{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Leota Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":18.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8625886,"projectId":9472709,"letterContent":"Every day, our students come to school ready to learn, explore, and grow. But as educators, we know that learning cannot happen on an empty stomach. A well-nourished child is better able to focus, engage, and succeed in the classroom. By providing snacks, you have helped ensure that our students have the energy and concentration they need to thrive throughout the school day. Your contribution is about much more than food—it's about supporting academic success, promoting well-being, and showing our students that they are valued members of a caring community.\r\nThank you!","fullyFundedDate":1760569398362,"projectUrl":"project/fuel-the-focus-snacks-for-students/9472709/","projectTitle":"Fuel the Focus: Snacks for Students","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Newell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8625886_orig.jpg?crop=511,511,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1660780220337","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-newell1"},{"teacherId":8625886,"projectId":9461820,"letterContent":"Receiving a Teachers Pay Teachers gift card has had a meaningful impact on my classroom, particularly in supporting students in special education, inclusion classrooms, and those who benefit from differentiated instruction. With the funds, I was able to purchase social studies materials tailored for 6th graders, specifically designed to meet diverse learning needs.\r\n\r\nThese resources allow me to:\r\n\r\nProvide accessible and engaging content to students with a wide range of abilities.\r\n\r\nSupport learners with IEP goals through materials that include visual supports, simplified text, and interactive components.\r\n\r\nFoster inclusion and equity, ensuring that all students can participate meaningfully in social studies lessons, regardless of their learning style or challenges.","fullyFundedDate":1754939385703,"projectUrl":"project/every-learner-every-lesson-modified-cu/9461820/","projectTitle":"Every Learner, Every Lesson: Modified Curriculum That Works","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Newell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8625886_orig.jpg?crop=511,511,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1660780220337","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-newell1"},{"teacherId":8625886,"projectId":9461800,"letterContent":"Thank you very much for your amazing gift! We haven't read the book as a class yet (our poetry unit begins in November), so I don't have an actual impact to date.\r\n\r\nMany students at the middle school age are starting to become more aware of themselves and how they relate to others, so reading about someone like Temple Grandin—who faced challenges, thought differently, and still succeeded—can really resonate with them. They might feel a strong sense of connection to her story, especially if they've experienced similar struggles with communication, fitting in, or being misunderstood. It can also spark questions and conversations about what it means to think differently or face obstacles in school or life.\r\n\r\nOverall, I feel like my class is likely to feel empowered by Temple's story. It shows them that their challenges don't define them, and that they, too, can find success in their own way. For many students, this book can be a confidence booster and a reminder that their unique way of thinking is something to be proud of.","fullyFundedDate":1754939385967,"projectUrl":"project/thinking-in-pictures-inspiring-minds-th/9461800/","projectTitle":"Thinking in Pictures: Inspiring Minds Through Temple Grandin","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Newell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8625886_orig.jpg?crop=511,511,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1660780220337","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-newell1"},{"teacherId":8625886,"projectId":9254745,"letterContent":"We are so grateful for your generous support in helping bring our Sticker Station and Storage System to life! Because of you, our students and staff will now have access to a fun and creative way to recognize student efforts, enhance classroom projects, and add a bit of joy to school-wide events.\r\n\r\nStickers may seem small, but they have a big impact—sparking smiles, celebrating growth, and building a stronger sense of community throughout our school. Your contribution is helping us create a positive and encouraging environment where every student feels seen and celebrated.\r\n\r\nThank you for being a part of this meaningful project. Your generosity truly makes a difference—one sticker at a time!","fullyFundedDate":1754938933514,"projectUrl":"project/smiles-that-stick-literally/9254745/","projectTitle":"Smiles That Stick. Literally.","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Newell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8625886_orig.jpg?crop=511,511,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1660780220337","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-newell1"},{"teacherId":8625886,"projectId":9472705,"letterContent":"We just wanted to say a huge thank you—our new thermal printer is here, and we're already putting it to great use!\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, we can now print labels, visuals, and custom materials super quickly, which makes a big difference in keeping things organized and helping our students—especially those with IEPs—stay on track.\r\n\r\nWe've used it to label IEP binders, make goal trackers, and print visual supports that help students know what to expect and what they're working on. It might seem like a small tool, but it's been a total game-changer for how we run things in the classroom.\r\n\r\nThanks again for making this possible. Your support helps us create a space where every student feels supported and seen.","fullyFundedDate":1754939385800,"projectUrl":"project/write-label-learn-bringing-order-and/9472705/","projectTitle":"Write, Label, Learn: Bringing Order and Access to the Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Newell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8625886_orig.jpg?crop=511,511,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1660780220337","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-newell1"},{"teacherId":8625886,"projectId":9440893,"letterContent":"Thanks to your support, our students now have personalized binders that help them stay organized, track their progress, and better understand their learning goals. For many of them, this is the first time they've had a clear, visual way to take ownership of their IEPs.\r\n\r\nThey have been proudly using their binders to check in on their goals, reflect on what's working, and celebrate their growth. It's given them more confidence and a stronger voice in their own learning. They will add to these binders throughout the year to update their goals and work on new ones!\r\n\r\nThese binders are doing more than organizing papers—they're helping build independence, self-awareness, and self-advocacy. \r\n\r\nThank you for making this possible. Your support has made a real difference—and not just in the classroom, but in how students see themselves.","fullyFundedDate":1752460146678,"projectUrl":"project/empower-with-iep-build-a-binder/9440893/","projectTitle":"Empower With IEP: Build-A-Binder","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Newell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8625886_orig.jpg?crop=511,511,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1660780220337","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-newell1"},{"teacherId":8625886,"projectId":9394899,"letterContent":"Many students in special education benefit from visual supports to process and retain information more effectively. A whiteboard allows teachers to break down complex tasks into step-by-step visuals, highlight key points, and use drawings or color coding to reinforce understanding. Because it's easy to update in real time, the whiteboard supports flexible teaching, allowing educators to adjust lessons instantly based on student responses or needs.