{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Higher Ground Secondary Academy","outOfStateSupporters":30.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10459344,"projectId":10237309,"letterContent":"We are incredibly grateful for your continued support, which has now brought a second MacBook laptop into our classroom to equip our learners with vital digital STEM skills. While many of you utilize technology for daily tasks at home, these devices serve a very different purpose in our school. They act as interactive innovation hubs where abstract science, technology, engineering, and math concepts come alive for our students.\r\nWhat excites the learners most about this new technology is the ability to run professional software that turns static lessons into immersive, hands-on experiments. This second MacBook has fundamentally transformed our daily classroom dynamics by expanding access. Previously, a few of our quieter students hesitated to participate during group activities due to limited hardware. Having this additional laptop has given them the dedicated time and space they needed to build confidence. They have completely warmed up to the technology, transitioning from cautious observers to tech leaders who now happily troubleshoot software and guide their peers through complex coding challenges. Your generosity is directly bridging the digital divide and inspiring the next generation of engineers and creators.","fullyFundedDate":1777751325296,"projectUrl":"project/next-gen-stem-solutions-empowering-adva/10237309/","projectTitle":"Next-Gen STEM Solutions: Empowering Advanced Research and Mode Long","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Kipchumba Kenneth Kogo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10459344_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1773594553894","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10459344"},{"teacherId":10174993,"projectId":10534915,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our art classroom! The glue, tape, scissors, and markers you donated have made a meaningful difference in our students' learning experiences. We have been using these materials in our daily art activities and our Environmental Education project, where students explore creativity while learning about sustainability. One of our projects involves transforming recycled paper and cardboard into creative sculptures. With your donations, students have the tools they need to cut, assemble, decorate, and bring their ideas to life.\r\n\r\nMy students were excited to have additional art supplies available in our classroom. These materials have given them more opportunities to work independently, collaborate with classmates, and express their creativity. It is wonderful to see students turn simple materials into something meaningful while developing their artistic skills and learning the importance of reusing resources.\r\n\r\nAs we continue our art lessons, students will explore more projects that combine artistic expression with environmental awareness. My goal is to help them understand that art does not always require expensive materials and that everyday objects can be transformed into something beautiful. Your kindness has helped make these learning experiences possible. Thank you for investing in my students, supporting their creativity, and helping us build a classroom where imagination and environmental responsibility grow together!","fullyFundedDate":1789787430002,"projectUrl":"project/creating-with-confidence-art-supplies-f/10534915/","projectTitle":"Creating With Confidence: Art Supplies for Young Artists","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Anthony Bermudez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10174993_orig.jpg?crop=600,600,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1763870725343","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10174993"},{"teacherId":10459344,"projectId":10136269,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for bringing this incredible technology into our classroom! While many of us use devices at home for entertainment, having this specialized technology in school completely transforms how my students engage with their daily lessons. Instead of just passively watching a screen, our students use these tools to actively build skills, solve complex problems, and collaborate with one another. It turns abstract, difficult concepts into hands-on, visual experiences that make learning truly stick.\r\nThe most exciting part of this new product for my students is the instant engagement and interactive feedback it provides. They no longer feel like they are just doing repetitive paperwork; instead, they feel like explorers unlocking new levels of knowledge. The vibrant visuals and gamified challenges keep them entirely focused and eager to push through difficult academic hurdles that used to frustrate them.