{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Eckstein Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":9.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8804354,"projectId":10285929,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for considering supporting our 8th grade science students! Your generosity would help us purchase a 50-specimen preserved specimen kit that our students will use as part of their introduction to biology, adaptive traits, and evolution.\r\n\r\nFor many of our 8th graders, science comes alive when they have the opportunity to see, touch, observe, and investigate real scientific specimens rather than learning only from a textbook or a screen. This specimen kit will give students the chance to examine organisms firsthand, make careful observations, compare structures, and ask questions about how living things are adapted to their environments.\r\n\r\nAs students investigate the specimens, they will begin connecting what they see to larger biological concepts: How are organisms similar and different? Why do certain traits help an organism survive? How do adaptations develop over generations? What can the structures of organisms tell us about evolution? These are powerful questions for young scientists to explore.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, our 8th graders truly appreciate any opportunity to participate in hands-on science. Being able to work with authentic specimens makes learning memorable and gives students a sense that they are not just learning about science—they are actually doing science. They will observe, discuss, question, collaborate, and develop evidence-based explanations alongside their classmates.\r\n\r\nYour support would provide our students with an experience they may remember long after they leave 8th grade. It will help foster curiosity, confidence, and a deeper understanding of biology while giving our young scientists the opportunity to explore the natural world in a meaningful way.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our students and in their curiosity! We are incredibly grateful for your generosity and for helping make hands-on science experiences possible for our 8th graders. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference and is sincerely appreciated by our students and our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1787438031346,"projectUrl":"project/specimen-safari-exploring-the-kingdoms/10285929/","projectTitle":"Specimen Safari: Exploring the Kingdoms of Life","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mosko","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8804354_orig.jpg?crop=614,614,x149,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1745274311386","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8804354"},{"teacherId":8804354,"projectId":10325082,"letterContent":"On behalf of my 8th grade biology class, thank you so much for funding the dog skeleton model and forelimb models for our comparative anatomy unit! We are absolutely thrilled to have these in our classroom, and I can't thank you enough for making this possible.\r\nThese models have been incredibly helpful and have made such a difference in how my students learn. Comparing pictures in a textbook simply cannot capture what students gain from holding and examining a real, three-dimensional model. Being able to see the actual bone structures up close and compare forelimbs side by side allowed students to notice details and patterns they would have otherwise missed.\r\nMost importantly, these models helped bring a key concept in biology to life for my students: that animals have adapted to their environments in remarkably different ways, yet we are all still connected through shared ancestry. Seeing the similarities in bone structure across different forelimbs, despite their different functions, gave students a genuine understanding of evolution and adaptation that goes far beyond what they could get from a picture alone.\r\nThank you again for investing in my students' education and for giving them the chance to learn through hands-on, tangible experiences. Your generosity has made a lasting impact on how my students understand and engage with biology.","fullyFundedDate":1782938805701,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-anatomy-and-evolution/10325082/","projectTitle":"Hands-On Anatomy and Evolution","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mosko","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8804354_orig.jpg?crop=614,614,x149,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1745274311386","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8804354"},{"teacherId":8804354,"projectId":10171402,"letterContent":"On behalf of my 8th grade science class, thank you so much for your generous donation of supplies for our worm dissection unit! Your support made it possible for my students to explore comparative anatomy through hands-on, real-world investigation.\r\nThe students were thrilled to participate. Many had never done a dissection before, and their curiosity and excitement were evident from the moment we began. They carefully examined the external and internal structures of the earthworm, identifying key anatomical features and discussing how these structures function to help the organism survive. It was wonderful to watch them make connections between what they were observing and the broader concepts we've been studying in class.\r\nThis experience is just the beginning. Building on what they learned about anatomy and adaptive traits, my students will now move into classifying other organisms, using their new understanding to explore how physical structures relate to function and survival across different species. The foundation they built during this dissection will support their thinking as they continue developing their skills in scientific observation and classification.\r\nThank you again for investing in my students' education. Your generosity gave them an opportunity to learn in a way that textbooks alone simply can't provide, and it has sparked genuine enthusiasm for science in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1776123054211,"projectUrl":"project/worming-our-way-into-comparative-anatomy/10171402/","projectTitle":"Worming Our Way Into Comparative Anatomy","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mosko","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8804354_orig.jpg?crop=614,614,x149,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1745274311386","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8804354"},{"teacherId":3066503,"projectId":7269963,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping purchase diverse books for students to read together. Reading novels together is an important skill because it allows students to bring in their own contexts to the reading as well as hear others' perspectives. These books were carefully chosen because they represent a wide variety of perspectives and writing styles, which means that students have some ownership in picking books but are also introduced to topics such as mental health, disability, immigration, and different types of cultural experiences in the United States and abroad.