{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Lake Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":57.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":4981364,"projectId":9615335,"letterContent":"Nothing is more important to a special education teacher than a laminator, velcro, and binding machine. My students need a personalized approach to learning, and because of your kind donations, I am able to provide it. I have used the materials you donated to create adapted books, morning work binders, life skills practice, and much much more. Our old laminator took seven minutes to warm up. This one is ready in only thirty seconds! Most of my students are non-speaking and non-writing. The velcro pieces allow them to demonstrate what they know. Thank you ever so much!","fullyFundedDate":1756423361291,"projectUrl":"project/communication-boards-for-non-verbal-lear/9615335/","projectTitle":"Communication Boards for Non-Verbal Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lulu","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/l-kay"},{"teacherId":4981364,"projectId":9628805,"letterContent":"I cannot thank you enough for your donation to the this project. The best materials for teaching are made by other teachers. Your kindness allowed me to get recipes, adapted books, and real life task practice for my students. They are especially engaged by adapted books, in which there is a picture that goes along with each page. For non-verbal learners, this is an amazing way to stay engaged.\r\nBeing able to select curriculum materials that meet the needs of my particular students is incredibly important. I am so grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1755737244456,"projectUrl":"project/life-skills-for-independent-living/9628805/","projectTitle":"Life Skills for Independent Living","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lulu","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/l-kay"},{"teacherId":4981364,"projectId":9547171,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generosity and kindness! These leisure activities have made our classroom a WAY better place. Students with autism don't always naturally develop play and leisure skills. By providing high interest, fulfilling items, you are expanding their skill set and reducing behaviors that make learning hard. \r\nI have a little boy who reads EVERY Paw Patrol book EVERY day. They are his absolute favorite and ground him in the moment. The kinetic sand is also incredibly popular. When students need for sensory input is fulfilled, they do so much better.\r\nThank you for making our classroom a fun place to learn and grow!","fullyFundedDate":1755779342632,"projectUrl":"project/leisure-activities-for-our-autism-classr/9547171/","projectTitle":"Leisure Activities for Our Autism Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lulu","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/l-kay"},{"teacherId":3671994,"projectId":9375126,"letterContent":"I want to extend my deepest gratitude to each of you for your generous book donations to our school. Your kindness and willingness to support our students in such a meaningful way has made a real and immediate impact, and I want you to know how much we appreciate it.\r\n\r\nWhen we put out the call for books, we didn't expect the incredible outpouring of support from people who believe, as we do, that every child deserves access to great books. You showed up for our students in such a powerful way, and I've been genuinely moved! Thank you again for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1758385489216,"projectUrl":"project/a-story-students-will-remember/9375126/","projectTitle":"A Story Students Will Remember","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Buch","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3671994"},{"teacherId":8722279,"projectId":8576893,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my classroom has been transformed into a space where students feel prepared, supported, and inspired to take ownership of their learning. The new supplies and visual tools have become daily essentials—students use the notebooks, folders, and pens you helped fund to stay organized and ready for every lesson. The growth-mindset posters have become powerful reminders; I often hear students quoting them when encouraging one another: \"We can do hard things!\" One of my favorite moments was watching a student who used to struggle with confidence point to our \"Yet\" poster and say, \"I don't get it yet, but I will.\"\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the new materials, their faces lit up. Several couldn't believe they didn't have to share or ask their parents to buy anything extra. The excitement quickly turned into motivation—they immediately began setting up their binders, labeling supplies, and personalizing learning tools. It was a small moment that carried a big message: they are worthy of high-quality resources and a classroom that believes in them.","fullyFundedDate":1727462581589,"projectUrl":"project/the-inspiration-to-be-great-starts-in-cl/8576893/","projectTitle":"The Inspiration To Be Great Starts In Class!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Simmons","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8722279_orig.jpg?crop=1242,1242,x0,y95&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1675736526275","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8722279"},{"teacherId":4904280,"projectId":7730026,"letterContent":"The cameras are transforming the way our students engage with photography. They allow my students to experiment hands-on with composition, lighting, and technical settings deepening their understanding of both artistic and technical concepts. Students can instantly review their work, reflect on what's working, and make adjustments for whats not \r\n\r\nThe students are especially excited about the quality of the cameras. They love being able to fix the settings and specific effects they've learned about in class. Many have expressed that they feel like \"real photographers\" now, which boosts both their confidence and enthusiasm for their projects.