{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Pittsburgh Science and Technology Academy","outOfStateSupporters":22.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":3016220,"projectId":10028845,"letterContent":"THANK YOU for your support of my students and our project. Having the essentials (breakfast bars, snacks, hygiene items) ensures that the students have access to items in the classroom that help them to meet their basic needs and instead, can focus on their learning! Students continue to participate in discussions about social justice mathematics while simultaneously working hard to graph and to analyze polynomial functions (in Algebra 2) and to analyze rational functions (precalculus). Having easy access to \"brain fuel\" will help us to keep the momentum going. Thanks again!","fullyFundedDate":1768684726846,"projectUrl":"project/food-and-hygiene-needs/10028845/","projectTitle":"Food and Hygiene Needs","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lazzaro","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3016220_orig.jpg?crop=323,323,x0,y274&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1631046024817","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3016220"},{"teacherId":10293647,"projectId":9893793,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting snacks for our advisory period. Advisory is a time when students check grades, catch up on missing work, and focus on important junior-year items like testing, post-secondary planning, and goal setting. Having snacks available has made this time calmer and more productive. Students are able to focus, ask questions, and stay engaged instead of being distracted by hunger or low energy.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the snacks, they were genuinely excited and appreciative. Several students commented on how helpful it was, especially during longer advisory sessions. It immediately created a more welcoming environment and helped students feel comfortable and supported during what can sometimes be a stressful part of the day.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, students will continue using advisory to monitor grades, prepare for upcoming deadlines, and work through junior-year responsibilities. The snacks help make advisory a positive, supportive space where students can focus on what they need to do to stay on track. Your generosity has made a meaningful difference, and our students truly benefit from it.","fullyFundedDate":1765090204385,"projectUrl":"project/snacks-and-materials/9893793/","projectTitle":"Snacks and Materials","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Tsangaris","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10293647"},{"teacherId":10293647,"projectId":9772698,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our students now have a full class set of headphones that are used every single day during STEM learning. The headphones allow students to fully focus on digital lessons, tutorials, and simulations without distractions, which has made a noticeable difference in both engagement and understanding. Whether students are coding, watching short instructional videos, or following step-by-step engineering challenges, they are able to work at their own pace and truly absorb the content.\r\n\r\nWhat excites students most is the independence the headphones give them. They feel more confident navigating learning platforms, replaying directions when needed, and exploring enrichment activities without feeling rushed or left behind. Students who sometimes struggle in whole-group instruction have especially benefited—they are more willing to try, make mistakes, and persist when they can learn quietly and privately.\r\n\r\nThis project has helped create a more focused, inclusive classroom where all students can access technology in meaningful ways. Your support has made daily STEM instruction smoother, more engaging, and more equitable for every learner. Thank you for making such a positive and lasting impact on our students' learning experiences.","fullyFundedDate":1759266577407,"projectUrl":"project/class-set-of-headphones/9772698/","projectTitle":"Class Set of Headphones","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Tsangaris","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10293647"},{"teacherId":2839583,"projectId":9800942,"letterContent":"When the Around the World Art Club opened for next quarter, the response was instant—students were practically sprinting to sign up. Many said it was the class they looked forward to the most during the week because it gave them a creative outlet that regular classes don't offer. Several students who are usually quiet in academic settings became energized and talkative as they explored new art forms—from Adinkra symbols to mandalas to calligraphy.