{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Classen SAS Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":32.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":7641716,"projectId":10168243,"letterContent":"Thank you for helping put March into the hands of my students! These books have given them a chance to experience the Civil Rights Movement through the firsthand perspective of Congressman John Lewis rather than simply reading about the movement in a textbook. As we read, students are learning to analyze perspective, identify the ways people challenge systems of power, examine the risks involved in creating change, and connect individual choices to larger historical movements.\r\n\r\nReading March has also opened the door for students who do not always see themselves as strong readers. The graphic novel format makes a complex period of history more approachable without taking away from the seriousness or depth of the content. Students study both the words and the illustrations, noticing details, asking questions, discussing difficult moments, and using evidence to think about why people participated in the movement and what gave them the courage to continue. Some of my most reluctant readers have been among the students most interested in turning the page and finding out what happens next.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, March helps students understand that history was not changed by people who simply watched it happen. John Lewis was a young person who found his voice, joined with others, and chose to act. As students continue reading, we are using his experiences to think about our own unit question: how can individuals use their voice to create change in systems of power? Thank you for giving my students the opportunity not only to learn about voices that changed history, but also to begin thinking about the power of their own.","fullyFundedDate":1783343003796,"projectUrl":"project/voices-that-changed-history-now-its-th/10168243/","projectTitle":"Voices That Changed History, Now It’s Their Turn","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Herron","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7641716_orig.jpg?crop=915,915,x0,y210&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1641656554167","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/classencraft"},{"teacherId":7641716,"projectId":10167914,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping put copies of *Ghost Boys* into my students' hands. This book has given us a powerful way to talk about perspective, voice, injustice, empathy, and the way individual experiences can connect to larger social issues. As students read, they are practicing close reading, analyzing character perspective, making connections between literature and history, and learning how to support their ideas with evidence from the text.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom is not just about finishing chapters. We stop often to talk, question, annotate, and think about whose voice is being heard, whose voice may be missing, and how a story can change the way we understand an issue. *Ghost Boys* has especially connected with students who sometimes struggle to see themselves as \"readers.\" The story is accessible and engaging, but it also gives them something meaningful to wrestle with, which has led to some thoughtful conversations and moments where students have wanted to keep reading to find out what happens next.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, every student can participate in those conversations with the same text in front of them. That has made it much easier to build a shared classroom experience and give students the space to listen to one another, challenge their thinking, and develop a deeper understanding of experiences beyond their own. I am incredibly grateful that you helped make that possible for my students.","fullyFundedDate":1774367754099,"projectUrl":"project/from-silence-to-understanding-empoweri/10167914/","projectTitle":"From Silence to Understanding: Empowering Students Through Literature","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Herron","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7641716_orig.jpg?crop=915,915,x0,y210&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1641656554167","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/classencraft"},{"teacherId":7641716,"projectId":9623739,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting Reel Voices: Cameras for Commercials! These cameras have given my students the opportunity to create media in a way that feels much more authentic and professional. Instead of only planning ideas on paper or using whatever device happens to be available, students can now practice real skills like framing shots, recording footage, thinking about lighting, directing scenes, and making decisions about how an audience will experience their work.\r\n\r\nThe part students have been most excited about is simply getting to use actual cameras. There is an immediate shift in how seriously they take the project when they are holding equipment that feels like something a real filmmaker, advertiser, or content creator would use. Students who may not always be the first to speak up in a traditional class setting have especially connected with this kind of hands-on work. Some have found a place behind the camera, some enjoy directing, and others have discovered they are strong at planning shots or helping a group bring an idea together.\r\n\r\nBecause of these materials, I have been able to move our multimedia projects beyond basic classroom assignments and give students a much more realistic production experience. As they create commercials and other media, they are learning how to communicate a message, work as a team, solve problems, revise their ideas, and think carefully about the choices that make media effective. Your support has helped give them the tools to see themselves not just as students completing an assignment, but as creators producing something for a real audience.","fullyFundedDate":1755730812430,"projectUrl":"project/reel-voices-cameras-for-commercials/9623739/","projectTitle":"Reel Voices: Cameras for Commercials","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Herron","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7641716_orig.jpg?crop=915,915,x0,y210&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1641656554167","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/classencraft"},{"teacherId":7641716,"projectId":6718348,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping us bring Classen Craft to life! Classen Craft is our schoolwide PBIS trading card game designed to make positive behavior, school pride, and community something students can actually get excited about. Students can earn cards for demonstrating the behaviors and values we want to see throughout our school, and the cards give them something fun and tangible to collect, trade, and use.