{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Hillcrest High School","outOfStateSupporters":33.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":7666706,"projectId":10032047,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our Senior Vision Board Workshop became more than an event, it became a moment of clarity and possibility for the Class of 2026.\r\nThanks to your fully funded support, every supply arrived ready and waiting, magazines, boards, markers, stickers, and the small details that turn intention into action. What unfolded was an afternoon filled with quiet focus, thoughtful conversation, and bursts of laughter as seniors paused to reflect on who they have been and who they are becoming.\r\nIn a world that often rushes them forward, this workshop gave students permission to slow down. They cut out dreams, pinned goals, and spoke aloud plans for college, careers, service, and personal growth. Some boards were bold and colorful, others simple and steady, but each one told a story of hope shaped by purpose. Many students shared that this was the first time they had truly visualized their future in a tangible way.\r\nYour support did more than purchase supplies, it created space. Space for reflection, confidence, and belief. You reminded our seniors that their dreams matter and that a community stands behind them as they prepare to take their next steps.\r\nOn behalf of the Class of 2026, thank you for investing in their vision and their future. Your generosity will stay with them long after the vision boards come down","fullyFundedDate":1769094006085,"projectUrl":"project/helping-seniors-visualize-their-future/10032047/","projectTitle":"Helping Seniors Visualize Their Future: Vision Board Workshop","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McCarter","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7666706_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1669922422849","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/msmccarter01"},{"teacherId":7666706,"projectId":9932998,"letterContent":"Because of you, our December senior celebration became more than an event, it became a memory. Your generosity transformed an ordinary evening into a space filled with laughter, creativity, and connection as students designed their own ugly sweaters, shared cocoa and cookies, played games, and relaxed together during movie night. In the middle of a demanding school year, this moment of joy allowed our seniors to slow down, feel supported, and simply be present with one another.\r\n\r\nThe impact of your gift reaches beyond December. It strengthened our class community, lifted student spirits, and reminded them that people they may never meet care deeply about their well-being. As these seniors move closer to graduation and the next chapter of their lives, they will carry this experience with them; a reminder that generosity creates belonging, and that they are worthy of celebration. Because of you, our December senior celebration became more than an event, it became a memory. Your generosity transformed an ordinary evening into a space filled with laughter, creativity, and connection as students designed their own ugly sweaters, shared cocoa and cookies, played games, and relaxed together during movie night. In the middle of a demanding school year, this moment of joy allowed our seniors to slow down, feel supported, and simply be present with one another.","fullyFundedDate":1765047295098,"projectUrl":"project/holiday-cheer-for-senior-year-ugly-swea/9932998/","projectTitle":"Holiday Cheer for Senior Year: Ugly Sweaters, Cocoa, and Community","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McCarter","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7666706_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1669922422849","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/msmccarter01"},{"teacherId":8839375,"projectId":10002321,"letterContent":"When these resources arrived, it felt like someone turned the volume down on stress in our room. We use them in a really intentional way, not as \"treats,\" but as tools that help students regulate, refocus, and rejoin learning with dignity. Along with the snacks, we also received a refrigerator and a microwave, which completely changed what \"support\" can look like in a real classroom. Now students can store items safely, keep things fresh, and warm up food when they need to. For some of my students, that is the difference between trying to learn while distracted by hunger, and actually being able to focus and participate.\r\n\r\nDuring independent work time, small groups, and testing days, students can grab a snack quietly and keep going. It has become part of our calm-down routine: pause, breathe, fuel, reset, then finish strong. One moment that sticks with me happened during a challenging assignment. A student who usually shuts down when they feel overwhelmed took a snack, sat back down, and said, \"Okay, I'm ready to try again.\" Another student asked if they could warm up their food, and after using the microwave, they came back to their seat looking calmer and more settled, like their body could finally stop \"asking\" for something their brain was trying to ignore. That is exactly what these resources made possible.\r\n\r\nTheir reaction when they first saw everything was pure relief and excitement. They were genuinely happy, but it was deeper than \"yay snacks.\" It was the kind of gratitude that says, \"You saw me.\" Students immediately started asking what the system would be, how often it would be available, and even how they could help keep it organized. A few of them offered to create labels and help restock because they wanted it to last. The refrigerator and microwave especially made them feel like the classroom was a place that could meet real needs, not just academic ones. It turned into a classroom community moment where students felt cared for, not judged, and that feeling changed the tone of the room.