{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Illini West High School","outOfStateSupporters":17.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9360090,"projectId":9910152,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our project. I am continually inspired by how caring, creative, and community-minded my students are. Each one brings unique ideas and perspectives to our classroom, and they take great pride in using their artistic talents to make a positive difference in our school and community.\r\n\r\nBecause of your contribution, we now have the acrylic paints needed to repair and restore the remembrance mural at the baseball field—a meaningful piece of our school's history that has begun to peel and fade. As my students work to bring the mural back to life, they will learn valuable artistic skills such as color blending, layering, and preparing surfaces, all while practicing patience, collaboration, and attention to detail.\r\n\r\nOne of the most impactful aspects of this project is the opportunity it creates for students of all abilities to work together. By involving our special education students in meaningful roles—selecting color palettes, prepping surfaces, painting designated sections, and collaborating with art club members—we are fostering an inclusive environment where every student can contribute in ways that feel empowering and valued. This shared experience encourages teamwork, peer support, and the kind of problem-solving that strengthens our school community.\r\n\r\nThis project is so much more than repainting a mural. It is an opportunity for students to take ownership, honor important memories, and witness firsthand how art can bring people together. Your generosity makes it possible for them to build confidence in their creativity, grow their collaborative skills, and experience the joy of creating something meaningful for others.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students, for supporting inclusive learning, and for helping us bring new life to a project that means so much to our community.","fullyFundedDate":1763830440031,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-color-back-restoring-our-remem/9910152/","projectTitle":"Bringing Color Back: Restoring Our Remembrance Mural","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Sturlic","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9360090_orig.jpg?crop=397,397,x0,y3&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1699561167846","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9360090"},{"teacherId":6551954,"projectId":9758059,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our project. My students are naturally curious, creative, and full of imaginative ideas, and your donation gives them the opportunity to bring those ideas to life in meaningful and innovative ways.\r\n\r\nWith the addition of a 3D resin printer and the necessary supplies, my students will be able to blend art with technology—designing, testing, and refining their creations while developing real-world problem-solving skills. This experience will not only deepen their artistic abilities but also strengthen their understanding of STEM concepts, building confidence and sparking innovation that will serve them long into the future.\r\n\r\nYour generosity provides them with tools that expand their horizons and empower them to create, experiment, and discover. Thank you for believing in their potential and for helping inspire the next generation of makers and thinkers.","fullyFundedDate":1761258368230,"projectUrl":"project/from-imagination-to-creation-3d-resin/9758059/","projectTitle":"\"From Imagination to Creation: 3D Resin Printing in the Classroom\"","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Buxman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6551954_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y772&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758642786353","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/illiniwestart"},{"teacherId":10073522,"projectId":9452348,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to my classroom! My students and I are exceedingly grateful for the materials your donations have afforded us in the classroom. With the donations you have given us, we were able to secure clear, plastic tubs with carrying handles, extra large, lined notecards, and yellow highlighters for our senior research paper project. In this project, all of my senior students will receive a plastic tub, a pack of notecards, and two yellow highlighters that they will carry with them for almost all of next semester. Their tubs will be what they use to keep all of their research clearly organized and stored as they write a research paper on a topic of their choosing. My students were curious as to what the materials were for at first and admittedly not excited about the paper, but the idea of them getting their own tub is exciting to them. The next steps for are project will be the students choosing their paper topics by January and getting to work! Thank you again for your donation to my classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1755704995371,"projectUrl":"project/senior-research-paper/9452348/","projectTitle":"Senior Research Paper","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. G","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10073522_orig.jpg?crop=4000,4000,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1752016772314","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/miss-gindlesberger"},{"teacherId":6551954,"projectId":9721572,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my classroom and believing in the power of creativity! Your generous contribution will make a lasting impact on my students by giving them access to high-quality art supplies that truly elevate their work. With the new Prisma colored pencils and paints, they'll be able to explore color, shading, and detail in ways that bring their imaginations to life.\r\n\r\nWhen the new art supplies arrived, my students were absolutely thrilled! The excitement in the room was contagious as they unpacked the boxes, marveling at the rich colors of the Prismacolor pencils and the smooth texture of the new paints. Many students immediately began testing shades, layering colors, and experimenting with blending techniques they had only learned about before, but never had the tools to truly try. Their faces lit up as they saw how much depth and detail they could achieve in their drawings.\r\n\r\nWe've already begun using these materials for a portrait and illustration unit, where students are creating expressive self-portraits that reflect their identities, emotions, and personal stories. With the new supplies, they've been able to add dimension, vibrant tones, and intricate details that bring their work to life. It has been incredible to watch students who once hesitated to take creative risks now feel confident and proud of what they can accomplish.