{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Higher Ground Academy","outOfStateSupporters":36.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9641163,"projectId":9292074,"letterContent":"On behalf of my students, families, and school community, I want to extend my deepest gratitude for funding our project, \"Incentives That Inspire: Building Positive Behavior Through Rewards.\" Your generosity has made a meaningful difference in our classroom, and we are incredibly thankful for your support and belief in our students.\r\n\r\nTeaching is about so much more than academics. Every day, students come into the classroom carrying different experiences, emotions, and challenges. For many children, school is not only a place to learn math, reading, and science—it is also a place where they learn responsibility, kindness, perseverance, and self-confidence. Because of your support, we are now able to create a more positive and encouraging environment that celebrates these important behaviors and motivates students to continue making positive choices.\r\n\r\nThe resources provided through this project will help us implement a reward-based positive behavior system that encourages students to stay engaged, respectful, and focused throughout the school day. Incentives may seem simple on the surface, but for students, recognition and encouragement can have a tremendous impact. A small reward for demonstrating kindness, teamwork, responsibility, or perseverance can boost confidence and reinforce behaviors that lead to long-term success both inside and outside the classroom.\r\n\r\nYour generosity allows us to recognize students for their hard work and growth in ways that are exciting and meaningful to them. These incentives will help students feel seen, valued, and motivated to do their best every day. When students feel supported and celebrated, they are more likely to participate in learning, build stronger relationships with peers, and develop a greater sense of belonging within the classroom community.\r\n\r\nThis project is especially important because positive reinforcement creates a classroom culture where students feel safe, respected, and inspired. Instead of focusing only on correcting negative behavior, we can now spend more time highlighting successes and encouraging students to continue making positive choices. This shift helps students understand that their actions matter and that their efforts are appreciated.\r\n\r\nYour contribution also supports social-emotional learning by teaching students valuable life skills such as self-control, empathy, accountability, and perseverance. These are lessons that extend far beyond the classroom walls. The positive habits students build now will help them become confident learners, compassionate friends, and responsible future leaders.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, your kindness reminds our students that there are people beyond their school community who genuinely care about their success. Many students are amazed to learn that individuals they may never meet personally chose to invest in their education and happiness. That realization alone is powerful. It teaches them that generosity exists in the world and inspires them to one day give back to others as well.\r\n\r\nAs educators, we often dream of creating learning environments where every child feels motivated and encouraged, but achieving that vision requires support from caring people like you. Because of your generosity, our classroom will become a more joyful, positive, and engaging place where students are excited to learn and proud of their accomplishments.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and for recognizing the importance of creating positive learning experiences. Your support has provided more than just supplies and incentives—it has provided encouragement, opportunity, and hope. The impact of your donation will be felt each day as students work toward goals, celebrate achievements, and grow into the best versions of themselves.\r\n\r\nWe are truly grateful for your compassion, generosity, and commitment to education. Thank you for helping us inspire positive behavior, strengthen classroom relationships, and create an environment where every student can thrive.\r\n\r\nWith sincere appreciation and gratitude,","fullyFundedDate":1747620973838,"projectUrl":"project/incentives-that-inspire-building-positi/9292074/","projectTitle":"Incentives That Inspire: Building Positive Behavior Through Rewards","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Bart","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9641163_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723218669238","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9641163"},{"teacherId":9167220,"projectId":10093465,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom project and helping provide headphones and physical education equipment for our students. Your generosity has made a meaningful impact on both student learning and student engagement throughout the school day.\r\n\r\nThe headphones have been especially helpful during independent learning time and technology-based classroom activities. Students are able to focus better while listening to educational videos, reading programs, and online learning platforms without distractions from the classroom around them. Having reliable headphones also allows students to work at their own pace and build confidence while practicing important skills independently.