{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Hoech Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":48.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":153308,"projectId":10001787,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my DonorsChoose project. Your generosity has already made a real difference in our classroom, and I wish you could see the smiles it has brought to my students' faces.\r\n\r\nMy middle school English learners work incredibly hard every day to build their confidence and find their voices in a new language. The incentives you helped provide—such as candy, Takis, hand sanitizers, and stickers—may seem simple, but to them, they are meaningful moments of recognition. When a student earns something small for participating or taking a risk, it becomes a big moment of pride.\r\n\r\nI've already seen how these items are helping create a more positive, encouraging environment. Students are more willing to try, to speak up, and to support one another. It's not just about the reward—it's about feeling seen, valued, and motivated to keep going.\r\n\r\nYou've helped build confidence, joy, and a stronger sense of community in our classroom. That's something my students will carry with them long after the incentives are gone.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students and for being part of their journey.","fullyFundedDate":1775866321307,"projectUrl":"project/motivating-english-learners-with-positiv/10001787/","projectTitle":"Motivating English Learners With Positive Rewards","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Eagle","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-eagle"},{"teacherId":1021105,"projectId":10073473,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for our new graphic novels! My students devour graphic novels and love sharing them with each other. We've discovered so many new series and authors this year and most of the books from this project were requested by students! I am constantly on the hunt for new books to bring to our classroom library and this project helped so much!\r\nGraphic novels have changed for the better over the last several years. Many popular series have been adapted into graphic novels, widening their reach and making more stories accessible to struggling readers and English language learners. We read almost every day in class, and many of my students (and myself) love seeing stories come alive on the page with a great graphic novel. They are also a great way to support vocabulary development since the pictures can aid students' understanding of complex words and sentences.\r\nThank you so much for your continued support of my classroom and my eager readers!","fullyFundedDate":1773855361028,"projectUrl":"project/more-great-graphic-novels/10073473/","projectTitle":"More Great Graphic Novels!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kaufman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1021105_orig.jpg?crop=2936,2936,x0,y215&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1656963938669","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mskaufman"},{"teacherId":8628388,"projectId":10077628,"letterContent":"We at Hoech Middle School are incredibly grateful for your generous support of our \"Chairs, Chips, and Candy!\" project. Your kindness has made a meaningful impact on our classroom, helping us create a more positive and motivating environment for our students. Because of your contributions, we were able to provide special treats that brought excitement and encouragement into our school days.\r\n\r\nThe chips and candy you donated were used as part of our Student of the Month celebrations, allowing us to recognize and reward students for their hard work, positive behavior, and growth. These small incentives went a long way in making students feel valued and appreciated. In addition, we used the treats during state testing to help boost morale and reduce stress. Having a small reward to look forward to helped students stay focused and confident during a challenging time.\r\n\r\nYour generosity not only provided snacks, but also helped build a supportive classroom culture where students feel celebrated and motivated to do their best. Thank you for investing in our students and for making a difference in their daily school experience.","fullyFundedDate":1770128315693,"projectUrl":"project/chairs-chips-and-candy/10077628/","projectTitle":"Chairs, Chips, and Candy!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hahn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8628388_orig.jpg?crop=1491,1491,x230,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1716230709848","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8628388"},{"teacherId":153308,"projectId":9929988,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support in helping fund a 3D printer and filament for my middle school English learner classroom. Because of your kindness, my students now have access to hands-on, creative learning experiences that would not have been possible otherwise.\r\n\r\nFor many of my students, learning English while keeping up with grade-level content can be challenging. The addition of a 3D printer brings learning to life in a way that goes beyond words. It allows students to design, build, and interact with physical models, which strengthens understanding and builds confidence.\r\n\r\nThis resource can support my English learners by providing visual and tactile ways to understand new vocabulary and concepts, encouraging collaboration and communication as students work together on design projects, offering opportunities for real-world problem solving that don't rely solely on language proficiency, and boosting engagement and motivation through creative, technology-based learning.\r\n\r\nThe 3D printer also empowers students to see themselves as creators and innovators, helping them develop skills in design thinking, perseverance, and critical thinking—all while building their English language skills in an authentic context.