\r\n\r\nThese resources have not only elevated the quality of their artwork but also deepened their understanding of technique, patience, and perseverance. My students are learning to see mistakes as part of the creative process and to celebrate growth with every piece they complete. Thank you for allowing them to explore, imagine, and express themselves in new and meaningful ways. Your generosity truly made a difference in our classroom!\r\n\r\nYour kindness not only helps my students grow as artists but also builds their confidence, patience, and problem-solving skills. I'm so grateful for your support in helping them discover their voices through art. Because of you, their ideas will shine brighter and their creativity will continue to flourish.","fullyFundedDate":1761258368520,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-art-to-life-with-color/9721572/","projectTitle":"Bringing Art to Life with Color","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Buxman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6551954_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y772&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758642786353","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/illiniwestart"},{"teacherId":9357173,"projectId":9722354,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of my classroom! Because of your donations, my students now have essential tools that make a real difference in their daily learning—pencil sharpeners, calculators, charging cords, and new copies of Night by Elie Wiesel.\r\n\r\nThese items may seem simple, but their impact is extremely meaningful. With functioning sharpeners and charging cords, students can stay prepared and focused instead of losing valuable class time. The calculators have boosted students' confidence during math and science lessons, by allowing students to check their understanding and tackle more challenging problems.\r\n\r\nMost meaningful of all, your gift of Night has allowed every student to hold their own copy of this powerful story. Our discussions have been richer and more personal because each student can annotate, reflect, and connect deeply with Elie Wiesel's story.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has not only supplied materials—it has enhanced the learning environment and reminded students that there are people who believe in their potential. Thank you for helping create a classroom where every learner can thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1761258367791,"projectUrl":"project/powering-success-one-supply-at-a-time/9722354/","projectTitle":"Powering Success One Supply At A Time","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sturlic","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9357173_orig.jpg?crop=289,289,x0,y9&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1699561277231","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9357173"},{"teacherId":9556134,"projectId":9408922,"letterContent":"Our cheerleaders were absolutely thrilled when the new bags arrived! The excitement was immediate—students gathered around to unpack and proudly organize their uniforms, shoes, and bows in the new team bags. Many commented on how \"official\" and unified they felt walking into games and events with matching gear. It's such a simple change, but it has transformed how our athletes carry themselves—literally and figuratively.\r\n\r\nSince receiving the new bags, our team has been using them at every practice, game, and community event. The organization and durability of the bags have made it easier for students to stay prepared, and the sense of pride has been unmistakable. One of my favorite moments was watching the team line up for our first home game of the season, each athlete wearing their new bag with confidence and excitement—it truly felt like a fresh start.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, our next steps are to continue building on this sense of pride and professionalism. We're preparing for upcoming performances, community appearances, and competitions, and these bags help set the tone for discipline, unity, and school spirit. Your generosity has not only provided a practical resource but has strengthened our team identity and enthusiasm. Thank you for making such a visible and meaningful impact on our program!","fullyFundedDate":1758605312032,"projectUrl":"project/new-team-new-bags/9408922/","projectTitle":"New Team New Bags","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Miller","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9556134"},{"teacherId":6551954,"projectId":9371804,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom with the 3D printer, filament, storage carts, and totes. Your generosity has opened a new world of creativity and exploration for my students, and I am already seeing how transformative this resource is. Many of my students are familiar with technology at home, but having access to it in the classroom allows them to move from consumers to creators. They are learning how design, engineering, and art can come together, and this hands-on experience is giving them confidence in problem-solving and critical thinking.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting part for my students has been watching their ideas come to life in a tangible way. Seeing a design they sketched on paper transform into a 3D object is inspiring and motivates them to keep experimenting. Several students who were hesitant about art projects before are now diving in with enthusiasm, eager to test their designs and collaborate with peers. One student in particular, who usually shies away from class participation, has become one of our most dedicated learners, staying after class to fine-tune designs and encourage classmates.\r\n\r\nYour support has made our art room more organized, collaborative, and innovative. The carts and totes make materials accessible and easy to manage, allowing students to spend more time creating and less time searching for supplies. Most importantly, you have helped spark a passion for learning that blends creativity with technology—skills that will serve my students well beyond the classroom. We are so grateful for your kindness and investment in their future.","fullyFundedDate":1757526657003,"projectUrl":"project/crafting-creativity-empowering-art-with/9371804/","projectTitle":"Crafting Creativity: Empowering Art with 3D Innovation","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Buxman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6551954_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y772&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758642786353","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/illiniwestart"},{"teacherId":9793991,"projectId":9145656,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our agriculture program! With your help, we were able to purchase supplies that bring hands-on learning to life for our students.