{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Kotzebue Middle High School","outOfStateSupporters":68.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10240599,"projectId":9952499,"letterContent":"Because of your kindness and support for our project, \"Comfort Equals Success: Bringing Warmth to Our Classroom,\" our classroom has become a warmer, safer, and more welcoming place for my students. The new resources have made a meaningful difference in our daily routines. Students now feel physically comfortable during lessons, which has helped them stay focused, calm, and ready to learn. One special moment was during our reading time—students were able to sit comfortably and fully engage in the story, participate in discussions, and share their ideas with confidence. Your support has truly helped create an environment where students can focus on learning instead of worrying about the cold.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, my students were filled with excitement and gratitude. Their faces lit up with big smiles, and they eagerly expressed how happy they were to have a warmer classroom. Some students even shared that they felt more motivated to come to school and participate. It was heartwarming to see how something as simple as added warmth and comfort could positively affect their mood, behavior, and willingness to learn.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, we can now continue building strong learning habits and focusing on important classroom projects. Our next steps include collaborative reading activities, writing exercises, and group discussions where students feel comfortable expressing themselves. Your support has not only improved our classroom environment but has also strengthened my students' confidence and enthusiasm for learning. Thank you for believing in my students and for helping create a classroom where comfort truly supports success.\r\n\r\nWith heartfelt gratitude,","fullyFundedDate":1766012372657,"projectUrl":"project/comfort-equals-success-bringing-warmth/9952499/","projectTitle":"Comfort Equals Success: Bringing Warmth to Our Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. EMBESAN","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10240599_orig.jpg?crop=1367,1367,x0,y460&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758131774975","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10240599"},{"teacherId":5941910,"projectId":9264188,"letterContent":"From my students and me here in Kotzebue, Alaska, thank you for supporting our project, \"Herb and Plant Garden Run by Students.\" Your generosity has given our students an incredible opportunity to learn, grow, and take ownership of something truly meaningful.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, our students will be able to plan, plant, and care for their own herb and plant garden. In a rural Alaskan community where fresh produce can be expensive and sometimes limited, this project provides hands-on learning that connects science, responsibility, teamwork, and healthy living. Our students will not only learn how plants grow, but also experience the pride that comes from nurturing something from seed to harvest.\r\n\r\nThis garden will be student-led, which makes it even more powerful. They will practice leadership skills, problem-solving, and collaboration while building confidence in their abilities. The lessons they gain from this project will extend far beyond the classroom.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and investing in their growth. Your kindness is helping our students cultivate knowledge, responsibility, and pride right here in Kotzebue.","fullyFundedDate":1747458692315,"projectUrl":"project/herb-and-plant-garden-run-by-students/9264188/","projectTitle":"Herb and Plant Garden Run by Students","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Brown","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5941910_orig.jpg?crop=1644,1644,x270,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746553354660","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5941910"},{"teacherId":5941910,"projectId":9360420,"letterContent":"From my students and me in Kotzebue, Alaska, thank you so much for supporting our project, \"School Supplies for Students.\" Your generosity has made a direct and meaningful impact on our classroom.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, our students will have the supplies they need to feel prepared, confident, and ready to learn each day. In our rural community, access to school materials can sometimes be limited, and having basic supplies like notebooks, pencils, folders, and other essentials truly makes a difference. Your support removes barriers and allows our students to focus on learning instead of worrying about what they may not have.\r\n\r\nThese supplies represent more than just materials — they represent encouragement, opportunity, and belief in our students' potential. When students have what they need, they participate more, stay organized, and take greater pride in their work.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our students here in Kotzebue. Your kindness and generosity are deeply appreciated by each of us. We are grateful for your support and for the difference you are making in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1751464893047,"projectUrl":"project/school-supplies-for-alaska-native-studen/9360420/","projectTitle":"School Supplies for Alaska Native Students","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Brown","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5941910_orig.jpg?crop=1644,1644,x270,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746553354660","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5941910"},{"teacherId":5941910,"projectId":9303769,"letterContent":"From my students and me here in Alaska, thank you so much for supporting our project, \"Plants and Herbs for Students, Staff, and Families.\" Your generosity means more to us than words can fully express.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, our students will have the opportunity to grow plants and herbs right here at school. In a place where fresh produce can be expensive and sometimes difficult to access, this hands-on experience is incredibly meaningful. Our students will learn responsibility, science skills, and the value of caring for living things. They will also experience the joy of harvesting something they nurtured themselves.\r\n\r\nThis project is about more than plants. It is about building community. Our goal is to share what we grow with staff and families, strengthening connections between school and home. Your support helps our students feel empowered, capable, and proud of what they can contribute to others.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and investing in their growth—both in the garden and in life. We are truly grateful for your kindness and support.","fullyFundedDate":1749844157231,"projectUrl":"project/plants-and-herbs-for-students-staff-an/9303769/","projectTitle":"Plants and Herbs for Students, Staff, and Families","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Brown","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5941910_orig.jpg?crop=1644,1644,x270,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746553354660","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5941910"},{"teacherId":9510893,"projectId":9689290,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our students in Kotzebue now have access to tools that truly inspire innovation and hands-on learning. In our classroom, we immediately began using the new materials for a design challenge where students created original projects that reflected both modern design principles and elements of our local Arctic culture. Watching them brainstorm, sketch, revise, and finally produce their finished work was incredibly rewarding.