{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Thomas Downey High School","outOfStateSupporters":15.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":247218,"projectId":9113094,"letterContent":"I love implementing dialectical journaling with my students! It helps them engage in deep reflective questioning, connect texts to their experiences, and explore deeper meanings and themes.\r\nTo engage all types of learners and cater to different styles of understanding, I offer a variety of techniques. The students read and use voice notes or short video clips on their laptops, solidifying their sometimes fragile comprehension. I also provide sticky notes for them to jot down their thoughts while reading, which they can attach to the corresponding pages in their books. Additionally, drawing and adding thought bubbles allows students to express their analytical insights in creative ways.\r\n\r\nIn my classroom, reading is a vital escape from screens, creating a joyful environment for everyone. Our students often lack the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in a book and truly enjoy the experience. I take pride in this program, which not only supports students in credit recovery but also helps them rediscover the joy of reading a good book!","fullyFundedDate":1741099190976,"projectUrl":"project/pages-of-truth/9113094/","projectTitle":"Pages of Truth","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Blickenstaff","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp247218_orig.jpg?crop=315,315,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1694458078864","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/247218"},{"teacherId":247218,"projectId":8882856,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible support and generosity through Donors Choose. It is truly heartwarming to reflect on the impact that kindness and thoughtfulness can have on our community. Your contribution has not only brightened my students' days, but it has also helped foster a deeper connection between generations.\r\n\r\nSomething as simple as a Pop-Tart has become more than just a snack—it's a symbol of balance, showing students that treats can be enjoyed in moderation alongside healthier options. I have had the joy of sharing these treats with my students, and in turn, they've embraced the sweetness of life in both its healthy and indulgent forms. It's wonderful to see how small acts of kindness create ripples that reach far beyond the classroom, influencing the wider school community.\r\n\r\nMy students have even coined the term \"almond mom\" to describe my approach to healthy habits, which is a funny and endearing reflection of the balance we try to maintain. I also think back to my high school days when my friend's mom—whom we lovingly called the \"Koolaid mom\"—would surprise us with Pop-Tarts after school. Now, I'm able to pay that same kindness forward, thanks to your support.\r\n\r\nOur students are incredibly fortunate to have you as part of their journey. You are truly making a difference, and I am deeply grateful for your generosity and belief in our work.","fullyFundedDate":1733654309020,"projectUrl":"project/pop-tart-tea-time-for-the-food-insecure/8882856/","projectTitle":"POP TART TEA TIME for the Food Insecure","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Blickenstaff","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp247218_orig.jpg?crop=315,315,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1694458078864","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/247218"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_40299","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":2055,"numTeachers":85,"percentFrplEligible":87,"percentAsian":2,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":18,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":68,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"9 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"24.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":84.6,"schoolId":40299,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Thomas Downey High School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Thomas Downey High School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/modesto-city-schools/thomas-downey-high-school/40299"}
Join the 26 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Thomas Downey High School is
an urban public school
in Modesto, California that is part of Modesto City Schools.
It serves 2,055 students
in grades 9 - 12 with a student/teacher ratio of 24.2:1.
Its teachers have had 7 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. Each classroom request for funding was created by a classroom teacher and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
of students receive free or reduced price lunch
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
Source: the National Center for Education Statistics
71%
of students are Black, Latino, Native
American, or Asian
Data about school demographics comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. The numbers in this chart may not add up to 100% because of limitations in the available data.
Thomas Downey High School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Dec 5, 2025
DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students
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Thomas Downey High School
$5,222
raised using DonorsChoose
7
projects
funded
4
teachers
funded
26
donors
2
projects for
books
Thomas Downey High School has received support from
22 individuals from California and
4 individuals out-of-state.