Chinook Middle School in Lacey, Washington on DonorsChoose

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Many of these new books have become instant favorites, especially for students who previously struggled to find stories that felt approachable.\r\n\r\nIn addition to expanding our reading options, the new academic games have created meaningful opportunities for students to practice critical thinking in a collaborative way. The game Snake Oil allows students to develop persuasive arguments by combining creativity with structured reasoning, which directly supports the argument writing skills we use throughout the year. Our \"I Have, Who Has?\" games have also helped reinforce vocabulary and figurative language concepts in an interactive format, allowing students to hear and use academic language more naturally as they work together.\r\n\r\nSome of my more hesitant readers have been especially drawn to the graphic novels, often choosing to read during free moments when they may not have before. Others have taken leadership roles during our vocabulary and argument games, building confidence in speaking and reasoning skills that transfer into their writing. Your donation has not only provided new materials, but has also helped create a classroom environment where students feel more confident taking risks as readers, writers, and thinkers. Thank you for supporting their growth in such a meaningful way!","fullyFundedDate":1764783295313,"projectUrl":"project/finding-the-fun-games-graphic-novels/9812659/","projectTitle":"Finding the Fun: Games, Graphic Novels, and Great Stories","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Tomczyk","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4739545_orig.jpg?crop=2208,2208,x0,y88&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724457742380","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4739545"},{"teacherId":4739545,"projectId":9737669,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom with Ozobots and helping us blend technology with literacy in a meaningful, hands-on way. Because of your generosity, my students are now engaging with reading and writing in ways that feel interactive, creative, and empowering. Instead of technology being something they only passively consume on a screen, they are learning how to control it—through coding, problem-solving, and collaboration.\r\n\r\nSo far, we have used the Ozobots to map character emotions in students' independent novels and to collectively trace a character's journey using a plot diagram. Students code the robots to represent actions and emotions, which has deepened their understanding of character development. For example, one group programmed their Ozobot to spin repeatedly just before the climax to symbolize a character feeling overwhelmed, confused, and exhausted. These visual and physical representations have helped students—especially reluctant readers—make abstract literary concepts more concrete and memorable.\r\n\r\nAs an equity school, access to screen-free technology like this is especially impactful. The Ozobots give students hands-on learning opportunities while also introducing foundational coding skills, something many of them would not otherwise experience. Your support has helped create an inclusive learning environment where creativity, literacy, and technology intersect, and where students feel excited, capable, and confident as learners. 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Having the Spanish translation also available for my students who need it has been a game-changer! \r\n\r\nThis Newbery Award–winning novel has given my students a mirror to see parts of their own lives and a window into the experiences of others. They're connecting deeply with Merci's story — her family, her friendships, and her journey to understand change and resilience. Our class discussions have become richer and more thoughtful, with students sharing their own experiences and recognizing that, even with our differences, we are all connected through our hopes, challenges, and dreams.\r\n\r\nBecause of your kindness, my students now have a shared reading experience that helps them build empathy, confidence, and a love of literature. Your gift provided more than books, you've given them the chance to see themselves as readers, thinkers, and storytellers.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in public education and in students like mine. 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About this school

Chinook Middle School is an urban public school in Lacey, Washington that is part of North Thurston School Dist 3. It serves 745 students in grades 6 - 8 with a student/teacher ratio of 20.1:1. Its teachers have had 6 projects funded on DonorsChoose.

Equity Focus School

Support towards this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Public School

Title 1

Grades 6 - 8

745 Students

37 Teachers

4301 6th Ave NE

Lacey, WA 98516 View local requests

Direct, proactive support

Empower teachers at Chinook Middle School to request what their students need.

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Ms. Vero, a DonorsChoose teacher for 9 years.

Kindergarten teacher at PS81 - Robert J. Christen School in Bronx, NY

Chinook Middle School Teachers on DonorsChoose

Mrs. Mckiddy

Mrs. Tomczyk

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Chinook Middle School Demographics

55%

of students receive free or reduced price lunch

Source: the National Center for Education Statistics

41%

of students are Black, Latino, Native American, or Asian

Schools in districts that mainly serve students of color receive substantially less state and local support than similar districts that serve primarily White students. Learn more about this gap, why it exists, and how you can help close it.

Chinook Middle School Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Feb 22, 2026

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