{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Aki Kurose Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":25.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8671120,"projectId":9306689,"letterContent":"Thank you for the stools and headphones you generously donated to our classroom. Your support has already made a noticeable difference for our students.\r\n\r\nThe headphones have help students focus during writing time, listening to read-alouds or audiobooks, and practice language skills independently. It has also cut down on background noise so small‑group instruction can happen without interruption.\r\n\r\nThe stools provide flexible seating that increases comfort and concentration—especially during collaborative projects and hands‑on activities—so students engage more fully.\r\n\r\nWhat excites the students most is the independence these items give them. With headphones they can work at their own pace and revisit lessons as needed. The stools let them choose how they work best, which makes learning feel more student‑centered and enjoyable.\r\n\r\nA few students, in particular, have shown big improvements. Learners who are easily distracted are completing listening tasks with greater confidence using the headphones. Students with sensory or attention needs are staying on task longer with the alternative seating. Language learners are also benefiting by replaying audio supports which boosts their comprehension and participation. Students who struggle with emotional regulation and those who are going through difficult times also greatly appreciate the calming qualities of music!","fullyFundedDate":1747081811186,"projectUrl":"project/music-fueling-our-souls-and-our-writing/9306689/","projectTitle":"Music: Fueling Our Souls and Our Writing","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Coats","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8671120_orig.jpg?crop=2000,2000,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1734548744119","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/support-coats"},{"teacherId":9221551,"projectId":9521143,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of my classroom. The classroom set of atlases has been a gamechanger for my 6th graders. They have enjoyed exploring the world through actual printed maps instead of on their computers. Watching them create connections using geography has been amazing. \r\n\r\nThey used the atlases for their create-a-country projects where each student had to create their own country situated in an actual area of the world. They had to research location, climate, natural resources, and physical features found in that area and incorporate them into their maps. The atlases were integral for this project and students abilities to read maps and know where places are in the world grew tremendously. I have attached pictures of some of the amazing projects. \r\n\r\nWe are beginning our unit on emerging civilizations and students will be using the atlases to explore the geography of Mesopotamia, Egypt, China, and more to understand the impact that geography has on the development of civilizations.","fullyFundedDate":1756081015704,"projectUrl":"project/exploring-the-world-classroom-atlases-f/9521143/","projectTitle":"Exploring the World: Classroom Atlases for Curious 6th Graders","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Appel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9221551_orig.png?crop=499,499,x3,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1764691597141","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9221551"},{"teacherId":10202912,"projectId":9633284,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping fund supplies to support my classroom at the start of this school year! My new group of students have loved the prizes they've received for earning \"Payne Cash\", the classroom currency I'm trying out this year to increase student engagement. So far, students have used the Payne Cash to purchase candy and toys that were funded by this project. Though I am surprised that no one has redeemed their cash for a homework pass! \r\n\r\nIn addition to prizes, I received 15 new calculators from this project. This means that students do not have to share calculators during tests like they had to last year. An amazing improvement! \r\n\r\nThank you again for your incredibly generous donation, I truly could not do this without you!!","fullyFundedDate":1756017992260,"projectUrl":"project/calculators-rewards-for-7th-grade-math/9633284/","projectTitle":"Calculators & Rewards for 7th Grade Math Class!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Payne","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10202912_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755724287648","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10202912"},{"teacherId":9595559,"projectId":9661885,"letterContent":"My 6th grade science students and I want to sincerely thank you for providing the health bar materials for our metabolism unit. Your generosity allowed students to apply their knowledge in a fun, hands-on way. They absolutely loved experimenting with different ingredients and flavors to test how nutrients affect energy and body function. The project brought the science of metabolism to life and sparked so much excitement and curiosity in the classroom. We're truly grateful for your support in helping students learn through creativity, teamwork, and real-world connections. Thank you for making science so engaging and memorable!","fullyFundedDate":1757644552298,"projectUrl":"project/science-health-bar-experiment/9661885/","projectTitle":"Science Health Bar Experiment","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Qing","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9595559"},{"teacherId":9605202,"projectId":9633191,"letterContent":"I want to sincerely thank you for supporting my classroom and my students. Because of your generosity, we were able to receive a brand-new Post-it Brand Whiteboard and much-needed cleaning supplies. These materials may seem simple, but they've made an incredible difference in the way my students learn and in how our classroom feels each day. Teaching in an underserved school means we often have to make do with limited resources, so having a functional, high-quality whiteboard and fresh supplies has truly been a game changer for us.