\r\n\r\nStudents who previously struggled with visualizing concepts in photography have really flourished with the cameras. Even students who were initially hesitant about photography are now experimenting with different techniques and sharing their work proudly.","fullyFundedDate":1693102919373,"projectUrl":"project/one-picture-a-thousand-words-our-story/7730026/","projectTitle":"One Picture a Thousand Words Our Story","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Black","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4904280_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1692927938777","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4904280"},{"teacherId":4904280,"projectId":8568335,"letterContent":"The technology has transformed the way my students engage with photography and visual storytelling. Instead of simply hearing about composition or lighting, they can now see and experiment with these concepts in real time. The tools allow students to create, collaborate, and critique photos digitally—making the learning process more interactive, immediate, and relevant to the world they live in. It's helped them move from being passive learners to active creators.\r\n\r\n They love being able to shoot and display their photos. The ability to use the same kind of tools that professionals use gives them a sense of pride and purpose in their work.","fullyFundedDate":1727462813549,"projectUrl":"project/life-in-the-student-lens/8568335/","projectTitle":"Life in the Student Lens","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Black","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4904280_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1692927938777","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4904280"},{"teacherId":9186909,"projectId":9144237,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your contribution and investment in this young generation of women.\r\nThe Self Love Club has continued to impact this special pre-teen age group of young girls in such a meaningful way. Each week, 30–40 middle school girls show up, eager to learn about topics ranging from self-care and friendship to understanding and embracing their changing bodies.\r\n\r\nThe self-care bags we've created with your donation have been an incredible way to provide practical help. Being able to give out essentials like deodorant and pads—without embarrassment—has been so powerful to witness.\r\n\r\nMany of us didn't have a space like this during our own middle school years, but thanks to you, these girls do. You've made this experience possible.\r\n\r\nThank you again,\r\nMs. Raylene Torres","fullyFundedDate":1746786395903,"projectUrl":"project/self-love-club/9144237/","projectTitle":"Self Love Club!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Torres","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9186909_orig.jpg?crop=2651,2651,x0,y40&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1692135479476","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9186909"},{"teacherId":9170364,"projectId":8540435,"letterContent":"Donor contributions to Lake Knight Radio have had a powerful impact on student learning by providing access to professional-grade media equipment that would otherwise be out of reach. With tools like quality microphones, headphones, audio interfaces, and video gear, students are gaining hands-on experience in real-world production environments. This has not only improved their technical skills in recording, editing, and broadcasting but also boosted their confidence and creativity. They're learning how to craft interviews, mix audio, and produce polished content—skills that directly translate to careers in media and communications.\r\n\r\nBeyond the technical growth, this support has empowered students to become storytellers of their own school culture. With the ability to record podcasts, video segments, and radio shows, they're capturing the voices, events, and spirit of Lake Middle School in ways that reflect their own perspectives. Whether it's highlighting sports, school celebrations, or student-led discussions, the media they produce helps build community and pride. Thanks to this equipment, Lake Knight Radio is not just a class—it's become a platform for students to share their experiences and shape the narrative of their school.","fullyFundedDate":1723828929183,"projectUrl":"project/were-going-to-be-on-the-radio/8540435/","projectTitle":"We're Going to Be on the Radio?!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Ace","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9170364_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x391,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1722551114235","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9170364"},{"teacherId":9208382,"projectId":8570852,"letterContent":"Learning about proper nutrition can really make a difference in students' lives—far beyond just knowing what foods to eat. When they learn why balanced meals filled with fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins matter, they start to see how these choices fuel their brains to help them focus, remember, and solve problems better. It's like understanding that just as a car needs the right fuel to run smoothly, their bodies and minds need the right nutrients to stay sharp and attentive throughout the school day. With this knowledge, students can avoid those frustrating energy slumps and stay engaged in lessons, which often leads to better grades and a stronger grasp of what they're learning.