{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Rogers Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":10.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9891671,"projectId":9077977,"letterContent":"The caterpillar-to-butterfly project, made possible by our generous donors, has transformed our 5th-grade classroom into a hub of scientific discovery. The arrival of the caterpillars sparked immediate fascination, with students eagerly observing their every move. The moment the first chrysalis formed was particularly impactful; a hush fell over the room as students, magnifying glasses in hand, marveled at the intricate process of metamorphosis. \r\n\r\nThis tangible experience brought our science curriculum to life, shifting from textbook concepts to real-world observation. Students are now actively engaged in documenting changes, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility for the living organisms in their care.","fullyFundedDate":1737784454660,"projectUrl":"project/metamorphosis-magic/9077977/","projectTitle":"Metamorphosis Magic","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Coppes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9891671_orig.jpg?crop=1200,1200,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1737132578336","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9891671"},{"teacherId":9891671,"projectId":9064437,"letterContent":"The arrival of multiple whiteboards and easels didn't just change the classroom—it unleashed a whirlwind of scientific exploration! Before, project work felt like trying to build a rocket with a rusty spoon—frustrating and definitely not launching anyone into space. But with these new tools, the learning atmosphere exploded with energy and collaboration!\r\n\r\nForget scribbling in notebooks! Now, students had huge canvases to unleash their ideas. Collaboration went from a whisper to a roar as they swarmed around the whiteboards, sketching diagrams, mapping out experiments, and debating solutions like seasoned scientists. It wasn't just about writing; it was about doing science, right there on the board! This dynamic exchange of ideas sparked a shared understanding that was way deeper than any textbook could offer. The whiteboards became the epicenter of collaborative thinking, a place where ideas bounced around, grew, and took flight.\r\n\r\nThe visual magic of the whiteboards was a game-changer for diverse learners. Suddenly, complex concepts weren't so intimidating. Visual learners could express their understanding in vibrant diagrams and mind maps, while those who struggled with abstract ideas found a concrete way to grasp them. It was like everyone finally had a key to unlock the secrets of science, and they were all sharing the map! The whiteboards became a level playing field where everyone could contribute and shine.\r\n\r\nThe project development process became a high-energy, iterative adventure. Mistakes weren't a disaster; they were just a quick erase away! This freedom to experiment and take risks fueled creativity and innovation. Students weren't afraid to try new approaches, knowing they could easily tweak and refine their solutions on the fly. It was like a constant brainstorming session, with ideas flowing freely and evolving rapidly.\r\n\r\nThe project goals—creating confident communicators, skilled collaborators, and passionate problem-solvers—were supercharged by the whiteboards. Students became rock stars at explaining their reasoning, using the visuals to back up their arguments and share their insights with their peers. Collaboration became a well-oiled machine, with everyone working together seamlessly to achieve their goals. And the best part? A genuine love of science ignited, turning them into enthusiastic explorers eager to uncover the mysteries of the universe.\r\n\r\nAbstract theories that used to live in textbooks jumped off the page and onto the whiteboards, becoming tangible and exciting. Students weren't just reading about science; they were living it, manipulating concepts, and making connections in a way that truly stuck. It was like they were finally able to touch the stars!\r\n\r\nIn short, the whiteboards weren't just a classroom upgrade; they were a catalyst for a scientific revolution! They transformed the learning experience, fostering collaboration, celebrating diverse learning styles, and igniting a passion for science that will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of innovators. The classroom became a hub of creativity, discovery, and pure scientific excitement—all thanks to the power of a few whiteboards!","fullyFundedDate":1737656936824,"projectUrl":"project/unleash-science-whiteboards-for-discove/9064437/","projectTitle":"Unleash Science: Whiteboards for Discovery","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Coppes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9891671_orig.jpg?crop=1200,1200,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1737132578336","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9891671"},{"teacherId":9891671,"projectId":9048262,"letterContent":"Our \"Owl Pellet Dissection: Nothing Teaches Food Web Like Regurgitated Rodents!\" project has been an absolute triumph, transforming our science classroom into a buzzing hub of discovery and igniting a passion for ecology in my students. Thanks to your generous contributions, we've been able to dive deep into the fascinating world of food webs and predator-prey relationships in a way that textbooks simply can't replicate.\r\n\r\nThe owl pellets themselves have been instrumental in creating an engaging and hands-on learning experience. We began by discussing owl habitats, their hunting strategies, and the unique process of pellet formation. This background information set the stage for the main event: the dissection.