{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Debbie Smith CTE Academy","outOfStateSupporters":39.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8170332,"projectId":10016947,"letterContent":"This is a very belated thank you, yet a very sincere and humble one. \r\nStudents used the material to create a product from their group research. Beyond making carnival masks from around the Spanish-speaking and Francophone world, they explored and learned what UNESCO workd heritage titles are (Barranquilla carnival), beliefs and practices like the huge Vejigantes from Puerto Rico, the many century-old Gilles from Belgium. They truly appreciated discovering all the history and work behind each Carnival, especially as they presented to their peers or listened to others.","fullyFundedDate":1768520819379,"projectUrl":"project/learn-through-creativity-and-out-of-the/10016947/","projectTitle":"Learn Through Creativity and Out of the Box!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Farigoule","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8170332"},{"teacherId":9359305,"projectId":9998246,"letterContent":"The balls and small toys funded through this project brought immediate, tangible energy into physics instruction — literally. These simple objects gave students hands-on ways to explore motion, momentum, and energy transfer without needing expensive lab equipment for every activity. Students rolled, bounced, and launched these objects to investigate concepts like projectile motion, elastic and inelastic collisions, and conservation of momentum, turning what could have been abstract diagrams into experiences they could see, predict, and test for themselves.\r\n\r\nThe variety mattered as much as the items themselves. Air soccer balls, gliding with minimal friction, let students isolate and observe momentum transfer in near-ideal collisions, while tennis balls introduced real-world variables like spin, air resistance, and rolling friction for comparison. Wind-up toys gave students a simple, controllable source of consistent motion to measure speed, acceleration, and energy loss over time — perfect for quick, low-stakes investigations that didn't require a full lab period to set up. Having several types of objects on hand meant lessons could move fluidly from idealized physics to messier, real-world behavior, helping students see how the same principles play out differently depending on the object.\r\n\r\nJust as importantly, these low-cost, engaging materials made physics feel approachable and fun. Students who might hesitate to dive into a formal lab were often eager to experiment with a wind-up toy or bounce a ball across the room, and that willingness to play and observe translated into genuine curiosity about the physics underneath. The toys lowered the barrier to hands-on inquiry, giving students frequent, low-pressure opportunities to build intuition before tackling more formal instrumented labs.","fullyFundedDate":1768176304946,"projectUrl":"project/learning-science-through-play/9998246/","projectTitle":"Learning Science Through Play","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Piekarz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9359305_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746157747734","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9359305"},{"teacherId":8131386,"projectId":10208553,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our students gross motor and social development through funding this project. These materials have had a positive impact on our students' gross motor development in different skills such as throwing and catching. The social development of navigating turn taking and collaboration in building obstacles has blossomed! \r\n\r\nThe students were so excited to see the new materials! The large colorful hula hoops and the obstacle rings were an instant hit. It got all of our students moving their bodies in fun new ways!\r\n\r\nThis will help us keep outside exploration time fun and engaging as we have enough materials to trade out as their skills develop over the year. The shelves will help students with their independence in confidently knowing where to clean up when they are done.","fullyFundedDate":1778260413342,"projectUrl":"project/tame-the-outdoor-mess-and-increase-play/10208553/","projectTitle":"Tame the Outdoor Mess and Increase Play","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Becky","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8131386_orig.png?crop=465,465,x0,y32&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1646943165979","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8131386"},{"teacherId":9348946,"projectId":10210226,"letterContent":"I just wanted to send a huge, thank you for completely transforming our outside time! The day everything arrived, the kids were absolutely excited, they literally surrounded the teachers just to watch us assemble all the gear, anxious to try it out. Once we got outside, nobody wanted to come back indoors! They felt so incredibly \"big\" and tall balancing on the bucket stilts, and they had a blast setting up their own custom obstacle courses. The play tunnel was an absolute favorite; we used it as a fun way to practice taking turns, and the kids did an amazing job waiting for their friends to pop out of the other side.\r\n\r\nBeyond just the pure fun, these wonderful materials are already helping them develop crucial social-emotional skills like sharing, teamwork, and perseverance when trying something new. Plus, our clean-up routine has reached a whole new level! The kids are learning serious organization skills by working together to systematically fit all the toys back into our giant rolling cart at the end of the day. They take so much pride in taking care of their new treasures. Thank you for bringing so much growth and joy to our classroom community!","fullyFundedDate":1778262162506,"projectUrl":"project/the-movement-station-supporting-large-m/10210226/","projectTitle":"The Movement Station: Supporting Large Motor Skills Through Active Play","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Fortuna","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9348946_orig.jpg?crop=526,526,x0,y31&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1706164214197","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9348946"},{"teacherId":8127744,"projectId":10033034,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your donation to my classroom! My students enjoy being able to work on math problems at the vertical white boards. The boards allow students to walk around and work in groups and easily discuss their work with others. They are more engaged than when they sit at desks, and their understanding of the concepts increases as they discuss and explain their thoughts to others in their group.