{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Von Tobel Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":57.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8161499,"projectId":10041178,"letterContent":"Your generous donation to the \"Science Without Borders\" project has fundamentally transformed how our English Language Learners engage with the world of discovery. By providing iPads, you have replaced intimidating, text-heavy barriers with interactive visuals and real-time translation tools that allow students to master complex scientific concepts regardless of their current English proficiency. Ultimately, your support has provided the equity these students need to ensure that a language gap never stands in the way of a brilliant scientific mind.","fullyFundedDate":1769093378023,"projectUrl":"project/science-without-borders-empowering-ell/10041178/","projectTitle":"Science Without Borders: Empowering ELL's Through Technology","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Matosa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8161499_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1705182525777","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8161499"},{"teacherId":9272822,"projectId":10045184,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our \"Hands on Science Focus\" project has transformed the way my students experience science. The addition of the iPad and microscopes has made learning far more interactive, engaging, and meaningful.\r\n\r\nMany of my students are familiar with technology at home, but using it as a learning tool in the classroom is a completely different experience. The iPad allows students to document their observations, take photos of what they see under the microscope, and research scientific concepts in real time. Instead of just reading about cells or organisms, they can actually observe them, capture images, and discuss their findings. This has helped students develop critical thinking skills and a deeper understanding of scientific processes. What excites students the most is the ability to explore the microscopic world up close. Seeing tiny details—like the structure of a leaf or microorganisms in water—sparks curiosity and leads to lots of questions and discussions. The combination of hands-on tools and digital technology makes science feel real and accessible.\r\n\r\nSeveral students who were previously less engaged in science have really come alive during these activities. For example, some of my quieter students have become more confident by sharing their observations through photos and presentations on the iPad. Others who struggled with traditional learning methods are thriving because they can now learn by doing and exploring. Your support has truly opened up a new world for my students, making science exciting, interactive, and inspiring. Thank you for helping us bring learning to life!","fullyFundedDate":1769107312501,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-science-focus/10045184/","projectTitle":"Hands on Science Focus","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Lezama","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9272822"},{"teacherId":9476132,"projectId":10018775,"letterContent":"I am thrilled to report that the flexible seating project you supported has given us incredible results. My students have met the arrival of these items with pure excitement and have immediately begun exploring the best ways to support their own learning.\r\n\r\nFrom collaborative group read-alouds to quiet time on the new sofa, these options have significantly increased classroom engagement. The new rug has become a central hub for focused work (and stretching!), while the sensory wall provides essential tactile engagement. By providing these choices, you have helped my students take ownership of their educational journey. \r\n\r\nWe are still looking to add a few more pieces to our collection, but the shift in classroom culture is already palpable. \r\n\r\nThank you for your kindness and for helping us foster a community of lifelong learners.","fullyFundedDate":1768575427111,"projectUrl":"project/flexible-engagement/10018775/","projectTitle":"Flexible Engagement","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cary","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9476132_orig.jpg?crop=2861,2861,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1709577242119","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9476132"},{"teacherId":10412568,"projectId":10041346,"letterContent":"My students and I are using the new violin cases every day to keep our instruments safe and protected, ensuring they can be played for many years to come and passed down to future students. Having reliable cases has already made a big difference in how students care for their instruments, both in and out of the classroom. When the cases first arrived, the excitement was immediate, students couldn't wait to place their violins inside and start using them. It gave them a stronger sense of pride and responsibility, knowing they now have the tools to properly take care of something so important to our program.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we are continuing to build on that excitement by focusing on improving our performance skills and preparing for upcoming events. With their instruments safely stored and easily transportable, students are able to practice more consistently and confidently. Our next steps include refining our current repertoire, working on ensemble cohesion, and developing stronger technique so we can perform at a higher level. These new resources are helping create a more focused and motivated learning environment, and we are incredibly grateful for the support that made this possible.","fullyFundedDate":1768788053770,"projectUrl":"project/learning-through-music/10041346/","projectTitle":"Learning Through Music","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Gonzalez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10412568"},{"teacherId":3675176,"projectId":10036483,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for your incredible generosity in providing our 6th-grade classroom with new headphones and yoga ball chairs. Your support has transformed our daily learning environment in ways that are both immediate and profound.\r\n\r\nIn a modern middle school classroom, personalized learning is essential. Before your gift, our students struggled to focus on digital assignments due to the ambient noise of a busy room. The new headphones have provided them with the \"quiet space\" they need to engage deeply with educational videos, language programs, and interactive math labs. It has significantly boosted their concentration and allowed for a much more streamlined, focused instructional block.