\r\nThis technology has been a complete game-changer for several students who previously struggled to stay focused during traditional lessons. In particular, a few of my quietest students and visual learners have completely warmed up to these tools. One student, who used to get incredibly overwhelmed during independent practice, now confidently independently navigates the programs and proudly shares their progress with the class. Your generosity has unlocked a newfound confidence in them, and we are so grateful for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1776993394072,"projectUrl":"project/fueling-stem-dreams/10136269/","projectTitle":"Fueling STEM Dreams","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Kipchumba Kenneth Kogo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10459344_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1773594553894","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10459344"},{"teacherId":10479382,"projectId":10193681,"letterContent":"The laptop transformed the way students experience mathematics by making abstract concepts more visual, interactive, and meaningful. With a laptop in our classroom, my students were able to explore powerful math tools such as Desmos, GeoGebra, and PhET to graph functions, manipulate mathematical models, test ideas, and see how mathematical concepts work in real time. Instead of only solving problems on paper, students had investigate, made predictions, learned from mistakes, and connected mathematics to real-world situations. This technology supported deeper understanding, encourage problem-solving, and gave students opportunities to learn mathematics in ways that are engaging and relevant to their everyday lives.\r\n\r\nWhat excites my students most is the opportunity to interact with mathematics rather than simply read about it or write answers in a notebook. Students who enjoy technology and visual learning are especially drawn to tools like Desmos and GeoGebra because they can immediately see the effects of changing values and explore \"What if?\" questions. I have also seen students who may be hesitant during traditional math activities become more willing to participate when they can experiment and discover solutions using technology. The laptop gave these students another way to express their mathematical thinking, build confidence, collaborate with classmates, and discover that mathematics can be creative, interactive, and fun.","fullyFundedDate":1776617588876,"projectUrl":"project/click-explore-solve-math-in-the-digit/10193681/","projectTitle":"Click, Explore, Solve: Math in the Digital Age","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lou","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10479382_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1776783345336","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10479382"},{"teacherId":10455732,"projectId":10132455,"letterContent":"Dear DonorsChoose Donors,\r\n\r\nI am so happy and grateful to receive this laptop for my students, even though it arrived during this school year. I understand that the laptop was originally intended for last school year, but due to availability, we had to wait. I truly appreciate your patience and generosity in making this technology available to us.\r\n\r\nAs a teacher who works with students with special needs, I will make sure that this laptop is used properly and meaningfully to support their learning. This technology will be a great help to both me and my students. It will give them the opportunity to work more independently while I provide support to other students who may need my assistance.\r\n\r\nAlthough there are still many technology resources that I hope to provide for my students in the future, this laptop is a wonderful start. My students will be able to enjoy using it while developing important skills that can help them become more independent learners.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, this technology can help prepare my students for life beyond the classroom. By learning how to use technology appropriately and independently, they can develop skills that may help equip them for future opportunities, including employment and other responsibilities outside of school.\r\n\r\nThank you so much for believing in my students and supporting their education. Your generosity is making a meaningful difference in their learning experience and helping them build confidence, independence, and skills for their future.\r\n\r\nWith sincere gratitude,\r\nStanley Quidato\r\nSpecial Education Teacher","fullyFundedDate":1776190249485,"projectUrl":"project/type-it-out/10132455/","projectTitle":"Type It Out!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Quidato","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10455732_orig.jpg?crop=1082,1082,x0,y57&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1772555540826","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10455732"},{"teacherId":10174993,"projectId":10138060,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our art classroom is now more organized and welcoming. The new storage resources help us keep our materials neat, accessible, and ready for each lesson. The art paper has also given my students more opportunities to draw, practice new techniques, explore their creativity, and express their ideas through art.\r\n\r\nMy students were excited and grateful when they first saw the new materials. They were happy to know that they now have quality art supplies available for their classroom projects. Seeing their enthusiasm reminded me how meaningful it is for students to have the resources they need to create and learn with confidence.\r\n\r\nAs we continue our art lessons and projects, students will use these materials to strengthen their artistic skills and create work they can be proud of. We will also take good care of every resource so future students can benefit from them. Your generosity has contributed to their learning, creativity, and success. Thank you for supporting our young artists!","fullyFundedDate":1776190242618,"projectUrl":"project/art-supplies-for-future-artists/10138060/","projectTitle":"Art Supplies for Future Artists","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Anthony Bermudez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10174993_orig.jpg?crop=600,600,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1763870725343","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10174993"},{"teacherId":10455732,"projectId":10128707,"letterContent":"I am deeply grateful for your generous support in fulfilling my request for a color printer for our classroom. Your kindness and commitment to education make a meaningful difference in the daily experiences of my students. Having access to a color printer allows me to create more engaging, visually appealing materials that capture students' attention and enhance their learning.