{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"First Creek Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":36.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10198769,"projectId":9631678,"letterContent":"Dear Donor\r\nOn behalf of my students and our entire school community, I wish to extend my deepest appreciation for your extraordinary generosity and your commitment to supporting educators. Your donation of classroom supplies, teacher resources, and the English and Spanish novel sets of The Giver has significantly strengthened the learning experiences we are able to provide in our classroom.\r\nBecause of your support, each student received a complete, high-quality copy of the novel—free of torn covers, missing pages, or fragile binding. For many of our learners, this was the first time they had the opportunity to engage with a text that felt sturdy, new, and truly their own. Having access to intact and reliable materials not only improved their reading experience but also honored their effort, curiosity, and sense of belonging in the classroom.\r\nAs we studied The Giver, students examined the distinct contrasts between the two worlds presented in the novel:\r\n•\tJonas's tightly controlled community, defined by uniformity, restricted emotion, and limited personal choice,\r\n•\tand the world beyond, rich with authentic emotion, individuality, memory, and the freedom to make meaningful decisions.\r\nStudent annotations—made possible because they had their own dedicated copies—revealed thoughtful engagement and genuine enthusiasm. Several reflections included:\r\n•\t\"I didn't know a world without colors could feel so sad. I'm glad our world has choices.\"\r\n•\t\"When Jonas starts seeing color, it's like he's waking up.\"\r\n•\t\"I never thought about what it would be like if feelings were controlled. That would be scary.\"\r\n•\t\"The Community thinks they're keeping people safe, but they're actually taking away what matters.\"\r\n•\t(Spanish annotation) \"Me siento mal por Jonas porque no puede decidir nada por sí mismo.\"\r\n•\t\"This book is actually fun to read because nothing is missing.\"\r\n•\t\"I like having my own copy. I can underline parts that make me think.\"\r\n•\t\"The two worlds are so different—one feels fake and one feels real.\"\r\n•\t\"I wrote that Jonas is brave because he wants something better for everyone.\"\r\n•\t\"It's easier to focus when the pages aren't falling out.\"\r\nThese reflections were central to our culminating project, in which students compared and illustrated the differences between the two worlds. Their work demonstrated comprehension, creativity, and analytical thinking—all directly supported by the resources you provided.\r\nYour generosity has also strengthened our ability to meet Tacoma's literacy standards by enabling students to:\r\n•\tread and annotate complex texts independently,\r\n•\tcompare and contrast themes and settings,\r\n•\tsupport their ideas with textual evidence in both English and Spanish,\r\n•\texpand academic vocabulary,\r\n•\tand express understanding through writing, discussion, and presentations.\r\nAs educators, we are profoundly grateful for partners like you who understand the value of equitable access to quality materials. Your support empowers teachers to create rigorous and engaging learning environments and ensures that students experience literacy in ways that are meaningful, dignified, and inspiring.\r\nThank you for believing in educators and for investing so generously in the success of our students. Your impact is lasting, visible, and deeply appreciated.\r\nWith sincere and heartfelt gratitude,\r\nMs. Julie Berggren \r\nFirst Creek Middle School\r\nTacoma Public Schools","fullyFundedDate":1756387063646,"projectUrl":"project/the-giver/9631678/","projectTitle":"The Giver","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Berggren","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10198769_orig.jpg?crop=1126,1126,x0,y544&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1763156785253","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10198769"},{"teacherId":9488564,"projectId":9128320,"letterContent":"My students are so grateful for the resources made available to them by this Donors Choose project. I have been able to incentivize students' good behavior with prizes. This past week, I was able to reward students for behaving wonderfully with a guest teacher, and for overall doing stellar in class throughout the week. My students use the markers and colored pencils on the daily, and they've absolutely loved having those supplies. My students impress me every day with their creativity, and I have been so lucky to be able to decorate my classroom with their art. I've also been pleasantly surprised by how much my students have gravitated towards the stationary materials. \r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the materials, they felt so spoiled. It is not every day that they have the opportunity to work with brand new, good quality materials. Every time they see the materials, whether it is coloring materials, snacks, fidgets, or prizes in general, it is a joy to see the excitement light up their eyes. \r\n\r\nAt the moment, there are a lot of changes going on in education and at our school. Our school is piloting a new ELA curriculum, and we are currently working towards a summative assignment. In addition, our student leadership is trying to put on events and show up for our school community in the midst of all the change. We seriously appreciate all your support!","fullyFundedDate":1746786250195,"projectUrl":"project/turning-hard-work-into-fun-motivating-s/9128320/","projectTitle":"Turning Hard Work into Fun: Motivating Students with Classroom Perks!