{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Mike O'Callaghan Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":56.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":6978765,"projectId":9997479,"letterContent":"The donation made a meaningful difference by allowing students to engage in hands-on, project-based learning rather than relying solely on textbooks or lectures. With access to quality materials, students were able to design and build models representing natural disasters such as volcanoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes. This tangible approach helped deepen their understanding of scientific concepts, as they could physically see how these phenomena work and interact. It also made learning more memorable and exciting, increasing overall student interest in science.\r\n\r\nIn addition to strengthening academic understanding, the project fostered important critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Students had to plan their models, make decisions about materials, and troubleshoot challenges as they built their designs. This process encouraged creativity and innovation, as each student or group approached their project in unique ways. The availability of donated supplies ensured that all students, regardless of personal resources, could fully participate and take pride in their work.\r\n\r\nFinally, the experience supported collaboration and confidence-building in the classroom. Many students worked in teams, learning how to communicate ideas, divide responsibilities, and support one another to complete a shared goal. Presenting their finished models also gave them an opportunity to practice public speaking and explain scientific concepts in their own words. Overall, the donation helped create an inclusive, engaging learning environment where students could actively explore science and develop skills that extend beyond the classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1768151784184,"projectUrl":"project/class-material-and-reinforcers/9997479/","projectTitle":"Class Material and Reinforcers","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Molina","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6978765"},{"teacherId":6624724,"projectId":10014882,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting the O'Callaghan MS Music Production Program. With these microphones, students have been able to create songs using their own voices. The microphones have expanded the curriculum from creating instrumental songs to creating personalized songs with student input.\r\nThe Yeti Orb was the last item to arrive at school however that has easily become the most popular microphone students want to use. The ease of plugging in the microphone to the computer has allowed every student to record their voice in various projects. The Wireless Lavalier Microphone has encouraged students to start creating their own podcasts!\r\nThank you for all of your assistance, your donations have greatly helped grow and improve the Music Production program.","fullyFundedDate":1768704764359,"projectUrl":"project/recording-student-memories/10014882/","projectTitle":"Recording Student Memories","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kellum","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6624724_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y92&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1603989963399","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-kellum"},{"teacherId":6620104,"projectId":10000243,"letterContent":"We are excited to share that our science program has recently received a generous donation of new headphones and laboratory chemicals. These resources are already making a meaningful difference in our classroom. The headphones are being used to support interactive learning, allowing students to engage with science videos, simulations, and individualized digital activities without distractions. This has helped create a more focused environment where students can learn at their own pace and better understand complex concepts.\r\n\r\nIn addition, the new chemicals have expanded our ability to provide hands-on laboratory experiences. Students are now able to safely conduct a wider range of experiments that bring science concepts to life. These materials allow us to move beyond textbooks and give students the opportunity to observe reactions, collect data, and think critically like real scientists.\r\n\r\nWe are incredibly grateful for the support of our donors. Their contributions are helping us create a more engaging, interactive, and meaningful science experience for all students.\r\n\r\nSincerely,\r\nMr. Gundlach","fullyFundedDate":1768504797771,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-stem-learning-in-our-classroom/10000243/","projectTitle":"Hands-On STEM Learning in Our Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Gundlach","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6620104"},{"teacherId":7236209,"projectId":9994117,"letterContent":"I am in awe of the continued support we receive for these students. They deserve the best learning environment to enhance their learning and make them feel comfortable.\r\n\r\nWe are so grateful for everything that you have donated over the years and continue to send our way. \r\n\r\nAs the students' faces light up with ecitement, students comment on how some headphones FINALLY fit them well, etc., it reminds me how important these seemingly little additions are. \r\n\r\nMaslow's hierarchy of needs is always at the forefront of my mind, and I am filled with gratitude for all you do to help me meet those needs.","fullyFundedDate":1768527097089,"projectUrl":"project/sound-ideas-and-sharp-thinking/9994117/","projectTitle":"Sound Ideas and Sharp Thinking","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Miyagawa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7236209_orig.jpg?crop=1384,1384,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1650492583247","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7236209"},{"teacherId":9373009,"projectId":10012080,"letterContent":"My classroom community is so incredibly thankful for the supplies that have allowed us to be so successful this school year. Some of these things are simple supplies we use on a daily basis like the pencils and markers. These tools that provide stability in learning by simply being present and available in the classroom. Having to share supplies can cause a serious slow down in student ability to complete an assignment. When we need specific colors for an assignment there has not been any need to share as we have enough for the whole class to use at the same time. Headphones have also been really nice to provide for students who do not carry their own. These things are just the beginning however. \r\n PBL or project based learning is a huge push for many educators and we do a lot of these types of assignments in which students have to engineer and build. The hot glue devices and sticks have increased the amount of hot glue stations that can be set up. With more stations, more students can be utilizing materials at the same time. This has allowed my students to have the necessary tools to build even better projects. We have also utilized the organizer to make all materials and tools easier to access during project builds.