Staples - Motley High School in Staples, Minnesota on DonorsChoose

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Next, they will move into multi-step machining projects that develop problem-solving and teamwork skills.\r\n\r\nYou are directly helping prepare students for careers in skilled trades and engineering.","fullyFundedDate":1762787170459,"projectUrl":"project/building-skills-at-the-bench-our-machin/9873236/","projectTitle":"Building Skills at the Bench: Our Machine Shop Transformation","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Mumm","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9722152"},{"teacherId":9985930,"projectId":9706723,"letterContent":"Thank you feels far too small to fully capture the impact your generosity has had on my classroom, but it is where I must begin. Because of your support in funding our classroom microscope, my students were given an opportunity that many of them had never experienced before: the chance to truly see science come alive. Your donation transformed abstract concepts from our science lessons into something tangible, meaningful, and unforgettable.\r\n\r\nBefore this microscope arrived, much of our learning about cells, organisms, and microscopic structures had to rely on pictures in textbooks or short videos. While helpful, those resources never quite replaced the awe of direct observation. The moment we set up the microscope, the entire energy of the room shifted. Students leaned forward, asked questions, and waited eagerly for their turn. For many of them, this was the first time they had ever looked through or used a real microscope. The excitement was immediate and genuine.\r\n\r\nWhat struck me most was how the microscope changed the way my students engaged with learning. Students who typically struggle to stay focused were suddenly deeply invested. They asked thoughtful questions like, \"Why does it look like that?\" and \"Is that alive?\" Instead of passively receiving information, they became investigators. The microscope empowered them to slow down, observe carefully, and draw their own conclusions. These are skills that go far beyond science standards, they are foundational to critical thinking and curiosity.\r\n\r\nYour donation also created meaningful opportunities for collaboration and communication. Students worked together to prepare slides, adjust focus, and describe what they observed to their peers. They practiced scientific vocabulary naturally, because they wanted to explain what they were seeing. My special education students who struggle with traditional academic tasks thrived with this hands-on task.\r\n\r\nBeyond academics, the microscope helped build confidence. I watched students beam with pride as they successfully identified structures or helped a classmate adjust the focus. One student said, \"I feel like a real scientist.\" That moment alone made it clear how powerful this experience was. You gave my students not just a tool, but a sense of possibility. They now understand the idea that science is something they can do, not just read about.\r\n\r\nThis microscope will continue to impact my classroom for additional lessons and years to come. It is not a one-time experience; it is an investment in curiosity, exploration, and hands-on learning. Because of you, my students now have access to authentic scientific tools that make learning deeper, richer, and more meaningful.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students and for investing in their education. Your generosity has left a lasting mark on our classroom, and we are incredibly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1758839064476,"projectUrl":"project/science-in-focus-special-learners-and-s/9706723/","projectTitle":"Science in Focus: Special Learners and Special Discoveries","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Anderson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9985930_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y48&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757555977595","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/andersonsroom"},{"teacherId":9985930,"projectId":9706484,"letterContent":"I am incredibly grateful for your generosity in funding our classroom lab coats, microscope slide sets, and safety goggles. While these items may seem simple on their own, together they transformed our science lessons into an immersive and authentic learning experience that made my students feel capable, confident, and truly engaged in scientific exploration.\r\nThe first time we started getting suited up for a lab, the excitement was immediate. Students could hardly wait to put on their safety equipment. The moment they did, it was like their mindset shifted. Suddenly, they weren't just students completing an assignment, they were scientists. The lab coats and safety goggles have created a sense of authenticity that has interestingly enhanced engagement more than I anticipated.\r\n\r\nThe microscope slide sets made a distinct impact on my students. Instead of imagining what cells or organisms might look like, students were able to observe professionally prepared specimens up close. These slides provided clarity and accessibility for all learners. Students who struggle with reading or abstract thinking were able to connect instantly through visual observation. The slide sets made complex scientific concepts more concrete and allowed every student to experience success. Each student eagerly awaited another turn to work with the slides directly. We spent over a week gaining confidence using the microscope and observing slides. Each day the students asked if we would be continuing this activity tomorrow. I've never seen them more engaged in their lessons. The students are looking forward to making their own slide sets during our \"Life in a Pond\" year wrap-up unit in spring when everything thaws.\r\nOne of the most powerful outcomes of this project was how it sparked meaningful conversations about careers in science and beyond. Students asked questions about what real scientists do, how labs operate, and what it takes to work in scientific fields. For some of my students, this was the first time they could envision themselves in those roles. Seeing themselves dressed for the part made the idea feel more real and attainable.\r\nStudents learned that safety matters, preparation matters, and that scientific tools should be handled with care. They took pride in setting up materials correctly and cleaning up afterward. Those routines reinforced responsibility and teamwork, skills that extend far beyond the science classroom.\r\nYour donation turned a lesson into an experience and sparked confidence and curiousity. The lab coats, slides, and safety goggles will continue to support hands-on learning and inspire future classes of students to see themselves as capable scientists. Thank you for helping create meaningful, memorable learning moments that my students will carry with them long after this unit ends.","fullyFundedDate":1758221611345,"projectUrl":"project/seeds-of-curiosity-cells-of-discovery/9706484/","projectTitle":"Seeds of Curiosity & Cells of Discovery: Special Education Science","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Anderson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9985930_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y48&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757555977595","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/andersonsroom"},{"teacherId":9722152,"projectId":8798154,"letterContent":"Thank You for Supporting Our Project\r\n\r\nThanks to your support, this project has made a real difference in my classroom. 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About this school

Staples - Motley High School is a rural public school in Staples, Minnesota that is part of Staples-motley Isd 2170. It serves 309 students in grades 9 - 12 with a student/teacher ratio of 10.3:1. Its teachers have had 11 projects funded on DonorsChoose.

Equity Focus School

Support towards this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Public School

Grades 9 - 12

309 Students

30 Teachers

401 Centennial Ln

Staples, MN 56479 View local requests

http://www.isd2170.k12.mn.us

Direct, proactive support

Empower teachers at Staples - Motley High School to request what their students need.

Give to this school

Ms. Vero, a DonorsChoose teacher for 9 years.

Kindergarten teacher at PS81 - Robert J. Christen School in Bronx, NY

Staples - Motley High School Teachers on DonorsChoose

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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.

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Staples - Motley High School Demographics

57%

of students receive free or reduced price lunch

Source: the National Center for Education Statistics

of students are Black, Latino, Native American, or Asian

Schools in districts that mainly serve students of color receive substantially less state and local support than similar districts that serve primarily White students. Learn more about this gap, why it exists, and how you can help close it.

Staples - Motley High School Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Mar 19, 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.