{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"J.O. Combs High School","outOfStateSupporters":36.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":686237,"projectId":9568219,"letterContent":"If you've ever seen a class of freshmen trying to learn Algebra, there's a lot of fidgeting, moving, wiggling, and if not given a good way to get out that energy, it becomes a lot of off-task behavior. One of the easiest solutions I've found to combat that off-task behavior (and increase student focus!) is wobble stools!\r\n\r\nAs often as possible our students are out of their seats, standing and collaborating at white boards, moving between stations, and doing math. But, there are times that complex algebra problems require pencil/paper and sustained work time. Often that means they are going to be sitting down for an extended length of time. \r\n\r\nStudents now have access to wobble stools in the classroom and it has greatly increased productivity, collaboration, AND cut down on off-task time. These wobble stools move between desks, white boards, groups, with students (and teachers!) utilizing them throughout the day. \r\n\r\nWhile there is an occasional student that doesn't like the wobble stool, that is a very rare comment, and what I love most is the spontaneous collaboration and peer tutoring that happens with these easy seating options. Sometimes a student is stuck on a problem and a peer will grab a stool and jump in to help. Other times they decide their work time is going to be spent on the whiteboard (independently or collaboratively!). These seats are always in use, and students know that it's first come first serve, so often it gets students to their seats faster at the start of class so they can have a wobble stool instead of a boring chair :-).\r\n\r\nThank you for your support, we greatly appreciate you!","fullyFundedDate":1755540633691,"projectUrl":"project/wobble-while-we-math/9568219/","projectTitle":"Wobble While We Math!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Furman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp686237_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1498083685228","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/jessica-furman"},{"teacherId":10039407,"projectId":9366815,"letterContent":"When our new materials arrived, my students could hardly contain their excitement. The moment the boxes were opened, they gathered around, eagerly pulling out items and asking, \"Can we start using these now?\" The energy in the room was contagious. \r\n\r\nThe students quickly found a place to put the classroom calendar and wanted to use the new timer for math challenges. Students worked in pairs to solve multiplication problems before the timer beeped. \r\n\r\nThe students are using the calendar to track important project deadlines and classroom goals. The stickers and stamps are used to celebrate progress and effort along the way. These resources are already brining more structure, joy, and motivation to our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1749496131619,"projectUrl":"project/shaping-special-minds/9366815/","projectTitle":"Shaping Special Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lowe","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10039407_orig.jpg?crop=1542,1542,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1748891115485","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10039407"},{"teacherId":9782612,"projectId":9106524,"letterContent":"I am blown away by the difference your donation is making in my classroom!\r\n\r\nThe wall clock is magnificent! My room has never had a working clock and it was frustrating for myself and the students to constantly be searching for the time. Now, with just a glance, we can easily keep track of the passage of time. \r\n\r\nThe apple pencil and iPad protective case mean that I am able to be with my students in the classroom as we work through problems on the board. I use them almost every day!\r\n\r\nThe students are also able to see all of their upcoming class assignments and lessons easily on our classroom wall because of the jumbo calendars you funded. No surprises. No excuses. Students can make short term plans with ease!\r\n\r\nWe also use the magnetic paper file every day! Notes for the entire week are available for students to take at ease from their daily slot. Absent students know just where to look to find missing notes.\r\n\r\nThank you so much for helping my classroom to be a more successful and efficient learning environment! We are very grateful!","fullyFundedDate":1746785258978,"projectUrl":"project/getting-struggling-seniors-organized-for/9106524/","projectTitle":"Getting Struggling Seniors Organized For Graduation","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Stowers","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9782612_orig.jpg?crop=772,772,x175,y150&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1728609373207","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9782612"},{"teacherId":8655838,"projectId":9220015,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my sincerest gratitude for your generous donation, which made it possible for me to acquire a new phone locker for my classroom. Your support has already had a significant positive impact on our students' learning environment and their ability to focus during the school day.\r\n\r\nWhile many of us use technology constantly at home, its integration into the classroom can look a bit different. This phone locker helps our students learn by creating a focused, distraction-free environment. Before, the constant presence of phones, even in pockets or backpacks, was a significant temptation. Now, with a designated and secure place to store their devices during class time, students are better able to engage with lessons, participate in discussions, and concentrate on their work without the allure of social media notifications, games, or text messages. This simple change has led to a noticeable increase in attentiveness and a reduction in disruptions, ultimately fostering a more productive learning atmosphere.