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, the excitement was undeniable. Many of my students had never worked with professional-quality design tools before. They were curious, eager, and proud to handle materials that made them feel like real designers. One student said, \"This makes me feel like I can actually do this in the future.\" Moments like that remind us how powerful access can be.\r\n\r\nThese resources have increased engagement, creativity, and collaboration. Students are now more willing to take risks, solve problems independently, and think critically about how design impacts everyday life—even here in a remote Arctic community.\r\n\r\nOur next steps include expanding this project into a community-focused design unit. Students will develop practical design solutions inspired by local needs, allowing them to connect creativity with real-world application. We are also planning to build digital portfolios so they can showcase their work and explore future career pathways in design and technology.\r\n\r\nYour support has done more than provide materials—it has sparked confidence, curiosity, and possibility. Thank you for believing in our Arctic students and helping us create tomorrow's designers.","fullyFundedDate":1767739919140,"projectUrl":"project/creating-tomorrows-designers-empowerin/9689290/","projectTitle":"Creating Tomorrow’s Designers: Empowering Arctic Students Through Creativity","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Jay Panlilio","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9510893_orig.png?crop=1425,1425,x9,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1731607564078","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9510893"},{"teacherId":9510893,"projectId":9952300,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, my students are now able to capture their stories with confidence and creativity. The tripod and accessories have transformed how we use technology in our classroom. Instead of holding devices by hand and struggling with shaky videos, students can now create stable, professional-looking recordings that allow them to focus on storytelling, communication, and content.\r\n\r\nIn our classroom, technology is more than just a tool—it is a bridge. It allows students to share their voices, document learning projects, practice presentations, and create digital portfolios. The tripod has made it possible for students to record science demonstrations, math explanations, cultural storytelling, and even reflective journals. This has significantly improved their confidence when speaking and presenting.\r\n\r\nWhat excites my students most is feeling like real content creators. When they see their videos steady and clear, they take greater pride in their work. Even students who are typically shy have warmed up to the camera. One of my SPED students, who usually hesitates to speak in front of the class, volunteered to record a step-by-step explanation of a math problem because he felt more comfortable speaking to the camera. That moment alone showed the power of access to the right tools.\r\n\r\nFor our rural Alaska classroom, where opportunities can sometimes feel limited, this technology opens doors. It empowers students to tell their stories, share their culture, and build communication skills that will support them far beyond our classroom walls.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping my students capture their stories and, more importantly, discover their voices.","fullyFundedDate":1765533997222,"projectUrl":"project/capture-our-stories-tripod-accessorie/9952300/","projectTitle":"Capture Our Stories: Tripod & Accessories","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Jay Panlilio","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9510893_orig.png?crop=1425,1425,x9,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1731607564078","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9510893"},{"teacherId":10261749,"projectId":9714893,"letterContent":"\nThese materials allowed students to begin developing ideas for a cultural mural and explore design concepts before starting the final project in March. Students were encouraged to reflect on their identities, cultures, and experiences, helping them create meaningful and authentic designs. The process provided a positive outlet for self-expression and collaboration, allowing students to showcase who they are in a respectful and creative way while building confidence, pride, and a stronger sense of belonging within the school community.","fullyFundedDate":1758830623913,"projectUrl":"project/cultural-mural/9714893/","projectTitle":"Cultural Mural","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Frix","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10261749"},{"teacherId":10240599,"projectId":9956287,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, this project has made a meaningful difference in how my students learn each day. The new technology allows students to interact with lessons in ways that go far beyond traditional paper-and-pencil work. They can practice skills at their own pace, receive immediate feedback, and engage with visual and interactive content that helps concepts truly \"click.\" This has been especially helpful for students who need extra support as well as those who are ready for more challenging material, allowing everyone to stay engaged and motivated.\r\n\r\nWhat excites students most about this technology is how hands-on and interactive it is. Lessons feel more like exploration than instruction, and students are eager to participate. They are more willing to ask questions, collaborate with classmates, and take ownership of their learning. Even students who were previously hesitant or disengaged are now excited to come to class and try new activities using the technology.\r\n\r\nSeveral students who struggle with confidence have especially benefited from this project. Because the technology allows for practice without fear of embarrassment, these students have shown noticeable growth in both skills and self-esteem. Seeing their progress has been incredibly rewarding, and it would not have been possible without your support. Thank you for investing in our classroom and helping create an engaging, supportive learning environment for all students.","fullyFundedDate":1765829227744,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-learning-into-focus-a-documen/9956287/","projectTitle":"“Bringing Learning Into Focus: A Document Camera for Every Lesson”","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. EMBESAN","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10240599_orig.jpg?crop=1367,1367,x0,y460&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758131774975","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10240599"},{"teacherId":5941910,"projectId":9438022,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our project for lockdown window coverings. Your kindness directly helps keep our students safe by providing an added layer of protection and privacy during emergency situations.