\r\n\r\nBefore this project, my old whiteboard was in rough shape. It was stained, uneven, and impossible to erase completely. Over time, no matter how many times I cleaned it, it stayed cloudy with leftover writing. That made it hard for students to see clearly during lessons—especially when we were solving multi-step equations or working through long examples. It might not sound like much, but for a math classroom, the whiteboard is the heartbeat of instruction. It's where we build understanding together, step by step. When it doesn't work properly, it affects every lesson.\r\n\r\nThanks to your support, our new Post-it Brand Whiteboard has completely transformed that experience. It's bright, clean, and easy to write on, and it erases beautifully every time. My students noticed the difference immediately. The first day they saw it, they cheered! One student shouted, \"It's so shiny, Ms. Ahmed!\" and another said, \"Now we can actually see!\" It brought so much joy to see how excited they were over something as simple as a clean, smooth surface to learn on. That excitement has carried into our daily lessons—they love coming up to the board to show their work, explain a strategy, or write out steps for the class.\r\n\r\nThe Post-it brand really lives up to its name. The board has become a reliable tool that supports collaboration and creativity. We've been using it to model equations, play review games, and work through group problems. I've also started having students use Post-it Notes to post their thinking around the room after we complete activities, turning our classroom walls into a space for shared learning. This has encouraged even my quieter students to participate since they can contribute their ideas visually and see that their thinking matters.\r\n\r\nThe cleaning supplies have been another huge help. They've allowed us to keep the board and our classroom in great condition, something that can be challenging when resources are limited. My students take pride in helping clean and organize the space, and that ownership has created a more positive and respectful environment. When the room is clean and materials work properly, students feel valued—and that sense of care translates directly into how they approach their learning.\r\n\r\nSince setting up the new board, we've been diving into multi-step algebra problems, group projects, and review sessions that depend heavily on visual explanation. The Post-it Brand Whiteboard has made it possible for all students to clearly follow along and for me to teach more effectively. I can break down complex concepts without worrying that my writing will fade or smear halfway through a problem. It's amazing how something that seems so small can have such a big impact on the overall quality of instruction.\r\n\r\nYour support has not only improved our classroom tools but also restored a sense of pride and excitement among my students. They see that people care about their education that they deserve high-quality materials and a space that supports their learning. For many of them, that message is just as meaningful as the resources themselves.\r\n\r\nThank you again for making this possible. Your generosity and kindness have given my students a classroom that feels new, clean, and full of energy. Every day we use the Post-it Brand Whiteboard, I'm reminded of how much your donation has improved our learning environment. You've given us more than supplies—you've given my students confidence, motivation, and a renewed love for learning.","fullyFundedDate":1757607937776,"projectUrl":"project/basic-math-classroom-needs/9633191/","projectTitle":"Basic Math Classroom Needs","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ahmed","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9605202"},{"teacherId":9605202,"projectId":9634341,"letterContent":"I want to start by saying a huge thank you for supporting my classroom through this project. Because of your generosity, my students now have access to new technology that has completely changed the energy and engagement level in my math class. The items we received, like the clickers and the number-based learning games that have made math come alive for my students in ways that I honestly couldn't have imagined before.\r\n\r\nMany of my students used to think of math as something that was just about worksheets and solving problems on paper. Now, with the technology we've added, they're experiencing math as something interactive, fast-paced, and even fun. The clickers have been especially amazing. Instead of me asking a question and waiting for one or two hands to go up, every student now gets to respond at the same time. They love seeing the instant feedback on the screen, and I love how it helps me quickly see who understands a concept and who might need a little extra help. It has turned what used to be quiet or hesitant moments into full participation from the whole class.\r\n\r\nWhat's really powerful is that the technology gives all students a voice, especially those who may not feel confident speaking up in front of their peers. Some of my quieter students are now the first to grab a clicker when we start class. They know that their answers count just as much as anyone else's. I've noticed a big shift in confidence—students who used to shy away from answering questions are now eager to participate because the technology makes it safe and exciting to try.