{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Providence Career & Technical Academy","outOfStateSupporters":42.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10489717,"projectId":10247295,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting the PCTA Food Rescue Initiative! Your generous donation of a refrigerator and reusable food containers has helped turn an idea into a real opportunity for our students and school community. Our goal is to create a judgment-free, discreet way for students to access additional food while also keeping safe, edible food out of the landfill. With 86% of our students classified as economically disadvantaged, we know that access to food can be an important part of helping students feel supported and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nNow that we have all of the necessary materials to start this initiative, the next step is to train our students on the fridge operating procedures. Our student interns working on this project will gain meaningful, hands-on experience by working alongside cafeteria staff to identify appropriate surplus food, package and label it, and safely store it. This provides students with additional opportunities to learn about food safety, sanitation, sustainability, and the importance of reducing food waste. The students who participate in the food rescue program will also have the opportunity to accumulate additional work-based learning hours that they need in order to graduate from our program.\r\n\r\nAt the heart of this initiative is our commitment to making sure that no student has to go through the school day without access to food when safe, nutritious food is available right here in our building. Thanks to your donation, I have the opportunity to teach my students that supporting their community and caring for our environment can go hand in hand. Instead of allowing safe, edible surplus food from our cafeteria to become waste, we can rescue it, properly package it, and make it available to students who can benefit from it. This creates a meaningful cycle where food that might have been thrown away can instead nourish a member of our school community.\r\n\r\nWe hope this initiative will grow into a lasting part of PCTA, helping us reduce the amount of edible food we send to landfills while ensuring that more of that food reaches the students who need it. Your generosity has made it possible for us to take this important first step. You are not simply providing us with a refrigerator and food containers; you are helping us build a program that supports our students, strengthens our community, reduces food waste, and gives our students the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in their school. We are incredibly grateful for your support and for the opportunity to turn surplus food into nourishment, waste into a resource, and compassion into action.","fullyFundedDate":1778286123235,"projectUrl":"project/feed-futures-not-landfills-rescue-food/10247295/","projectTitle":"Feed Futures, Not Landfills: Rescue Food, Reduce Waste, Feed Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Milano","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10489717_orig.png?crop=730,730,x231,y766&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1777658525655","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10489717"},{"teacherId":8432274,"projectId":10256948,"letterContent":"Being able to provide snacks and mints at the beginning of the year goes a long way to help build strong relationships. By having snacks that students can have, my new students immediately feel that there is someone who cares and that helps them build a sense of trust and belonging. \r\n\r\nAlready this year, I have been able to support students who have missed lunch, needed food because of headaches or light-headedness, and some who are just hungry teens. \r\n\r\nThank you so much for your generosity and support. My students and I truly appreciate it. \r\n\r\nBest, \r\nM.s O'Rielly","fullyFundedDate":1783540624479,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-snacks/10256948/","projectTitle":"Classroom Snacks","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. O'Reilly","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8432274_orig.jpg?crop=1049,1049,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754492347828","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/oreillypvd"},{"teacherId":10492448,"projectId":10261506,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generosity and support of our project, Fidget Tools for Focus: Supporting Student Wellness & SEL. Because of your kindness, our students now have access to a wide variety of tools that help them manage stress, regulate emotions, and stay engaged in learning.\r\nAt Providence Career & Technical Academy, many of our high school students face significant academic, social, and personal pressures. For some students, anxiety, stress, and difficulty focusing can create barriers to success in the classroom. The resources you provided are helping us create a more supportive environment where students can build healthy coping strategies and develop important social-emotional skills.\r\nStudents have been especially excited to use the fidget and sensory tools, including stress balls, pop fidgets, pom balls, sensory clay, and sensory rings. These supports give students a constructive way to channel nervous energy, improve concentration, and remain engaged during lessons and counseling activities. What may seem like a simple tool can make a meaningful difference in helping a student refocus, calm down, or feel comfortable participating in class.\r\nIn addition to the sensory materials, the conversation cards, social-emotional learning games, feelings chart, and decision-making resources have allowed us to facilitate meaningful discussions about emotions, relationships, self-awareness, and problem-solving. These activities encourage students to reflect on their experiences, practice communication skills, and learn healthy ways to navigate challenges both inside and outside of school.