{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"National Academy Foundation School 421","outOfStateSupporters":46.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":6837046,"projectId":9722852,"letterContent":"Your donation toward providing snacks and food for our students has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact on our school community. Many of our children arrive each day without having eaten breakfast, and some go home unsure of what their next meal will be. \r\n\r\nHunger is one of the biggest barriers a child can face in the classroom. When students are hungry, it becomes incredibly difficult to concentrate, stay engaged, or participate in daily lessons. Simple activities like reading, writing, or working on a group project can become overwhelming challenges. Your generosity removes that barrier. \r\n\r\nBut the impact isn't only academic—it's emotional as well. When students know they can count on their school to help meet their basic needs, they feel safe and supported. That sense of safety builds trust and encourages stronger relationships between students and staff. Your donation communicates to our students that they matter, that people believe in them, and that they are deserving of care and kindness. \r\n\r\nYour support also helps create a more positive school climate. When students are fed and energized, their behavior improves, and they are more likely to participate in class discussions, collaborate with peers, and take on new challenges. Teachers can spend more time teaching and less time addressing the effects of hunger, such as irritability, distraction, and fatigue. \r\n\r\nYour kindness goes beyond the snacks themselves. It builds confidence, nurtures hope, and strengthens a sense of community. Students feel seen. They feel valued. And they are reminded that there are people who care about their future.\r\n\r\nThank you for choosing to support our students in such a meaningful way. Your donation has a powerful ripple effect that touches their academic success, emotional well-being, and overall growth. You are helping us create a school environment where every child can learn with dignity, energy, and the belief that they are capable of achieving great things. Your impact is truly immeasurable.","fullyFundedDate":1758907074434,"projectUrl":"project/brain-power-and-self-confidence/9722852/","projectTitle":"Brain Power and Self Confidence","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Norris","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6837046_orig.jpg?crop=398,398,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1643987109438","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mswomacknorriscsc"},{"teacherId":8893566,"projectId":8990731,"letterContent":"When our students first saw the new pyrography tools, their eyes lit up—literally and figuratively! Many had never heard of wood burning art before, so there was an immediate sense of curiosity and excitement. We started with a simple safety and technique demonstration, and within minutes, students were experimenting with shading, patterns, and lettering. The quiet focus in the room was striking—each student completely absorbed in the creative process.\r\n\r\nThese tools have opened up a whole new avenue for artistic expression. We recently completed a project where students designed and burned their own capoeira-inspired symbols and proverbs onto wooden panels. The results were beautiful and deeply personal—each piece reflected the student's identity and connection to our club's values of discipline, patience, and creativity.\r\n\r\nNext, our students plan to combine their pyrography pieces into a collaborative display for our end-of-year capoeira celebration. They're proud to showcase how art and culture intertwine in our program, and it's all thanks to your generous support in helping them explore new skills and creative possibilities.","fullyFundedDate":1742900021813,"projectUrl":"project/burning-bright-igniting-creativity-thro/8990731/","projectTitle":"Burning Bright: Igniting Creativity Through Pyrography Art!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. West","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8893566_orig.jpg?crop=1396,1396,x0,y55&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1671401693752","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ovawest"},{"teacherId":8893566,"projectId":8887271,"letterContent":"Our students were thrilled when the new kicking pads arrived! The Capoeira Club gathered around as we unpacked them, and the excitement was immediate—students couldn't wait to try them out. Within minutes, they were organizing themselves into pairs, practicing combinations, and testing their precision and control. The energy in the room was incredible.\r\n\r\nThese pads have completely transformed our training sessions. They've allowed students to safely practice advanced movements that were previously difficult to teach without proper equipment. Beyond technique, the students are also learning about rhythm, teamwork, and respect—the core values of capoeira. One of our recent class projects involved pairing students to create short sequences combining kicks, dodges, and music, which they performed for peers at the end of practice.