{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Poudre Community Academy","outOfStateSupporters":23.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":3637751,"projectId":9304193,"letterContent":"The Veggie Volts kits were a perfect addition to our Unit 6 in Chemistry at my alternative high school. The anchor event for this unit is \"Why Can Lithium Ion Batteries Catch Fire?\" \r\n\r\nEach student kit provided three zinc and three copper electrodes to serve as a cathode and anode in a battery cell. Students used the provided multimeter to measure both the voltage and current of each battery. Potatoes served as the electrolyte from electrons to move from the zinc to the copper. Students connected the potatoes in series. Each potato was able to generate a little less than 1 volt. At least wo potatoes were needed to light an LED and to power a buzzer.\r\n\r\nThis kit was fantastic for students to change variables and to get numerical data. Variables that could be changed were distance between the electrodes, the depth into the potato, and the type of electrolyte. Students were able to see that simply using metals of two different activities is what is needed in a battery.\r\nWe used this lab in conjuction with chemical reactions of aluminum and copper, reacting a penny with acid to see the difference between copper and zinc reactivity, and watching a video from NOVA about the Search for a Super Battery. Without your donation, this activity would have been impossible to access this year. The kits are exactly what my students at an alternative high school need. I am filled with appreciation for your kindness. Wishing you all the best.","fullyFundedDate":1755699027939,"projectUrl":"project/vegetable-volts-a-chemistry-lab-experi/9304193/","projectTitle":"Vegetable Volts! a Chemistry Lab Experience in Colorado Alternative School","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sue Bober (Science Teacher)","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3637751_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1727051962100","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3637751"},{"teacherId":3637751,"projectId":9526387,"letterContent":"I am grateful for your kind donation of \"Scratch Off\" quiz cards to use with my class. They are called \"Immediate Feedback\" cards. They are not readily available to purchase, and so your gift is unique and new to most students.\r\n\r\nThe reason that I wanted these cards for my students is to help them actively take a quiz. The scratch-off quiz cards have been successful for me in the past to encourage discussion and pausing to think before answering a question.\r\n\r\nI have used the cards both in my chemistry and physical science classes.\r\n\r\nWhat I discovered is that my students have a difficult time in slowing down before just answering a question. They were not good at using their notes and having a discussion before just quickly answering a question. Their impulse control to just get something done is not where I want them to be! (yet)\r\n\r\nSo I now have more information to help my students. I will focus on teaching them how to use their notes. I will focus on helping them to review. I will try to help them to understand that it is okay to make mistakes while trying to do their best the first time. In a world where kids can just click a computer answer and then redo a quiz, these hands-on cards can help us to develop thinking and impulse-control skills. I personally like them much more than a computer quiz because of that immediate and physical feedback. \r\n\r\nThank you again for your generosity!","fullyFundedDate":1755912470267,"projectUrl":"project/scratch-for-success/9526387/","projectTitle":"Scratch for Success!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sue Bober (Science Teacher)","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3637751_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1727051962100","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3637751"},{"teacherId":3637751,"projectId":9748005,"letterContent":"Thank you so very much for the gift of electronic balances for my science classroom at an alternative high school. We actually used them the same week that they arrived! It was perfect because we had a celebration for Mole Day (October 23rd) and we used the balances for \"counting by weighing\" and measuring out ingredients for hot choc-mole-ate! \r\n\r\nWhat was really nice about these balances were the bright screens and easy to read numbers. What is also nice is that the balances \"remembered\" that we set them to grams. (The first time we used them, we had to change the mode several times to get to grams.) The next time we turned them on, however, they came right up to grams! So that is really nice for us.\r\n\r\nWhen we started the lab, I said, \"Did you notice that we have BRAND NEW BALANCES?!