\r\n\r\nBut the benefits don't stop at academics—learning about nutrition also supports students' overall health and well-being. When students understand how certain foods provide the vitamins and minerals their growing bodies need, they're more likely to develop healthy habits that keep their bones strong, their immune systems ready to fight off sickness, and their energy steady all day long. This means fewer missed school days and more chances to participate fully in class activities. Plus, these early habits can set them up for a healthier future, reducing the risk of chronic illnesses and promoting lifelong wellness.\r\n\r\nOn top of that, knowing how to nourish themselves properly has a big impact on students' emotions and how they interact with others. When kids go hungry or don't get the nutrients they need, it can make them irritable, restless, or struggle to control their emotions—things that can interfere with learning and make the classroom a harder place for everyone. But when students eat well, they tend to have steadier moods, more energy, and better self-control. That helps create a positive classroom environment where students feel confident, motivated, and ready to engage with their work and their classmates. Learning about nutrition empowers them not just to succeed academically but to thrive socially and emotionally too.","fullyFundedDate":1726666286527,"projectUrl":"project/feeding-our-kids-through-the-belly-and-t/8570852/","projectTitle":"Feeding Our Kids Through the Belly and the Brain!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. V","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9208382_orig.jpg?crop=1703,1703,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1692844248313","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9208382"},{"teacherId":9208382,"projectId":8917262,"letterContent":"Proper nutrition is essential for a student's ability to learn and succeed academically. Many of our students only eat properly at school and we know that their brains need a steady stream of nutrients to work best. When students are well-nourished, they experience fewer dips in energy, stay attentive during lessons, and think more clearly—all of which lead to better grades and a stronger ability to absorb new information.\r\n\r\nNutrition also plays a big role beyond the classroom, supporting students' physical health and growth. Their growing bodies need a variety of vitamins and minerals to build strong bones, boost the immune system, and stay energetic. Plus, proper nutrition helps students maintain stable moods and self-control, making them more engaged and resilient learners who contribute positively to the classroom community.","fullyFundedDate":1730938683948,"projectUrl":"project/ending-the-day-on-a-high-note/8917262/","projectTitle":"Ending the Day on a High Note!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. V","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9208382_orig.jpg?crop=1703,1703,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1692844248313","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9208382"},{"teacherId":9225277,"projectId":8567236,"letterContent":"I am incredibly grateful for your generous donation to my classroom through Donors Choose. Your support has made it possible for me to acquire vital speech therapy supplies that directly tackle the lingering effects of COVID-19 on my students' communication skills. Your contribution is more than a gift, it's a vote of confidence in my students' potential and a powerful step toward helping them regain the expressive, receptive, and pragmatic language skills that are crucial to their academic and social success.\r\n\r\nThe pandemic significantly disrupted early language experiences for many of my students, with limited peer interactions and inconsistent access to in-person instruction. With your support, I have been able to introduce hands-on materials, visual supports, and interactive games that make speech therapy sessions more engaging and effective. These resources are making a noticeable difference, helping students build vocabulary, improve articulation, and develop the confidence to express themselves more clearly at home, in the classroom, and surrounding community.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, my students are not only receiving the support they need, they're also experiencing the joy of being understood. It's inspiring to see them light up when they master a new sound or confidently participate in a classroom discussion. Thank you for believing in their growth and being a part of their journey. Your kindness has truly helped turn a challenging chapter into one of hope and progress.","fullyFundedDate":1723158662638,"projectUrl":"project/continuing-on-after-covid/8567236/","projectTitle":"Continuing On After COVID","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Casey","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9225277_orig.jpg?crop=376,376,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1710024900239","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9225277"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_101597","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":592,"numTeachers":22,"percentFrplEligible":88,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":8,"percentWhite":7,"percentIndigenous":1,"percentLatinx":78,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"26.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":42.6,"schoolId":101597,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Lake Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Lake Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/colorado/denver-public-school-district-1/lake-international-school/101597"}