{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"South Central High School","outOfStateSupporters":31.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9304098,"projectId":7892860,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for choosing to fund our herb garden project. Over the past few years we have been growing herbs in the classroom under a grow light. Students get the choice of herbs to grow from the packages of seeds provided. They work together to organize the growing rows, determine a label system, and program the light timer (which isn't easy). My favorite moments are when students see how small the seeds are out of the packet. I have the privilege to watch students eager to see if there is new growth. Once the seed pods are filled with new seedlings students are often disheartened when they have to thin the seedlings and select the strongest of the bunch. I watch students have empathy for the weak seedlings and for a moment there is a connection with nature that is beautiful, as it can also be a great lesson in humanity. \r\n\r\nAs seedlings become vegetation and then show their bigger leaves, we study proper harvesting, drying techniques, harvest them, and use them as garnishes or as an addition to a dish. Students study the affinities between different foods and herbs. We study the organoleptic properties and how herbs enhance foods in different ways. \r\n\r\nWe keep this project ongoing every 18 weeks so that students get to have the experience and often get to repeat the experience with background knowledge and input. At the end of the school year I give away plants to students so that they can take them home or share them with a teacher. \r\n\r\nIt is a great experience.","fullyFundedDate":1696083701367,"projectUrl":"project/grow-herbs-at-home/7892860/","projectTitle":"Grow Herbs at Home!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Surles","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9304098"},{"teacherId":507026,"projectId":8851475,"letterContent":"The Spud-Tacular Biodiversity project transformed science learning into a hands-on, laughter-filled exploration of how traits and adaptations help organisms survive. With the Mr. Potato Head sets, students modeled genetic diversity, explored inherited traits, and experimented with how adaptations affect survival in different environments. This creative, tactile experience made abstract life science concepts concrete and memorable. Students collaborated, communicated their findings, and developed critical thinking skills—all while building a deeper appreciation for the diversity of life. Their curiosity and excitement for science have truly grown spud-tacularly!","fullyFundedDate":1730569545856,"projectUrl":"project/spud-tacular-biodiversity-exploring-tra/8851475/","projectTitle":"Spud-Tacular Biodiversity: Exploring Traits and Adaptations with Mr. Potato Head","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. McLawhorn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp507026_orig.jpg?crop=766,766,x187,y334&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1560455432342","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/507026"},{"teacherId":10067739,"projectId":9440608,"letterContent":"I am so excited to update you on the progress of my students. Honors students will aost always get the work done, but my standards alqays needs that extra push. I have done both google document computer work (unit 1.2 barycenter) and paper (Earth's Celestial Mechanics) that you have provided for me from the books and supplies. \r\n\r\nIn the pictures you can easily see which ones these students would rather do! Along with the paper, the supplies I recieved (expo markers) are being used to draw the concepts for my students. We follow along together and explain each question on the worksheet in detail. I have seen participation grow and their eagerness to get the work done. Other teachers in my department are happy as well.","fullyFundedDate":1752357352434,"projectUrl":"project/fighting-ai-with-books/9440608/","projectTitle":"Fighting AI with books!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McDermott","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10067739_orig.jpg?crop=556,556,x48,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1751316043144","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10067739"},{"teacherId":3406721,"projectId":9600003,"letterContent":"The sun lamps are amazing! My kiddos are pumped to have \"sunlight\" in our windowless classroom, and we can even have some plants to brighten the mood. We're working with our art department to get some painted \"windows\" installed on the walls, too! Thanks to that hot glue, we'll be able to mount them. \r\n\r\nWe've also been working on our agreements for how we'll treat each other in our classroom community, and the students came up with some awesome ideas. You can see what they had to say in one of the photos -- look for \"Social Contract\". Some of the other pictures you'll find are the anchor charts that students created for our science units as well as Latin roots for our Leadership class. These are hanging with HOT GLUE!\r\n\r\nThank you again for your support of our classroom, the kids love what you've helped provide for us!","fullyFundedDate":1755534771496,"projectUrl":"project/let-there-be-light/9600003/","projectTitle":"Let There be LIGHT!