{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Castle Rock Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":45.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10224719,"projectId":9877620,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our project, \"Transforming Our Science Lab Into a Place of Discovery.\" Because of you, my classroom has been completely transformed into a hands-on learning environment where curiosity and exploration are encouraged every day. When the materials arrived, my students were beyond excited—many of them couldn't wait to start exploring the new weather station, globe, anatomy models, classroom lighting, and science visuals. Seeing their faces light up as they realized our classroom had become a true science lab was an unforgettable moment.\r\n\r\nWe are already using these resources in meaningful ways. The weather station has allowed students to collect real data and track patterns, making abstract concepts like temperature and weather systems come alive. The anatomy models have been especially impactful during our life science lessons, helping students visualize structures we previously could only read about. The globe and periodic table poster have become daily reference tools, and the improved lighting has made our learning space more inviting and focused—something that has made a noticeable difference in student engagement.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, my students now feel like scientists rather than just learners reading from a textbook. Our next steps include deeper investigations into Earth science and human body systems, using these tools to guide experiments, discussions, and observations. Thank you for giving my students this opportunity to explore, question, and discover. Your support has truly made a lasting impact in our classroom, and we are so grateful for your investment in our learning journey.","fullyFundedDate":1763569103772,"projectUrl":"project/transforming-our-science-lab-into-a-plac/9877620/","projectTitle":"Transforming Our Science Lab Into a Place of Discovery","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Crowell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10224719_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1759198917151","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/crowellscience"},{"teacherId":10224719,"projectId":9897942,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, Living Science Lab: Aquaponics, Grow Lights, and Habitats. Because of your generosity, my classroom has been transformed into a hands-on learning environment where students can observe, care for, and learn from living systems every day. We are using the hydroponic fish tank with grow lights to explore plant growth, aquatic ecosystems, and the relationship between plants and animals. Students have been especially excited to help care for our betta fish and watch plants propagate and grow under the classroom lights.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials arrived, the students were amazed and immediately engaged. Many of them had never seen a hydroponic system up close, and their curiosity led to thoughtful questions, observations, and discussions. The wiggle bands and classroom supports have also helped students stay focused and comfortable, allowing them to better engage in lessons and hands-on activities. The excitement and sense of responsibility they feel toward the living lab has been incredibly rewarding to watch.\r\n\r\nNext, students will continue monitoring plant growth, recording observations, and connecting what they see to our life science lessons on habitats, adaptations, and systems. This project has made science tangible and meaningful, and it has helped create a calm, engaging classroom environment where students are eager to learn. Thank you for giving my students such a rich, memorable learning experience—we are truly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1763582832837,"projectUrl":"project/living-science-lab-aquaponics-grow-lig/9897942/","projectTitle":"Living Science Lab: Aquaponics, Grow Lights, and Habitats","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Crowell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10224719_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1759198917151","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/crowellscience"},{"teacherId":10224719,"projectId":9844738,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, Cracking the Code: 8th Grade Genetics in Action! Because of your generosity, my students were able to dive into genetics in a hands-on, meaningful way that truly brought the content to life.\r\n\r\nAs soon as the materials arrived, students were immediately engaged and excited to explore. Instead of only working through worksheets or notes, they were able to use the genetics games and models to simulate inheritance, build Punnett squares, and visually see how traits are passed from one generation to the next. One of the most exciting moments was watching students debate possible outcomes and test their predictions—real scientific thinking in action!\r\n\r\nThese resources have made abstract concepts much more concrete for my students, especially for those who struggle with traditional learning methods. The hands-on approach increased participation, encouraged collaboration, and boosted confidence as students realized they could understand genetics.\r\n\r\nNext, students will use these materials to extend their learning by analyzing real-world genetic scenarios and applying probability to predict outcomes. We'll also connect our work to heredity, variation, and how genetics plays a role in everyday life—building both scientific understanding and critical thinking skills.