{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Deer Creek Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":20.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8317561,"projectId":10177734,"letterContent":"Thank you for making our classroom come alive! Because of your generosity, my students now have costume props for our upcoming Middle Ages simulation and Zen gardens that will be used during our East Asia unit. When the students saw the new materials, they were immediately excited and started asking when they would get to use them. Their enthusiasm reminded me that hands-on learning experiences are often the moments they remember most.\r\n\r\nThe costume props will transform our Middle Ages simulation from a lesson into an experience. Instead of simply reading about feudalism, knights, nobles, and peasants, students will step into those roles and experience history from different perspectives. These interactive activities encourage collaboration, critical thinking, and empathy as students learn how society functioned during the medieval period. The Zen gardens will provide students with a meaningful connection to East Asian culture while also offering a calming, reflective activity as we explore traditions, philosophy, and geography. They create opportunities for students to slow down, focus, and appreciate the cultural significance behind these practices.\r\n\r\nThese resources will continue to be used year after year, allowing hundreds of students to experience history in a way that is engaging, memorable, and interactive. Your generosity is helping create a classroom where learning extends beyond textbooks and students are encouraged to explore, imagine, and make meaningful connections with the past and with cultures around the world. Thank you for investing in my students and helping make social studies an adventure they won't soon forget!","fullyFundedDate":1779387381415,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-history-to-life-in-the-classroo/10177734/","projectTitle":"Bringing History to Life in the Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gilbert","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8317561_orig.png?crop=741,741,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1644014235871","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8317561"},{"teacherId":9182023,"projectId":10201329,"letterContent":"Thank you for being a donor and renewing our class subscription to Scholastic Scope magazines. To utilize the magazines in the classroom, students are given time in class to read. Then, I simply ask students to share something interesting that they read.\r\n\r\nFor example, during a past reading session, students shared with the class about a multitude of interesting topics. Some students shared about an invention that a teenager engineered. Students reflected how they have the ability to make positive contributions to our world when they see a need arise. Other students shared about the debate on whether or not humans should be courteous and polite towards Alexa and Siri. That really spurred some interesting discussion on manners and courtesy. Other students read about jet packs which started a lively conversation on what it would look like if everyone rode their jet pack to each class. They were concerned that it might be a bit chaotic, since the hallways can get crowded with bulky jet packs and they were unsure of the risks with students potentially flying in different directions. These were just a few of the conversations that were sparked from the students reading their magazines.\r\n\r\nThe time the students spent reading and discussing their magazines articles was enjoyable and students were engaged. They were extremely appreciative that instead of having to complete an online reading practice program to better their reading skills, they could simply read. All in all, thank you for allowing our students the opportunity to read using Scholastic magazines. You have provided them with the opportunity to explore, question, debate, and find inspiration in interesting and relevant content through reading.","fullyFundedDate":1776708175277,"projectUrl":"project/reading-magazines-in-the-classroom/10201329/","projectTitle":"Reading Magazines in the Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Afonien","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9182023_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1691896790696","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9182023"},{"teacherId":8314268,"projectId":10142852,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our Leadership class through DonorsChoose! Your generosity has provided our students with art supplies, paper, paint, and other creative materials that have already made a tremendous impact in our classroom. Our Leadership students spend the year planning school events, serving others, and creating projects that help build a positive school culture. Having these materials readily available has allowed students to bring their ideas to life without worrying about whether we have the supplies to make it happen.\r\n\r\nWhen the supplies arrived, the excitement in the room was immediate. Students couldn't wait to unpack everything and immediately began talking about all the possibilities. We have already started using the materials to create decorations, posters, and displays that welcome students back to school and promote school spirit. Watching students collaborate, encourage one another, and take pride in creating something that will positively impact hundreds of their classmates has been one of my favorite moments this year. These resources have helped transform their creative ideas into meaningful projects that serve our entire school community.