Concord Lake Steam Academy in Kannapolis, North Carolina on DonorsChoose

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They review their shots immediately on the larger screens, discuss what worked (and what didn't), and iterate quickly. For our yearbook class, having more cameras means multiple students can cover events simultaneously without waiting for equipment, leading to richer, more diverse coverage of school life. Overall, the technology is building real technical skills, visual literacy, patience, and confidence in storytelling through images—skills that transfer far beyond the classroom.\r\n\r\nWhat excites students most is the feeling of being \"real\" photographers. They love the weight and feel of a proper camera in their hands, the satisfying click of the shutter, and the instant feedback that lets them see their creative choices come to life right away. Many have told me it feels more professional and intentional than using a phone. Several quieter or less outgoing students have especially warmed to the cameras. For example, several students now eagerly volunteer to shoot events because the camera gives them a purpose and a way to contribute to our school in a unique way. Another student, has developed a deep love for photography—she pores over her images, explains her choices thoughtfully, and takes pride in the growth she can literally see. These moments of engagement and ownership are some of the most rewarding parts of teaching.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, our students are not just taking pictures—they're learning to see the world more intentionally and tell its stories more powerfully. Thank you again for believing in them and investing in their creativity.","fullyFundedDate":1763149898319,"projectUrl":"project/class-cameras/9548198/","projectTitle":"Class Cameras","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Caputo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9685576_orig.jpg?crop=180,180,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754524820428","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9685576"},{"teacherId":8349383,"projectId":9018008,"letterContent":"I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation. Your support has made a significant impact on my ability to manage classroom resources effectively. This contribution has facilitated numerous improvements that have greatly enhanced the educational experience for both myself and my students.\r\n\r\nWith the funds provided through your donation, I am now able to print necessary materials, such as worksheets and center activities, in full color. This capability allows for more engaging and visually appealing learning materials. Color printing is more than just an aesthetic improvement; it aids in the comprehension and retention of information, as students can easily distinguish between different parts of diagrams, charts, and other visual aids. This enhancement not only benefits visual learners but also enriches the overall learning environment.\r\n\r\nMoreover, the ability to print last-minute assignments and homework packets directly in the classroom has been transformative. Previously, I faced challenges when trying to find the time to copy materials on short notice. This often required leaving the classroom or coordinating with other staff members, which could be disruptive to the learning process. Now, with the resources at hand, I can respond promptly to any immediate needs that arise, ensuring that my students have access to necessary materials without delay.","fullyFundedDate":1741104468504,"projectUrl":"project/lets-print-in-color/9018008/","projectTitle":"Let's Print in Color","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Harward","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8349383_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1691530536786","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8349383"},{"teacherId":8113028,"projectId":9716797,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your donation. The disc and can toss sets have added a fun new element to our PE rotations. \r\n\r\nThe kids have enjoyed having new equipment and it has brought great additions to help with their throwing skills and we have been able to incorporate the equipment into different relay races and teamwork activities. \r\n\r\nI am also super excited to be able to add these fun elements to our yearly field day for our kindergarten through 5th grade kids. Your donation has impacted these students beyond what you could imagine. Thank you Dicks Sporting Goods foundation for your continued support.","fullyFundedDate":1758636542662,"projectUrl":"project/throwing-made-fun/9716797/","projectTitle":"Throwing Made Fun!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Baumgart","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8113028_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y574&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726069004745","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/baumgart"},{"teacherId":9685576,"projectId":9079448,"letterContent":"We are deeply grateful for your incredible support in providing photography supplies for our program. Your contributions, including the Altura Photo Large Camera Bag ($34.94), SanDisk Ultra PLUS 64GB SDXC UHS-I Memory Cards ($26.16 for 3), LP-E10 ENEGON Replacement Battery and Charger ($20.39), Amazon Basics UV Protection Camera Lens Filters ($17.67 for 3), and CHMETE Bohemia Vintage Camera Strap ($5.99), totaling $105.15, have made a significant impact. These essential tools ensure our students can explore their creativity and develop their photography skills with confidence.\r\n\r\nYour generosity directly empowers aspiring photographers to capture the world through their lenses, fostering both artistic expression and technical growth. The equipment you've provided not only equips our program with the necessary resources but also inspires our students to pursue their passions. 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About this school

Concord Lake Steam Academy is a suburban public school in Kannapolis, North Carolina that is part of North Carolina Department of Education. It serves 846 students in grades K - 8 with a student/teacher ratio of 25.6:1. Its teachers have had 164 projects funded on DonorsChoose.

Equity Focus School

Support towards this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Public School

Title 1

Grades K - 8

846 Students

33 Teachers

1911 Concord Lake Rd

Kannapolis, NC 28083 View local requests

http://kannapolischarter.org

Direct, proactive support

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Ms. Vero, a DonorsChoose teacher for 9 years.

Kindergarten teacher at PS81 - Robert J. Christen School in Bronx, NY

Concord Lake Steam Academy Teachers on DonorsChoose

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Concord Lake Steam Academy Demographics

71%

of students receive free or reduced price lunch

Source: the National Center for Education Statistics

65%

of students are Black, Latino, Native American, or Asian

Schools in districts that mainly serve students of color receive substantially less state and local support than similar districts that serve primarily White students. Learn more about this gap, why it exists, and how you can help close it.

Concord Lake Steam Academy Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Feb 19, 2026

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