\r\n\r\nOur students come to school ready to learn, and knowing their classroom environment is more secure allows them and their teachers to focus on learning rather than worry. These window coverings will be used immediately and will remain an important safety feature in our classroom for years to come.\r\n\r\nWe are incredibly grateful for your willingness to invest in the safety and well-being of our students. Your support truly makes a difference, and we appreciate you for helping create a safer learning environment.","fullyFundedDate":1755695748490,"projectUrl":"project/window-coverings-for-lockdown/9438022/","projectTitle":"Window Coverings for Lockdown","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Brown","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5941910_orig.jpg?crop=1644,1644,x270,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746553354660","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5941910"},{"teacherId":9510893,"projectId":9843501,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting \"Badges of Achievement: Inspiring Growth and Success in Rural Students.\" This project has given my students a meaningful way to see their progress, celebrate their strengths, and feel proud of their accomplishments. The digital badge system helps students track skills they are learning and motivates them to keep trying, even when tasks feel challenging.\r\n\r\nWhat excites my students most is earning badges that recognize their effort and growth, not just perfect results. Students who previously struggled with confidence are now more engaged, setting goals, and asking, \"What badge can I work on next?\" Several students who were hesitant to participate have shown increased motivation and persistence because the badges make learning visible and rewarding. Your generosity has helped my students feel recognized, capable, and inspired to succeed. Thank you for believing in them and supporting their growth.","fullyFundedDate":1763612642549,"projectUrl":"project/badges-of-achievement-inspiring-growth/9843501/","projectTitle":"Badges of Achievement: Inspiring Growth and Success in Rural Students","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Jay Panlilio","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9510893_orig.png?crop=1425,1425,x9,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1731607564078","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9510893"},{"teacherId":10240599,"projectId":9902692,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting Coloring Our Learning: Whiteboard Markers for Bright Minds. These whiteboard markers have made a noticeable difference in our classroom by transforming everyday lessons into interactive and engaging learning experiences. My students use the markers daily during math problem-solving, vocabulary practice, and quick formative assessments. One memorable moment was during a math lesson when students worked out problems on individual whiteboards, proudly holding them up to share their thinking. This immediate feedback allowed me to address misunderstandings right away while encouraging student confidence and participation.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the new markers, their excitement was evident. They were eager to choose colors, write clearly, and actively participate in lessons. The variety of colors helped students organize their thoughts, highlight key steps, and stay focused. Even students who are typically hesitant to participate became more engaged because writing on whiteboards felt fun, low-pressure, and accessible.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, our next steps involve deeper collaboration and independent thinking. Students are now using the whiteboards to explain their reasoning, solve multi-step problems, and practice skills before moving on to more complex concepts. The markers have also supported peer learning, as students can quickly share ideas and learn from one another.\r\n\r\nYour contribution has truly brought energy, creativity, and confidence into our classroom. These simple yet powerful tools continue to brighten our learning every day, and we are deeply grateful for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1764016405306,"projectUrl":"project/coloring-our-learning-whiteboard-marker/9902692/","projectTitle":"Coloring Our Learning: Whiteboard Markers for Bright Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. EMBESAN","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10240599_orig.jpg?crop=1367,1367,x0,y460&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758131774975","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10240599"},{"teacherId":10240599,"projectId":9680009,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting Frame by Frame: Details That Matter. The document camera has already made a meaningful difference in how my students learn and engage during lessons. While many donors are familiar with technology at home, this tool allows learning to happen in a unique classroom way—by projecting real-time demonstrations, written work, manipulatives, and reading materials so every student can clearly see each step of the process. Students no longer have to guess or struggle to follow along; they can watch concepts unfold live, which greatly improves understanding.\r\n\r\nWhat excites students most is being able to see lessons \"up close.\" Whether it's solving a math problem step by step, analyzing a text, or showcasing student work, the document camera brings clarity and focus to learning. Students are especially motivated when their own work is displayed, giving them a sense of pride and encouraging participation.\r\n\r\nSeveral students who typically need extra support have shown remarkable improvement with this technology. Visual learners, in particular, have become more confident and engaged because they can see exactly how problems are solved. Students who are usually hesitant to ask questions are now more willing to participate, as the visuals help reduce confusion and anxiety.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, learning in our classroom is more interactive, inclusive, and accessible. This project has truly helped my students build confidence, stay engaged, and succeed—frame by frame.","fullyFundedDate":1763608881534,"projectUrl":"project/frame-by-frame-details-that-matter/9680009/","projectTitle":"“Frame by Frame: Details That Matter”","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. EMBESAN","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10240599_orig.jpg?crop=1367,1367,x0,y460&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758131774975","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10240599"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_100145","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":336,"numTeachers":25,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":3,"percentIndigenous":85,"percentLatinx":1,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"13.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"RURAL","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_REMOTE"},"inStateSupporters":31.3,"schoolId":100145,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Kotzebue Middle High School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Kotzebue Middle High School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/alaska/northwest-arctic-borough-school-district/kotzebue-middle-high-school/100145"}