{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Taft High School","outOfStateSupporters":25.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9799289,"projectId":9715898,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donations of colored pencils, density lab materials, an atomic magnetic model, a molecular modeling kit, and Kleenex. Because of you, our students are able to participate in hands-on labs and engaging learning activities that truly bring science to life.\r\n\r\nWe are already putting these materials to great use. Students have been building molecules with the modeling kit to better understand how atoms bond, and the atomic magnetic model has helped make abstract concepts like atomic structure much more concrete. During our density lab, students eagerly tested different materials, making predictions and recording observations like real scientists. Even the colored pencils have been valuable, students use them to create detailed diagrams and color-coded models that support their understanding of complex ideas.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the materials, their excitement was immediate. There were smiles, questions, and lots of \"Can we try this?\" moments. They were especially thrilled to handle the models themselves and work collaboratively during labs. It was clear that having real tools in their hands made the learning feel more meaningful and fun.\r\n\r\nThanks to your support, our next steps include deeper investigations into matter and molecular interactions. Students will be designing their own experiments, creating molecular models to represent chemical changes, and presenting their findings to the class. These resources are helping build curiosity, confidence, and a genuine love for learning.\r\n\r\nBy contributing to our project, you've made a lasting impact on our students' learning experiences. Thank you again for your kindness and support. We are incredibly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1758895995758,"projectUrl":"project/chemistry-essentials-for-special-educati/9715898/","projectTitle":"Chemistry Essentials for Special Education","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gruendel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9799289"},{"teacherId":2481617,"projectId":9906612,"letterContent":"The true innovation happened when students took these skills and applied them to the real world. They interviewed peers with physical disabilities and motor challenges to identify daily frustrations, then engineered solutions.\r\n\r\nHere is the impact we have seen on the ground:\r\n\r\nSwitch-Adapted Toys: Students dissected battery-operated toys, interrupting the circuits to add large, accessible buttons. This allowed students with limited fine motor skills to play independently for the first time.\r\n\r\nCustom Peripherals: We modified computer mice and gaming controllers, re-routing inputs so classmates could access educational software and games using foot pedals or head switches.\r\n\r\n3D Printed Aids: From pencil grips to zipper pulls, students designed custom physical hacks to make the school day easier for their peers.","fullyFundedDate":1765379528672,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-futures-building-assistive-t/9906612/","projectTitle":"Empowering Futures: Building Assistive Tech for Our Community","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Schmidt","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2481617_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1486678218372","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/scischmidt"},{"teacherId":8579692,"projectId":9313151,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting this unique project. This truely is a unique experience for our students. Not only have my students benefited from this project, but multiple classes throughout the school have learned of and plan to deploy these drones. The hair nets are especially important to ensure the safe and continued use of these drones. This is the first year that there hasn't been a drone related hair accident. This project will continue to serve students for years to come, at least until the batteries degrade.","fullyFundedDate":1755806698500,"projectUrl":"project/drones-for-droves/9313151/","projectTitle":"Drones for Droves","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Nguyen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8579692_orig.jpg?crop=179,179,x1,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1727500947639","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8579692"},{"teacherId":1396902,"projectId":9720891,"letterContent":"We are writing to express our profound gratitude for your generous donation to our Donor's Choose project, \"Help Our Students Build a Brighter Future!,\" which helped us successfully fund the creation of our new College and Career Center (CCC) at Taft High School in Chicago!\r\n\r\nBecause of your belief in our students and your commitment to their futures, you provided the essential foundation needed to transform an underutilized space into a vibrant, welcoming, and essential resource.\r\n\r\nOur large public high school serves a diverse population, and for many of our students, having a designated, comfortable place to plan their future is crucial. The CCC is designed to be the central hub where all students feel supported in navigating paths after graduation—whether it's college, technical school, military, or direct workforce entry.\r\n\r\nYour donation was critical in getting the CCC off the ground and made the following elements possible:\r\n\r\nA Welcoming Environment: Your funds allowed us to purchase comfortable, accessible seating, tables, and motivating decor. We transformed a sterile room into a vibrant space where students genuinely want to spend time, making it easier for them to engage in serious planning and discussions.