{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Central Junior High School","outOfStateSupporters":11.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":1613141,"projectId":10302384,"letterContent":"This DonorsChoose project has already made a meaningful impact in my seventh-grade English Language Arts classroom. Students now have consistent access to highlighters, pencils, markers, journals, and other essential supplies that support their learning every day. They use highlighters to annotate texts and identify important details, pencils to draft and revise their writing, markers to create projects and collaborative anchor charts, and journals to reflect, respond to literature, and express their ideas. Having these materials readily available has reduced classroom interruptions and helped students remain organized, engaged, and prepared. Most importantly, the supplies have removed barriers to participation and helped my students become more confident readers, writers, and critical thinkers.","fullyFundedDate":1787234845228,"projectUrl":"project/fueling-creativity-and-literacy-in-7th-g/10302384/","projectTitle":"Fueling Creativity and Literacy in 7th Grade ELA","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Springer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1613141_orig.jpg?crop=1125,1125,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1605722020037","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1613141"},{"teacherId":1613141,"projectId":10269168,"letterContent":"This project has made an immediate and meaningful impact in my seventh-grade English Language Arts classroom. Having a dependable supply of pencils, pens, and other classroom essentials ensures that every student can participate fully in daily writing assignments, reading activities, note-taking, and interactive lessons. Students no longer need to worry about borrowing materials or going without the tools they need, which has reduced disruptions and allowed instructional time to be used more effectively. The power strip has also provided safe, convenient access to classroom technology during digital learning activities. Most importantly, these resources have removed barriers to learning and helped students feel prepared, organized, and confident. Because their basic needs are met, students can focus their attention on strengthening their writing, comprehension, critical-thinking, and communication skills.","fullyFundedDate":1778779894068,"projectUrl":"project/pencils-pens-and-possibilities/10269168/","projectTitle":"Pencils, Pens, and Possibilities!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Springer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1613141_orig.jpg?crop=1125,1125,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1605722020037","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1613141"},{"teacherId":1613141,"projectId":10263592,"letterContent":"This DonorsChoose project has made a lasting impact on my seventh-grade English Language Arts classroom since it was implemented more than a year ago. The Teachers Pay Teachers resources and cardstock allowed me to create interactive mystery units that transformed traditional reading and writing lessons into engaging, hands-on learning experiences.\r\n\r\nThrough these units, students have worked collaboratively to analyze clues, decode messages, evaluate evidence, make inferences, and defend their conclusions. I have seen greater enthusiasm and participation, especially from students who are sometimes reluctant to engage in traditional reading assignments. Students have strengthened their close-reading, comprehension, critical-thinking, writing, and communication skills while learning to support their ideas with textual evidence.\r\n\r\nThe mystery activities have also encouraged perseverance. Students understand that an incorrect answer is not the end of the process; it is an opportunity to reconsider the evidence, adjust their thinking, and try again. This has helped create a classroom environment where productive struggle, curiosity, and collaboration are valued.\r\n\r\nBecause the materials were printed on durable cardstock, they have been reused with multiple classes and continue to benefit new groups of students. More than a year later, this project remains a sustainable and valuable part of our ELA curriculum, continuing to make literacy more relevant, interactive, and memorable.","fullyFundedDate":1785590946000,"projectUrl":"project/unlocking-literacy-mystery-based-learni/10263592/","projectTitle":"Unlocking Literacy: Mystery-Based Learning for 7th Grade ELA","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Springer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1613141_orig.jpg?crop=1125,1125,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1605722020037","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1613141"},{"teacherId":1613141,"projectId":10234633,"letterContent":"This DonorsChoose project has already had a meaningful impact on my seventh-grade English Language Arts classroom. Our dedicated writing and display center has provided students with a structured, supportive space where they can brainstorm, draft, revise, edit, and publish their work.\r\n\r\nSince implementing the center, I have seen students become more engaged in the writing process and more willing to take creative risks. They are spending additional time revising their work, thoughtfully responding to feedback, and producing final pieces that reflect their growth and effort. Students who previously lacked confidence are beginning to recognize that their ideas and voices have value.