{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Danbury High School - Main Campus","outOfStateSupporters":42.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":1121036,"projectId":9682152,"letterContent":"My students will be able to use the Princeton Review books to take practice tests, see where there are gaps in their learning, and read alternative explanations for questions they might have missed. This helps them have access to a wider variety of information, and year after year, students say that these books helped them practice AP style questions since there are limited practice questions available to them through College Board (which administers the AP exams each year).\r\n\r\nMost of my students would not purchase these books on their own, or would have to borrow a book from the library for a short period of time. These books are helpful, but not always the latest edition, and there are limited copies. By providing each student with their own copy to use, everyone has an equal opportunity to use this valuable guide.","fullyFundedDate":1764707793550,"projectUrl":"project/ap-chemistry-premium-prep-books-for-maxi/9682152/","projectTitle":"AP Chemistry Premium Prep Books for Maximum Success","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. McClelland","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1121036_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1507212019107","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-mcclelland"},{"teacherId":6734180,"projectId":9806418,"letterContent":"I have some very hard-working and motivated students under my guidance in Calculus. I expected this; it's hard to qualify to take calculus without mastering many math classes and wishing to enroll in the most challenging STEM course in the school. What I did not expect is how hard they work outside of the classroom, as well. For example, a group of five students spent their weekend moving their classmate because his mother was having financial difficulty and could not afford professional movers. These are compassionate, stewards of their community, involved in so much outside of the rigors of calculus. \r\n\r\nThese young adults are eager to learn and are learning how to balance their academic interests, their family and work responsibilities, and their social and extracurricular lives. I know they are also very competitive. Your donations helped ensure that they all have equitable access to test preparation materials for their AP Calculus exam, to even the playing field with regard to this resource. Your generous gifts have made this possible. Many students have already started using their books, in anticipation of their May exams. I am deeply grateful to you and so proud of them!","fullyFundedDate":1764707793915,"projectUrl":"project/determined-ap-calculus-students-request/9806418/","projectTitle":"Determined AP Calculus Students Request Test Prep Books","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Dacres","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6734180_orig.jpg?crop=720,720,x226,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1632744474906","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6734180"},{"teacherId":1631510,"projectId":9579268,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our sculpture classroom through your generous donation! Because of you, my students have completed two different wire sculpture projects: continuous contour wire portraits inspired by Alexander Calder and proportional figure sculptures influenced by artists such as George Segal and Alberto Giacometti. Using the wire, wire cutters, and wooden blocks you provided, students explored how to \"draw in space,\" translate two-dimensional sketches into three-dimensional form, and construct stable, free-standing sculptures. They learned to manipulate line, consider proportion and gesture, and solve structural challenges while building work that was both expressive and technically sound.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials arrived, students were eager to begin working! Many had never created sculptures with wire before...and having the proper tools allowed them to cut, bend, and assemble their pieces safely and with precision. The wooden bases gave their sculptures stability and a finished, professional quality. These resources made it possible for students to fully meet the learning goals of the projects and to take their ideas further than would have been possible otherwise.\r\n\r\nWe are now building on those same skills as students begin constructing Mexican Alebrijes: brightly colored, fantastical folk art sculptures inspired by traditional works from Mexico. The experience students gained in proportion, balance, and armature-building during the figure sculpture unit is directly supporting this new project. The wire and wire cutters you donated are once again being put to meaningful use as students create internal structures to support their imaginative forms. On a personal note, being assigned a new sculpture course without a materials budget was a significant challenge. Your generosity made these projects possible, and we are deeply grateful for your support of our students and their creative growth.","fullyFundedDate":1764698854910,"projectUrl":"project/twisting-art-into-shape/9579268/","projectTitle":"Twisting Art Into Shape!