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Tricarico","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3406721_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y524&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755262208171","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mshayesification"},{"teacherId":10013300,"projectId":9318164,"letterContent":"Thank you once again for your donation to our AVID III College and Career Project! The students had such a great time collaborating and playing the board games together. This inspired them to create their own game boards based on what their next steps are for college and their career. Not only did this project allow for the students to have fun and tap into their creativity, but it also required the students to research exactly what is needed to complete their future goals. \r\nThe students started at the point of their high school graduation and then had to research what was required for admittance for their chosen school or program. They had to navigate and map out what classes would be required to obtain the degree they were interested in. This inquiry sparked amazing questions about their passions and their plans and pushed them to truly lay out the choices they would be faced with over the next few years. \r\nThe finalized projects were something that the entire class was proud of. We had a variety of digital and paper projects turned in. I was extremely happy with the results in the board games and the lessons that the students learned through their research. This would not have been possible without your donation!","fullyFundedDate":1746411343032,"projectUrl":"project/game-of-life-college-career-project/9318164/","projectTitle":"Game of Life: College & Career Project","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Daw","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10013300"},{"teacherId":7205531,"projectId":9172598,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting the South Central Positive Behavior Initiative! Because of your generosity, we were able to provide snacks and open gym opportunities as rewards for students who met behavior and attendance goals.\r\n\r\nThese incentives created a positive ripple throughout our school. Students were motivated to stay on track, show up on time, and make better choices in order to participate. Each open gym was filled with energy, laughter, and a sense of accomplishment that strengthened our school culture.\r\n\r\nYour support did more than provide snacks—it built encouragement, pride, and accountability. In a school community with limited resources, this project has made a real difference, and we are deeply grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1744687992094,"projectUrl":"project/south-central-positive-behavior-initiati/9172598/","projectTitle":"South Central Positive Behavior Initiative","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lane","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7205531_orig.png?crop=496,496,x73,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1741960764248","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7205531"},{"teacherId":1156330,"projectId":9172861,"letterContent":"It's great to see students coming into the class ready to learn. It has become a ritual where students now have a \"theme\" when picking colors to color-code their notes. They always pick 2 colors and a high-lighter to assist when working out problems. The sticky notes have acted as an \"extra mindful tip\" when needed. \r\n\r\nWhen students are excited and organized, they learn better. I cannot thank you enough for the supplies this school year. My students were definetly happy to have them. \r\n\r\nThank you again!","fullyFundedDate":1742219153853,"projectUrl":"project/students-love-colorful-notes/9172861/","projectTitle":"Students Love Colorful Notes","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hall","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1156330_orig.jpg?crop=596,596,x0,y27&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1742078941787","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1156330"},{"teacherId":9884305,"projectId":9021924,"letterContent":"Our birdhouses have played a key role in showcasing how small scale projects can contribute meaningfully to environmental sustainability. By providing safe nesting sites for local bird species, the birdhouses help to preserve and support biodiversity. Many birds rely on natural cavities for nesting, which are becoming increasingly scarce due to deforestation and urban development. Your initiative restores a portion of this lost habitat, helping to maintain healthy bird populations and encouraging a balanced ecosystem.\r\n\r\nBeyond their ecological value, the birdhouses serve as a powerful educational tool within the sustainability project. They demonstrate how simple, low-cost interventions can have a significant environmental impact. The impact that this project had on our students was amazing. When the boxes arrived there was curiosity and excitement. My students were also impatient as they wanted to start the next day. We had to review our unit on sustainable resources and look over the standards in our curriculum. We managed to generate interest by other teachers and staff creating habitat preservation along with an environmental awareness towards wildlife.\r\n\r\nFurthermore, the birdhouses encourage ongoing community engagement with the natural world. People who observe birds nesting and thriving are more likely to develop a personal connection to nature and, in turn, adopt more sustainable behaviors. Our project not only supports local wildlife but also inspires others to take action in protecting the environment, proving that sustainability begins with thoughtful, grassroots efforts.\r\n\r\nThank you to all our donors for your contribution.","fullyFundedDate":1740067524647,"projectUrl":"project/developing-a-sustainable-approach-with-a/9021924/","projectTitle":"Developing a Sustainable Approach with a Birds Eye View","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Romig","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9884305"},{"teacherId":9820757,"projectId":8912136,"letterContent":"**1. How are you and your students using the new resources? Share a specific classroom project or moment.**\r\n\r\nIn my Business class, we've been using the new snacks to add a fun, interactive element to our review sessions. For example, during a review game on marketing strategies, I divided the class into teams and assigned different snacks to each team. Each snack represented a different marketing approach—like cookies for digital marketing, pretzels for traditional advertising, and fruit for experiential marketing. Teams had to answer questions related to their snack's marketing strategy to earn points. It was a creative way to make reviewing business concepts feel more like a game, while keeping the students engaged and active.\r\n\r\n**2. How did your students react when they first saw the materials?