{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Santa Ynez Valley Union High School","outOfStateSupporters":9.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9894675,"projectId":9709072,"letterContent":"Thanks so much for providing the materials for the junior project, \"Hamlet in the 21st Century.\" Students learned a lot of new vocabulary along with a lot of writing skills. They learned how to craft thesis statements, and they learned how to support claims with textual evidence. Further, the enjoyed the magic of project-based learning.\r\n\r\nReading in my classroom is a party! Students were able to choose the parts they wanted to read and also act out those parts. There was a lot of cheering, laughing and learning.\r\n\r\nBecause this version of Hamlet had the modern English translations, my EL students were able to enjoy this classic play and attain new vocabulary along the way!","fullyFundedDate":1757956023511,"projectUrl":"project/hamlet-in-the-21st-century/9709072/","projectTitle":"Hamlet in the 21st Century","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Shattuck","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9894675"},{"teacherId":4815859,"projectId":9589775,"letterContent":"I'm thrilled to share that our project for a class set of Greek Mythology textbooks has been fully funded—thanks to your incredible generosity!\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, my high school English students will soon be ready to dive into the epic adventures, heroic quests, and timeless lessons that have shaped literature, art, and pop culture for thousands of years. These stories do more than entertain—they help students recognize how ancient myths still live on in the books they read, the movies they watch, and even the stories they create themselves.\r\n\r\nYour gift makes it possible for us to explore these classic tales together, keeping their magic and meaning alive in our classroom for years to come. From my students and from me—thank you for believing in the power of stories and in the joy of learning.","fullyFundedDate":1755787123978,"projectUrl":"project/greek-mythology-mania/9589775/","projectTitle":"Greek Mythology Mania","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Pendry","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4815859_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755525021267","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrspendrysclass"},{"teacherId":4815859,"projectId":9580378,"letterContent":"This tool will make a tremendous difference in our high school English classroom. With the document camera, I'll be able to project and annotate texts in real time—whether we're examining a passage from a novel, revising a student's essay, or analyzing the structure of an argument together. Having the entire class focused on the same material creates a shared learning experience that's both engaging and accessible for all types of learners.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, this technology makes the writing process visible. My students will be able to watch edits, revisions, and literary analysis unfold right before their eyes, giving them a clearer sense of how strong writing and critical thinking develop step by step. It also allows for more meaningful collaboration and peer feedback—helping students grow as writers and thinkers.\r\n\r\nThank you for recognizing the importance of tools that make learning active, interactive, and inclusive. Your support ensures that my students can engage deeply with texts and with one another every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1755699234711,"projectUrl":"project/writing-demonstration-determination/9580378/","projectTitle":"Writing Demonstration Determination","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Pendry","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4815859_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755525021267","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrspendrysclass"},{"teacherId":9893678,"projectId":9542614,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation. The new classroom supplies—pens, poster paper, sticky notes, glue sticks, and dry erase materials—have made a powerful impact on our 9th grade Health and AVID students. These tools have supported collaboration during our Body Systems project, allowed students to confidently engage in peer tutorials, and encouraged creativity in our mental health units. The ability to express complex topics like mental illness through colorful visuals has helped students share their ideas without fear or stigma. The new pens, especially, have allowed their voices and ideas to shine—rather than be limited by a lack of materials.\r\nThese supplies have also helped us build a more positive and supportive classroom culture. I use sticky notes to leave affirmations on student desks, and students have started doing the same, spreading kindness and gratitude among their peers. Life-sized posters, interactive notebooks filled with mental health resources, and confident student presentations are all made possible by your support. Your generosity has not only enhanced learning but has empowered students to express themselves, support one another, and grow in confidence. The impact will extend far beyond our classroom—into their futures and the lives they touch.","fullyFundedDate":1755876429219,"projectUrl":"project/life-sized-poster-representation-of-the/9542614/","projectTitle":"Life Sized Poster Representation of the Human Body Systems","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Martin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9893678_orig.jpg?crop=250,250,x0,y8&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1759958616311","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9893678"},{"teacherId":9048111,"projectId":9260612,"letterContent":"I am so thankful for the funding for this project! I used these high interest novels for a reading project where students get to pick a book to read from a list. They read the book and then have a one-on-one chat with me about the story, the writing, the style, the characters, and more. Through this chat, I determine if they have read the novel, but more importantly, I get a glimpse into who they are and what they value. \r\n\r\nI find this to be one of the most inspiring projects I have ever assigned. I participated in a similar project when I was in high school, and I remember loving it. As a teacher, I enjoyed hearing friends plan to read books together, or classmates decide to exchange books based on reviews given. They showed genuine engagement, and I hope this fosters a life-long love of reading.\r\n\r\nI plan to couple this project this year with a database of student-written reviews to future students. They can share with the next class what they enjoyed, what surprised them, and maybe even what they did not like. This will help to influence those to come, but it will also serve as a way for the current students to leave a lasting literature legacy for our school. I am really excited for this to take shape.","fullyFundedDate":1744927468022,"projectUrl":"project/future-bookworms-in-training/9260612/","projectTitle":"Future Bookworms in Training","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cathcart","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9048111"},{"teacherId":4815859,"projectId":9321867,"letterContent":"From the bottom of my overstuffed teacher tote bag, thank you! Because of your generosity, our classroom is now stocked with essential school supplies that will keep our students equipped and confident all year long. Pencils won't mysteriously disappear into the void (well, not as quickly), notebooks will be filled with ideas instead of doodles done on scraps, and our shared glue sticks may even survive until spring.