\r\nYour support has helped us create a calmer, more welcoming space where students feel seen, supported, and ready to learn. We are incredibly grateful for your investment in our students' success and well-being. Thank you for making a lasting impact on our school community.\r\nWith sincere appreciation,\r\nHenry Donnelly\r\nSchool Counselor\r\nProvidence Career & Technical Academy","fullyFundedDate":1780443960339,"projectUrl":"project/fidget-tools-for-focus-supporting-stude/10261506/","projectTitle":"Fidget Tools for Focus: Supporting Student Wellness & SEL","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Donnelly","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10492448_orig.jpg?crop=1638,1638,x0,y141&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1777938041175","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10492448"},{"teacherId":2574221,"projectId":10131176,"letterContent":"Our students have been incredibly excited to use these new resources because they make career readiness feel real and hands-on. Many people use technology at home for entertainment or communication, but in our classroom, students are learning how to use technology as professionals. The tripod and wireless lapel microphones allow students to record mock interviews, presentations, and public speaking activities so they can review their performance and grow from it. Students are able to hear their speaking pace, improve eye contact and posture, and build confidence in a way that traditional classroom practice alone cannot provide. This technology transforms communication skills from something abstract into something students can actively practice, analyze, and improve.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting part for students has been seeing themselves develop real-world professional skills. They love recording presentations and interviews because it feels authentic and connected to their future careers. Printing resumes on professional resume paper has also been a meaningful experience for them. For many students, this was the first time they created a polished resume that reflected their technical training, leadership experiences, and career goals. The index cards have supported interview preparation, elevator pitches, and speaking exercises that help students organize their thoughts and communicate more clearly and confidently.\r\n\r\nSeveral students who are naturally quiet or hesitant speakers have especially benefited from these resources. Recording themselves has allowed them to practice in a supportive environment and recognize their own growth over time. Students involved in SkillsUSA competitive events have become more confident presenting in front of others and speaking professionally. These resources are helping students develop communication, leadership, and professionalism skills that will support them long after graduation. Your generosity is helping our students step into their futures with confidence, pride, and a stronger belief in their own abilities.","fullyFundedDate":1773606890619,"projectUrl":"project/confidence-in-career-or-college/10131176/","projectTitle":"Confidence in Career or College","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Finlay","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2574221_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1732712829070","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2574221"},{"teacherId":2574221,"projectId":9889313,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our Protein-Packed Classroom! Because of your generosity, my 11th grade students had the tools they needed to fully prepare for the SAT and approach test day with confidence. When the materials arrived, students were excited and relieved to know they had resources designed to help them focus, practice, and strengthen the skills they've been building all year. In the weeks leading up to the exam, we worked intentionally on reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, and analytical writing strategies. Students set goals, tracked their progress, and encouraged one another to stay motivated. The classroom energy shifted from nervousness to determination as they realized they were truly prepared.\r\n\r\nYesterday, students walked into the SAT feeling calm, capable, and ready to show what they know. Several shared that they felt more confident than they expected, especially when tackling complex reading passages and applying strategies we practiced together. It was rewarding to see students trust their thinking, manage their time effectively, and persevere through challenging questions. These are the kinds of \"protein-packed\" lessons that strengthen not just academic skills, but also resilience and self-belief.\r\n\r\nYour support helped create an environment where students could build the confidence and stamina needed for an important milestone in their academic journey. As we move forward, students will continue using these skills to prepare for college-level reading, writing, and critical thinking tasks. Thank you for investing in their growth and helping them feel empowered about their futures.","fullyFundedDate":1772550391175,"projectUrl":"project/protein-packed-classroom/9889313/","projectTitle":"Protein-Packed Classroom!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Finlay","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2574221_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1732712829070","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2574221"},{"teacherId":8432274,"projectId":9939625,"letterContent":"I am blown away by your generosity and care. Providing a space where students can focus on learning takes a lot of work and funding. Your donation goes a long way towards helping me stay supplied so that my students feel that there is a safe space in which they are cared for so that they can turn their attention to learning. \r\n\r\nMany of my students, this year in particular, struggle with hunger; there are a plethora of reasons for this, but being able to provide snacks helps address this issue, at least on a small scale. Students come to me when they have forgotten lunch, can't eat what is offered in the cafeteria, aren't