lifeline—saving them from sensory overload. Whether it is assemblies, fire drills, rallies, games, or even regular classroom chatter, some of my students hear everything—every conversation, every whisper. It overwhelms them to the point where there is no room left for learning. These headphones help quiet the world around them, allowing them to settle in, breathe, and begin to work.\r\n\r\nOnce they are able to focus, the Apple Pencil becomes a powerful tool on my end. It lets me teach smoothly and without glitches or lag—keeping the pace quick and engaging so students do not get distracted by every sneeze, cough, or giggle. I have two students who can hear a pin drop—and now, those same students are happily completing their work. (It also helps that I offer a 10-minute free time incentive to anyone who finishes their work correctly!)\r\n\r\nTeaching is always rewarding, but when technology helps gather every student into the learning circle—especially those most easily lost to overwhelming chaos—it is more than a win. It is a leap forward. Thank you for making this possible.","fullyFundedDate":1741977063170,"projectUrl":"project/oasis-of-calm-silence-the-noise-and-str/9106374/","projectTitle":"Oasis of Calm: Silence the Noise and Strengthen Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Young","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9494546_orig.png?crop=432,432,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1733470039446","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9494546"},{"teacherId":9494546,"projectId":8272314,"letterContent":"Having the iPad Pro in my classroom has been life-changing—not just for me as a teacher, but for my students as well. Before this, I considered myself tech-inept. But now, I'm uploading documents from Google Drive into GoodNotes, annotating lessons, expanding and highlighting key points, and giving live examples of math problems right on the iPad screen.\r\n\r\nBefore, I used to write on the board with my back turned to the class. Now, I can sit with my students, walk around the room, check their work, gently redirect students who might be distracted, and invite even the most shy student to work out a problem. All this from the iPad in my hands.\r\n\r\nThe students are learning too. They have figured out how to upload their presentations and use the iPad to present projects. For my students with autism, especially those who struggle with anxiety, the iPad has been a calming tool that allows them to present from their seats by simply swiping through slides without having to speak in front of the class. It is a subtle change, but it makes a world of difference for them.\r\n\r\nI get excited every day to present my lessons. This iPad inspires me to light up my students' minds. I tell them, \"I have got new math goodies today!\" They roll their eyes and say \"Hmm,\" but the moment I start teaching, they are hooked. They follow along more attentively now, asking, \"Ms. Young, can you go back to the previous problem?\" or \"You are blocking the board!\" And even students who usually don't participate surprise me with completed and correct worksheets. It turns out they were watching the iPad screen the whole time, following along with the examples I wrote.\r\n\r\nOne student who is easily triggered by classroom noise now uses noise-canceling headphones and focuses on the iPad screen, where the math comes to life in visual steps. Another student, usually quiet with his head down, recently lifted his head just long enough to ask me to slow down so he could finish copying the notes—a moment I will never forget.\r\n\r\nIn addition to instruction, I use the iPad for attendance, grading, email, IEP documentation, and searching for resources to inspire my lessons. I have spent countless hours learning apps like GoodNotes, OneNote, Notes, Reminders, and Calendar—all in an effort to maximize every ounce of this gift.\r\n\r\nI am on a mission to use this iPad to its full potential. I want to transform not only how I teach but also how my students learn. Thank you for making that possible. Your generosity did not just fund a device. It unlocked new ways of connection, confidence, and creativity in my classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1716867155060,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-inclusive-education-ipad-pro/8272314/","projectTitle":"Empowering Inclusive Education: iPad Pro for Innovative Teaching","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Young","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9494546_orig.png?crop=432,432,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1733470039446","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9494546"},{"teacherId":9529043,"projectId":8703641,"letterContent":"I wanted to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for your incredibly generous donations. Thanks to your kindness, we now have most of the materials needed for this semester. Additionally, your support has made it possible for us to provide a hot beverage, which is perfect for this chilly weather.\r\n\r\nThis week, I'll be purchasing even more coffee, tea, cocoa, and cups to ensure that everyone stays warm and comfortable during these cold days. Your contribution has truly made a difference, and we're so grateful for your support.\r\n\r\nOnce again, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.","fullyFundedDate":1726623715566,"projectUrl":"project/cultural-project-for-my-spanish-classe/8703641/","projectTitle":"\"Cultural Project\" for My Spanish Classes","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Beas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9529043_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1725430790300","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9529043"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_4237","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":680,"numTeachers":33,"percentFrplEligible":47,"percentAsian":15,"percentBlack":12,"percentWhite":26,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":32,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"7 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"20.6:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":85.0,"schoolId":4237,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Fred T Korematsu Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Fred T Korematsu Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/west-contra-costa-unified-school-district/portola-middle-school/4237"}