\r\n\r\nThe physical education kit has brought excitement and energy to our classroom and recess activities. Students have loved having new equipment to use during movement breaks, indoor activities, and recess time. These activities help students stay active, build teamwork skills, and return to the classroom more focused and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the new materials, they were incredibly excited. Many students immediately asked when they could use the headphones and were eager to try the new recess and activity equipment. Some of our quieter students especially benefited from the headphones because they were able to concentrate more comfortably during independent work and online learning activities. Other students who thrive with movement and hands-on activities have really connected with the physical education equipment, enjoying opportunities to collaborate, stay active, and practice positive social skills with classmates.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, our students now have tools that support both academic learning and healthy, active play. Thank you again for investing in our classroom and helping create a positive and engaging learning environment for our students!","fullyFundedDate":1770907289219,"projectUrl":"project/engaged-active-and-ready-to-learn/10093465/","projectTitle":"Engaged, Active, and Ready to Learn","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. CRISTOPHER","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9167220_orig.jpg?crop=1610,1609,x0,y26&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1691446268422","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9167220"},{"teacherId":9167220,"projectId":9869930,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom project and helping provide copy paper and thermal laminating pouches for our students. These materials have already made a big difference in our classroom and have helped us create engaging, organized, and reusable learning activities for students every day.\r\nDuring our MCA review season, we used the copy paper to print practice activities, review packets, task cards, and small-group learning materials. The laminating pouches allowed us to turn many of those resources into reusable activities that students could use with dry-erase markers during review stations and partner work. One memorable moment was watching students work together at review stations, confidently solving problems and discussing strategies while using the laminated materials. The reusable activities made it easy for students to practice, correct mistakes, and try again in a low-stress and interactive way.\r\nWhen students first saw the new materials, they were excited and eager to use them. The laminated activities felt special and helped make review practice more engaging and hands-on. Students especially enjoyed rotating through different activities and using materials that looked polished, colorful, and easy to follow.\r\nNow that MCA testing is complete, we are continuing to use these supplies for end-of-year projects, classroom games, small-group instruction, and review activities across subjects. The laminating pouches are helping us create durable learning tools that can be reused year after year, and the copy paper continues to support daily instruction and creative classroom activities.\r\nYour generosity has helped create meaningful learning experiences for our students, and we are so grateful for your support. Thank you for investing in our classroom and helping provide tools that support student learning every single day!","fullyFundedDate":1770647771131,"projectUrl":"project/project-printready-ensuring-every-learn/9869930/","projectTitle":"Project PrintReady: Ensuring Every Learner Has the Tools to Succeed","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. CRISTOPHER","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9167220_orig.jpg?crop=1610,1609,x0,y26&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1691446268422","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9167220"},{"teacherId":10474142,"projectId":10179441,"letterContent":"Our classroom has been filled with excitement as we begin using our new math and letter manipulatives. These hands-on materials have made learning more engaging and meaningful as my kindergarten students explore numbers, patterns, and letters through play and discovery.\r\nWhen the students first saw the materials, their faces lit up with pure joy and curiosity. They were so excited to touch, sort, build, and explore everything right away. The room was full of smiles, laughter, and \"Can I try?\" as they eagerly began learning together. It was a truly heartwarming moment to see their excitement and wonder for learning.\r\nRight now, we are using the manipulatives during literacy and math centers to practice letter recognition, beginning sounds, counting, sorting, and patterning in a hands-on way. Students are building words, identifying letters, and strengthening early reading and math skills through play. Our next steps are to continue using these materials in daily centers so students can explore independently, solve problems creatively, and grow as confident readers, writers, and mathematicians.","fullyFundedDate":1776190235622,"projectUrl":"project/little-hands-at-work-big-futures-in-pro/10179441/","projectTitle":"Little Hands at Work, Big Futures in Progress","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Reen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10474142_orig.jpg?crop=1180,1180,x170,y160&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1775172506774","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10474142"},{"teacherId":9746264,"projectId":10208548,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting \"Building Readers and Thinkers Through Play.\" Your generosity has made an immediate and meaningful difference in my kindergarten classroom.