{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Highlands Ranch High School","outOfStateSupporters":30.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9223346,"projectId":9561487,"letterContent":"Dear Supporters,\r\n\r\nOn behalf of our Speech and Debate program, I want to express our deepest gratitude for your generous donation of the Cricut machine, precision tools, and high-quality poster materials. In competitive speech and debate, presentation is often just as vital as the argument itself, and for the first time, my students felt they had the tools to match the caliber of their ideas. Seeing their faces light up as they realized they could now create custom, polished visual aids—rather than relying on hand-drawn boards—was a moment of pure empowerment.\r\n\r\nWe have already put these resources to work as we start off our season. One student, who is preparing a piece on Media's impacts, used the Cricut to create intricate, layered infographics that physically pop off her presentation board. This level of professional branding has given her, and many others, a newfound sense of confidence. The precision tools have turned what used to be a messy, stressful process into a creative outlet where students are learning design thinking and technical skills alongside their public speaking curriculum.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, our next step is to prepare for the upcoming regional tournament. Thanks to your support, our team will be arriving with a unified, professional look, using the materials to create custom team signage and high-impact visual aids for our Original Advocacy and Informative Speaking categories. You haven't just provided us with supplies; you've provided our students with the \"competitive edge\" and the self-assurance they need to stand tall behind the podium. Thank you for investing in their voices and their futures.\r\n\r\nWith sincere thanks,","fullyFundedDate":1758803061115,"projectUrl":"project/visualizing-speeches/9561487/","projectTitle":"Visualizing Speeches","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Zook","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9223346"},{"teacherId":10356135,"projectId":9908189,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, my students now use warm-light lamps at their tables every day during class. These lamps have made a noticeable difference—students who used to complain about headaches or strained eyes from the harsh fluorescent lighting are now more comfortable and able to focus for longer periods of time. The classroom feels warmer, calmer, and more inviting, which has helped create a space where students feel safe to learn, engage, and enjoy being in class.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the lamps, they were genuinely excited. Many of them commented on how much easier it was to pay attention without bright fluorescent lights blinding them. They were thrilled that something so simple could make such a big difference, especially because it addressed a need they didn't even realize they had. Several students have shared that the room feels more relaxed and less overwhelming, which has positively impacted their learning.\r\n\r\nRight now, we are in finals week, and these lamps have truly been game changers. For many of my students—who are freshmen—this is their first-ever high school final. The soft lighting has helped create a peaceful, low-stress environment that allows them to feel more at ease and confident as they demonstrate their learning. Because of you, my students were able to take an important academic step in a calm, supportive setting, and that impact will stay with them far beyond this week.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping make our classroom a place where students can feel comfortable, focused, and supported.","fullyFundedDate":1763769774236,"projectUrl":"project/little-lamps-big-impact-creating-a-cal/9908189/","projectTitle":"Little Lamps, Big Impact: Creating a Calm, Focused Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kells","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10356135_orig.jpg?crop=2002,2002,x445,y282&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1763587419176","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mskells1"},{"teacherId":7367626,"projectId":9617997,"letterContent":"On behalf of the Highlands Ranch High School football program, our athletes, and our coaching staff, we want to extend our deepest gratitude for your generous contribution to our Gatorade fundraiser this season. Your support means far more than simply helping us purchase sports drinks—it directly contributes to the health, safety, and success of every student-athlete who steps onto our field. We are truly grateful for your commitment to our team and for believing in the mission of high school athletics.\r\n\r\nFootball is a sport that demands incredible effort, discipline, and resilience. With that hard work comes a real need to stay hydrated, replenish nutrients, and recover safely after long practices and intense games. Your donation helps us give our athletes exactly what they need to perform at their best while avoiding unnecessary injuries caused by dehydration or fatigue. Something as simple as a bottle of Gatorade can make a tremendous difference under the Colorado sun, and thanks to you, our players were prepared for that challenge!