\r\n\r\nThe excitement wasn't just noise; it translated into real engagement. Students asked what projects we were going to work on, asked if we needed extra materials , and even brought friends who hadn't considered joining before. For many, this was the first time they felt like their cultural background or artistic style was represented in school spaces. The club boosted confidence, curiosity, and cross-cultural appreciation, creating a space where students felt proud of their work and eager to return the next week.","fullyFundedDate":1766880476494,"projectUrl":"project/art-around-the-world-exploring-global-c/9800942/","projectTitle":"Art Around the World: Exploring Global Creativity","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Moore","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2839583_orig.jpg?crop=336,336,x55,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1565111636410","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-mooreatscitech"},{"teacherId":10349147,"projectId":9892650,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our school food pantry is now a consistent and reliable resource for students and families who need it most. The donated funds and supplies have allowed us to stock shelves with nutritious, shelf-stable items and essential staples, transforming the pantry into a welcoming and dignified space. Students have been directly involved in organizing the pantry, creating inventory lists, and helping ensure items are accessible and thoughtfully arranged. One particularly meaningful moment was watching students take ownership of the space—labeling shelves and discussing how food insecurity impacts learning and well-being.\r\nWhen students first saw the fully stocked pantry, their reaction was a mix of excitement, gratitude, and pride. Many were surprised by the variety and quality of the items available, and several commented on how \"real\" and supportive the space felt compared to before. It was clear that they understood the impact of the donations, not just in terms of supplies, but in the message it sent—that their community cares deeply about their success and their basic needs.\r\nNext, students will continue to integrate the pantry into broader lessons on community responsibility and service. They are currently working on a project that focuses on sustainability and outreach, including tracking usage patterns, identifying ongoing needs, and brainstorming ways to keep the pantry stocked throughout the year. Your support has given them more than materials; it has provided a powerful, real-world learning experience rooted in empathy, problem-solving, and civic engagement.","fullyFundedDate":1763399283336,"projectUrl":"project/snacks-for-the-food-pantry/9892650/","projectTitle":"Snacks for the Food Pantry","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. BE","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10349147_orig.png?crop=949,949,x0,y37&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768330799031","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10349147"},{"teacherId":5457867,"projectId":9704526,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donation. With these candy canes, our 9th grade class council was able to organize, publicize and executive a successful candy gram sale for grades 6-12. \r\n\r\nThis profit will be used to supplement a 9th grade field trip in the spring! Donors Choose is such an amazing organization and community. I say it each time we have a project funded, but many things would not be possible with out the support from this incredible community! \r\n\r\nWe can't wait to see what the 9th grade class council has in store for the rest of the year!","fullyFundedDate":1758294465496,"projectUrl":"project/9th-grade-council-candy-cane-sale/9704526/","projectTitle":"9th Grade Council Candy Cane Sale","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Keesecker","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5457867_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1630446958497","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5457867"},{"teacherId":2113015,"projectId":9600351,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your contribution to my project \"Help Me Give My Students the Basics.\" Having this project funded has allowed my students to focus in class on the learning.\r\n\r\nMy students are relieved to know that when they are running late to school they will still have breakfast when they get here. My students needing feminine products are grateful to know that there is someone that can help when they need it. The list goes on and on as to why my students and I are so thankful. \r\n\r\nWe often don't realize how these seemingly small things can make such a difference but please know that they definitely do.","fullyFundedDate":1755868481954,"projectUrl":"project/help-me-give-my-students-the-basics/9600351/","projectTitle":"Help Me Give My Students the Basics","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Theuret","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2113015_orig.jpg?crop=731,731,x0,y70&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746362015598","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-theuret"},{"teacherId":1589833,"projectId":9732450,"letterContent":"Our house system based on the Ron Clark Academy has been a tremendous success in the 8th grade. We intend to roll out and \"sort\" the 6th and 7th graders after Winter break!\r\n\r\nOur Eighth graders were very excited to receive their t-shirts. Many of them immediately put them on and wore them for numerous days before we even had our first house competition. Our students also earned their drawstring bags by their house earning 100 points. They all received those and have been carrying them around consistently. The next reward, at 150 points, will be distributed to Altruismo, who earned that already. The remaining houses are very close! \r\n\r\nOur next steps include bringing in the 6th and 7th graders and truly making The House System a full middle-school initiative!","fullyFundedDate":1758810058875,"projectUrl":"project/protect-and-represent-your-house/9732450/","projectTitle":"Protect and Represent Your House!","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Kupec","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1589833_orig.jpg?crop=1169,1169,x1068,y786&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1636742560719","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1589833"},{"teacherId":2467364,"projectId":9883057,"letterContent":"The snacks you have provided my students and the headphones have been gamechangers for my kiddos. Not only are they able to focus on their learning because they don't have to worry about being hungry, but they also are able to put on headphones and be productive without interruptions. I can't thank you enough for helping me provide an environment where students are fed, comfortable, and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nMy students have said things like:\r\n\r\n \"I'm thankful Mrs. Estrada. It's nice to have a snack while we work.