\r\n\r\nIn our classroom, many of the children have special needs and benefit greatly from colorful, interactive worksheets that make learning both fun and accessible. With this printer, I can design resources that support different learning styles, improve comprehension, and encourage participation. Something as simple as adding color can transform a worksheet into an exciting and motivating activity for our students.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your generosity and for believing in the potential of every child. Your support is helping create a more inclusive and inspiring learning environment where all students can thrive.\r\n\r\nWith sincere appreciation,\r\n\r\nStanley Quidato","fullyFundedDate":1772847271432,"projectUrl":"project/make-it-colorful/10128707/","projectTitle":"Make it Colorful","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Quidato","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10455732_orig.jpg?crop=1082,1082,x0,y57&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1772555540826","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10455732"},{"teacherId":10174993,"projectId":9588737,"letterContent":"On behalf of our students and the Physical Education program, I would like to express our deepest and most heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation of sports equipment. Your kindness and support have made a meaningful difference in our school community, and we are truly thankful for your commitment to enriching students' learning experiences.\r\n\r\nThe donated equipment has significantly enhanced our Physical Education classes by allowing us to design creative, engaging, and inclusive activities that motivate students to actively participate. Because of your support, all students regardless of skill level or experience are given equal opportunities to use the equipment and take part in fun, meaningful movement activities. This has helped create a positive and encouraging environment where students feel confident, included, and excited to engage in PE.\r\n\r\nYour donation has enabled us to make learning more enjoyable while also supporting the development of important life skills such as teamwork, cooperation, discipline, communication, and respect for rules. Students are not only improving their physical fitness but also learning values that extend beyond the gym and into their everyday lives. The equipment allows us to vary our lessons, maintain student interest, and ensure that physical activity remains enjoyable rather than repetitive.\r\n\r\nOne specific example of how your donation has been used occurred during Week 2 of our PE classes. We incorporated the donated hula hoops and bean bags into a hopscotch-style warm-up activity. This activity focused on coordination, balance, and agility while keeping students energized and engaged at the start of class. The students genuinely enjoyed the activity, showing enthusiasm, laughter, and active participation. Many expressed excitement and asked to repeat the activity in future lessons, which clearly reflects the positive impact of your contribution.\r\n\r\nIn addition, a poster acknowledging your donation has been proudly displayed in the gym. This poster serves as a daily reminder to students that Physical Education is fun, meaningful, and successful when rules are followed and respect is shown. It reinforces positive behavior while also recognizing the generosity of donors like you who make these experiences possible.\r\n\r\nYour support has had a lasting and visible impact on our students' motivation, engagement, and overall enjoyment of Physical Education. We are sincerely grateful for your generosity and belief in the importance of active, fun, and well-supported learning environments.\r\n\r\nThank you once again for your invaluable contribution. Your generosity continues to inspire both students and teachers, and it will have a positive impact on student learning for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1763426295322,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-students-through-quality-spor/9588737/","projectTitle":"Empowering Students Through Quality Sports Equipment in PE Class","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Anthony Bermudez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10174993_orig.jpg?crop=600,600,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1763870725343","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10174993"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_134621","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":null,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":61,"percentAsian":10,"percentBlack":32,"percentWhite":37,"percentIndigenous":1,"percentLatinx":12,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":5,"gradesServed":"8 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"MDR District Weighted Average","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"UNCLASSIFIED","ncesMetroType":null},"inStateSupporters":70.0,"schoolId":134621,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Higher Ground Secondary Academy on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Higher Ground Secondary Academy","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/minnesota/minnesota-department-of-education/higher-ground-secondary-academy/134621"}