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Valadez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9488564_orig.jpg?crop=2400,2400,x0,y88&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1728959735224","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9488564"},{"teacherId":7298330,"projectId":9345809,"letterContent":"Thank you for funding our performance tents project! While school just started and we haven't used them yet, we're excited to debut these tents at our large outdoor steel pan festival we will host for our community this spring. Your support will enable our students to share Caribbean rhythms with the entire community while protecting our valuable instruments from the sun or rain; whatever comes our way on performance day. This investment will transform outdoor spaces into magical musical celebrations, expanding our cultural impact beyond traditional venues.","fullyFundedDate":1752586574905,"projectUrl":"project/raising-the-roof-for-outdoor-concerts/9345809/","projectTitle":"Raising the Roof for Outdoor Concerts","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Oliver","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7298330_orig.jpg?crop=395,395,x204,y61&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1596835561499","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kkoliver"},{"teacherId":7298330,"projectId":9309022,"letterContent":"I want to share the transformative impact your generous support has had on our music program through the funding of our sturdy marimba stands project. Your investment in accessibility and inclusion has created a music classroom where every student, regardless of physical limitations, can participate fully and safely in our ensemble performances.\r\n\r\nThe arrival of the height-adjustable marimba stands on casters marked a pivotal moment for our program. What made this experience even more meaningful was watching our students assemble the stands themselves. The excitement and pride on their faces as they worked together, following instructions and problem-solving as a team, demonstrated that learning extends far beyond musical skills. Students developed confidence, collaboration abilities, and accomplishment that will serve them well beyond our music classroom.\r\n\r\nThe impact on accessibility has been profound and immediate. Previously, students who use wheelchairs or have difficulty controlling their physical movements faced significant barriers to participation. Our old, rickety stands with broken casters created unsafe conditions, forcing some students to attempt playing from uncomfortable positions or preventing participation altogether. The fear of knocking over unstable instruments or having to leave their wheelchairs to sit on the floor created both physical and emotional barriers to musical expression.\r\n\r\nYour support has eliminated these obstacles entirely. The new stands provide stability and adjustability that allow all students to find their optimal playing position. Students in wheelchairs can now roll up to the marimbas at perfect height, while those with mobility challenges can adjust instruments to accommodate their needs without compromising safety. The smooth-rolling casters enable students to independently position instruments, fostering autonomy and confidence.\r\n\r\nThe practical improvements extend throughout our entire program. Marimbas that previously sat on the floor or inadequate supports are now elevated to proper playing height, improving posture and technique for all students. The sturdy construction has eliminated wobbling and instability that previously disrupted practice sessions and performances. \r\n\r\nThe inclusive environment these stands have created has strengthened our ensemble as a whole. Students with and without physical limitations now work side by side as true equals, with equipment barriers removed. This has increased empathy and created a classroom culture where diversity is celebrated and accommodation is normalized. \r\n\r\nYour generosity has created lasting change that will benefit countless students in the years to come. These stands will continue to provide safe, accessible music-making opportunities for future students with diverse physical needs. In a school serving students from low-income households, your support ensures that physical limitations never become barriers to musical participation and growth.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in the power of inclusive music education and for making it possible for all our students to get into the groove together.","fullyFundedDate":1746474704920,"projectUrl":"project/sturdy-marimba-stands/9309022/","projectTitle":"Sturdy Marimba Stands","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Oliver","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7298330_orig.jpg?crop=395,395,x204,y61&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1596835561499","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kkoliver"},{"teacherId":7298330,"projectId":9318407,"letterContent":"I want to share the transformative impact your generous support has had on our music program through the funding of our sturdy marimba stands project. Your investment in accessibility and inclusion has created a music classroom where every student, regardless of physical limitations, can participate fully and safely in our ensemble performances.\r\n\r\nThe arrival of the height-adjustable marimba stands on casters marked a pivotal moment for our program. What made this experience even more meaningful was watching our students assemble the stands themselves. The excitement and pride on their faces as they worked together, following instructions and problem-solving as a team, demonstrated that learning extends far beyond musical skills. Students developed confidence, collaboration abilities, and accomplishment that will serve them well beyond our music classroom.\r\n\r\nThe impact on accessibility has been profound and immediate. Previously, students who use wheelchairs or have difficulty controlling their physical movements faced significant barriers to participation. Our old, rickety stands with broken casters created unsafe conditions, forcing some students to attempt playing from uncomfortable positions or preventing participation altogether. The fear of knocking over unstable instruments or having to leave their wheelchairs to sit on the floor created both physical and emotional barriers to musical expression.\r\n\r\nYour support has eliminated these obstacles entirely. The new stands provide stability and adjustability that allow all students to find their optimal playing position. Students in wheelchairs can now roll up to the marimbas at perfect height, while those with mobility challenges can adjust instruments to accommodate their needs without compromising safety. The smooth-rolling casters enable students to independently position instruments, fostering autonomy and confidence.