{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"John Muir High School","outOfStateSupporters":40.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10078019,"projectId":9862743,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom has transformed into a more organized, engaging, and supportive learning space. My students are currently taking their test on The Odyssey today, and the graphic novel edition you helped provide has made a tremendous difference. Many of my students shared that the visual format helped them understand the storyline, characters, and themes more clearly—something that can be challenging with such a complex text. Watching them flip confidently through their books during discussions was a moment of real pride.\r\n\r\nThe new cabinet has also been a game changer. Having a secure, dedicated place to store our class sets and materials has kept everything organized and protected, especially since I move between classrooms. It ensures that students always have what they need, and it helps us start class smoothly and with purpose.\r\n\r\nThe push pins you provided might seem like a small detail, but they've made a big impact. They've allowed me to post our vocabulary words, anchor charts, and visual references securely and neatly around the room. My students refer to these constantly—especially during our Odyssey review—and having them displayed has supported both comprehension and confidence.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw all the new materials, they were excited and genuinely appreciative. Many commented on how \"official\" and put-together the classroom felt. For students who often feel behind or overlooked, walking into a space that's clearly designed for their success matters deeply.\r\n\r\nNext, we'll continue building on their reading and writing skills as we transition from The Odyssey into our next unit. With these resources in place, my students can access what they need, stay organized, and stay focused—allowing them to take ownership of their progress. Your support made all of that possible, and we are so grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1762036031053,"projectUrl":"project/organized-inspired-and-ready-to-learn/9862743/","projectTitle":"Organized, Inspired, and Ready to Learn!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Howard","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10078019_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y123&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754419912221","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10078019"},{"teacherId":10078019,"projectId":9890762,"letterContent":"When we held our very first class last Tuesday, the impact of your generosity was immediate. Many of my students are already considered at-risk, and it meant so much to them that they each received their own spiral notebook and folder. They could see that I paid attention to the details—that I wanted them to have the same sense of ownership, structure, and readiness as any other student. You helped make that possible.\r\n\r\nWe've already begun using the new materials every day. The spiral notebooks are our space for warm-ups, reflections, and tracking growth, and students dove right in. One student even commented that it felt \"like a fresh start.\" Our folders are keeping handouts and assignments organized, which is huge for students who are working hard to rebuild habits and regain confidence.\r\n\r\nBehind the scenes, the folding wagon has been a lifesaver. Because I teach in a guest classroom and can't leave materials behind, I have to bring everything with me each day. The wagon has saved multiple trips back and forth to my car and allowed me to walk in fully prepared—classroom ready, organized, and truly \"rock and roll\" from the moment students arrive.\r\n\r\nThanks to you, our classroom environment feels intentional, supportive, and full of possibility. As we move forward with our current lessons and novel studies, students will continue using these tools daily—to read along with audiobooks, stay organized, and build the study habits they need to stay on track for graduation. Your contribution didn't just provide supplies; it sent a message to my students that they are worth investing in, and they feel it every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1763049833970,"projectUrl":"project/success-on-the-move-supporting-our-trav/9890762/","projectTitle":"Success on the Move: Supporting Our Traveling Credit Recovery Class","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Howard","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10078019_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y123&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754419912221","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10078019"},{"teacherId":9350332,"projectId":9607171,"letterContent":"As a librarian to our youth, I try my best to get into what the students want, and they LOVE horror. I selected these titles because I wanted a sampling of types of horror: a classic horror story (The Haunting of Hill House), a slasher-type murder horror (There's No Way I'd Die First), a ghost story (The Spirit Bares Its Teeth), and a vampire story (Immortal Dark). I tried to select diverse authors that represent the diverse population at Muir. So far we have read two books: There's No Way I'd Die First and The Haunting of Hill House. We meet once a month to discuss the books as a group--we have six members. We try to read one book a month, but sometimes have to allow ourselves more time.\r\n\r\nThe students enjoy discussing what they think is totally absurd and what feels real. It's a fun genre, and even I am enjoying it more than I thought I would (I'm not one for scary stories). Up next we have The Spirit Bares Its Teeth and Immortal Dark, which we'll read in the spring semester.