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{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"William L Sheppard Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":23.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9642412,"projectId":10082099,"letterContent":"This project has a multifaceted impact on students' academic, personal, and social development. Academically, it strengthens students' STEM knowledge by providing authentic, hands-on opportunities to apply concepts in math, geometry, engineering, and problem-solving. By designing and iterating their own prototypes, students move beyond rote learning and develop a deeper understanding of how scientific and technical principles function in real-world contexts.\r\n\r\nPersonally, the coaching approach fosters resilience, perseverance, and self-confidence. Students experience first-hand the value of persistence, attention to detail, and iterative problem-solving. They learn to embrace challenges, recover from setbacks, and refine their work through critical reflection, which cultivates a growth mindset that extends beyond STEM activities.\r\n\r\nSocially, students develop essential life and leadership skills. Working in teams encourages communication, collaboration, and mentoring, while structured guidance ensures students can navigate decision-making and time management effectively. This combination of technical skill-building and interpersonal growth empowers students to take ownership of their learning, support their peers, and develop leadership abilities, preparing them to succeed in future academic, professional, and real-world contexts.\r\nOverall, the project's impact is the holistic development of students as confident, capable, and resilient problem-solvers who are prepared to innovate, lead, and thrive in STEM fields and beyond.","fullyFundedDate":1770689391788,"projectUrl":"project/engineering-leaders-hands-on-prototypin/10082099/","projectTitle":"Engineering Leaders: Hands-On Prototyping and STEM Coaching for Student","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Edwards","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9642412_orig.jpg?crop=315,315,x0,y11&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723231674082","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9642412"},{"teacherId":9642412,"projectId":9990783,"letterContent":"Having access to a color printer and laminating sheets for volleyball coaching significantly improves both organization and instructional quality during practices and games. Color printing allows me to create clear, easy-to-read rotation charts, position diagrams, play strategies, skill breakdowns, and visual cues that athletes can quickly understand at a glance. When these materials are laminated, they become durable, reusable, and weather-resistant, allowing players to reference them during practice without damage from sweat, water bottles, or outdoor conditions. This also allows for dry-erase use, so rotations, lineups, and adjustments can be made in real time. As a result, practices run more efficiently, athletes spend more time actively training, and players develop a stronger understanding of game strategy, positioning, and teamwork. Overall, these tools enhance communication, increase athlete accountability, and support a more structured, professional, and engaging coaching environment.","fullyFundedDate":1770022446976,"projectUrl":"project/enhancing-volleyball-instruction-through/9990783/","projectTitle":"Enhancing Volleyball Instruction Through Visual and Reusable Coaching Tools","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Edwards","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9642412_orig.jpg?crop=315,315,x0,y11&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723231674082","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9642412"},{"teacherId":9642412,"projectId":9909303,"letterContent":"This project will transform my classroom into a fully interactive STEM learning environment where students learn by designing, building, and testing rather than simply observing. With organized storage bins and accessible materials, students can transition quickly into hands-on investigations, maximizing instructional time and maintaining a structured, collaborative workspace. The polymer clay and sculpting tools will allow students to create detailed 3D models of abstract concepts—such as atoms, molecules, tectonic boundaries, and cell structures—making complex scientific ideas more concrete and easier to understand. Engineering materials like toothpicks, chopsticks, and clothespins will support authentic design challenges where students test stability, explore forces and energy transfer, and refine earthquake-resistant or load-bearing structures through iteration. Ink pads will extend learning into forensic science applications, promoting inquiry and evidence-based reasoning. Overall, these materials deepen conceptual understanding, strengthen problem-solving and critical thinking skills, and give students meaningful opportunities to engage in real scientific and engineering practices, building both confidence and competence in STEM.","fullyFundedDate":1765190289369,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-stem-creation-kits-for-student/9909303/","projectTitle":"Hands-On STEM Creation Kits for Student Innovation","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Edwards","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9642412_orig.jpg?crop=315,315,x0,y11&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723231674082","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9642412"},{"teacherId":9642412,"projectId":9868720,"letterContent":"Your donation directly supports 125 students at William L. Sheppard Middle School in San Jose, CA, where more than three-quarters of students come from low-income households and access to hands-on STEM resources is limited. The freezer and sandwich bags will be used to safely store lab supplies, organize materials, and protect student prototypes and ongoing projects, ensuring that experiments can continue over multiple days without loss or damage. With organized, accessible materials, students can focus on designing experiments, testing prototypes, collecting data, and refining their ideas through real-world engineering challenges. This project strengthens critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills while helping close opportunity gaps by providing historically underfunded students with meaningful, inquiry-based STEM experiences that build confidence and perseverance.","fullyFundedDate":1764724327940,"projectUrl":"project/stem-in-action-hands-on-learning-with-s/9868720/","projectTitle":"Stem in Action: Hands-On Learning With Simple Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Edwards","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9642412_orig.jpg?crop=315,315,x0,y11&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723231674082","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9642412"},{"teacherId":9700263,"projectId":9920109,"letterContent":"Thank you very much for your generous donation of chairs and a table. Your kindness has made a meaningful difference in my classroom.