\r\n\r\nThe practical improvements extend throughout our entire program. Marimbas that previously sat on the floor or inadequate supports are now elevated to proper playing height, improving posture and technique for all students. The sturdy construction has eliminated wobbling and instability that previously disrupted practice sessions and performances. \r\n\r\nThe inclusive environment these stands have created has strengthened our ensemble as a whole. Students with and without physical limitations now work side by side as true equals, with equipment barriers removed. This has increased empathy and created a classroom culture where diversity is celebrated and accommodation is normalized. \r\n\r\nYour generosity has created lasting change that will benefit countless students in the years to come. These stands will continue to provide safe, accessible music-making opportunities for future students with diverse physical needs. In a school serving students from low-income households, your support ensures that physical limitations never become barriers to musical participation and growth.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in the power of inclusive music education and for making it possible for all our students to get into the groove together.","fullyFundedDate":1746624387702,"projectUrl":"project/more-sturdy-marimba-carts/9318407/","projectTitle":"More Sturdy Marimba Carts","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Oliver","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7298330_orig.jpg?crop=395,395,x204,y61&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1596835561499","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kkoliver"},{"teacherId":7298330,"projectId":9293130,"letterContent":"On behalf of my students and the entire music program at First Creek Middle School, I am writing to express our heartfelt gratitude for your support of our timbales project through DonorsChoose! Your generosity has transformed our music classroom and created opportunities for authentic cultural learning that extend far beyond what we initially imagined.\r\n\r\nSince receiving the timbales, our student musicians have embraced this new instrument with enthusiasm. The addition of both the free-standing timbale set and the drum set-mounted option has revolutionized our percussion section, allowing our \"engine room\" players to explore the rich rhythmic traditions of Latin and Afro-Latin music with authentic instrumentation. Students who previously had limited percussion opportunities now serve as the rhythmic foundation for our steel pan and marimba ensembles, creating a more complete and culturally accurate musical experience.\r\n\r\nYour investment has created lasting change in our music program. These instruments will serve countless students in the years to come, providing them with opportunities to explore their musical potential while developing cultural awareness and appreciation. In a school where nearly all students come from low-income households, your support has ensured that economic barriers do not limit our students' access to high-quality music education and cultural experiences.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and for making their musical dreams a reality. Your generosity has truly helped us bring our music to life.","fullyFundedDate":1746787356899,"projectUrl":"project/timbale-time/9293130/","projectTitle":"Timbale Time!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Oliver","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7298330_orig.jpg?crop=395,395,x204,y61&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1596835561499","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kkoliver"},{"teacherId":3537226,"projectId":9706678,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom store project! Your generous contributions have transformed our room into an exciting, hands-on learning space where students are building real-world financial literacy skills. We're using the new snacks, toys, and school supplies as part of a classroom economy system where students earn, save, and budget \"money\" they receive for positive behavior, participation, and effort.\r\n\r\nOne of my favorite moments was watching their faces light up the first time they saw the fully stocked store. There was a buzz of excitement as they started calculating how much they could afford and discussing whether to spend right away or save for bigger rewards. It sparked meaningful conversations about trade-offs, priorities, and goal-setting — exactly the kinds of decision-making skills I hoped this project would inspire.\r\nNext, we'll be diving deeper into lessons about budgeting and saving for future goals. Students will practice setting savings targets and tracking their progress over several weeks, helping them connect classroom learning to real-world money management.\r\n\r\nThank you again for making this possible. Your support is helping my students gain skills and confidence they'll use for a lifetime!\r\nWith gratitude,","fullyFundedDate":1758389412572,"projectUrl":"project/our-student-store-learning-money-skills/9706678/","projectTitle":"Our Student Store: Learning Money Skills Through Shopping","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Flynn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3537226_orig.jpg?crop=2647,2647,x1384,y376&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758155320223","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3537226"},{"teacherId":8609008,"projectId":9077921,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your donations to this project! My student's love the new seating choices and use them every day. They enjoy sitting in them as they work on their computers and read choice books from the library. \r\n\r\nAs students in a Title 1 school my students have learned to make do with very limited resources. That is why it is so powerful to be able to get them nice, new supplies. Your donation helps put a smile on my students faces every day.