{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Mack Lyon Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":35.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9284021,"projectId":10573779,"letterContent":"When the packages with our wiggle chairs and motivational treats arrived, my 7th graders instantly buzzed with excitement. Opening the boxes felt like a mini-holiday in our classroom; their eyes lit up as soon as they realized we chose these resources specifically to support their learning. The wiggle chairs immediately became the most coveted seats in the room, with students eagerly taking turns to try them out. Having these flexible seating options has completely transformed our daily environment, allowing students who struggle with restless energy to move subtly while keeping their eyes and minds fully engaged on their work.\r\n\r\nWe are actively integrating these materials into our daily routines to build momentum and maintain focus during complex tasks. The candy provides an incentive as students work on their ELA assignments. Thank you for investing in our room and helping my middle schoolers thrive every single day!","fullyFundedDate":1788552756916,"projectUrl":"project/wiggle-room/10573779/","projectTitle":"Wiggle Room","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Mortensen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9284021"},{"teacherId":10408939,"projectId":10566736,"letterContent":"The new resources have already made a big difference in our science classroom. My students have been able to use them during hands-on activities and investigations that help bring the concepts we are learning to life. Instead of only reading about science or looking at diagrams, students are able to interact with materials, test ideas, and see the results for themselves. These experiences have helped make our lessons more engaging and have given students another way to understand difficult concepts.\r\n\r\nThe students were genuinely excited when the materials arrived. Any time they see new equipment or supplies being brought out, they immediately want to know what we are doing that day. It has been great to see students who may not always be excited about traditional classwork become much more involved when they have an opportunity to investigate something themselves.\r\n\r\nAs we continue through the school year, we will keep using these resources during labs, demonstrations, and other hands-on activities throughout our science units. My goal is to give students as many opportunities as possible to experience science rather than simply read about it. Thank you for helping provide my students with resources that make those experiences possible.","fullyFundedDate":1788637966904,"projectUrl":"project/experiment-explore-discover/10566736/","projectTitle":"Experiment, Explore, Discover!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Groll","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10408939"},{"teacherId":9435040,"projectId":10234744,"letterContent":"Transforming a classroom into a vibrant hub of literacy requires more than just telling students that reading is important—it requires creating an environment that invites them into the experience. Thanks to the generosity of Donors Choose, my classroom underwent a remarkable evolution this year. The addition of a rotating bookshelf, a record player, and a curated collection of grade-level books has fundamentally shifted how my students engage with literature, turning silent reading time into the absolute highlight of our day.\r\n\r\nThe visual impact of the new materials was immediate. Before the project was funded, books were stored in traditional, flat shelves where only the spines were visible. The new rotating bookshelf changed everything. Displayed dynamically at eye level, the books are now easily accessible, enticing, and interactive. Students love physically spinning the tower to explore different genres, topics, and authors. This simple physical interaction has given them a newfound sense of ownership over their choices. Instead of passively accepting a pre-assigned text, my students are actively browsing, discovering, and selecting stories that spark their genuine curiosity.\r\n\r\nTo complement this newly accessible library, the addition of a rich selection of grade-level books ensured that every reader found a home in our collection. Having diverse, appealing, and age-appropriate options means that both reluctant readers and advanced bookworms find titles that meet them right at their skill and interest levels. The frustration of hunting for \"just right\" books has been replaced by the excitement of a growing wish list.\r\n\r\nPerhaps the most magical element of this transformation, however, has been the record player. By playing low-fidelity beats, classical compositions, or gentle instrumental music while the needle spins, our classroom atmosphere instantly shifts into a cozy, focused sanctuary. The record player adds a tactile, nostalgic charm that sets a peaceful tone for the room. It acts as an auditory cue that tells their minds it is time to unwind, focus, and get lost in a story.\r\n\r\nTogether, these resources have elevated our independent reading block. Silent reading time is no longer viewed as a quiet requirement or a chore to endure. My students genuinely look forward to it. The moment our reading block approaches, there is a tangible buzz of anticipation as students spin the book tower to grab their chosen title and settle into their spots while the music plays.\r\n\r\nThe lasting impact of this Donors Choose project reaches far beyond improved reading comprehension and expanded vocabularies. The true achievement is that my students are developing a genuine love for reading and learning to view books as a source of comfort, joy, and adventure. By providing them with agency, rich choices, and an inviting atmosphere, this project has helped lay the foundation for a lifetime of literacy.","fullyFundedDate":1785459083925,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-library/10234744/","projectTitle":"Classroom Library","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Thompson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9435040"},{"teacherId":9354684,"projectId":10000366,"letterContent":"I am extremely grateful for your generous donation to my 6th grade ELA classroom by allowing us to purchase a variety of novels. I have never in all my years of teaching, had so many students take an interest in reading and checking out the novels that we bought. It has made a world of difference in my classes. My sincerest thanks for being so kind and generous. The students have not had the desire to be on their technology as much now that we have a classroom full of novels of all genres. This has honestly been lifechanging in my teaching career! Thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1768175685387,"projectUrl":"project/building-readers/10000366/","projectTitle":"Building Readers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Heiselbetz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9354684_orig.jpg?crop=322,322,x4,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1744255250191","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9354684"},{"teacherId":9435040,"projectId":10027945,"letterContent":"My students absolutely love using these floor chairs for reading. Our classroom has definitely been a place to enjoy reading. My students are asking to read more due to these floor chairs. Also, they have enjoyed the Scholastic readers. When they just have a few minutes to spare they quickly grab one to read through. The games they play not only enhance their reading skills but help the students to work together as a group.