\r\n\r\nOnce again, thank you for your kindness and generosity for our program. We are so grateful to have tremendous donors like you!","fullyFundedDate":1755702125504,"projectUrl":"project/drinks-for-the-hrhs-football-team/9617997/","projectTitle":"Drinks for the HRHS Football Team!","teacherDisplayName":"Coach Shumaker","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7367626"},{"teacherId":9223698,"projectId":9229738,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support in funding my students' copies of There There by Tommy Orange. Your kindness has given my seniors the opportunity to read a powerful, contemporary novel that challenges them to think deeply about voice, identity, and perspective—central themes in our English Composition and Literature course.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, my students will not just read about these ideas but truly experience them through Orange's vivid storytelling. This book opens the door to meaningful conversations about history, community, resilience, and the complexity of American identity. For many of my students, reading Tommy Orange's book will be their first time reading a novel by a Native American author. The importance of that cannot be overstated.\r\n\r\nYour generosity does more than place books in their hands—it communicates to my students that their learning matters, their voices matter, and that there are people beyond our classroom walls who believe in their potential.\r\n\r\nOn behalf of my students and myself, thank you for making this possible. You have sparked inspiration, created opportunity, and helped us build a classroom where reading leads to growth, connection, and empowerment.","fullyFundedDate":1746823741910,"projectUrl":"project/finding-a-there-there/9229738/","projectTitle":"Finding a There There","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Moses","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9223698_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1692999298195","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9223698"},{"teacherId":5605240,"projectId":9268291,"letterContent":"When my junior Government Strategies class come into the room on the first day they were mildly happy to see that they could charge their phones if they needed to. When I explained that in our class, we were going to focus on enjoying being present, they began to understand that we were going to disconnect to connect. The 'Phone Zone' has already become a part of their routine. Many students will plug in devices, phones, and ear buds, knowing that this time on the charger will help them be prepared for the rest of the day. \r\n\r\nMy World History class has already begun to use their notebooks and the erasable world map. They glue (thank you for the glue sticks) anything they need to save in their notebooks and write the page number in the Table of Contents. They might not identify it as such, but in this way, they are strengthening their executive functioning skills by learning an organizational strategy. The erasable world map is present in the picture I uploaded. We will begin to use it by finding 'the land between two rivers', Mesopotamia, and shortly move on to all the locations that evidence of the earliest human have been found. The applications for geography are limitless. It's a wonderful resource.","fullyFundedDate":1750773742182,"projectUrl":"project/cell-phones-dont-make-good-moments-peo/9268291/","projectTitle":"Cell Phones Don't Make Good Moments, People do.","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Spurlin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5605240_orig.jpg?crop=1906,1906,x0,y247&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1695478162414","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5605240"},{"teacherId":9631515,"projectId":9184271,"letterContent":"THANK YOU for my classroom paper cutter. I haven't used it yet as it came right at the end of the school year and we haven't begun this school year yet. But you better believe that I am excited to use it FOR SURE! It will make little things easier, faster, and cleaner cut. I appreciate your help in providing this for my classroom. I've always wanted a giant paper cutter at hand, and thanks to your generosity, now I have it! My students will use it for their interactive notebooks and labs, and I will use it for handouts that I cut in half and materials for labs that I put together in little kits. It makes it much more efficient having this on hand.","fullyFundedDate":1746717345455,"projectUrl":"project/just-a-nice-paper-cutter-please/9184271/","projectTitle":"Just a Nice Paper Cutter Please!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Daily","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9631515"},{"teacherId":9630058,"projectId":9238374,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for generously contributing to a new teacher who you don't even know. It is so encouraging to get a donation that helps me on my journey to becoming an awesome teacher. \r\n\r\nI received a pretty solid starter set of some race and gender inclusive texts, including a really good one that I am using right now as my first book for English 3. This class has traditionally been very old texts, and I am starting with a very current text about modern America. I'm playing an audiobook and the kids can follow along with the graphic novel text as I project it. The sight/listening combo is working! They are loving it. After a very quiet and hard to converse with class last year with all the old texts, I feel like this year the students are contributing to the conversation and listening intently with the introduction of this more modern text at the beginning of this semester. Hopefully it will start the class off right!