{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Desert Skies Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":51.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9354613,"projectId":10012809,"letterContent":"Your contributions for this project have made a big impact on our classroom involvement and on the skills of the students. The students are most excited about the chess sets and I have seen some significant improvement in the areas of critical thinking and planning for future probable events. Above being a fun way to spend 20 minutes in class after students have completed assignments, I find that they are learning the rules and improving their ability to anticipate their opponent's moves and plan accordingly, which is an excellent skill for math. They are constantly asking me to set up a chess competition to see who is the best in class!\r\nThe headphones are also a great improvement over out old, limited set. The students find these much more comfortable and easier to organize and store. The fact that I have no more complaints about headphone crackling and intermittently pooping out, shows how much they are helping! The money and flashcards have also made an impact, though not one that the students would admit. They keep asking me for real money (which is well beyond the realm of possibility), but they like having manipulatives to associate with the symbolic representations we usually use in mathematics. And altough they would never admit it, the flashcards are increasing their fluency in high frequency computations, which helps them have a sense of confidence that outweighs all the complaining they do when I pull out the flashcards.\r\n\r\nThank you once more for your contributions to our project!","fullyFundedDate":1768622886456,"projectUrl":"project/improved-materials-for-math-motivation/10012809/","projectTitle":"Improved Materials for Math Motivation","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Phelps","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9354613"},{"teacherId":2921580,"projectId":10046282,"letterContent":"Thank you for your contribution to our \"Raffles for Rewards\" project. With your contribution, I was able to purchase raffle prizes, including a Nintendo Switch, for families who attended our spring Student-Led Conferences.\r\n\r\nDesert Skies Middle School is one of the only middle schools in our district that invites families in for a spring conference. We do our conferences a little differently though: our students lead them! The week before conferences, students spend their daily advisory time looking through their own learning data from the last semester. They reflect on successes and set goals for growth. Students prepare a script to share with their families. When families attend, students are able to celebrate their growth and families learn how they can support their child in meeting their goals.\r\n\r\nThe prizes are raffled off for families who attend as a celebration to recognize the hard work students are putting in at school, and the great support their families are giving them as they learn and grow. \r\n\r\nThank you again for your contribution; it helped to make our spring conferences a success!","fullyFundedDate":1769127752159,"projectUrl":"project/raffles-for-rewards/10046282/","projectTitle":"Raffles for Rewards","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Phillips","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2921580_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y70&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1633105377221","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2921580"},{"teacherId":9991388,"projectId":10007138,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for bringing 21st-century science to our classroom. For many of my students, this laptop is their primary gateway to digital exploration. Because of your support, I can now use virtual labs and interactive simulations to make complex concepts clear and exciting. You haven't just provided a piece of hardware; you've provided equitable access to the tools my students need to build skills for their futures. From exploring virtual ecosystems to analyzing real-time weather patterns, this technology ensures that every student, regardless of their resources at home, has a front-row seat to discovery. Thank you for empowering my curious learners and proving to them that their education is worth the investment.","fullyFundedDate":1768184513616,"projectUrl":"project/a-laptop-to-launch-young-scientists/10007138/","projectTitle":"A Laptop to Launch Young Scientists","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mayer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9991388"},{"teacherId":9418309,"projectId":10023757,"letterContent":"Thank you for your donation, my students were super excited to walk-into my classroom and see all the books around the room. They did a walk-though and were able to check-out books to take home and others chose to read when done with their class assignments. The variety of books was on point, some chose to read a story while others enjoyed to learn about their favorite animals. \r\n\r\nThe materials were also very much needed like the pencils to write on a daily basis. I surprised my students with snacks donated after a hard working week and on special occasions to celebrate their learning. My students were amazed by the large bottles of hand sanitizer and were thankful, many times they do not have time to wash their hands before eating lunch. Thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1768663752619,"projectUrl":"project/reading-with-my-buddies/10023757/","projectTitle":"Reading with My Buddies","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Valdez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9418309"},{"teacherId":6203752,"projectId":9853149,"letterContent":"These materials are central to our classroom coffee cart project, where students serve teachers and staff. Students practice pouring beverages from the carafe, handling cups safely, and using stirrers—all while developing fine motor skills and confidence.