\r\n\r\nWhat's most exciting to my students about the new phone locker is the act of locking the lock and keeping the key. While some initially expressed hesitation about parting with their phones, many have quickly overcome that due to the reassurance of holding the key themselves. They've shared that it helps them feel more comfortable not having their phone on their person. As such, students are more present in class and this allows them to fully immerse themselves in group activities and hands-on projects without feeling the need to check their devices. It's also given them a clearer boundary between their academic life and their digital life, which many have found surprisingly refreshing.\r\n\r\nYour contribution has directly empowered my students to take control of their learning and create a more effective educational experience for themselves. Thank you again for your vision and generosity. I am incredibly grateful for your partnership in fostering a better learning environment for all my students.","fullyFundedDate":1746786172158,"projectUrl":"project/increasing-engagement/9220015/","projectTitle":"Increasing Engagement","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rene Muller","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8655838"},{"teacherId":686237,"projectId":9287308,"letterContent":"As we eagerly approached the end of the school year, my students (mostly freshmen) were enthusiastic to finish the school year on a positive note, which meant a last minute scramble to turn in last minute assignments to teachers, frantically putting final touches on essays and final exam study guides. \r\n\r\nFor some students, late nights meant Chromebooks got forgotten overnight, left on the kitchen table without being plugged in, or an extra chunk of studying meant the Chromebook didn't QUITE last all day. The chargers were flying off their hooks in my classroom every hour of the day, with students trading them around mid-class when we'd hear someone say 'oh no, I've only got 10 minutes battery life left. Who has a charger??' No one wanted to waste any precious minutes for a Chromebook to re-start. I even had students taking the initiative to show up to class early to ensure they got a charger!\r\n\r\nWe finished the semester strong -- the vast majority of my students passed Algebra 1, wahoo! As the planning has already begun for the 25-26 school year, these chargers will spend the summer safely stowed in a cabinet, awaiting their daily use with a new group of freshmen!\r\n\r\nThank you so much for your support and generosity. Speaking for myself and my students, we appreciate you!","fullyFundedDate":1746456621888,"projectUrl":"project/oh-no-my-chromebook-needs-a-charge/9287308/","projectTitle":"Oh No, My Chromebook Needs a Charge!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Furman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp686237_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1498083685228","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/jessica-furman"},{"teacherId":8430680,"projectId":6409297,"letterContent":"I'm so grateful for your generous support of my DonorsChoose project, \"Annotating With Ease.\" Because of your kindness, my students now have access to the tools they need to become more confident and engaged readers.\r\n\r\nWith the new document camera, I can model close reading strategies in real time—showing students how to annotate, ask questions, and mark important ideas. The pens and highlighters you provided are already helping my students take ownership of their learning. Having their own supplies empowers them to actively engage with texts, which is key to building strong critical thinking skills.\r\n\r\nThank you for making such a meaningful difference in my classroom. Your support reminds us that we're not alone—there's a community out there that values education and believes in our students' potential.","fullyFundedDate":1658189910805,"projectUrl":"project/annotating-with-ease/6409297/","projectTitle":"Annotating With Ease!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Maroney-Scott","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8430680_orig.png?crop=392,392,x11,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1651245736962","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8430680"},{"teacherId":9743832,"projectId":8767181,"letterContent":"All of my classes greatly appreciated the generous donation of each and every one of you. The variety of snacks that were included in the donations meant that all students were able to have something that they liked. I was able to used the snacks as incentive towards getting classwork done. \r\nThe white boards have been instrumental in group work and class participation. At the end of quater 3 we had a white board relay that the students really loved. It got kids up out of their seats and fully involved.","fullyFundedDate":1735616860494,"projectUrl":"project/participation-and-prizes/8767181/","projectTitle":"Participation And Prizes!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Smithyman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9743832"},{"teacherId":686237,"projectId":9125871,"letterContent":"The notebooks came just in time for the start of the 4th marking period, and many students were eager to start a new notebook! I also got several new students who, due to circumstances beyond their control, showed up to class with no notebook - not a problem because I had a supply of notebooks ready to supply.\r\n\r\nThe tape dispensers are a huge hit with the students and they were quick to notice that the 'Lego' pieces even fit together! Likewise, having extra power strips/extension cords made the start of the school week much smoother as students could plug in their Chromebooks without balancing them on the edge of a desk or cords stretched to their max across walkways and creating trip hazards. \r\n\r\nThank you again for your generosity and support of our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1740354798684,"projectUrl":"project/charge-it-write-it-tape-it/9125871/","projectTitle":"Charge it, Write it, Tape it!