{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"International Community High School","outOfStateSupporters":37.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":2099853,"projectId":9126523,"letterContent":"The Wind Turbine Competition was a huge success! The winners were thrilled to receive their prizes, and our principal joined the awarding ceremony to present certificates for innovation along with the rewards: an electric fan for first place, a book bag for second place, and a water bottle for third place.\r\n\r\nIt was a very close competition—each of the top three groups had less than a 0.5-volt difference in performance. The students were deeply engaged throughout the challenge, and the anticipation of meaningful, practical prizes pushed them to go above and beyond in their designs. The excitement of receiving their rewards reinforced their sense of accomplishment and inspired a stronger interest in renewable energy and engineering.\r\n\r\nDuring the ceremony, students reflected on their efforts and felt truly recognized for their hard work. It was a powerful way to celebrate learning and honor our future green engineers! \r\n\r\nA heartfelt thank you to our generous donors who made these prizes possible - your support not only rewarded our students' efforts but also sparked continued excitement for science, sustainability, and innovation.","fullyFundedDate":1745894648480,"projectUrl":"project/harnessing-the-wind-a-renewable-energy/9126523/","projectTitle":"Harnessing the Wind – A Renewable Energy Challenge","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Merioles","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2099853_orig.jpg?crop=670,670,x184,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1631109151546","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2099853"},{"teacherId":9482463,"projectId":9106539,"letterContent":"Before your generous donation, our students were using a small rug for the drum set. It slid around constantly, making it difficult to keep the drums steady and secure. We tried our best to make it work—but when we received the proper drum rug, everything changed. Students could finally play without equipment shifting under them, and their joy and focus instantly increased.\r\n\r\nWe've also been using the full-length mirror for both drum and guitar practice. It's been helpful for posture, alignment, and giving coordinated visual cues—like when I say \"lift your right hand,\" and students can actually see and follow along in sync. It's made a big difference in both confidence and cohesion.\r\n\r\nThe drum stands and pads have been another major upgrade. Students are developing control, coordination, and rhythmic memory through more realistic and structured practice. These tools are already having a deep impact on how our young musicians think, move, and collaborate.\r\n\r\nThe photo in the auditorium shows us preparing for our upcoming Multicultural Day show on June 16. We're performing songs like Breed, Oye Mi Amor, and Nunca Es Suficiente. This is the third or fourth show for some of our students since Music Club began in March, and we're growing fast.\r\n\r\nWe're now dreaming even bigger. In the auditorium, we're currently sharing a small cage for storage. Thanks to your support, we're planning to expand with lockable cabinets that will protect and organize our equipment. These additions will help the Music Club and the Performing Arts department secure gear in a safe, accessible way.\r\n\r\nYour generosity made this all possible. Thank you for helping us build something truly special.","fullyFundedDate":1739225537536,"projectUrl":"project/drum-pads-mirrors-a-new-vision-for-mu/9106539/","projectTitle":"Drum Pads & Mirrors: a New Vision for Music Education","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Nathan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9482463_orig.png?crop=1329,1329,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1715434085471","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ichsmusicclub"},{"teacherId":9482463,"projectId":8914856,"letterContent":"I'm so excited to share the incredible impact your support has had on our Music Club at International Community High School. Since launching in March 2024, our club has grown from an idea sparked in a basement to a vibrant community of student musicians. The photo of me with several staff members—Dean Mr. C., Coach De La Cruz, Mr. Bernie from Aspira, and alumni collaborators—marks the day this journey began. We called ourselves the Underground Band and played to inspire students to believe they could one day take the stage themselves.\r\n\r\nThe resources you provided have helped us move from borrowed, worn guitars to structured, empowering instruction. You'll see students practicing with Stick Control for the Snare Drummer, using a mirror and metronome to improve coordination and confidence. Another student, practicing in the hallway with a page from The Guitar Grimoire, was so motivated that she learned A minor up and down the neck in one week to qualify for an at-home instrument. These books have given our students a clear path forward—no more guessing, no more wandering—they now have the tools to take ownership of their musical growth.