comfortable in the cafeteria, overslept and forgot breakfast, had extra practice or gym and need more food, or are just teenagers with endless appetites. Your donation funded enough snacks to keep my classroom stocked for a few months and that is a few more months in which students can get the food they need.","fullyFundedDate":1766067673126,"projectUrl":"project/snacks-in-class/9939625/","projectTitle":"Snacks in Class","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. O'Reilly","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8432274_orig.jpg?crop=1049,1049,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754492347828","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/oreillypvd"},{"teacherId":2574221,"projectId":9751628,"letterContent":"Thank you for giving my students the literal and figurative boost. \r\n\r\nOn practice test days, students walked in to tables filled with granola bars, fruit snacks, crackers, water — and peppermint candies. For many of them, especially those rushing in from buses or busy homes, this was the first thing they ate all day. Instead of starting complex reading passages and grammar revision questions hungry and distracted, they were able to fuel up and focus.\r\n\r\nWe even tested the \"peppermint theory\" — the idea that peppermint can increase alertness and concentration. Students used peppermint during timed reading passages and rhetorical skills drills. Afterward, we reflected on focus levels and stamina during longer text sets. The students were fully supportive of the hypothesis — and many felt the results backed it up! Several shared that they felt more alert and better able to track evidence, analyze, and catch small grammar details when using peppermint.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the snack bins, their reaction was immediate — wide eyes, big smiles, and plenty of \"Wait, this is for us?\" They were genuinely surprised that people they've never met cared enough to support them during such an important academic milestone. That sense of support created a calmer, more confident testing atmosphere.\r\n\r\nSnacks became part of our routine for Reading and Writing prep — fuel your body, focus your brain, practice with purpose, and answer with confidence.\r\n\r\nYour donation did more than provide snacks — it provided dignity, encouragement, and the focus students need to tackle challenging texts and refine their writing skills. Thank you for helping our students walk into the Reading and Writing section feeling prepared, supported, and confident.","fullyFundedDate":1762367094553,"projectUrl":"project/the-s-in-sats-is-snacks/9751628/","projectTitle":"The S in SATs is Snacks","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Finlay","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2574221_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1732712829070","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2574221"},{"teacherId":2574221,"projectId":9542506,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support of Lock & Learn, our classroom has transformed into a more focused, productive, and engaged learning environment. While many people are familiar with using technology at home, the reality inside schools is that constant digital distraction can make it difficult for students to settle into meaningful learning. Your donation of cell phone storage containers has given my students the structure they need to step away from their screens and fully participate in class. The simple act of securely placing their phones in a designated space has made a remarkable difference in attention, participation, and overall classroom culture.\r\n\r\nWhat has excited the students most is the sense of ownership and fairness the system creates. They appreciate that the containers aren't about punishment—they're about giving everyone a real chance to succeed without the constant buzzing and temptation of their devices. Some of my most easily distracted learners have shown the biggest growth; students who once struggled to stay on task are now raising their hands, contributing to discussions, and completing assignments with confidence. One student even shared that having the phone put away \"makes my brain quieter,\" a reflection that truly captures the impact of your gift.\r\n\r\nYour support has not only supplied a tool—it has changed daily habits, increased academic focus, and helped students relearn how to be present with one another. We are deeply grateful for your investment in our classroom and in our students' success. Thank you for believing in this project and helping us create a space where learning comes first.","fullyFundedDate":1755735141516,"projectUrl":"project/lock-learn/9542506/","projectTitle":"Lock & Learn","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Finlay","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2574221_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1732712829070","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2574221"},{"teacherId":4884708,"projectId":9592968,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donation to our school project. Providing games, color art, and charging stations in the Library gives my students a vehicle to relax and mindfully unpack from the structures of the day. Education can be stressful, but can positively impact students if they can enjoy their environment and what they are learning. The Library needs to be a safe relaxing place for students to seek time to study, to read, or to socialize. Games, puzzles, and charging stations are a vehicle for students to spend time with friends or work quietly independently.","fullyFundedDate":1755690127812,"projectUrl":"project/organized-space-brings-happy-faces/9592968/","projectTitle":"Organized Space Brings Happy Faces","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Yeaw","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4884708_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1511791780583","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kimberly-yeaw"},{"teacherId":8432274,"projectId":9516857,"letterContent":"Getting 29 teenagers at a time to be comfortable