\r\n\r\nEssential Print Resources: We were able to stock the shelves with current and comprehensive college guides, test preparation materials, career exploration books, and financial aid handbooks. These foundational print resources are now readily available for any student to pick up and utilize. The donation also helped us get the materials we needed to create the indicating letters, which is a great project where our current students know their work will be displayed for many years to come.\r\n\r\nWith gratitude,\r\nMs. LaPorte","fullyFundedDate":1758895990951,"projectUrl":"project/help-our-students-build-a-brighter-futur/9720891/","projectTitle":"Help Our Students Build a Brighter Future!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. LaPorte","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1396902_orig.png?crop=288,288,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756396549517","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1396902"},{"teacherId":2481617,"projectId":9868006,"letterContent":"The funds secured were specifically used to purchase high-quality, competition-grade components, including:\r\n\r\nAdvanced Gearboxes: Precision-engineered gearboxes that allow the team to efficiently manage torque and speed, critical for powerful drivetrains and reliable mechanisms (like lifts and arms).\r\n\r\nDurable Hex Shafts: Standardized, high-strength hexagonal shafts crucial for connecting components securely to gearboxes and wheels, preventing failure under the high stress of competition.\r\n\r\nWorking with industry-standard, high-quality components provided students with invaluable, real-world experience:\r\n\r\nDesign for Durability: Students learned the importance of selecting the right materials and mechanical interfaces for demanding applications.\r\n\r\nPrecision Assembly: The components required precise installation, teaching students detailed skills in mechanical assembly, alignment, and tolerance fitting—skills highly valued in professional engineering and manufacturing.\r\n\r\nThis project would not have been possible without the commitment of our donors. You didn't just donate to a wish list; you invested in the future engineers, innovators, and problem-solvers on our FRC team.\r\n\r\nYour support provided the \"Building Blocks\" for a competitive robot, but more importantly, it built a foundation of technical confidence and experience that will benefit these students far beyond the competition floor.","fullyFundedDate":1763606416813,"projectUrl":"project/building-blocks-for-blue-banners/9868006/","projectTitle":"Building Blocks for Blue Banners","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Schmidt","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2481617_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1486678218372","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/scischmidt"},{"teacherId":2481617,"projectId":6612230,"letterContent":"You made the following possible \r\nEnhanced Skill Development: Students are no longer limited to basic construction. They are now actively learning and practicing industry-relevant skills like precision measurement, electrical circuit troubleshooting, and proper material handling. The digital calipers, for instance, allowed students to measure tolerance and design custom parts with accuracy for our latest robot drive train.\r\n\r\nIncreased Efficiency & Build Quality: Having enough high-quality, specialized tools means students spend less time waiting and more time building. This has led to higher-quality robot construction and a significant decrease in part damage due to using improper tools. Our latest robot build was completed 20% faster than the previous year.\r\n\r\nFostering Independent Problem-Solving: With their own organized toolkits, students are empowered to take ownership of their specific robot subsystems. They have gained confidence in diagnosing and fixing issues independently, moving from passive recipients of instruction to active problem-solvers and engineers.","fullyFundedDate":1670878705570,"projectUrl":"project/team-growth-tool-growth/6612230/","projectTitle":"Team Growth Tool Growth","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Schmidt","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2481617_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1486678218372","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/scischmidt"},{"teacherId":1396902,"projectId":9656640,"letterContent":"We are writing to express our profound gratitude for your generous donation to our Donor's Choose project, \"Together, We Build Bright Futures!,\" which helped us successfully fund the creation of our new College and Career Center (CCC) at Taft High School in Chicago!\r\n\r\nBecause of your belief in our students and your commitment to their futures, you provided the essential foundation needed to transform an underutilized space into a vibrant, welcoming, and essential resource.\r\n\r\nOur large public high school serves a diverse population, and for many of our students, having a designated, comfortable place to plan their future is crucial. The CCC is designed to be the central hub where all students feel supported in navigating paths after graduation—whether it's college, technical school, military, or direct workforce entry.\r\n\r\nYour donation was critical in getting the CCC off the ground and made the following elements possible:\r\n\r\nA Welcoming Environment: Your funds allowed us to purchase comfortable, accessible seating, tables, and motivating decor. We transformed a sterile room into a vibrant space where students genuinely want to spend time, making it easier for them to engage in serious planning and discussions.\r\n\r\nEssential Print Resources: We were able to stock the shelves with current and comprehensive college guides, test preparation materials, career exploration books, and financial aid handbooks. These foundational print resources are now readily available for any student to pick up and utilize.","fullyFundedDate":1757941831725,"projectUrl":"project/together-we-build-bright-futures/9656640/","projectTitle":"Together, We Build Bright Futures!