\r\nMy students are also loving having bins attached to their desks. I used to have bins on top of the desk, but they take up work space and get in the way when students are trying to work together. They also were constantly getting knocked over. The new hanging files work great as supply bins because I can attach them beneath the desks and the supplies are readily available to students, but they aren't in the way or spilling all the time.\r\nThank you so much for your help in purchasing these supplies.","fullyFundedDate":1768708554617,"projectUrl":"project/engaging-math-classroom/10033034/","projectTitle":"Engaging Math Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Watts","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8127744"},{"teacherId":9348004,"projectId":9998269,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom has become a more organized, comfortable, and engaging place for students to learn. The new lamps have made a huge difference by creating a warm, well-lit environment that helps students stay focused and reduces eye strain. Many students have shared that they feel calmer and more productive with better lighting, especially during reading and independent work time.\r\n\r\nThe markers and school supplies have also had a powerful impact. Students are excited to use fresh materials that allow them to write clearly, organize their thoughts, and express their creativity. Simple tools like markers and supplies help lessons run smoothly, giving every student what they need to participate confidently and complete their work.\r\n\r\nI have especially seen growth in students who sometimes struggle to stay engaged. With these new resources, they are more motivated, take pride in their work, and are eager to participate. Your donation has truly helped create a positive and supportive learning environment where all students can succeed, thank you for making a difference in our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1768271288364,"projectUrl":"project/smart-tech-for-strong-leaders/9998269/","projectTitle":"Smart Tech for Strong Leaders","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Foley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9348004"},{"teacherId":9357741,"projectId":10046745,"letterContent":"1. How are you and your students using the new resources?\r\nThanks to your generous support, our high school weights students are using the foam rollers, medicine balls, and yoga balls daily as part of warm‑ups, mobility circuits, and core development, foam rollers are used before and after lifting to improve flexibility and reduce muscle tightness, medicine balls are incorporated into rotational power exercises, partner throws, and functional strength drills, and yoga balls are helping students build core stability, balance, and proper posture during structured class activities.\r\n2. How did your students react when they first saw the materials?\r\nStudents were immediately excited when they saw the new equipment, especially since we previously did not have enough mobility and core development resources for consistent class‑wide use, many students commented on how professional the weight room felt, and several were eager to try exercises they had only seen online or heard about from athletes, having enough equipment for everyone increased engagement and participation.\r\n3. What are the next steps for your students?\r\nWith these resources fully integrated, students are progressing into more advanced strength and conditioning lessons focused on injury prevention, movement quality, and long‑term fitness, we are connecting mobility and core work directly to proper lifting mechanics to improve performance in major lifts, students are also beginning to design their own warm‑up and recovery routines using the equipment, applying what they have learned in a meaningful and independent way.","fullyFundedDate":1769132356716,"projectUrl":"project/strength-and-conditioning-essentials-me/10046745/","projectTitle":"Strength and Conditioning Essentials: Medicine Balls & Foam Rollers","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Brock","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9357741"},{"teacherId":9366002,"projectId":9998726,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping to create a cozy corner in my secondary classroom! The rugs and chair cushions have truly added a softer feeling to these four white walls, and the bookshelves are helping us to stay organized and keep track of our notes. \r\n\r\nMy students have benefitted greatly from having free-choice books available in the classroom itself. They enjoy browsing different titles and finding things that interest them, and spending reading time in the corner has become especially popular with my AP Language and Composition students. \r\n\r\nSomeday, I hope to expand this area by adding bigger and sturdier shelves, many more books, and a couch for a truly \"library-type\" experience. Here's to more comfortable classrooms! \r\n\r\nThank you again!","fullyFundedDate":1768157695062,"projectUrl":"project/campbells-reading-corner/9998726/","projectTitle":"Campbell’s Reading Corner","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Campbell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9366002_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1767930967286","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9366002"},{"teacherId":7414933,"projectId":9991083,"letterContent":"Thank you for your amazing donation to my students. Every time you donate to the classroom it allows teachers to enhance their teaching and provide great experiences for students. \r\nIn my computer science class we have been using the drones to learn how to code in a new and