\r\n\r\nIn literature circles, students read the books together in class and have discussion questions to help guide them to think about the book. Another benefit of literature circles is that after groups have finished analyzing their own books, they are also able to hear from other groups and compare different themes that are found across all of them. \r\n\r\nThere is a mix of students who are thrilled to find a book that represents their own unique experience that they hadn't necessarily encountered before as well as students whose eyes are opened to experiences beyond their understanding. This is particularly important at a middle school level because the brain development is quite unique at this stage where they are trying to make sense of the world and looking to peers and adults for guidance. Books provide a lens to do that without judgment. Your support has made this possible.","fullyFundedDate":1680228688082,"projectUrl":"project/diverse-books-for-students-to-read-toget/7269963/","projectTitle":"Diverse Books for Students to Read Together","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sterling","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3066503_orig.jpg?crop=2525,2525,x194,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1620236977658","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3066503"},{"teacherId":8132687,"projectId":10134646,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your support of my classroom! The students are excited to have quality dissection materials to enhance our biology curriculum. The sheep eye dissection is something that students talk about for years, and has inspired many to stay engaged in science.\r\n\r\nI really don't know if I could do it without your help. Teaching is a wonderful job, but if it weren't for labs that engage students, we would all be miserable. We ALL appreciate the opportunity to get OFF laptops and to work with our hands, and each other.\r\n\r\nI very much appreciate your support-","fullyFundedDate":1776114843555,"projectUrl":"project/dissection-materials-for-urban-middle-sc/10134646/","projectTitle":"Dissection Materials for Urban Middle School","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Haakanson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8132687_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x510,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746572228268","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8132687"},{"teacherId":9338391,"projectId":9959312,"letterContent":"Because of you, \"A Welcoming Snack Shelf for Students Who Need a Moment\" has become so much more than a shelf with food on it. It has become a quiet signal to students that this is a safe space. The snacks are used daily during check-ins, short breaks, and lunchtime visits. Sometimes a student comes in overwhelmed from class, sometimes they skipped breakfast, and sometimes they just need a minute to breathe. Having accessible snacks available removes a barrier and allows us to focus on what truly matters in that moment: helping students regulate, reflect, and reset.\r\n\r\nWhat I have noticed most is how the simple presence of food increases engagement. Students are more willing to stay, talk, and participate in problem-solving conversations when their basic needs are met. It creates a welcoming, non-judgmental environment where students feel cared for rather than corrected. That shift makes a measurable difference in how productive and meaningful our time together becomes.\r\n\r\nAs we continue our work, we are focusing on emotional regulation skills, coping strategies, and building healthy decision-making habits. When students know they can enter a space that feels supportive and consistent, they are more open to practicing those skills. Your generosity is helping students learn not only how to navigate hard moments, but also that there is a community that believes in them and invests in their well-being. Thank you for making that possible.","fullyFundedDate":1766094995093,"projectUrl":"project/a-welcoming-snack-shelf-for-students-who/9959312/","projectTitle":"A Welcoming Snack Shelf for Students Who Need a Moment","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Torres","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9338391_orig.png?crop=500,500,x109,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1697857540398","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mgtorres"},{"teacherId":8804354,"projectId":9849665,"letterContent":"I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to you for funding our classroom's new electronic scales. Your generosity has made a real difference for our 8th-grade students at Eckstein Middle School, allowing us to deepen our learning in both physics and biology through hands-on exploration.\r\n\r\nSince the scales arrived, students have been using them often to collect accurate data during our experiments on mass and force in physics. One special moment that stands out was during our \"Conservation of Matter\" lab—students were amazed to see how small differences in mass changed the outcome of their tests. They immediately began debating and refining their hypotheses like true scientists. The excitement and curiosity in the room were contagious!\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the new scales, their reactions were priceless. Many were amazed at how precise the readings were compared to our old equipment. A few students even remarked that it felt like \"real lab work.\" It's inspiring to see how having professional-quality tools raises their confidence and sense of ownership in the learning process. After dealing with significant delays in remodeling and not having access to lab equipment most of the year, being able to use these scales has made a real difference in the excitment during science class. These tools will continue to be a vital part of our investigations and will support authentic scientific inquiry throughout the year.\r\n\r\nThank you again for helping our students experience science as an active, engaging, and meaningful process. Your kindness and support empower these young learners to see themselves as scientists who can ask questions, test ideas, and discover new knowledge.","fullyFundedDate":1764707886893,"projectUrl":"project/lets-get-precise-digital-scales-for-8t/9849665/","projectTitle":"Let’s Get Precise! Digital Scales for 8th Grade Scientists","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mosko","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8804354_orig.jpg?crop=614,614,x149,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1745274311386","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8804354"},{"teacherId":8901403,"projectId":9830812,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our DonorsChoose project. Because of your generosity we now have AAC tools - portable devices like the AbleNet QuickTalker and Talker Buddy, communication cards, and travel bags - that help our nonspeaking students and those with significant speech delays express needs, choices, and feelings throughout the school day. These devices are already making routines, lessons, and social moments more accessible and less frustrating for learners who need alternative ways to communicate.