\" \r\n \"You're one of the only classes we can eat and get our work done.\"\r\n \"Can we use the headphones? I like listening to my music.\"\r\n\r\nAll of these things help them stay on task and complete their work. You have made my job much easier this year. Truly, thank you.","fullyFundedDate":1762874350058,"projectUrl":"project/snack-attack/9883057/","projectTitle":"Snack Attack","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Estrada","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2467364_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1701126920819","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kdunkle"},{"teacherId":2467364,"projectId":9632997,"letterContent":"I wish I could describe the impact this project has had on my students, but it is hard to put my gratitude into words. Students have beyond enjoyed the snacks, beautiful bulletin boards we have put together, and appreciated the support from people who didn't even know them. We use the snacks as a reward for games, random \"snack attacks\", or if a student reports to me they are unable to eat at home. It has been so great to support them when they may not have that at home.\r\n\r\nMy students are my \"work kids\" as I call them, and I treat them as my own. Even though the snacks are long gone by now, my appreciation remains and I am so thankful you were there in our time of need. I appreciate your support and I hope you continue supporting classrooms like mine, because no student should go hungry at school. Thank you again!","fullyFundedDate":1759266580809,"projectUrl":"project/mrs-e-has-a-classroom/9632997/","projectTitle":"Mrs. E Has a Classroom!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Estrada","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2467364_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1701126920819","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kdunkle"},{"teacherId":3016220,"projectId":9892644,"letterContent":"THANK YOU for your support of my students and our project. Having access to snacks throughout the day and to take home if needed ensures that the students do not have to worry about their basic needs and instead, can focus on their learning! Students continue to participate in discussions about social justice mathematics while simultaneously working hard to analyze quadratic functions (in Algebra 2) and to explore similarity (Geometry). Having some extra \"brain fuel\" in the form of the snacks will help students to navigate this time of uncertainty. Thanks again!","fullyFundedDate":1763490191072,"projectUrl":"project/snacks-during-the-shutdown/9892644/","projectTitle":"Snacks During the Shutdown","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lazzaro","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3016220_orig.jpg?crop=323,323,x0,y274&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1631046024817","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3016220"},{"teacherId":8994322,"projectId":9677234,"letterContent":"Funding for the \"High Schoolers Are Always Hungry\" project has had a significant and positive impact on my classroom environment, student engagement, and overall academic performance. By providing reliable access to snacks and small food items, students' basic needs are consistently met, which has noticeably increased their ability to focus and participate. I have seen a reduction in off-task behaviors, fewer requests to leave class, and an improvement in students' stamina during longer lessons or assessments.\r\n\r\nThis project has also strengthened relationships within the classroom. Students perceive the availability of food as a sign of care and support, which has helped build trust and a more positive classroom climate. For many students—particularly those experiencing food insecurity—the project has removed a major barrier to learning and allowed them to enter class feeling regulated and ready to engage.","fullyFundedDate":1759266583006,"projectUrl":"project/high-schoolers-are-always-hungry/9677234/","projectTitle":"High Schoolers Are Always Hungry","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McIntosh","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8994322_orig.png?crop=1169,1170,x0,y206&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1679946690863","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8994322"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_98544","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":618,"numTeachers":40,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":3,"percentBlack":39,"percentWhite":46,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":3,"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":77.5,"schoolId":98544,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Pittsburgh Science and Technology Academy on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Pittsburgh Science and Technology Academy","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/pennsylvania/pittsburgh-public-schools/pittsburgh-science-tech-acad/98544"}