\r\n\r\nI remember vividly the moment I unveiled the first tray of owl pellets. A mixture of excited gasps, curious whispers, and a few slightly hesitant expressions filled the room. One student, normally quite reserved, exclaimed, \"Whoa! Those are real?\" Another, with a slightly wrinkled nose, cautiously asked, \"Are they...smelly?\" I assured them that while they weren't exactly fragrant, they were sanitized and safe to handle. The initial hesitation quickly gave way to intense curiosity as they eagerly donned their gloves and gathered around their dissection stations.\r\n\r\nThe dissection process itself has been a masterclass in scientific inquiry. Students carefully teased apart the dry, furry pellets, uncovering the skeletal remains of the owls' prey. Using the identification charts, they meticulously identified the bones: tiny skulls, delicate ribs, and miniature limb bones. The room was filled with focused concentration, punctuated by excited shouts of \"I found a femur!\" or \"Look at this tiny jawbone!\"\r\n\r\nOne particularly memorable moment occurred during a small group's dissection. They had uncovered a remarkably intact skull, complete with tiny teeth. After carefully comparing it to the chart, they excitedly concluded it belonged to a vole. This sparked a lively discussion about vole habitats, their diet, and their role as prey in the food web. They then connected this to the owl's role as the predator, solidifying their understanding of the predator-prey relationship. This wasn't just memorizing definitions; they were building their knowledge through direct experience.\r\n\r\nBeyond the initial dissection, we've extended the project in several ways. Students have created detailed skeletal diagrams of their findings, labeling the different bones and comparing them to human skeletal structures. We've also constructed food web diagrams, illustrating the flow of energy from producers (plants) to consumers (voles, mice, shrews) to the apex predator (the owl). We even used yarn to create a large-scale classroom food web, connecting each organism with colored strings to visualize the complex interconnections within the ecosystem.\r\n\r\nAs described above, the initial reaction was a mix of curiosity, excitement, and a touch of apprehension. The novelty of dissecting something \"real\" – something that had been part of a living creature's life cycle – was incredibly captivating. The hands-on nature of the project immediately engaged even my most reluctant learners. The visual and tactile experience of handling the pellets and uncovering the bones brought the concepts of food webs and ecosystems to life in a way that no textbook or lecture could.\r\n\r\nHaving explored the owl's diet and its place in the food web, we're now expanding our focus to broader ecological concepts. We're discussing the impact of environmental changes on ecosystems, such as habitat loss and the introduction of invasive species. We're also exploring the importance of biodiversity and the delicate balance within nature.\r\n\r\nThe owl pellet dissection project has been much more than just a science lesson; it's been a catalyst for deeper learning and a source of genuine excitement in our classroom. Thanks to your generosity, my students have experienced the power of hands-on science and developed a newfound appreciation for the intricate web of life. We are incredibly grateful for your support in making this enriching experience possible.","fullyFundedDate":1736740139116,"projectUrl":"project/owl-pellet-dissection-nothing-teaches/9048262/","projectTitle":"Owl Pellet Dissection! Nothing Teaches Food Web Like Regurgitated Rodents!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Coppes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9891671_orig.jpg?crop=1200,1200,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1737132578336","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9891671"},{"teacherId":4532081,"projectId":3141395,"letterContent":"I want to extend my heartfelt thanks for your generous support in funding my grant for flexible seating in the classroom. The impact has been immediate and positive. My students were so eager to come in and select their seats, and it has truly transformed our classroom environment.\r\n\r\nNot only has it given them a sense of ownership and excitement about their learning space, but we've also been able to use the most popular seating options as a reward, which has motivated them even further. The flexibility has enhanced engagement and created a more collaborative atmosphere that we're all enjoying.\r\n\r\nThank you again for making this possible. Your support has made a tangible difference in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1522859887907,"projectUrl":"project/update-flexible-seating-in-the-middle-/3141395/","projectTitle":"Update Flexible Seating in the Middle & End of Year","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hildebrand","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4532081_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1501685570934","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/crystalhildebrand"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_8314","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":743,"numTeachers":45,"percentFrplEligible":29,"percentAsian":18,"percentBlack":22,"percentWhite":25,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":26,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"5 - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"16.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":89.2,"schoolId":8314,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Rogers Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Rogers Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/texas/pearland-independent-school-district/rogers-middle-school/8314"}