\r\n\r\nWe are looking forward to some popcorn days, also, but these are for special days so we have not done one with this class yet. But thank you for that donation, it will be used, and the kids will love it. \r\n\r\nI appreciate the donation and the support. Your generosity helps both me and all of the students in my various classes.","fullyFundedDate":1746717345338,"projectUrl":"project/engaging-students-with-current-genderra/9238374/","projectTitle":"Engaging Students With Current Gender/Race Inclusive Texts and Popcorn Parties!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Nicole Wooton/ English & Spanish","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9630058_orig.jpg?crop=763,763,x417,y105&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1722987606579","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9630058"},{"teacherId":9629666,"projectId":9031132,"letterContent":"I'm incredibly grateful for your generous support in providing noise-cancellation headsets for my students with autism. Thanks to your donation, these students have been able to participate more fully and comfortably in school activities that were once overwhelming. With the help of the headsets, they were able to join our end-of-year assembly, watch highlights from the school year, and celebrate with their peers—moments that truly matter and were made possible because of your kindness.\r\n\r\nThe headsets have supported academic growth. One student was able to attend a previously challenging and noisy electives class, and with the newfound focus and comfort, improved their grade. These successes are just the beginning, and we look forward to seeing more students thrive in inclusive environments. Your generosity is not just appreciated—it's making a meaningful, lasting difference. Thank you.","fullyFundedDate":1741718882954,"projectUrl":"project/enabling-all-students-to-enjoy-school-ac/9031132/","projectTitle":"Enabling ALL Students to Enjoy School Activities and Assemblies!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Odom","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9629666_orig.jpg?crop=842,842,x0,y14&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1736189084789","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9629666"},{"teacherId":5605240,"projectId":9202987,"letterContent":"The impact of you generosity is yet to be determined as they materials will be used in the next school year. However, I can predict that they will be pleased to have materials provided if they can not provide their own. \r\n\r\nThe notebooks will be used to collect a body of evidence of learning. Students will be able to use the notebooks to help them with assessments, so they will be motivated to put as much into their notebooks as possible. \r\n\r\nAdditionally, the notebooks will be arranged using a 'Table of Contents' complete with page numbers. This way, students (and I) will be able to access a specific page easily. They will learn, through use, the benefit of of organizations and detail and be rewarded with higher test scores and grades. \r\n\r\nThank you for making this possible for ALL students who need supplies.","fullyFundedDate":1744665324717,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-supplies-equal-academic-succes/9202987/","projectTitle":"Classroom Supplies Equal Academic Success","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Spurlin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5605240_orig.jpg?crop=1906,1906,x0,y247&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1695478162414","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5605240"},{"teacherId":9230690,"projectId":7745061,"letterContent":"Teaching in an affective needs classroom comes with its unique challenges and incredible rewards. During COVID-19, one of the greatest challenges was being unable to support students in the moment with their social-emotional needs. Whether it was teaching coping strategies, guiding meditation, assisting with peer interactions, addressing sensory overload, or fostering social learning, the pandemic created barriers that we are now working to overcome.\r\n\r\nThis project aims to provide the tools and resources our students need to move forward from one of the most difficult times in all our lives. Each item requested has been carefully chosen to address specific areas of growth and support:\r\n\r\nMeditation and Stress Relief: A meditation machine, garden, Amazon Alexa, and essential oils will offer students calming, interactive opportunities to reduce stress. Meditation can bring a sense of peace and balance, improving both emotional well-being and overall health. These tools will help students refocus their attention and develop lifelong stress-coping strategies.\r\n\r\nSocial Interaction and Resilience: Games like stacking towers and mancala provide an engaging way for students to interact, support each other, and learn to manage disappointment. These games create a safe, fun environment for practicing social skills and building relationships.\r\n\r\nOrganization and Accessibility: Organizational tools will ensure students can easily locate their meditation folders and supplies, reducing stress and fostering independence. Printer ink will allow us to continue providing calming strategies, coloring pages, and other helpful resources for our organized meditation stations.\r\n\r\nFocus and Sensory Support: Fidgets are invaluable during moments of stress, helping students refocus their brains and self-regulate in a way that works best for them.