{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Cherokee Heights Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":22.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9770492,"projectId":9915342,"letterContent":"Your donation helped our group tremendously by providing the necessary materials to make the cards. The students were stunned at the amount of support they received by you all. They were so excited to get to work on making cards and little holiday gifts. \r\n\r\nWatching the students work hard and using the materials is such an awesome gift. We are planning on doing a valentine's card drop off soon. The students are so creative and with so many options of materials such as the glitter glue, washi tape and stickers the cards really come to life. \r\n\r\nAgain thank you so much for your donation, we appreciate it so much and value your support.","fullyFundedDate":1766692601625,"projectUrl":"project/help-our-club-get-started/9915342/","projectTitle":"Help Our Club Get Started","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lucy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9770492"},{"teacherId":10173245,"projectId":9583599,"letterContent":"I want to take a moment to sincerely thank you for your generous funding of our antiracist learning project. Because of your support, every single student and staff member in our building received their own copy of This Book Is Antiracist by Tiffany Jewell. That alone made a huge impact on our community, and we are incredibly grateful for your belief in this work and in our students.\r\n\r\nStarting in January, we committed to slowing down and really engaging with the book by dedicating one day each week during homeroom to reading, reflecting, and talking together. During this time, students read sections of the book, think about how the ideas connect to their own lives and experiences, and then share their thoughts with classmates. These conversations have quickly become something students look forward to each week. They've created space for honest discussion, thoughtful questions, and meaningful growth in a way that feels natural and supportive rather than forced.\r\n\r\nEven in just a short amount of time, this work has already led to some powerful moments. Students are having real conversations about identity, fairness, and how their actions and words affect others. Many students have shared ideas and perspectives they had never voiced before, while others are listening to viewpoints they hadn't previously considered. These discussions are helping students pause, reflect, and think more deeply about themselves, their classmates, and the community they are a part of. We are seeing students become more curious, more empathetic, and more willing to engage in conversations that matter.\r\n\r\nWhat has been especially meaningful is that this experience has been shared by both students and staff. Because everyone received their own copy of the book, staff members are participating right alongside students. This has created a strong sense of togetherness and shared purpose throughout the building. Teachers and staff are reflecting, learning, and growing as well, which has helped strengthen relationships and build trust across our school community. It has been powerful for students to see adults engaging in the same learning and modeling openness, reflection, and growth.\r\nThere was also a great deal of excitement when the books were distributed. Students were genuinely thrilled to receive a brand-new book that belonged to them. For many, it felt special to be trusted with something meaningful and to know that their learning mattered enough for someone to invest in it. Having enough books for everyone meant that no one was left out, no one had to share, and everyone felt equally valued. \r\n\r\nThat sense of inclusion and belonging has been an important foundation for this work.\r\nThis project has already become an important part of our weekly routine, and it is helping shape the way students interact with one another and think about their role in the community. The conversations sparked by this book don't end when homeroom is over; they continue in classrooms, hallways, and everyday interactions between students and staff.\r\n\r\nThis work is meaningful, ongoing, and impactful, and it simply would not have been possible without your donation. Your support didn't just provide books—it opened the door to important conversations, deeper understanding, and a stronger sense of belonging for our students and staff. The lessons and reflections sparked by This Book Is Antiracist will continue to influence how our students think, speak, and treat one another moving forward.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and for supporting work that truly matters. We are deeply appreciative of your generosity and the lasting impact it is having on our school community.","fullyFundedDate":1762186969063,"projectUrl":"project/one-book-one-school-many-voices-for-ju/9583599/","projectTitle":"One Book, One School, Many Voices for Justice","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. K","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10173245"},{"teacherId":8991230,"projectId":9479097,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom project! Because of your donation, my students now have access to hands-on science tools and visual models that spark their natural curiosity and bring science concepts to life.\r\nMy students come from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, and many are English Language Learners or receive Special Education support. Having the chance to explore Earth and life science through tactile, visual, and interactive materials has made a tremendous difference. Your donation is not just supplies—it is an opportunity for them to investigate the world in deeper ways, ask big questions, and develop confidence as young scientists.