{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Goodrell Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":33.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":2047834,"projectId":10115148,"letterContent":"I just wanted to say thank you so much for supporting my students—these books have truly made a difference already!\r\n\r\nMy 7th grade readers are working below grade level, and for many of them, reading has felt frustrating for a long time. These decodable texts have changed that. Each book focuses on specific vowel patterns, so students are able to practice the exact skills they're learning in a way that actually makes sense to them. Instead of guessing or feeling stuck, they're starting to figure words out—and that's a huge shift.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom has become much more positive and interactive. We read together, talk through tricky words, and celebrate when things click. The chapter format has been a big win—students love feeling like they're reading a \"real\" book and getting to the next chapter. The pictures also really help pull them into the story.\r\n\r\nThe biggest change has been in their confidence. I have students who used to avoid reading or shut down who are now willing to try. Some are even volunteering to read out loud, which is something I didn't see before. They're actually interested in the story and want to keep going—and for this group, that's huge.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, my students are starting to believe they can be readers. That means more than I can say. Thank you for making that possible!","fullyFundedDate":1773845000744,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-struggling-readers-with-talis/10115148/","projectTitle":"Empowering Struggling Readers with Talisman Decodables","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Darr","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2047834_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1720395054251","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2047834"},{"teacherId":8390470,"projectId":9981891,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our classroom is now a space where creativity, collaboration, and big dreams truly come to life. Your support for Creating, Collaborating, and Dreaming Big (Art & Teamwork) has given students the materials and opportunities they need to express themselves through art while learning how to work together, share ideas, and problem-solve as a team.\r\nThese art experiences go far beyond making something beautiful. They build confidence, encourage communication, and help students see that their ideas matter. Many of our students thrive when they can learn creatively and collaboratively, and your donation makes that possible every single day.\r\nThank you for believing in our students, for investing in their creativity, and for helping them see that their dreams are worth imagining—and pursuing. We are so grateful for your support and for the lasting impact you've made on our classroom community.","fullyFundedDate":1768741167957,"projectUrl":"project/creating-collaborating-and-dreaming-bi/9981891/","projectTitle":"Creating, Collaborating, and Dreaming Big (Art & Teamwork)","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McKinley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8390470_orig.jpg?crop=271,271,x40,y122&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760974819694","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8390470"},{"teacherId":8390470,"projectId":9853908,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity in supporting Crafting Connections: Empowering Students Through Art. Because of you, our classroom is filled with a wide variety of craft supplies that allow students to create, explore, and express themselves in meaningful ways.\r\nThese materials give students the opportunity to connect—with their own creativity, with their peers, and with their learning. Through hands-on art and crafting experiences, students build confidence, strengthen fine motor skills, and learn the importance of collaboration and perseverance. For many of our students, having access to these supplies opens the door to communication, joy, and a sense of belonging.\r\nYour support has empowered our students to take risks, share ideas, and turn imagination into something they can proudly hold in their hands. We are so grateful for your kindness and for the lasting impact you have made in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1770998511424,"projectUrl":"project/crafting-connections-empowering-student/9853908/","projectTitle":"Crafting Connections: Empowering Students Through Art","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McKinley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8390470_orig.jpg?crop=271,271,x40,y122&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760974819694","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8390470"},{"teacherId":3155777,"projectId":10110506,"letterContent":"Today, I found a stack of boxes in my room, which means it's time to stock our Project LIT shelves! I am so excited to bring \"A Monster Calls\" back to Project LIT in the very near future.\r\n\r\nOne of the best parts of this book, for me, is the combination of a longform narrative with graphic elements included. I tried to capture a bit of that in the photos, so I hope you can see it. The story is beautiful, breathtaking, and heartbreaking. When students select it, it will be the third time I've had the fortune to read it alongside students and, I hope, do a comparison with its movie counterpart.\r\n\r\nDonors, I'm so grateful for you and the way you're breathing life into this mighty club of dedicated readers. Thank you so much for taking these literary journeys with us!","fullyFundedDate":1773867959178,"projectUrl":"project/a-monster-calls-to-project-lit/10110506/","projectTitle":"A Monster Calls to Project LIT","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. V. Robinson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3155777_orig.jpg?crop=732,732,x17,y200&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1556374156918","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/v-robinson"},{"teacherId":3155777,"projectId":10110492,"letterContent":"What a true delight it is to return from Spring Break and learn that I have boxes of books to open and place on my Project LIT shelves! Seeing \"Simon Sort of Says\" come back (I read it with students 2 years ago) means that a new group of literary minds will have a chance to experience it.