{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Armstrong Junior Senior High School","outOfStateSupporters":53.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":6890291,"projectId":10113118,"letterContent":"I just wanted to take a moment to sincerely thank you for supporting the \"Building Career-Ready Culinary Professionals Through Wellness and Workforce Skills\" project. Your generosity is making a real and meaningful difference for my advanced culinary students. \r\n\r\nIn the culinary world, students are preparing for careers that are physically demanding—long hours on their feet, working in fast-paced, high-heat kitchens, and staying focused and energized throughout it all. Because of you, we're able to go beyond just cooking skills and really help students understand how their health and wellness directly impact their performance and success on the job.\r\n\r\nWith your support, students have started to participate in numerous hands-on activities that make these concepts come to life. They have work-weighted vests while walking laps in the hallway and climbing stairs to experience the added physical strain of extra weight on the body. They have also explored strength and injury prevention as well as learning how nutrition fuels their bodies for long shifts. Just as importantly, they have built awareness of their own health through activities that promote personal responsibility and informed decision-making.\r\n\r\nWhat I love most about this project is that it connects real-world career skills with lifelong habits. Students aren't just learning for the classroom—they're gaining tools that will help them succeed in their future careers and take care of themselves along the way.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students and investing in their future. Your support is helping them build confidence, knowledge, and skills that will last a lifetime.","fullyFundedDate":1773264188050,"projectUrl":"project/building-career-ready-culinary-professio/10113118/","projectTitle":"Building Career-Ready Culinary Professionals Through Wellness and Workforce Skills","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. McFarland","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6890291"},{"teacherId":8475476,"projectId":10026274,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for getting us what we needed to make scarves. Students were given the volunteer/community service project opportunity to make handmade scarves for HAVIN. HAVIN in a local organization that provides shelter to victims of domestic violence. They provide the victims with housing, food, clothing, and everything that they need to for everyday living.\r\nKnitting was a skill that was taught to 9th graders in Family & Consumer Science class. So I made an announcemnt for my previous students to make scarves if they wanted to and some volunteered to.","fullyFundedDate":1768674516944,"projectUrl":"project/warmth-with-every-stitch-students-knitt/10026274/","projectTitle":"Warmth with Every Stitch: Students Knitting for Survivors","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Haponski","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8475476_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1727991902364","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8475476"},{"teacherId":9260246,"projectId":9595215,"letterContent":"I would like to extend my gratitude on behalf of my eighth grade reading students as we thank you, our anonymous donors, for generously providing a variety of snacks for our classroom. For many of our students, having access to a quick snack during the school day helps them stay focused, energized, and ready to learn. What may seem like a small gesture truly makes a meaningful difference in their daily lives.\r\n Because of your generosity, I was able to introduce an earned coupon system called \"Smart Snacks for Smart Students.\" When students achieve academic success, win a content area related game, or demonstrate exemplary behavior, they earn a coupon that they can use immediately or save for a time of need and choose a snack of their choice. Watching their excitement as they earn and redeem these coupons has been incredibly rewarding. Something as simple as a snack can brighten a student's day, lift their spirits, and remind them that someone cares about their well-being and success.\r\n Please know that your generosity is deeply appreciated by our students, staff, and families. Your support helps create a classroom environment where students feel encouraged, valued, and cared for. Thank you for making such a positive difference in the lives of our students and for investing in their well-being.","fullyFundedDate":1765086084523,"projectUrl":"project/smart-snacks-for-smart-students/9595215/","projectTitle":"Smart Snacks for Smart Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kovalovsky","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9260246"},{"teacherId":6890291,"projectId":9985867,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our Family and Consumer Sciences classroom through this DonorsChoose project. Your generosity truly made a meaningful difference for our students.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, our Advanced Culinary Arts students were able to learn how to safely make and can homemade jelly from scratch. They extracted juice, learned how to properly use pectin, and practiced safe food preservation techniques. Each student proudly took a jar of jelly home to share with their family. There was something incredibly empowering about watching them create food with their own hands and bring it to their own dinner tables.\r\n\r\nOur younger students also benefited in such a special way. They assembled homemade pancake mix in quart-size mason jars, calculated measurements, adapted recipes, and carefully measured ingredients. After practicing in class, they each took a full jar home to prepare a breakfast for their families. The confidence they gained when they realized, \"I made this,\" was priceless.\r\n\r\nIn a district where all students receive free breakfast and lunch, we know many families face real food challenges. Many of our students do not have access to canning equipment or pantry staples at home. Your donation allowed us to teach practical, lifelong skills while also sending food home, combining education, nourishment, and care in one project.