\r\nOver the past few weeks, my students have:\r\nConducted hands-on labs and explored scientific models\r\n\r\n\r\nWorked collaboratively to solve problems and build hypotheses\r\n\r\n\r\nAsked thoughtful questions about ecosystems, planets, and natural phenomena\r\n\r\n\r\nDemonstrated excitement, curiosity, and pride in their learning\r\n\r\n\r\nThanks to you, learning has become more engaging, more accessible, and more meaningful for every student.\r\nWe wanted to share a few photos of our classroom in action so you can see the impact of your gift. The joy and engagement in these moments are because of your kindness and belief in our students.\r\nThank you for investing in their future and for helping us build a classroom where every child can explore, experiment, and dream big.\r\nWith gratitude,\r\n\r\n Susan A. Eda Riccio de Chen\r\n Cherokee Heights Middle School\r\n 7th Grade Science & DLI","fullyFundedDate":1757718671847,"projectUrl":"project/plate-tectonics-to-ecosystems-hands-on/9479097/","projectTitle":"Plate Tectonics to Ecosystems: Hands-On Science for 7th Graders Explorers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Eda","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8991230_orig.jpg?crop=2140,2140,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1722909330041","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8991230"},{"teacherId":8311882,"projectId":9356917,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping bring our An Organized and Inclusive Classroom project to life! Your generosity has made a meaningful impact on our learning community at Cherokee Heights Middle School, and I'm thrilled to share how your support is being used. Since the materials arrived, my students and I have been using the new resources every day to support learning, collaboration, and classroom community building. The bookshelves and storage organizers have helped us create intentional learning zones where students can access materials independently. Our new bilingual games and social-emotional learning tools are now part of our weekly brain breaks and teamwork challenges — students rotate through stations where they explore Spanish-English vocabulary while building communication and problem-solving skills. The colorful bulletin board paper and borders have already showcased student work, making our space feel welcoming and proudly reflective of our diverse community. One specific moment that touched my heart was during a collaborative activity last week. As students worked together on a group task using the new Tapple word game, I overheard them cheering each other on and offering help when someone struggled to find the right word. A student leaned in and said, \"This is fun — and I'm learning!\" That kind of engagement and joy in learning is exactly what you made possible. When my students first saw the materials, their faces lit up with excitement. Many were eager to explore every item — from the math posters on our walls to the flexible organizational trays at their desks. A few students hugged their new games and exclaimed how \"cool\" it was to have tools that help them learn and enjoy school. That enthusiasm has carried through to our daily routines and has helped spark deeper participation across content areas. \r\nNow that we've begun using the materials, our next steps include integrating them into our upcoming social-emotional learning projects and academic units. We'll be using the bilingual resources to support English language learners during literacy and social studies lessons, while our new organization systems will help students track assignments and goals independently. I'm also excited to launch a series of student-led reflection activities where learners will use the flexible seating and storage spaces to present their work and practice leadership skills. Your kindness has given our students more than supplies — you've given them confidence, belonging, and joy in learning. Thank you for investing in our classroom and believing in our students — we are truly grateful!","fullyFundedDate":1757682503214,"projectUrl":"project/an-organized-and-inclusive-classroom/9356917/","projectTitle":"An Organized and Inclusive Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Herrera Anacker","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8311882_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x81,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1713795305949","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8311882"},{"teacherId":9848839,"projectId":9102166,"letterContent":"We've been putting the new binders to use immediately, and the impact on organization and efficiency has been huge. For me, they are a central, unified place for all music, theory worksheets, rehearsal notes, and concert information, eliminating the need to chase down loose sheets of music or wait while students search through backpacks. For the students, they are learning to keep all their vital choir materials in one secure, accessible place.