\r\n\r\nFurthermore, the introduction of yoga balls as flexible seating has been a total game-changer for student engagement. At this age, students have a lot of natural energy. The ability to subtly move and core-balance while working helps them channel that energy into their tasks rather than into distractions. I have noticed a marked increase in the length of time students stay \"on task\" during independent writing and reading periods.\r\n\r\nMy students enjoyed the new resources. They commented on how cool the headphones were. They also, enjoyed the new yoga balls. They loved the fact that they have options in my classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1768782293371,"projectUrl":"project/headphones-and-yogaballs/10036483/","projectTitle":"Headphones and Yogaballs","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ramirez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3675176_orig.png?crop=400,400,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1621347579671","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3675176"},{"teacherId":3118750,"projectId":10015928,"letterContent":"Our students have been using a Meta Quest VR system to design and plan large-scale murals for our school campus, and the impact has been incredible. While many of our donors may be familiar with VR for gaming or entertainment, in our classroom, it's become a powerful creative and educational tool. Instead of working only on paper, students can step inside a virtual space where they sketch, scale, and experiment with mural designs as if they were already on the wall. This helps them better understand proportions, perspective, and collaboration in ways that traditional methods simply can't match. It also allows them to revise ideas quickly without wasting materials, encouraging more risk-taking and creativity.\r\n\r\nWhat excites students most about this technology is the immersive experience. They're not just drawing, they're inside their artwork, where they can visualize it at a large scale. This has made the artistic process feel more like a professional design experience, giving students a sense of ownership and pride in their work. For many, it's the first time they've seen how technology can be used not just for gaming, but for creating something meaningful and lasting in their own community.\r\n\r\nI have seen particularly strong engagement among students willing to learn a new technique beyond traditional art methods. Some who struggle with confidence in drawing larger have really thrived in VR, where the environment feels more flexible and less intimidating. Others who are interested in technology have become more invested in art through this crossover. Overall, this project has helped a wide range of students discover new strengths, collaborate more effectively, and feel proud of contributing to something visible and lasting on our campus.","fullyFundedDate":1768498444693,"projectUrl":"project/steam-vr-murals/10015928/","projectTitle":"S.T.E.A.M VR Murals","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Garcia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3118750_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1538072430187","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/art602"},{"teacherId":10411963,"projectId":10039642,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our project, \"With Laptop and 3D Printer, We Bring Ideas to Life!\", has transformed the way my students experience learning in our Design and Modeling class.\r\n\r\nBefore receiving these tools, my students approached problem-solving in a very limited way. They relied heavily on imagination and sketches, which are valuable skills, but often left them wondering if their ideas would truly work in the real world. There was always a gap between concept and reality—a missing step that made innovation feel distant and, at times, discouraging.\r\n\r\nNow, that gap has been bridged.\r\n\r\nWith access to laptops and a 3D printer, students are no longer confined to paper. They design, revise, and then bring their ideas into the physical world. I vividly remember one group working on a prototype for a simple device. At first, their design existed only as a rough sketch. But once they modeled it digitally and printed it, their excitement was immediate and contagious. They held their idea in their hands—something that once only lived in their imagination—and began eagerly discussing how to improve it. They asked deeper questions, made thoughtful revisions, and took true ownership of their learning.\r\n\r\nThis shift has been remarkable. Students are more motivated, more engaged, and far more willing to take intellectual risks. They collaborate more naturally, problem-solve with persistence, and take pride in their finished products. What was once \"just an idea\" becomes something real—something they can test, improve, and celebrate.\r\n\r\nPerhaps most importantly, they now see themselves as creators and innovators. The confidence they gain from turning their thoughts into tangible outcomes is something that will stay with them far beyond this classroom.\r\n\r\nYour support has not just provided tools—it has opened doors. It has allowed students to experience the full journey of innovation, from imagination to creation. For that, I am deeply grateful.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students and in the power of hands-on learning.","fullyFundedDate":1768770891717,"projectUrl":"project/with-laptop-and-3d-printer-we-bring-ide/10039642/","projectTitle":"With Laptop and 3D Printer, We Bring Ideas to Life!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Sanchez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10411963"},{"teacherId":7813818,"projectId":10043099,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my project, Confidence, Comfort, and Care for WIDA ACCESS Test Takers. Because of your generosity, my students were able to walk into their testing environment feeling prepared, supported, and valued. The study carrels and privacy boards created a focused, distraction-free space where students could truly concentrate, while the headphones allowed them to fully engage with the listening components of the assessment. When students first saw the materials, they were excited and curious—many shared that they felt like their testing space was \"special\" and designed just for them, which helped ease their nerves and build confidence.