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Higgins","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1631510_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y61&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1727353381207","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1631510"},{"teacherId":10097043,"projectId":9925201,"letterContent":"Sometimes it's not always the easiest experience to ask for help, especially when we know that people in our own community are struggling financially. But you helped us have the most fun Gingerbread House contest to date! Our students in each of my six classes split into two teams to build creative houses along with accompanying stories. The stories helped our students demonstrate their current writing skills but most importantly to work as a team. \r\n\r\nThank you for making my first DonorsChoose project a success! It's my hope this is not the last time you will help my students from my Basic English class to be successful in school while also having a good time. If you get the chance, enjoy some pictures of their creations and their stories that go along with the houses!","fullyFundedDate":1764698854417,"projectUrl":"project/gingerbread-house-building-challenge-202/9925201/","projectTitle":"Gingerbread House Building Challenge 2025","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sajovic","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10097043"},{"teacherId":9296562,"projectId":9619702,"letterContent":"Thank you for the very generous donations to my project. I was beyond thrilled to have this project funded. We have been actively using the whiteboard markers to engage students to work together and organize their thoughts in groups. One recent activity allowed them to take advantage of different colors that helped to easily distinguish between the impact of hot and cold temperatures on the human body. My students were extremely appreciative of these materials, especially new colored pencils to help them continue to make revisions to their work! \r\nWe started the process of using notebooks to continue to keep them organized and engaged in class. All notebook materials are easily accessible in our classroom and they were so grateful to take this interactive approach to their learning with notebooks. Having this physical resource in class will be invaluable to help build on their organizational skills and promote student success. \r\nThank you again for your support it will go a long way!","fullyFundedDate":1764707795524,"projectUrl":"project/staying-organized-this-school-year/9619702/","projectTitle":"Staying 'Organized' This School Year","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Salamone","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9296562"},{"teacherId":8670425,"projectId":9942897,"letterContent":"Your generosity in providing the Christmas ornament craft kits created an experience that went far beyond a simple seasonal activity. In a high school setting where schedules are packed and academic expectations are high, these kits gave us an opportunity to slow down, create, and connect—all while reinforcing important skills.\r\n\r\nWe used the ornament kits as part of a structured pre-break project focused on creativity, reflection, and goal-setting. Students were asked to design ornaments that represented either a personal accomplishment from this semester or a goal they have for the upcoming year. Before beginning, we discussed symbolism and visual storytelling—how colors, shapes, and small design choices can communicate meaning. Students sketched their ideas first, wrote a brief explanation of their concept, and then brought those ideas to life using the materials from the kits.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the ornament supplies laid out, the reaction was immediate surprise. High school students don't always expect hands-on creative projects, especially during a busy academic stretch. There were smiles, curious questions, and even a few students who initially claimed they \"weren't creative\"—only to become some of the most focused designers in the room. The atmosphere shifted in a positive way. Conversations were thoughtful. Students shared stories about their designs and explained the meaning behind their color choices or symbols. One student created an ornament divided into sections representing resilience, growth, and future plans; another designed one to symbolize balancing academics, athletics, and personal responsibilities. The pride they showed in their finished work was evident.\r\n\r\nBecause of these materials, I was able to accomplish something that can be difficult during the holiday season: maintain purposeful engagement while also honoring the emotional and social needs of students. The project incorporated writing, reflection, planning, and presentation skills in a way that felt meaningful rather than routine. Students practiced articulating their thoughts clearly, connecting personal experiences to broader goals, and engaging respectfully with peers during informal presentations.\r\n\r\nThe next steps for our students build directly on this experience. We are transitioning into a goal-setting and action-planning unit for the new semester. Students will revisit the written reflections they created alongside their ornaments and expand them into more detailed academic and personal growth plans. They will set measurable objectives, identify potential obstacles, and outline strategies for success. The ornaments now serve as visible reminders in our classroom—symbols of commitment and forward thinking.\r\n\r\nYour support made it possible to create a moment of balance during a demanding time of year. These ornament kits were not just crafts; they were tools for reflection, expression, and community-building. Thank you for giving our students the opportunity to pause, create something meaningful, and step into the new year with intention and confidence.","fullyFundedDate":1766424718778,"projectUrl":"project/we-love-christmas-crafts/9942897/","projectTitle":"We Love Christmas Crafts","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Turowski","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8670425_orig.jpg?crop=1440,1440,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1707142281395","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8670425"},{"teacherId":8670425,"projectId":9909601,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our classroom. Even at the high school level, small incentives and shared experiences can make a meaningful difference in motivation, morale, and classroom culture—and that's exactly what your donations did.\r\n\r\n**Fun Friday Slime Incentive**\r\nThe slime kits were used as part of our Fun Friday incentive time. Students earned the opportunity through meeting academic deadlines, maintaining focus, and demonstrating positive behavior throughout the week. When they realized they had earned something hands-on and unexpected, the reaction was a mix of surprise and genuine excitement. For many of them, high school can feel academically intense, so having structured time to decompress while still staying in a supervised, goal-based environment was valuable. It gave them space to relax, connect appropriately with peers, and reset for the following week.