{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Dean Leaman Junior High School","outOfStateSupporters":21.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9638342,"projectId":9278697,"letterContent":"The TPT gift card and batteries have directly supported our classroom's tech-driven instruction. With fresh batteries we keep timers, wireless mice, and portable audio devices running for small-group learning and special education accommodations. The TPT resources let me add digital-ready lesson packets and differentiated practice. .\r\n\r\nThe dry erase markers and magnetic erasers make our whiteboard stations fast and collaborative. The mesh zipper pouches make it simple for students to manage supplies, stay organized, and transition to a new activity smoothly. Quiet students have warmed most to these tools and gain confidence presenting with the whiteboards.\r\n\r\nThank you so much for the generous supplies and gift card — your support keeps our classroom organized, energized, and ready for engaging, tech‑enabled learning.","fullyFundedDate":1745847020095,"projectUrl":"project/fuel-our-blended-learning-adventures/9278697/","projectTitle":"Fuel Our Blended Learning Adventures","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Nieto","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9638342_orig.jpg?crop=2400,2400,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723149146373","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9638342"},{"teacherId":9638342,"projectId":9295659,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for providing our class with copies of Indifferents by Casey Giles. Your generosity made weeks of rich learning possible. Below are a few highlights of what your gift brought to our classroom.\r\n\r\nStudents engaged in Socratic discussion and evidence-based argument, participated in civic and ethical reflection (as the novel prompted conversations about power, conformity, and individual responsibility in society) and studied literary skills such as plot/character analysis, theme development, inference, and making intertextual and real-world connections.\r\n\r\nShort whole-class readings were followed by group real-alouds and independent readings to build stamina. Students wrote quick analytical paragraphs, annotations, and half-page reflections help process ideas. They even created short dramatic scenes and produced multimedia presentations tied to themes.\r\n\r\nOverall, all students were grateful to read a novel written by a previous student as they could see what they are capable of in the future! Thank you for supporting thoughtful reading, critical inquiry, and empowering classroom conversations.","fullyFundedDate":1746785564071,"projectUrl":"project/local-voices-big-dreams-reading-indif/9295659/","projectTitle":"Local Voices, Big Dreams: Reading \"Indifferents\" by Our Former Student","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Nieto","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9638342_orig.jpg?crop=2400,2400,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723149146373","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9638342"},{"teacherId":9628312,"projectId":9553604,"letterContent":"The addition of new books to the classroom library has significantly enhanced student engagement and literacy development. With a wider range of genres and reading levels, students are more motivated to read independently and explore new authors and topics. Increased access to high-interest books supports reading stamina, vocabulary growth, and comprehension while fostering a positive reading culture in the classroom. These new materials also encourage student choice and ownership of learning, helping to ensure that all learners see themselves reflected in texts and have equitable access to meaningful reading experiences. Thank you again!","fullyFundedDate":1764729462357,"projectUrl":"project/opening-doors-through-books-and-learning/9553604/","projectTitle":"Opening Doors Through Books and Learning Resources","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kapalko","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9628312_orig.jpg?crop=272,272,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1722960210696","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9628312"},{"teacherId":9628312,"projectId":9278825,"letterContent":"The addition of new classroom supplies has had a positive and immediate impact on student learning and engagement. With access to updated materials such as organizational resources and blended learning supplies, students are better prepared to participate actively in lessons and complete assignments with confidence. These supplies promote organization, creativity, and collaboration, helping to create a more structured and supportive learning environment. As a result, instructional time is used more efficiently, student focus has improved, and all learners have equitable access to the resources they need to succeed academically. Thank you again!","fullyFundedDate":1754612788609,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-independent-learners-fundrai/9278825/","projectTitle":"Empowering Independent Learners: Fundraising for Blended Learning Studios","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kapalko","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9628312_orig.jpg?crop=272,272,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1722960210696","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9628312"},{"teacherId":2996676,"projectId":9293841,"letterContent":"Thank you for believing in our students and supporting our project, Local Voices, Big Dreams: Reading Indifferents by Our Former Student. Because of your generosity, my students each received a copy of Indifferents by Casey Giles, a novel written when she was just 13 years old while attending the very same school they do now.\r\n\r\nYour support created something truly special. This project went far beyond providing books. It gave students a living example of what is possible. They read a powerful story written by someone who once walked their same halls, sat in similar classrooms, and had big dreams just like theirs. That connection was transformative. It helped them see themselves not only as readers, but as thinkers, creators, and future authors.\r\n\r\nThroughout the unit, this novel became a cornerstone of our reading and writing instruction. Students analyzed character development and themes, reflected on how personal experiences shape storytelling, and used Casey's work as inspiration for their own writing. They discussed how local voices can create meaningful change and how their own stories deserved to be told. Engagement increased, and students approached reading and writing with a new sense of ownership and pride.