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Furman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp686237_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1498083685228","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/jessica-furman"},{"teacherId":1649197,"projectId":8956876,"letterContent":"This project has been an incredible success for my students! They are thriving in their new collaborative environment, eagerly working together at their new tables and fully engaging in group activities. The excitement is evident as they rush to class to claim a wobble seat, which has added an extra layer of energy and focus to their learning experience. Beyond academics, this project has fostered a stronger sense of community, encouraging teamwork, communication, and a positive classroom culture. Seeing their enthusiasm and growth firsthand has been truly rewarding—I couldn't ask for more!","fullyFundedDate":1733780401026,"projectUrl":"project/fiesta-bowl-grant/8956876/","projectTitle":"Fiesta Bowl Grant","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Crum","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1649197_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1529032577821","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1649197"},{"teacherId":9782612,"projectId":8835427,"letterContent":"Your donations to my classroom have been used almost every day since receiving them! The wobbly stool is almost constantly used in two of my five classes by students who need to release energy or move in a way that is not a distraction to others. The desk leg band is used by a student who struggles to stay in his seat. The squeezy balls have been used by multiple students to fidget during work or testing times, allowing them to make it though the quiet time without distracting others as much.\r\n\r\nThe whiteboards, erasers, and markers have been especially helpful in small group and individual activities. Today we were reviewing our unit on budgeting and used the whiteboards to create Frayer models, reminding students of the different aspects of budgeting we have been learning about and using. Each student had their own board, pen, and marker, allowing for full participation from every student.\r\n\r\nThank you for providing my students the help they needed to have a more interactive and accommodating classroom experience! We are very grateful!","fullyFundedDate":1728603888488,"projectUrl":"project/flexible-seating-in-math/8835427/","projectTitle":"Flexible Seating in Math","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Stowers","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9782612_orig.jpg?crop=772,772,x175,y150&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1728609373207","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9782612"},{"teacherId":686237,"projectId":8884208,"letterContent":"Many of us take for granted that when we're hungry, we can just grab a snack on a whim. However, for students sitting in the classroom, sometimes it is not that simple. Maybe they didn't eat enough at breakfast/lunch (or they didn't like what was served in the cafeteria that day!), or they didn't pack enough food from home. For teenagers, that might result in less than stellar academic results as they're thinking about their hunger instead of their algebra work. Or, they might decide not to stay after school for tutoring because they can't think of anything beyond their grumbling stomach. Not to mention, a hungry teenager quickly turns into a grouchy teenager :-).\r\n\r\nHaving a stash of quick, easy, shelf-stable snacks in the classroom allows us to take that barrier away from students. No student should be deciding between hunger and academics! A hungry student is also not going to be a productive student. Sometimes a small snack can also be a great conversation starter and get even the most reluctant student to share what is on their mind!\r\n\r\nThank you for your generosity and support of our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1729050870638,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-essentials-shipment-2024-10-1/8884208/","projectTitle":"Classroom Essentials Shipment: 2024-10-15","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Furman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp686237_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1498083685228","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/jessica-furman"},{"teacherId":9678027,"projectId":8661957,"letterContent":"Sand tray therapy is a valuable tool for helping teenagers express themselves and process emotions in a way that feels natural and unintimidating. Recognizing that many teens struggle to share their feelings with adults, sand tray therapy provides a safe outlet for them to work through frustrations and complex emotions without the pressure of direct conversations. Through engaging and interactive methods, it allows students to explore their inner world, often without even realizing they are doing so. This approach fosters emotional growth, resilience, and self-awareness, equipping them with healthier ways to navigate their challenges.\r\nWithout these tools it would be hard to get many students to open up. Thank you for your generosity and willingness to help others.","fullyFundedDate":1724773918880,"projectUrl":"project/play-therapy-a-pathway-to-emotional-hea/8661957/","projectTitle":"Play Therapy: A Pathway to Emotional Healing and Behavioral Change","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Durrant","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9678027"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_97520","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1233,"numTeachers":53,"percentFrplEligible":39,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":100,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"9 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"23.3:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_FRINGE"},"inStateSupporters":63.6,"schoolId":97520,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about J.O. Combs High School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"J.O. Combs High School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/arizona/j-o-combs-unified-school-district/combs-high-school/97520"}