\r\n\r\nBeyond testing, these resources allowed me to create a more supportive and encouraging classroom experience. The small rewards, fidgets, and comfort items helped motivate students and celebrate their hard work, reinforcing a positive mindset during a challenging time. I was able to focus not just on test preparation, but also on student well-being—ensuring they felt calm, cared for, and ready to do their best. Your kindness made it possible to turn what can often be a stressful experience into one where students felt confident, comfortable, and proud of themselves. Thank you for making such a meaningful impact on their learning and confidence.","fullyFundedDate":1768949058825,"projectUrl":"project/confidence-comfort-and-care-for-wida-a/10043099/","projectTitle":"Confidence, Comfort, and Care for Wida Access Test Takers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Desmond","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7813818_orig.jpg?crop=1196,1196,x32,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753113310479","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7813818"},{"teacherId":8193572,"projectId":10046352,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my students have been able to engage with learning in a whole new way. We've been using the new resources daily, and they've already made a noticeable difference in both participation and excitement. One moment that really stood out was during a recent lesson when students who are usually quiet were eager to jump in, ask questions, and fully participate. It created an environment where everyone felt included and confident, which is exactly what every teacher hopes for.\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, the students were genuinely excited—they couldn't wait to explore and start using them. There was a buzz in the room that lasted well beyond that first day. Seeing their faces light up reminded me how powerful it is to have the right tools in the classroom. It not only supports their learning but also builds motivation and curiosity.\r\nAs we move forward, we're continuing to build on this momentum with more hands-on activities and collaborative projects. These resources are helping students take ownership of their learning and think more creatively. Because of your support, my classroom has become a more engaging, inspiring place, and I'm so grateful for the opportunities you've provided for my students.","fullyFundedDate":1769137679697,"projectUrl":"project/a-calm-classroom-for-creative-writers/10046352/","projectTitle":"A Calm Classroom for Creative Writers","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kovacs","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8193572"},{"teacherId":7813818,"projectId":9694843,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom now has the supplies needed to create a clean, organized, and welcoming learning environment. My students immediately noticed the difference when the materials arrived. They were excited to take part in cleaning and organizing our space. Many students proudly volunteered to help clean up areas that keep our classroom tidy and ready for learning.\r\n\r\nWe now use these resources as part of our daily routines. Students take responsibility for maintaining our classroom by helping with simple organization and clean-up tasks that keep our learning areas safe and clutter-free. This has created a calmer environment where students can focus more on their lessons. It has also helped them develop important life skills like responsibility, teamwork, and respect for shared spaces.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, students will continue using these materials as part of our classroom routines while we focus on collaborative learning activities and projects. Having a clean and organized environment helps them stay focused during lessons, discussions, and group work. Your support has not only sanitized our classroom space, but it has also empowered students to take pride in their learning environment and work together to keep it a place where everyone can succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1767149198793,"projectUrl":"project/organized-clean-and-ready-to-learn/9694843/","projectTitle":"Organized, Clean, and Ready to Learn!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Desmond","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7813818_orig.jpg?crop=1196,1196,x32,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753113310479","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7813818"},{"teacherId":7392388,"projectId":9717124,"letterContent":"Students can create merchandise for the school and community. Students are creating items and learning how to market items as a business. Students are excited about the engineering processes they can access by using the equipment. Without the equipment, students would not be able to explore STEM-related career paths. Dreams have become reality with the equipment provided to the students. Students take pride in and take ownership of the items they make by hand and share with the school and community.","fullyFundedDate":1763581279373,"projectUrl":"project/stem-crafty-tigers/9717124/","projectTitle":"STEM Crafty Tigers","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dupree's STEM Journey","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7392388_orig.jpg?crop=1960,1960,x806,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1641575505742","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7392388"},{"teacherId":10402338,"projectId":10010457,"letterContent":"Thank you sincerely for your generous support and thoughtful consideration. I am truly grateful for your willingness to invest in my classroom and in the educational success of my students.\r\n\r\nYour support has a meaningful and lasting impact on the learning environment, allowing me to better meet the diverse academic, behavioral, and emotional needs of the students I serve. These resources will help create a classroom that is inclusive, supportive, and responsive, ensuring that every student has equitable access to learning and the opportunity to reach their full potential.\r\n\r\nI deeply appreciate your commitment to education and your dedication to supporting both students and educators. Your generosity reflects a genuine investment in the future of our students and the community as a whole. Thank you again for your time, support, and continued commitment to student success.\r\n\r\nPlease accept my sincere gratitude.","fullyFundedDate":1768318651873,"projectUrl":"project/first-year-special-education-teacher/10010457/","projectTitle":"First Year Special Education Teacher","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Pare","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10402338"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_82929","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":866,"numTeachers":51,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":14,"percentWhite":1,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":81,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"17.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":43.0,"schoolId":82929,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Von Tobel Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Von Tobel Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/nevada/clark-county-school-district/ed-von-tobel-middle-school/82929"}