{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"J Sterling Morton East High School","outOfStateSupporters":37.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9738415,"projectId":9742758,"letterContent":"I am writing to sincerely thank you for the rewards and prizes donated to my classroom and to share the positive impact they had on my students. Your generosity played an important role in increasing student motivation, engagement, and overall academic participation.\r\n\r\nThe donated items were intentionally implemented as part of our game-based review activities for tests using platforms such as Kahoot and Gimkit. These interactive reviews allowed students to practice content in a low-stress, high-energy environment while reinforcing key concepts before assessments. The rewards served as meaningful incentives, encouraging students to actively participate, stay focused, and challenge themselves during each review session. I love seeing the stickers proudly displayed on student chromebooks!\r\n\r\nIn addition, the prizes were used as attendance and grade incentives, motivating students to consistently come to class prepared and to take ownership of their academic performance. Students were excited to earn rewards through effort, improvement, and perseverance, which helped foster a positive classroom culture centered on growth and achievement. The bracelets were a big hit and students were competitive trying to earn. These prizes had a direct impact on student morale. Many students who were previously hesitant to participate became more confident and engaged. The opportunity to earn rewards increased enthusiasm, strengthened peer collaboration, and made learning more enjoyable. As a result, students demonstrated improved participation, stronger review performance, and greater accountability for their learning.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your generosity and support of our classroom. Your donation helped create an engaging learning environment where students felt motivated, valued, and excited to succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1759107177254,"projectUrl":"project/student-incentives/9742758/","projectTitle":"Student Incentives","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Belmares","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9738415_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1745940846594","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9738415"},{"teacherId":10269041,"projectId":9727907,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for your generosity, support, and commitment to classrooms/office spaces like mine. Your contribution has made a meaningful and lasting impact on my students' daily experiences, emotional well-being, and overall success in the classroom. I want to take a moment to share just how valuable these materials have been and how directly they have enriched our learning environment.\r\nFirst, the mediation sand toy has quickly become one of the most treasured tools in my office. It is used every single day, often multiple times, by students who need a moment to breathe, reset, or simply process their emotions. Students are naturally expressive, but they do not always have the words to match their feelings. The sand toy has provided a gentle and calming outlet—something soothing they can engage with while opening up about what is on their minds. I have found that it not only keeps their hands busy, allowing for easier communication, but it also creates a safe, calming atmosphere where students feel comfortable sharing their thoughts. I am so grateful that we now have something so effective and accessible for daily regulation and reflection.\r\nThe fidget toys have also been a tremendous help. Students of all ages experience stress, frustration, and anxiety, whether due to academic pressure, social challenges, or situational stressors. These tools have been used by many different students and have served a wide variety of needs. I have watched students who normally struggle to remain focused during tests or group work find comfort and stability simply by having something small and quiet to keep their hands occupied. Others have relied on these fidgets during difficult emotional moments or uncomfortable circumstances, allowing them to stay present and engaged rather than shutting down. The difference these tools have made in promoting resilience, persistence, and emotional regulation cannot be overstated. They have truly helped students make it through moments that otherwise could have derailed their day.\r\nAdditionally, the granola bars have been such a thoughtful and practical blessing. Many of my students start their day rushed, and sometimes breakfast at home—or even at school—just isn't an option. Others need a little extra sustenance to make it through the long stretch of the afternoon. Having healthy, reliable snacks available has helped students stay focused, energized, and ready to learn. It has prevented countless distractions, stomach aches, and moments of discomfort. Something as simple as a granola bar has given my students the fuel they need to stay academically and emotionally steady throughout the day.\r\nYour generosity has touched every corner of our classroom—emotionally, academically, and physically. You have helped create an environment where students feel supported, cared for, and equipped with tools that promote their growth and well-being. These items may seem small on the surface, but they have made a world of difference for the students who use them every day.\r\nThank you, sincerely, for believing in our students and for investing in their success. Your kindness continues to ripple outward, shaping not just their school days, but their confidence, coping skills, and overall sense of support. We appreciate you more than words can express.","fullyFundedDate":1761053882498,"projectUrl":"project/social-and-emotional-supplies-to-support/9727907/","projectTitle":"Social and Emotional Supplies to Support Student Needs","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Weinert","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10269041_orig.jpg?crop=635,636,x0,y29&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758232599667","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10269041"},{"teacherId":10189827,"projectId":9786543,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous contributions to my Donors Choose project. Your support has allowed me to provide snacks for many of my students, something that might seem small but truly makes a meaningful difference in their day. These snacks have offered students a moment of comfort, encouragement, and energy—especially during long or challenging school days.