\r\n\r\nYour generosity is opening doors for my students and making our classroom a place where they can explore, create, and succeed. Thank you for believing in them and investing in their future.","fullyFundedDate":1773983662823,"projectUrl":"project/printing-possibilities-3d-learning-for/9929988/","projectTitle":"Printing Possibilities: 3D Learning for English Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Eagle","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-eagle"},{"teacherId":5279864,"projectId":9956394,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support in providing a cabinet and storage containers for our classroom store. Your contribution has made a meaningful difference in how our classroom operates each day.\r\n\r\nWith these new materials, we are now able to organize and manage our classroom store more effectively. Students can easily access items, practice responsibility, and engage in real-world skills like budgeting, decision-making, and organization. The cabinet and containers have helped create a structured and inviting space that encourages independence and excitement.\r\n\r\nOur classroom store is more than just a reward system—it is an opportunity for students to build important life and academic skills in a hands-on way. Your generosity has directly supported this experience, and we are incredibly grateful.\r\n\r\nThank you again for investing in our students and helping us create a more organized and engaging learning environment.","fullyFundedDate":1769178185677,"projectUrl":"project/learning-math-through-real-experiences/9956394/","projectTitle":"Learning Math Through Real Experiences","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Harcourt","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5279864_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1522609414877","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5279864"},{"teacherId":5994292,"projectId":10072073,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our \"Dice, Dragons, and Delicious Snacks\" project! Because of your generosity, my students have been able to dive into collaborative tabletop gaming experiences that build creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork. One of our favorite moments so far has been watching students work together to create their own characters and navigate challenges as a group—students who don't always participate in traditional lessons are stepping up as leaders, storytellers, and strategists.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, the excitement was immediate and contagious. Students were amazed to see the dice, game resources, and snacks, and they couldn't wait to get started. There were smiles, cheers, and lots of curious questions as they explored everything. It created an instant sense of community and enthusiasm that carried right into our learning activities.","fullyFundedDate":1774988086818,"projectUrl":"project/dice-dragons-and-delicious-snacks/10072073/","projectTitle":"Dice, Dragons, and Delicious Snacks","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Schafer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5994292_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1541527116652","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/rachel-schafer"},{"teacherId":317537,"projectId":9910770,"letterContent":"I would like to express my sincere gratitude for your generous donation of iPads to support middle school English Language Learners. Your contribution is much more than a simple gift of technology—it is a meaningful investment in students' education, confidence, and future.\r\nFor learners who are developing their English skills, everyday classroom tasks can present significant challenges. Because of your donation, these students now have access to powerful tools such as Google Translate, which can help them understand lessons in real time, and language-learning platforms like Duolingo, which build essential vocabulary and communication skills. These resources allow learners to participate more fully in class and keep pace with their peers.\r\nYour generosity also supports more than just academic growth—it helps build confidence and independence. With iPads, learners can work at their own pace, explore new concepts without fear, and engage more comfortably in classroom activities. This sense of empowerment can make a lasting difference in how they view themselves as students.\r\nIn addition, your donation promotes inclusion and connection. Language barriers can sometimes make learners feel isolated, but having access to communication tools and interactive content helps them feel more engaged and part of the classroom community. It also strengthens the connection between school and home, allowing families to better support their children's education.\r\nBecause of your kindness, these learners have greater access to opportunities that will help them succeed not only in school, but beyond it. Your support truly makes a difference, and it is deeply appreciated.\r\nThank you again for your generosity and for helping create a more equitable and supportive learning environment.","fullyFundedDate":1769178186477,"projectUrl":"project/a-digital-bridge-for-language-learners/9910770/","projectTitle":"A Digital Bridge for Language Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Icenhower","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp317537_orig.png?crop=1080,1080,x0,y648&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1743700737920","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/317537"},{"teacherId":7809048,"projectId":10039995,"letterContent":"Thank you so very much for your monetary donations. My students were so excited to see our classroom have a mid year refresh when they came back from break. What they really loved was the anxiety release bands around the chairs - this gave many of my male-identifying students the chance to get some wiggles out while still focusing in on math.