\r\n\r\nThank you so much for helping my students achieve their reading goals, as well as help them enjoy reading.","fullyFundedDate":1768681369007,"projectUrl":"project/thompsons-reading-center/10027945/","projectTitle":"Thompson's Reading Center","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Thompson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9435040"},{"teacherId":9347468,"projectId":10032923,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for your generous support of our 6th grade ELA classroom. Your donation has made a meaningful difference in the learning experience of my students.\r\n\r\nBecause of your contribution, my students now have access to engaging materials that support reading comprehension, vocabulary development, and critical thinking. These resources have helped create a more interactive and supportive learning environment where students feel motivated to participate and grow as readers and writers.\r\n\r\nI have already seen an increase in student engagement and confidence, especially among those who previously struggled. Your kindness has directly contributed to their academic progress and enthusiasm for learning.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in my students and helping make our classroom a place where all learners can succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1768755614214,"projectUrl":"project/escape-to-ela/10032923/","projectTitle":"Escape to ELA","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Newsom","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9347468_orig.jpg?crop=1126,1126,x0,y56&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753137585680","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9347468"},{"teacherId":10408218,"projectId":10031847,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, \"The Motivator.\" Your generosity made a meaningful difference in our classroom, and I'm excited to share the impact you've had on my students.\r\n\r\nWith the supplies you provided—large graph paper, markers, and pens—students were able to engage in a hands-on, Minecraft-themed math project focused on finding area and volume. This creative approach brought math to life in a way that truly resonated with them. Students were excited to design and build their own creations while applying important math concepts, and their understanding deepened through this interactive experience.\r\n\r\nIn addition, the snacks and prizes you donated served as powerful motivators. These incentives encouraged students to stay focused, complete their work, and actively participate in lessons. I saw a noticeable increase in engagement, effort, and overall enthusiasm for learning. Students who were previously hesitant became more involved, and the classroom environment became more positive and energized.\r\n\r\nBecause of your kindness, learning became both fun and meaningful. My students not only strengthened their math skills, but they also developed greater confidence and motivation.\r\n\r\nThank you again for believing in my students and investing in their success. Your support truly made a difference.","fullyFundedDate":1768701506301,"projectUrl":"project/the-motivator/10031847/","projectTitle":"The Motivator","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wolfley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10408218_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1787062679819","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10408218"},{"teacherId":8131625,"projectId":10022636,"letterContent":"Your generous donations have made a meaningful impact in our classroom by providing materials that support both learning and organization. Students were genuinely excited to receive the extra incentives, which helped build motivation and positive classroom energy. The stress balls quickly became a favorite tool. Students used them to manage fidgeting and stay focused during lessons and independent work time. Having this simple outlet helped many students regulate their energy without disrupting instruction.\r\n\r\nThe mechanical pencils were also a very welcome addition. Students appreciated having reliable writing tools, and it eliminated the frequent need to stop learning time to sharpen pencils. They allowed students to stay engaged and prepared throughout the class period. In addition, the magnetic file folders have greatly improved classroom organization, making it easy to keep materials visible, accessible, and neatly arranged on the board. Overall, these resources have helped create a more focused, organized, and positive learning environment for students.","fullyFundedDate":1768706456538,"projectUrl":"project/a-positively-inviting-classroom/10022636/","projectTitle":"A Positively Inviting Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Evans","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8131625_orig.jpg?crop=1048,1048,x917,y655&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1669953404976","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8131625"},{"teacherId":10408197,"projectId":10031786,"letterContent":"Thanks to your incredible generosity, our classroom is buzzing with creativity and purpose! Because of you, my students now have five brand-new sewing machines, and they are already putting them to amazing use.\r\n\r\nWe are currently using the machines to create handmade aprons as part of a practical life skills and entrepreneurship unit. Students began by learning how to measure fabric, read simple patterns, and safely operate the machines. One of my favorite classroom moments happened when a student who is usually hesitant about trying new things successfully stitched her first straight seam. She looked up with the biggest smile and said, \"I made this! Can I take it home when it is done, so I can give it to my mom?\" That sense of accomplishment was priceless.\r\n\r\nWhen the sewing machines first arrived, the room filled with excitement. Students gathered around the boxes, full of curiosity and questions. Many had never seen or used a sewing machine before. The first time they pressed the foot pedal and watched their fabric move under the needle, there were excited to get started. They immediately began talking about things they want to make next—pillows, tote bags, gifts for family members, and even clothing.