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{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Highland Oaks Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":51.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":5020141,"projectId":9837285,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our middle school culinary students are stepping into the world of professional food service with confidence!\r\n\r\nWhen the catering tools arrived, the room immediately filled with curiosity and excitement. Students carefully unpacked each item, asking what events we might host and how \"real caterers\" use these tools. Seeing professional-quality serving trays, utensils, and presentation pieces made everything feel official. One student said, \"This makes it feel like we're running a real business!\" That moment alone showed how much your donation means.\r\n\r\nWe are already putting the catering tools to use in our classroom event project. Students recently prepared and presented a healthy snack bar for a small group of teachers. Using the new serving tools, they practiced proper portioning, plating, and presentation. They paid close attention to neatness, organization, and food safety — skills that are essential in the hospitality industry. The pride on their faces as they set up their display and served their guests was unforgettable.\r\n\r\nThe tools have allowed us to go beyond basic cooking. Students are now learning about event planning, teamwork, customer service, and professionalism. They rotate through roles such as event coordinator, head server, and presentation manager. Even students who are usually shy have found their voice while greeting guests and explaining the menu.\r\n\r\nNext, we are planning a larger mock catering event where students will design a theme, create a menu, calculate portions, and use the catering equipment to execute their plan from start to finish. They will reflect on timing, presentation, and collaboration — all real-world skills that connect directly to career pathways in hospitality and culinary arts.\r\n\r\nYour support has transformed our kitchen into a professional learning environment. These catering tools are not just equipment — they are building confidence, responsibility, and career-ready skills in my students. Thank you for helping them see what's possible and for giving them the opportunity to shine!","fullyFundedDate":1768844655202,"projectUrl":"project/catering-tools/9837285/","projectTitle":"Catering Tools","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Serrano","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5020141_orig.jpg?crop=1080,1080,x89,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1663350021524","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5020141"},{"teacherId":5020141,"projectId":9794388,"letterContent":"Because of you, our middle school cooking class has truly come to life!\r\n\r\nWhen the mixing bowls, measuring tools, and handheld blenders arrived, the excitement in the room was immediate. My students gathered around the boxes, guessing what recipes we would try first. When they realized these were real, professional-quality tools just for them, they were thrilled. Several students said things like, \"Now we can cook like chefs!\" That sense of pride and ownership was such a special moment.\r\n\r\nWe are already using the mixing bowls and measuring tools to strengthen one of the most important culinary skills: accuracy. During our recent baking lab, students worked in small teams to carefully measure ingredients for homemade muffins. Instead of estimating or sharing limited supplies, each group had the proper tools to practice precise measuring techniques. This allowed us to focus on why measurement matters in cooking—how too much flour or too little baking powder can completely change a recipe's outcome.\r\n\r\nThe handheld blenders have been a game changer. In our latest lesson, students used them to prepare fresh salsa and smoothies while learning about texture, consistency, and food safety. For many of my students, this was their first time using a kitchen appliance independently. Watching them confidently blend ingredients and proudly taste something they created from scratch was incredible.\r\n\r\nBeyond the recipes themselves, these tools are helping students build life skills. They are learning teamwork, responsibility, kitchen safety, and confidence. Students are more engaged because they feel like real cooks, not just observers.\r\n\r\nNext, we'll be applying these skills to a larger unit on nutrition and balanced meals. Students will plan and prepare a healthy snack recipe of their own, using proper measuring techniques and the handheld blenders to create sauces or dressings. They'll reflect on what worked, what they would adjust, and how these skills can be used at home.\r\n\r\nYour generosity didn't just provide bowls and blenders — it provided hands-on experiences, confidence, and skills my students will carry with them far beyond our classroom. Thank you for investing in their growth and giving them the tools to succeed!","fullyFundedDate":1768844669722,"projectUrl":"project/whisk-mix-learn/9794388/","projectTitle":"Whisk, Mix, Learn","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Serrano","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5020141_orig.jpg?crop=1080,1080,x89,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1663350021524","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5020141"},{"teacherId":1075045,"projectId":9534326,"letterContent":"On behalf of our entire classroom, I want to express my deepest gratitude for your generous support in funding three new HP laptops. Your contribution has provided our students with powerful, reliable tools that are essential for navigating today's digital landscape. Seeing the excitement on their faces as they set up these high-quality devices was a truly moving moment, and it serves as a constant reminder of how much our community cares about their academic success.\r\n These laptops are already making a tangible difference by bridging the gap between classroom instruction and independent study. With dedicated access to the internet, my students can now conduct in-depth research, explore interactive educational resources, and stay informed about global events. These devices ensure that every child, regardless of their resources at home, has a fair shot at developing the digital literacy skills necessary for their future careers. Thanks again.","fullyFundedDate":1763560811530,"projectUrl":"project/fine-young-minds/9534326/","projectTitle":"Fine Young Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Miguez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1075045_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1511302435694","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/miguez"},{"teacherId":4961711,"projectId":9412749,"letterContent":"The Highland Oaks Soccer Teams have completed their season with the Girls finishing in the top 8 of the Miami-Dade County Playoffs and the Boys teams finishing second in the county. \r\n\r\nYour donation of Soccer Balls allowed us to train efficiently and run multiple drills at the same time.