\r\n\r\nThe math games have been another big hit. I introduced them as part of our review sessions, and it's been one of the best additions I've ever made to my lessons. Students are learning while playing, and they don't even realize how much practice they're getting in. The games involve quick thinking, number sense, and problem-solving, and students work together or compete in small groups. Even students who used to struggle with focus are now completely engaged because the technology keeps them moving and thinking the entire time.\r\n\r\nOne of my favorite moments so far was during an Algebra Lab session, when one student who typically gives up easily suddenly lit up during a multiplication challenge. He started helping others on his team and explaining how he got his answers. Seeing him smile and take on a leadership role was one of those reminders of why this work matters. The technology didn't just help him practice math, it helped him see himself as capable. I've had several students tell me that math feels \"easier\" or \"more fun\" now, which to me means they're not only understanding the material but also enjoying the process.\r\n\r\nBeyond the learning benefits, these tools have also helped build community in our classroom. Students cheer each other on, celebrate wins, and support one another when they make mistakes. The energy during these lessons is something special. There's laughter, excitement, and real teamwork. It's not just about technology for the sake of being new or flashy; it's about how it connects students to learning and to each other.\r\n\r\nI can't thank you enough for giving my students this opportunity. Your donation didn't just bring devices into our classroom, it brought joy, confidence, and curiosity. The clickers and games have become part of our daily routine, and I see how they're helping students master key skills in math while also building a love for learning. I feel so grateful that we can give them this experience, and it truly wouldn't have been possible without your support.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students and in the power of engaging, interactive learning. Because of you, my classroom feels more alive, more connected, and more hopeful than ever before.","fullyFundedDate":1757775524549,"projectUrl":"project/numbers-game-tech-in-math/9634341/","projectTitle":"Numbers Game + Tech in Math","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ahmed","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9605202"},{"teacherId":8364451,"projectId":9755384,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom! Because of you, our students have been exploring, discovering, and learning in hands-on, meaningful ways.\r\n\r\nThe owl pellets have been a huge hit — students loved becoming little scientists, dissecting them and uncovering real bones to learn about food chains and animal adaptations. The plaster, sand, and other supplies have become \"dig out fossils\" and they have turned our classroom into an excavation site full of excitement and curiosity, helping us connect to Earth's history in a memorable way as students figure out what the environment was like when the animal died.\r\n\r\nThe colored paper and stamps have brightened up our art and writing projects, giving students more creative ways to express their ideas. And the ice packs have been used to demonstrate energy transfer.\r\n\r\nYour kindness and generosity made all of this possible. Thank you for bringing joy, curiosity, and hands-on learning to our classroom — we couldn't have done it without you!","fullyFundedDate":1759251510223,"projectUrl":"project/need-hands-on-science/9755384/","projectTitle":"Need Hands on Science!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hotchkin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-hotchkin"},{"teacherId":8364451,"projectId":9458833,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for funding this classroom project! Because of your kindness, my students now have the essential tools they need to explore, create, and learn every day.\r\n\r\nThe composition notebooks are already being filled with Big Ideas, Models, and Articles as students explore the world around them. The pencils and tape dispensers keep our daily work running smoothly — small supplies that make a big difference in keeping our classroom organized and ready for learning. And the addition of the chemicals will be used in the next couple of weeks AND during conferences so students can show off what they have learned to their adults! My students' excitement during experiments has been incredible — they're asking more questions, thinking critically, and truly engaging with the scientific process.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has made a direct impact on their learning experience. Thank you for believing in our students and supporting their curiosity and growth.","fullyFundedDate":1758635937209,"projectUrl":"project/supplies-for-the-new-school-year/9458833/","projectTitle":"Supplies for the New School Year","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hotchkin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-hotchkin"},{"teacherId":8364451,"projectId":9341365,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom project! Because of your kindness, our students now have access to hands-on solar panel kits that bring renewable energy concepts to life. Students learn about solar panels in our climate change unit but giving them the opportunity to explore them in a hands on way is sparking their curiosity. Your donation isn't just a gift of materials — it's a gift of opportunity. You're helping students see themselves as scientists, problem-solvers, and innovators who can help build a better future. Thank you for believing in their potential and investing in meaningful, hands-on STEM education.","fullyFundedDate":1751124985538,"projectUrl":"project/help-create-future-engineers/9341365/","projectTitle":"Help Create Future Engineers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hotchkin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-hotchkin"},{"teacherId":8364451,"projectId":9131349,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous contribution to our classroom through DonorsChoose! Because of your support, my prize bin is well stocked and the \"store\" has lots of top dollar items that have made a big impact on student motivation and engagement.