{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Blacklick Valley Junior Senior High School","outOfStateSupporters":36.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8389865,"projectId":9249749,"letterContent":"My students were absolutely thrilled to preview and begin reading our new book. One student even said, \"I've never wanted to read a school book before, and this one sparks my interest.\" Comments like that remind us why access to engaging, high-quality literature matters so much. Too often, students feel disconnected from the texts we assign; this book is helping them rediscover that reading can be both meaningful and enjoyable.\r\n\r\nIn class, students are journaling daily and engaging in rich discussions—much like we do as adult readers. We've intentionally moved away from traditional tests and worksheets for this unit. Instead, students are helping guide the pace and direction of our study while we continue to align our work with rigorous ELA standards. The content of the book has also opened the door for important conversations about social and emotional issues, creating space for reflection and empathy. Though we haven't yet finished the novel, the journey so far has been truly inspiring.\r\n\r\nEven students who aren't in this class have taken notice. Copies left around the room have sparked curiosity, and several students have asked to borrow the book to read independently—a reading teacher's dream come true.\r\n\r\nI am deeply grateful for the opportunity this donation has provided. The enthusiasm, engagement, and authentic joy my students are experiencing remind me daily of the power of literature to connect, inspire, and transform. I can't wait to see how this momentum continues as we journey through the rest of the book together.","fullyFundedDate":1754702138730,"projectUrl":"project/developing-life-long-readers/9249749/","projectTitle":"Developing Life-long Readers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Strazisar","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8389865_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y277&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757605863526","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8389865"},{"teacherId":8389865,"projectId":9075027,"letterContent":"The additions to our classroom have far exceeded my expectations. I hoped these resources would engage students in expanding their vocabulary (Vocabulicious), reinforcing their mental math skills (PlaySmart Dice Deluxe), and deepening their understanding of chemical elements (Science Ninjas: Valence Plus). I'm thrilled to report that not only have these goals been met, but our students are also embracing their learning with energy and excitement.\r\n\r\nWith Vocabulicious, students are diving into pronunciations, definitions, and context clues, all while creating sophisticated sentences in a fun, gamified setting. I frequently overhear them trying to \"sound smart\" by using new vocabulary in other assignments. The game has sparked a healthy sense of competition, motivating students to produce their best work.\r\n\r\nTo prepare for PSSA testing, we've used PlaySmart Dice Deluxe to build mental math fluency. Students are adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing—trying to beat the clock and their teammates. Although initially challenged by working without calculators, they are not only reinforcing essential math skills but also developing confidence in their abilities.\r\n\r\nThe biggest surprise has been Science Ninjas: Valence Plus. From the moment students unwrapped the game, they've been fully immersed—learning about valences, elements, compounds, and chemical reactions, all in a language arts classroom! After a quick YouTube tutorial, they were so engaged that they lost track of time—and were even late for their next class.\r\n\r\nThe excitement is contagious. Other teachers are now stopping by to borrow the games for their own students. Extra class time and emergency sub coverage no longer mean students ask for their phones. Instead, they're asking to learn and play.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, we've created a powerful equation for success: Generous Donors + Educational Games + Engaged Students = A Commitment to Growth and Lifelong Learning.\r\n\r\nThank you for being a vital part of that equation!","fullyFundedDate":1742954017007,"projectUrl":"project/making-connections-stem-in-all-content/9075027/","projectTitle":"Making Connections: Stem in All Content Areas","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Strazisar","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8389865_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y277&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757605863526","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8389865"},{"teacherId":9713412,"projectId":8956775,"letterContent":"The Nintendo Switch has had a significant impact on my students involved in the esports team, fostering both individual growth and team cohesion. With its versatile gameplay options, the Switch offers an accessible platform that appeals to students with different gaming preferences. Whether they are into fast-paced action games, strategy titles, or competitive multiplayer experiences, the Switch provides a wide range of games that cater to various skills and interests. This diversity has helped my students find common ground and bond over shared gaming experiences, which enhances their teamwork and communication skills.\r\n\r\nMoreover, the portability of the Nintendo Switch has enabled my students to practice and engage with their teammates outside of formal practice sessions. With the ability to play anywhere, students can continue to develop their gaming strategies and stay connected with their peers even when they're not at school. This constant engagement has helped improve their reflexes, decision-making, and coordination, as they are able to practice and refine their skills in various environments, whether at home, during lunch breaks, or at events like local tournaments. The accessibility of the Switch means that esports doesn't need to be confined to a computer lab or specific setting, making it easier for students to engage consistently.\r\n\r\nIn addition to enhancing gaming skills, the Nintendo Switch also promotes healthy competition and sportsmanship among my esports team. While the games are fun and exciting, they also teach valuable lessons in resilience, respect, and perseverance. My students learn to work together, support each other during tough matches, and celebrate each other's successes. The casual yet competitive nature of the Switch games fosters an atmosphere where students can develop both their technical abilities and their interpersonal skills, preparing them for real-world challenges both inside and outside of the gaming world.","fullyFundedDate":1734711743477,"projectUrl":"project/bv-needs-switches/8956775/","projectTitle":"BV Needs Switches","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Havener","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9713412"},{"teacherId":9696784,"projectId":8863729,"letterContent":"My students absolutely love their cozy corner! They always choose to go there on their breaks, when they are doing group work, independent work, or simply relaxing on a fun day! They love showing off our room to others. The cozy corner is just another added bonus to coming to school. \r\n\r\nWe are continuing to make our room comfortable, cozy, and inviting for all. They all received a blanket for Christmas, so they can be extra comfy when using their cozy corner! They are incredibly grateful to everyone who donated to make their ideas for the room come to life. Thank you all!","fullyFundedDate":1729305264787,"projectUrl":"project/cozy-corner/8863729/","projectTitle":"Cozy Corner","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Pinto","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9696784_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724610131048","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9696784"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_89165","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":268,"numTeachers":24,"percentFrplEligible":90,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":98,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":0,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"7 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"11.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"RURAL","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_DISTANT"},"inStateSupporters":63.5,"schoolId":89165,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Blacklick Valley Junior Senior High School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Blacklick Valley Junior Senior High School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/pennsylvania/blacklick-valley-school-district/blacklick-valley-junior-senior-high-school/89165"}
Join the 63 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Blacklick Valley Junior Senior High School is
a rural public school
in Nanty Glo, Pennsylvania that is part of Blacklick Valley School District.
It serves 268 students
in grades 7 - 12 with a student/teacher ratio of 11.2:1.
Its teachers have had 20 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Boost support for our school's classrooms. Share this page with friends and family who want to make a difference. If you're a teacher, sign up to get started!
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. Each classroom request for funding was created by a classroom teacher and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
Blacklick Valley Junior Senior High School Demographics
90%
of students receive free or reduced price lunch
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
Source: the National Center for Education Statistics
0%
of students are Black, Latino, Native
American, or Asian
Data about school demographics comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. The numbers in this chart may not add up to 100% because of limitations in the available data.
Blacklick Valley Junior Senior High School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Dec 5, 2025
DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students
in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.
Blacklick Valley Junior Senior High School
$12,921
raised using DonorsChoose
20
projects
funded
14
teachers
funded
63
donors
2
projects for
technology
1
project for
books
2
projects
for
art supplies
Blacklick Valley Junior Senior High School has received support from
40 individuals from Pennsylvania and
23 individuals out-of-state.