\r\n\r\nDisplaying completed work has also created a stronger sense of pride, ownership, and accomplishment. When students see their writing celebrated, they become more invested in producing thoughtful, high-quality work. The center has helped build a positive classroom culture where creativity is encouraged, perseverance is recognized, and every student has an opportunity to be heard.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, my students are beginning to see themselves as writers—not simply as students completing assignments. This growing confidence is strengthening their communication skills and positively influencing their learning across subject areas.","fullyFundedDate":1778012986649,"projectUrl":"project/from-pencil-to-pride-showcasing-student/10234633/","projectTitle":"From Pencil to Pride: Showcasing Student Writing","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Springer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1613141_orig.jpg?crop=1125,1125,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1605722020037","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1613141"},{"teacherId":1613141,"projectId":10159204,"letterContent":"This DonorsChoose project has already made a tremendous impact in my seventh-grade English Language Arts classroom. Having immediate access to a reliable printer and sufficient ink has allowed my students to move smoothly through every stage of the writing process. They can now print drafts, participate in peer editing, revise their work based on timely feedback, and publish polished final copies without lengthy delays.\r\n\r\nThe printer has helped preserve valuable instructional time and has made writing more engaging and meaningful. Students have taken greater ownership of their work and shown increased pride when sharing their completed essays, research projects, and creative writing. Most importantly, this project has provided every student with equal access to the tools needed to grow as a writer, researcher, and creator.","fullyFundedDate":1778012986379,"projectUrl":"project/print-it-share-it-celebrate-it/10159204/","projectTitle":"Print It, Share It, Celebrate It!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Springer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1613141_orig.jpg?crop=1125,1125,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1605722020037","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1613141"},{"teacherId":1613141,"projectId":10183785,"letterContent":"The addition of headphones to my 7th grade ELA classroom will have an immediate and meaningful impact on student learning. In a low-income district where many students do not have access to personal headphones, this resource removes a daily barrier and ensures that every student can fully participate in technology-based instruction.\r\n\r\nWith reliable headphones, students will be able to engage in online reading programs, listen to audiobooks, complete writing assignments, and access accommodations such as text-to-speech without distractions or stigma. This is especially important for struggling readers, English language learners, and students who benefit from hearing text read aloud as they follow along.\r\n\r\nThese headphones will also help create a more focused and productive classroom environment. Instead of competing noise from multiple devices, students can work independently and at their own pace, building confidence and ownership of their learning. They will be able to revisit lessons, listen more closely to instructions, and deepen their comprehension skills.\r\n\r\nUltimately, this investment promotes equity, independence, and engagement. By providing a simple but essential tool, we are giving every student the opportunity to succeed, stay focused, and fully access the curriculum—both in and beyond the classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1777132078521,"projectUrl":"project/hear-to-learn-headphones-for-7th-grade/10183785/","projectTitle":"Hear to Learn: Headphones for 7th Grade Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Springer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1613141_orig.jpg?crop=1125,1125,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1605722020037","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1613141"},{"teacherId":1613141,"projectId":10158762,"letterContent":"This DonorsChoose project has already made a meaningful difference in my seventh-grade Language Arts classroom. With access to high-quality creative materials, my students have been able to design visually engaging presentations, create organized handouts, and demonstrate their understanding in new and meaningful ways. \r\n\r\nThese resources have increased student participation, creativity, and pride in their work while helping students communicate their ideas more clearly. Through these projects, students have strengthened their comprehension, critical-thinking, collaboration, and presentation skills. Most importantly, the materials have ensured that every student has access to the tools needed to participate confidently and produce work they are proud to share.","fullyFundedDate":1775308686217,"projectUrl":"project/the-expression-expedition/10158762/","projectTitle":"The Expression Expedition","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Springer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1613141_orig.jpg?crop=1125,1125,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1605722020037","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1613141"},{"teacherId":1613141,"projectId":8429537,"letterContent":"I am incredibly grateful for your generous support in providing materials for our novel writing center. Because of your kindness, my 7th grade students now have access to engaging and creative resources that bring writing to life in our classroom.