\r\n\r\nStudents practice handling payment and managing a simple transaction.\r\n\r\nServing coffee creates natural opportunities for students to greet peers and staff, engage in conversation, and practice polite communication in a real-world context.\r\n\r\nWe are so grateful for your donation to our classroom and our ecstatic that our coffee cart can continue to serve our school community!","fullyFundedDate":1769638193126,"projectUrl":"project/coffee-cart-essentials/9853149/","projectTitle":"Coffee Cart Essentials","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Johnson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp6203752_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1547667154557","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ta"},{"teacherId":6203752,"projectId":10005118,"letterContent":"Initial Reactions: When the new materials arrived, our students were excited and curious! Many immediately gravitated toward the colorful alphabet learning locks and number puzzles. We could see their eyes light up as they explored each item. The countertop dishwasher was particularly engaging—students were fascinated by the \"real\" appliance and eager to interact with it.\r\n\r\nClassroom Projects and Moments:\r\n\r\nOur students are using these materials in meaningful ways:\r\n\r\nFunctional Life Skills: We've incorporated the countertop dishwasher, toothpaste, and hair brush into our daily living skills curriculum. Students practice tooth brushing, hair care, and dishwashing—essential skills for independence and self-care.\r\n\r\nAcademic Learning: The alphabet learning locks and puzzle cards support literacy development. Students manipulate the locks to practice letter recognition and sequencing, while the number puzzles reinforce counting and number concepts in a hands-on, engaging way.","fullyFundedDate":1768622566315,"projectUrl":"project/learning-life-skills/10005118/","projectTitle":"Learning Life Skills","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Johnson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp6203752_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1547667154557","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ta"},{"teacherId":10402748,"projectId":10012389,"letterContent":"My students and I offer immense gratitude for the fantastic materials that you have given us. My leadership students have made beautiful posters to create more school spirit, and my science students were able to make infographics on topics like the solar system and Newton's Laws. Students in my science classes have used the materials in recent labs to better support their learning and made class so much fun! \r\n\r\nStudents have been so excited to hear that they are able to do more labs and projects, and they have loved the results of their hands on labs and infographics. Students are moving into our genetics and evolution unit. We will use supplies like the DNA model to demonstrate difficult concepts and develop a deeper understanding. I am so happy that my students will have the ability to truly grasp the interesting concepts ahead. Thank you for making their in depth learning possible.","fullyFundedDate":1768416649536,"projectUrl":"project/stem-classroom-basics/10012389/","projectTitle":"STEM Classroom Basics","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Vallejo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10402748"},{"teacherId":10159562,"projectId":9998039,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, my students now have access to colored pencils, pens, and student reward items that have already made a meaningful impact in our classroom. The colored pencils and pens have elevated the quality of student work across subjects. In science, students recently completed a detailed diagram project where they labeled and color-coded parts of a cell. The ability to use colored pencils helped them organize information clearly and take pride in their work. I noticed students slowing down, adding detail, and truly focusing on accuracy. Having reliable pens has also helped students take ownership of their writing and editing during daily lessons.\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, the excitement was immediate. Students were especially thrilled about the reward items. It created a renewed sense of motivation and positive energy in our classroom. Students began encouraging one another, reminding each other of expectations, and working hard to earn recognition. Even small rewards have made a big difference in reinforcing positive behavior and effort. The classroom atmosphere has felt more focused and encouraging as a result.\r\nOur next steps include continuing to use these supplies to support creativity and accountability. Students will be working on a science interactive notebook project where they will design diagrams, annotate readings, and use color to organize complex ideas. The reward system will continue to support goal-setting and positive behavior as we move into new units. Your support has helped create a classroom environment where students feel prepared, motivated, and proud of their work. Thank you for investing in both their academic growth and their confidence.","fullyFundedDate":1768154738601,"projectUrl":"project/student-success/9998039/","projectTitle":"Student Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wester","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10159562"},{"teacherId":10159562,"projectId":9814596,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, my students now have paper, dry erase sleeves, and whiteboard markers that we are using every single day. The dry erase sleeves have been a game changer in our classroom. Instead of completing one worksheet and being done, students are now practicing, revising, and trying again without the pressure of making a mistake. During a recent science lesson, students used the sleeves to model cell organelles and label their functions. I watched them erase, fix spelling, add details, and confidently explain their thinking to partners. The simple ability to \"try again\" has already increased participation and academic risk-taking.