\" I told them all that they were a gift for us from a donor across the country. We all feel uplifted. I am so happy to be able to do as much as we can reasonable do in an alternative high school setting in a 100+ year old building with one sink. Thank you again for your kindness and generosity. \r\n\r\nBlessings!","fullyFundedDate":1760560736848,"projectUrl":"project/science-life-needs-balance-and-digita/9748005/","projectTitle":"Science Life Needs Balance... and Digital Balances too","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sue Bober (Science Teacher)","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3637751_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1727051962100","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3637751"},{"teacherId":3637751,"projectId":9744529,"letterContent":"I am so grateful for your kindness towards my students. It is so great to be able to provide the equipment and experiences to my small alternative high school students that I had the opportunity to share with my students in suburban Chicago.\r\n\r\nThe fingerprint card holders allowed my kids to experience the correct way of taking their fingerprints. Without them, students often just push down their fingers. With the card holders, they are able to roll their fingerprints more easily. The card holders align to the edge of the table with allows their fingers to roll prints (rather than just push a print) correctly.\r\n\r\nI am so grateful that you have lifted up my and my students. It is people like you who taught me (and continue to teach me) that a \"LAB DAY!!!\" is a great day!","fullyFundedDate":1759025655575,"projectUrl":"project/hold-the-loops-whorls-and-arches/9744529/","projectTitle":"Hold the Loops, Whorls, and Arches!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sue Bober (Science Teacher)","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3637751_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1727051962100","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3637751"},{"teacherId":3637751,"projectId":9733314,"letterContent":"We had a GREAT time building our ukeleles in our sound and music unit in physical science! \r\n\r\nThe kits were of good quality. The first day we put together the body of the ukelele and the handle of the ukelele. There was a wooden peg that held them together. We put in some glue and let it sit overnight. Since we had extra time that day, everyone picked paint colors and put their own style into the ukelele.\r\n\r\nThe next class, we added the board that would hold the strings and the pieces that would hold and tighten the strings. This required a little hot glue, some screws and some patience. Learning patience and how to use a tool are two awesome learning experience for my kids. They learned that things don't always work the first time. They also learned that if you don't do things right the first time, it's going to cost you more time to fix it later one. Also a great learning lesson.\r\n\r\nThe next day, we did some fixing of mistakes. Wonderful experience!\r\n\r\nWe put on strings. Tying a knot was a lesson on this day. Paying attention to what string goes where was another lesson. And we went back to \"if you don't do it right the first time, you'll have to fix it.\" We started to tune our ukeleles with a phone app to the G C E A notes. (\"Goats Can Eat Anything\") I laughed when one girl said \"Can we all just spread out?\" so we could get them tuned? The same girl asked about the ukeleles and what we'd be doing the next day in class. I said that it was a block day and we didn't have class on Thursday. She said she was looking forward to class because she had fun in class. I bought a pack of digital tuners so each kid can tune their ukelele without my phone.\r\n\r\nI am so grateful for your support of my students. They will be able to take their projects home when we are all done. \r\n\r\nIt was a wonderful project for both me and my students!","fullyFundedDate":1758809953979,"projectUrl":"project/you-all-ukelele/9733314/","projectTitle":"YOU All Ukelele!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sue Bober (Science Teacher)","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3637751_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1727051962100","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3637751"},{"teacherId":3637751,"projectId":9712612,"letterContent":"It was truly wonderful to have the fluorescent fingerprint powders and feather brushes available to my science students in forensic science. People see all the flashy CSI type shows with fingerprint \"matches\" and so on. In my class, the students were tasked with trying various types of powders and various types of brushes. I took out my ultraviolet flashlights and had kids use oblique lighting. This was especially important for the fluorescent powders. The best surface that we used for the fluorescent powders was aluminum foil because the prints really popped with the UV light. I expected my favorite color of powder to be the pink, but actually the orange fluorescent was my favorite for the day.\r\n\r\nI also invested in some make-up containers and plastic pouches to hold the fluorescent powders and their brushes. I put the powder into the powdered make up container. With the sifter, they only get a little bit of powder at a time. These containers helped us to stay organized, allowed us to use only the amount of powder that was needed, and it will keep the materials in great shape moving forward.