\r\n\r\nThe reaction when they first saw the binders was wonderful. There was a lot of buzz about the color and the professional look—we chose a vibrant color and got custom spines, so they feel official.","fullyFundedDate":1739455253375,"projectUrl":"project/choir-binders/9102166/","projectTitle":"Choir Binders","teacherDisplayName":"Mx. McCool","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9848839"},{"teacherId":8311882,"projectId":9047552,"letterContent":"Our annual Latino Club Soccer Tournament has become a powerful and much-anticipated tradition at our school, now entering its third consecutive year. What began as a small event has grown into a vibrant celebration of culture, teamwork, and student engagement. The tournament not only brings excitement to campus, but also plays a vital role in fostering inclusion and a deep sense of belonging among our diverse student population. As educators and organizers, we believe that when students feel seen, valued, and connected to their school community, they are more likely to thrive both academically and personally. The tournament serves as a joyful platform where students from different backgrounds, skill levels, and social groups come together around a shared passion for soccer—a sport that transcends language and cultural barriers.\r\n\r\nThe impact of this project reaches far beyond the soccer field. Students learn the importance of collaboration, communication, perseverance, and sportsmanship. They discover new friendships, develop leadership skills, and build confidence in themselves and each other. For many of our Latino students in particular, this event is a moment of cultural pride, a time when their heritage and traditions are celebrated openly and joyfully. For all students, regardless of their background, the tournament promotes unity and respect, helping to create a more inclusive school environment. The pride they feel wearing their team pinnies, competing for medals and trophies, and being cheered on by their peers is immeasurable. These tangible symbols of achievement add a level of excitement and motivation that make the experience even more memorable.\r\n\r\nAs the tournament continues to grow in popularity, the need for support becomes increasingly important. Last year, we saw a significant increase in the number of students eager to participate, which is both heartening and challenging. The event usually takes place during warm weather, and having snacks and drinks available is essential to ensure students stay hydrated and energized throughout the day. Your generous donations make it possible to provide these basic but crucial needs, and also allow us to enhance the overall experience with items like medals, trophies, and pinnies that bring an added sense of pride and recognition to our student athletes. With your support, we can continue to make this event not just happen, but flourish.\r\n\r\nIn many ways, this tournament is more than a game—it is a celebration of identity, community, and the positive power of youth engagement. It creates memories that our students carry with them well beyond their time in school. It strengthens school spirit, connects students to mentors and role models, and reinforces the values of respect, effort, and unity. Most importantly, it gives our students—especially those who may not always feel represented—a voice, a place, and a moment to shine. Thank you for helping us bring this beautiful tradition to life once again. Your contribution truly makes a difference.","fullyFundedDate":1737051628938,"projectUrl":"project/all-school-soccer-tournament/9047552/","projectTitle":"All School Soccer Tournament","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Herrera Anacker","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8311882_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x81,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1713795305949","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8311882"},{"teacherId":9741122,"projectId":9048668,"letterContent":"I want to give a huge thanks to your generous support, our classroom came to life with excitement as soon as the new materials arrived! One unforgettable moment happened when I introduced our hands-on STEM project: building working windmills. The students' eyes lit up the moment they saw the motors and tools you helped provide. One student exclaimed, \"Wait, we get to actually build one? Like, in the book?\" \r\n\r\nWe have finished reading our book \" The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind,\" which is about a boy who came from a small, very poor town. William (the name of the main character) is dedicated to get his education in order to help his family. After researching and coming up with a plan, William is able to create a windmill that will help keep his family farm running all year round. The windmill is also able to generate light, which will help keep electricity throughout his home.\r\n\r\nStudent where excited, they built prototypes and tested them using fans to simulate wind. There were lots of giggles, serious teamwork, and cheers when the blades spun for the first time! One of the most powerful moments came when a group that had struggled with their first few designs finally got their windmill to turn. They were so proud—they started giving tips to other groups and spreading positive comments. \r\n\r\nThe students were so excited and loved this activity. Thank you again so much for your contributions!","fullyFundedDate":1738066952606,"projectUrl":"project/lets-build-a-windmill/9048668/","projectTitle":"Let's Build a Windmill","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Maria","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9741122"},{"teacherId":5594697,"projectId":9031784,"letterContent":"On behalf of myself and my students, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you for your generous contributions to our Math Café classroom transformation. Your support made it possible to bring this engaging, real-world learning experience to life — and the impact has been nothing short of amazing!\r\n\r\nWith your help, our classroom was completely transformed into a vibrant, interactive café setting where students took on roles as servers, customers, and managers. The classroom came alive with menus, mock currency, receipt books, calculators, and even table numbers. This immersive environment allowed students to dive into hands-on math learning in a way that felt fun, meaningful, and relevant to their lives.