{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Vikan Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":25.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10106630,"projectId":9525164,"letterContent":"I would like to thank you again for your generous donations to my classroom! The main new resource that my classroom is able to have now is a team building activity where students are tasked with transporting marbles around the room using nothing but PVC pipe sections. This task requires a lot of communication and problem solving, especially as I introduce challenges and obstacles for the students. In engineering, this type of team work is essential to a project's success, so it was really great for the students to have a fun experience like this. \r\n\r\nAdditionally, I was able to tie the activity into the content we are learning about in class! We spend a lot of time learning about how to effectively manage water resources, both at a small residential scale and at a city or nation wide scale. Because of this, I presented the marble problem as if the students were engineers and needed to find a way to bring the water (marble) through a pipe system and into people's homes (bucket!). I think this hands on activity really helped the students see how hard something like that may be, and how many considerations go into providing clean, safe water.\r\n\r\nWithout a doubt, this was one of my students' favorite activities! After I presented the problem to them, I think most thought they'd just be writing about how to solve it, so when I actually pulled out PVC pipes they were so excited. Kids were engaged the whole class period, and I had a lot of them asking if we could do it again the next day :) Thank you again for helping to bring so much learning and joy into my classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1754279122091,"projectUrl":"project/dont-lose-your-marbles/9525164/","projectTitle":"Don't Lose Your Marbles!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Lullo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10106630_orig.jpg?crop=200,200,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754066807168","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10106630"},{"teacherId":10106716,"projectId":9525307,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support! My students and I have been using the new supplies, and they have already made an immediate and noticeable difference in our classroom. The students are more excited to participate, more willing to try new things, and more confident in their ability to take on challenging tasks.\r\n\r\nYour gift has opened the door to deeper learning, and we are already planning our next project using these resources to stretch their thinking even further. It has been wonderful to see their curiosity grow as they explore new tools and materials that were not available to us before.\r\n\r\nThank you again for making such a meaningful impact in our classroom! Your kindness truly helps create an environment where students feel supported, engaged, and inspired every single day. Your generosity does more than provide supplies. It helps shape a learning experience they will remember for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1754356132581,"projectUrl":"project/history-starts-here-stock-our-classroom/9525307/","projectTitle":"History Starts Here: Stock Our Classroom =)","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kowalenko","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10106716"},{"teacherId":10110551,"projectId":9531490,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for bringing Walls That Talk: Tools for Vertical Learning to life in our classroom! The new magnetic mobile whiteboard, giant peel-and-stick whiteboard sheets, markers, erasers, clips, and organizer trays have transformed our room into an active, vertical learning space. Our first big project using the materials was a \"Math Gallery Walk,\" where groups rotated through problem-solving stations on the whiteboard surfaces. Students collaborated shoulder-to-shoulder, explaining their reasoning, drawing models, and building off one another's ideas. It was incredible to watch them take full ownership of the work—our walls truly came alive with their thinking.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the rolling whiteboard and the newly covered vertical spaces, they lit up. Many immediately asked, \"Are we really allowed to write on all of this?\" They were eager to try every color of marker and loved the magnetic clips and holders that kept everything organized and accessible. The excitement was instant, and several students commented that it felt like \"a real teamwork classroom\" now that everyone had room to think and create visibly.\r\n\r\nAs we continue our current unit, students will be using these vertical learning stations for ongoing problem-solving, peer feedback, and small-group instruction. Our next step is to incorporate more student-led explanations, where groups present their work directly from the boards and reflect on one another's strategies. Thank you again for giving my students the tools to communicate their ideas, collaborate authentically, and quite literally make their thinking visible. Your support has changed the way we learn every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1754434129609,"projectUrl":"project/walls-that-talk-tools-for-vertical-lear/9531490/","projectTitle":"Walls That Talk: Tools for Vertical Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bailey","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10110551_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754279130940","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10110551"},{"teacherId":10111846,"projectId":9536149,"letterContent":"Your generosity through DonorsChoose has made a meaningful impact on our students at Vikan Middle School in Brighton, Colorado. Because of donors like you, we