\r\n\r\nAs the year continues, these supplies will continue to play an important role in our classroom. Our students are already planning materials for service projects, school assemblies, kindness initiatives, staff appreciation events, and campus-wide activities that encourage every student to feel connected and valued. Your generosity is doing so much more than providing art supplies. You are giving students the opportunity to lead, serve, collaborate, and make a lasting difference in the lives of others. Thank you for investing in our students and believing in the importance of student leadership. We are incredibly grateful for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1778209161413,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-student-leaders/10142852/","projectTitle":"Empowering Student Leaders","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Reininger","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8314268_orig.jpg?crop=3276,3276,x0,y251&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723511441453","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8314268"},{"teacherId":4526504,"projectId":9901190,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom through DonorsChoose! We used the Makecode website and the Project STEM Micro:Bit lessons to explore Blockly code and some basic Python code in a hands-on and engaging way. We created electronic dice, played War and Rock/Paper/Scissors (and coded an automatic device to keep score), and created a \"Magic 8 Ball\". They loved seeing their code come to life and gained valuable problem-solving and computational thinking skills. I truly appreciate your support in helping make technology learning exciting and accessible for my students!","fullyFundedDate":1766169294321,"projectUrl":"project/coding-big-creativity-with-a-tiny-micro/9901190/","projectTitle":"Coding Big Creativity with a Tiny micro:bit!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Phillips","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4526504_orig.jpg?crop=967,967,x0,y38&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1630065531553","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/dcmstech"},{"teacherId":3094033,"projectId":9066568,"letterContent":"Our English Language Learners are using the new resources daily to build both language skills and confidence. The fidgets have been especially helpful during reading and writing time, giving students a way to stay focused while processing new vocabulary and complex texts. The LEGOs and visual art supplies have been powerful tools for language development—students use them to build representations of story elements, then practice speaking and writing about their creations using sentence frames and academic vocabulary","fullyFundedDate":1737650080028,"projectUrl":"project/english-langauge-learner-classroom-suppo/9066568/","projectTitle":"English Langauge Learner Classroom Supports","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Stangle","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3094033_orig.png?crop=331,331,x35,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1644002203124","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/courtneystangle"},{"teacherId":9171911,"projectId":10169572,"letterContent":"Your generosity has truly transformed the way my students experience science. With the addition of new technology through our Lights, Camera, Science project, learning has become more interactive, visual, and engaging than ever before. Instead of simply reading about scientific concepts, students are now able to capture, create, and analyze their own content. This allows them to see science in action and make deeper connections to what we are learning in class. The technology has also supported collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity—skills that are essential not just in science, but in any future path they choose.\r\n\r\nWhat has been most exciting is watching students take ownership of their learning. They are energized by the opportunity to record experiments, create videos, and showcase their understanding in ways that feel relevant to their everyday lives. Students who may have been hesitant to participate before are now eager to be involved, often asking if they can redo projects just to improve their work. The ability to \"bring science to life\" through video and hands-on technology has made the classroom feel more like a studio, where curiosity and discovery drive everything we do.\r\n\r\nI've also seen specific students truly thrive with this new technology. Some of my quieter students have found their voice through video creation, expressing their ideas with confidence in ways they hadn't before. Others who are naturally creative have stepped into leadership roles, helping guide their peers in filming and editing. This project has not only strengthened their understanding of science concepts, but it has also built confidence, teamwork, and a genuine excitement for learning. Your support has made a lasting impact, and I am so grateful for the opportunities you've provided my students.","fullyFundedDate":1776298571032,"projectUrl":"project/lights-camera-science/10169572/","projectTitle":"Lights, Camera, Science","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Key","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9171911_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1731084422883","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9171911"},{"teacherId":9172775,"projectId":9600592,"letterContent":"I am so thankful for your time and resources towards my Donors Choose. The students are so lucky to have people investing in their education. I am grateful to be able to give the students new and updated equipment to continue to give them a great classroom experience.\r\nWith the new disc golf sets, students are now able to see the difference in each type of disc: putter, mid-range and driver. They were excited to be able to get outside and play a sport that is of easy access at a park close to our school. They are also enjoying the new board and card games. This has been refreshing for students to have all the pieces to each game set. They have loved Connect4 and Operation when we have connection days in class. The organization tools have helped when the boxes on our board games get worn down. Thank you again for your help in funding these items for my classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1763683632974,"projectUrl":"project/revamp-in-the-works/9600592/","projectTitle":"Revamp in the Works!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Almond","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9172775"},{"teacherId":4526504,"projectId":9809643,"letterContent":"Thank you again for your support of my Breakout EDU project. Digital breakouts are a great choice for students to do in their extra time when they've finished their regular assignments. They love the challenge and always get so excited when they solve the puzzles. The games require them to think critically, analyze information, and identify patterns or connections between different clues. I love to watch their skills improve as they work through more and more challenges. \r\n\r\nThey have also had a lot of fun with the magnet strategy game. It provides students who finish their work early with a productive, screen-free way to stay engaged while practicing strategic thinking and sportsmanship.