\r\n\r\nOur students are meeting for our first Project LIT meeting after Spring Break today and this is some of the very best news to share! While we are currently discussing \"Monday's Not Coming,\" I have a strong certainty that our readers are going to want to replace one of our currently planned reads with \"Simon Sort of Says.\" It is wildly appealing to all readers of all skill levels.\r\n\r\nDonors, I'm so thankful for your help in keeping my shelves stocked with choices for our students to agonize over! After all, choosing your next favorite read is the most delightful agony.","fullyFundedDate":1773843330485,"projectUrl":"project/a-newberry-honor-winner-in-project-lit/10110492/","projectTitle":"A Newberry Honor Winner in Project LIT","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. V. Robinson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3155777_orig.jpg?crop=732,732,x17,y200&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1556374156918","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/v-robinson"},{"teacherId":3155777,"projectId":10110460,"letterContent":"Oh my goodness! It was such a joyful moment, opening these boxes and seeing two very beloved books staring back at me! \r\n\r\nOur students are meeting for our first Project LIT meeting after Spring Break today and this is some of the very best news to share! Both of these titles are ones that have gotten high praise from previous Project LIT readers, but none of my current readers have read these. As we prepare for the end of the year and some of the group members transitioning to high school, I anticipate that some will choose to take The Brave, The Parker Inheritance, or even both home as treasured reads to share with new friends on their new high school adventures.\r\n\r\nDonors, I'm so thankful for your help in keeping my shelves stocked with choices for our students to agonize over! After all, choosing your next favorite read is the most delightful agony.","fullyFundedDate":1773858876183,"projectUrl":"project/brave-parker-inheritance-dynamic-read/10110460/","projectTitle":"Brave + Parker Inheritance: Dynamic Reads","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. V. Robinson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3155777_orig.jpg?crop=732,732,x17,y200&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1556374156918","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/v-robinson"},{"teacherId":10028461,"projectId":9941479,"letterContent":"Our middle school musicians work hard every day to grow as artists, teammates, and confident individuals. As a Title I school, many of our students face financial barriers that make accessing quality music equipment difficult. Yet their passion for learning—and for music—never wavers.\r\n\r\nTrumpet mouthpieces may seem like a small item, but for our young players they are essential tools for success. A proper mouthpiece helps students develop healthy technique, produce a beautiful sound, and experience the joy of real musical progress. Right now, many of our students are sharing equipment or using worn mouthpieces that hold them back from reaching their potential.\r\n\r\nYour support will give these students the opportunity to play with pride, to hear themselves improve, and to feel that their hard work matters. For many of them, band is a place where they find belonging, independence, and confidence. With your help, they will have the tools they need to grow—not just as musicians, but as young people discovering their voice.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in their potential and for opening doors to meaningful musical experiences. Your generosity truly makes a difference in our classroom and in the lives of our students.","fullyFundedDate":1769605526712,"projectUrl":"project/a-strong-start-mouthpieces-for-developi/9941479/","projectTitle":"A Strong Start: Mouthpieces for Developing Trumpet Players","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Clark-Sindler","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10028461_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1750944128530","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10028461"},{"teacherId":8390470,"projectId":9879993,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our \"Take a Book, Share a Book\" student-led Little Free Library project! Because of your generosity, our students now have access to books they can truly enjoy—whenever they need them.\r\nStudents have been so excited that they've been taking books far more than they've been sharing them, and that is absolutely okay. Our goal is for students to find stories they love and keep them if they want to. A book in a child's hands—and in their home—is exactly what we hoped for.\r\nYour support is helping us build a culture of reading, joy, and community. Thank you for believing in our students and helping us create a welcoming space where every reader can find something special.","fullyFundedDate":1764801120242,"projectUrl":"project/take-a-book-share-a-book-student-led/9879993/","projectTitle":"“Take a Book, Share a Book” Student-Led Little Free Library","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McKinley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8390470_orig.jpg?crop=271,271,x40,y122&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760974819694","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8390470"},{"teacherId":8390470,"projectId":9853983,"letterContent":"Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for supporting our Crafting Crew Club! Your generosity means more than you know. With your help, our students now have the yarn and materials they need to create, connect, and express themselves in a safe, supportive space.