\r\n\r\nWe had one block day so far with our fingerprint powders. I do plan on bringing them out if cases involve fingerprint evidence. We will also be continuing with footwear impressions. I'd like to try out the powders after we put our footwear impressions (sprayed with a little bit of oil or wax) on some large paper. \r\n\r\nThank you for giving me the opportunity to give my kids the chance to explore different kinds of fingerprint powders. They did a nice job taking care of the equipment. They were eager to try the different colors and compare the results of different powders.\r\n\r\nI am so grateful for your support and your encouragement. I wish you happy forensic-ing!","fullyFundedDate":1758203510859,"projectUrl":"project/fluorescent-forensic-fingerprinting/9712612/","projectTitle":"Fluorescent Forensic Fingerprinting","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sue Bober (Science Teacher)","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3637751_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1727051962100","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3637751"},{"teacherId":3637751,"projectId":9458385,"letterContent":"In my physical science class, our first unit was \"Polymers.\" I chose this as the first unit because it is a fun science topic with many hands-on activities.\r\n\r\nThe students were intrigued by the polyurethane foam kit. They mixed small amounts of two liquids. The liquids produced a foam which grew and then hardened. We first made \"milkshakes\" of polyurethane in cups. Students used the polyurethane to make a cat and a spider for their final project. Since we had a little solution left, we filled up Halloween \"potion\" bottles and have Halloween decorations containing the polyurethane foam.\r\n\r\nThis was definitely a great activity, and we are very grateful for your support of this unit.","fullyFundedDate":1754079407850,"projectUrl":"project/poly-want-a-fun-class/9458385/","projectTitle":"“Poly” Want A Fun Class?","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sue Bober (Science Teacher)","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3637751_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1727051962100","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3637751"},{"teacherId":4395823,"projectId":9448128,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our vision for a more welcoming and functional shared space has become a reality and the impact has been immediate.\r\n\r\nOur once-bare, high-traffic hallway has transformed into a warm, inviting hub of connection. Students and staff are naturally drawn to the new seating and furniture you helped fund. Throughout the day, the space hums with activity! Students chatting with friends, eating lunch, reading quietly, or working on assignments outside the classroom.\r\n\r\nIt's also become a favorite spot before and after school, offering a comfortable, functional environment for students in our enrichment programs to gather, study, and socialize. One of the best surprises has been seeing both students and staff collaborate over a community puzzle — a simple addition that's brought smiles, conversation, and teamwork to the heart of our building.\r\n\r\nYour support did more than improve furniture — it transformed the feeling of our school. You helped create a place that encourages belonging, relaxation, and authentic connection every day.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and in the power of environment to shape community.","fullyFundedDate":1753924928814,"projectUrl":"project/environmental-wellness-influencing-the/9448128/","projectTitle":"Environmental Wellness = Influencing the Spaces We Occupy","teacherDisplayName":"Mx. Melinda","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4395823_orig.jpg?crop=959,959,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1752040797945","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/melinda-phipps"},{"teacherId":3637751,"projectId":9341130,"letterContent":"I am extremely appreciative for the $100 gift card to Teachers Pay Teachers. I teach three different science classes: physical science, chemistry, and forensic science. Since I am the only teacher in my small school that teaches these classes, it is wonderful to be able to go to Teachers Pay Teachers and look for a lab or activity that would spice up my unit. Currently, my physical science is experiencing a unit on polymers; chemistry is studying density and a Lake Nyos tragedy; forensic science is working on a foundations unit. I have picked a lab on polymers to download. I have used a \"Mayday! Mayday!\" group decision making activity from TPT in forensic science. \r\n\r\nI am going to continue to use the Teachers Pay Teachers periodically through the semester when I feel that I need some support. Moreover, I feel supported by your generousity when I use your gift card. Thank you so much.","fullyFundedDate":1747162828913,"projectUrl":"project/science-sheets-updating-files-to-stay/9341130/","projectTitle":"Science Sheets: Updating Files to Stay Current and Fresh!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sue Bober (Science Teacher)","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3637751_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1727051962100","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3637751"},{"teacherId":4395823,"projectId":8563811,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom has been transformed into a more engaging, inclusive, and focused learning environment—and I can't thank you enough for making that possible.