\r\n\r\nThe excitement from students has been incredible. As soon as they began seeing the cards and learning how the game would work, they immediately started asking how they could earn them, what different cards would do, and which ones they wanted to collect. What I love most is that the project turns PBIS into something that feels much more student-centered. Instead of positive behavior feeling like another set of rules adults are giving them, Classen Craft gives students a reason to engage with our school community and take pride in making positive choices.\r\n\r\nOur next step is to continue expanding the game across the school by adding more cards, building out gameplay, and giving students more opportunities to earn and use their collections. We hope Classen Craft becomes something students look forward to throughout the year while also helping strengthen the positive culture we are building at Classen. Your support helped turn an idea for making PBIS more meaningful into something our students can actually hold in their hands and be excited to be part of. Thank you for making that possible!","fullyFundedDate":1663710102250,"projectUrl":"project/c-craft-a-trading-card-game-for-middle/6718348/","projectTitle":"C. Craft: A Trading Card Game for Middle School Students","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Herron","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7641716_orig.jpg?crop=915,915,x0,y210&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1641656554167","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/classencraft"},{"teacherId":10409188,"projectId":10513740,"letterContent":"Your donations have helped encouraged student to show up for afternoon meds when they receive a treat for showing up. You've helped multiple students who need a little snack or treat to get through the day. \r\nThe pillows with disposable pillow cases make it possible to get several students comfortable throughout the day while waiting for parents to arrive. \r\n\r\nMiddle school is hard enough and every little act of kindness we are able to offer through the donations provided makes each day a little easier to get through. \r\n\r\nWe appreciate all of you for all of your support!","fullyFundedDate":1787700464981,"projectUrl":"project/nurse-office-rest-and-recharge/10513740/","projectTitle":"Nurse Office Rest and Recharge","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Holman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10409188"},{"teacherId":7386818,"projectId":9701193,"letterContent":"The aroma of old books is one of the most comforting and affirming sensations that I know. Few students in our world know the feeling of touching something uniquely tied to our literary heritage.\r\n\r\nWhen I decided to bring my personal library into my classroom, I knew I was taking a risk. My book collection represents at least three generations of acquisition and enhanced literacy.\r\n\r\nNow that we have safe and sturdy shelves, students have access to literature, culture, and knowledge rarely found in today's hyper-digitized world.\r\n\r\nThank you for making Room B204 a better equipped and effective learning space.","fullyFundedDate":1758221465059,"projectUrl":"project/bookshelves-for-classics/9701193/","projectTitle":"Bookshelves for Classics","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. CHILDS","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7386818_orig.jpg?crop=960,960,x115,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1662934242121","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7386818"},{"teacherId":7927886,"projectId":10436533,"letterContent":"When you begin the school year, lack of supplies can feel limiting, both to the students and the teachers. Teachers make requests for supplies with little to no response. But thanks to Donors Choose, teachers are able to ask for exactly what they need which leads to learning experiences that can make lessons come to life. \r\n\r\nBecause of your generous donations, my classroom now has plenty of colored pencils, cardstock paper, a class set of scissors, organizational tools, and more that have replenished my supplies that my students use on a daily basis. I am even able to help other teachers when they inevitably come by with the question, \"Do you happen to have...?\" thanks to you! \r\n\r\nAt this moment in the year, we are getting into the swing of things and are currently in the middle of our first unit - designing wordless (or language neutral) maps of our school building! This design problem focuses around the concept of communication and how non-verbal communication can be just as useful as speaking. As students make these maps, we discuss what it means to be welcoming to all, and through your generosity and care for our kids, you are demonstrating this same type of thoughtfulness to them. Thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1787152263444,"projectUrl":"project/creating-lifelong-learners/10436533/","projectTitle":"Creating Lifelong Learners!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Barnes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-hannahbarnes-classroom"},{"teacherId":7476886,"projectId":10551567,"letterContent":"Providing physical German-English dictionaries for my classroom will have a lasting impact on my students as they develop the skills and confidence needed to communicate in another language. My students are middle school learners who are discovering German for the first time, and having access to a reliable dictionary will give them a tool they can use independently throughout their language-learning journey.\r\n\r\nIn today's classrooms, students are surrounded by technology and instant translation. While digital tools have their place, they can sometimes prevent students from thinking through a problem, noticing patterns, or making meaningful connections between words. A physical dictionary requires students to slow down, search, compare possibilities, and make a decision based on context. These are important critical-thinking skills that extend far beyond the German classroom.\r\n\r\nWith classroom dictionaries readily available, students will be able to use them during reading activities, writing assignments, partner conversations, projects, and assessments. Instead of waiting for a teacher to provide a word or immediately turning to an online translator, students can take ownership of their learning. They will learn how to find unfamiliar vocabulary, identify parts of speech, recognize multiple meanings, and determine which definition makes the most sense in a particular sentence.\r\n\r\nThe dictionaries will also support students at different proficiency levels. Beginning students can use them to build foundational vocabulary and understand basic sentences, while more advanced students can explore more precise vocabulary and express increasingly complex ideas. This makes the resources valuable across multiple levels and allows students to work at their own pace.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, these dictionaries will help create a classroom where making mistakes and figuring things out is part of the learning process. Learning another language requires students to be comfortable with uncertainty. They will not always know the correct word immediately, and that is okay. Having a physical resource in their hands gives them a way to investigate, problem-solve, and keep going rather than becoming frustrated or dependent on an automatic translation.