\r\nBecause of your support, my students now have access to engaging, hands-on learning materials that strengthen their reading, math, and problem-solving skills. The interactive resources have made lessons more exciting and meaningful, allowing students to actively participate through building, sorting, writing, and exploring.\r\n\r\nThese materials have helped increase student engagement and confidence. My students are excited to practice letter sounds, build number sense, and collaborate with their classmates through play-based learning activities. The LCD writing tablets have encouraged independent practice, while the manipulatives and building sets have supported creativity, critical thinking, and teamwork.\r\n\r\nYour kindness has helped create a classroom environment where learning is joyful, interactive, and accessible for every student. Thank you for believing in my students and for helping provide tools that will support their growth and success every day.","fullyFundedDate":1776880465792,"projectUrl":"project/building-readers-and-thinkers-through-pl/10208548/","projectTitle":"Building Readers and Thinkers Through Play","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. D","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9746264_orig.png?crop=762,762,x0,y53&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1776808284957","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9746264"},{"teacherId":10231104,"projectId":10038349,"letterContent":"When our new materials arrived, my students were immediately filled with excitement and curiosity. They could not wait to explore everything. The reusable LCD writing tablets and magnetic drawing boards were the first items they reached for, and I instantly saw students experimenting with writing, drawing, and sharing their ideas. There were smiles, laughter, and a real sense of pride as they realized these tools were now part of their classroom. The giant classroom timer quickly became a favorite during transitions and activities, helping students stay focused and take ownership of their learning time.\r\n\r\nWe are now using these resources every day during literacy and math centers. Students practice writing and letter formation with the magnetic alphabet tracing boards, build fine motor skills and creativity with the stacking rocks, and engage in interactive games using bingo daubers. One of our recent activities involved students using the writing tablets to respond to a story, then sharing their thinking with a partner. Something that felt both fun and meaningful for them. The Germ-Sleuthing science kit has also sparked great conversations about germs, health, and how we can care for ourselves and others.\r\n\r\nNext, we will be using these tools to deepen our learning during our literacy and science units. Students will continue building early writing skills, exploring scientific thinking through hands-on investigation, and strengthening their ability to collaborate and explain their ideas. These materials are already transforming how my students learn. They are more engaged, more confident, and more excited to participate. Because of your support, our classroom is a place where students truly learn by doing, exploring, and discovering together.","fullyFundedDate":1773604986296,"projectUrl":"project/write-draw-build-discover-fueling/10038349/","projectTitle":"Write, Draw, Build, & Discover: Fueling Curiosity in Young Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Davis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10231104_orig.jpg?crop=424,424,x134,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768616452270","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10231104"},{"teacherId":9742889,"projectId":9815322,"letterContent":"Your generosity has made a meaningful difference in my classroom, and I am so excited to share the impact it has had on my students. Since receiving these phonics tools, my students have been actively using Elkonin boxes, magnetic letters, and sound segmenting trays during our daily small-group reading instruction. \r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, students were immediately engaged—eager to explore and use each item. Their excitement has transformed our lessons into interactive, confidence-building experiences, and even my most hesitant learners are now volunteering and taking risks.\r\n\r\nThese resources are especially impactful for my English Language Learners, helping them connect sounds to letters in a concrete, multisensory way while building both literacy and language skills. Students are strengthening their phonemic awareness, expanding vocabulary, and growing more confident as readers every day. Looking ahead, we will continue using these tools to support more advanced word work, including blending, segmenting longer words, and building sentences. My goal is to help students transfer these foundational skills into fluent reading and confident communication across all areas of learning. Thank you for giving my students the tools they need to succeed—your support is truly making a lasting impact.","fullyFundedDate":1770415701275,"projectUrl":"project/sound-it-out-phonics-tools-for-growing/9815322/","projectTitle":"Sound It Out! Phonics Tools for Growing Readers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Shela","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9742889_orig.jpg?crop=1983,1983,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726067172249","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/shela-sabang"},{"teacherId":9167220,"projectId":10095626,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity in supporting our classroom. The materials you provided have made an immediate and meaningful difference in how my students learn, collaborate, and take pride in their environment.