\r\n\r\nI appreciate your generosity and support in helping create a classroom environment where students can learn, collaborate, and grow through meaningful challenges.","fullyFundedDate":1762789399373,"projectUrl":"project/building-thinkers-breakout-challenges-a/9809643/","projectTitle":"Building Thinkers: Breakout Challenges and Strategy Games","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Phillips","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4526504_orig.jpg?crop=967,967,x0,y38&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1630065531553","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/dcmstech"},{"teacherId":9262757,"projectId":9648353,"letterContent":"Your generous donation has made a real impact in our classroom — and our students felt it immediately! When the fidgets, notebooks, and goodies arrived, the excitement was contagious. Students were full of questions and interest about all of the awesome stuff that appeared in our classroom thanks to your generosity. \r\nThese items aren't just fun supplies. They are the rewards powering our classroom economy, run through a platform called ClassBank. Our students each have their own digital bank account where they earn classroom dollars by doing their jobs, demonstrating positive behavior, and going above and beyond. They save, budget, and spend — just like in the real world. Your donated items stock our classroom store, giving students something meaningful to work toward every single day.\r\nThe motivation we've seen has been incredible. Students who once needed reminders are now self-managing, because they're invested in their own success.\r\nThanks to you, our students have real reasons to show up, work hard, and take pride in their community.","fullyFundedDate":1761173812008,"projectUrl":"project/out-of-stock-hard-working-kids-deserve/9648353/","projectTitle":"Out of Stock! Hard Working Kids Deserve Compensation!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mills","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9262757_orig.jpg?crop=1542,1542,x524,y907&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756085999559","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9262757"},{"teacherId":7638782,"projectId":9550349,"letterContent":"My crochet club has the second most members of any club at my school and other organizations are scheduling around it! That's amazing. So many kids are learning the skill of crochet and are blown away that they can keep their projects!\r\nThe chargers have been a game changer because we don't have to pause class to look for a charger anymore! I love that when they need one they know right where to go without interruption. These chargers also have a really durable cord so they hold up really well. We are so grateful!","fullyFundedDate":1762793992797,"projectUrl":"project/powering-possibilities-from-charged-dev/9550349/","projectTitle":"Powering Possibilities: From Charged Devices to Creative Skills","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Griesel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7638782_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1604948567300","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7638782"},{"teacherId":5770054,"projectId":9797278,"letterContent":"What a treat it has been to have our portable music stands and stand lights. We were able to immediately put them to use. Our Deer Creek Schools Foundation asked us to play for \"Light the Night\" and we were well prepared adn ready to go!\r\n\r\nThank you for generously giving to our orchestra students. These outside experiences help shape them into better musicians and expand their world view. We are so grateful for the ways you invest in our young musicians! \r\n\r\nAs a music educator, your giving relieves the stress and pressure of making sure my students have everything they need to achieve excellence. I couldn't do it without your support.","fullyFundedDate":1760719188073,"projectUrl":"project/stand-up-antlers/9797278/","projectTitle":"Stand Up, Antlers!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Banz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5770054_orig.jpg?crop=3452,3452,x863,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1660247872018","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kim-banz"},{"teacherId":4629693,"projectId":9454304,"letterContent":"This project has completely transformed the atmosphere of our classroom by creating a calmer, more welcoming learning environment through improved lighting. Unlike traditional overhead lighting, the new lighting reduces harsh glare and visual distractions, helping students feel more relaxed and focused throughout the day. Many students have shared that the classroom now feels safer and more comfortable, which has made a noticeable difference in their ability to settle in and engage with lessons.\r\n\r\nThis change has been especially meaningful for students who struggle with sensory sensitivities, anxiety, or attention challenges. Students who were once easily overwhelmed by bright lights are now calmer, more focused, and more willing to participate. Overall, the improved lighting has supported not only academic learning but also students' well-being, helping create an inclusive environment where all students can learn at their best.","fullyFundedDate":1762902597242,"projectUrl":"project/listen-learn-a-sensory-boost-for-enga/9454304/","projectTitle":"Listen & Learn: A Sensory Boost for Engaged Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Johnson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4629693_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1502560663667","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4629693"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_43087","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1264,"numTeachers":50,"percentFrplEligible":25,"percentAsian":9,"percentBlack":6,"percentWhite":46,"percentIndigenous":2,"percentLatinx":11,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":8,"gradesServed":"7 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"25.3:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR District Record","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_FRINGE"},"inStateSupporters":79.3,"schoolId":43087,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Deer Creek Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Deer Creek Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/oklahoma/deer-creek-public-schools/deer-creek-middle-school/43087"}