\r\n\r\nThese materials have made it possible to create fun, interactive writing centers where students feel inspired to express themselves, explore their ideas, and grow as writers. I have already seen an increase in enthusiasm, creativity, and confidence among my students, and that is directly because of your contribution.\r\n\r\nYour support goes far beyond supplies—you are helping to foster a love of writing and empowering young voices. Thank you for making such a meaningful difference in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1717110907973,"projectUrl":"project/novel-study-writing-center/8429537/","projectTitle":"Novel Study Writing Center","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Springer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1613141_orig.jpg?crop=1125,1125,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1605722020037","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1613141"},{"teacherId":1613141,"projectId":8545233,"letterContent":"Thank you. Those two words feel far too small to fully capture the gratitude my 7th grade students and I feel, but they come from the heart of our classroom. Because of your kindness and willingness to give, our students now have access to basic supplies that many people might take for granted—pencils, notebooks, and essential hygiene products. These simple items have already made a profound difference in our daily learning environment.\r\n\r\nIn a middle school classroom, the focus should be on curiosity, growth, and discovery. However, for many of my students, the lack of basic materials can become a daily barrier. Not having a pencil to write with or a notebook to organize thoughts can lead to frustration, embarrassment, and even disengagement. Thanks to you, those barriers are being removed. Now, each student can come to class prepared, confident, and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nThe impact of your generosity extends far beyond academics. Providing hygiene products sends a powerful message to our students: that they are seen, valued, and cared for. Adolescence can be a sensitive time, and having access to these essentials helps students feel more comfortable and confident among their peers. This, in turn, allows them to focus more on their education and less on worries about their basic needs.","fullyFundedDate":1733416761417,"projectUrl":"project/back-to-school-basics/8545233/","projectTitle":"Back to School Basics","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Springer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1613141_orig.jpg?crop=1125,1125,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1605722020037","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1613141"},{"teacherId":1613141,"projectId":9493026,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom project. Because of your kindness, my students now have the essential supplies they need to be successful both in school and in English Language Arts. Your contributions have made a meaningful and lasting impact on our daily learning environment.\r\n\r\nWith these new resources, students are more engaged and confident in their work. We have been using the materials during our ELA block for reading and writing activities, including a recent personal narrative unit. Students were able to brainstorm, draft, revise, and publish their stories using the supplies you provided. One particularly special moment was watching a student who typically struggles with writing proudly share their completed story with the class—something they felt empowered to do because they had the tools and support they needed.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, the excitement was immediate. Students' faces lit up, and they were eager to begin using everything right away. Many of them expressed how grateful they felt to have their own supplies, which created a sense of ownership and pride in their learning. That enthusiasm has continued, helping to build a positive and motivated classroom culture.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we are using these resources to support a research-based ELA project. Students will be reading informational texts, taking notes, and presenting their findings. These activities are helping them strengthen critical thinking, comprehension, and communication skills. Thanks to your generosity, they are fully prepared to take on this next challenge with confidence.\r\n\r\nYour support has truly made a difference in our classroom. Thank you for investing in our students and helping them grow as readers, writers, and learners.","fullyFundedDate":1760716176603,"projectUrl":"project/equipped-to-learn-ready-to-grow/9493026/","projectTitle":"Equipped to Learn, Ready to Grow","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Springer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1613141_orig.jpg?crop=1125,1125,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1605722020037","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1613141"},{"teacherId":1613141,"projectId":8396112,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support in providing a full classroom set of novels for our students. Because of you, my class has been able to dive deeply into Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson, a powerful historical fiction text that has truly transformed our reading experience. These books have allowed us to explore complex themes like freedom, identity, and resilience while also strengthening key literacy skills such as analyzing character development, understanding historical context, and citing evidence to support ideas. Many of our donors love reading, and in our classroom, reading is not just about enjoying a story—it's about thinking critically, making connections, and engaging in meaningful discussions.