\r\n\r\nYour support has made a lasting impact in our classroom. Because of you, my students had access to engaging, high-quality learning tools that made science exciting, accessible, and fun. Thank you for helping bring genetics to life for my 8th graders!","fullyFundedDate":1762370878705,"projectUrl":"project/cracking-the-code-8th-grade-genetics-in/9844738/","projectTitle":"Cracking the Code: 8th Grade Genetics in Action","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Crowell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10224719_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1759198917151","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/crowellscience"},{"teacherId":10224719,"projectId":9709191,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom in Castle Rock, Washington, right at the base of Mt. St. Helens. Because of you, our students now have a rock tumbler, geology testing supplies, and a geology book that are bringing science to life in a powerful and meaningful way.\r\n\r\nLiving so close to one of the most famous volcanoes in the world gives our students a unique connection to geology, earth science, and natural history. These materials allow them to explore the land they live on, understand how Mt. St. Helens shaped our community, and see how geology connects to real-world careers such as volcanology, environmental science, forestry, mining, and park services.\r\n\r\nWith these hands-on tools, students are no longer just reading about rocks and minerals—they are becoming scientists. They are testing, observing, asking questions, and discovering that learning can open doors to future possibilities they may not have considered before. The excitement and curiosity these resources have sparked is truly inspiring.\r\n\r\nYour support is changing lives. You've shown our students that their education matters and that people beyond our community believe in their potential. That encouragement will stay with them far beyond this project.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping our students explore their world and imagine their futures. We are deeply grateful for your generosity.","fullyFundedDate":1760721582714,"projectUrl":"project/help-bring-the-study-of-geology-to-our-s/9709191/","projectTitle":"Help Bring the Study of Geology to Our School","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Crowell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10224719_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1759198917151","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/crowellscience"},{"teacherId":10224719,"projectId":9651587,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous gift I would like to share what an incredible Impact on Our Students you have made.\r\n\r\nIn our classroom, reading has become an exciting, shared experience. We dedicate time at the end of each day, as well as special book study sessions, to immerse students in meaningful texts. Students love being read to, reading aloud to the class, and having deep, heartfelt discussions about the characters and the challenges they face.\r\n\r\nOur study of Rocket Boys (also known as October Sky) has had a particularly powerful impact. Students connect with Homer Hickam's journey growing up in a small town much like Castle Rock, WA—where opportunities can feel limited and hope for a better future depends on perseverance and self-empowerment. They are inspired by how Homer and his friends pursued their passion for rocketry despite obstacles, sparking discussions about dreams, determination, and resilience in their own lives.\r\n\r\nEven students who are usually less enthusiastic about reading are engaged and motivated by this novel. They are building advanced vocabulary and critical thinking skills, making connections between literature, science, and their own experiences. Thanks to your support, our students are not just reading—they are thinking deeply, discussing passionately, and imagining the possibilities for their own futures.","fullyFundedDate":1757549690916,"projectUrl":"project/rocket-boys-for-castle-rock-rockets/9651587/","projectTitle":"Rocket Boys for Castle Rock Rockets","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Crowell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10224719_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1759198917151","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/crowellscience"},{"teacherId":6191881,"projectId":9087795,"letterContent":"I would like to sincerely thank you for your generous donation of Expo markers to our classroom. Your gift has made a real difference in the way my students are able to collaborate and engage with their learning.\r\n\r\nEach day, my students use the markers on their individual whiteboards to work together in cooperative learning groups. They solve problems, share their thinking, and compare answers with one another, and then with the whole class. This interactive process not only helps them see different ways of approaching a problem but also allows them to celebrate when they arrive at the same solution through teamwork and discussion.\r\n\r\nYour support has provided us with a simple yet powerful tool that helps build understanding, encourages communication, and keeps our learning active and fun. We are incredibly grateful for your kindness and for investing in our students' growth.\r\n\r\nThank you once again for your generosity!","fullyFundedDate":1738958534493,"projectUrl":"project/multiply-engagement-help-my-students-wi/9087795/","projectTitle":"Multiply Engagement: Help My Students With Expo Markers","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Epperson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6191881"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_40627","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":319,"numTeachers":17,"percentFrplEligible":62,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":83,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":9,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"18.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":54.5,"schoolId":40627,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Castle Rock Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Castle Rock Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/washington/castle-rock-school-district-401/castle-rock-middle-school/40627"}