\r\n\r\nWe've been actively using the new rolling dry erase board and dry erase paddles during daily lessons to boost participation and engagement. One of our favorite moments so far has been during a review game where every student used their own paddle to solve problems and share answers at the same time. It gave every student a voice, and I could instantly check for understanding across the whole class. The excitement was contagious, students were eager to participate, and even those who are usually hesitant were confidently holding up their answers.\r\n\r\nThe positive behavior jar has also become a powerful tool in building classroom community. Students love seeing their efforts recognized, and they work together to earn rewards, creating a more supportive and encouraging atmosphere. The lanyards and hall passes have helped us stay organized and responsible, while the abundance of markers and erasers ensures students always have what they need without interruption.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, the room filled with curiosity and joy. Students were especially excited about having their own individual whiteboards and colorful supplies it made learning feel interactive and fun. The live pothos plants were a surprising favorite; students immediately took interest in caring for them, and they've helped make our classroom feel calmer and more welcoming.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we are beginning a student led project where groups will research topics, create visual displays using the photo paper and clips, and present their findings using the rolling whiteboard. Students will also take on responsibility for maintaining different parts of the classroom, including caring for the plants and managing shared supplies, helping them build ownership and teamwork skills.\r\n\r\nYour support has not only provided us with materials it has created opportunities for deeper engagement, confidence, and joy in learning. Thank you for investing in my students and helping make our classroom a place where every child can thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1771109654880,"projectUrl":"project/supplies-that-spark-student-participatio/10095626/","projectTitle":"Supplies That Spark Student Participation","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. CRISTOPHER","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9167220_orig.jpg?crop=1610,1609,x0,y26&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1691446268422","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9167220"},{"teacherId":10075897,"projectId":9456895,"letterContent":"Words are not enough to express our heartfelt gratitude to your generous donors for funding our art project. Because of your kindness and support, our students were given a truly meaningful and joyful learning experience. They loved every moment of the activity and were incredibly focused, engaged, and inspired as they worked.\r\n\r\nThis would not have been possible without you. Your generosity made it possible for my students and me to bring this vision to life in such a special way.\r\n\r\nOne of the most touching moments was when the students didn't want me to keep their work—they wanted to take their creations home and have their very own exhibits! That sense of pride and ownership is something truly priceless.\r\n\r\nThank you for making such an amazing experience possible for our students. Your support has made a lasting impact that they will carry with them.","fullyFundedDate":1757423960070,"projectUrl":"project/powder-to-power/9456895/","projectTitle":"Powder to Power","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Joyce","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10075897"},{"teacherId":10331462,"projectId":10124675,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom with the donation of headphones. Your generosity has made a big difference in helping our students stay focused and engaged during their learning time. We primarily use the headphones when students are working on IXL and during science lab simulations. The headphones allow students to clearly hear instructions, explanations, and feedback without distractions, which helps them concentrate and better understand the material.\r\n\r\nStudents especially enjoy using the headphones during science lab simulations because it makes the experience feel more interactive and immersive. They can follow the steps of experiments, listen to explanations, and observe virtual demonstrations while staying focused on their tasks. During IXL practice, the headphones help students work independently and at their own pace as they listen to directions and problem explanations.\r\n\r\nI have also noticed that some students who normally struggle to stay focused during independent work are more engaged when using the headphones. Being able to block out background noise helps them concentrate and feel more confident as they complete their work. Thank you again for your support and for helping create a learning environment where our students can succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1772422141273,"projectUrl":"project/quiet-ears-busy-minds/10124675/","projectTitle":"Quiet Ears, Busy Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. John Rick Melo Domingo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10331462_orig.jpg?crop=2529,2529,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1761837559686","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10331462"},{"teacherId":10231104,"projectId":10033809,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our classroom library now reflects the beautiful diversity of the children who sit on our carpet each day. These books have allowed us to intentionally teach lessons on identity, inclusion, empathy, and courage. When we read stories like The Proudest Blue, Hair Love, Eyes That Kiss in the Corners, Just Ask!, and All the Way to the Top, students are learning to celebrate differences, ask thoughtful questions, and stand up for themselves and others. With books such as The Invisible String and A Family Full of Love, we also explore connection, belonging, and the many ways families are formed. These texts help us build vocabulary around fairness, disability, immigration, culture, and kindness, big ideas taught in developmentally appropriate, meaningful ways.