\r\n\r\nThese dictionaries will also introduce students to a resource that many of them have never used before. Learning how to navigate a dictionary, locate a word, and interpret the information provided is a valuable academic skill. Students will be able to carry that experience with them into future language classes and other areas of their education.\r\n\r\nWith your support, my students will have more than a collection of books. They will have tools that encourage independence, curiosity, perseverance, and critical thinking. Every time a student looks up an unfamiliar German word, makes a connection, and successfully uses it in communication, they will be taking another step toward becoming a confident lifelong language learner.","fullyFundedDate":1788041569674,"projectUrl":"project/german-dictionaries/10551567/","projectTitle":"German Dictionaries","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Trujillo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7476886_orig.jpg?crop=960,960,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1692044349701","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7476886"},{"teacherId":7952247,"projectId":10518537,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our \"Drama Disco Lounge Chairs\" project! These new chairs have helped make our drama classroom feel more welcoming, comfortable, and creative. Students are using them during class discussions, script reading, small-group work, and moments when we gather to reflect on performances and ideas. Having a comfortable space to sit has helped create an environment where students feel more relaxed and ready to participate.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the chairs, they were incredibly excited. They immediately noticed how much the space had changed and loved having a special area that felt designed just for them. The chairs have quickly become a favorite part of our classroom and have helped students feel a stronger sense of ownership and pride in our drama space.\r\n\r\nAs we continue through the year, students will use this area to collaborate, rehearse, develop characters, discuss scripts, and give one another feedback. Your generosity has provided more than just seating—you have helped us create a classroom where students can connect, take creative risks, and feel at home. We are so grateful for your support and for the difference you have made for our students!","fullyFundedDate":1787172356616,"projectUrl":"project/drama-disco-lounge-chairs/10518537/","projectTitle":"Drama Disco Lounge Chairs","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Brent","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7952247_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1787109561249","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7952247"},{"teacherId":1991328,"projectId":10251229,"letterContent":"This bookshelf is amazing! Our building is pretty old and when I moved into this classroom 2 years ago, it didn't come with much furniture. I was able to bring my own bookshelf for the classroom library, but I really wanted to provide a place to store the students' text books. It's a big transition to go from elementary to middle school, and being on a block schedule means I don't see them everyday to help build routines and habits. Even at the end of the year, we still waste a lot of time returning to lockers to look for the textbook. Some kids are still accidentally taking them home and losing them! This shelf looks great and will help the class run more smoothly for years to come. We truly appreciate the community support!","fullyFundedDate":1778010680050,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-bookshelf/10251229/","projectTitle":"Classroom Bookshelf","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hernandez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1991328_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1465233113420","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1991328"},{"teacherId":1991328,"projectId":10219002,"letterContent":"It's so encouraging to end the year with fresh supplies! All the pencils are broken or lost and all the good paper is gone, then we get boxes of new supplies to keep us motivated! You'd be surprised how much help it is to have plenty of Kleenex and good paper towels around! The school brown paper towels don't do a lot for spills! We're especially grateful for the new books and graphic novels. As the library starts shutting down to inventory books, I still expect my students to keep reading. Having new titles will be a big blessing!","fullyFundedDate":1778012889732,"projectUrl":"project/stocking-up/10219002/","projectTitle":"Stocking Up","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hernandez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1991328_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1465233113420","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1991328"},{"teacherId":7212585,"projectId":9915501,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity! When my students first saw the boxes of colored pencils, yarn, paper, and tape, they were thrilled. One student even asked if we were \"really allowed to use such professional supplies.\" Their excitement was a beautiful reminder of how much your support means.\r\n\r\nWe are already putting these resources to great use! My students used the paper, tape, and yarn to create beautiful Panamanian Molas, mimicking traditional textile layers. After finishing their art, they used the colored pencils to draw and write descriptive sentences in Spanish about their creations. It was a wonderful way to blend culture and language.\r\n\r\nOn another project, students had to draw pictures, color them and write sentences about it, students had fun creating their pictures with the brand colored pencils!\r\n\r\nWith gratitude,","fullyFundedDate":1766087964610,"projectUrl":"project/a-vibrant-and-crafty-classroom/9915501/","projectTitle":"A Vibrant and Crafty Classroom!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Moreno","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7212585"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_61354","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1000,"numTeachers":38,"percentFrplEligible":90,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":19,"percentWhite":9,"percentIndigenous":1,"percentLatinx":57,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":7,"gradesServed":"6 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"26.3:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR District Record","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"UNCLASSIFIED","ncesMetroType":null},"inStateSupporters":67.3,"schoolId":61354,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Classen SAS Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Classen SAS Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/oklahoma/oklahoma-city-school-district/classen-school-advanced-studies/61354"}