\r\n\r\nWe are truly grateful for your kindness and support. Thank you for investing in our students and helping us provide learning experiences that will stay with them.","fullyFundedDate":1768336233045,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-to-kitchen-homemade-jelly-and/9985867/","projectTitle":"Classroom to Kitchen: Homemade Jelly and Pancake Mix for Families","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. McFarland","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6890291"},{"teacherId":6890291,"projectId":9923056,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our Culinary Arts classroom through your generous donation. Because of you, our students—sophomores through seniors with a wide range of learning needs—will have the tools they need to truly thrive in our kitchen.\r\n\r\nOur classroom is more than just a place to cook. It's a hands-on STEAM lab where students explore science, math, engineering, and creativity every single day. The new rotary graters, electric kettles, Pyrex bowls, knife set, and muffin pans will make a huge difference in how safely and effectively they can learn.\r\n\r\nWith these tools, students will practice everything from understanding heat transfer and kitchen safety to mastering portion control and recipe scaling. We already used them to make healthy homemade quick breads such as apple bread and banana bread. Soon they'll create mini muffin pizzas, egg muffins, lasagna cups, fruit crisps, and more, all while learning how shape, volume, and temperature impact cooking results. Most importantly, they'll gain confidence, independence, and real-life skills they can carry into adulthood and future careers.\r\n\r\nYour generosity helps make meaningful, hands-on learning possible. Thank you for believing in our students and investing in their success. We are truly grateful!","fullyFundedDate":1770387892981,"projectUrl":"project/steam-culinary-creations-precision-saf/9923056/","projectTitle":"STEAM Culinary Creations: Precision, Safety & Innovation in the Kitchen","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. McFarland","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6890291"},{"teacherId":6890290,"projectId":9957400,"letterContent":"We are using the seeds, soil, and AeroGarden to grow plants that will be sold at our upcoming ARTs Show fundraiser in May. Students began by researching germination requirements and comparing traditional soil planting with hydroponic growing in the AeroGarden. They carefully measured soil, labeled seed trays, monitored light exposure, and created watering schedules.\r\n\r\nOne special classroom moment happened when students noticed the very first sprouts emerging. There was genuine excitement as they compared growth rates between the soil trays and the AeroGarden. Students immediately began discussing which plants might be most appealing to customers at the fundraiser and how presentation (pots, labeling, and display design) could impact sales. It became a real-world lesson in entrepreneurship, science, and design all at once.\r\n\r\nAs May approaches, students will also help design the display for the ARTs Show, combining visual merchandising skills with their growing knowledge of plant care. This project has evolved beyond simply growing seeds—it has become a cross-curricular experience that blends science, business, creativity, and community involvement.\r\n\r\nWe are so grateful to our donors for giving our students this opportunity to learn in such a hands-on and meaningful way!","fullyFundedDate":1766425912812,"projectUrl":"project/arts-show-fundraiser-for-our-school-and/9957400/","projectTitle":"ARTS show: Fundraiser for Our School and Department","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Craven","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6890290"},{"teacherId":6890291,"projectId":9922234,"letterContent":"Over the course of six weeks, our high school students ran a preschool program for 12 children from our local community, and the new resources played an important role in making the experience successful. The snacks and drinks were used daily during structured snack times, which became a consistent part of our preschool routine. One especially meaningful moment was watching our high school students plan snack rotations, prepare items ahead of time, and guide the preschoolers through handwashing, sharing, and clean-up. These moments turned simple snack time into a lesson in responsibility, routines, and care for others.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the materials, they were genuinely excited and relieved. They immediately recognized how much easier it would be to run the program knowing they could reliably provide snacks for the preschoolers. For the preschoolers, the snacks helped keep energy levels up and allowed them to stay focused and engaged throughout each session. Snack time also became a social time where they practiced communication, patience, and following routines. Meanwhile, our high school students learned firsthand how meeting basic needs supports learning—an insight that can't be taught from a textbook alone.\r\n\r\nNext, our students will build on this experience by reflecting on the preschool program and applying what they learned to future lessons in child development and early childhood education. Thanks to our donors, students were able to experience what it truly takes to run a successful preschool, and that impact will continue well beyond these six weeks.","fullyFundedDate":1764005403094,"projectUrl":"project/fueling-young-minds-snacks-for-our-high/9922234/","projectTitle":"Fueling Young Minds: Snacks for Our High School-Run Preschool","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. McFarland","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6890291"},{"teacherId":8726840,"projectId":9957058,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom has been buzzing with creativity and problem-solving. Students jumped right into using the new materials, and it was exciting to watch their ideas grow from sketches into large-scale, hands-on work. One of the biggest highlights has been a collaborative installation inspired by Tetris, where students worked together to plan, build, revise, and problem-solve as the structure took shape. It quickly became a shared point of pride in our space and a daily reminder of what collaboration can look like.\r\n\r\nAlongside the installation, students have been using the clay supplies to explore form, texture, and construction in a more personal way. Many used the clay to experiment, take creative risks, and refine their ideas through trial and error. These projects encouraged patience, reflection, and persistence, skills that carried over into other assignments as well.