\r\n\r\nWe're building more than just a music club—we're creating a program rooted in student voice, skill-building, and joy. Our Music Library now lives in a secure nook space with custom-built doors where we store instruments and scores. Right now, our students are rehearsing for their next big performance on Multicultural Day, working on Breed by Nirvana, Oye Mi Amor by Maná, and Nunca Es Suficiente by Natalia Lafourcade. While some students have performed on stage before—including past shows in June and January—this is their first time preparing together as a full ensemble for this particular event, and for a few, it may be their first performance ever. Your generosity has helped these young artists find their rhythm, their confidence, and their voice.","fullyFundedDate":1735700989771,"projectUrl":"project/building-musical-literacy-for-global-voi/8914856/","projectTitle":"Building Musical Literacy for Global Voices","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Nathan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9482463_orig.png?crop=1329,1329,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1715434085471","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ichsmusicclub"},{"teacherId":9482463,"projectId":8945506,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our Music Club! The Yamaha STAGEPAS 600BT Portable PA System has transformed the way we make music together. Before this upgrade, we relied on a small karaoke machine I brought from home. It could barely handle one microphone and often cut out. Now, with multiple mic inputs, Bluetooth capability, and reliable sound, our students can collaborate more confidently and professionally. It's elevated our rehearsals and helped the club feel more like a real band space.\r\n\r\nIn recent weeks, we've seen an exciting wave of creativity and participation. Students are using the Bluetooth feature to explore songs they love, and that's led us to begin rehearsing \"Nunca Es Suficiente\" by Natalia Lafourcade and \"Oye Mi Amor\" by Maná. The new system makes it easier for two singers to perform together, which has encouraged shyer students to join in. One student has taken the lead on guitar and is now mentoring classmates, while others are stepping up to play drums and sing. These performances have even drawn in staff and students who hear us from the hallway and stop in to watch or join.\r\n\r\nYour donation is helping us build something lasting. With this new system, we're preparing for two major performances in June, and we're exploring harmonies, vocal effects, and more ambitious arrangements. Our current setlist also includes songs by Led Zeppelin, Roy Orbison, Nirvana, and Chancho en Piedra, an eclectic mix that reflects our diverse student body and staff. Thank you for empowering our students to express themselves, collaborate across cultures, and grow through music.","fullyFundedDate":1737077952136,"projectUrl":"project/empower-our-voices-with-a-new-pa-system/8945506/","projectTitle":"Empower Our Voices With a New PA System","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Nathan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9482463_orig.png?crop=1329,1329,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1715434085471","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ichsmusicclub"},{"teacherId":9482463,"projectId":8945554,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generosity and for believing in our Music Club. Each of your kind messages meant so much to me, and your support has made a real difference in our students' lives. These instrument cases have brought a huge sense of relief—not only for me, as I'm often the one setting up and storing instruments—but also for the students, who are gradually taking ownership of these tasks themselves. One of my long-term goals is for students to fully lead our setup and breakdown process, even without me there. With these new cases, they can now safely borrow instruments to practice at home, which has opened up opportunities for growth outside of school hours.\r\n\r\nOur next steps involve gathering the resources needed to elevate our performances. We currently have projects posted for high-level amps that will allow students to experience the rich, full sound of their instruments in our 494-seat auditorium. I'm also working closely with the Theatre Director from ASPIRA to build a shared vision for the creative arts across our campus, which includes two middle schools in addition to ICHS. Since we all share the same auditorium, we're collaborating to ensure it's well-resourced so our students can deliver inspiring, high-quality performances. Your support is helping us lay the foundation for something truly beautiful.","fullyFundedDate":1734721532810,"projectUrl":"project/protecting-our-instruments/8945554/","projectTitle":"Protecting Our Instruments","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Nathan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9482463_orig.png?crop=1329,1329,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1715434085471","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ichsmusicclub"},{"teacherId":2099853,"projectId":8842122,"letterContent":"Despite the initial setbacks with my Donors Choose project, the outcome turned out to be even more impactful than I originally planned. My original request was for uniforms for my Green Team, but due to unavailability—twice—I was asked by Donors Choose to resubmit another item. Since NYC celebrated Climate Action Day on February 5th, I decided to pivot and request solar-powered robots instead.