{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Rio Hondo Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":29.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":1780060,"projectId":9586877,"letterContent":"When our new craft table and supply organizer arrived, my students were beyond excited! They immediately noticed how much more space we had to work and how organized our classroom felt. The new table has become the heart of our creative projects—especially when using our Silhouette cutter. Now we have a dedicated area to safely and neatly design, cut, and assemble projects without having to move materials around or worry about clutter.\r\nWe've already put our new setup to great use! Students recently created custom stickers and classroom décor as part of a lesson on following step-by-step directions and using technology for creative expression. They loved watching their designs come to life, and many proudly displayed their finished products on their notebooks and folders. The organized storage makes it easy for everyone to find materials and return them, encouraging responsibility and teamwork.\r\nNext, we'll be using our Silhouette cutter and supplies for a classroom entrepreneurship project where students will design and sell small items, learning about pricing, marketing, and budgeting. Thanks to your generous support, our classroom feels more functional, inspiring, and full of possibility. You've truly helped us turn creativity into hands-on learning every day","fullyFundedDate":1758808222329,"projectUrl":"project/rolling-into-creativity/9586877/","projectTitle":"Rolling Into Creativity","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hernandez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1780060_orig.png?crop=398,398,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1630091958533","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1780060"},{"teacherId":9891738,"projectId":9048577,"letterContent":"The MetaQuest VR headset has brought a new kind of joy and curiosity to my science classroom. I teach at a Title I school where most of my students come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, and many have never had access to technology like this before. For most of them, this is their very first time experiencing virtual reality, and the excitement on their faces is unforgettable. Currently, I'm using the VR headset as a special incentive for students who excel in their work, and it has motivated everyone to give their best effort.\r\n\r\nMy students are completely amazed by how real everything feels when they put on the headset. They can explore places and concepts they've only seen in books—bringing science to life in ways they never thought possible. Once we begin our units on the human body, space, and ecosystems, I'll use the headset to create deeper learning experiences and help students of all levels connect more meaningfully with what they're learning.\r\n\r\nWhat touches me most is how this technology has opened new doors for students who rarely get these kinds of opportunities. Their excitement is contagious, and their pride in earning VR time demonstrates the power of access to innovative tools. Thanks to this generous donation, my students are not only learning science—they're living it in ways that inspire them to dream bigger","fullyFundedDate":1746785816668,"projectUrl":"project/transform-learning-why-vr-is-vital-for/9048577/","projectTitle":"Transform Learning: Why VR Is Vital for Our Science Class","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Lazo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9891738_orig.png?crop=281,281,x13,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1736546819035","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9891738"},{"teacherId":1780060,"projectId":9510780,"letterContent":"Since receiving our new iPad, my students' learning has taken an incredible leap forward. For many of them, technology is not just a tool but an essential bridge to understanding. The iPad has given my students access to interactive lessons, visual supports, and learning apps that allow them to practice skills at their own pace. They are more engaged, motivated, and confident because they can see immediate feedback and progress right at their fingertips.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting part for my students has been the ability to use hands-on apps that make learning feel more like play. They love practicing reading, math, and communication skills through colorful, interactive games that hold their attention longer than traditional worksheets. Even students who were hesitant to participate in class activities now eagerly take turns on the iPad, often asking to continue practicing outside of lesson time.\r\n\r\nOne student in particular has especially warmed to this new technology. He often struggled with focus and completing tasks, but with the iPad, he has found new independence and success. He beams with pride when he masters a level in a learning app and loves showing his progress to his classmates. Stories like his remind me daily of the powerful impact your generosity has had on my classroom. Thank you for helping me empower every student to learn, grow, and shine.","fullyFundedDate":1754062653859,"projectUrl":"project/ican-learn-empowering-every-student/9510780/","projectTitle":"iCan Learn: Empowering Every Student","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hernandez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1780060_orig.png?crop=398,398,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1630091958533","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1780060"},{"teacherId":1780060,"projectId":9188671,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our students have been engaging with learning in exciting new ways using the iPad. Many of our donors are familiar with technology at home, but in the classroom, it's making a truly meaningful impact.\r\n\r\nThe iPad has become an invaluable tool for personalized learning. Students can explore interactive lessons, conduct research instantly, and use creative apps to express their understanding in ways that suit their learning styles—whether through drawing, video projects, or even coding activities.\r\n\r\nOne of the most exciting things for our students is the ability to engage with subjects in a hands-on way. Math comes to life with visual problem-solving apps, reading becomes more immersive with interactive books, and science experiments can be simulated even when we don't have lab equipment.\r\n\r\nWe've especially seen a transformation in students who previously struggled with traditional learning methods. One student, who found writing difficult, now uses speech-to-text features to share their thoughts confidently. Another student, who was hesitant to participate in class, is now creating presentations and videos to showcase their ideas.\r\n\r\nYour support has made this possible, and we're so grateful for the opportunities this iPad has opened up for our students. Thank you for investing in their future!","fullyFundedDate":1742788741264,"projectUrl":"project/unlocking-potential-ipads-for-special-n/9188671/","projectTitle":"Unlocking Potential: iPads for Special Needs Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hernandez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1780060_orig.png?crop=398,398,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1630091958533","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1780060"},{"teacherId":1780060,"projectId":9043593,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the generous gift that helped us get a VR set for our class! This remarkable piece of technology has already opened up a world of exploration and learning that we never imagined possible. With just a headset, we have journeyed to places we've never been. For instance, we celebrated the vibrant festivities of the Chinese New Year at a traditional festival, immersing ourselves in the rich culture and customs that characterize this special occasion. The ability to witness such events from a virtual perspective has truly enriched our understanding and appreciation of different cultures.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, our class experienced the thrill of kayaking down the Colorado River. The stunning visuals and lifelike experiences offered by the VR set made us feel as though we were truly navigating the waters, enhancing our sense of adventure and teamwork.\r\n\r\nThe potential of this VR technology is endless, and we are excited to explore all its features. From virtual field trips to interactive learning modules, we anticipate that every session will bring new opportunities for engagement and discovery. Once again, thank you for your generosity; it has not only sparked our curiosity but has also fostered a greater sense of camaraderie among us. We can't wait to dive into more adventures!","fullyFundedDate":1736967412749,"projectUrl":"project/go-virtually-anywhere/9043593/","projectTitle":"Go Virtually Anywhere!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hernandez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1780060_orig.png?crop=398,398,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1630091958533","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1780060"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_14690","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":470,"numTeachers":29,"percentFrplEligible":84,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":2,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":97,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"5 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"16.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"RURAL","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_FRINGE"},"inStateSupporters":71.0,"schoolId":14690,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Rio Hondo Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Rio Hondo Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/texas/rio-hondo-independent-school-district/rio-hondo-junior-high-school/14690"}