{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Menchville High School","outOfStateSupporters":36.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10219320,"projectId":9661854,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my students now have access to powerful, conversation-shifting literature that strengthens their ability to think critically, argue thoughtfully, and engage deeply with the world around them. The Book Thief and The Hate U Give are two stories that challenge readers to confront injustice, question the systems around them, and form evidence-based arguments rooted in empathy and awareness. Because of you, my classroom now has multiple copies of each book—allowing students to read collaboratively, annotate together, and participate in discussions that sharpen their reasoning and writing skills.\r\nThese books are already sparking meaningful conversations among students who do not often see themselves reflected in literature or in positions of agency. They're discovering that their voices matter, their perspectives are valid, and their arguments can create real change. Your support has given them the chance to grapple with complex themes—identity, resistance, courage, and morality—and to turn those ideas into strong, persuasive arguments in their writing.\r\nThank you for believing in the power of literature to open minds and uplift student voices. Your gift has not only placed books into their hands—it has placed confidence, curiosity, and critical thinking into their futures.","fullyFundedDate":1763802008083,"projectUrl":"project/books-that-inspire-powerful-arguments/9661854/","projectTitle":"Books That Inspire Powerful Arguments","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sheppard","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10219320_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755951338676","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-sheppard33"},{"teacherId":10219320,"projectId":9918889,"letterContent":"Providing daily nourishment in the classroom has truly transformed our learning environment. Because of your kindness, my students now have access to snacks when hunger threatens their focus, and that has made all the difference. The BBQ chips, cereal bars, and brownie brittle have helped fuel long afternoons, restore energy after tough mornings, and ensured that students can learn without experiencing the distraction or discomfort of an empty stomach. When students don't have to worry about where their next snack will come from, they are free to invest fully in reading, writing, discussions, and collaborative work.\r\nThis gift has been especially meaningful for students who often come to school without food, or who are hesitant to ask for help. Having a safe, dependable, judgement-free place to regroup with a snack has provided comfort, dignity, and a sense of belonging. I've watched confidence and participation grow simply because students felt supported in this basic need.\r\nThank you for believing that nourishment matters, and for reminding my students that the community is cheering them on. Your generosity has brought joy, relief, and encouragement into our classroom—and for that, we are deeply grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1763996372464,"projectUrl":"project/fueling-focus-in-the-classroom/9918889/","projectTitle":"Fueling Focus in the Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sheppard","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10219320_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755951338676","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-sheppard33"},{"teacherId":5213676,"projectId":9744383,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our classroom and helping us build a rich and engaging reading environment for our students. Your generosity is making a lasting difference as we prepare for our upcoming literature circles, where students will have the opportunity to read powerful and thought-provoking texts such as The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini and the Arc of a Scythe series by Neal Shusterman.\r\n\r\nThese titles offer students meaningful, relevant, and deeply engaging stories that challenge them to think critically about humanity, morality, resilience, and social responsibility. The Kite Runner offers opportunities to discuss redemption, cultural understanding, and the complexities of personal choices. The Arc of a Scythe series invites students to explore ethical dilemmas, power structures, and the meaning of valuing life in a futuristic society.\r\n\r\nYour support ensures that students have access to high-quality literature that inspires thoughtful analysis, strengthens reading comprehension, and sparks authentic conversation. These books help students build empathy, broaden their perspectives, and develop confident voices during collaborative discussions.\r\nBecause of your contributions, students will participate in literature circles that promote independence, academic growth, and a lifelong love of reading. Your generosity directly enriches their learning experiences and empowers them to engage deeply with challenging and meaningful texts.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our students and their futures. Your support truly matters.","fullyFundedDate":1762266367979,"projectUrl":"project/reading-is-life/9744383/","projectTitle":"Reading Is Life","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ellis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5213676"},{"teacherId":5213676,"projectId":9742965,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generosity and support of our classroom. Your donations of board games, sentence-building games for our English Language Learners, teen crossword puzzles, teen coloring books, and teen brain games have created an immediate and meaningful impact on our students' daily learning experience.\r\n\r\nBoard games and brain puzzles offer students engaging opportunities to practice critical thinking, teamwork, and communication in a fun, low-pressure environment. These activities help build problem-solving skills and strengthen positive peer interactions, both of which are essential for student growth academically and socially.