{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Taft High School - Taft Freshman Academy","outOfStateSupporters":34.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8482500,"projectId":9723703,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for these wonderful books. Whenever a new batch a books arrive, students fight over them. Those students who are left without a textbook are forced to read off a computer screen, and they do not like it. \r\n\r\nIt always amazes me how many complete strangers choose to donate to public education, and it makes me feel honored to be a public school teacher. I can assure you that the books you helped purchase will continue to serve AP Gov students at Taft for years to come. \r\n\r\nHappy holidays!","fullyFundedDate":1760625680195,"projectUrl":"project/united-states-government-politics-book/9723703/","projectTitle":"United States Government & Politics Books - Part 2","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Campara","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8482500_orig.jpg?crop=2479,2479,x332,y574&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1653658729625","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-campara"},{"teacherId":6458459,"projectId":9575323,"letterContent":"Thank you so much! Because of your incredible generosity, our classroom now has 30 brand-new TI-30X IIS calculators, and the change has been immediate and profound. For our Algebra 1 students, including our Honors students and English Language Learners (ELL), these calculators are not just devices for arithmetic; they are essential learning tools that mirror the technology used in colleges and careers. They allow us to move past tedious computations and focus our valuable class time on the \"why\"—the conceptual understanding, problem-solving structure, and advanced algebraic thinking required for success. This technology ensures equity, guaranteeing that every student, regardless of background or language fluency, has the exact same resources available every day to master complex concepts.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting aspect for the students is the consistency and ownership—they know exactly how to use their personal tool and can focus completely on the math lesson or test-taking strategy we are practicing. We have seen a remarkable shift in confidence, especially among our ELL students. For them, the calculator acts as a universal interpreter, bridging language barriers so they can fully participate and engage with the mathematical content without relying on verbal translation for simple arithmetic. My student, Maria (name changed for privacy), who often hesitates to speak up, has truly warmed to the new technology; having the physical tool in her hand has empowered her to lead problem-solving sessions at her table with clarity and enthusiasm.\r\n\r\nYour investment has done so much more than provide hardware—it has secured the foundation for my students' future mathematical pursuits. These calculators are helping us achieve our goals of building strong critical thinkers who are ready for standardized testing and higher-level courses. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for being a champion for education and for giving my determined 9th-graders the power to succeed.\r\n\r\nSincerely,","fullyFundedDate":1757554219127,"projectUrl":"project/math-success/9575323/","projectTitle":"Math Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rodriguez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6458459_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1730214919362","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/saraierodriguez"},{"teacherId":8482500,"projectId":9335397,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for these AMSCO books. I knew that it would be very hard for me to get 85 new textbooks and that the school would not fund those for my classroom. But, with my creativity and your financial contributions, I am slowly, but surely, building a class set. A few textbooks here and there has now added up to 25 textbooks in total. I feel confident that I can fundraise a few more this school year, and that will be enough for an entire class set of students! Every book you contribute towards is one less student who has to read, take notes, and study off a computer screen. My students and I thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1757298387377,"projectUrl":"project/united-states-government-politics-book/9335397/","projectTitle":"United States Government & Politics Books","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Campara","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8482500_orig.jpg?crop=2479,2479,x332,y574&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1653658729625","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-campara"},{"teacherId":8482500,"projectId":9710462,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your donations towards my AP Government and Civics classroom. Thanks to your financial help, I now have Kleenex and classroom cleaning supplies to last me the school year. Germs are in full swing and many students are coughing and sneezing throughout the day. I feel good knowing that I can offer them tissues and keep them focused on the task at hand. Every few days, I also wipe down all the desks in the room to keep our learning environment as clean and germ free as possible. That would not have been doable without your financial support. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you.","fullyFundedDate":1758636762210,"projectUrl":"project/fall-germs-in-full-swing/9710462/","projectTitle":"Fall Germs in Full Swing","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Campara","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8482500_orig.jpg?crop=2479,2479,x332,y574&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1653658729625","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-campara"},{"teacherId":10175771,"projectId":9663766,"letterContent":"I just wanted to give you an update on the classroom supplies. It has truly made a difference being able to showcase student artwork around the room. We already have a small \"gallery\" started. Ever since I was able to hang up the first image, more students have come to me with their artwork, requesting to have it put up as well. Overall, creating a space where my students can be seen in the space and have connected my classes. \r\n\r\nMy students were excited when they first saw the lights in the classroom. It adds a great environment during the morning hours when the overhead lights are bright. The alternative lighting offers our classroom more decoration to feel like a space of belonging. I am excited to showcase more work in the classroom further into the year.","fullyFundedDate":1757423352991,"projectUrl":"project/starting-the-year-off-organized/9663766/","projectTitle":"Starting the Year Off Organized","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Alvarado","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10175771_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755228196057","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10175771"},{"teacherId":8482500,"projectId":9162782,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donations. Thanks to you, I was able to stock my classroom with consumables such as colored paper, post-it notes, and other school supplies. My classroom also received scissors, staplers, and new colored pencils. Students are excited to put these resources to good use and I don't have to worry about lack of supplies as I plan my lessons.\r\n\r\nI am always amazed at the generosity of complete strangers, so please know that you truly make a difference for public school students and teachers.","fullyFundedDate":1745846968830,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-essentials/9162782/","projectTitle":"Classroom Essentials","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Campara","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8482500_orig.jpg?crop=2479,2479,x332,y574&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1653658729625","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-campara"},{"teacherId":9760295,"projectId":9073819,"letterContent":"I just want to extend my heartfelt thanks to you for donating to my donors choose \"New Year and New Self-Care!\". Even though it was second semester, my students still relied on my self-care station. Students from other classes even knew to drop by if they needed pads, tampons, bandaids, hair ties, etc. It became second nature for students to depended on the self-care station for anything they needed. \r\n\r\nThe self-care station allowed students to feel more comfortable in class and to take some non-academic pressure off their shoulders. One student let me know (just this last week of school) that she depended on the deodorant wipes all year, since she always had gym just before she had my civics class. This whole year, I had no idea, but it is a great example of why your donation is so important... this would not have been possible without you!\r\n\r\nThis was my first year having a formal self-care station and I will definitely have a formal self-care station again next year!","fullyFundedDate":1739248325390,"projectUrl":"project/new-year-and-new-self-care/9073819/","projectTitle":"New Year and New Self-Care!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Flaherty","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9760295_orig.jpg?crop=1930,1930,x146,y46&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726691013388","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9760295"},{"teacherId":4494696,"projectId":8898185,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the donation. Your generosity has helped us in our journey as athletes and provided the resources we need to bridge the gap between us and other schools. We don't have a weight room and the majority of our student athletes have very little experience with strength training. The equipment we have now allows us to work to become better versions of ourselves and allows the coaching staff to teach the importance of taking care of our bodies. I've always believed that sports (and clubs) are an essential part of the high school experience. They allow students to express themselves and deal with stress in a way very few things can and now our students are able to see the benefits of pushing their bodies to their limit. The ability to deal with stress and find joy in being healthy are contagious. So the small donation has made a huge impact.","fullyFundedDate":1735691115356,"projectUrl":"project/building-strength-body-mind/8898185/","projectTitle":"Building Strength: Body & Mind","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Lucco","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4494696_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1497368668896","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4494696"},{"teacherId":9550572,"projectId":8828969,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your kindness and generosity towards my students and my classroom. Since receiving the Legos, students have had a blast using them and building structures from their imagination. I have been using \"Lego time\" at the end of class as a motivator for students to finish their work. Students who previously had no motivation in my class suddenly are eager to finish their assignments in class so that they can have an opportunity to build Legos. \r\nGiving students time to build Legos together has also opened up opportunities for students to engage with their peers in a different context. Students are often reluctant to talk to people they aren't as close with, but these Lego sets have been a catalyst for conversation and practicing communication among all my students. They are learning so much about each other and coming out of their shells. This couldn't have happened without your support.