\r\n Without the support of generous donors, so much of what was provided would end up coming out of my own pocket to make my classroom the incredible space it is. My students have what they need to learn every day and part of that is certainly thanks to the incredible donors who fund projects like mine. I am so thankful that we have tools like Donors Choose to create and fund classrooms and make them into spaces that help make school feel a little more like home. I hope my students are always equipped for the day, but even if they aren't — I know I have what they need and my donors are definitely the people who need to be thanked for that.","fullyFundedDate":1768615365686,"projectUrl":"project/science-classroom-essentials/10012080/","projectTitle":"Science Classroom Essentials","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Berkowitz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9373009"},{"teacherId":9373022,"projectId":10001458,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, my students were able to take on a hands-on bridge building project that turned abstract science ideas into something real they could see and test. Many of my students had never built anything like this before, so this was a completely new experience. Using the materials you provided, they designed and constructed bridges while applying concepts like force, load, and structural strength. One moment that stood out was when students began testing their bridges—watching carefully as weight was added, cheering when designs held, and quickly going back to improve them when they didn't. That cycle of testing and redesign became real learning in action.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials were first introduced, there was a mix of excitement and uncertainty. Some students weren't sure where to start because they had never had the chance to build something with their own hands. Very quickly, that hesitation turned into curiosity and determination. Students began collaborating, sharing ideas, and taking pride in their designs. It was powerful to see students who don't always shine in traditional academic settings step up and succeed through problem-solving and creativity.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, we are building on this experience by having students refine their designs and apply what they learned to future engineering challenges. They are beginning to think more like engineers—planning, testing, and improving rather than giving up when something doesn't work the first time. Your support didn't just provide materials; it gave my students confidence and a new way to engage with learning. For many of them, this was the first time they truly felt like creators.\r\n\r\nThank you for making this experience possible.","fullyFundedDate":1768662317126,"projectUrl":"project/exploring-stem-concepts-through-bridge-d/10001458/","projectTitle":"Exploring STEM Concepts Through Bridge Design","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Waters","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9373022"},{"teacherId":8142052,"projectId":9993838,"letterContent":"Thanks to this project, my students were able to experience science in a way that goes far beyond a textbook. The spectrograph transformed abstract concepts about light, energy, and atomic structure into something tangible and exciting. Instead of simply learning that elements emit specific wavelengths of light, students were able to observe emission spectra firsthand and make real connections to the content.\r\n\r\nThis hands-on experience significantly increased student engagement. Many of my students, who typically struggle to stay focused during traditional instruction, were actively participating, asking questions, and making predictions. The spectrograph sparked curiosity and encouraged a deeper level of inquiry as students compared different light sources and analyzed the unique spectral patterns they observed.\r\n\r\nAcademically, students demonstrated improved understanding of key concepts related to electromagnetic radiation and atomic theory. They were better able to explain how energy levels in atoms relate to the light we see and could apply this knowledge in both class discussions and assessments. The ability to see real data made the learning more meaningful and helped solidify concepts that are often difficult to grasp.\r\n\r\nBeyond content knowledge, this project also helped students build important scientific skills such as observation, data analysis, and critical thinking. They practiced thinking like scientists—forming hypotheses, testing ideas, and drawing conclusions based on evidence.\r\n\r\nOverall, the spectrograph has had a lasting impact on my classroom by increasing engagement, deepening understanding, and fostering a genuine excitement for science. My students now see science not just as something to memorize, but as something to explore and experience firsthand.","fullyFundedDate":1768110905472,"projectUrl":"project/making-waves/9993838/","projectTitle":"Making Waves","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Kofford","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8142052"},{"teacherId":7753873,"projectId":9992256,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous contribution to our hydroponic garden project. Because of your support, our middle school students have been able to experience hands-on learning that brings science, sustainability, and nutrition to life in the classroom. Students have observed plant growth up close, explored concepts such as ecosystems and resource conservation, and developed a deeper understanding of how food can be grown in innovative ways. The garden has also sparked curiosity and collaboration, encouraging students to ask questions, experiment, and take ownership of the growing process. Many students have shared excitement about harvesting and tasting what they helped grow, making the experience both educational and memorable. \r\n\r\nIn addition, the step stool and swivel chair has made our classroom more accessible and the vacuum cleaner and humidifier helps us maintain a clean and healthy learning environment. \r\n\r\nYour generosity has helped create an engaging learning environment that will continue to inspire our students for years to come.