{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Victoria Fertitta Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":31.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":6258560,"projectId":9990362,"letterContent":"The introduction of SPIKE Prime has had a meaningful and lasting impact on STEM learning in my classroom. It has transformed the way students engage with concepts like coding, engineering, and problem-solving by making learning hands-on, interactive, and highly relevant. Instead of simply learning about these topics, students are actively designing, building, and programming their own solutions. This shift has increased student confidence and curiosity, allowing them to see themselves as capable innovators and critical thinkers.\r\n\r\nThrough SPIKE Prime, my students have developed essential skills such as collaboration, perseverance, and creativity. They work together to troubleshoot challenges, revise their designs, and celebrate both successes and failures as part of the learning process. The accessibility of the platform ensures that all learners, regardless of experience level, can participate and grow. It has created an inclusive environment where every student has the opportunity to succeed and feel proud of their accomplishments.\r\n\r\nI am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to bring SPIKE Prime into my classroom. Your support has provided my students with experiences that go beyond traditional learning and has inspired a deeper passion for STEM. Thank you for investing in tools that empower students to think critically, solve problems, and imagine new possibilities. The impact on their learning, confidence, and future aspirations is truly invaluable.","fullyFundedDate":1768064034047,"projectUrl":"project/full-steam-ahead-with-hands-on-learning/9990362/","projectTitle":"Full STEAM Ahead With Hands on Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Chalhoub","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6258560"},{"teacherId":8120293,"projectId":9989793,"letterContent":"We are incredibly grateful for your generous support of the Fertitta Middle School Garden Program. Your donations have made it possible for our students to experience hands-on learning in a living, outdoor classroom where they can explore science, sustainability, and teamwork. Because of you, our garden continues to grow as a space that inspires curiosity, responsibility, and a deeper connection to the environment.\r\n\r\nYour kindness has a lasting impact—not only on the garden itself, but on every student who plants, nurtures, and learns within it. We truly appreciate your commitment to enriching our school community and helping us cultivate both plants and young minds. Thank you for being such an important part of our program's success.","fullyFundedDate":1768191741667,"projectUrl":"project/future-firebird-leaders/9989793/","projectTitle":"Future Firebird Leaders!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. VanSchaik","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8120293_orig.jpg?crop=320,320,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1699025539774","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8120293"},{"teacherId":8377643,"projectId":9999379,"letterContent":"As you know public schools are losing funding. Electives courses are forced to fund raise for necessary supplies and equipment. \r\nWe are a successful string program at Victorua Fertitta Middle School. Every spring we have a performance full of popular tunes. The drum set brings so much more energy to these tunes. We also performed for our incoming elementary students and \"Uptown Funk\" with the was a huge hit with the drums. \r\nNot having to purchase the drum set ourselves allowed us to purchase new music for the spring concert so we don't have to repeat any music from the last two school years. \r\nHaving this drum set in our program will bring energy and fun to our concerts for years to come. This will impact hundreds and hundreds of students and their families. \r\nThank you so much for your donation.","fullyFundedDate":1768783391337,"projectUrl":"project/drumming-up-support-for-orchestra/9999379/","projectTitle":"DRUMming Up Support for Orchestra","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hekkert","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8377643_orig.jpg?crop=180,180,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768784690247","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/hekkert-orchestra"},{"teacherId":8168335,"projectId":9995528,"letterContent":"Thank you for all your support and helping our students be recognized for their hard work. They have been working throughout the year and it is nice to show the we appreciate their efforts and all they do on campus and off. We have added new ways to recognize students for all their work and dedication, which seems to be a big hit! Now through the end of the year, we are planning more award celebrations and raffles that will allow the students time to shine. Thank you again for your support and helping our students.","fullyFundedDate":1768403233671,"projectUrl":"project/empower-and-reward/9995528/","projectTitle":"Empower and Reward","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Simpson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8168335"},{"teacherId":8123361,"projectId":9990357,"letterContent":"This project gives my students a meaningful reason to engage with math in a hands-on, goal-driven way. Using the 3D printer as both a tool and an incentive, students stay focused and motivated as they work through problem-solving tasks to bring their designs to life.\r\n\r\nIn my 8th grade resource class, many students benefit from learning that feels active and purposeful. The opportunity to create a final product helps them push through challenges, think critically, and apply math in a more concrete way. Technology plays a key role in building both engagement and confidence.