{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Academies at South Mountain","outOfStateSupporters":38.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8392275,"projectId":9195033,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our Jewelry & Fiber Arts students and making our stained glass jewelry project possible. Your generosity has brought an entirely new level of creativity and craftsmanship into our classroom.\r\nWith these new materials, students have been designing and creating their own stained glass jewelry pieces from pendants to earrings and bracelets. They have learned how to safely cut glass, arrange color compositions, and assemble their designs. One standout moment was when a student who had never considered themselves \"artistic\" carefully pieced together a vibrant glass pendant and proudly said, \"I didn't know I could make something like this.\" \r\nAll of the pieces were an a part of our winter art show where we're well received by the public. They are still on display and I have even had several individuals ask if the pieces are for sale. Your support has not only provided tools, but has also sparked confidence, curiosity, and pride in their work.\r\nThank you for helping our students see themselves as artists.","fullyFundedDate":1743391704469,"projectUrl":"project/stained-glass-program/9195033/","projectTitle":"Stained Glass Program","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Paige Sutton","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8392275_orig.jpg?crop=1946,1946,x0,y84&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1742575770663","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8392275"},{"teacherId":8392275,"projectId":9932429,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my sculpture students have been able to explore kiln-formed glass in ways that simply weren't possible before. Using the new materials, students designed and created their own fused glass pieces, experimenting with layering, color blending, and texture. One standout moment was when a student opened the kiln to see their finished piece for the first time the excitement and pride in the room were unforgettable.\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, students were immediately curious and inspired. Many had never worked with glass before, so the opportunity felt both new and exciting. They eagerly began sketching ideas and asking thoughtful questions about the process.\r\nAs we move forward, students are building on these foundational skills by planning more complex, multi-layered projects that incorporate both sculptural form and kiln-forming techniques. They're becoming more confident, creative, and willing to take artistic risks, and that growth is directly connected to your support. Thank you for helping bring this experience to life in our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1765146379959,"projectUrl":"project/kiln-forming-glass-bas-relief-sculpture/9932429/","projectTitle":"Kiln Forming Glass Bas Relief Sculpture","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Paige Sutton","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8392275_orig.jpg?crop=1946,1946,x0,y84&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1742575770663","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8392275"},{"teacherId":10102637,"projectId":9783443,"letterContent":"On behalf of our entire science department, and most importantly, the aspiring young researchers at South Mountain High School, I would like to express my deepest gratitude for your incredibly generous contribution. Your support has allowed us to provide high-quality trifold presentation boards for every student competing in this year's science fair, ensuring our students can focus entirely on their scientific inquiries. \r\n\r\nWe had three first-place winners, one from each subject. Students who won in chemistry, biology, and anatomy are now eligible to compete in the state science fair. After the judging was completed, students in the lower grades were able to view the projects and get inspired for when it's their turn to participate in the science fair. Your kind donation has created an invaluable experience for our students, and we sincerely thank you.","fullyFundedDate":1760895698869,"projectUrl":"project/science-fair-materials/9783443/","projectTitle":"Science Fair Materials","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Vasquez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10102637"},{"teacherId":8387367,"projectId":9811601,"letterContent":"Many ninth-grade students experienced challenges with consistent and timely attendance during the first semester, despite targeted outreach and communication with students and families. Recognizing the impact of attendance on academic performance, I developed and implemented the \"Your Seat, Your Success: Student Attendance Incentive Program.\" This initiative aims to improve punctuality and overall attendance by incentivizing students to arrive on time to first period and maintain an attendance rate of 85% or higher.\r\n\r\nAt the end of the first semester, 73.45% of freshmen met or exceeded the 85% attendance benchmark. To strengthen student engagement in the second semester, the incentive program was introduced, offering students opportunities to earn rewards aligned with their interests. Ongoing communication and reminders reinforced program expectations and participation.\r\n\r\nAs a result, the current average attendance rate for freshmen has increased to 84.93%, reflecting a gain of over 11 percentage points. Students earned raffle tickets for consistent attendance, which were used for prize drawings supported through generous donations from DonorsChoose.\r\n\r\nThis improvement demonstrates the positive impact of targeted interventions and student-centered incentives. In addition to increased attendance, the program has fostered greater student engagement and a sense of recognition for positive behaviors.\r\n\r\nI appreciate the continued support of this initiative and anticipate sustaining and expanding the program in future years.","fullyFundedDate":1766959428988,"projectUrl":"project/your-seat-your-success-student-attenda/9811601/","projectTitle":"Your Seat, Your Success: Student Attendance Incentive Program","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Mitchell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8387367_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1661226557378","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8387367"},{"teacherId":8376702,"projectId":9838278,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for donating the shredder to our school. It has already made our daily work so much easier. We deal with a lot of papers that need to be handled carefully, and having a shredder right here in our space helps us stay organized and protect important information. It saves us time, keeps things tidy, and lets us focus more on supporting our students instead of worrying about how to manage piles of paperwork. \r\n\r\nThe shredder may seem like a small item, but it has made a big difference in our day‑to‑day work. We're genuinely grateful for your generosity and the positive impact it has on our class.","fullyFundedDate":1762267483030,"projectUrl":"project/shred-it-to-forget-it-privacy-clean-up/9838278/","projectTitle":"Shred It to Forget It: Privacy, Clean-Up, and Recycling!