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we're using the pads to prepare for our upcoming capoeira graduation event in May, where students will demonstrate their progress in front of family, friends, and guest teachers from Brazil. This project has truly empowered our students—physically, mentally, and culturally—and we're so grateful for your support in helping make that possible.","fullyFundedDate":1733846305137,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-minds-bodies-kicking-pads-fo/8887271/","projectTitle":"Empowering Minds Bodies: Kicking Pads for Capoeira Training and Wellness","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. West","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8893566_orig.jpg?crop=1396,1396,x0,y55&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1671401693752","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ovawest"},{"teacherId":8893566,"projectId":8889021,"letterContent":"We're thrilled to share how transformative your support has been for our Capoeira Club! Thanks to your donations, we were able to purchase a heat press—an incredible tool that's helped our students design and create their own uniforms and gear. What started as a dream to make personalized club shirts has grown into a full creative project connecting art, identity, and teamwork.\r\n\r\nThrough this project, students have learned design skills, from creating digital artwork to preparing materials for pressing. They've also practiced precision, patience, and collaboration—skills that extend far beyond the art room. Making their own uniforms has deepened their sense of belonging and pride; they're not just wearing capoeira clothes, they're wearing their own creations.\r\n\r\nIn our sessions, reading and discussion often come first—students look at the meanings behind traditional capoeira symbols and mottos before designing their graphics. The room buzzes with excitement as they line up designs, press them onto fabric, and celebrate each finished piece. One student who used to hang back during training now volunteers to help others use the press, while another proudly designed the club's first team logo.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has given our students the tools to merge creativity, culture, and craftsmanship. The heat press has become more than equipment—it's a bridge between tradition and innovation, helping our young capoeiristas wear their pride, literally, on their sleeves. Thank you for making that possible.","fullyFundedDate":1731680586548,"projectUrl":"project/printmaking-in-action-empowering-studen/8889021/","projectTitle":"Printmaking in Action: Empowering Students With a Heat Press!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. West","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8893566_orig.jpg?crop=1396,1396,x0,y55&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1671401693752","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ovawest"},{"teacherId":8893566,"projectId":8886367,"letterContent":"Thanks to your incredible support, our Capoeira Club has been able to bring visual art into our practice with new supplies like ink, cardstock, and other creative materials. These tools have opened up a whole new dimension of expression for our students, allowing them to explore the visual side of capoeira's culture and history.\r\n\r\nIn our art sessions, students learn to translate rhythm, movement, and story into images. They've created screen prints inspired by capoeira instruments, posters featuring traditional songs, and bold graphic designs celebrating Afro-Brazilian heroes. Alongside these creative skills, they're developing fine-motor control, focus, collaboration, and pride in sharing their work with others.\r\n\r\nReading in our space now sometimes looks like students studying the words to a capoeira song before illustrating its message, or researching Brazilian art styles and experimenting with them on cardstock. One student who rarely spoke in class now helps mix inks and teaches others how to layer colors—his confidence and leadership shining through his artwork. Another group designed a collaborative print that now hangs proudly in our practice room, reminding everyone that capoeira is as much about creativity and community as it is about movement.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has turned our club into a space where art, culture, and identity come together. Thank you for helping our students see their stories—and their art—take shape in vibrant color.","fullyFundedDate":1730331326128,"projectUrl":"project/art-for-expression-creative-outlets-to/8886367/","projectTitle":"Art for Expression: Creative Outlets to Relieve Stress & Anxiety","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. West","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8893566_orig.jpg?crop=1396,1396,x0,y55&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1671401693752","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ovawest"},{"teacherId":8893566,"projectId":9228546,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous donations, our Capoeira Club now has a growing library of books that connect movement, culture, and history. These new texts have helped our students deepen their understanding of Afro-Brazilian heritage, resilience, and creativity—the same values they embody through capoeira.\r\n\r\nIn our reading sessions, students explore themes like resistance, community, rhythm, and identity through stories and biographies of capoeiristas, musicians, and artists from across the African diaspora. We discuss how history lives through movement and how storytelling can be a form of liberation. Reading often looks like a circle—students seated together after training, sharing reflections, asking questions, and making connections between what they've read and what they experience in the roda.\r\n\r\nOne of our middle school students, who was hesitant to read out loud at first, now proudly leads discussions about the book Capoeira: Roots of the Dance-Fight-Game. Another student began writing her own poem inspired by a passage about quilombos—communities of freedom formed by escaped enslaved people. The books have become more than just resources; they've become sparks for confidence, curiosity, and pride.