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. LaPorte","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1396902_orig.png?crop=288,288,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756396549517","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1396902"},{"teacherId":9721858,"projectId":9413145,"letterContent":"I want to extend my deepest gratitude for your generous support of our project. Thanks to your donation, our Honors Precalculus classroom now has two fully functional graphing-calculator charging stations—simple tools that have made a tremendous difference in the daily learning experience of my students. What may seem like a small addition to a classroom has had an enormous impact on our momentum, our efficiency, and, most importantly, our students' confidence in their ability to succeed.\r\n\r\nMany of you use technology every day, whether at home or at work, but you may not often get to see the kind of challenges that arise when technology enters the classroom. Graphing calculators are essential tools in higher-level math: they help students visualize complex functions, compare graphs, test mathematical ideas, and explore concepts far beyond what paper and pencil alone can provide. In our Honors Precalculus course, we rely on these devices every single day to bring abstract concepts to life. When a calculator is dead, however, that student immediately falls behind—not because they can't understand the math, but because they don't have access to the tool that allows them to engage with it fully.\r\n\r\nBefore this project was funded, we routinely spent the first five to ten minutes of class tracking down spare chargers, rearranging groups so students could share devices, or pausing lessons so students could recalculate on paper what the rest of the class had already visualized. Your donation changed that overnight. The charging stations now give students a clear, reliable solution: they simply dock their calculators as they walk into class, grab them when the lesson begins, and know without worry that their device will last the entire period. This has restored instructional time, reduced stress, and allowed everyone to start class on equal footing.\r\n\r\nWhat has been most exciting for students is the sense of independence and responsibility the charging stations give them. They love how easy the stations are to use—no more tangled cords, broken chargers, or scavenger hunts for an open outlet. The stations feel modern, accessible, even \"professional,\" as one student phrased it, and there's a sense of pride in using classroom tools that look purposeful and well cared for. Students often comment on how the charging stations make the room feel more like a college study space or STEM lab, reinforcing their identity as serious learners preparing for rigorous future studies.\r\n\r\nSeveral students in particular have been transformed by having consistent access to a charged device. One student, who often juggles responsibilities at home and frequently forgot to charge her calculator, told me that she used to dread group activities because she felt she wasn't contributing enough. Now, she arrives each day confident and prepared, and her participation has flourished. Another student—an aspiring engineer—has taken to arriving early just to explore calculator functions beyond the lesson, using stored programs and graphing tools he hadn't been able to experiment with before the charging stations became available. He told me, \"I feel like I can finally use the calculator the way it's meant to be used.\"\r\n\r\nThese moments, big and small, happen because you chose to help. Your generosity didn't just provide hardware; it provided opportunity, equity, and a smoother, more joyful learning environment. You've helped create a classroom where students can focus on the beauty of mathematics rather than the anxiety of a blinking battery icon.\r\n\r\nOn behalf of every student who plugs in a calculator each morning with confidence and excitement, thank you. Your support has changed our classroom for the better, and we are deeply grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1757554641153,"projectUrl":"project/charging-station-calculators-ready-t/9413145/","projectTitle":"Charging Station + Calculators = Ready to Do Some Precalculus","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Starzycka","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9721858_orig.jpg?crop=1083,1083,x196,y102&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1731202203464","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-starzycka"},{"teacherId":10289610,"projectId":9766003,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of classroom essentials. We are so grateful for your support. Your contribution is already making a difference. My students have already used the electronic balance and will use it for multiple labs throughout the year. This balance will be shared by 5 other chemistry teachers. Hence this item has impacted at least 500 students. Other classroom essentials are used frequently. Some students need pencils everyday, some use paper towels to wipe their hands especially after labs & lysol wipes for cleaning tables, and band aids for cuts. \r\n\r\nThe large display periodic table has made a remarkable impact on my students. It makes my lessons more interactive and helps students connect chemical concepts easily. Having it displayed prominently supports daily chemistry learning and sparks conversations about elements. It is a valuable learning tool. \r\n\r\nYour support has made a real difference to the learning environment. Thank you for your kindness.","fullyFundedDate":1759156874299,"projectUrl":"project/chemistry-classroom-essentials-for-under/9766003/","projectTitle":"Chemistry