and confident enough around each other to experiment and speak a new language is hard. So much research shows that stress and anxiety make it harder for people to focus and learn. And there are so many things for students to be stressed about. But hearing on day one that they can come to my room to get anything they might need goes a long way towards helping students feel comfortable and ready to learn. \r\n\r\nI can't tell you how many students come see me throughout the day to access the resources that your donations supported. I have fixed cleats, sneakers, we've gotten rid of stains, fixed nails, tied up hair to meet safety regulations for other classes, and more. My classroom has become a hub for support and resources for the entire school - making sure that every student has a place to at least start getting their needs met. Students come to me for snacks, for hygiene resources, to fix clothes and bags, and more. \r\n\r\nThank you so much for your donation - having these resources does so much to help our students feel supported and welcome.","fullyFundedDate":1755691375374,"projectUrl":"project/teens-are-humans/9516857/","projectTitle":"Teens Are Humans","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. O'Reilly","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8432274_orig.jpg?crop=1049,1049,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754492347828","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/oreillypvd"},{"teacherId":8432274,"projectId":9516579,"letterContent":"I can't thank you enough for contributing to my classroom resources this year. There are innumerable ways that your donation has helped my classes stay on track this year. I have been able to start a verb wall to help students start making connections between the words we are learning and how to use them. I have been able to keep organic vocabulary lists for different classes which is encouraging them to learn from what is happening not just in their own class, but get curious and collaborative with other groups as well. And, though it seems like a small thing, thanks to many of items we were able to purchase from your donations, I am able to spend more time in my classroom instead of hunting around the building for extra resources. \r\n\r\nAnother huge impact has been on student focus. It is much easier for students to focus when their phone or headphones are set aside to charge and not in their hand. Beyond the day to day focus, I know of at least 6 students who were able to complete their PSAT testing because they were able to use the chargers we bought for my classroom. \r\n\r\nWhen teachers put lists like this together, the items can seem inconsequential or silly. It is hard to explain why it is so useful to have shipping labels to print readings on so that we have a running resource of learning and vocabulary. It is so useful having chart markers and dry erase markers and sharpies in many different colors so students can see their learning and connect it to the learning in other classes. It helps to have a few extra staplers and glue sticks so that we can add more to our notebooks and not have to worry when accidents happen and things are broken. Your donations have gone a long way to making this year smooth and successful for all of my classes. Thank you thank you thank you.","fullyFundedDate":1755703420635,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-essentials/9516579/","projectTitle":"Classroom Essentials","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. O'Reilly","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8432274_orig.jpg?crop=1049,1049,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754492347828","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/oreillypvd"},{"teacherId":8432274,"projectId":9728371,"letterContent":"My classroom works because the focus is on movement, engagement, and encouraging language use because students want to use it. This happens through games and a classroom environment (without desks) that invites collaboration and interaction. Maintaining these strategies in a way that welcomes and accommodates students of all physical abilities has been a challenge. My students who use wheelchairs or crutches deserve to play the same games and be engaged the same as their peers. It is our responsibility as teachers to make those opportunities possible and accessible, but it is hard to do that with limited resources. \r\n\r\nThanks to this project, I have seen some of my students blossom. They are so excited to play with their peers and are more comfortable participating in the community - because they feel truly welcome and part of the community. This project also helped us get resources for desks so that some of my students can be physically supported while they write. Our growth as a community and our growth as language learners has been greatly supported by your contributions to this project. Thank you so much!","fullyFundedDate":1758835069678,"projectUrl":"project/accessibility-in-the-classroom/9728371/","projectTitle":"Accessibility in the Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. O'Reilly","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8432274_orig.jpg?crop=1049,1049,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754492347828","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/oreillypvd"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_42633","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":772,"numTeachers":68,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":3,"percentBlack":10,"percentWhite":5,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":76,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":2,"gradesServed":"9 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"11.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":57.1,"schoolId":42633,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Providence Career & Technical Academy on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Providence Career & Technical Academy","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/rhode-island/providence-public-school-district/providence-career-tech-ctr/42633"}