interesting way. We start by learning to fly the drones and learn about the principles of flight. Then we learn how to use the blockly coding program and finally, we put the two together to make the drones fly and carry out tasks. Thanks again for making this experience come to life.","fullyFundedDate":1768070374684,"projectUrl":"project/take-learning-to-new-heights/9991083/","projectTitle":"Take Learning to New Heights","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Dorman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7414933_orig.jpg?crop=2097,2097,x0,y160&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1765564402952","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7414933"},{"teacherId":10400404,"projectId":10001060,"letterContent":"Your funding helped provide my students with the materials needed to host a Spaghetti Feed Event. The event fed multiple members of our community including our students and their families. It also served as a platform for our largest fundraiser of the year.\r\n\r\nUtilizing the donated products we were able to work with our culinary program at our school which helped them learn how to prep food for multiple guests, proper food storage, and team work.\r\n\r\nDuring the evening of the event our Cadets arrived early and worked hard to set everything up. Once the event started they delivered food to all of our community members, talked about what they've learned in class, developed social and networking skills.","fullyFundedDate":1768941380216,"projectUrl":"project/spaghetti-feed-for-educational-need/10001060/","projectTitle":"Spaghetti Feed for Educational Need","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Rap","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10400404"},{"teacherId":8131386,"projectId":10010977,"letterContent":"Since these resources arrived, our library has transformed from a quiet corner of the room into the most popular destination for my students. The Yoto Mini has introduced a level of independence I haven't seen before; my 16 little learners are so empowered by the ability to choose their own 'audio adventure' just by inserting a physical card. For my students from low-income households and those who are still developing their English vocabulary, being able to hear these stories read aloud while they follow along has been an incredible boost to their confidence and language skills.\r\n\r\nThe comfy high-back chair has truly anchored the space, providing a much-needed 'soft landing' for students who need a break from the high energy of a Pre-K classroom. I have watched students who typically struggle with sitting still settle into the chair, pop in a Yoto card, and stay completely focused for ten minutes or more. This chair provides the sensory support and physical boundaries that help my students self-regulate, turning their 'wiggles' into a state of calm, deep engagement with literature.\r\n\r\nThe most moving part of this project is seeing how much pride my students take in 'their' new space. Because these items are high-quality and modern, it sends a clear message to my kids that their learning and comfort are a priority. Your generosity has closed a resource gap and created a sanctuary where my students feel valued and excited to explore the world of books. You haven't just provided furniture and electronics; you've provided a peaceful retreat that has become the heart of our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1768615253399,"projectUrl":"project/closing-the-literacy-gap-with-audio-magi/10010977/","projectTitle":"Closing the Literacy Gap With Audio Magic","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Becky","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8131386_orig.png?crop=465,465,x0,y32&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1646943165979","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8131386"},{"teacherId":9348946,"projectId":10017377,"letterContent":"In our Pre-K classroom, the Yoto Story Listeners have become popular during our \"Books and Journals\" time. They are great because they are screen-free and my PK kiddos can independently select a story and start listening without needing an adult to help them navigate. They also have many choices, so they can choose stories that fit their interests. A favorite moment was when two students took the headphones out and listened to the \r\n\r\nstory together, one held the Yoto while the other held the book, great teamwork! \r\nThe students were amazed when they saw the comfortable couch chair, they thought it was great that it can fold down into a bed! The children were drawn to its soft texture and using it as a safe place to go when they want to be alone. A favorite moment was when a student was still tired from rest time and went right to the couch and fell asleep! \r\n\r\nMy next steps are to get more books that match our Yoto stories so the students can \"read\" along and further improve their book concepts! Thanks again for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1768686851230,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-comforts-safe-and-organized-l/10017377/","projectTitle":"Classroom Comforts: Safe and Organized Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Fortuna","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9348946_orig.jpg?crop=526,526,x0,y31&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1706164214197","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9348946"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_134449","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":401,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":62,"percentAsian":4,"percentBlack":2,"percentWhite":39,"percentIndigenous":1,"percentLatinx":43,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":1,"percentMultiracialImputed":6,"gradesServed":"9 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"MDR District Record","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":60.9,"schoolId":134449,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Debbie Smith CTE Academy on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Debbie Smith CTE Academy","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/nevada/washoe-county-school-district/debbie-smith-cte-academy/134449"}