\r\n\r\nThank you again for keeping our kids reading!","fullyFundedDate":1755601459675,"projectUrl":"project/launching-our-horror-book-club/9607171/","projectTitle":"Launching our Horror Book Club","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Issa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9350332_orig.jpg?crop=444,444,x179,y2&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755297694625","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9350332"},{"teacherId":9350332,"projectId":9606122,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting Muir's new Fantasy Book Club! We have a small group of dedicated readers (5) who ADORE fantasy and are excited to read the Legendborn Series! Students are reading the first book in the series and will move on to book 2: Bloodmarked in January. This book club finally found their groove and are planning to meet twice in December. Students are enjoying the books themes, magic, and romance!\r\n\r\nOne thing students are really getting into is the retelling of the Arthurian legend. They are making lots of connections with our real world society and the world created in the books. When we meet, I start us off with a simple question: \"What do you think about the book so far? Is there any particular scene or page that stands out?\" This gets us going pretty quickly. It's interesting to hear where students overlap in thoughts and where they each notice different things. So far it's been super fun!\r\n\r\nThank you again for your support! You are keeping kids reading!","fullyFundedDate":1755450476747,"projectUrl":"project/fantasy-book-club/9606122/","projectTitle":"Fantasy Book Club","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Issa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9350332_orig.jpg?crop=444,444,x179,y2&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755297694625","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9350332"},{"teacherId":9350332,"projectId":9606967,"letterContent":"Our Manga Book Club is thriving! We have ten students from all grade levels (9th-12th) participating! Four out of the ten students are returners, who started Manga Book club two years ago, but last year we were unexpectedly interrupted by the Eaton Fire. This fall, we meet once a month and read two volumes of Jujutsu Kaisen per month. The students participating have such a love for Manga and this series in particular. Many of them are thrilled to have six books at a time. They were so excited and couldn't believe they got to keep all six throughout the semester. Their faces lit up and they immediately began combing through the pages. When we meet, they bring all six volumes, not just the two being discussed. This is all thanks to your generosity!\r\n\r\nWe will finish with Volumes 5&6 in our last meeting of the year this December. We have been meeting once a month starting in October. Each meeting is filled with lively discussion about the characters. They love it so much, I might need to write another Donors Choose campaign so that we can continue reading next semester! Thank you again for your generous support!","fullyFundedDate":1755589349602,"projectUrl":"project/revamping-our-manga-book-club/9606967/","projectTitle":"Revamping our Manga Book Club","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Issa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9350332_orig.jpg?crop=444,444,x179,y2&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755297694625","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9350332"},{"teacherId":10078019,"projectId":9706669,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my students now have access to graphic novel adaptations of classic literature that once felt out of reach. These books have completely changed the atmosphere in our classroom—students who used to shy away from long texts are now leaning in, eager to discuss the storylines, artwork, and themes. The visuals have become a bridge to comprehension, giving my striving readers and SPED/EL students the confidence to engage deeply with complex texts.\r\n\r\nRight now, we're especially excited because we're about to dive into Frankenstein just in time for the Halloween season! The graphic novel format has everyone buzzing with anticipation—students are already making predictions about the story and connecting it to questions about identity, morality, and what it means to be human. It's a perfect blend of spooky fun and deep thinking.\r\n\r\nIn our reading lessons, students practice skills like analyzing tone through visual cues, identifying literary themes, and comparing the adaptation to the original text. Small groups work together to annotate panels, discuss symbolism, and trace character development. Reading has become an active, collaborative process instead of a solitary challenge.\r\n\r\nThese books have brought equity and excitement into our classroom. Every student can hold their own copy, follow along confidently, and participate in meaningful discussions. Thank you for helping us create an inclusive, engaging, and inspiring reading experience—just in time for a perfectly literary Halloween.","fullyFundedDate":1757866379660,"projectUrl":"project/making-classics-accessible-for-all-learn/9706669/","projectTitle":"Making Classics Accessible for All Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Howard","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10078019_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y123&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754419912221","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10078019"},{"teacherId":10078019,"projectId":9712637,"letterContent":"When the new resources arrived, my students' faces lit up with joy and excitement. They couldn't wait to try out everything—especially the cozy \"tortilla blankets.\" Seeing them wrapped up like little burritos during independent reading time is honestly one of the cutest sights ever. The blankets have become a comforting part of our routine, helping students feel warm, safe, and ready to learn, even on the coldest mornings.\r\n\r\nThe quiet fidgets have been a huge help, too. Students use them to calm their nerves and focus during lessons, and I've noticed a big improvement in their ability to stay engaged. The tissue boxes have also made a surprisingly big difference—no more rough paper towels! Students can take care of themselves comfortably, which helps them feel respected and cared for.\r\n\r\nOne moment that stands out happened during our morning circle. A student who had been especially withdrawn since the Eaton fire wrapped up in a tortilla blanket, held a worry stone, and volunteered to share their writing for the first time in weeks. The whole class smiled and encouraged them—it was such a powerful moment of healing and connection.