\r\nWhen my students first saw the materials, they were genuinely excited. Something as simple as having their own whiteboard marker made them feel responsible and important. Several students immediately asked, \"Do we get to use these today?\" The engagement level instantly rose. Even students who are usually hesitant to share answers were eager to write on their sleeves and hold them up. The materials created a more interactive and inclusive environment where every student had a voice.\r\nOur next steps are to continue using these tools to support collaborative problem-solving and deeper thinking. In math, students will use the sleeves to show multiple strategies for solving equations before transferring their final answers to paper. In science, we will use them for modeling, vocabulary practice, and quick formative assessments so I can give immediate feedback. Your donation is not just paper and markers—it is confidence, engagement, and opportunity. Thank you for giving my students tools that help them grow every day.","fullyFundedDate":1765562880434,"projectUrl":"project/writing-our-way-to-success/9814596/","projectTitle":"Writing Our Way to Success!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wester","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10159562"},{"teacherId":9418340,"projectId":10049418,"letterContent":"I am so excited to teach the Hunger Games next year with all of the amazing resources my classroom was donated. It will be so beneficial for these learners to dive into the texts with beautiful editions, white board resources to take notes and discuss comprehension questions, poster boards to fill out a plot chart to better understand the story, and so much more. I would not be able to teach this lesson without all of the resources we were given. We are so incredibly grateful. Thank you for supporting the future of the world!","fullyFundedDate":1769793378224,"projectUrl":"project/the-hunger-games-an-engaging-novel-base/10049418/","projectTitle":"The Hunger Games: an Engaging Novel-Based Unit","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Murphy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9418340"},{"teacherId":8378297,"projectId":8140710,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping make my classroom a community of learners. The supplies have helped the students succeed and grow tremendously. Thank you so much! The students loved all of the fidget prizes, and window crayons were a huge hit. They also allowed us to have another surface for problem solving and discussions. The laminator has been instrumental in the creation of an interactive word wall, where the students can puzzle together definitions, examples, and vocabulary words. The kneedable erasers are always fun for students to win as prizes and for other reasons.","fullyFundedDate":1705897878882,"projectUrl":"project/building-the-neighborhood/8140710/","projectTitle":"Building the Neighborhood","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Rogers","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8378297"},{"teacherId":8129326,"projectId":10000841,"letterContent":"These supplies have made a positive impact on our Title I school by supporting student accountability and responsibility through our ongoing school beautification efforts. Students currently use the scrapers, brooms, dustpans, and supply carts during after-school and weekend clean-up assignments to maintain classrooms, hallways, and outdoor areas across campus. Having the proper tools has made the work more efficient and meaningful, allowing students to take pride in their contributions while learning the importance of caring for shared spaces. In our rural setting with limited resources, these supplies have been essential in helping us keep our school clean, functional, and welcoming.\r\n\r\nThe donated instructional and reflection materials have also strengthened our current behavioral support practices. The rug, markers, pencils, and other supplies are actively being used as students' complete reflection activities and projects that encourage thoughtful conversations about their actions and choices. The rug has created a warm, inviting space where students feel comfortable engaging in these discussions, and they are responsible for keeping the area clean and tidy during beautification assignments. Additionally, the book has provided helpful strategies that are currently guiding students toward improved behavior and self-reflection. Together, these supplies have enhanced our learning environment, promoted student pride, and supported the overall well-being of our students.","fullyFundedDate":1769011135277,"projectUrl":"project/supplies-for-success/10000841/","projectTitle":"Supplies for Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wright","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8129326_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1634152638465","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8129326"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_125262","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":875,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":19,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":72,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_FRINGE"},"inStateSupporters":48.4,"schoolId":125262,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Desert Skies Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Desert Skies Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/nevada/washoe-county-school-district/desert-skies-middle-school/125262"}