\r\n\r\nIn our classroom, reading looks active and collaborative. Students annotate their texts, participate in small group discussions, and reflect on Isabel's journey through writing and conversation. They are learning to question perspectives, especially as they examine the contradictions of freedom during the American Revolution. The novel has opened the door for rich conversations about justice and empathy, helping students see history through a more personal and human lens.\r\n\r\nSeveral students, in particular, have been deeply impacted by this story. Some who were previously reluctant readers are now eager to share their thoughts about Isabel's bravery and struggles. Others have connected personally to her determination and courage, drawing parallels to their own lives. Watching students become emotionally invested in a book and confident in their voices has been incredibly rewarding. None of this would be possible without your support—thank you for helping bring these meaningful learning experiences to life.","fullyFundedDate":1722651280987,"projectUrl":"project/cross-curricular-novels/8396112/","projectTitle":"Cross-Curricular Novels","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Springer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1613141_orig.jpg?crop=1125,1125,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1605722020037","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1613141"},{"teacherId":9171827,"projectId":9725047,"letterContent":"I am so incredibly grateful for your generous contribution to our classroom's sensory support project. It's hard to put into words the difference these items make in a learning environment. For many of my students, having access to the right sensory input isn't just a \"bonus\"—it is the bridge that allows them to move from a state of feeling overwhelmed to a state of focus. Because of your kindness, my students now have dedicated items which help them regulate their emotions and feel safe enough to learn and grow. One of my students, who tends to struggle throughout the day with sensory overload, asks for his new pressure vest every morning. It typically works to help him feel safe and secure, enabling him to function better throughout the day. \r\n\r\nThese aren't just objects; they truly are essential tools for inclusion and equity in our classroom. Thank you for recognizing the diverse needs of my students and for choosing to invest in their comfort and success.","fullyFundedDate":1766777467073,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-supports-for-student-success/9725047/","projectTitle":"Sensory Supports for Student Success","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Vance","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9171827"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_25643","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":426,"numTeachers":39,"percentFrplEligible":74,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":4,"percentWhite":84,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":5,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":4,"gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"10.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":88.2,"schoolId":25643,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Central Junior High School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Central Junior High School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/east-peoria-elementary-school-district-86/central-junior-high-school/25643"}
Join the 434 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Central Junior High School is
a suburban public school
in East Peoria, Illinois that is part of East Peoria Elementary School District 86.
It serves 426 students
in grades 6 - 8 with a student/teacher ratio of 10.9:1.
Its teachers have had 112 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Supporting this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.
Public School
Title 1
Data about Title 1 status comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education.
Grades 6 - 8
426 Students
39 Teachers
601 Taylor StContact info is sourced from our partners at MDR Education, and DonorsChoose updates our site ahead of each school year.
Boost support for this school! Share this page with friends, family, alumni, and fellow supporters. Every connection helps teachers get the supplies they need and shows how much your community cares about its students.
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for public school teachers.
Every donation funds real needs — pencils, books, lab equipment, art supplies, and more — helping students learn and thrive. We ship supplies directly to the school, and you'll see exactly where each dollar goes.
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
10%
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.
Central Junior High School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Oct 1, 2026
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.
Central Junior High School
$52,448
raised using DonorsChoose
112
projects
funded
23
teachers
funded
434
donors
18
projects
for
basic supplies
15
projects for
technology
10
projects for
books
14
projects
for
art supplies
Central Junior High School has received support from
383 individuals from Illinois and
51 individuals out-of-state.