\r\n\r\nNext, we are using this renewed sense of comfort and stability to push forward with stronger learning routines. As we move into new lessons and bigger tasks, we are continuing to pair snacks with goal-setting and focus strategies, especially during longer work sessions and assessments. The goal is for students to build the habit of noticing what they need, meeting that need in a healthy way, and then returning to the work with confidence. Thanks to you, our classroom is not only more prepared, it is more peaceful and more functional. You did not just give us snacks; you helped us create a space where students can breathe, belong, and keep learning.","fullyFundedDate":1768489422879,"projectUrl":"project/calm-comfort-and-crunch-restocking-ou/10002321/","projectTitle":"Calm, Comfort, and Crunch: Restocking Our Classroom Snacks","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Holmes-Turner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8839375_orig.jpg?crop=2048,2048,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1668124758986","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsaht"},{"teacherId":8839375,"projectId":9921483,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our holiday movie nights have become a highlight our students will remember long after the season ends. We are using the popcorn supplies and slushie machine to host after-school movie nights where students gather to relax, connect, and enjoy time together in a safe and welcoming space. These evenings are more than just watching a movie. They are moments where students can unwind, laugh with friends, and feel a sense of belonging within our school community.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the popcorn machine, bags, and slushie setup, the excitement was immediate. Their faces lit up, conversations sparked, and the room filled with energy and anticipation. For many students, it was their first time experiencing something like this at school. What stood out most was not just the excitement over snacks, but the way students naturally gravitated toward one another, sharing flavors, talking about the movie, and enjoying being together.\r\n\r\nThese movie nights have helped strengthen relationships and improve classroom climate. Students returned to class more relaxed, engaged, and connected to one another. As we move forward, we plan to continue using these resources for future celebrations, incentive days, and community-building events that support student wellness and positive school culture. Because of you, our classroom is not just a place for learning, but a place where students feel seen, supported, and valued.\r\n\r\nThank you for giving our students an experience filled with comfort, joy, and lasting memories.","fullyFundedDate":1767211383983,"projectUrl":"project/popcorn-slushies-smiles-a-holiday-mo/9921483/","projectTitle":"Popcorn, Slushies & Smiles: A Holiday Movie Night Experience","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Holmes-Turner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8839375_orig.jpg?crop=2048,2048,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1668124758986","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsaht"},{"teacherId":6465080,"projectId":9614091,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our podcast zone and helping bring professional quality microphones, microphone covers, and a webcam into our library. This technology has transformed how students engage with communication, storytelling, and digital literacy. Many of our students use technology daily at home, but this equipment allows them to experience how media tools are used intentionally in an educational setting to plan, revise, collaborate, and publish their ideas clearly and responsibly. Students are learning how to articulate their thoughts, listen actively, and refine their work through multiple takes, which builds confidence and critical thinking skills.\r\n\r\nWhat excites students most is how real the experience feels. The microphones make their voices sound clear and professional, and the webcam allows them to record video podcasts, interviews, and reflections that feel authentic and meaningful. Students are far more motivated to write scripts, practice speaking, and give peer feedback when they know their work sounds polished and looks professional. The microphone covers have also helped create a welcoming, shared space where students feel comfortable collaborating safely and respectfully.\r\n\r\nSeveral students who are typically quiet in the classroom have especially warmed to this technology. The podcast zone gives them a voice in a low-pressure environment, where they can record, re-record, and grow at their own pace. Others who are passionate about storytelling, media, or technology have stepped into leadership roles, helping peers learn how to use the equipment and offering creative ideas for episodes. Your generosity has not only provided tools, it has created opportunities for student voice, creativity, and confidence to thrive. Thank you for making that possible.","fullyFundedDate":1758856140663,"projectUrl":"project/mic-check-123-students-need-a-new-m/9614091/","projectTitle":"Mic Check-1,2,3! \"Students Need A New Microphone and HD Camera!\"","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Nina Canales","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6465080_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1708982931017","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ncanales"},{"teacherId":7666706,"projectId":9911001,"letterContent":"In the rhythm of our school days, there are small moments that carry generations of wisdom, moments when a young person realizes that their community has wrapped them in quiet care. Your generosity has created one of those moments. Because of you, the little cabinet by my classroom door, our refuge of snacks, hygiene items, and steady reassurance, will remain full and waiting for every student who steps in with a soft knock or a hopeful glance. You have helped preserve a place where dignity is protected, needs are met, and no child ever has to explain why they came.