\r\n\r\nYour support helps close the \"insecurity gap,\" ensuring that every student—regardless of what's in their backpack at home—has what they need to learn, create, and shine. No more anxious moments about not having paper or the right pen; instead, students can focus on tackling essays, exploring new concepts, and raising their hands without worrying if they have the tools to participate. You've helped turn \"I can't\" into \"I can\" for so many young learners, and I'm endlessly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1753902863315,"projectUrl":"project/student-supplies/9321867/","projectTitle":"Student Supplies!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Pendry","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4815859_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755525021267","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrspendrysclass"},{"teacherId":4815859,"projectId":9194657,"letterContent":"I want to extend my heartfelt thanks for your support in bringing the graphic novel Illegal by Eoin Colfer and Andrew Donkin into our English Language Development (ELD) classroom. Your commitment to providing meaningful and inclusive learning materials is already making a significant impact on our students.\r\n\r\nSince introducing Illegal, I've seen a noticeable increase in student engagement, motivation to read, and willingness to participate in class discussions. The novel's vivid illustrations and powerful storyline offer critical visual support for English learners while opening the door to deep conversations about migration, courage, and hope—topics that resonate strongly with many of our students' lived experiences.\r\n\r\nThank you for recognizing the value of diverse, high-impact literature in the ELD classroom. Your support has made it possible for us to use a resource that not only develops language skills but also validates our students' identities and experiences. I truly believe that Illegal is more than just a reading assignment—it's a catalyst for empathy, conversation, and confidence.","fullyFundedDate":1742913706280,"projectUrl":"project/graphic-novels-for-english-learners/9194657/","projectTitle":"Graphic Novels for English Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Pendry","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4815859_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755525021267","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrspendrysclass"},{"teacherId":9894675,"projectId":9061166,"letterContent":"We are midway through our unit on \"The Boy in the Striped Pajamas,\" and my classroom is still glowing with interest and intrigue. First, we learned the historical context of the book, and students were appalled by the Nazi atrocities. However, they were also impressed with the durable spirits of those who survived. \r\n\r\nStudents are now working on a group research project where they are practicing many skills including critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, communication, research, time management, self-directed learning, creativity, decision-making, and presentation. \r\n\r\nAt the end of the unit, students will write a persuasive essay on the book where they will build upon some of the skills they honed in the research project including critical thinking, research and time management.","fullyFundedDate":1737044074451,"projectUrl":"project/the-holocaust-in-literature/9061166/","projectTitle":"The Holocaust in Literature","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Shattuck","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9894675"},{"teacherId":4815859,"projectId":9053558,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation of copies of Romeo and Juliet for my students. Your support is incredibly meaningful, and it will have a lasting impact on their education.\r\n\r\nBy providing these books, you are helping to ensure that every student in my class has access to this timeless piece of literature. Having their own personal copy of the play will allow them to engage with the text more deeply, mark important passages, and revisit sections that may be challenging. This will significantly enhance their understanding of the characters, themes, and language of Shakespeare, which can often be a difficult hurdle for students.\r\n\r\nOn behalf of my students and myself, I cannot thank you enough for your generosity. Your gift is more than just a set of books—it is an investment in their future, and it will have a lasting impact on their education and love for literature.","fullyFundedDate":1736986513526,"projectUrl":"project/in-love-with-shakespeare/9053558/","projectTitle":"In Love with Shakespeare","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Pendry","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4815859_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755525021267","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrspendrysclass"},{"teacherId":9331371,"projectId":7944717,"letterContent":"Thanks to your contributions, our daily instruction has been transformed and opened doors to exciting opportunities for growth.\r\n\r\nWhen the tables first arrived, the energy in our classroom was electric. Students crowded around the boxes, their eyes wide with curiosity and excitement. That initial reaction alone reminded me why your support means so much—not only did you help enhance our classroom, but you also showed our students that people they have never met believe in their potential.\r\n\r\nSince then, these resources have been woven into nearly every aspect of our instruction. For example, we recently completed a project in which students worked in small collaborative groups to research real-world issues and present their findings using our new tools. One student who typically struggles to engage during class discussions became one of the most enthusiastic contributors during our recent group project. Having something tangible to build and create helped her find her voice, and she even volunteered to speak during her group's presentation—a major milestone for her. Your support helped make that breakthrough possible.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we are now preparing for our next major classroom project: a student-led exhibition where each group will research a topic connected to our curriculum and design an interactive station to teach others about it. The tables you provided will play a central role in helping students bring their visions to life. They are already sketching ideas, creating design plans, and mapping out how to incorporate multimedia components. Their confidence has grown tremendously because they now know they have the tools to make their ideas real.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has created lasting change in our classroom. You didn't just provide tables—you gave my students the chance to collaborate more effectively, and take ownership of their learning. Thank you for believing in them and for investing in their future. We are deeply grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1698605782620,"projectUrl":"project/what-all-students-can-bring-to-the-table/7944717/","projectTitle":"What All Students Can Bring to the Table","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Cantrell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9331371_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1698687384681","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9331371"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_40032","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":850,"numTeachers":47,"percentFrplEligible":36,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":46,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":47,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"9 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"18.1:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"TOWN","ncesMetroType":"TOWN_DISTANT"},"inStateSupporters":90.3,"schoolId":40032,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Santa Ynez Valley Union High School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Santa Ynez Valley Union High School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/santa-ynez-valley-union-hsd/santa-ynez-valley-union-high-school/40032"}