\r\n\r\nAs we continue our creative writing unit, my students are expressing their thoughts and emotions more openly than ever before. Your generosity gave them not only comfort but also the confidence to grow, create, and connect again. Thank you for helping make our classroom a warm and nurturing space—one tortilla blanket at a time.","fullyFundedDate":1758568803466,"projectUrl":"project/urgent-classroom-needs-tissues-fidgets/9712637/","projectTitle":"Urgent Classroom Needs: Tissues, Fidgets, & Blankets","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Howard","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10078019_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y123&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754419912221","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10078019"},{"teacherId":10078019,"projectId":9649010,"letterContent":"The new books have completely transformed the energy in our classroom. There's a constant buzz of excitement around the library now—students are recommending titles to each other, trading books, and even forming mini book clubs during lunch and advisory. The shelves that once sat half-empty are now alive with color, culture, and curiosity.\r\n\r\nThe most popular books by far have been the manga series and the sports-themed novels. Students can't get enough of Blue Lock, My Hero Academia, and One Piece—they're reading during passing periods, swapping volumes, and even debating favorite characters. The sports stories like Furia and Barely Missing Everything have struck a chord too, especially with students who love soccer and find inspiration in stories of determination and teamwork. These titles have become powerful tools for connection, motivation, and joy.\r\n\r\nWith this new collection, we've been able to introduce lessons about identity, empathy, and voice. Through Elizabeth Acevedo's novels, students explore poetry and self-expression. The manga series have opened new doors for visual literacy, as students analyze plot, dialogue, and art style with enthusiasm and insight.\r\n\r\nReading time in our classroom is now one of the happiest parts of the day. You'll see students curled up with their favorite manga, leaning over to share a funny panel, or quietly reading a sports novel and nodding along to a character's journey. One student who had never finished a book before proudly told me, \"I actually stayed up late reading Blue Lock—I couldn't put it down!\"\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, every student has found something that speaks to them. The library you helped build has become a place of excitement, belonging, and discovery—where even the most reluctant readers have found their \"just-right\" book.","fullyFundedDate":1757690918861,"projectUrl":"project/just-right-books-rebuilding-our-classro/9649010/","projectTitle":"Just-Right Books: Rebuilding Our Classroom Library Post Eaton Fire","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Howard","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10078019_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y123&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754419912221","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10078019"},{"teacherId":10078019,"projectId":9647184,"letterContent":"Thank you for helping me create a classroom where learning isn't silent or passive—but active, visible, and shared by every student. Your generosity turned ordinary lessons into moments of connection, clarity, and confidence.\r\n\r\nWith the dry erase paddles, reusable sleeves, markers, and erasers you provided, every student now has a voice in the room—whether or not they feel comfortable raising their hand. During lessons, I can ask a question and instantly see 30 answers lifted in the air. I don't have to guess who understands and who is struggling—I can see it in real time. This has completely changed the way I teach. Instead of waiting until homework or a quiz to uncover misconceptions, I can reteach right in the moment, or push students to deepen their thinking when they're ready.\r\n\r\nThe digital timers have helped our classroom run smoothly—keeping group work focused and transitions calm. The desk organizer means everything is ready to go, so no learning time is wasted. And with the presenter remote, I can move around the room while teaching, checking student work and guiding conversations without being tied to my desk or computer.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, I'm not just teaching lessons—I'm responding to students. I'm adjusting instruction in real time, celebrating their thinking, and making sure no one gets left behind. You didn't just give us supplies—you gave us immediacy, clarity, and connection.","fullyFundedDate":1756178249719,"projectUrl":"project/instant-feedback-tools-to-check-for-und/9647184/","projectTitle":"Instant Feedback: Tools to Check for Understanding","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Howard","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10078019_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y123&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754419912221","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10078019"},{"teacherId":10078019,"projectId":9526254,"letterContent":"This fall, when my students walked back into our classroom after the Eaton Fire, they were not just returning to school—they were returning to something we were all trying to rebuild together: a sense of safety, community, and hope. Your generosity helped make that possible.\r\n\r\nBecause of your donations, our students now have classroom sets of powerful novels—stories that don't shy away from pain, resilience, or truth. Stories that look like them, sound like their families, and echo what it feels like to survive something hard and keep going.\r\n\r\nWhen we read The Marrow Thieves, our essential question was: What does it take to survive? My students talked about survival not just as staying alive, but as protecting your story, your family, your culture, your hope. As we read, many connected this question to the Eaton Fire—how their families fled, how neighbors helped neighbors, how they held onto memories and each other when everything familiar was gone. One student said, \"Surviving isn't just about the fire going out—it's about what you do after.