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom is interactive and reflective. We pause often to notice illustrations, think about characters' feelings, and make text-to-self connections. Students turn and talk, share stories from their own families, and practice respectful listening. During our neurodivergent and inclusion-focused read-alouds, like All the Ways Sterling Communicates, students learn that everyone communicates and experiences the world differently, and that different does not mean less. These books spark rich conversations that go far beyond the page, shaping how students treat one another during play, problem-solving, and group work.\r\n\r\nOne of the most powerful moments came when a student excitedly pointed out that a character in The Proudest Blue wore a hijab just like she does. She beamed with pride and said, \"That's like me!\" That small moment of recognition meant everything. Other students have eagerly shared about their hair, their languages, their traditions, and their families after seeing themselves reflected in stories like Hair Love, Mama, What's an Immigrant?, and I Am Whole. These books have helped my students feel seen, valued, and proud of who they are, while also learning to honor and uplift others. Your support has helped us build not just readers, but compassionate and confident human beings. Thank you for making that possible.","fullyFundedDate":1769260140719,"projectUrl":"project/picture-books-that-help-every-child-feel/10033809/","projectTitle":"Picture Books That Help Every Child Feel Seen","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Davis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10231104_orig.jpg?crop=424,424,x134,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768616452270","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10231104"},{"teacherId":10231104,"projectId":9690366,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, my kindergarteners now have daily opportunities to build the social-emotional skills that are just as important as learning letters and numbers. Our new A Little SPOT of Emotion book sets, the Pete the Cat stories, The Kids' Book of Diversity, Making Good Choices Match-Ups, and It's Okay To Not Be Okay have allowed us to explicitly teach skills like identifying emotions, practicing empathy, making responsible choices, and celebrating differences. When we read these books, we pause to model thinking aloud (\"How is this character feeling?\" \"What could they do instead?\"), practice turn-and-talk conversations, and connect the stories to real classroom situations. Students are learning to name their feelings, use calming strategies, and problem-solve with peers, tools that will stay with them far beyond kindergarten.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom is interactive and joyful. We gather together on the carpet, often with a plush character in hand, and students eagerly participate by acting out emotions, matching scenarios to \"good choice\" cards, and sharing personal connections. The books have helped us build a common language around feelings; words like \"frustrated,\" \"proud,\" \"lonely,\" and \"brave\" are now part of our everyday conversations. For many of my students, especially those from low-income or new-to-the-country families, these discussions create space to process experiences they may not always have words for at home. Our classroom feels safer and more connected because of it.\r\n\r\nSeveral students, in particular, have blossomed through these stories. One student who often struggled with big emotions now independently asks for a \"calm-down minute\" after we read about managing anger. Another student, who is newer to the country and still building English skills, lights up during our emotion lessons. The visuals, repetition, and plush characters help bridge language gaps and give them confidence to participate. Watching my students hug the plush characters, reference the books during conflicts, and remind one another to \"make a good choice\" has shown me that your donation did more than provide books; it helped build a kinder, more emotionally aware classroom community. Thank you for making that possible.","fullyFundedDate":1766953715365,"projectUrl":"project/social-emotional-tools-needed/9690366/","projectTitle":"Social-Emotional Tools Needed!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Davis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10231104_orig.jpg?crop=424,424,x134,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768616452270","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10231104"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_68886","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1163,"numTeachers":14,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":97,"percentWhite":2,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":0,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":0,"gradesServed":"K - 7","studentTeacherRatio":"83.1:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":63.7,"schoolId":68886,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Higher Ground Academy on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Higher Ground Academy","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/minnesota/minnesota-department-of-education/higher-ground-academy/68886"}