\r\n\r\nThe moment students first saw the new materials, their excitement was contagious—they were eager to roll up their sleeves and get started. \r\n\r\nThese resources are allowing us to go beyond textbooks. Students are actively engaged in applying what they learn, whether it's caring for plants, practicing scientific techniques, or exploring careers in agriculture. \r\n\r\nYour generosity has created meaningful, real-world experiences for my students. Because of you, they aren't just learning about agriculture—they are truly experiencing it.","fullyFundedDate":1742235245282,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-opportunities/9145656/","projectTitle":"Hands-On Opportunities","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Merritt","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9793991_orig.jpg?crop=1500,1500,x0,y300&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1730050771981","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9793991"},{"teacherId":9886431,"projectId":9278094,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for donating these items to the students of IWHS! The items that you provided have already been used by a number of students who need things like brushes, soap, and other personal care items. I organized everything into a cabinet that is easily accessible near my door so that students can utilize it during passing periods, while turning in their assignments, or when they sign out to use the restroom. \r\n\r\nMy students were so surprised to see these items and have been genuinely grateful to have them so accessible in the classroom. I would love to expand on this and continue to have items like this in my room next year!","fullyFundedDate":1746203994549,"projectUrl":"project/personal-care-and-first-aid-items/9278094/","projectTitle":"Personal Care and First Aid Items","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Luzadder","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9886431"},{"teacherId":9886431,"projectId":9253827,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for donating the supplies for all of my students to have a binder for science class this year. Parents and students were blown away by your generosity and were so happy that they did not have to supply their students with anything other than pencils for my classroom. \r\n\r\nThe goal for these binders is for students to be able to stay organized as they enter high school. I teach mainly freshmen along with a handful of sophomores, so organization is a tool that all of them will be able to use in the future. Students keep their binders in my room and we use them to hold all of our important documents. They fill out a table of contents page every time they put another paper into the binder. They also fill out bell ringer worksheets every day and keep those in their binders. Notes and other worksheets are kept in the binders and my students can use everything that they keep in their binders on quizzes as an incentive to keep them organized. So far, everyone has loved them and we use them every day!","fullyFundedDate":1745350633721,"projectUrl":"project/science-binders-for-students/9253827/","projectTitle":"Science Binders for Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Luzadder","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9886431"},{"teacherId":8988509,"projectId":9251966,"letterContent":"Our classroom and weight room are stronger—literally and figuratively—thanks to your generous support! With the markers, pencils, erasers, and card stock, I've been able to create clear, durable workout programs for students to follow, which keeps them focused and motivated during training. The three new stools have already become a favorite spot for athletes to record their progress, review goals, and encourage each other.\r\n\r\nThese simple materials may seem small, but they have made a huge difference in keeping our workouts structured, organized, and engaging. Students are taking more ownership of their training by writing down their goals, tracking results, and collaborating with teammates. Your gift has helped transform our space into a place where learning, discipline, and teamwork all come together.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in both my classroom and our athletes—you've not only provided supplies, but also encouraged my students to believe in themselves and the work they put in every day.","fullyFundedDate":1745350634153,"projectUrl":"project/fueling-fitness-help-us-upgrade-our-wei/9251966/","projectTitle":"Fueling Fitness: Help Us Upgrade Our Weight Room","teacherDisplayName":"Coach Lafferty","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8988509"},{"teacherId":9997039,"projectId":9251866,"letterContent":"I want to sincerely thank you for your kindness and support of my Driver Education classroom. Because of your donations, we were able to purchase three tablets, markers, pencils, a furniture cubby, snacks, Play-Doh, and whiteboards—resources that have already transformed the way my students learn.\r\n\r\nThe tablets have become a game-changer. My students use them to complete interactive driving simulations, review digital road sign flashcards, and practice hazard recognition activities. These tools bring real-world driving situations into the classroom and allow every student to stay engaged and participate.\r\n\r\nThe markers, pencils, and whiteboards are helping us make lessons more interactive. Students can quickly sketch traffic scenarios, map out intersections, and solve driving \"what would you do?\" challenges in a fun and hands-on way.\r\n\r\nThe cubby has brought much-needed organization. Driver's Ed materials—like workbooks, permits, and class activities—now have a designated place, which helps us maximize instructional time instead of searching for supplies.\r\n\r\nSnacks and Play-Doh might sound unusual for a Driver Ed classroom, but they serve an important purpose. Snacks keep energy and focus levels up during longer lessons, while Play-Doh has become a creative tool for modeling intersections, roundabouts, and even vehicle movements. It makes abstract concepts much more concrete (and fun!).\r\n\r\nYour generosity has made our classroom more engaging, interactive, and supportive for all learners. Thank you for investing in my students' futures and for helping shape safer, more confident drivers.","fullyFundedDate":1745350633931,"projectUrl":"project/steering-students-toward-success/9251866/","projectTitle":"Steering Students Toward Success","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lafferty","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9997039"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_25545","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":330,"numTeachers":25,"percentFrplEligible":48,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":92,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":4,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"9 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"13.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"RURAL","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_REMOTE"},"inStateSupporters":82.5,"schoolId":25545,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Illini West High School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Illini West High School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/illini-west-high-school-district-307/illini-west-high-school/25545"}