{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Renaissance West Steam Academy","outOfStateSupporters":39.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8629514,"projectId":9353530,"letterContent":"As a school psychologist, I see firsthand how positive reinforcement can transform a student's day. Your contribution has allowed us to create a tangible system that celebrates effort, perseverance, and growth. \r\n\r\nThe prize box rewards have become more than just a collection of rewards—it's a tool for building confidence and motivation. When they earn a reward, their sense of accomplishment is visible, and it reinforces the idea that progress is possible with consistent effort. I truly appreciate your support!","fullyFundedDate":1758220601166,"projectUrl":"project/prize-box-rewards/9353530/","projectTitle":"Prize Box Rewards!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Witherspoon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8629514_orig.jpg?crop=1991,1991,x64,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673540079014","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/schoolpsychwitherspoon"},{"teacherId":9695423,"projectId":9464073,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donations to my speech therapy classroom. Your donations have made my speech space a more fun and inviting space for all of my students. The funds purchased flexible seating options. These included wiggle seats, floor cushions, and chair bands. Now all of my students are able to use the style of seating that they prefer. This allows them to attend and participate while getting their wiggles out. \r\nIn addition, the floor mat has given me a comfortable spot to be with my little kiddos to engage in a more play based therapy approach. The duel sides allow for additional expansion of language. \r\nI also appreciate the additional resources such as the masking tape to be able to complete projects with the kids.","fullyFundedDate":1758802560295,"projectUrl":"project/seating-for-speech/9464073/","projectTitle":"Seating for Speech","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cannon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9695423_orig.jpg?crop=1031,1031,x1047,y2865&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724263160257","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9695423"},{"teacherId":2031463,"projectId":9714971,"letterContent":"Thank you for the support in this project. When attending our first field trip our students were in love with their matching class shirts for the year. With the materials we were able to create a grade level specific design using our school design for the school year. They continue to ask when they will be able to wear their shirts again. \r\n\r\nThis was amazing to help keep an eye on the students at the field trip and brought us together as class family from the beginning of the year. \r\n\r\nThank you again for the support with this project.","fullyFundedDate":1760799285435,"projectUrl":"project/trip-ready-matching-shirts-maximum-fun/9714971/","projectTitle":"Trip Ready: Matching Shirts, Maximum Fun!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Nesbitt","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2031463_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1625778815680","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-nesbitt"},{"teacherId":2031463,"projectId":9454135,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your support with brining writing materials to life in our classroom. It has been amazing to watch my students find a joy in writing and learning to write this year. In the past our writing station has been a place that students would not want to go, but this year they are excited to go and love creating different cards, pictures, etc. with the materials that you graciously help to support in providing to them.\r\n\r\nWith the excitement of jazzing up our writing area, we are excited to get started in creating a warm and inviting reading area. They are helping me in creating a list of materials they would love to have at writing. \r\n\r\nAgain, thank you for your support with our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1755719364523,"projectUrl":"project/lets-get-writing/9454135/","projectTitle":"Let’s Get Writing!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Nesbitt","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2031463_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1625778815680","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-nesbitt"},{"teacherId":10098550,"projectId":9510499,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous contributions to our project! Because of your support, my students now have an organized and clutter-free classroom that allows them to stay focused and ready to learn each day. The new materials have truly transformed our space—everything now has a place, and our learning environment feels calm and inviting.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the new resources, their faces lit up with excitement! They immediately noticed how clean and neat the classroom looked and were eager to help keep it that way. Having the right tools to stay organized has also helped them take more pride in their classroom and their work.\r\n\r\nWe're already seeing such a positive difference—students are settling into their routines faster, finding materials easily, and staying engaged throughout the day. Your kindness has not only improved our classroom environment but also strengthened our students' sense of responsibility and teamwork. We're so grateful for your generosity and for believing in our classroom community!","fullyFundedDate":1753907184354,"projectUrl":"project/creating-a-clean-organized-and-focused/9510499/","projectTitle":"Creating a Clean, Organized, and Focused Learning Environment","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Mills","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10098550"},{"teacherId":8169465,"projectId":9732931,"letterContent":"I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for the generous provision of office supplies that help me stay organized and effective in my role as a middle school counselor. Your support goes far beyond pens, folders, and planners—it directly impacts the lives of the students I serve every day.\r\nOrganization is the backbone of counseling. It allows me to manage schedules, track academic progress, and maintain detailed notes that ensure every student receives the attention and care they deserve. With the tools you've provided, I can create structured plans for classroom guidance lessons, coordinate small group interventions, and prepare resources that empower students to thrive both academically and emotionally.