\r\n\r\nBeyond academics, a whiteboard also supports behavior management, communication, and routine-building. Teachers can display daily schedules, behavior charts, and reminders, helping students with executive functioning challenges stay organized and on task. It provides opportunities for student expression, whether by writing out feelings, answering questions, or drawing responses. For non-verbal students or those with language delays, pointing or drawing on the board becomes an empowering way to participate. \r\nThanks to the generosity of donors, this whiteboard is making a daily difference—fostering inclusion, boosting confidence, and helping every student in our classroom feel seen, heard, and supported.","fullyFundedDate":1752459115387,"projectUrl":"project/learning-out-loud-a-whiteboard-for-ever/9394899/","projectTitle":"Learning Out Loud: A Whiteboard for Every Voice","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Newell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8625886_orig.jpg?crop=511,511,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1660780220337","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-newell1"},{"teacherId":8625886,"projectId":9168326,"letterContent":"Using clay in a special education classroom offers a hands-on, sensory-rich experience that supports a wide range of learning needs. Clay allows students to engage their sense of touch, which can be particularly calming and therapeutic for those with sensory processing challenges. The act of molding and shaping clay enhances fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and muscle control, all of which are essential for everyday tasks like writing or using tools. Additionally, because clay is a forgiving and easily manipulated material, it encourages creativity without fear of making mistakes, building confidence and self-expression.\r\n\r\nIn a special education setting, clay can also support social-emotional development and communication. Group clay activities promote cooperation, turn-taking, and verbal interaction as students share tools, ideas, and creations. For non-verbal or minimally verbal students, clay offers an alternative way to express thoughts and feelings visually.\r\n\r\nOverall, clay serves as a powerful tool for inclusive, multi-sensory learning that meets students where they are.","fullyFundedDate":1752097617371,"projectUrl":"project/clay-creations-for-calm-empowering-sens/9168326/","projectTitle":"Clay Creations for Calm: Empowering Sensory Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Newell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8625886_orig.jpg?crop=511,511,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1660780220337","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-newell1"},{"teacherId":8625886,"projectId":9179889,"letterContent":"I just wanted to take a moment to say a big, heartfelt thank you for your generous donation. Because of your support, I was able to purchase history books specifically chosen for my special education students—and it's already making a difference in our classroom.\r\n\r\nThese books are not only accessible and engaging, but they also help bring history to life in ways that connect with my students' learning styles. \r\n\r\nTeaching special education means constantly looking for creative ways to make materials meaningful and understandable. Your donation gave me the ability to choose books that are the right fit—both academically and emotionally—for these amazing kids. You helped make that possible.","fullyFundedDate":1746495175637,"projectUrl":"project/history-for-all-accessible-learning-for/9179889/","projectTitle":"History for All: Accessible Learning for Every Student","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Newell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8625886_orig.jpg?crop=511,511,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1660780220337","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-newell1"},{"teacherId":8625886,"projectId":9141609,"letterContent":"Thank you very much for your generous donation to my project! \r\nI'm so excited to be able to gift these wonderful books to my special education graduating 8th graders. \r\nTransition to a new school is hard, but into high school can be super scary. I want to remind my students that they can do anything in life and that they have a teacher who believes in them wholeheartedly. \r\nAnd they can keep this book as a reminder of how capable they are and that they can do anything!\r\nThank you so much for the opportunity to share with students how amazing they are!","fullyFundedDate":1744242068181,"projectUrl":"project/books-that-take-them-places-supporting/9141609/","projectTitle":"Books That Take Them Places: Supporting Special Education Readers","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Newell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8625886_orig.jpg?crop=511,511,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1660780220337","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-newell1"},{"teacherId":8625886,"projectId":9015172,"letterContent":"I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your incredibly thoughtful contributions to my classroom's supply closet. Your kindness and generosity are making a significant difference in the lives of my students. Your donation not only helps provide the supplies they need everyday, but also inspires a sense of community and care that extends beyond the classroom. I am truly thankful for your willingness to invest in our students' futures and for being such an important part of their educational journey.","fullyFundedDate":1741800627957,"projectUrl":"project/the-giving-closet-supporting-students/9015172/","projectTitle":"The Giving Closet: Supporting Students, One Donation at a Time","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Newell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8625886_orig.jpg?crop=511,511,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1660780220337","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-newell1"},{"teacherId":8625886,"projectId":8854768,"letterContent":"Thank you very much for your generous gift towards my kindness project. My students loved being able to create and share these encouraging bracelets with community members. They brought smiles to the faces of the recipients and the students learned a lot about empathy, kindness, and how giving of yourself to others makes a difference.\r\nIt's projects like these that help to create a sense of fun and connection with students and staff, and also create lasting memories for a lifetime.\r\nThank you for helping my students!","fullyFundedDate":1732291195223,"projectUrl":"project/stringing-together-smiles-spreading-ki/8854768/","projectTitle":"\"Stringing Together Smiles: Spreading Kindness Across the Community","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Newell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8625886_orig.jpg?crop=511,511,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1660780220337","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-newell1"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_35906","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":859,"numTeachers":41,"percentFrplEligible":16,"percentAsian":35,"percentBlack":2,"percentWhite":40,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":12,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"21.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":81.8,"schoolId":35906,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Leota Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Leota Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/washington/northshore-school-district-417/leota-junior-high-school/35906"}