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ahuja","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8376702_orig.png?crop=897,897,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1660147513847","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8376702"},{"teacherId":8644456,"projectId":9211376,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support in funding our project to purchase a class set of The Skin I'm In by Sharon G. Flake. Because of your contribution, our African American Literature course now has the resources to provide every student with their own copy of this powerful novel. The impact has been immediate—students are engaging with themes of self‑acceptance, racial identity, and resilience in ways that spark meaningful discussion and reflection.\r\n\r\nSeveral students have expressed how much they enjoy having their own copy of the book. One student shared that she finally feels \"seen\" in literature, while another said the story helped him think differently about how he presents himself to others. These moments remind us that literature is more than words on a page—it is a mirror and a window, offering both self‑reflection and new perspectives.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has created an inclusive and enriching learning environment where students feel empowered to share their voices. We are deeply grateful for your support and excited to continue building on the momentum this project has brought to our classroom.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in the power of diverse literature and for investing in our students' futures. Your generosity is changing lives, one page at a time.","fullyFundedDate":1745689597393,"projectUrl":"project/embracing-identity/9211376/","projectTitle":"Embracing Identity","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Hughes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8644456"},{"teacherId":8376702,"projectId":9555590,"letterContent":"Your donation to our project \"Happy & Healthy\" made a big difference for our students. We want to sincerely thank you for your generous donation of snacks. Your kindness made a real difference in our students' school experience. \r\n\r\nHaving snacks available gave them the energy to stay focused in class, complete our work, and participate more actively in lessons. It also made them feel cared for, knowing that people in our community believe in them and want them to succeed. \r\n\r\nYour generosity not only filled their stomachs but also inspired them to appreciate the importance of giving and helping others. We are thankful because your support showed us that our community believes in our student.\"","fullyFundedDate":1758293820744,"projectUrl":"project/happy-healthy/9555590/","projectTitle":"Happy & Healthy","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ahuja","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8376702_orig.png?crop=897,897,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1660147513847","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8376702"},{"teacherId":403277,"projectId":9680637,"letterContent":"My class has truly enjoyed using our new Cricut resources, and we recently completed a community-building project by creating handmade cards for residents in a local nursing home. Students designed, cut, and colored personalized cards with the Cricut, then added thoughtful and encouraging messages inside keeping in mind some residents may or may not have family to share Thanksgiving with. When students first saw the materials, they were instantly excited, though many had never used a machine like this before. We took some time to learn together, and they were eager to try, experiment, and create professional-looking pieces on their own. There was definitely a learning curve, but they were enthusiastic about personalizing their work and proud of what they created. \r\nThis first project not only allowed them to give back to the community they live in, but also helped them build confidence and pride in the work they produce. They are already looking forward to more opportunities to serve their community and make something again for those at the nursing home nearby. Many of my students are also looking to use the Cricut to create professional shirts as they prepare for their HOSA competitions in March. We plan to continue using the Cricut for pharmacy-related labeling, organization tools, fundraising items, and personalized materials for our classroom and HOSA. Thank you for helping bring this level of pride and ownership into our learning space. Your support is making a lasting impact.","fullyFundedDate":1758810243161,"projectUrl":"project/creating-leaders-building-teams-dress/9680637/","projectTitle":"Creating Leaders, Building Teams: Dress for HOSA Success With Cricut","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lyons","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp403277_orig.jpg?crop=1142,1142,x1585,y645&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757543703868","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/403277"},{"teacherId":9808445,"projectId":9826322,"letterContent":"The level of excitement expressed by students when the snacks were unveiled was the highlight of my day!\r\n\r\nI can not thank you enough for your support with this project. I am so grateful for the quick responses that resulted in receiving all funds within a week. A special acknowledgement goes to my family and close friends who showed up for my students with no hesitation.\r\n\r\nSince receiving the snacks, I've been able to cater to a variety of student needs: Student leaders who are meeting to execute their leadership plan(i.e. peer tutoring, campus clean-ups, recruiting); Students who arrived late to school and missed breakfast; Students with medical conditions that require snacks and others who are simply hungry.