\r\nThese supplies are not just items on a desk; they represent a commitment to excellence and a belief in the power of education. When I can quickly access materials, keep accurate records, and maintain a welcoming, orderly space, students feel safe and supported. That sense of security is essential for building trust and fostering open communication—two pillars of effective counseling.\r\nYour contribution also helps me model the very skills I teach. Organization, time management, and responsibility are qualities we encourage in our students, and having the right tools allows me to demonstrate these values in action. Whether I'm planning a mental health initiative, preparing for a parent meeting, or organizing resources for our athletic programs, your support ensures that I can do so with confidence and clarity.\r\nMost importantly, these supplies help me focus on what matters most: the students. Every binder, sticky note, and calendar page plays a role in creating a system that frees me from unnecessary stress and allows me to dedicate my energy to guiding students through challenges, celebrating their successes, and helping them discover their potential.\r\nThank you for recognizing the importance of organization in education and for investing in the tools that make it possible. Your generosity strengthens our school community and reminds us that we are not alone in this mission. Together, we are creating an environment where students feel valued, supported, and prepared for the future.\r\nPlease know that your kindness does not go unnoticed. I am deeply appreciative of your partnership and look forward to continuing this journey of growth and success for every student we serve.","fullyFundedDate":1761917282468,"projectUrl":"project/stay-organized/9732931/","projectTitle":"Stay Organized!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. James","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8169465"},{"teacherId":8169465,"projectId":9732789,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for your generous support in providing Social Emotional Learning (SEL) workbooks for my small groups and individual skills sessions. Your contribution has made a profound difference in the lives of the students I serve, and I want to take this opportunity to share just how impactful your support has been.\r\nAs a middle school counselor, my mission is to help students develop not only academically but also socially and emotionally. These formative years are critical for shaping confidence, resilience, and healthy coping strategies. The SEL workbooks you provided have become an essential tool in this process. They allow me to create structured, meaningful lessons that address real challenges students face—such as managing emotions, building positive relationships, and making responsible decisions.\r\nBefore receiving these resources, many of my students struggled to articulate their feelings or find constructive ways to handle stress. Now, with the workbooks in hand, I can guide them through interactive activities that foster self-awareness and empathy. For example, during small group sessions, students have engaged in exercises that help them identify triggers for anxiety and practice calming techniques. In individual sessions, the workbooks have served as a safe space for reflection, enabling students to set personal goals and track their progress over time.\r\nThe impact has been remarkable. I have seen students who once avoided participation now eagerly share their thoughts and feelings. They are learning to communicate more effectively, resolve conflicts peacefully, and approach challenges with confidence. These are skills that will not only help them succeed in school but will also prepare them for life beyond the classroom.\r\nYour generosity has also allowed me to expand the reach of my counseling program. With these workbooks, I can offer consistent, high-quality interventions to more students, ensuring that no one is left behind. This is especially important in our community, where many families face economic hardships and cannot afford supplemental resources. Your support has bridged that gap and given every child an equal opportunity to grow.\r\nLooking ahead, I am excited to continue building on this foundation. The workbooks have inspired new ideas for group activities and individual projects that will deepen students' understanding of SEL concepts. I am confident that the skills they are developing now will have a lasting impact on their academic performance, mental health, and overall well-being.\r\nOnce again, thank you for believing in the importance of social-emotional learning and for investing in the future of our students. Your kindness and commitment to education are truly making a difference. Please know that your support is appreciated not only by me but by every student who benefits from these resources. Together, we are helping young people become resilient, compassionate, and empowered individuals.","fullyFundedDate":1761917280831,"projectUrl":"project/sel-workbooks/9732789/","projectTitle":"SEL Workbooks","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. James","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8169465"},{"teacherId":8169465,"projectId":9732700,"letterContent":"I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your generous support of our \"Books R Us\" project. Your contribution has allowed us to place Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) books into the hands of our students—resources that are already making a profound difference in their lives.\r\n\r\nMany of you love reading (we do too!), but teaching through books looks a little different in our classrooms. These new texts introduce essential skills such as self-awareness, empathy, emotional regulation, conflict resolution, and responsible decision-making. For example, some stories help students recognize and name their feelings, while others guide them through strategies for calming down when they feel overwhelmed or working through disagreements with friends.\r\nReading in our classroom is interactive and reflective. Students don't just read—they discuss, role-play, and connect the lessons to real-life situations. After reading a chapter about managing stress, we might practice breathing exercises or journal about times they felt anxious and how they coped. These books become springboards for conversations that build trust and confidence.\r\n\r\nThe impact has been incredible. One student who often struggled with frustration now proudly shares how a character's coping strategy helped her pause and take deep breaths before reacting. Another student told me, \"This book feels like it understands me.\" Those moments remind us why this project matters so much.\r\nYour generosity is not just providing books—it's creating opportunities for students to grow emotionally, socially, and academically. You are helping them develop skills that will serve them for a lifetime.