\r\n\r\nYour support has helped our students see themselves in the stories they read and the culture they practice. Thank you for helping us build not only a library, but a space where learning and heritage come alive together.","fullyFundedDate":1747212259971,"projectUrl":"project/ax-education-books-to-power-our-capo/9228546/","projectTitle":"Axé & Education: Books to Power Our Capoeira Class","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. West","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8893566_orig.jpg?crop=1396,1396,x0,y55&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1671401693752","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ovawest"},{"teacherId":9852282,"projectId":9148205,"letterContent":"How are we using the new resources?\r\nThe snacks you helped provide have become a vital part of our daily routine. We use them not only to meet basic needs but also as tools to support focus, motivation, and a sense of community. We have a snack break that helps students recharge and stay engaged. For some of our students who don't always come to school with a full belly, these snacks help bridge that gap so they can focus on learning, not hunger.\r\n\r\nHow did students react when they first saw the snacks?\r\nTheir reaction was priceless—wide eyes, big smiles, and a sense of relief. Several students stop by daily just to ask if I have any snacks. \r\n\r\nHaving snacks on hand keeps energy levels steady and moods positive. Thanks to you, they can do this with the confidence and comfort that come from knowing their basic needs are being met.\r\n\r\nYour support goes far beyond the snack shelf—we're so grateful to have you on this journey with us.","fullyFundedDate":1742842008974,"projectUrl":"project/snack-shack-takes-two/9148205/","projectTitle":"Snack Shack Takes Two","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cook","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9852282"},{"teacherId":9852282,"projectId":9014776,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous donations, our hygiene closet is now fully stocked—and it's already making a powerful difference in our students' lives.\r\n\r\nStudents were surprised and incredibly grateful. Many of them quietly took note of what was available, and soon after, we began to see students accessing the hygiene closet with dignity and confidence. One student told me, \"I feel so much better going into the day now—I don't have to worry about the little things.\" That moment really underscored just how much your support means.\r\n\r\nWe've stocked essentials like feminine hygiene products, toothpaste, deodorant, soap, and lotion. These items are being used every single day—not just to meet basic needs, but to help students feel more comfortable, confident, and ready to learn. For students facing challenges at home, having access to these items at school is life-changing.\r\n\r\nOur next steps involve maintaining and growing the closet so it stays stocked and accessible year-round. We're also working on discreet ways to share information about it with all students so they know it's there when they need it—no questions asked.\r\n\r\nYou've given more than supplies—you've given peace of mind, confidence, and care. Thank you for seeing and supporting the whole student. Your kindness is felt every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1742941561464,"projectUrl":"project/hygiene-closet/9014776/","projectTitle":"Hygiene Closet","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cook","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9852282"},{"teacherId":7562213,"projectId":8481371,"letterContent":"My high school English class became my home away from home, not just because of the lessons we learned, but because of the atmosphere that was created—an atmosphere made possible by generous donors. It wasn't just a classroom. It was a safe space, a chill zone, and a place where I could reset when life outside got overwhelming.\r\n\r\nOne of the biggest things that made the room feel like home was the small stuff—like snacks. It might not seem like much, but having snacks available helped more than people realize. On the days when I skipped breakfast or didn't have time for lunch, those snacks got me through. They kept my energy up and helped me focus. It was a simple gesture that made a huge difference.\r\n\r\nThen there was the fish tank. That fish tank did more than just sit in the corner. It added life and peace to our classroom. Watching the fish swim calmed my anxiety during stressful moments. It gave me something peaceful to focus on when my mind felt like it was spinning. The soft bubbling sound, the gentle movement—it created a vibe in the room that felt comforting and peaceful.\r\n\r\nBecause of the support from donors, our English class felt more like a community than just a class. We weren't just reading and writing—we were growing, connecting, and feeling cared for. That environment helped me open up more, participate in class, and actually enjoy being there.\r\n\r\nSo thank you to everyone who helped create that space for us. It truly became a home away from home.","fullyFundedDate":1729629291288,"projectUrl":"project/a-home-away-from-home/8481371/","projectTitle":"A Home Away From Home","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cole","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7562213_orig.jpg?crop=838,839,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1625677968152","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7562213"},{"teacherId":7562213,"projectId":8559098,"letterContent":"The calming corner in my high school English class has made a significant positive impact on both students and the overall classroom environment. Designed as a safe space where students can step away, take a breath, and regulate their emotions, the calming corner has helped reduce anxiety, improve focus, and promote emotional well-being.