\r\n\r\nThese sewing machines are doing so much more than helping us make aprons. Sewing teaches patience, focus, problem-solving, and perseverance. Students are learning how to follow multi-step directions, correct mistakes, and pay attention to detail. They're also building real-world skills that can benefit them in the future—whether that's repairing their own clothes, creating handmade items to sell, exploring careers in fashion or design, or simply gaining confidence in their ability to learn something new.\r\n\r\nOur next steps include finishing the aprons and hosting a small classroom showcase where students can model or display their finished work. After that, we plan to begin a project designing simple tote bags. Students will sketch their ideas first, calculate fabric measurements, and create a basic budget to understand production costs. This will connect sewing with math, art, and financial literacy.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, my students are not just learning how to sew—they are discovering that they are capable, creative, and resourceful. Your support has given them tools that will serve them for years to come. Thank you for investing in their confidence and their future.","fullyFundedDate":1769034193420,"projectUrl":"project/sew-the-fun-begins/10031786/","projectTitle":"Sew - The Fun Begins","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Blackwell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10408197"},{"teacherId":10408837,"projectId":10033340,"letterContent":"Thank you gain for your generous donation of calculators and mini whiteboards to my 8th grade math classroom. Your support is making a meaningful difference in my students' daily learning experiences.\r\n\r\nThe calculators have given students the ability to focus on the concepts and procedures of the algebra concepts being studied without having to worry about making simple arithmetic mistakes. Not every student would have been able to provide their own calculator for classroom use and the calculators would not all have functioned the same way. With the class set of calculators I can demonstrate how to use the calculator for a particular function and it will work the same way for every student.\r\n\r\nThe whiteboards have been especially impactful. Students are demonstrating a greater willingness to show their work, take academic risks, and attempt multi-step problems when they know they can revise their thinking efficiently and make adjustments as needed. The ability to quickly correct mistakes and refine strategies has fostered greater confidence and perseverance in problem-solving and allows me to provide more immediate feedback.\r\n\r\nTogether, these tools have helped create a more interactive, collaborative, and supportive math environment. Thank you for investing in my students and their success in math.","fullyFundedDate":1768738563895,"projectUrl":"project/show-me-your-thinking/10033340/","projectTitle":"Show Me Your Thinking!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Adams","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10408837"},{"teacherId":10404650,"projectId":10022781,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your donations. These games and bean bags have added wonderful incentive time for my students!!! Each student that earns the opportunity to use the game/reading center has really enjoyed it. All of the items received have added such an amazing feeling to this area. My students are extremely excited to earn the right to use these incentives.\r\n\r\nEvery week my students work towards earning the right to participate in activities that come from the game/reading center. I have been working on this center for a few years and now it is almost complete! I thank you and my students thank you with all of our hearts!","fullyFundedDate":1769546019086,"projectUrl":"project/reading-center/10022781/","projectTitle":"Reading Center","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Chappell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10404650_orig.jpg?crop=833,833,x0,y77&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1788300927787","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10404650"},{"teacherId":9284021,"projectId":10020710,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for your incredible generosity in funding our classroom project. The arrival of the bean bag chair, the Chromebook charging station, and my new teacher chair has made a world of difference in our daily learning environment.\r\n\r\nThe students were absolutely thrilled when the boxes arrived. The bean bag has been added to two other bean bags and has added a fresh take on the \"Reading Nook\". The students look forward to their turn on the bean bag. Seeing a student who usually struggles to focus settle into that bean bag and get lost in a novel is a testament to the power of a comfortable learning space.\r\n\r\nThe Chromebook charging station has been a total game-changer for our classroom management. We no longer have to deal with the \"dead battery\" dilemma during our Literary Analysis assignments or IXL practice. It has taught the students a great deal about organization and responsibility as they manage their tech daily.\r\n\r\nOn a personal note, thank you for the teacher chair. Having a supportive and functional space to grade essays and plan lessons allows me to focus my energy where it belongs—on my students. A fun side note to this chair is that I had students wanting to put it together for me. They had a great time working together and reading the instructions. \r\n\r\nYour support reminds my students that there is a whole community of people rooting for their success. Thank you for investing in their education and our classroom culture.","fullyFundedDate":1768614596221,"projectUrl":"project/updated-furniture/10020710/","projectTitle":"Updated Furniture","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Mortensen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9284021"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_59924","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":427,"numTeachers":26,"percentFrplEligible":79,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":76,"percentIndigenous":2,"percentLatinx":16,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":2,"gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"16.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"RURAL","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_REMOTE"},"inStateSupporters":64.7,"schoolId":59924,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Mack Lyon Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Mack Lyon Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/nevada/clark-county-school-district/mack-lyon-middle-school/59924"}