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our mission and for making this possible. We look forward to sharing more stories of how your gift is shaping stronger, more resilient learners.","fullyFundedDate":1761917277413,"projectUrl":"project/books-r-us/9732700/","projectTitle":"Books R Us","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. James","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8169465"},{"teacherId":8169465,"projectId":9733002,"letterContent":"On behalf of our student-athletes at Renaissance West STEAM Academy, I want to express our heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation toward athletic socks. Your support ensures our players not only look and feel confident but also perform at their best. These socks represent more than gear—they symbolize teamwork, pride, and the belief that our students deserve quality resources. Your contribution helps us create a positive, empowering environment where every athlete can thrive. Thank you for investing in their growth and success. We truly appreciate your commitment to our program!","fullyFundedDate":1760107373892,"projectUrl":"project/socks-for-success/9733002/","projectTitle":"Socks for Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. James","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8169465"},{"teacherId":8436294,"projectId":9647052,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of fidgets and a label maker. The fidgets have been a game-changer for many of my students who struggle with focus, anxiety, or sensory needs. These tools have helped them stay calm and engaged during lessons, giving them a healthy outlet for their energy and emotions. It's been amazing to see students reach for a fidget when they feel overwhelmed and then return to their work with renewed focus. The label maker has been a fantastic addition to my organizational system. Your support has made a real difference in our day-to-day operations!","fullyFundedDate":1758202888647,"projectUrl":"project/tools-for-success/9647052/","projectTitle":"Tools for Success!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Johnson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8436294_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1663966702798","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-bfjohnson"},{"teacherId":8436294,"projectId":9575453,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of snacks to our students. These snacks have made a tremendous impact, especially for those who come to school without breakfast or struggle to focus due to hunger. Having access to nutritious snacks throughout the day has helped improve their energy, attention, and overall mood, allowing them to engage more fully in their learning and social interactions.\r\n\r\nStudents have responded with gratitude and enthusiasm. They're more engaged in lessons and less distracted by hunger. Your support has helped us create a more equitable learning environment, and we're excited to continue building on this progress. Thank you for investing in their well-being and academic success.","fullyFundedDate":1758220953056,"projectUrl":"project/food-for-thought/9575453/","projectTitle":"Food for Thought!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Johnson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8436294_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1663966702798","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-bfjohnson"},{"teacherId":4554029,"projectId":9134653,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support. Because of your donation, my students have consistent access to nutritious breakfast and snacks during the school day. These snacks are more than just food — they help our students stay focused, energized, and ready to learn. Many of our students face food insecurity at home, and having snacks at school ensures they can concentrate without the distraction of hunger.\r\n\r\nSince implementing this project:\r\n\r\nWe've seen improved attention spans during lessons.\r\nStudents are more engaged and less irritable during afternoon classes.\r\nSeveral students have even shared how grateful they are to have something to eat when they come to school hungry.\r\n\r\nYour generosity is making a real difference in their day-to-day learning experience. On behalf of our school community, thank you for investing in our students' success and well-being.","fullyFundedDate":1746809456918,"projectUrl":"project/snack-time-rewards-keeping-kids-energi/9134653/","projectTitle":"“Snack Time Rewards: Keeping Kids Energized for Learning”","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Thomas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4554029"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_121303","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":689,"numTeachers":25,"percentFrplEligible":89,"percentAsian":3,"percentBlack":68,"percentWhite":1,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":23,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"27.6:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":60.9,"schoolId":121303,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Renaissance West Steam Academy on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Renaissance West Steam Academy","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/north-carolina/charlotte-mecklenburg-school-district/renaissance-west-steam-academy/121303"}
Join the 307 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Renaissance West Steam Academy is
an urban public school
in Charlotte, North Carolina that is part of Charlotte-Mecklenburg School District.
It serves 689 students
in grades K - 8 with a student/teacher ratio of 27.6:1.
Its teachers have had 155 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Boost support for our school's classrooms. Share this page with friends and family who want to make a difference. If you're a teacher, sign up to get started!
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. Each classroom request for funding was created by a classroom teacher and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
of students receive free or reduced price lunch
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
Source: the National Center for Education Statistics
94%
of students are Black, Latino, Native
American, or Asian
Data about school demographics comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. The numbers in this chart may not add up to 100% because of limitations in the available data.
Renaissance West Steam Academy Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Dec 5, 2025
DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students
in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.
Renaissance West Steam Academy
$76,482
raised using DonorsChoose
155
projects
funded
54
teachers
funded
307
donors
16
projects
for
basic supplies
24
projects for
technology
28
projects for
books
6
projects
for
art supplies
Renaissance West Steam Academy has received support from
187 individuals from North Carolina and
120 individuals out-of-state.