\r\n\r\nI am incredibly grateful for your kindness and willingness to invest in my classroom. Your donations have helped create a more supportive and welcoming environment, giving students the boost they need to stay focused and feel cared for. Thank you for believing in my students and for helping meet a need that directly impacts their learning and well-being. Your generosity has made a real and heartfelt impact.","fullyFundedDate":1762008027177,"projectUrl":"project/snack-time-focus-time/9786543/","projectTitle":"Snack Time = Focus Time","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Magaña","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10189827_orig.jpg?crop=571,571,x0,y150&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755629731427","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10189827"},{"teacherId":4323666,"projectId":9142837,"letterContent":"I want to extend my deepest gratitude for your generous donations and support of my classroom project. Your kindness and compassion have made an incredible difference for my students — especially during what has been a very challenging year for our school and community.\r\n\r\nThis year, more than ever, our students have needed extra care, encouragement, and resources to help them feel safe, supported, and ready to learn. Your donations provided exactly that. The snacks, coloring books, pencils, and fidgets have brought both comfort and joy to the classroom. The snacks keep students fueled and focused throughout the day, while the coloring books and fidgets have given them healthy, calming outlets to regulate their emotions. Even small things like new pencils have helped them take pride in their work and stay motivated.\r\n\r\nBeyond the materials themselves, your support sent a powerful message to my students — that there are people who believe in them, care about their success, and want to see them thrive. That encouragement means more than words can express.\r\n\r\nFrom the bottom of my heart, thank you for investing in our classroom and in the future of our students. Your generosity has truly made this difficult year a little brighter, and we are so grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1754012176240,"projectUrl":"project/positive-affirmations-and-wellness-tools/9142837/","projectTitle":"Positive Affirmations and Wellness Tools!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Miranda","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4323666_orig.jpg?crop=1242,1242,x0,y182&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1740501970848","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4323666"},{"teacherId":9738415,"projectId":9295208,"letterContent":"From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your generous support in helping us bring a Cricut machine into our classroom. Because of you, our students had the chance to tap into their creativity and have so much fun designing decorations for our school's Homecoming door-decorating contest.\r\n\r\nThe Cricut quickly became the heart of our project. Students gathered around it, sharing ideas, brainstorming designs, and learning new ways to express themselves. It was so inspiring to watch them light up with excitement as their ideas came to life — from sketches on paper to beautiful decorations that will proudly be displayed.\r\nEven more meaningful than the decorations themselves was the teamwork and sense of community that grew in the process. Students who might not have worked together before were collaborating, encouraging one another, and celebrating each other's creativity. It brought our classroom closer together and filled it with laughter, school spirit, and pride.\r\n\r\nWhether we win the contest or not, we've already won something far more important — the joy, confidence, and connection your gift helped make possible. Thank you for believing in our students and for giving them this opportunity to create, collaborate, and shine.\r\n\r\nWith heartfelt gratitude,\r\nCynthia Belmares-Brown\r\nHigh School English Teacher","fullyFundedDate":1755711728528,"projectUrl":"project/creative-cutting/9295208/","projectTitle":"Creative Cutting!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Belmares","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9738415_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1745940846594","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9738415"},{"teacherId":9931229,"projectId":9209932,"letterContent":"I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the individuals who funded my \"Hygiene Harmony: Empowering Students Through Self-Care\" project. The new resources have made a significant impact on students' learning experiences, empowering them to feel confident and cared for. It has been wonderful to see them fully engage in their education without the distractions and insecurities stemming from unmet hygiene needs.\r\n\r\nThe response from my students has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing appreciation for the supportive environment that allows them to access necessary hygiene items without hesitation. Several female students have shared their excitement about the feminine products available in my office, often saying, \"now I know where to come.\" The lip balm has been particularly popular as the weather changes in the Midwest. I look forward to continuing this journey by finding additional resources to support our students while including their culture background.","fullyFundedDate":1746785390019,"projectUrl":"project/hygiene-harmony-empowering-students-thr/9209932/","projectTitle":"Hygiene Harmony: Empowering Students Through Self-Care","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Salgado","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9931229_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y77&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1749747522999","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9931229"},{"teacherId":9931229,"projectId":9209813,"letterContent":"I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the individuals who funded my \"Comfort Corner: Snacks & Support for Student Success\" project. The new resources have made a significant impact, providing students with snacks to keep them energized throughout the day and creating a safe and comfortable space for those facing academic or emotional challenges. My returning students have embraced the fidgets and snacks, often stopping by my office for motivation or a quick check-in.