\r\n\r\nThe balls also allowed us to complete games without issue and have useable balls throughout the playoffs. Used in over 20 games this season the balls were an asset.\r\n\r\nWe appreciate your donation and your contribution to our success.","fullyFundedDate":1753362450750,"projectUrl":"project/impact-the-lives-of-young-soccer-players/9412749/","projectTitle":"Impact the Lives of Young Soccer Players","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Landon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4961711_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1510091828505","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4961711"},{"teacherId":5020141,"projectId":9370073,"letterContent":"The excitement was instant—students rushed to unpack the piping bags, turntables, and decorating tools, eager to try them out. We recently used the new materials for a \"Create Your Own Celebration Cake\" project, where each group designed and decorated a cake to reflect a theme they chose. The focus, teamwork, and creativity were incredible to see.\r\n\r\nThese tools have helped students learn about precision, patience, and artistic expression in baking. Next, we'll be exploring frosting techniques and simple fondant designs. Your support has given them the chance to turn baking into an art form—and they're so proud of what they can now create. Thank you for helping make this hands-on learning possible!","fullyFundedDate":1756093011411,"projectUrl":"project/out-with-the-old-in-with-the-yum/9370073/","projectTitle":"Out With the Old, in With the Yum!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Serrano","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5020141_orig.jpg?crop=1080,1080,x89,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1663350021524","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5020141"},{"teacherId":5020141,"projectId":9086832,"letterContent":"We are so excited to have our new stove in the classroom, and it's already making a huge difference in our hands-on learning. One of the first projects we tackled with it was a cooking lesson tied to our science and math curriculum. Students worked in small groups to follow a recipe, measure ingredients, observe changes in states of matter, and calculate proportions. It was the perfect blend of academic learning and real-life skills.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the stove, their reaction was priceless—wide eyes, big smiles, and lots of \"Are we really going to cook in class?!\" For many of them, this was their first time cooking anything more than a microwave meal, so the excitement was genuine and heartwarming.\r\n\r\nRight now, we're working on a unit that ties together nutrition, cultural studies, and math. Each group is researching a recipe from a different culture, learning about its significance, and then preparing it using the stove. They'll present their dish and findings to the class, which builds their research, presentation, and culinary skills all at once.\r\n\r\nThanks to your kindness, my students are engaged in meaningful, memorable learning that reaches far beyond the textbook.","fullyFundedDate":1746787385550,"projectUrl":"project/help-provide-my-students-with-a-new-cook/9086832/","projectTitle":"Help Provide My Students with a New Cooking Range!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Serrano","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5020141_orig.jpg?crop=1080,1080,x89,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1663350021524","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5020141"},{"teacherId":1075045,"projectId":9248798,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting my classroom. The calculators are a big hit with students. Many have used calculators in the past but the fact that they all have the same model, evens out the playing field. Since they are all using the same type, the argument of those having an unfair advantage with a fancy calculator is mute.\r\n Calculators are necessary to tackle mathematics problems with many digits: an example would be dimensional analysis. These simple calculators also force the student to learn the basics of manipulating numbers and solving formulas. They do not contain shortcuts that students can exploit.\r\n Not every one of my students will be scientists or mathematicians but all of them will be taking higher level mathematics classes. Mastering core computational skills will help them develop the confidence and ability to take advanced courses such as trigonometry and calculus. Thanks again for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1745086067302,"projectUrl":"project/count-on-me/9248798/","projectTitle":"Count on Me","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Miguez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1075045_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1511302435694","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/miguez"},{"teacherId":1613041,"projectId":8898371,"letterContent":"Thank you. \r\nI have a club after school and being that the day is so long, they are always complaining about being hungry. I was able to give them a little snack and they acted as if I was giving them a full course meal, needless to say, they were smiling. \r\n\r\nI will say that the beef sticks were not a hit, these students seem to be craving sweets at the end of the day. I will continue to provide them with the healthier options and hope for a better result.\r\n \r\nWe all thank you for your generous contribution and for the continued support you provide for our profession. Your choice to support Donors Choose is admirable and much appreciated by teachers everywhere; we couldn't do it without your help and look forward to sending more photos of our students thriving with your support.","fullyFundedDate":1738343786595,"projectUrl":"project/snacks-for-a-long-day-helps/8898371/","projectTitle":"Snacks for a Long Day Helps","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Leya Morales","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1613041_orig.png?crop=750,750,x0,y437&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1662573126202","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/leya-morales"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_43203","usesÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":736,"numTeachers":45,"percentFrplEligible":43,"percentAsian":2,"percentBlack":30,"percentWhite":17,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":49,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"16.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":48.4,"schoolId":43203,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Highland Oaks Middle School on @ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½:","schoolName":"Highland Oaks Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/florida/miami-dade-county-public-schools/highland-oaks-middle-school/43203"}