\r\n\r\nStudents take pride in what they create and are more willing to stick with difficult problems because they have a clear goal in mind. This project helps shift their mindset—math becomes something they can use and experience, not just complete.","fullyFundedDate":1768177553274,"projectUrl":"project/making-math-real-3d-printing-for-hands-/9990357/","projectTitle":"Making Math Real: 3D Printing for Hands-On Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. David Knapp","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8123361_orig.jpg?crop=269,269,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1741978684341","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8123361"},{"teacherId":8925720,"projectId":9989869,"letterContent":"We are so appreciative of your donation. My class has been using all their supplies in our classroom. I have been using the snacks for when students are hungry and need some energy. I have also used them as incentives and awards during review games and with answering correct questions. They have enjoyed them and are so excited to be able to have these items in my class. \r\nIn Health class we also teach about the importance of keeping our hands clean to remain healthy. My students have been using the hand sanitizer thoroughly. \r\nEveryday my students use their notebooks for warmup questions. It is such a great way for them to write down their thoughts and feelings for the day on the topic we are talking about.\r\nOverall, these items help create a class culture that we are proud of.","fullyFundedDate":1768070515343,"projectUrl":"project/snacks-on-snacks/9989869/","projectTitle":"Snacks on Snacks","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Topps","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8925720_orig.jpg?crop=2132,2132,x0,y270&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1679590233238","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mtopps"},{"teacherId":8119924,"projectId":9994240,"letterContent":"Your donations made an immediate impact in our classroom. When the students first saw the supplies, they were thrilled - especially for the colorful poster boards, the craft scissors and the gold cardstock. They were also very excited about the glue, markers, and other materials that they needed to bring their ideas to life. Having these resources available allowed them to fully dive into their projects and be creative with their presentations. \r\n\r\nWe use these materials while working on our National History Day (NHD) projects. Students created posters and visual displays as part of their research projects thanks to these supplies. They were able to present their work in a polished and engaging way.\r\n\r\nOur students recently competed at the southern Nevada regional competition for NHD, and many of them placed in the top three in their project categories. Because of this, they advanced to the next step: the state competition. We will find out in April if any of our students win at the state level. If they do, they will travel to Washington, D.C. this summer to represent Nevada at the national competition. \r\n\r\nNone of this would have been possible without your donations. Thank you so much for supporting our students and helping make this opportunity possible.","fullyFundedDate":1768801381224,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-history-to-life-supporting-our/9994240/","projectTitle":"Bringing History to Life: Supporting Our National History Day Scholars","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Janjusic","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8119924"},{"teacherId":6176529,"projectId":9989308,"letterContent":"New equipment is always so special to our students and always appreciated.\r\n\r\nWe want to thank you for finding our project important and helping us fund our classrooms. We will be using the inflatable finish line in tbe near future. We love doing races and what a fun way to head to the finish line. Hula hoops are one of the most damaged items in our PE classes and they can be pricey to replace. These will make a great addition to our hula hut buildings and other fun games. \r\n\r\nWe wouldn't be able to do our jobs without the help of generous donors, so a HUGE thank you!!","fullyFundedDate":1768054480565,"projectUrl":"project/start-and-finish-strong/9989308/","projectTitle":"Start and Finish Strong","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Finnan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6176529_orig.jpg?crop=1769,1769,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1594931367678","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6176529"},{"teacherId":10414090,"projectId":10047640,"letterContent":"Thank you for making this project possible for our students. Your generosity has already made a meaningful difference in our classroom, and I'm excited to share how your support is being put into action.\r\nWith the new materials, our students have been able to engage in more hands-on, collaborative learning. Recently, they worked on a project where they used the new resources to research a real-world problem and design creative solutions. Instead of simply reading about the topic, they were able to interact with materials, test ideas, and revise their work.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the new materials, their excitement was immediate and genuine. There were wide eyes, big smiles, and so many eager questions. Several students asked, \"Are these really for us?\" That sense of ownership has continued—students treat the materials with care and are more motivated to participate because they feel valued and supported.\r\n\r\n\r\nOur next steps involve building on this momentum. Students are currently beginning a deeper project-based learning unit where they will apply what they've practiced—researching, collaborating, problem-solving, and presenting—to a larger challenge. They'll use the resources you provided to gather information, create drafts, reflect on feedback, and refine their final products. We're also planning opportunities for students to showcase their work, giving them authentic audiences and boosting their confidence even further.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, our classroom is more engaging, interactive, and inspiring. Thank you for giving our students tools that spark curiosity, creativity, and growth. Your support is not just appreciated—it is truly making a difference every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1769201526110,"projectUrl":"project/nourish-support-donor-menu-for-health/10047640/","projectTitle":"Nourish & Support: Donor Menu for Healthy Snacks and Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wolff","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10414090"},{"teacherId":8128845,"projectId":9990587,"letterContent":"I cannot thank you enough for your incredible generosity. When the boxes arrived, the energy in our room was electric! My students were especially thrilled to see the class set of headphones. Seeing their faces light up over something as simple as fresh colored pencils and vibrant color paper reminded me of how much it means to them to have new tools that belong specifically to our classroom community.