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, my students feel seen, valued, and empowered. You helped them realize that success is not something far away; it can begin right here, right now, in their own community.","fullyFundedDate":1755733794770,"projectUrl":"project/local-voices-big-dreams-reading-indiff/9293841/","projectTitle":"Local Voices, Big Dreams: Reading Indifferents by Our Former Student","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Melson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2996676_orig.jpg?crop=497,497,x0,y154&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1690665834493","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/margo-melson"},{"teacherId":2996676,"projectId":9281813,"letterContent":"I am thrilled to share the incredible impact that Indifferents by Casey Giles has had on our students. Thanks to your generous contributions, we have been able to introduce this thought-provoking novel into our curriculum, opening new doors for discussion, critical thinking, and personal connection to literature. As an alumni of our school, Giles' work resonates deeply with our students, demonstrating firsthand how storytelling can shape perspectives and ignite curiosity. \r\n\r\nThrough Indifferents, students have engaged with complex themes of identity, resilience, and societal expectations. The book has served as a springboard for conversations about empathy, self-reflection, and the power of literature to challenge preconceived notions. Our classroom discussions have been lively, with students analyzing character development, exploring literary techniques, and drawing parallels between the novel's messages and their own experiences. The interactive approach we take through group discussions and creative projects has fostered a richer, more dynamic reading experience for my students. \r\n\r\nI have seen remarkable engagement from students who previously struggled to connect with literature. One student, in particular, shared how this book made reading feel personal for the first time with its themes mirroring their own challenges and helping them find solace and inspiration within its pages. Another group of students initiated a peer-led discussion, eager to unpack the novel's deeper meanings together. These moments affirm the transformative power of books and reinforce why your support matters. Your generosity allows us to continue providing meaningful literary experiences that shape young minds and cultivate lifelong readers. \r\n\r\nThank you for believing in the importance of literature in education. Your support enriches our classrooms in ways that extend far beyond the pages of a book.","fullyFundedDate":1746629050231,"projectUrl":"project/past-meets-present-a-local-author-inspi/9281813/","projectTitle":"Past Meets Present: A Local Author Inspires Future Readers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Melson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2996676_orig.jpg?crop=497,497,x0,y154&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1690665834493","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/margo-melson"},{"teacherId":2996676,"projectId":8977958,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donations to our classroom book clubs. The books that were funded are having a tremendous impact on our reading. The students have truly enjoyed having sci-fi book clubs. It is incredible to observe students becoming wild readers and conferring with each other about books. \r\n\r\nThe impact that the novels are having on my students is truly teaching them the love of reading. It is amazing to watch the transformations throughout the school year. Students do not grow from teaching to a test, but rather they grow from having real purpose, community, and identity. They learn that becoming a reader involves connections, celebrations, and choice. This grant has provided this for the students. In the words of Dr. Seuss, \"The more that you read, the more things you'll know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.\"\r\n\r\nThank you for such an amazing donation and for believing in my students!","fullyFundedDate":1733284553083,"projectUrl":"project/blasting-student-reading-into-the-outer/8977958/","projectTitle":"Blasting Student Reading Into the Outer Limits of the Universe","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Melson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2996676_orig.jpg?crop=497,497,x0,y154&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1690665834493","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/margo-melson"},{"teacherId":9638342,"projectId":8600550,"letterContent":"This project has significantly enriched our students' learning experiences by giving them a goal to achieve. They are developing critical thinking as they analyze themes, enhancing their vocabulary through rich language, and improving their comprehension skills as they connect the stories to their own lives.\r\n\r\nIn our classroom, students engage in discussions, participate in group projects, and share personal reflections on what they've read. Their excitement for reading has not only boosted their confidence but also fostered a collaborative and supportive classroom environment.","fullyFundedDate":1723490555953,"projectUrl":"project/reading-beyond-the-pages/8600550/","projectTitle":"Reading Beyond the Pages","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Nieto","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9638342_orig.jpg?crop=2400,2400,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723149146373","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9638342"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_109458","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":2419,"numTeachers":47,"percentFrplEligible":31,"percentAsian":10,"percentBlack":22,"percentWhite":30,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":31,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"51.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":78.9,"schoolId":109458,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Dean Leaman Junior High School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Dean Leaman Junior High School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/texas/lamar-consolidated-independent-school-district/leaman-junior-high/109458"}