\r\n\r\nAs the shelves are replenished, so too is the confidence of the students who rely on them. A granola bar becomes focus. Fresh hygiene items become courage. The simple act of knowing that someone out there cared enough to give becomes a breath of relief in a world that often asks too much of them. Your gift reaches far beyond the cabinet and settles into their spirits, reminding them that they matter, that their struggles are seen, and that their community believes in their future.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping us carry forward a tradition as old as teaching itself: caring for the whole child. Your kindness keeps the pathway open for those quiet visits that change the course of a student's day. Because of you, our Panthers walk a little taller, breathe a little easier, and step into learning with steadier hearts. Your support will echo in their lives long after the supplies are gone.","fullyFundedDate":1763835985339,"projectUrl":"project/restock-the-panther-pantry-supporting-w/9911001/","projectTitle":"Restock the Panther Pantry: Supporting Wellness, Dignity, and Mental Health","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McCarter","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7666706_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1669922422849","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/msmccarter01"},{"teacherId":8839375,"projectId":9874641,"letterContent":"I cannot thank you enough for restocking our Turner's Treats cabinet. The moment those boxes arrived, my students lit up. They know exactly what that cabinet means for them: a moment to breathe, a chance to refuel, and the comfort of knowing someone cares about their well-being. Having access to snacks and quick meals throughout the day has already helped them stay focused and present in class. When hunger isn't distracting them, they participate more, finish more work, and stay engaged longer and that shift has been so powerful to watch.\r\n\r\nYour donation has also helped bridge an important gap between home and school. Many of my students quietly ask if they can take a snack home for dinner or share something with a younger sibling. Being able to say yes, without hesitation. It has brought a sense of relief and dignity to students who often carry the weight of adult responsibilities. Turner's Treats is no longer just a classroom cabinet; it has become a small but meaningful support system that reaches beyond our walls and into their homes. Your generosity gives families one less thing to worry about on the days when everything feels heavy.\r\n\r\nWith Turner's Treats fully restocked, my students are experiencing a confidence and comfort I wish every learner could feel. They are staying after school longer for tutoring without worrying if they'll make it through the evening without food. They're building stamina during big projects, reviewing more thoroughly, and preparing for tests with a clearer mind. Something as simple as a cup of mac and cheese or a granola bar has opened the door for deeper focus, better attitudes, and a renewed belief that they can handle whatever the day brings.\r\n\r\nThank you for pouring kindness into my classroom. Thank you for seeing my students..... truly seeing them, and for helping me make sure that none of them have to learn on an empty stomach. Your generosity has made a lasting impact on their academic success, their sense of belonging, and their everyday lives. We are so grateful for you.","fullyFundedDate":1763498227090,"projectUrl":"project/turners-treats-restocking-our-snack-ca/9874641/","projectTitle":"Turner’s Treats: Restocking Our Snack Cabinet of Care","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Holmes-Turner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8839375_orig.jpg?crop=2048,2048,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1668124758986","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsaht"},{"teacherId":8839375,"projectId":9751653,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, my students were able to literally find their voice this year. The microphones you helped fund became tools for reflection, storytelling, and confidence building in a way that I didn't expect. Most of my students have used basic technology at home, but they had never used equipment that made them sound so crisp, clear, and professional. Once they heard themselves through the microphone for the first time, something shifted. Their posture changed, their confidence rose, and they suddenly felt like their words carried weight.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting moment was when we introduced our \"Recording Our Journey\" reflections. Students recorded their thoughts after major lessons, shared personal reactions to topics, and even created small group conversations about the experiences shaping them this school year. What amazed me most was how students who rarely speak up in class came alive behind the mic. One student told me, \"I don't talk a lot in class, but when I recorded myself, I felt like somebody would finally hear me.\" That impact students feeling seen, heard, and valued is something technology alone can't measure, but you helped make it happen.\r\n\r\nThe microphones have become a classroom staple that students ask for often, especially those who love expressing themselves through spoken word, storytelling, or creative reflection. These recordings are helping them build self-awareness, communication skills, and pride in their own growth. Thank you for supporting a project that gives students the chance to share their journey in their own voices. You didn't just fund equipment you helped them tell their story.","fullyFundedDate":1761753929626,"projectUrl":"project/recording-our-journey-student-voices-in/9751653/","projectTitle":"Recording Our Journey: Student Voices in Action","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Holmes-Turner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8839375_orig.jpg?crop=2048,2048,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1668124758986","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsaht"},{"teacherId":8839375,"projectId":9494517,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my students now have the essential supplies they need to learn confidently every single day. The moment the boxes arrived, their faces lit up—several students immediately asked, \"Are these really for us?