\r\nNext steps: We are continuing to tie incentive activities to measurable goals—attendance, assignment completion, and class participation—while building student ownership through weekly progress reflections.\r\n\r\n**Oreo Motivation Moments**\r\nThe Oreos have been used as small, immediate recognition rewards. In high school, timely acknowledgment matters. Whether it's a student pushing through a difficult assignment, improving a test score, or contributing meaningfully to discussion, the ability to say, \"I see your effort,\" paired with a simple incentive has increased engagement. When students first saw that there were tangible rewards tied to effort, it sparked friendly competition and a noticeable boost in participation.\r\nNext steps: Students are currently tracking personal academic goals, and we are reinforcing incremental growth. The motivational snacks continue to support a culture where effort and improvement are recognized consistently.\r\n\r\n**Hot Chocolate Community Break**\r\nThe hot chocolate was a \"just because\" moment—but those moments are powerful at the secondary level. We shared it during a colder week as a brief community break. It shifted the tone of the room, encouraged conversation, and reminded students that our classroom is a supportive space. Several students commented that it made the day feel different—in a good way.\r\nNext steps: We're continuing to prioritize classroom climate alongside rigorous instruction, incorporating structured community-building opportunities that support collaboration and mutual respect.\r\n\r\nYour generosity helped create a balance between accountability and encouragement. In a high school setting where expectations are high, these moments of motivation and connection make a lasting impact. Thank you for investing in our students' success and well-being.","fullyFundedDate":1764726236153,"projectUrl":"project/some-crafts-and-some-food/9909601/","projectTitle":"Some Crafts and Some Food!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Turowski","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8670425_orig.jpg?crop=1440,1440,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1707142281395","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8670425"},{"teacherId":5051856,"projectId":9591952,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project and helping bring snacks and hygiene essentials into our classroom. Because of your generosity, students now know that if they come to class hungry, there is a granola bar waiting for them, and if they are caught off guard by a personal need, they can find pads or tampons without embarrassment or stress. I have already seen the difference this makes—students are more focused during lessons, more relaxed with their peers, and more willing to participate when their basic needs are met. These simple items have become powerful tools for learning, because they remove barriers and allow students to show up as their best selves.\r\n\r\nWhat means the most to me is the message your gift sends: \"You are supported here.\" My students work incredibly hard and bring so many strengths, along with real challenges, into our classroom each day. Knowing that they are cared for—not just as students, but as whole people—builds trust and a sense of belonging that carries into everything we do. Your kindness has helped create a classroom environment where dignity, comfort, and respect are part of everyday life. Thank you for believing in our students and in public education. Your support is felt daily, and we are truly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1764726236418,"projectUrl":"project/supporting-student-wellness-with-snacks/9591952/","projectTitle":"Supporting Student Wellness with Snacks and Hygiene Essentials","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Clua","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5051856_orig.jpg?crop=500,500,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1714844042792","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5051856"},{"teacherId":5051856,"projectId":9377213,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for making our classroom vision a reality! With your generous support, we were able to add chart paper, pocket folders, and laminator pouches to our Spanish for Heritage Speakers classroom, and the impact has been immediate. Students are now able to collaborate more actively, moving around to contribute ideas on chart paper and sharing their thinking with peers. The pocket folders have helped them stay organized and take ownership of their learning, giving them a tangible way to track their growth in reading and writing Spanish. Laminated materials for group activities and learning stations have made lessons more engaging and interactive, while also allowing resources to be reused again and again.\r\n\r\nWhat excites me the most is seeing my students thrive in a space where their bilingual and bicultural identities are celebrated. They are proud to practice reading and writing in Spanish, and these new materials have made it easier for them to express their ideas, work collaboratively, and feel confident in their skills. Your support has not only provided tools for learning—it has helped create a classroom where students feel empowered to live Spanish every day. Thank you for investing in their growth, pride, and success; your generosity is felt in every lesson and every smile.","fullyFundedDate":1756112429229,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-spanish-tools-for-active-learn/9377213/","projectTitle":"Hands-On Spanish: Tools for Active Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Clua","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5051856_orig.jpg?crop=500,500,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1714844042792","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5051856"},{"teacherId":6061921,"projectId":9641411,"letterContent":"I wanted to take a moment to sincerely thank you all for providing the classroom decorations for my high school seniors. Your generosity truly made a difference in creating a space that feels celebratory, warm, and special for them during such an important milestone year.