are able to provide resources and experiences that help our students feel supported, engaged, and excited to learn. We truly appreciate your commitment to our classroom community\r\n\r\nThank you for all of your support and donations for our Tier 3 classroom. We have created a positive learning environment with flexible seating, safe spaces, and a welcoming atmosphere. The board games have been a great addition and are now part of our Friday afternoon routine.","fullyFundedDate":1756403086279,"projectUrl":"project/tier-3-classroom-support/9536149/","projectTitle":"Tier 3 Classroom Support","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Bredl","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10111846"},{"teacherId":9635885,"projectId":9526146,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping bring our classroom reading area to life! Your generosity has transformed a small corner of our room into one of the most beloved spaces for my students. The new seating and rug have created an inviting, comfortable area where students can immerse themselves in reading, participate in book discussions, and take a quiet moment to reset when needed.\r\n\r\nStudents now use the reading area for self-selected reading time once they've finished assignments. It's incredible to see them curl up with their chosen books—often trading recommendations and discovering new genres together. Recently, the Battle of the Books club held their meeting in this area.The discussion that followed reminded me how deeply stories can connect us.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the completed space, their faces absolutely lit up. For some, this was the first time they had a space that made reading feel personal, welcoming, and safe.\r\n\r\nAs we move forward, we'll continue building on this excitement through our literature circles and independent reading projects, where students will not only choose what they read but also create reflections, book talks, and peer discussions inspired by their selections. The reading area has become more than furniture—it's a daily reminder that their voices, choices, and comfort matter in our classroom.\r\n\r\nYour support has made a lasting impact on their love for reading and learning. Thank you again for believing in our students and for helping create a space that encourages curiosity, comfort, and connection every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1758202743019,"projectUrl":"project/a-welcoming-space/9526146/","projectTitle":"A Welcoming Space","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. De Bois","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9635885"},{"teacherId":9635885,"projectId":9559610,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to our Language Arts classroom! Your contributions provided us with new resources that have truly transformed our learning experience.\r\n\r\nMy students and I are already putting the materials to great use. We recently used them to support our persuasive writing and speaking unit, where students practiced forming strong arguments and presenting evidence. One of our favorite moments was when students used the new materials during a mini-debate — their confidence and teamwork were incredible to see!\r\n\r\nNext, we'll be preparing for formal debates that challenge students to analyze multiple perspectives and use evidence effectively. Following that, we'll begin a research project investigating the interactions between animals and humans — exploring both positive and negative relationships, such as companionship, conservation, and environmental impact.These experiences will help students practice research, collaboration, and critical-thinking skills that connect our classroom learning to the real world.\r\n\r\nYour generosity made these learning opportunities possible. We are so grateful for your support and for believing in our students' potential.","fullyFundedDate":1756223228480,"projectUrl":"project/class-supplies/9559610/","projectTitle":"Class Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. De Bois","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9635885"},{"teacherId":3653513,"projectId":9723736,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for gifting to this project! The students have already made great use out of the microphones. This project has helped students have a more professional experience with theatre, and allows audience members to hear them more clearly!\r\n\r\nThe students are already getting more comfortable putting their microphones on and learning how to mute and unmute as well as turn the microphone packs on and off, and a particular student has had the privilege of helping me run sound with our mixer. He is in charge of managing whose microphones are on and off along with adjusting the volume, and it has been a really great learning experience for him. \r\n\r\nIt is just awesome to see the kids glowing with excitement. They are so proud of themselves, and you can visibly see how they feel emboldened with the microphones. So thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1758844910023,"projectUrl":"project/mic-up-the-stage/9723736/","projectTitle":"Mic Up the Stage","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Morales","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3653513_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1747925239518","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-drakedoes6thgrade"},{"teacherId":3653513,"projectId":9525120,"letterContent":"My newcomer students absolutely love these games. It gives them something to look forward to on Fridays! It's a fun way to practice English in a low-stakes engaging way that doesn't necessarily feel like learning. \r\n\r\nFor my Limited English Proficient students, we have been playing Boggle and Scattergories, which is a fun way to get them thinking about vocabulary. \r\n\r\nIt's always a fun way to celebrate students having good grades and their assignments turned in as well. \r\n\r\nThank you so much for donating these games. We are truly enjoying them!","fullyFundedDate":1754277871840,"projectUrl":"project/games-for-esl-students/9525120/","projectTitle":"Games for ESL Students","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Morales","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3653513_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1747925239518","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-drakedoes6thgrade"},{"teacherId":9249143,"projectId":9679445,"letterContent":"My students were so excited when the boxes of snacks kept arriving at our school. They couldn't believe how generous our donors were for our classroom snack rewards! Thank you so much for motivating my students to earn snacks for completing levels in their reading program.