\" That stayed with all of us.\r\n\r\nNow, we've begun reading We Are Not From Here, and our new guiding question asks: What do we learn in our journey? This story has opened conversations about the journeys we choose and the ones we don't—about what hardship teaches us, and how even painful experiences can shape who we become. Some students wrote about traveling between countries, others about moving after the fire, or personal journeys like grief, courage, or learning English. They are discovering that journeys aren't just distances—they're transformations.\r\n\r\nThanks to you, reading in our classroom is something sacred. Students pull books from our new rolling cart, settle into their seats or corners of the room, and immediately dive in. They annotate, they whisper lines to each other, they ask, \"Can we read just one more chapter?\" We pause to journal, to discuss, to connect the book to our lives and our essential questions. It's quiet sometimes, buzzing with conversation other times—but always full of purpose. These are the moments you made possible.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students—for seeing their stories as worthy of being read, studied, and honored. You didn't just give us books—you gave us mirrors, windows, and doors. You helped us rebuild more than a classroom. You helped us rebuild our voices.","fullyFundedDate":1754689975834,"projectUrl":"project/fire-recovery-novels-that-reflect-resi/9526254/","projectTitle":"Fire Recovery: Novels That Reflect, Resist and Rebuild","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Howard","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10078019_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y123&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754419912221","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10078019"},{"teacherId":10078019,"projectId":9500849,"letterContent":"Thanks to your incredible generosity, our classroom library has come to life! This fall, my students returned to school still feeling the aftershocks of the Eaton Fire—but also with a deep desire to reconnect, rebuild, and find meaning through story. Your donations made that possible.\r\n\r\nWe began our reading journey with The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline, a novel that sparked powerful discussions about survival, community, and the ways stories can carry culture and resilience through even the hardest times. Students were immediately drawn to its dystopian world and its echoes of real history. Many connected deeply with the theme of reclaiming identity after loss—something that resonated strongly after what our community has endured.\r\n\r\nNext, we'll be reading We Are Not From Here by Jenny Torres Sanchez. My students are already asking about it and making predictions; they're eager to see how the story explores migration, belonging, and courage. These books aren't just reading material—they're mirrors and windows. They help my students see themselves and others with empathy and strength.\r\n\r\nIn our classroom, reading looks like lively small-group discussions, sticky notes filled with questions and insights, and quiet moments where students lose themselves in the pages. It's collaboration and reflection. It's discovery and healing.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, we now have multiple class sets of diverse, high-interest books that let every student hold their own copy—no more sharing or waiting. This simple access has made reading more joyful and personal.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students and for helping us rebuild with stories that affirm who they are and who they can become. Your generosity turned this vision into something tangible, meaningful, and lasting.","fullyFundedDate":1754072194599,"projectUrl":"project/eaton-fire-recovery-help-us-get-our-nov/9500849/","projectTitle":"Eaton Fire Recovery: Help Us Get Our Novels","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Howard","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10078019_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y123&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754419912221","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10078019"},{"teacherId":6349610,"projectId":9754479,"letterContent":"I write with the greatest appreciation for your generousity. The impact of literature that's fun and engaging for my students with special needs in beyond a valuable asset for my classroom.\r\n\r\nEngagement is often half the battle and through your donation I am able to bring the enjoyment of reading, to reluctant readers. I was able to peek their interest and reel them into to the wonderful world of reading. \r\n\r\nThe students are completing book reports and engaging in arts integration by completing summaries of the stories as well as story boards illustrating action from the books. It has also increased the willingness to write more.\r\n\r\n\"Thank you\" doesn't seem to be enough.","fullyFundedDate":1758763145762,"projectUrl":"project/series-of-unfortunate-eventsor-is-i/9754479/","projectTitle":"Series of Unfortunate Events.....or Is It?","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hart","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6349610_orig.jpg?crop=1944,1944,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1662147465487","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6349610"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_27544","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1133,"numTeachers":46,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":2,"percentBlack":22,"percentWhite":8,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":62,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"9 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"24.6:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":59.7,"schoolId":27544,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about John Muir High School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"John Muir High School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/pasadena-unified-school-district/john-muir-high-school/27544"}