\r\n\r\nI didn't realize how much I loved getting new sticky notes and Expo markers. These tools, though small, are utilized everyday and very important things. I am truly thankful that you chose my classroom to donate to. It means a lot to me. Thank you.","fullyFundedDate":1769178186297,"projectUrl":"project/ms-fassett-i-need/10039995/","projectTitle":"Ms. Fassett, I Need…","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Fassett","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7809048_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1737766783058","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7809048"},{"teacherId":5994292,"projectId":9950661,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, Building Community, One Game at a Time! Because of you, our students have been able to use these games during library time and small group activities to build friendships, practice teamwork, and strengthen problem-solving skills. One of my favorite moments was watching a group of students—who don't usually work together—completely engaged in a game, laughing, encouraging each other, and working through challenges as a team. It was such a simple moment, but it really showed how these games are helping create a more connected and supportive classroom.\r\n\r\nWhen the games first arrived, the excitement was immediate! Students couldn't wait to open them, learn the rules, and start playing. They were eager to try everything and quickly began inviting others to join in, which has been so great to see. Even students who are usually more reserved have been getting involved and finding their place within a group.","fullyFundedDate":1769178186009,"projectUrl":"project/building-community-one-game-at-a-time/9950661/","projectTitle":"Building Community, One Game at a Time!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Schafer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5994292_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1541527116652","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/rachel-schafer"},{"teacherId":153308,"projectId":9863885,"letterContent":"Thank You So Much for Your Generosity!\r\n\r\nI am incredibly grateful for your donation to our classroom. Because of your generosity, I can provide NeeDoh stress squishies to my students — and they have already made such a positive impact!\r\n\r\nMiddle schoolers experience more stress than we sometimes realize, and having a simple tool to help them refocus, self-regulate, and reset during the day is truly meaningful. These squishies are not just fun — they support student well-being, concentration, and emotional balance in our classroom.\r\n\r\nYour support helps create a learning environment where students feel cared for and equipped to succeed. Thank you for investing in our students and for being a part of our classroom community. We appreciate you!","fullyFundedDate":1769178185193,"projectUrl":"project/supporting-english-learner-students-thro/9863885/","projectTitle":"Supporting English Learner Students Through Sensory Fidgets","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Eagle","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-eagle"},{"teacherId":10399640,"projectId":10071159,"letterContent":"I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the generous donors who supported my classroom project to fund a chop saw. Your kindness and willingness to support my students means more than words can fully express. Because of your generosity, my students now have access to a tool that will help them safely and effectively bring their designs to life. Your support is helping transform ideas on paper into real, hands-on learning experiences.\r\n\r\nIn our STEM and architecture projects, students begin by designing structures and carefully planning their ideas. They learn how to draw blueprints, measure materials, and think about how their designs will work in the real world. These skills help students develop critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. However, turning those designs into actual models requires the right tools and materials. The addition of a chop saw to our classroom makes it possible for students to safely cut materials to the correct size and build their projects with greater accuracy and confidence.\r\n\r\nSafety is always a top priority in our classroom, and having the proper equipment ensures that students can work carefully and responsibly while building their models. The chop saw will allow materials to be cut cleanly and efficiently, making the building process smoother and safer. Students will also learn about proper tool use, safety procedures, and responsible handling of equipment—important skills that are valuable in many real-world careers.\r\n\r\nMy students are incredibly excited to use this new tool for their upcoming projects. The moment they heard that our classroom would be receiving a chop saw, their excitement was immediate. They began talking about new ideas, improved designs, and more creative structures they could build. It is inspiring to see their enthusiasm grow when they realize they have access to the same types of tools that engineers, designers, and builders use in the real world.\r\n\r\nWith this tool, students will be able to take their blueprints and transform them into three-dimensional models that truly reflect their original ideas. Instead of simply imagining how something might look or function, they will have the opportunity to construct it, test it, and improve it. This hands-on learning experience helps students understand how planning, design, and construction all work together.\r\n\r\nYour generosity is doing far more than purchasing a single tool for a classroom. You are helping create an environment where students can explore creativity, take risks, and learn from the process of designing and building. These experiences encourage perseverance and teamwork as students work through challenges and celebrate their successes together.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, your support helps students see themselves as creators and problem-solvers. When they have the opportunity to design something and then physically build it, they gain confidence in their abilities and begin to imagine future possibilities in STEM fields such as engineering, architecture, and design.