\r\n\r\nWith these resources, our classroom will become a place of calm, connection, and growth—a space where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. These tools are not just items; they are opportunities to rebuild, refocus, and rediscover what it means to be part of a supportive, caring community. Thank you for helping us create this vital space for our students!","fullyFundedDate":1693616507231,"projectUrl":"project/building-sturdy-humans-teaching-calming/7745061/","projectTitle":"Building Sturdy Humans: Teaching Calming Strategies and Coping Skills","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Mitchell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9230690_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1693252781761","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9230690"},{"teacherId":9230690,"projectId":8292362,"letterContent":"Teaching in an affective needs classroom is a journey filled with both challenges and incredible rewards. One of the greatest challenges we faced during COVID-19 was the inability to be present with students during critical moments of social-emotional learning. The absence of in-the-moment support for coping strategies, sensory regulation, peer interactions, and social learning created a significant gap in their development.\r\n\r\nThis project seeks to fill that gap by providing games and puzzles—tools that are more than just entertainment. These resources create opportunities for students to connect, build relationships, and develop essential social skills in a safe and supportive environment. Through games, students will learn how to navigate interactions, manage disappointment, and experience the joy of collaboration and teamwork.\r\n\r\nThe addition of a puzzle table will offer a dual benefit: a calming space for sensory regulation and an engaging, exciting way to practice social skills. It will become a central hub where students can explore how games foster connection, communication, and shared problem-solving.\r\n\r\nThese tools will help our students grow not only as learners but as social beings, capable of navigating a world that often feels overwhelming. Your support ensures that we can continue providing them with the resources they need to thrive academically, emotionally, and socially. Thank you for helping us create a classroom where every moment is a learning opportunity.","fullyFundedDate":1711652400905,"projectUrl":"project/the-affectively-needed-autism-puzzle/8292362/","projectTitle":"The Affectively Needed Autism Puzzle!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Mitchell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9230690_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1693252781761","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9230690"},{"teacherId":9230690,"projectId":7883686,"letterContent":"Our Affective Needs Family is deeply grateful for this opportunity to enhance our classroom and build a strong, supportive community. With the resources provided through this project, we are focusing on essential daily living skills, health, and hygiene practices that are crucial for personal growth and success beyond the classroom.\r\n\r\nThis project will allow us to transform our classroom into a space that is clean, healthy, and welcoming—a true \"home\" where students feel comfortable and proud. With tools like a vacuum and cleaning supplies, students will learn the importance of maintaining a tidy environment. Soap and hand sanitizer will reinforce hygiene practices, while floor seats and lap desks will create a comfortable and flexible learning area.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, a designated leadership/work area will provide students with opportunities to take on responsibilities, build leadership skills, and contribute to our community in meaningful ways. High school is about more than academics—it's about preparing for life, and this project will enable us to focus on teamwork, self-sufficiency, and pride in our shared space.\r\n\r\nThe COVID-19 pandemic interrupted our ability to connect and build these essential skills together. Now, with your support, we can get back to these important practices and create a classroom environment where every student feels valued and empowered to succeed. Your generosity is helping us build a better future, one step at a time. Thank you for making this possible!","fullyFundedDate":1695600888844,"projectUrl":"project/continuing-to-build-sturdy-human-beings/7883686/","projectTitle":"Continuing to Build Sturdy Human Beings","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Mitchell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9230690_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1693252781761","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9230690"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_53479","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1323,"numTeachers":90,"percentFrplEligible":20,"percentAsian":5,"percentBlack":2,"percentWhite":66,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":18,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"9 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"14.7:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":69.3,"schoolId":53479,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Highlands Ranch High School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Highlands Ranch High School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/colorado/douglas-county-school-district-re-1/highlands-ranch-high-school/53479"}