\r\nFor many of our learners, crafting is more than a hobby—it's a calming outlet, a confidence booster, and a way to build friendships. Your donation makes these meaningful moments possible.\r\nWe cannot wait to share all the colorful projects, smiles, and stories that come from your kindness. Thank you for believing in our students and for helping our community grow stronger through creativity.","fullyFundedDate":1767205590154,"projectUrl":"project/yarn-for-connection-supporting-our-craf/9853983/","projectTitle":"Yarn for Connection: Supporting Our Crafting Crew Club","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McKinley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8390470_orig.jpg?crop=271,271,x40,y122&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760974819694","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8390470"},{"teacherId":8390470,"projectId":9853386,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, Scoring Big with Spanish Graphic Novels and Sports Books! Your generosity means the world to our multilingual learners. These high‑interest books are exactly what our students need—stories that reflect their language, their passions, and their identities.\r\nBecause of you, students who love sports, action, and graphic novels will finally have books that truly speak to them. You're helping create a classroom where reading feels exciting, empowering, and accessible for every learner.\r\nWe are so grateful for your kindness and belief in our students. Thank you for investing in their joy, confidence, and growing love of reading!","fullyFundedDate":1766330768582,"projectUrl":"project/scoring-big-with-spanish-graphic-novels/9853386/","projectTitle":"Scoring Big with Spanish Graphic Novels and Sports Books!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McKinley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8390470_orig.jpg?crop=271,271,x40,y122&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760974819694","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8390470"},{"teacherId":8390470,"projectId":9936007,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, Spreading Kindness: Student‑Made Blankets and Bags for Our Community. Your generosity is helping our students do something truly meaningful—create comfort, care, and connection for people in our community who need it most.\r\nBecause of you, our students will have the materials they need to make blankets and bags that will be donated to local shelters and families. This project teaches compassion, teamwork, and the power of giving back. Our kids are so excited to know that their hands and hearts can make a real difference.\r\nYour kindness is helping us spread more kindness. Thank you for believing in our students and the good they are capable of.","fullyFundedDate":1766121474069,"projectUrl":"project/spreading-kindness-student-made-blanket/9936007/","projectTitle":"Spreading Kindness: Student-Made Blankets and Bags for Our Community","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McKinley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8390470_orig.jpg?crop=271,271,x40,y122&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760974819694","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8390470"},{"teacherId":9045515,"projectId":9880164,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, Spreading Kindness: Student-Made Blankets and Bags for Our Community. Your generosity means more than you know.\r\nBecause of you, my multilingual learners will have the opportunity to create something meaningful with their hands and their hearts. These blankets and kindness bags will go directly to neighbors in need, offering comfort, warmth, and a reminder that they are cared for.\r\nFor many of my students, especially those who are new to this country, this project helps them practice English, build confidence, and feel connected to our school and community. They are so excited to give back, and your support makes that possible.\r\nThank you for believing in the power of kindness and for lifting up our students as change makers. We can't wait to share the joy, the learning, and the impact that your gift will help create.","fullyFundedDate":1763491814957,"projectUrl":"project/spreading-kindness-student-made-blanket/9880164/","projectTitle":"Spreading Kindness: Student-Made Blankets and Bags for Our Community","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Petersen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9045515_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1711247993067","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9045515"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_51886","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":511,"numTeachers":42,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":5,"percentBlack":21,"percentWhite":34,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":31,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"12.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":66.2,"schoolId":51886,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Goodrell Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Goodrell Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/iowa/des-moines-public-schools/goodrell-middle-school/51886"}
Join the 600 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Goodrell Middle School is
an urban public school
in Des Moines, Iowa that is part of Des Moines Public Schools.
It serves 511 students
in grades 6 - 8 with a student/teacher ratio of 12.2:1.
Its teachers have had 392 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.
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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
57%
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.
Goodrell Middle School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Apr 29, 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.
Goodrell Middle School
$134,399
raised using DonorsChoose
392
projects
funded
36
teachers
funded
600
donors
40
projects
for
basic supplies
40
projects for
technology
142
projects for
books
34
projects
for
art supplies
Goodrell Middle School has received support from
397 individuals from Iowa and
203 individuals out-of-state.