\r\n\r\nThe students have been so enthusiastic about earning rewards for their hard work and positive behavior. It's amazing to see how a small treat or prize can light up their day and encourage them to stay focused, try their best, and support one another. Your donation has created a more positive and energized classroom environment, and I can already see the difference in their effort and attitude.\r\n\r\nWe are truly grateful for your kindness and belief in our students. Thank you for being a part of their success and for making learning a little sweeter—literally!","fullyFundedDate":1746785473618,"projectUrl":"project/help-motivate-my-students/9131349/","projectTitle":"Help Motivate My Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hotchkin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-hotchkin"},{"teacherId":9605202,"projectId":9156783,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous donation, I've been able to provide my students with something that often gets overlooked in the classroom: nourishment. Teaching in a Title I school that serves a multicultural and underserved population means that many of my students are navigating challenges far beyond the classroom. Whether it's food insecurity, long commutes, or responsibilities at home, it's not uncommon for students to come to school—especially afternoon classes—tired, hungry, and unfocused.\r\n\r\nThe snacks you helped provide have made a huge difference.\r\n\r\nFrom granola bars and crackers to fruit snacks and trail mix, having food available during our math block has helped students stay alert and engaged, especially during more rigorous problem-solving tasks. One student said it best: \"Miss, I didn't eat lunch today, but this snack is helping me stay awake for class.\" It's such a small thing, but it has had a massive impact on their energy, mood, and willingness to participate.\r\n\r\nOne specific moment stands out: during a collaborative Algebra activity where students were graphing systems of equations, I noticed a group that was normally pretty quiet suddenly come to life. I had passed out snacks just before we started, and almost instantly, their posture changed. They were talking more, helping each other, and even laughing. One student who usually shuts down in math was leading the group in solving a challenge problem. It was clear—giving them something as basic as a snack helped level the playing field for learning.\r\n\r\nOur school is incredibly diverse, and many of our students come from families where food isn't always guaranteed. Offering snacks creates a sense of care and safety in our classroom. It tells them, \"You matter. Your needs matter.\" And when students feel that way, they show up differently—as learners and as people.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, we're continuing our work on multi-step equations and graphing in both Math 8 and Algebra Lab. These lessons require focus and stamina, and now that students know they can count on a snack when they need one, they're more willing to push through challenging tasks. We've even started a rotating student helper system where a few students take responsibility for organizing and distributing snacks—it's built a sense of ownership and community in the classroom.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your generosity. It's easy to assume that donations should go toward technology or supplies, but what you gave us—food—has directly supported learning in the most human and impactful way. We're all deeply grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1742404039791,"projectUrl":"project/snacks-to-keep-kids-engaged/9156783/","projectTitle":"Snacks to Keep Kids Engaged!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ahmed","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9605202"},{"teacherId":9595559,"projectId":9213031,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous snack donations! Your kindness helped fuel my 8th graders through the final quarter of the year. The snacks kept them energized, focused, and smiling during those long afternoons. It truly made a difference in our classroom and showed them how much their community supports them. We are so grateful and thankful for our amazing donors! Your support means the world. We hope to connect with more generous hearts in the future to keep making a difference for our students!","fullyFundedDate":1746785577125,"projectUrl":"project/4th-quarter-snack-boost/9213031/","projectTitle":"4th Quarter Snack Boost","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Qing","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9595559"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_36021","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":818,"numTeachers":42,"percentFrplEligible":77,"percentAsian":22,"percentBlack":29,"percentWhite":19,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":18,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"19.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":74.6,"schoolId":36021,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Aki Kurose Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Aki Kurose Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/washington/district-one-seattle-public-schools/aki-kurose-middle-school/36021"}