{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Eckstein Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":9.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"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"},{"teacherId":8132687,"projectId":9396833,"letterContent":"I wanted to thank you again for your amazing support of our school and classrooms! The purchase of these earthworms will allow all 350+ students at our school to dissect an earthworm during our evolution lab this spring. The wonder and amazement on their faces when they cut open the earthworm to reveal the multiple hearts, and their discovery of the complicated internal anatomy is gratifying. \r\n\r\nStudents will leave Eckstein with a strong understanding of evolution because their final lab will be to look for homologous structures between earthworms and humans, and then to put together a final argument proving that we are related. Students need to use the powers of observation to make these conclusions, and their work is always very convincing due to the fact that they have the opportunity to dissect these earthworms.","fullyFundedDate":1757552124630,"projectUrl":"project/biology-materials-for-urban-middle-schoo/9396833/","projectTitle":"Biology Materials for Urban Middle School in Seattle","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":8804354,"projectId":9264200,"letterContent":"Thanks to generous donors, my teaching partner and I, now have complete classroom sets of electric scales. They are battery powered which is essential now that we have access to less outlets. The scales have proved to be indespensible in just the first few weeks of school. \r\n\r\nEach team of students can efficiently measure mass with accuracy to ensure their experiments provide reliable results. In addition, not having to spend time to beg and borrow from 5 other classroom teachers allows us to spend more time preparing curriculum and working with students. Furthermore, being able to use up-to-date and functional science tools helps students to explore science concepts like density and chemical reactions in a hands-on way.\r\n\r\nOur classes have benefited so much from the consistant support of our community- we could not provide outstanding science curriculum without your support. Students will be able to take advantage of these scales for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1749136771919,"projectUrl":"project/measuring-mass/9264200/","projectTitle":"Measuring Mass","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":9033111,"letterContent":"This exciting dissection project has significantly contributed to my student's understanding of the evolution of the eye and evolutionary history. This proposal involved incorporating eye and worm dissections into our curriculum, providing students with hands-on experiences that most certainly enhanced their comprehension of these complex biological concepts. \r\nThis practical and exciting approach also allowed students to witness firsthand the variations in eye structures among various organisms, reinforcing the concept of natural selection and adaptation. This will likely be the only dissection opportunity these students have and they LOVED it, as usual! Many students remarked that they were scared and nervous about handling something like an eye or a worm. They thought it would be \"gross\" and \"bloody\", but soon were asking when they could do another dissection. They even took pictures to document their dissection progress.\r\nI am confident that incorporating eye and worm dissections into the 8th-grade curriculum not only met the required educational standards but also provided a unique and enriching experience for my students. Being able to neatly pin each specimen made the whole process easier and allowed the students to be more successful. We greatly appreciate your generosity!","fullyFundedDate":1744150741065,"projectUrl":"project/exploring-evolutionary-history-through-d/9033111/","projectTitle":"Exploring Evolutionary History Through Dissection","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":8132687,"projectId":9300311,"letterContent":"I wanted to reach out to tell you what an amazing help your support has been as we attempt to design a program for our very large middle school that is challenging, engaging and multi-modal. Where we were lacking was with hands-on manipulatives and visual aides to help genetics come alive. Through your support we were able to purchase eye models to be able to better visualize the parts of the eye during our eye dissection, and posters to help students better understand genetics, heredity and DNA.\r\n\r\nWe truly appreciate all of the support that you provide and look forward to another wonderful year- our biggest class yet (I have 166 this year)!","fullyFundedDate":1748016995549,"projectUrl":"project/genetics-lab-materials-for-urban-middle/9300311/","projectTitle":"Genetics Lab 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":9170844,"letterContent":"When the boxes arrived, our students' excitement was contagious—one even said, \"I can't believe these are for us!\" Backpacks and water bottles were distributed to students who needed them most, and you could immediately see the pride on their faces. Students who had been carrying their supplies in grocery bags now walk through the halls more confidently, and the reusable bottles have encouraged more hydration and fewer disposable plastics around campus.\r\n\r\nThe hygiene supplies have been a quiet but powerful gift. Many students now have access to deodorant, shampoo, and laundry detergent at home—basic items that help them feel clean and comfortable at school. One student shared that having these items \"makes it easier to come to school every day,\" and that's exactly the impact we hoped for.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, students are showing up to class more prepared, comfortable, and ready to learn. You've helped create a sense of dignity and care in our school community that goes beyond physical items—it's a reminder that kindness and compassion make a difference. We're so grateful for your support and belief in our students.","fullyFundedDate":1746786989761,"projectUrl":"project/confidence-success-hygiene-backpacks/9170844/","projectTitle":"Confidence & Success: Hygiene, Backpacks, and Supplies for Students","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":8132687,"projectId":8958833,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your support of our laboratory needs at Eckstein Middle School. Being at such a large school it would be easy to let the lab experiments slide, as setting up labs for 5 classes of 34 kids each is time-consuming and exhausting. However, we value these experiences as a way to 'hook' kids into science and school in general. \r\n\r\nYour support of our work and our kids warms my heart. Thank you so much for all that you are doing to keep our schools strong and focused on quality academics.","fullyFundedDate":1735269233384,"projectUrl":"project/lab-equipment-for-large-urban-middle-sc/8958833/","projectTitle":"Lab Equipment for Large, 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"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_35948","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1027,"numTeachers":50,"percentFrplEligible":15,"percentAsian":11,"percentBlack":4,"percentWhite":58,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":8,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"20.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":90.3,"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"}