\r\n\r\nWhen former students stop by my class to say hi they are also very impressed with the beanbags. My classroom is even more welcoming with this addition.","fullyFundedDate":1739558218648,"projectUrl":"project/flexible-seating-for-intervention-studen/9077921/","projectTitle":"Flexible Seating for Intervention Students","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Echeverria","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8609008"},{"teacherId":7298330,"projectId":8818323,"letterContent":"I can't thank you enough for your financial support of my students and my music program through your donations! I am continually amazed by the generosity of so many complete strangers and those we know and love! The supplies you provided through your donations have helped our classroom run smoother and students stay more organized. As a teacher of middle school students, I appreciate all the help I can get in that department.\r\n\r\nEvery student now has a pencil with their name on it and a pencil pouch to keep it in their music binder. We've had far less time wasted on students looking for lost pencils since receiving these supplies. Thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1736435887857,"projectUrl":"project/writing-notes/8818323/","projectTitle":"Writing Notes","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Oliver","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7298330_orig.jpg?crop=395,395,x204,y61&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1596835561499","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kkoliver"},{"teacherId":9878345,"projectId":9012520,"letterContent":"We are deeply grateful for your incredible kindness and support through DonorsChoose, funding water bottles for our students in need. Your generosity has made a tangible difference in their lives, ensuring that hydration is never a hurdle in their journey of learning and growth.\r\nThanks to you, our school community is healthier, happier, and more equipped to thrive. Every sip of water is a reminder of the compassion and care you've shared with us.\r\nYou have inspired hope and joy in ways words can scarcely capture. Thank you for empowering our students to dream big and achieve their fullest potential.","fullyFundedDate":1735615269671,"projectUrl":"project/hydration-for-success-water-bottles-as/9012520/","projectTitle":"Hydration for Success: Water Bottles as Positive Incentives for Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Porubek","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9878345"},{"teacherId":7303697,"projectId":9005299,"letterContent":"We are so thankful for the opportunity to provide snacks for our students, as it helps them focus and feel better during the school day. Many of our students come to school hungry and have trouble paying attention or getting along with others, especially after the changes from COVID. Having snacks, including gluten-free options, helps them feel full and ready to learn. This also encourages them to join in library activities and helps them feel less worried about not having food. With these snacks, our students are able to focus on school and feel more positive throughout the day, and we are truly grateful for the support that makes this possible.","fullyFundedDate":1739570840674,"projectUrl":"project/snacks-for-learning-in-the-library/9005299/","projectTitle":"Snacks for Learning in the Library!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cassie Merritt","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7303697_orig.png?crop=398,398,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1635954596588","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/merrittbooks"},{"teacherId":9488564,"projectId":8880507,"letterContent":"The impact of the Hunger Games series on my students has been profound and has sparked engagement among my students this year. As we've begun reading \"Catching Fire,\" the students are not only enjoying the story but are also engaging with complex topics like utopian and dystopian societies. These discussions have allowed students to explore the characteristics of these societies, helping them understand how literature can reflect and compare to real-world issues. What has been especially valuable is the pairing of the Spanish edition of the audiobooks with the texts, which has supported my primarily Spanish-speaking students. This pairing has allowed them to follow along more easily while improving their English language skills, and it has sparked rich, meaningful conversations in both languages. Students have been able to practice new vocabulary by defining unknown words within the context of the text, which has deepened their overall understanding of the material.\r\n\r\nReading in my classroom is an immersive experience that encourages students to engage in different ways. Whether they are following along with the audiobook, reading independently, or working in groups, students have options that cater to their different learning styles. I've seen especially encouraging progress with my Spanish-speaking students, who are able to practice their comprehension skills in their native language during group discussions. As a result, they are able to participate more confidently, both in Spanish and in English. Their engagement has led to more insightful conversations, particularly as they have started focusing on symbolism in the book. They've been asking thoughtful questions about the deeper meanings behind certain events and objects in the story, showing a growing ability to critically analyze the text. The excitement around the Hunger Games books has truly transformed our reading experience and has supported both their academic growth and language development.","fullyFundedDate":1729529582258,"projectUrl":"project/the-hunger-games-trilogy-for-spanish-spe/8880507/","projectTitle":"The Hunger Games Trilogy for Spanish Speakers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Valadez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9488564_orig.jpg?crop=2400,2400,x0,y88&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1728959735224","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9488564"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_36364","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":585,"numTeachers":42,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":15,"percentBlack":14,"percentWhite":12,"percentIndigenous":1,"percentLatinx":32,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"13.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":63.5,"schoolId":36364,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about First Creek Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"First Creek Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/washington/tacoma-public-schools/first-creek-middle-school/36364"}