{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Central Junior High School","outOfStateSupporters":11.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"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"},{"teacherId":1613141,"projectId":9496529,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support! My 7th grade students and I are incredibly grateful for your thoughtful donations and for helping ensure they have all the necessary materials to begin the new school year with confidence and excitement. Your kindness and commitment to education truly make a meaningful difference in their learning experience.\r\n\r\nWe deeply appreciate your generosity and will remain sincerely thankful for your support. It has made a lasting impact on our classroom. Thank you for lightening my load!","fullyFundedDate":1760580852251,"projectUrl":"project/digital-edge-sharpening-minds-with-onli/9496529/","projectTitle":"Digital Edge: Sharpening Minds with Online Tools","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":8063058,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity. Being able to add these items to my writing stations has truly enriched the lessons and learning experiences for my students. Their excitement and appreciation have been wonderful to see, and it has made a meaningful difference in our classroom.\r\n\r\nI am sincerely grateful for your continued support and commitment to helping provide engaging opportunities for my students. Your kindness and generosity do not go unnoticed, and they are deeply appreciated. Thank you again for making such a positive impact.","fullyFundedDate":1708049781881,"projectUrl":"project/write-about-it/8063058/","projectTitle":"Write About 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":689825,"projectId":9531284,"letterContent":"Social-emotional learning in the middle school classroom is so important these days. As we go through our daily lessons, students can journal and answer prompts in their personalized mini-journals. They love their six-color click pens...and I know I love hearing them click...repeatedly...for fifteen minutes! They also have their own tin of Crazy Aaron Thinking Putty to fidget with during our discussions. The zipper pouch keeps everything neat and tidy in the classroom. \r\n\r\nI love starting each day with my Advisory kids. We build relationships and help one another navigate the ever-changing world around us. I appreciate your support!","fullyFundedDate":1754784575367,"projectUrl":"project/advisory-101-social-emotional-learning/9531284/","projectTitle":"Advisory 101 - Social Emotional Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Higgins","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp689825_orig.jpg?crop=838,838,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1606272915729","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/higginsk"},{"teacherId":3105386,"projectId":9601384,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for putting such a wide variety of reading material into the hands of my students. The kids have been using these Scholastic magazines for learning and simply reading for pleasure. The best part of this is the variety. Students will look through the options and choose what they would like to read. Today the students used one of the articles to reinforce what they have been learning about the three branches of government. The possibilities are endless. \r\n\r\nBeing a part of Donors Choose is truly a blessing. We have so many more resources available to us because of you donors. Thank you again and have a very merry holiday.","fullyFundedDate":1759147546814,"projectUrl":"project/expanding-hands-on-reading-for-pleasure/9601384/","projectTitle":"Expanding Hands-On Reading for Pleasure","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Meiner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3105386_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1721145956542","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3105386"},{"teacherId":689825,"projectId":9668550,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my students with the Hypertile kits. We have used them in my regular science class and in my enrichment. They are perfect for a day of exploration. I explained the concept of static and dynamic structures, and then let them get started building one of the basic designs. After that, they got some \"free explore\" time. They built some truly amazing structures, including a dragon's head with moving jaws and a fireball! \r\n\r\nOpportunities like this are only available because of support from people like you! Thank you for caring about my students.","fullyFundedDate":1756742406648,"projectUrl":"project/hypertile-hyper-activity/9668550/","projectTitle":"Hypertile Hyper-Activity","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Higgins","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp689825_orig.jpg?crop=838,838,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1606272915729","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/higginsk"},{"teacherId":689825,"projectId":9516544,"letterContent":"Thank you for helping me bring a real freshwater ecosystem into my classroom. The kids excitedly research maintenance tips, plants, and non-aggressive friends that can live happily with our Neocaridina shrimp. Currently, our system is self-sufficient. The plants provide the oxygen that our shrimp and snails need. The shrimp and snails keep the bowl clean. The kids enjoy watching them swim around the bowl and hide in the moss tubes. \r\n\r\nActivities like this are beyond what the science budget can handle. I appreciate your willingness to help me bring these things to life for my students.","fullyFundedDate":1754256051123,"projectUrl":"project/shrimp-bowl-ecosystem/9516544/","projectTitle":"Shrimp Bowl Ecosystem","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Higgins","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp689825_orig.jpg?crop=838,838,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1606272915729","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/higginsk"},{"teacherId":5668232,"projectId":9649074,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donations. I have already used many of the supplies I received due to your donations. The stickers and candy are a great incentive for my students while do their i-Ready Math lessons. The colored pencils and markers were used when my student designed an imaginary parasite and illustrated the parasite/host relationship.\r\n\r\nFinally, my students had so much fun designing an ecosystem with the Legos I received thanks to your donations. The ecosystem had to have 1 abiotic factor, 1 biotic factor, a producer, a consumer, decomposer, and parasite. They also had to explain the different organism relationships in their Lego ecosystem. My students did not disappoint. Attached are some of the ecosystems they created!\r\n\r\nWith gratitude,\r\nMrs. Johnson","fullyFundedDate":1757606193540,"projectUrl":"project/stock-the-science-lab-20252026/9649074/","projectTitle":"Stock the Science Lab 2025/2026","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Johnson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5668232"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_25643","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":422,"numTeachers":39,"percentFrplEligible":54,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":5,"percentWhite":82,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":6,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"10.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":88.3,"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 428 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 422 students
in grades 6 - 8 with a student/teacher ratio of 10.8:1.
Its teachers have had 103 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
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
11%
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 Apr 10, 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
$49,323
raised using DonorsChoose
103
projects
funded
22
teachers
funded
428
donors
13
projects
for
basic supplies
12
projects for
technology
10
projects for
books
14
projects
for
art supplies
Central Junior High School has received support from
378 individuals from Illinois and
50 individuals out-of-state.