{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Hoech Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":48.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"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"},{"teacherId":9094956,"projectId":10058630,"letterContent":"I received the cabinet this week and we were very excited when it arrived. As soon as it came we began putting it together. I had a few students who are completing service learning hours and they were very excited to help. One student even realized that putting things together was something they enjoy doing. Once we found the perfect spot for the cabinet we began reorganizing the office and putting the items we already have in it. It has reduced the amount of clutter in the office and it is much more organized. The cabinet is the perfect size and we were able to fit several warm weather and hygiene items in it. The students enjoyed helping us put items in the cabinet and this will definitely help us keep supporting all students in need!","fullyFundedDate":1770826349812,"projectUrl":"project/housing-warmth-and-hygiene/10058630/","projectTitle":"Housing Warmth and Hygiene","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Snow","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9094956"},{"teacherId":10399640,"projectId":9995593,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom! The storage cabinet will help us stay organized. I am in the process of reorganizing all the classroom tools and materials. The fun lighting will create a welcoming, creative space where students feel inspired to design, build, and learn every day. I even have students who are not mine pop in and ask to stay since my room has a \"good vibe.\" Your generosity truly makes a difference for our students. Because of your support, students can focus more on creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving while feeling comfortable and excited to be in the classroom. Your kindness helps make our learning environment positive, engaging, and full of opportunity for every student who walks through our door.","fullyFundedDate":1769178183818,"projectUrl":"project/lighting-the-way-for-future-engineers/9995593/","projectTitle":"Lighting the Way for Future 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":5994292,"projectId":9794800,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity. It will make an immediate and meaningful difference for my students. Middle school can be a tough time, and access to basic hygiene items is something many students quietly worry about. Because of you, my boys will have what they need to feel clean, confident, and ready to focus on learning.\r\n\r\nThese supplies will be available discreetly to students who need them, helping remove barriers that can affect both self-esteem and academic engagement. You are not just providing items—you are showing my students that they are seen, valued, and worthy of care and respect.\r\n\r\nI am incredibly grateful for your kindness and support of my school community. Your generosity helps create a more inclusive and compassionate environment for my students, and it truly means more than I can put into words. Thank you for believing in my students and in the importance of dignity for all.","fullyFundedDate":1765383930156,"projectUrl":"project/boy-basics-with-dignity/9794800/","projectTitle":"Boy Basics With Dignity","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":9654791,"projectId":9873560,"letterContent":"Thanks to you, our classroom is buzzing. When the boxes arrived, students immediately asked, \"Can we use them today?\" We did! Each student grabbed a dry erase board and eraser, and we practiced \"showing, not telling\" emotions in our narratives. Instead of writing \"I was sad,\" one student revised to: \"His shoulders sagged as he traced the same crack in the tile.\" With boards held up at once, I could give instant feedback, celebrate strong examples, and coach quick revisions. Even my quiet writers participated, confident to try, erase, and try again.\r\n\r\nThe clipboards turned our room into a moving workshop. Students rotated through short stations—identify the \"telling\" sentence, rewrite it to \"show,\" and then swap boards for peer feedback. That movement kept energy high and ideas flowing; I overheard one student say, \"This made my whole paragraph sound like a movie scene.\" Because the tools are reusable, we captured dozens of drafts and mini-lessons in a single class period without wasting paper.\r\n\r\nNext up, we'll apply this skill in full narrative revisions and a hallway \"emotion-to-action\" gallery walk where students annotate each other's \"show, don't tell\" moments. Your gift didn't just supply materials—it unlocked fast feedback, joyful practice, and visible growth. Thank you for fueling lessons that help every writer find their voice.","fullyFundedDate":1763321649700,"projectUrl":"project/game-on-write-on/9873560/","projectTitle":"Game On, Write On!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Finnegan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9654791"},{"teacherId":153308,"projectId":9646943,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of Post-it notes and Post-it chart paper to my middle school English learner classroom! We are already putting both to great use.\r\n\r\nStudents are using Post-its daily for brainstorming, vocabulary practice, peer feedback, and sharing ideas in low-pressure ways that build confidence and language skills. The chart paper has been especially helpful for collaborative work—students are currently using it to create posters for a social studies project, where they are organizing information, practicing academic language, and proudly presenting their learning.\r\n\r\nYour support is making our classroom more engaging, interactive, and student-centered. We are incredibly grateful for your generosity and for helping our students feel supported and empowered in their learning.\r\n\r\nThank you for making a real difference for our students!","fullyFundedDate":1766058717107,"projectUrl":"project/stick-with-learning-post-its-for-langua/9646943/","projectTitle":"Stick With Learning: Post-its for Language Growth","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Eagle","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-eagle"}],"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","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"14.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":51.5,"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"}