\r\n\r\nOn behalf of my students and myself, thank you again for supporting our classroom and believing in the importance of hands-on learning. Your generosity is helping inspire curiosity, creativity, and innovation in the next generation of thinkers and builders. We are truly grateful for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1771027638002,"projectUrl":"project/from-blueprints-to-builds-designing-lik/10071159/","projectTitle":"From Blueprints to Builds: Designing Like Engineers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bone","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10399640_orig.jpg?crop=2048,2048,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1767908185933","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10399640"},{"teacherId":10399640,"projectId":10078491,"letterContent":"I would like to extend my sincere and heartfelt thanks to everyone who generously donated STEM supplies to our classroom. Your contributions of glue guns, popsicle sticks, graph paper, and other building materials have made a tremendous difference for my students. Because of your kindness and support, my classroom has become a place where creativity, design, and hands-on learning truly come to life.\r\n\r\nThis year, my 8th grade students are working on an exciting architecture project where they will design and build their own structures. The project begins with students carefully planning their ideas on graph paper, where they learn how to draw detailed blueprints. They practice important skills such as measuring, scaling, and thinking about how real architects communicate their designs. Students start by imagining a building or structure, then translate that vision into a clear and organized blueprint.\r\n\r\nOnce their designs are complete, the most exciting part begins—bringing those blueprints to life. Using popsicle sticks, glue guns, and other building supplies, students will turn their two-dimensional drawings into three-dimensional models. This process helps them see how planning, design, and construction all work together. They quickly learn that building something in real life often requires adjustments, creative thinking, and problem-solving. Watching a drawing on paper transform into a physical structure is an incredibly powerful learning experience.\r\n\r\nYour donations allow students to experiment, test ideas, and learn through trial and error. When a structure does not work as planned, students must analyze the problem, redesign parts of their blueprint, and try again. These moments teach perseverance, resilience, and critical thinking—skills that are essential not only in engineering and architecture, but in life as well.\r\n\r\nWhile my 8th graders will be using the materials for their architecture project, my 6th grade students will also benefit greatly from your generosity. They will be able to use these supplies for a variety of STEM mini projects throughout the year. These hands-on activities allow younger students to explore creativity, basic engineering concepts, and teamwork while building simple structures, solving design challenges, and experimenting with new ideas. Having access to these materials makes learning more engaging and exciting for them.\r\n\r\nThese projects also encourage collaboration and communication. Students often work together to share ideas, solve problems, and improve their designs. The classroom becomes a space filled with creativity, teamwork, and curiosity. It is amazing to watch students who may not always feel confident in traditional academic settings discover their strengths when they are designing, building, and creating.\r\n\r\nThe excitement these supplies bring to the classroom is incredible. When students see bins filled with popsicle sticks and building materials or stacks of graph paper ready for blueprint designs, their imaginations immediately start working. They begin sketching ideas, discussing possibilities with classmates, and asking thoughtful questions about how to make their designs stronger or more realistic.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, your generosity helps students begin to see themselves as innovators, designers, engineers, and problem-solvers. Hands-on learning experiences like these help them understand that the concepts they learn in class can be applied to real-world challenges. Projects like building models from blueprints give students a glimpse into careers in architecture, engineering, and design.\r\n\r\nPlease know that your donations have had a direct and meaningful impact on our classroom. Every blueprint drawn, every model built, and every creative idea explored is possible because of your support. My students and I are incredibly grateful for your generosity and belief in their potential.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping our students turn their ideas on paper into real, three-dimensional creations and for supporting the hands-on learning experiences that inspire them every day.\r\n\r\nWith sincere appreciation,","fullyFundedDate":1772456701636,"projectUrl":"project/cut-create-and-prototype-in-stem/10078491/","projectTitle":"Cut, Create, and Prototype in STEM","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bone","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10399640_orig.jpg?crop=2048,2048,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1767908185933","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10399640"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_77908","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":672,"numTeachers":48,"percentFrplEligible":73,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":45,"percentWhite":17,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":26,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":9,"gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"14.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":51.9,"schoolId":77908,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Hoech Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Hoech Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/missouri/ritenour-school-district/hoech-middle-school/77908"}