\r\nThe sentence-building game for our ELL students has been especially powerful. It provides hands-on literacy practice that boosts vocabulary development, strengthens grammar skills, and builds confidence in reading and communicating in English. This resource supports differentiated instruction and gives students the tools they need to succeed.\r\n\r\nTeen crossword puzzles, coloring books, and brain games offer students meaningful brain breaks that reduce stress and help them reset between challenging lessons. These activities encourage creativity, build resilience, and support emotional well-being—key components of a healthy learning environment.\r\n\r\nYour contributions help create a classroom where students feel supported, engaged, and excited to learn. We are deeply grateful for your kindness, and our students benefit from it every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1762266331198,"projectUrl":"project/social-emotional-learning/9742965/","projectTitle":"Social Emotional Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ellis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5213676"},{"teacherId":5213676,"projectId":9724231,"letterContent":"Donations of Swedish Fish, band-aids, dry erase markers, chalk, paper towels, and markers make a meaningful difference in our classroom every day. Swedish Fish provide a small but powerful incentive that helps motivate students during lessons, quizzes, and review activities. Band-aids let students quickly treat minor cuts or blisters without leaving the classroom, keeping learning time uninterrupted.\r\n\r\nDry erase markers and chalk are essential tools that support active teaching and student collaboration on the board and at whiteboard stations. These materials help make lessons interactive, visual, and engaging. Paper towels keep our classroom clean and functional, allowing for quick cleanups and maintaining a comfortable learning environment. Markers support creative assignments, projects, posters, and annotation activities that help students express understanding in varied and meaningful ways.\r\nEach item contributes to creating a supportive, efficient, and engaging classroom where students can focus on learning. Your generosity directly enhances their daily experience and helps maintain a positive and productive learning space.","fullyFundedDate":1762266386868,"projectUrl":"project/a-few-classroom-odds-and-ends/9724231/","projectTitle":"A Few Classroom Odds and Ends","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ellis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5213676"},{"teacherId":10219320,"projectId":9751564,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our classroom has become a place where students can imagine themselves in white coats, caring for others, and solving real-world problems with compassion and skill. The materials from this project allowed us to explore medical case studies, learn foundational health science concepts, and practice hands-on activities that mirror the work of real healthcare professionals. Students strengthened critical skills like scientific reasoning, close reading of informational texts, and collaboration—skills essential to any future career in medicine or public health.\r\nReading and learning now look different in our classroom. Students work together to break down complex medical scenarios, discuss ethical dilemmas, analyze patient stories, and make connections between science and the communities they live in. You can often hear them debating diagnoses, asking thoughtful questions, or practicing communication strategies used by doctors and nurses. Our room feels energized, focused, and hopeful—like a small training ground for tomorrow's healthcare leaders.\r\nSome of the biggest transformations have come from students who never considered a future in healthcare until now. Two students, in particular, have proudly announced that they want to become doctors after diving into our new resources. One is now obsessed with cardiology, while another has started researching pediatric medicine so she can help kids like her younger siblings. These materials didn't just teach lessons—they opened doors, sparked ambition, and helped my students see themselves as capable of making a difference in the world.","fullyFundedDate":1758835301013,"projectUrl":"project/inspiring-the-next-generation-of-healthc/9751564/","projectTitle":"Inspiring the Next Generation of Healthcare Heroes","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sheppard","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10219320_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755951338676","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-sheppard33"},{"teacherId":10219320,"projectId":9661898,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, my students have been able to engage with stories that challenge the way they think, question, and communicate. These new texts allowed us to explore skills such as evaluating evidence, identifying bias, recognizing multiple perspectives, and building well-reasoned arguments. Instead of simply reading for plot, my students are now reading to uncover deeper meaning—asking why characters make certain choices, how themes connect to real-world issues, and what lessons they can apply to their own lives as future leaders and problem-solvers.\r\nReading in our classroom has become an active, collaborative experience. You'll see students annotating with color-coded questions, leaning over tables in small groups to debate interpretations, and using discussion stems to respectfully challenge each other's ideas. They're not just reading—they're thinking out loud, building confidence in their reasoning, and learning how to communicate complex ideas with clarity. The classroom feels more alive, more curious, and more courageous.