\r\n\r\nMy students get so excited when I tell them they can use the corner space to talk with one another and support each other. Sometimes they also sit together to read, draw, and reflect. This area has quickly become a place where students feel comfortable, connected, and encouraged.\r\n\r\nWe truly appreciate your support and generosity. Thank you for helping create a welcoming and supportive environment for our students.","fullyFundedDate":1767058390840,"projectUrl":"project/creating-a-compassion-corner-for-peer-su/9920109/","projectTitle":"Creating a Compassion Corner for Peer Support & Well-Being","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gupta","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9700263_orig.jpg?crop=736,736,x49,y154&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758263738673","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9700263"},{"teacherId":10225776,"projectId":9653762,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our class has been able to transform math practice into an interactive, motivating, and fun. We use the whiteboards daily during lessons, and the instant feedback helps students feel less intimidated by mistakes and more willing to participate. One memorable moment was during a fluency review activity where students worked in small groups, racing to complete multiplication problems. The room was full of energy, laughter, and collaboration—students who used to avoid participating were suddenly eager to share answers and cheer each other on.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the math bingo sets and whiteboards, their reactions were priceless. They could hardly believe the new materials were really for them! Many asked if we could use them \"every day,\" and they immediately began brainstorming ways we could turn practice into games. Students who normally struggle with confidence felt empowered by having tools that were designed to help them learn without pressure. Seeing their excitement reminded me just how impactful your support truly is.\r\n\r\nNow that we have these resources, we are taking the next step toward strengthening basic math fluency and building problem-solving stamina. Students have been using the bingo games as part of weekly practice rotations, and I'm tracking their growth through the quick-answer strategies they use on their whiteboards. We plan to develop student-created math challenges where they design their own bingo cards and lead peers through game sessions. Thanks to you, my students not only have the tools they need—they have the confidence to take ownership of their learning.","fullyFundedDate":1758501223638,"projectUrl":"project/bingo-for-math-fact-fluency/9653762/","projectTitle":"Bingo! for Math Fact Fluency","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Duran","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10225776"},{"teacherId":9642412,"projectId":9730606,"letterContent":"Thanks to the generosity of our donors, our classroom now has a steady supply of supportive snacks for students. These snacks have made a big difference in our daily routine, helping students stay focused, energized, and ready to learn throughout the day. One meaningful moment was when a student who often struggles with hunger arrived in class and was able to participate fully because a snack was available. Moments like this show just how much a small gesture can positively impact a student's learning and confidence.\r\nFurthermore, having snacks available supports both the academic and social environment in our classroom. Students are more engaged during lessons, more patient during group work, and more willing to collaborate with their peers. The simple act of having a snack available creates a sense of care and community, helping students feel valued and supported.\r\nLooking ahead, these snacks will continue to help students stay focused on science experiments, reading assignments, and group projects. Your generosity not only meets a basic need but also strengthens the classroom community and encourages students to approach challenges with energy and confidence.","fullyFundedDate":1762266277860,"projectUrl":"project/supportive-snacks-initiative/9730606/","projectTitle":"Supportive Snacks Initiative","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Edwards","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9642412_orig.jpg?crop=315,315,x0,y11&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723231674082","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9642412"},{"teacherId":9642412,"projectId":9792809,"letterContent":"Thanks to the generous support from our donors, our classroom now has new hoops and an air pump for our balls, which has made a big difference in student morale and engagement. Students use the balls during breaks, group activities, and team-building exercises, so they have a fun and active way to recharge between lessons. When they first saw the fully inflated balls, their excitement was contagious, and it immediately created a more positive and energetic classroom atmosphere.\r\nFurthermore, having this equipment encourages collaboration and friendly competition, which strengthens relationships among students and helps them work together more effectively during science projects. As we continue with our lessons, students are using these moments of play to refocus and approach challenges with more enthusiasm. These simple resources have transformed small breaks into opportunities for motivation and connection, supporting both the social and emotional growth of our students.","fullyFundedDate":1761021243469,"projectUrl":"project/helping-students-stay-active-basketball/9792809/","projectTitle":"Helping Students Stay Active: Basketball Equipment Project","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Edwards","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9642412_orig.jpg?crop=315,315,x0,y11&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723231674082","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9642412"},{"teacherId":9642412,"projectId":9632322,"letterContent":"Getting magnets and batteries for science class can have a big impact on students' learning and engagement. Magnets allow students to explore the invisible forces of magnetism, helping them understand concepts like attraction, repulsion, and magnetic fields in a hands-on way. Being able to manipulate magnets and see how they interact with different materials makes abstract ideas more concrete and memorable. It also encourages curiosity and experimentation, as students can test their own questions about what materials are magnetic or how magnets affect each other.