{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Martin Van Buren High School","outOfStateSupporters":43.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":7651643,"projectId":8940534,"letterContent":"From the classroom photos, it's clear that this physics lab resource has transformed how students engage with scientific concepts. The Hot Wheels track systems and digital sensors have become a vital centerpiece of our hands-on physics investigations. During our dynamics (force and motion unit), students used the colorful orange and blue track pieces to create complex roller coaster designs, testing variables like height, angle, and velocity while collecting real-time data on their laptops. What struck me most was watching students naturally connect these experiments to real-world applications - one student immediately saw the connection to actual roller coaster engineering, while another linked our sensor work to robotics programming they do in their club.\r\n\r\nThe students' initial reaction to the materials was pure excitement mixed with curiosity. I watched their eyes light up as they realized these weren't just toys, but sophisticated tools for scientific discovery. The combination of the familiar Hot Wheels tracks with professional data collection equipment created the perfect bridge between play and rigorous scientific methodology. Students who had previously struggled with abstract physics concepts suddenly found themselves deeply engaged, working collaboratively to troubleshoot their designs and analyze their data. As one student reflected, the hands-on labs helped them socialize and made learning \"more fun\" while still mastering complex formulas and physics principles.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, we will expand our investigations to explore wave properties using these same track systems combined with additional sensors. The confidence they've gained through these tactile experiences is evident in their reflections - they've moved from feeling \"overwhelmed by new physics concepts\" to trusting their \"ability to figure things out.\" This donor-supported equipment has truly created a \"lab-in-a-pocket\" environment where abstract physics becomes tangible, engaging, and memorable for every student in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1741731829093,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-real-science-to-life-lab-in-a/8940534/","projectTitle":"Bringing Real Science to Life: Lab-in-a Pocket!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Okobiah","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7651643_orig.jpg?crop=1216,1216,x110,y205&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1629867925491","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mr-okobiah"},{"teacherId":7651643,"projectId":8949427,"letterContent":"Some of my students have been deeply engaged with \"Mascot\" by Charles Waters and Traci Sorell. It's a novel that explores themes of racism, identity, and social justice through the story of Callie, a Black Cherokee student who challenges her school's offensive mascot. The book resonated with the students and sparked meaningful discussions about cultural appropriation, white supremacy, and the importance of standing up for what's right.\r\n\r\nWhen students first encountered this book, they were immediately drawn to its relevance and authenticity. With its diverse cast of characters: from Callie's Cherokee heritage to Franklin's journey of understanding his Black identity, and Priya's experience as a second-generation Indian American, allowed my students to see themselves reflected in the story. Students were particularly engaged by the book's unflinching look at how racism manifests in schools and communities' they also drew parallels to the current events happening in their local communities with ICE.\r\nAs evidenced in the student reflections/write ups, they connected the book's themes to their own lives and futures. They wrote about the importance of persisting through challenges, drawing inspiration from the characters' determination and using obstacles as motivation for personal growth.\r\nMy next steps will be to expand this to all my classes and continue to provide guided reflections on how students can apply the book's lessons about advocacy and allyship. Specifically, I would (1) Exploring connections between the historical and contemporary issues raised in the novel and \r\n(2) Develop student-led discussions about how they can address bias and discrimination in their own school community and beyond.\r\nI am grateful to all my donors for this resource. The depth of engagement shown by my students demonstrates how powerful it is when young people see their experiences validated in literature while being challenged to think critically about social justice issues.","fullyFundedDate":1741964120756,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-young-minds-building-a-cultu/8949427/","projectTitle":"Empowering Young Minds: Building a Culture of Reading Excellence","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Okobiah","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7651643_orig.jpg?crop=1216,1216,x110,y205&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1629867925491","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mr-okobiah"},{"teacherId":7651643,"projectId":8650829,"letterContent":"In my classroom, reading is now becoming an active collaborative experience. By incorporating a mix of guided close reading, independent exploration and small group discussions students engage in critical thinking and making connections between literature and real-world experiences. I prioritize creating comfortable reading spaces and dedicated time for students to immerse themselves in books, magazines and other texts that foster a genuine enjoyment of reading while building and developing skills such as inference, contextual vocabulary acquisition and understanding multiple perspectives. These skills are helpful for developing empathetic, thoughtful readers.","fullyFundedDate":1726836117492,"projectUrl":"project/graphic-magazines-the-mind-a-wood-that/8650829/","projectTitle":"Graphic Magazines: the Mind, a Wood That Needs Igniting","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Okobiah","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7651643_orig.jpg?crop=1216,1216,x110,y205&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1629867925491","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mr-okobiah"},{"teacherId":7651643,"projectId":8650408,"letterContent":"Using these basic but yet essential classroom materials has transformed my classroom into a vibrant, collaborative space where students actively engage with their learning. My students particularly light up when using the lapboards and the dry erase markers for problem-solving activities. These tools allow them to freely express their ideas, make mistakes without fear, and share their work with peers as they work within their groups and in other groups with a gallery work. The ability to quickly write, erase, and revise has made students more willing to take academic risks and participate in class discussions, creating a more dynamic learning space.\r\n\r\nWhat's especially encouraging is seeing how these tools have helped bridge learning gaps among my diverse student groups. For example, my English language learners and those who would not normally speak have shown remarkable progress using the laminated card sorts. These hands-on material transcend language barriers and promote peer interaction. In addition, my visual and kinesthetic learners particularly benefit from these hands-on resources. The addition of wired headphones has been particularly valuable for students who need focused time during independent work, allowing them to better concentrate in our active classroom environment.","fullyFundedDate":1726792803497,"projectUrl":"project/equipping-my-scholars-for-success/8650408/","projectTitle":"Equipping My Scholars For Success","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Okobiah","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7651643_orig.jpg?crop=1216,1216,x110,y205&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1629867925491","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mr-okobiah"},{"teacherId":8694957,"projectId":8762281,"letterContent":"Thank you, thank you, thank you! The materials you provided have has made such a positive impact on the lives of my students. During their library visits, they are able to use the resources to practice mindfulness, student check ins and relaxation. \r\n\r\nThe resources have given them a space to reflect and to be at peace in an otherwise hectic environment. Students have been inspired to borrow books we have at the library on mindfulness and self help. Thank you so much for your investment in the lives of our youth! You are very much appreciated!","fullyFundedDate":1726935750101,"projectUrl":"project/library-peace-corner-mindfulness-medita/8762281/","projectTitle":"Library Peace Corner-Mindfulness, Meditation and Relaxation","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Farrier","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8694957"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_1108","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1135,"numTeachers":75,"percentFrplEligible":74,"percentAsian":30,"percentBlack":35,"percentWhite":3,"percentIndigenous":4,"percentLatinx":22,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"9 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"15.1:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":56.9,"schoolId":1108,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Martin Van Buren High School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Martin Van Buren High School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-york/new-york-city-dept-of-ed/martin-van-buren-high-school/1108"}