**\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the snacks, they were immediately excited! Their reactions ranged from surprise to laughter, especially when they realized they'd be using food to review important business concepts. It sparked a lot of energy and enthusiasm in the classroom, and many students mentioned that they were more motivated to participate in the review because it felt like a fun, lighthearted way to prepare for tests or assignments. The snacks definitely made the lesson more enjoyable and helped students stay focused during a review session.\r\n\r\n**3. Your donors got a little peek into your classroom by contributing to your project, and we know that they'd love to learn more. What are the next steps for your students on a current classroom lesson or project?**\r\n\r\nMoving forward, we plan to use snacks for more interactive case studies where students can \"pitch\" a product or marketing strategy using their assigned snack. For example, one group might create a marketing plan for a new flavor of chips, while another group might promote a snack mix as a healthy alternative. Each group will work together to develop a short presentation and marketing materials, which they will then present to the class. This will allow students to apply their business knowledge creatively while continuing to use the snacks as a way to make the learning process more fun and engaging. It's all about combining business theory with real-world scenarios in a way that keeps students motivated!","fullyFundedDate":1739543336584,"projectUrl":"project/speights-classroom-essential-items/8912136/","projectTitle":"Speight's Classroom Essential Items","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Speight","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9820757"},{"teacherId":507026,"projectId":8801999,"letterContent":"This project will make a lasting impact by transforming your classroom into a hub for scientific discovery!\r\n\r\nBy securing a fluorescent plant light stand, you provided my students with the essential tools they need to engage in hands-on, inquiry-based learning. With proper lighting, my young scientists will be able to design and conduct their own plant growth experiments, fostering critical thinking, curiosity, and problem-solving skills.\r\n\r\nKey Impacts of the Project:\r\n✅ Enhancing Inquiry-Based Learning – Students will actively ask questions, test hypotheses, and analyze results, strengthening their understanding of plant biology and environmental science.\r\n\r\n✅ Creating a Controlled Learning Environment – With consistent and adjustable lighting, students can mimic different ecosystems and explore concepts like photosynthesis, plant adaptations, and the impact of light on growth.\r\n\r\n✅ Inspiring Future Scientists – By engaging in real-world scientific investigations, students will develop a deeper appreciation for nature and STEM fields, potentially sparking lifelong interest in science careers.\r\n\r\nThis project is more than just a classroom upgrade—it's an opportunity to ignite curiosity and empower students to think and explore like true scientists. 🌱🔬✨","fullyFundedDate":1727811643921,"projectUrl":"project/light-their-way/8801999/","projectTitle":"Light Their Way!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. McLawhorn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp507026_orig.jpg?crop=766,766,x187,y334&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1560455432342","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/507026"},{"teacherId":507026,"projectId":8881948,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for donating to this project. The students had so much fun testing soils from around their area and comparing results! This project has impacted them is several ways.\r\n\r\nBy providing soil testing kits, students gain practical experience in analyzing soil composition, pH levels, nutrient content, and moisture. This hands-on approach enhances their understanding of earth science, agriculture, and chemistry in a real-world context.\r\n\r\nStudents learn the importance of healthy soil for sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation. Through testing and analysis, they can identify soil deficiencies and explore solutions such as composting, crop rotation, and organic amendments, fostering eco-friendly practices in their communities.\r\n\r\nSoil testing involves key STEM skills, including data collection, critical thinking, and problem-solving. This project can spark student interest in careers related to agriculture, environmental science, and engineering, making STEM fields more accessible and engaging.\r\n\r\nBy funding accessible testing kits, this grant ensures that all students, regardless of background, have the opportunity to engage in scientific exploration. Many schools lack the resources for lab-grade testing equipment, so this initiative bridges that gap, making STEM learning more inclusive.\r\n\r\nIn summary, the \"Enhancing Soil Health with Accessible Testing Kits\" grant has a lasting impact by fostering scientific curiosity, environmental responsibility, and hands-on learning, ultimately shaping students into informed, proactive members of their communities.","fullyFundedDate":1729221723036,"projectUrl":"project/enhancing-soil-health-with-accessible-te/8881948/","projectTitle":"Enhancing Soil Health with Accessible Testing Kits","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. McLawhorn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp507026_orig.jpg?crop=766,766,x187,y334&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1560455432342","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/507026"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_3249","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1732,"numTeachers":92,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":63,"percentWhite":20,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":6,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"9 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"18.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"UNCLASSIFIED","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":69.0,"schoolId":3249,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about South Central High School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"South Central High School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/north-carolina/pitt-county-schools/south-central-high-school/3249"}