\r\nSome students who once hesitated to share their thoughts have become some of our strongest analytical voices. One student who normally stays quiet in class lit up during a debate after connecting a character's actions to a real-life community issue. Another student—an English learner—began using the new vocabulary from these texts in his writing, proud that he could participate in conversations that used to feel out of reach. These resources didn't just strengthen their reading skills—they strengthened their belief that their thinking matters.","fullyFundedDate":1758202823704,"projectUrl":"project/stories-that-strengthen-critical-thinker/9661898/","projectTitle":"Stories That Strengthen Critical ThinkerS","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sheppard","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10219320_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755951338676","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-sheppard33"},{"teacherId":10219320,"projectId":9661826,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my students are growing into the kind of readers—and future leaders—who see books not just as assignments, but as gateways to possibility. These new texts opened the door for us to strengthen essential literacy skills: annotation, inference, academic vocabulary, and critical thinking. More importantly, they've given my students opportunities to connect literature to their own lives—identifying themes, analyzing character choices, and recognizing that stories can be mirrors for their experiences and windows into the world.\r\nReading in our classroom now feels alive. Students read independently with choice, in small groups during guided discussions, and aloud when they're practicing fluency and confidence. They annotate with purpose. They debate themes. They ask questions that show they're beginning to think like scholars. There's a buzz in the room that wasn't there before—one filled with curiosity, pride, and the sound of pages turning.\r\nSome of the most meaningful moments have come from students who didn't see themselves as readers at all. One student in particular—quiet, hesitant, and easily discouraged—has begun volunteering to read aloud, simply because he fell in love with one of the books you helped bring into our classroom. Another student told me, \"This book feels like it was written for me,\" and now she's recommending titles to her classmates like a little librarian in training. These are the moments that shape future leaders: confidence built one chapter at a time.\r\nYour support didn't just give us books—it gave my students a chance to see themselves as thinkers, storytellers, and scholars. Thank you for investing in their voices, their futures, and their belief that they belong in every room they enter.","fullyFundedDate":1758202805411,"projectUrl":"project/inspiring-future-leaders-through-books/9661826/","projectTitle":"Inspiring Future Leaders Through Books","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sheppard","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10219320_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755951338676","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-sheppard33"},{"teacherId":5213676,"projectId":9744408,"letterContent":"Later this school year, students will have the option to read American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins, The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, and various other texts in literature circles. They will experience profound academic and emotional growth. These novels, while very different in time and setting, share universal themes of resilience, humanity, and the transformative power of words. Through collaborative discussion, critical analysis, and personal reflection, students will develop empathy, cultural awareness, and a deeper appreciation for storytelling's ability to shape human understanding.\r\n\r\nStudents who choose to engage with American Dirt will explore the harrowing journey of Lydia and her son Luca as they flee cartel violence in Mexico and seek refuge in the United States. Literature circles will allow students to process the emotional intensity of this narrative collectively, promoting empathy and awareness of modern immigration struggles. As students analyze characters, motivations, and themes, they will gain insight into the human cost of migration and the courage it demands. These discussions will also invite critical thinking about representation and authenticity in literature—important conversations in today's classroom. Students will question whose voices are amplified in storytelling and how authors navigate cultural boundaries responsibly. Such inquiry strengthens their analytical skills and encourages them to think deeply about social justice, ethics, and the role of literature in shaping perspective.\r\n\r\nThose who decide to read The Book Thief will encounter a different kind of human struggle—one defined by war, oppression, and the resilience of the human spirit. Set in Nazi Germany and narrated by Death, Zusak's novel explores the power of words to both harm and heal. Within literature circles, students will discuss how Liesel's stolen books become symbols of hope and identity amid chaos and loss. These conversations will inspire students to think about literacy as an act of resistance and compassion. They will come to appreciate how storytelling can preserve humanity in the darkest of times.\r\n\r\nThe impact of reading American Dirt and The Book Thief in literature circles will be evident in students' ability to think critically, communicate thoughtfully, and empathize deeply. They will learn that reading is not just an academic task—it is an invitation to see the world through new eyes, to question injustice, and to believe in the enduring strength of compassion and words.