\r\n\r\nEveryone who supported my project is proof that it takes a village. I truly could not have done this without you!","fullyFundedDate":1760931150380,"projectUrl":"project/feed-to-succeed/9826322/","projectTitle":"Feed to Succeed","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Clay","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9808445_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1730672694863","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-clay10"},{"teacherId":9026105,"projectId":9130729,"letterContent":"The introduction of this technology has transformed the way our students learn and engage in the classroom. Many of our donors use technology at home, but in our school setting, it serves as a powerful tool for interactive learning, collaboration, and creativity. Students are no longer passive learners—they actively participate through digital activities, research, and problem-solving tasks that deepen their understanding of concepts.\r\nWhat excites our students most about this new product is its ability to make learning hands-on and personalized. For example, they can now create multimedia presentations, explore virtual simulations, and access resources that cater to their individual learning styles. This has sparked curiosity and boosted confidence, especially among students who previously struggled with traditional methods.\r\nOne particular student who was shy and hesitant to speak in class has embraced this technology wholeheartedly. Using interactive apps, she now shares her ideas confidently and collaborates with peers on projects. Her engagement and enthusiasm have grown tremendously, and she's even taken the lead in helping others learn new features.\r\nOverall, this technology has not only improved academic performance but also fostered critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration, preparing our students for a future where digital literacy is essential.","fullyFundedDate":1740794912480,"projectUrl":"project/enhancing-math-learning-with-computer-te/9130729/","projectTitle":"Enhancing Math Learning with Computer Technology","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Aying","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9026105_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1741212622752","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9026105"},{"teacherId":8125308,"projectId":9710291,"letterContent":"When the snacks first arrived, my students' excitement was undeniable. They were thrilled to see the variety of belly filling options, and their faces lit up knowing they had a place to go to when they are hungry. Almost immediately, I noticed a change in the classroom atmosphere—students settled into their seats more comfortably, and the transition into assignments or assessments became smoother. With full bellies, they were able to focus longer, participate more actively, and approach their work with confidence.\r\n\r\nOne of the most memorable moments came during a math assessment. In the past, some students struggled to stay engaged through the entire test, but after starting with a snack, the room was calm and focused. Students worked steadily, and many even expressed how much easier it was to concentrate. The progress they made was remarkable, and it was clear that the simple act of providing nourishment had a powerful impact on their ability to succeed.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, students are continuing to work hard on assignments and assessments where stamina and focus are key. Thanks to your generosity, I can continue offering snacks that help them sustain their energy during longer lessons. Your support has not only filled their bellies but also opened doors for them to thrive academically. We are deeply grateful for the difference you've made in our classroom—it's a gift that continues to shape their learning journey every day.","fullyFundedDate":1758293769871,"projectUrl":"project/brain-boosting-bites/9710291/","projectTitle":"Brain Boosting Bites","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hughes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8125308_orig.jpg?crop=2640,2640,x383,y30&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1646837622016","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8125308"},{"teacherId":9989482,"projectId":9222558,"letterContent":"When my students first received the materials, the classroom was full of excitement—they couldn't wait to dive in. They immediately began working together in small groups to build the DIY airplane engines, carefully following instructions and cheering when they saw the models come to life and run. Others jumped right into making paper airplanes, testing different designs and competing to see whose could fly the furthest. The walkie talkies quickly became a favorite as they practiced simulated radio calls, learning how real pilots and air traffic controllers communicate.\r\n\r\nThe best part has been watching them collaborate, problem-solve, and encourage one another. These resources have sparked creativity and hands-on learning in ways that connect directly to real aviation concepts. For example, we used the paper airplane kits to talk about lift and flight dynamics, while the engine models helped them understand aircraft systems in a tangible way.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we're excited to keep building on this momentum. My students will soon be using clay, cardboard, and other materials to design their own airports and model airplanes, learning about everything from runways to hangars. Your support has not only given them the tools to explore aviation today but has also opened the door to bigger projects that will deepen their passion for flight.\r\n\r\nThank you for giving them this opportunity—they are truly soaring because of you!","fullyFundedDate":1744054133828,"projectUrl":"project/flight-controls-and-aircraft-systems-h/9222558/","projectTitle":"Flight Controls and Aircraft Systems - Hands on Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Long","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-sarahlong"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_60121","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":2169,"numTeachers":110,"percentFrplEligible":52,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":12,"percentWhite":2,"percentIndigenous":1,"percentLatinx":82,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"9 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"19.7:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":61.5,"schoolId":60121,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Academies at South Mountain on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Academies at South Mountain","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/arizona/phoenix-union-high-school-district/south-mountain-high-school/60121"}