Classroom Essentials for Underpriveleged Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Agrawal","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10289610"},{"teacherId":10289610,"projectId":9792058,"letterContent":"Thank you for all the materials I received, especially the 8 hot plates. My sophomore students were very excited to use hot plates for their chemistry lab activity. I was able to organize this activity properly because I had 8 groups of students, and each group of 4 had their own hot plate to use near their table. This prevented chaos as it limited student movement. The students were excited to study different type of changes and kept going to the hot plates to record their observations as substances were heated. They were excited to observe evaporation of salt water or color changes. We plan on using these hot plates multiple times throughout the year. We will use the index cards later in the year. The weighing boats were used for measuring samples several times during the year. \r\n\r\nAll this would not have been possible without your donations. Your donations have made a meaningful difference to my classes (150 students). These materials will be shared by all the chemistry teachers (at least 5) in the building, hence will impact approximately 500 students. Thank you for your generosity. My students join me in thanking you too.","fullyFundedDate":1759774018865,"projectUrl":"project/hot-lab-needs/9792058/","projectTitle":"Hot Lab Needs","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Agrawal","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10289610"},{"teacherId":9701989,"projectId":9373651,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation! The classroom cart brimming with new supplies has become an absolute game-changer, dramatically boosting engagement and ensuring all three of my classrooms are equally well-equipped. My students are utilizing the highlighters, pens, pencils, and art supplies for dynamic, hands-on learning strategies. For example, we use the art supplies and colorful pens for a project where students create baseball cards for the founding fathers, researching key facts and using the materials to design an engaging, shareable historical artifact. They also use highlighters and pens for hexagonal thinking, a powerful vocabulary strategy where they connect terms and concepts visually. The ability to roll the entire cart of materials between rooms means I no longer have to worry about running out of essential resources, making every lesson seamless and consistent across classes.\r\n\r\nThe initial reaction from my students was pure excitement, especially for the snacks and toys that we use as engagement rewards. Now, those rewards have become powerful motivators. Student participation and engagement have soared because they know that contributing a great idea or actively participating in a discussion can lead to a fun reward. This positive cycle has created a vibrant and eager learning environment where students are excited to come to class and contribute.\r\n\r\nYour donation didn't just give us supplies; it provided the tools for creativity, engagement, and a truly equitable learning environment across all my classrooms. Thank you again for making such a profound difference in my students' daily lives and learning experiences!","fullyFundedDate":1753653875884,"projectUrl":"project/securing-supplies-for-sy-25-26/9373651/","projectTitle":"Securing Supplies for SY 25-26!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tetlak","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9701989_orig.jpg?crop=2446,2446,x618,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724429754327","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-tetlak"},{"teacherId":732480,"projectId":9469084,"letterContent":"There are a variety of mindfulness strategies that help students practice self-management. Mindfulness breathing can help students to be aware of their breath, increase oxygen levels in their bodies, and maintain a calm attitude. This practice can benefit short- and long-term health.\r\n\r\nLast year, I taught approximately 1200 students five-finger breathing, a tactile practice designed to help them focus on the here and now. This year, I used the breathing balls to introduce another tactile experience which can help students visualize their breath and focus on the here and now by using the balls as a focal point.\r\n\r\nStudents were eager and engaged in using the breathing balls to practice mindfulness breathing. Thank you so much for funding these resources, which will be used for years to come, and whose impact can be seen immediately and whose long-term impact may never be known.","fullyFundedDate":1755200122840,"projectUrl":"project/inhale-expand-the-ball-exhale-contrac/9469084/","projectTitle":"Inhale, expand the ball, Exhale, contract the ball","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Plewa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp732480_orig.jpg?crop=1374,1374,x42,y226&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1722607272245","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/732480"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_5334","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":4440,"numTeachers":164,"percentFrplEligible":75,"percentAsian":6,"percentBlack":2,"percentWhite":41,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":43,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"7 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"27.1:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":74.9,"schoolId":5334,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Taft High School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Taft High School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/chicago-public-school-district-299/taft-high-school/5334"}