\r\n\r\n\r\nThe response from my new students has also been overwhelmingly positive; they find it easier to relax in the welcoming environment. Their favorite items, like the Japanese Zen Garden kit and magnetic tiles. These items have added to the soothing atmosphere, especially with the calming sound of the water fountain. As I look ahead to future projects, I aim to focus on the emotional needs of my English Language Learning students, seeking resources that will enhance my ability to support them throughout the school day. In addition, more snacks to continue nourishing students through the day. Thank you once again for your generous support!","fullyFundedDate":1746786156993,"projectUrl":"project/comfort-corner-snacks-support-for-stu/9209813/","projectTitle":"Comfort Corner: Snacks & Support for Student Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Salgado","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9931229_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y77&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1749747522999","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9931229"},{"teacherId":2838537,"projectId":9143169,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity in helping me provide the awards for our senior class members this past year. They were so excited and thrilled when they saw their items. \r\n\r\nThe awards allowed students to be recognized for their achievements the past 3 years of being in the club and their dedication to helping others in the community. The younger members helped create memory boxes filled with moments from the club and their contributions to the undocumented community, especially in their own community.","fullyFundedDate":1741371370611,"projectUrl":"project/dreamers-and-allies-club-senior-award/9143169/","projectTitle":"Dreamers and Allies Club Senior Award","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wilson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2838537_orig.jpg?crop=360,360,x0,y25&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1610412984464","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/rwilson"},{"teacherId":2838537,"projectId":9126230,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity. The students were so excited, thrilled to learn that we got these materials for our classroom. They immediately started talking about all the projects we could complete with them. \r\n\r\n The students have been using the Cricut machine to create T-shirts in remembrance of a loved one lost, vinyl creations to represent their cultures. Students will be continuing to explore different cultures, using the Cricut to create culture art and reflections to reflect our field trips and experiences this year.","fullyFundedDate":1740973458046,"projectUrl":"project/cricut-tools-for-diversity-projects/9126230/","projectTitle":"Cricut Tools for Diversity Projects","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wilson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2838537_orig.jpg?crop=360,360,x0,y25&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1610412984464","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/rwilson"},{"teacherId":9023288,"projectId":9290698,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous gift of a bookshelf for our classroom, the smallest full-size room in the school. Space is precious here, and your donation has truly made a difference. The new bookshelf not only helps us stay organized, but it also creates a welcoming space where students can easily explore books and learning materials. What might seem like a simple piece of furniture has had a big impact: it makes our classroom feel more open, more functional, and more inviting for our students. Every time they choose a book from those shelves, they're reminded that people in their community care about their learning and want to support their success. We are so grateful for your kindness and for helping us make the most of every inch of our classroom. Thank you for giving our students both the resources and the inspiration to keep growing.","fullyFundedDate":1746786898293,"projectUrl":"project/help-books-need-homes-too/9290698/","projectTitle":"Help: Books Need Homes Too!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gutheim","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9023288_orig.jpg?crop=533,533,x152,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1739376702667","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/gutheimclassroom"},{"teacherId":9023288,"projectId":9142744,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for buying candy and lollipops to support our students! Your kindness does more than just satisfy a sweet tooth, it helps us create extra opportunities and meaningful experiences for our kids that they will remember for years to come. Whether it's new classroom resources, special activities, or the chance to explore learning in new ways, your support directly impacts what we're able to offer. It may seem like a small purchase, but to our students, it represents something much bigger: knowing that their community cares about them and believes in their potential. That encouragement goes a long way in building their confidence and excitement for school.\r\n\r\nWe are truly grateful for your generosity and for being part of our school family. Thank you for standing beside us and for helping make our classrooms and our students' lives a little brighter and a lot sweeter.","fullyFundedDate":1742823866478,"projectUrl":"project/sweet-treats-for-focused-minds/9142744/","projectTitle":"Sweet Treats for Focused Minds!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gutheim","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9023288_orig.jpg?crop=533,533,x152,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1739376702667","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/gutheimclassroom"},{"teacherId":9023288,"projectId":9110018,"letterContent":"On behalf of the Class of 2025, thank you so much for keeping our classroom stocked with food. You didn't just give us snacks, you gave us survival gear. Because of your generosity, no one has had to write an essay on an empty stomach, our group projects run slightly smoother when fueled by granola bars instead of hanger, and even our teacher seems happier (probably because a room full of fed seniors is a lot less dramatic). Snacks may not solve all our problems, but they definitely solve about 99% of them. We are beyond grateful for your support, your kindness, and for saving us from raiding the vending machines every day. Thanks for feeding our bodies, fueling our brains, and giving us the energy to actually make it through senior year.","fullyFundedDate":1741099902144,"projectUrl":"project/fuel-growing-minds/9110018/","projectTitle":"Fuel Growing Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gutheim","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9023288_orig.jpg?crop=533,533,x152,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1739376702667","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/gutheimclassroom"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_27591","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":3411,"numTeachers":141,"percentFrplEligible":87,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":2,"percentIndigenous":1,"percentLatinx":93,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"10 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"24.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":62.9,"schoolId":27591,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about J Sterling Morton East High School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"J Sterling Morton East High School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/j-sterling-morton-hsd-201/j-sterling-morton-east-high-school/27591"}