\r\n\r\nWhen the robots arrived, my students were beyond excited to assemble them and see them run on solar energy. This hands-on experience reinforced our lessons on renewable energy, particularly solar and wind power. The project allowed students to engage deeply with sustainability concepts, giving them a tangible way to see how clean energy can power real-world applications.\r\n\r\nTo further connect this experience to real-life problem-solving, I also had my students watch The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind. This documentary inspired meaningful discussions about innovation, resilience, and how young people can use science and technology to create solutions for their communities.\r\n\r\nThis project was a huge success, not only because it provided an engaging, hands-on STEM experience, but also because it strengthened my students' understanding of renewable energy and its real-world impact. I am incredibly grateful to our donors for making this possible!","fullyFundedDate":1733517330589,"projectUrl":"project/together-in-green-uniforms-for-young-e/8842122/","projectTitle":"Together in Green: Uniforms for Young Environmentalists","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Merioles","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2099853_orig.jpg?crop=670,670,x184,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1631109151546","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2099853"},{"teacherId":9482463,"projectId":8778435,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donations. You have made a student's dream come true by giving them the chance to play the saxophone again. Through our new instrument loan program, they've been able to take the sax home to practice on their own time, no longer limited to after-school hours. This flexibility has allowed them to reconnect with their instrument after a four-year break. They are currently preparing for our school's upcoming January show, where Music Club members hope to perform \"Stand By Me,\" with the saxophone as a highlight. Even if we aren't ready by then, I am confident that we'll debut the piece in our June performance.\r\n\r\nWhen the saxophone first arrived, I brought it to the student's class without saying a word, placed it in front of them, and watched as their jaw dropped in awe. Although they were initially hesitant to bring it to Music Club, the loan program gave them the freedom to practice on their own terms. The very next day, they showed me a video of themselves playing \"When the Saints Go Marching In.\" They sounded incredible! It was amazing to witness their joy and talent returning, especially considering how long it had been since they last played.\r\n\r\nFor our Music Club's next steps, we aim to further support our students by expanding our resources. Current projects focus on obtaining an upgraded PA system and books to help students master the instruments we have. Additionally, I hope to post a project for an 88-key keyboard to give our students even more tools for musical exploration. Thanks to your generosity, our Music Club has grown from a small gathering into a thriving community. Attendance has doubled, we've added diverse instruments across multiple categories, and students have already performed for our school. With your support, the possibilities are endless. Thank you for making this incredible growth possible!","fullyFundedDate":1727658295429,"projectUrl":"project/saxophones-fueling-our-music-dreams/8778435/","projectTitle":"Saxophones: Fueling Our Music Dreams","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Nathan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9482463_orig.png?crop=1329,1329,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1715434085471","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ichsmusicclub"},{"teacherId":9482463,"projectId":8368766,"letterContent":"I am so excited to share my gratitude for your generous support of our Music Club through The Beat Goes On. Your contributions have truly transformed our program and provided our students with incredible opportunities to explore music in new and exciting ways. The electric guitar has opened up a whole new world for our students, allowing them to experience the collaborative dynamics of playing together like a band. One student and I have been working hard on Eligiendo Una Reina—he's on the Ibanez while I'm on the bass. We're thrilled to add a drummer and singer soon!\r\n\r\nOne of the simplest but most impactful additions has been the gig bags, which allow students to safely borrow instruments and practice at home. Just last week, one student borrowed a bass guitar, and another took home an acoustic guitar, both eager to learn. Our goal is to empower them to practice daily, grow their skills, and eventually perform songs like Stand By Me and One Love collaboratively.\r\n\r\nThe guitar stands have brought much-needed organization and safety to our space, and tools like the Focusrite Scarlett and the maintenance kit are laying the groundwork for exciting recording projects and maintenance of our instruments. Your support has made all of this possible, creating a thriving, creative community in our Music Club. Thank you for believing in our students and for making such a meaningful impact!","fullyFundedDate":1724083833380,"projectUrl":"project/the-beat-goes-on-nurturing-musical-mind/8368766/","projectTitle":"The Beat Goes On: Nurturing Musical Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Nathan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9482463_orig.png?crop=1329,1329,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1715434085471","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ichsmusicclub"},{"teacherId":9482463,"projectId":8289827,"letterContent":"Deep, deep gratitude for supporting this project. Your generosity has not only expanded the reach of our Music Club—it has transformed the entire experience. Since receiving these new tools, student interest has surged. Some afternoons have turned into spontaneous karaoke sessions, which gave me valuable insight into what our students love listening to—and what they're excited to perform. Thanks to this, our ICHS 2024/25 Playlist has grown beautifully.