\r\n\r\nI cannot forget about the classroom essentials like cordless lamps and air fresheners, which create a comfortable, focused learning environment. Soft lighting supports reading and discussion, while a fresh, pleasant atmosphere reduces stress and distraction. Together, these improvements help students feel more relaxed, engaged, and ready to participate actively in learning activities.","fullyFundedDate":1760737039407,"projectUrl":"project/new-adventures-with-new-books/9744408/","projectTitle":"New Adventures With New Books","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ellis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5213676"},{"teacherId":5213676,"projectId":9467060,"letterContent":"Later this school year, my students will begin literature circles with options to read three powerful novels: Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler, When You Look Like Us by Pamela N. Harris, and One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus. While we have not yet started these books, I want to share the purpose behind choosing them. Each novel offers students a unique lens through which to examine society, identity, and the choices people make when faced with challenges.\r\n Parable of the Sower encourages students to think critically about resilience, community, and survival in the face of social and environmental collapse. When You Look Like Us opens conversations about race, justice, and the power of raising one's voice against inequality. One of Us Is Lying explores truth, perception, and the pressures of adolescence while asking students to question how well we really know the people around us.\r\n By engaging with these texts in literature circles, students will not only strengthen their reading comprehension and analytical skills, but they will also learn to listen to diverse perspectives, collaborate with peers, and draw connections between literature and their own lived experiences. I intend to foster empathy, critical thinking, and meaningful dialogue that help students grow as readers, thinkers, and citizens.\r\nThank you for supporting these opportunities. With your help, students will approach these books with curiosity and courage, gaining lessons that extend beyond the classroom walls.","fullyFundedDate":1758202859747,"projectUrl":"project/books-books-and-more-books/9467060/","projectTitle":"Books, Books, and More Books","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ellis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5213676"},{"teacherId":5213676,"projectId":9487190,"letterContent":"Later this school year, my students will begin reading in literature circles. They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera is one of several novels students will have to choose from. Although they have not started yet, I want to share the intent behind this choice. The novel invites students to reflect on the value of time, the importance of relationships, and how people can find meaning even in the face of difficult circumstances.\r\nMy goal in introducing this book is to encourage students to think deeply about empathy, mortality, and the choices that define who we are. Through guided discussions, they will explore themes of identity, friendship, and living authentically. Reading this novel together will help students practice perspective-taking, develop critical thinking skills, and engage in meaningful conversations about how we treat others and how we spend the time we are given.\r\nBy reading in literature circles, students will have the chance to share diverse viewpoints, build respectful dialogue, and connect the novel's themes to their own lives and communities. This collaborative reading experience will not only strengthen their analytical skills but also inspire them to reflect on the urgency of kindness and the impact of our actions.\r\nThank you for supporting opportunities like this. With your help, students will approach this text with curiosity, openness, and compassion, ready to learn lessons that extend far beyond the classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1758202855476,"projectUrl":"project/lets-read/9487190/","projectTitle":"Let's Read","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ellis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5213676"},{"teacherId":5213676,"projectId":9487147,"letterContent":"Later this school year, my students will begin reading in literature circles. They'll have a list of excellent novels to choose from, two being The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead and Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler. We haven't started the books yet, but I want to share my intent for this learning experience. Both texts ask students to grapple with deep questions about justice, resilience, community, and the ways individuals respond to broken systems.\r\n\r\nThrough these novels, students will practice empathy by stepping into the lives of characters whose struggles and choices echo real-world issues of inequality, hope, and survival. My goal is to empower students to see literature not only as a story on a page but also as a mirror of society and a call to think critically about their own world.\r\n\r\nBy discussing these influential books in literature circles, students will learn to collaborate, listen to diverse perspectives, and express their ideas thoughtfully. This shared experience will strengthen their reading, analysis, and communication skills while also encouraging them to consider how individuals can shape change, even in the face of hardship.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping bring these opportunities to life. With your support, my students will be able to approach these challenging, meaningful texts with curiosity, courage, and compassion.","fullyFundedDate":1757552036841,"projectUrl":"project/literature-circles/9487147/","projectTitle":"Literature Circles","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ellis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5213676"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_34830","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1709,"numTeachers":94,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":2,"percentBlack":35,"percentWhite":32,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":22,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"9 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"18.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":63.4,"schoolId":34830,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Menchville High School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Menchville High School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/virginia/newport-news-public-schools/menchville-high-school/34830"}