\r\n\r\nWe have already put these resources to work. Just yesterday, we used the Post-It Notes to annotate a class novel The headphones have been a game-changer for Fast Bridge and iReady programs, allowing every student to focus on their own level without a chorus of overlapping audio. Having a steady supply of Kleenex and cleaning supplies has also brought a sense of calm and health to our space—I no longer have to worry about running out of essentials during the height of the season!\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we are diving into a character analysis project for Jason Reynold's Ghost. Those colored pencils and papers will be the stars of the show as students illustrate their findings. Your contribution did more than just buy supplies; it told my students that their education is worth an investment from the world outside our school walls. We are so grateful for your support in making our classroom a more colorful, focused, and clean place to learn.","fullyFundedDate":1768068603946,"projectUrl":"project/mrs-yagers-creative-classroom/9990587/","projectTitle":"Mrs. Yager's Creative Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Yager","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8128845"},{"teacherId":10380845,"projectId":9954214,"letterContent":"How are you and your students using the new resources? Share a specific classroom project or moment.\r\n\r\nWe used the black lights during our schoolwide House assembly to create an immersive glow in the dark experience that students will never forget. Student Council members designed neon posters, painted props with UV reactive paint, and created glowing decorations that completely transformed our multipurpose room. One powerful moment was when the lights went out and the black lights turned on. The entire room lit up with vibrant messages about leadership, unity, and school pride. Students had worked for days preparing the visuals, and seeing their creations glow brought a huge sense of accomplishment. It elevated the assembly from something typical into something truly memorable and student led.\r\n\r\nHow did your students react when they first saw the materials?\r\n\r\nThe reaction was immediate excitement. When we first tested the black lights after school, students gasped. They could not believe how bright the neon colors glowed. What started as curiosity quickly turned into creativity. Students began brainstorming new design ideas, experimenting with paint, and thinking about how lighting could completely change the mood of an event. It sparked innovation and ownership. They were not just decorating. They were designing an experience.\r\n\r\n\r\nWhat are the next steps for your students on a current classroom lesson or project?\r\n\r\nThe success of the black light assembly has inspired us to think bigger about student led production and creative storytelling. Our next steps include incorporating the black lights into future House competitions, spirit weeks, and even classroom projects where students design interactive visual displays tied to history and leadership themes. We are also working on empowering more students to take leadership roles in event planning, from budgeting and logistics to design and execution. The goal is to continue building a culture where students create, collaborate, and take pride in transforming their school environment.","fullyFundedDate":1768345661456,"projectUrl":"project/a-glow-up-for-our-school-assembly/9954214/","projectTitle":"A Glow-Up for Our School Assembly","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Phillips","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10380845"},{"teacherId":6258560,"projectId":9188949,"letterContent":"In our STEM class, students are using Lego SPIKE Prime robots to deepen their understanding of engineering, coding, and problem-solving through hands-on learning. Instead of passively consuming information, students actively design, build, program, test, and refine robotic solutions to real-world challenges. Students are working with motors, sensors, and block-based coding allows them to see cause-and-effect relationships between their code and the robot's movement. \r\n\r\nBeyond technical skills, SPIKE Prime robotics has positively impacted student engagement, collaboration, and confidence. Students work in teams, assign roles, communicate ideas, and justify design decisions, mirroring real engineering practices. Many who may not traditionally see themselves as \"tech students\" become leaders when building or debugging, increasing their sense of belonging in STEM. The excitement of testing in the robot arena fosters perseverance, creativity, and critical thinking. Overall, the integration of SPIKE Prime robots has transformed the classroom into an active, student-centered environment where learning is creative, collaborative, and fun. Thank you for the donations to make this possible.","fullyFundedDate":1743637615901,"projectUrl":"project/spike-prime-in-robotics/9188949/","projectTitle":"Spike Prime in Robotics","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Chalhoub","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6258560"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_72365","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1172,"numTeachers":52,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":13,"percentBlack":14,"percentWhite":26,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":30,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"22.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":68.1,"schoolId":72365,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Victoria Fertitta Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Victoria Fertitta Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/nevada/clark-county-school-district/victoria-fertitta-middle-school/72365"}