\r\n\r\nSome students immediately gravitated toward the items, while others curiously observed. We've woven these tools into daily routines in really meaningful ways. Students are now able to self-select focus tools at the start of class. They make thoughtful choices based on what will help them that day—whether they're feeling restless, anxious, or just need help getting into the zone. It's been awesome to watch them develop more self-awareness and self-advocacy in the process. They're learning how to regulate their own attention and energy, which is no small feat for teens navigating a busy school day.\r\n\r\nEven beyond individual moments, there's been a ripple effect across our school. The entire Nutrition and Wellness class is advocating for more access to these kinds of resources outside of our classroom. This vision has turned into a brand new Donors Choose request involving student's attempt to influence their environment. They made proposals, spoken to staff members, and suggested ways we could make fidget baskets available in the shared spaces of our small school. I'm incredibly proud of them—not just for embracing these tools, but for seeing their value and wanting to make them accessible to others.\r\n\r\nYour support didn't just provide a few new items for the classroom—it gave my students permission to tune into their needs, tools to meet those needs, and the confidence to share what works for them. Thank you for opening that door for them.","fullyFundedDate":1723142973831,"projectUrl":"project/increase-engagement-and-attendance-in-tw/8563811/","projectTitle":"Increase Engagement and Attendance in Two Alternative High Schools","teacherDisplayName":"Mx. Melinda","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4395823_orig.jpg?crop=959,959,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1752040797945","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/melinda-phipps"},{"teacherId":3637751,"projectId":9105473,"letterContent":"I am appreciative of your donation of wooden marble roller coaster kits for my STEAM after school Warrior Club. These kits were of higher quality than some others that I tried. The pieces were thick enough to handle and cut accurately. \r\n\r\nThe first step was labeling the pieces with the part numbers. This was important for following the directions. \r\n\r\nTo get the coaster working required patience as well as following the directions. Riley was my student who stuck with the project over two sessions of the club. Thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1740539163268,"projectUrl":"project/coasting-along-with-steam/9105473/","projectTitle":"Coasting Along With STEAM","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sue Bober (Science Teacher)","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3637751_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1727051962100","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3637751"},{"teacherId":9250708,"projectId":8565082,"letterContent":"On behalf of my students and myself, I want to extend our heartfelt thanks for your generous donation to our Spanish classroom. The supplies you've provided—markers, post-its, easel pads, dry-erase board sets, self-adhesive dots, Spanish calendar, magnetic pocket charts, magnetic light filters, and mounting tape for posters—are already making a huge impact on our daily learning.\r\n\r\nThese resources are being put to great use as we engage in conversations, create visuals, and practice reading and describing images in Spanish. They are helping my students actively participate in class and use the target language in meaningful ways. The magnetic charts, in particular, have been fantastic tools for interactive activities, and the dry-erase boards make it easy for students to practice writing and speaking while receiving immediate feedback.\r\n\r\nYour support is enhancing our learning environment, making it more dynamic and immersive. We are so grateful for your commitment to helping our class thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1723156736474,"projectUrl":"project/language-learners-need-word-walls/8565082/","projectTitle":"Language Learners Need Word Walls!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Angie Dowdy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9250708_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x6,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1693945910191","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9250708"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_70837","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":212,"numTeachers":10,"percentFrplEligible":64,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":2,"percentWhite":41,"percentIndigenous":1,"percentLatinx":49,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"8 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"21.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":77.0,"schoolId":70837,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Poudre Community Academy on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Poudre Community Academy","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/colorado/poudre-school-district/poudre-transition-center-fullana/70837"}