\" As we unpacked pencils, notebooks, scissors, index cards, highlighters, and all the other essentials, the room buzzed with excitement. Students were already imagining how they'd use the materials for upcoming assignments and projects, and a few even started sharpening pencils and labeling notebooks right away.\r\n\r\nThese supplies have already made a noticeable difference in our classroom routines. Students are using their notebooks for daily warm-ups and reflections, highlighters for reading annotation activities, and index cards for studying and memory-building games. The scissors, tape, and colored pens have been a huge help during our hands-on psychology and sociology activities especially during group projects where creativity and organization really matter. With these resources available to everyone, students no longer have to worry about borrowing materials or falling behind because they don't have what they need.\r\n\r\nYour support has created a classroom where every student feels prepared, capable, and included. As we move into our next unit, these supplies will help students engage more deeply with interactive lessons, collaborative problem-solving tasks, and creative learning projects. Thank you for giving my students the tools to stay organized, confident, and ready to learn. Your generosity has made an impact that will carry us through the rest of the year.","fullyFundedDate":1754091383045,"projectUrl":"project/stocking-up-for-student-success-the-ess/9494517/","projectTitle":"Stocking Up for Student Success: The Essentials We Need!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Holmes-Turner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8839375_orig.jpg?crop=2048,2048,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1668124758986","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsaht"},{"teacherId":7031620,"projectId":9853107,"letterContent":"Everything we do now in the classroom is technology-based, and while this does make a lot of things easier, it can also make things more difficult. The expectation that students have reliable technology every day, that they remember to bring chargers every day, when they can barely remember to bring paper and pen, has proven to be too much.\r\n\r\nThese headphones and chargers will bridge the gap so that all students are able to complete assignments and take part in class activities. With the chalkboard paint and lights, students will find the room to be more inviting and personal to them, as they get to sign their names in chalkboard marker and claim their space.\r\n\r\nThank you so much for your generous support of my classroom and of all of the students who use it.","fullyFundedDate":1762370286522,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-upgrade/9853107/","projectTitle":"Classroom Upgrade","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Huntley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7031620_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1598715086727","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7031620"},{"teacherId":10158958,"projectId":9547376,"letterContent":"One thing I have learned over my years of teaching is the motivational power of a snack! My students were very excited to see the variety of candy, chips, cookies, and granola available in my classroom. \r\n\r\nAs we prepare for testing, students can get distracted and discouraged, but through your contributions, my students are always thrilled to participate in test review and games that aid in their learning.\r\n\r\nBeyond rewards, students have access to nourishment and can depend on a classroom environment that acknowledges their basic needs first to elevate them to peak performance!","fullyFundedDate":1755717665726,"projectUrl":"project/eliminating-boundaries-by-filling-studen/9547376/","projectTitle":"Eliminating Boundaries by Filling Students' Minds and Stomachs","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. St.Romain","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10158958"},{"teacherId":9679988,"projectId":8898826,"letterContent":"Our cheerleaders have benefited immensely from this project. The matts and equipment have been a huge help in advancing our program in a safe and fun way. We are so appreciative of everyone who donated and helped make this possible. This equipment is utilized weekly in our practices to help us advance our tumbling and jumping skills along with ensuring optimal safety for all of our student athletes. None of this would have been possible without your support and for that I am truly thankful. The program is set up for amazing growth and success in the future.","fullyFundedDate":1734710287048,"projectUrl":"project/flip-for-success-essential-equipment-t/8898826/","projectTitle":"\"Flip for Success: Essential Equipment to Elevate Our Cheer Team!\"","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lindemann","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9679988_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1729704586552","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9679988"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_11769","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1595,"numTeachers":73,"percentFrplEligible":84,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":16,"percentWhite":10,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":69,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"9 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"21.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":67.0,"schoolId":11769,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Hillcrest High School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Hillcrest High School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/texas/dallas-independent-school-district/hillcrest-high-school/11769"}