\r\n\r\nI have received so many snacks that I am now able to reward the students each day who have reached their daily reading goals. It means so much to us that people care about us and want to see the students succeed.\r\n\r\nIt is wonderful to have so many different choices of snacks! What a fun experience to receive so many boxes in just a few short days.","fullyFundedDate":1758805993130,"projectUrl":"project/snacks-for-success/9679445/","projectTitle":"Snacks for Success!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. VP","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9249143_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724566650030","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9249143"},{"teacherId":3653513,"projectId":9332628,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for contributing to this project! The students have been so excited to use the new camera, and the additional lens has dramatically improved the quality of the photos we're taking at sports events. \r\n\r\nIt's nice to see students participating in yearbook who normally would be unable to due to a lack of a cell phone. You have made that possible, so thank you so much. \r\n\r\nJust the other day, one of my students was at one of our volleyball games taking photos, and over and over again, he said, \"I love this SO much. I love this so much. This is so much fun.\"\r\n\r\nYou made that possible, so thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1756223228661,"projectUrl":"project/say-cheese-for-the-yearbook-please/9332628/","projectTitle":"Say Cheese for the Yearbook, Please!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Morales","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3653513_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1747925239518","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-drakedoes6thgrade"},{"teacherId":6826409,"projectId":8577373,"letterContent":"We are incredibly grateful for your generous support. Your past donations made a meaningful impact by helping our students better demonstrate their learning in the classroom. When students learned about the supplies we were receiving, they were genuinely excited and thankful, knowing how these tools would support their success.\r\n\r\nThanks to your contributions, approximately 100 students benefited directly. The colored pencils, in particular, were put to great use in various science projects and experiments, allowing students to engage more deeply and creatively with the material.\r\n\r\nYour generosity continues to make a difference. Thank you for being a vital part of our students' educational journey.","fullyFundedDate":1725305887162,"projectUrl":"project/ms-mcguires-wishlist/8577373/","projectTitle":"Ms McGuire’s Wishlist","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McGuire","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6826409_orig.jpg?crop=1090,1090,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754670788976","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6826409"},{"teacherId":1633144,"projectId":8574692,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom through DonorsChoose! Your contribution has made a real and immediate difference for my students, and I want to share just how impactful your gift has been.\r\n\r\nWhen the new resources arrived, my students were beyond excited—there was a buzz of curiosity and joy that filled the room. Watching their faces light up as they unpacked the materials was a moment I'll never forget. These resources made them feel seen, valued, and excited to learn.\r\n\r\nWe've already put the new materials to great use. One of our first projects was a poster on Greeks gods and goddesses where students created short wanted posters about them. And will continue to use them while the students create their passion projects, science fair projects and History Day projects. \r\n\r\nYour generosity has given my students access to opportunities they wouldn't have had otherwise. Thank you for believing in them and helping to open doors to new possibilities.","fullyFundedDate":1725304837556,"projectUrl":"project/passion-projects-are-my-passion/8574692/","projectTitle":"Passion Projects are My Passion","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Baran","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1633144_orig.jpg?crop=1166,1166,x0,y275&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754622525118","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1633144"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_41225","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":528,"numTeachers":33,"percentFrplEligible":75,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":25,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":69,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"16.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":75.0,"schoolId":41225,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Vikan Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Vikan Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/colorado/27j-schools/vikan-middle-school/41225"}