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, our art room feels more student-driven than ever. Students are taking ownership of their learning, making creative choices, and engaging more deeply with the process rather than just the final product. Your contribution truly expanded what is possible in our classroom, and we are grateful for the lasting impact it has made on our students","fullyFundedDate":1766317543431,"projectUrl":"project/student-driven-steam-art-experiment-bu/9957058/","projectTitle":"Student-Driven STEAM Art: Experiment, Build, Create","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kovalovsky","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8726840_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1703239876307","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsksartroom"},{"teacherId":8475476,"projectId":9809543,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for getting us new frying pans. Before I only had stainless steel frying pans, which I know is better health wise, but most students get the food stuck which is stressful. Now they wont get sticky foods to stick with our new nonstick frying pans. We will be using them today for the first time when they make their chicken alfredo. Yesterday they learned how to debone a rotissarie chicken, and today they are making chicken alfredo in the new nonstick pan.\r\nAgain thank you so much for your dontaion.","fullyFundedDate":1761051954746,"projectUrl":"project/nonstick-frying-pans/9809543/","projectTitle":"Nonstick Frying Pans","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Haponski","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8475476_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1727991902364","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8475476"},{"teacherId":8475476,"projectId":9823285,"letterContent":"Thank you for helping us get the supplies that we need to keep our hydroponic system going! I have a vertical Farmstand by LettuceGrow that can grow 52 plants and a Click & Grow that can grow 3 plants. I always need nutrients for the water, pods and seeds to keep it going. We use the herbs and vegetables in our cooking labs and your donation helped us keep it going. So thank you so very much for the supplies, it saves on my foods budget to not have to purchase those ingredients and fresh is better anyways!","fullyFundedDate":1763556800043,"projectUrl":"project/from-seed-to-science-hydroponics-in-act/9823285/","projectTitle":"From Seed to Science: Hydroponics in Action","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Haponski","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8475476_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1727991902364","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8475476"},{"teacherId":9260302,"projectId":9729828,"letterContent":"Thank you so very much for your generous donation to my classroom! My students have used the chargers every school day. As our school has limited resources, these have helped to keep my students engaged in lessons. \r\n\r\nPrior to these chargers, my students would have to leave class and go to our library to sign one out. With chargers and headphones in our classroom, they don't have to leave to miss crucial instruction time. We really appreciate your generosity and hope to continue using these items for years to come!","fullyFundedDate":1762266345235,"projectUrl":"project/tech-supplies/9729828/","projectTitle":"Tech Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Judge","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9260302"},{"teacherId":8726840,"projectId":9862200,"letterContent":"Our classroom has come alive in a whole new way thanks to your kindness. The resources you provided have allowed students to move beyond the limits of paper and pencil and begin constructing bold, three-dimensional artworks that stretch across hallways, hang from ceilings, and welcome everyone who enters our school. With sturdy tables for building, reliable adhesives for assembly, and hooks and shelving for display, students are learning what it takes to turn an idea into a real installation that others can experience.\r\n\r\nWhen the supplies arrived, the excitement was instant. Students were already imagining how to make their projects bigger, stronger, and more interactive. They carefully tested how to secure pieces safely to the wall, experimented with new painting techniques, and worked together to solve design challenges. One of the most joyful moments has been watching them step back to admire their artwork once it is finally installed — knowing that the whole school will see and celebrate what they accomplished.\r\n\r\nYour support has helped our young artists discover their own voice and recognize the power art has to transform a space. These projects are building confidence, collaboration, and pride in our community. We are continuing to expand our installations, and every day students are dreaming up new ways to bring creativity into shared spaces. Thank you for believing in their ideas and helping them fill our school with inspiration.","fullyFundedDate":1763554162637,"projectUrl":"project/building-art-that-transforms-our-school/9862200/","projectTitle":"Building Art That Transforms Our School: Engineering for Installation Art","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kovalovsky","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8726840_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1703239876307","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsksartroom"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_88793","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1447,"numTeachers":111,"percentFrplEligible":80,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":95,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":1,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"7 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"13.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"TOWN","ncesMetroType":"TOWN_DISTANT"},"inStateSupporters":46.8,"schoolId":88793,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Armstrong Junior Senior High School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Armstrong Junior Senior High School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/pennsylvania/armstrong-school-district/kittanning-junior-high-school/88793"}