\r\n\r\nSenior year is filled with big moments, lasting memories, and meaningful reflection. Because of your thoughtful contribution, our classroom now reflects the excitement and pride these students deserve as they prepare to take their next steps. The decorations have already sparked so many smiles and positive comments.\r\n\r\nThank you for supporting our students and helping make their final year a little more memorable. Your kindness and generosity are deeply appreciated.","fullyFundedDate":1764698855347,"projectUrl":"project/beautify-us/9641411/","projectTitle":"Beautify Us","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Reggiano","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6061921_orig.png?crop=562,562,x0,y59&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1677499071482","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mreggiano"},{"teacherId":8670425,"projectId":9642965,"letterContent":"Many of our donors are familiar with technology in the form of phones, tablets, or home devices, but in our classroom the AeroGarden hydroponic system transforms technology into a living science lab. Unlike a traditional soil garden, the AeroGarden uses water, nutrients, and built-in LED grow lights to create the perfect growing environment indoors. Students are able to observe germination, root development, and plant growth up close while also learning about plant biology, ecosystems, nutrition, and sustainability. The digital display allows them to monitor light cycles and nutrient schedules, helping them understand how environmental factors affect plant health. Instead of simply reading about life cycles in a textbook, they are collecting real data, making predictions, and seeing science unfold in real time.\r\n\r\nWhat excites students most about the new AeroGarden is how quickly they see results. Within days, tiny sprouts emerge, and within weeks they are harvesting herbs and lettuce they have grown themselves. The built-in lighting system feels high-tech and futuristic, which sparks curiosity and conversation about hydroponics and innovative farming methods. There is a strong sense of ownership and pride when students taste something they nurtured from seed to harvest—it makes learning tangible and delicious!\r\n\r\nSeveral students have especially warmed to this technology. Our hands-on learners thrive when they can physically check water levels, measure plant growth, and track progress in journals. Students who sometimes struggle with traditional assignments have shown remarkable focus and responsibility when caring for the garden. Even some of our quieter students have stepped into leadership roles, reminding the class when nutrients need to be added or eagerly explaining the growth process to visitors. The AeroGarden isn't just teaching science standards—it's building confidence, teamwork, and a deeper appreciation for how technology can solve real-world challenges.","fullyFundedDate":1763586152503,"projectUrl":"project/hydroponic-gardening-is-so-exciting/9642965/","projectTitle":"Hydroponic Gardening Is So Exciting!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Turowski","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8670425_orig.jpg?crop=1440,1440,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1707142281395","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8670425"},{"teacherId":8000795,"projectId":9434681,"letterContent":"As I begin my fifth year of teaching at a lively urban Title I high school, I continue to be inspired every day by the creativity, resilience, and incredible spirit my students bring into the art room. Many of my students are English Language Learners and Multilingual Learners, and for them, art serves as a universal language—one that transcends words and allows for meaningful self-expression, identity-building, and personal growth.\r\n\r\nOne of the most impactful projects in our classroom is our still-life drawing unit using white colored pencils on black paper. While the materials are simple, the results are powerful. Students develop essential artistic skills such as proportion, shading, perspective, and composition, all while experiencing the excitement of seeing their drawings emerge from the dark surface. This is my fifth year teaching this project, and each time I hear students say, \"I didn't think I could draw like this until now,\" I'm reminded just how transformative access to art can be.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, students are able to fully engage in this project with the materials they need to succeed. White colored pencils, sharpeners, and black paper may seem small, but they create an inclusive and supportive learning environment—especially for students who may not have access to art supplies at home. Your support ensures that every student can participate, experiment, and feel proud of their work.","fullyFundedDate":1752056425943,"projectUrl":"project/art-that-shines-still-life-in-reverse/9434681/","projectTitle":"Art That Shines: Still Life in Reverse","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mroczek","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8000795_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753220073622","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-mroczek"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_43442","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":3612,"numTeachers":200,"percentFrplEligible":71,"percentAsian":4,"percentBlack":7,"percentWhite":24,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":60,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"9 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"18.1:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":57.4,"schoolId":43442,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Danbury High School - Main Campus on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Danbury High School - Main Campus","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/connecticut/danbury-public-schools/danbury-high-school/43442"}