\r\nThank you again!","fullyFundedDate":1737757733868,"projectUrl":"project/i-will-never-lego-of-my-childhood/8828969/","projectTitle":"I Will Never \"LEGO\" of My Childhood!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Wei","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9550572"},{"teacherId":9523492,"projectId":8986073,"letterContent":"I am eternally grateful for your support of our little math learning community. Multiple parents have reached out to thank me for running this lunchtime study group. Having a place for students where they can feel relaxed, get a snack, and then focus on their homework has helped to improve their understanding of content and develop lasting skills for their academic success. I regularly hear them debate passionately about the right answer to problem #8 while munching on a Pringle, or offering to explain how to use law of sines to a peer. What started as a place where I would tutor students who needed extra help has turned into an environment where students are passionate about helping and collaborating with each other.\r\nThank you again for making this possible. I know that this will have lasting impacts on my students, even long after they leave my class.","fullyFundedDate":1741099898235,"projectUrl":"project/the-lunchtime-math-munch-and-motivatio/8986073/","projectTitle":"The Lunchtime Math, Munch, and Motivation","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bai","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9523492_orig.jpg?crop=1442,1442,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1714489670329","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9523492"},{"teacherId":9523492,"projectId":8981689,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your kind and generous donations to my students and our classroom. We always forget how valuable a tissue is until we desperately need one! It can be so diminishing to have to blow your nose or wipe your tears with a scrap of rough, brown paper towel. I can see the relief on my students' faces when they pop by my classroom after looking for a tissue box all day and finally see one in my room. Test days are stressful enough without a runny nose; having a simple comfort readily available helps my students to feel more at ease and ready to tackle what lies ahead of them.\r\nRecently, at parent teacher conferences, multiple parents came by just to say thank you for the learning space I've been able to provide for their children during lunch, thanks to your generous contributions. Some said that math was their child's weakest, least favorite subject prior to this year. The promise of a little snack pushed students to come in regularly for help, building their confidence in math and forming good academic habits. I would never have been able to build this little community without your help.\r\nThank you again!","fullyFundedDate":1733240300250,"projectUrl":"project/sniffles-and-snacks/8981689/","projectTitle":"Sniffles and Snacks","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bai","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9523492_orig.jpg?crop=1442,1442,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1714489670329","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9523492"},{"teacherId":9729417,"projectId":8982729,"letterContent":"Many thanks for your generous contribution. My students have enjoyed all of the materials delivered to my classroom. Here are some moments that have brightened the classroom during our long Chicago winter:\r\n\r\nFirst, the winter-themed window decals have provided an immediate mood uplift, as students walk into the classroom and see \"something fun\" (as they've said to me) instead of the dreary outdoors. These micro-affirmations are the little things that keep kids engaged and excited to come to class.\r\n\r\nSecond, COVID taught kids to be clean, and, in my classroom, students are obsessed with hand sanitizer, paper towels, and facial tissue. The most popular station is cabinet stocked with health and hygiene supplies. Spring allergy season is upon us, and the facial tissue is a constant need.\r\n\r\nFinally, snacks are always popular, and the Takis and mini-chocolate bars provide sustenance for kids who need an energy boost. They also act as \"payment\" for classroom tasks, like maintaining the bathroom list, ensuring all Chromebooks are stored properly in the Chromebook cart, and placing chairs on desks at the end of the day. Students lobby for these jobs, so they can get a piece of chocolate or a small packet of Takis. They are most grateful for the food!\r\n\r\nThe classroom is its own mini-reality, and your generosity has helped me create a more welcoming world, where learning can take place without distraction.","fullyFundedDate":1741099900084,"projectUrl":"project/thriving-in-the-classroom-during-the-lon/8982729/","projectTitle":"Thriving in the Classroom During the Long Winter Months","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Lynch","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9729417"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_130950","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":null,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":75,"percentAsian":4,"percentBlack":34,"percentWhite":10,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":46,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"9 - 10","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"MDR District Record","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"UNCLASSIFIED","ncesMetroType":null},"inStateSupporters":65.2,"schoolId":130950,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Taft High School - Taft Freshman Academy on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Taft High School - Taft Freshman Academy","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/chicago-public-school-district-299/taft-high-school-taft-freshman-academy/130950"}