\r\n\r\nThrough the Math Café, students practiced and mastered a variety of real-life math skills that they will use far beyond the classroom. They learned how to calculate totals from menus, apply percentage-based discounts, add sales tax, and determine correct change. These concepts — often abstract when presented in a textbook — became tangible and practical as students placed \"orders,\" made purchases, and ran the café.\r\n\r\nOne of the most powerful moments was watching students who normally shy away from math suddenly become confident and excited to participate. They were not just learning numbers — they were problem-solvers, communicators, and decision-makers. Many students remarked that this was the most fun they've ever had in math class, and they couldn't believe how much they had learned without even realizing it.\r\n\r\nI also want to share that this project sparked new ideas for how we can continue to bring experiential learning into our curriculum. The success of the Math Café has inspired me and my students to think about what we can do next — whether it's a mock store, a travel planning unit, or another hands-on scenario where math meets life. You've planted the seed for ongoing innovation in our classroom.\r\n\r\nThank you once again for your kindness, generosity, and belief in the power of education. Your support made an unforgettable difference, and we are truly grateful","fullyFundedDate":1739455280489,"projectUrl":"project/math-cafe-restaurant-classroom-transfor/9031784/","projectTitle":"Math Cafe! Restaurant Classroom Transformation","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Huberty","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5594697_orig.jpg?crop=1187,1188,x0,y162&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1618855190939","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-huberty"},{"teacherId":9456250,"projectId":8954082,"letterContent":"I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for your thoughtful contribution to our 7th grade classroom. The impact of your donation - the snacks, markers, and posters - has been truly transformative for our learning environment. When the students first saw the new materials, their eyes lit up with excitement, and they immediately began brainstorming creative ways to utilize the supplies. We've been using the markers and posters for our collaborative research presentations, where students create visually engaging displays to share their findings with peers. The availability of snacks has also helped maintain energy and focus during our intensive study sessions, particularly during our evening seminars.\r\n\r\nYour support has enhanced our learning experience in ways that extend beyond the physical materials. We are currently working on a cross-disciplinary research project where students are using the posters to create anti-bullying presentations. The markers have enabled us to develop detailed visual aids that help us better understand the issues of bullying. Looking ahead, we plan to also use these materials for more presentations and projects. Your contribution has not only provided practical resources but has also helped create a more engaging and inclusive learning environment that better prepares our students for their future academic and professional endeavors. Thank you for investing in our educational journey.","fullyFundedDate":1739455281131,"projectUrl":"project/donut-be-a-bully/8954082/","projectTitle":"Donut Be a Bully","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Boomsma","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9456250_orig.png?crop=458,458,x0,y108&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1732132519310","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9456250"},{"teacherId":6220705,"projectId":8737977,"letterContent":"Thank you for supplying us with the ice machine, ours broke and every day we can give between 5 and 20 bags of ice depending on the need. It is a quick helper to headaches, anxiety or a small bump and bruises. The scholars are thankful that it last longer and solved the simple problems. It helps to keep kids in school and not calling home or missing classes.\r\n\r\nEvery scholar has been grateful and happy to be able to use what resources you have given to Cherokee Heights. I have given out some of the personal supplies and that has been a great value to the scholars who are in need. We have washed clothes and a few blankets that scholars needed and everyone has said thank you and left the office with smiles.\r\n\r\nThank you again for taking the time to help our school and the scholars who are learning here. I am grateful for everything you have given to make a hard situation a lot better!","fullyFundedDate":1735098285808,"projectUrl":"project/essential-items-for-the-health-office/8737977/","projectTitle":"Essential Items for the Health Office","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Poster","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6220705"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_37121","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":537,"numTeachers":50,"percentFrplEligible":48,"percentAsian":3,"percentBlack":13,"percentWhite":33,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":41,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"10.7:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":77.8,"schoolId":37121,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Cherokee Heights Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Cherokee Heights Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/wisconsin/madison-metropolitan-school-district/cherokee-middle-school/37121"}