\r\nBatteries, on the other hand, give students the opportunity to explore electricity and circuits in a tangible way. By connecting batteries to wires, bulbs, or small motors, students can see firsthand how energy flows and powers devices. This hands-on experience strengthens understanding of concepts like current, voltage, and energy transfer, which can be difficult to grasp through textbook explanations alone. It also teaches problem-solving skills, as students figure out how to complete circuits and troubleshoot why something might not be working.\r\nOverall, having magnets and batteries in the classroom transforms lessons from passive learning to active experimentation. Students are more engaged because they are able to interact directly with the materials, make predictions, observe outcomes, and draw conclusions. These activities foster critical thinking, creativity, and a deeper understanding of scientific principles that can inspire a lifelong interest in science.","fullyFundedDate":1758202629445,"projectUrl":"project/powering-creativity-and-discovery-in-the/9632322/","projectTitle":"Powering Creativity and Discovery in the Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Edwards","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9642412_orig.jpg?crop=315,315,x0,y11&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723231674082","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9642412"},{"teacherId":10172802,"projectId":9591768,"letterContent":"My school is Title 1 school. Majority of my students are from low-socioeconomic families. For many of them school is the only place to learn and play. These resources are very crucial for them to experience learning like their middle class peers. I am excited to help my students achieve their potential for which they need these essential supplies. My students and I sincerely appreciate all your support. \r\n\r\nWhen my students say the first batch of donations, they were thankful. But beyond that they are eager to use the supplies to be successful in the learning endeavors.","fullyFundedDate":1758142052456,"projectUrl":"project/7th-and-8th-grade-science-class/9591768/","projectTitle":"7th and 8th Grade Science Class","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Suresh","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10172802_orig.jpg?crop=1063,1063,x0,y159&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768282776265","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10172802"},{"teacherId":9642412,"projectId":9460934,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of inspirational neon signs, biology-themed decor, and classroom accents. These vibrant and engaging materials have truly transformed our learning environment, making it more inviting, motivating, and educational for our students.\r\n\r\nThe \"We Can Do Hard Things\" neon sign serves as a daily reminder to encourage perseverance and a growth mindset, inspiring students to push through challenges with confidence. The DNA double helix neon sign and the plush cell models bring science concepts to life, helping students visualize and better understand complex biology topics in a fun and memorable way.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, the artificial ivy and LED string lights have brightened up our classroom space, creating a calming and stimulating atmosphere that supports focus and creativity.\r\n\r\nYour thoughtful contribution has not only enhanced the aesthetic of our classroom but also deepened students' engagement and excitement for learning science. We are truly grateful for your support in creating a positive and inspiring educational environment.","fullyFundedDate":1755710387804,"projectUrl":"project/glow-grow-transforming-our-science-cl/9460934/","projectTitle":"Glow & Grow: Transforming Our Science Classroom Atmosphere","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Edwards","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9642412_orig.jpg?crop=315,315,x0,y11&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723231674082","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9642412"},{"teacherId":9642412,"projectId":9626963,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project that combines hydroponics with raising chickens to teach students about sustainable agriculture and renewable energy. Your generosity has given our students invaluable hands-on experience in biology, environmental science, and green technology.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, students will be able to set up and maintain hydroponic systems and care for chickens from eggs to mature hens. This will help them understand food systems from plant growth to animal care, while exploring how renewable energy powers sustainable farming practices. They will gain critical skills in data collection, problem-solving, and teamwork, skills that prepare them for future careers in STEM and renewable energy fields.\r\n\r\nYour contribution will make science come alive for our students and inspire them to pursue pathways in environmental sustainability and technology. We are deeply grateful for your support and belief in our students' potential.","fullyFundedDate":1755753654712,"projectUrl":"project/the-hydroponics-project-learning-plant/9626963/","projectTitle":"The Hydroponics Project: Learning Plant Science Firsthand","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Edwards","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9642412_orig.jpg?crop=315,315,x0,y11&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723231674082","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9642412"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_4677","usesÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":463,"numTeachers":24,"percentFrplEligible":85,"percentAsian":34,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":2,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":59,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"19.3:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":76.4,"schoolId":4677,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about William L Sheppard Middle School on @ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½:","schoolName":"William L Sheppard Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/alum-rock-elementary-school-district/william-l-sheppard-middle-school/4677"}