\r\n\r\nThese informal sessions helped me identify students who connect with the same music. Now, we're preparing for two shows in June. Since launching Building a Musical Community, we've expanded Music Club from two to four days per week. I posted a flyer with deadlines for students who want to perform. So far, our song list includes Eligiendo Una Reina by Chancho en Piedra, Oye Mi Amor by Maná, and Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana. Even a few of my adult colleagues are joining in with California Blue and Ramble On.\r\n\r\nOf course, the microphones, cables, stands, guitar, and gig bags have all been in constant use. The gig bags keep our instruments safe and organized, and they've made it possible to loan instruments out so students can practice at home. The equipment hasn't just enhanced our sound—it has given us structure, pride, and momentum. We now follow a hybrid model: students have time to explore independently, and we also hold mini-lessons to build skills that support their projects.\r\n\r\nThank you for making this joyful, creative space possible.","fullyFundedDate":1724083778107,"projectUrl":"project/building-a-musical-community-essential/8289827/","projectTitle":"Building a Musical Community: Essential Resources","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Nathan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9482463_orig.png?crop=1329,1329,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1715434085471","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ichsmusicclub"},{"teacherId":9482463,"projectId":8261918,"letterContent":"Deep gratitude for your generosity in supporting our Music Club during its early days. Your donation has allowed our students to explore new instruments and expand their musical skills. One of the Rogue LX200B Series III bass guitars you provided has become part of our new instrument loan program. A dedicated student borrowed it to practice daily, and her progress has been inspiring. For example, while learning Stand By Me, she struggled with fret buzzing at first. After a brief lesson on technique and positioning, she was able to play through the introduction. She's still working on mastering the rhythm and making it flow, but the improvement she's shown already is remarkable. She's eager to keep practicing, and I'm excited to see how far she'll go. Your contribution has empowered her and many others to explore their potential.\r\n\r\nThe NUX Mighty 40 BT 40W 4 Channel Electric Guitar Amp has been a favorite among students, especially one who's learning the intro to Layla by Eric Clapton. This student, who joined Music Club as its very first member last March, even bought his own guitar to deepen his commitment to learning. Meanwhile, the Fender Frontman 10G 10W Guitar Combo Amps have been invaluable not only for guitar practice but also for enhancing our keyboard performances. These resources have truly transformed our classroom into a lively, collaborative space where students can experiment and grow together.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, I plan to form student groups to learn and perform songs collaboratively. With an upcoming school show in January, this could be an exciting opportunity for them to showcase their talents. I'm also working on securing additional resources, such as an 88-key keyboard and a more powerful PA system to support their creativity. Your generosity has made all of this possible, and we are deeply grateful for the opportunities you've created for our students. Thank you for being an integral part of their musical journey.","fullyFundedDate":1714157925798,"projectUrl":"project/sounds-of-inclusion-celebrating-diversi/8261918/","projectTitle":"Sounds of Inclusion: Celebrating Diversity Through Music","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Nathan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9482463_orig.png?crop=1329,1329,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1715434085471","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ichsmusicclub"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_20823","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":345,"numTeachers":27,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":10,"percentWhite":1,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":83,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"9 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"12.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":62.8,"schoolId":20823,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about International Community High School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"International Community High School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-york/new-york-city-dept-of-ed/international-community-high-school/20823"}