\r\n\r\nThe students are excited to use tools that let them participate more fully, reduce frustration, and build confidence. Your gift helps them practice real communication skills they can use at school and at home. Thank you for giving these amazing learners a stronger voice and more opportunities to connect.","fullyFundedDate":1760823636882,"projectUrl":"project/speak-up-aac-technology-for-students-wh/9830812/","projectTitle":"Speak Up! AAC Technology for Students Who Need a Voice","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Connelly","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8901403_orig.jpg?crop=900,900,x379,y51&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1694642710820","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/rachelconnelly"},{"teacherId":8132687,"projectId":9861680,"letterContent":"I'm including photos of our recent motor-building lab, funded by your generous donation. Not only did every single 8th grader at Eckstein get to make their very own motor at the end of our magnetism unit, but we also were able to purchase more spring launchers for our physics unit in the fall which uses lots of launchers for all sorts of experiments!\r\n\r\nI really appreciate your support of our future scientists and citizens. Every little thing makes a difference and you just never know when that creative spark will light up a student to go into the field of science or engineering.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your support","fullyFundedDate":1763589840294,"projectUrl":"project/lab-equipment-for-years-to-come/9861680/","projectTitle":"Lab Equipment for Years to Come","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Haakanson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8132687_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x510,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746572228268","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8132687"},{"teacherId":9338391,"projectId":9475079,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for making A Calm and Creative Corner for Connection at Eckstein MS a reality. Because of your generosity, my counseling space has truly transformed into a place where students feel safe, welcomed, and seen. We are using the new seating, creative supplies, and calming materials every day during individual check-ins, small group conversations, and quiet regulation breaks. One moment that really sticks with me is a student who normally struggles to open up saying, \"This room feels peaceful. I like talking in here.\" That sense of calm has made a real difference in how students show up emotionally.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the space, their reactions were immediate and genuine. They gravitated toward the soft seating, explored the creative materials, and naturally settled into the room. Several students asked if they could come back during lunch or passing time just to sit, draw, or reset for a few minutes. For many of them, this has become a trusted corner of the school where they can breathe, reflect, and connect without pressure.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, these resources will continue to support students as we work on emotional regulation, stress management, and building healthy coping skills throughout the school year. Whether we're processing big feelings, practicing mindfulness, or simply creating space for students to feel grounded during a tough day, your support is woven into each of those moments. Thank you for investing not just in supplies, but in the well-being and humanity of our Eckstein students. Your kindness has had a lasting impact.","fullyFundedDate":1759810254563,"projectUrl":"project/a-calm-and-creative-corner-for-connectio/9475079/","projectTitle":"A Calm and Creative Corner for Connection at Eckstein MS","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Torres","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9338391_orig.png?crop=500,500,x109,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1697857540398","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mgtorres"},{"teacherId":8804354,"projectId":9416719,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my 8th graders engaged in one of the most memorable and meaningful learning experiences of our school year. The opportunity to dissect sheep eyes brought our evolution and comparative anatomy unit to life in a way no textbook, worksheet or video ever could.\r\n\r\nAs students explored each structure of the eye with their own hands, they began making real, concrete connections between evolution, natural selection, and the ways organisms adapt to different environments over millions of years. Many students who are typically hesitant in science felt empowered by the hands-on nature of the work. They asked deeper questions, collaborated closely with their peers, and showed genuine curiosity as they compared the structures they found to the eyes of other animals we studied.\r\n\r\nOne of the most impactful moments was seeing students realize that the same basic structures appear across species because of shared ancestry. Many commented that the dissection helped them understand how small changes over time can lead to the incredible diversity of life we see today.\r\n\r\nBeyond the academic gains, this experience gave my students a sense of pride—they felt like real scientists. Several students told me this was their \"favorite lab ever\" and that they felt lucky to have the chance to do work they know not every school can offer.\r\n\r\nYour support didn't just give us materials; it created an experience my students will remember long after 8th grade. Thank you for making this hands-on, minds-on learning possible.","fullyFundedDate":1759252809179,"projectUrl":"project/exploring-the-exciting-evolution-of-eyes/9416719/","projectTitle":"Exploring the Exciting Evolution of Eyes","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mosko","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8804354_orig.jpg?crop=614,614,x149,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1745274311386","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8804354"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_35948","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1021,"numTeachers":50,"percentFrplEligible":15,"percentAsian":11,"percentBlack":5,"percentWhite":56,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":8,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":16,"gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"20.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":90.4,"schoolId":35948,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Eckstein Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Eckstein Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/washington/district-one-seattle-public-schools/eckstein-middle-school/35948"}