\r\n\r\nWith gratitude,","fullyFundedDate":1768097104152,"projectUrl":"project/tools-for-learning-growth-and-accessib/9992256/","projectTitle":"Tools for Learning, Growth, and Accessibility","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. B","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7753873_orig.jpg?crop=864,864,x0,y161&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1767889991298","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7753873"},{"teacherId":9720605,"projectId":9998021,"letterContent":"We're incredibly grateful for your support of \"The Write Way: ELA Organization and Inspiration.\" Your generosity has provided new resources that are transforming how our students plan, draft, and revise their writing, and you've given them a clearer path to confident communication. When the materials arrived, the room lit up, students explored the organizers and brightened prompts with enthusiasm, immediately diving into a hands-on mini-lesson on idea maps and revision checklists. Next, we're moving into a collaborative writing project where students craft short narratives using the new organizational tools, peer-critique with guided feedback, and a final publish-and-share moment that highlights each student's growth.","fullyFundedDate":1769084938444,"projectUrl":"project/the-write-way-ela-organization-and-insp/9998021/","projectTitle":"The Write Way: ELA Organization and Inspiration","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cortez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9720605_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y362&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1752783739139","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9720605"},{"teacherId":8121498,"projectId":9992674,"letterContent":"Thank you for all the help and support! My students were very surprised and excited for the packages showing up to the classroom. We are always in need of basic supplies! The pencils and notebooks really help when it comes to math! We take notes almost everyday.\r\n\r\nThe candy and fridge/microwave is a great support for incentives for students to do their work and earning prizes. They are really motivated to work hard to earn them. Also a lot of students don't eat the school lunch, so being able to provide snacks for them is a huge help.","fullyFundedDate":1768233767955,"projectUrl":"project/help-make-math-fun/9992674/","projectTitle":"Help Make Math Fun!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Latta","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8121498"},{"teacherId":9375601,"projectId":8053565,"letterContent":"My students saw the new materials and couldn't wait to start using them. I had to remind them that project research comes first, but the materials available just made them want to start working. If you know anything about middle school students, motivation is one of the most difficult things. \r\n\r\nThe students were quick to choose a problem in Nevada, research the problem, and then come up with ways to solve the problem. They diligently wrote their essays, and then were more than excited to present their findings using all the materials available to them. Some students commented that they hadn't ever seen or used these materials such as the laminator. \r\n\r\nThe materials made them feel as if their research into the solutions of the problems mattered, and the presenting of their findings mattered. Seeing the pride on the students faces was truly priceless.","fullyFundedDate":1700512693980,"projectUrl":"project/minds-in-motion-cultivating-creativity/8053565/","projectTitle":"Minds in Motion: Cultivating Creativity With Project Based Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ward","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9375601"},{"teacherId":1926652,"projectId":8057533,"letterContent":"My students have thoroughly enjoyed the literary materials we received. Allowing a student's world to expand through quality literature is a gift. Some of these books have been read out loud to the entire class, and some of the students have waited turns to check them out and read them independently. When we read the books out loud together as a class, it lends itself to deep conversations and allows personal connections to be made. Having community conversations allows students access to perspectives they may not have thought about otherwise.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThank you so much for your kind donation.","fullyFundedDate":1701012231220,"projectUrl":"project/literature-lighthouse/8057533/","projectTitle":"Literature Lighthouse","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Long","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1926652_orig.png?crop=141,141,x0,y3&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1767894708610","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1926652"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_56246","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1419,"numTeachers":52,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":3,"percentBlack":4,"percentWhite":9,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":77,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"27.3:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_FRINGE"},"inStateSupporters":44.0,"schoolId":56246,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Mike O'Callaghan Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Mike O'Callaghan Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/nevada/clark-county-school-district/mike-o-callaghan-middle-school/56246"}