\r\n\r\nSince its introduction, students have used the space when feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, or simply in need of a break. It includes items like stress balls, fidget tools, calming visuals, affirmations, and soft lighting—all of which help create a peaceful atmosphere. The presence of this space has encouraged students to develop self-awareness and take responsibility for their emotions in a healthy way.\r\n\r\nOne of the biggest impacts is how it has changed classroom culture. Students know it's okay to not feel okay, and they have a space to go to without feeling judged. It's also reduced disruptions during lessons, as students can de-escalate privately and return to learning more focused and ready. Several students who struggle with anxiety or emotional regulation have shared how helpful it's been to have a dedicated space to reset.\r\n\r\nOverall, the calming corner supports not just academic success, but emotional growth too. It fosters a sense of safety, empathy, and community within the classroom—a small space making a big difference.","fullyFundedDate":1723468125473,"projectUrl":"project/calming-corner/8559098/","projectTitle":"Calming Corner","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cole","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7562213_orig.jpg?crop=838,839,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1625677968152","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7562213"},{"teacherId":9852282,"projectId":8982881,"letterContent":"I want to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your generous contribution to the Snack Shack—a small but mighty initiative that has made a significant impact on our students' success. Thanks to your support, we were able to provide not only snacks but also a warm, welcoming space with a heater and a cozy bean bag chair.\r\n\r\nFor many students, the Snack Shack became more than just a place to grab a quick bite—it became a refuge, a moment of relief in a busy school day. The simple act of having access to a healthy snack helped students stay focused and energized in their classes. The warmth of the heater on chilly days and the comfort of the bean bag chair gave them a space to reset, recharge, and prepare for success.","fullyFundedDate":1734695631845,"projectUrl":"project/snack-shack-corner/8982881/","projectTitle":"Snack Shack Corner","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cook","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9852282"},{"teacherId":8893566,"projectId":8953027,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our afterschool capoeira program has been able to enhance the learning experience for our students with a high-quality speaker. Music is the heartbeat of capoeira, and having clear, powerful sound has made a world of difference in keeping our students engaged and energized.\r\n\r\nMany of our donors may not realize just how essential music is to capoeira. The rhythms of the berimbau, atabaque, and pandeiro guide movement, timing, and interaction in the game. With this speaker, students can hear the nuances of the music more clearly, helping them develop a deeper connection to the art form. It also allows us to bring authentic capoeira recordings into our lessons, exposing students to traditional songs and styles from Brazil.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting part for our students is feeling the energy that comes from the music filling the space. The speaker has transformed our rodas (capoeira circles), making the experience feel more immersive and authentic. Instead of struggling to hear over background noise, students can now fully engage with the rhythm, call-and-response singing, and dynamic movement.\r\n\r\nOne student, in particular, has really embraced this new addition. At first, they were shy about singing in class, unsure of their voice. But with the speaker amplifying the music and the group's singing, they found the confidence to join in. Now, they're one of the loudest voices in our rodas, even taking the lead on songs—a powerful transformation that speaks to the impact of this technology.\r\n\r\nThank you for making this possible! Your support is giving our students an enriched, immersive learning environment where they can grow, express themselves, and connect with a rich cultural tradition.","fullyFundedDate":1733254799122,"projectUrl":"project/amplifying-the-rhythm-empowering-capoei/8953027/","projectTitle":"Amplifying the Rhythm: Empowering Capoeira Through Music and Movement","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. West","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8893566_orig.jpg?crop=1396,1396,x0,y55&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1671401693752","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ovawest"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_72536","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":801,"numTeachers":52,"percentFrplEligible":93,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":40,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":56,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"15.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":54.0,"schoolId":72536,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about National Academy Foundation School 421 on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"National Academy Foundation School 421","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/maryland/baltimore-city-public-school-district/national-academy-foundtn-school-421/72536"}