{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Toms River High School East","outOfStateSupporters":22.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10413327,"projectId":10763658,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for making our Wellness for All project possible! Your generosity is helping my Life Skills students, ages 18–21, make a meaningful difference in our school community. My students are excited to use the new grooming and personal care supplies to create a welcoming space where everyone can access resources to support their hygiene, self-care, and confidence. They will take pride in organizing supplies, sorting items into designated bins, assembling personal care kits, and helping maintain our grooming area. Having a designated seating area for hair styling will also provide students with a comfortable space to practice positive self-care routines. Seeing the materials come together has given my students a wonderful opportunity to feel excited about learning while making a difference for others.\r\n\r\nOne of the most rewarding parts of this project is that my students are not just receiving resources; they are becoming leaders and active participants in helping others. Through these hands-on activities, they are developing important life skills such as communication, organization, teamwork, and independence. They are learning that small acts of kindness can have a big impact and that everyone deserves to feel comfortable, confident, and valued. This initiative also helps break down barriers by reminding our entire school community that personal wellness and dignity are important for everyone.\r\n\r\nOur next steps are to continue organizing the supplies, preparing personal care kits, and maintaining our wellness space so that students throughout the school can benefit from these resources.Thank you for believing in my students and giving them the opportunity to develop valuable life skills while making a meaningful contribution to their school community. Your kindness is helping us promote wellness, inclusion, confidence, and dignity for all. We are truly grateful!","fullyFundedDate":1793739703654,"projectUrl":"project/wellness-for-all-a-student-led-personal/10763658/","projectTitle":"Wellness for All: A Student-Led Personal Care Initiative","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Shaughnessy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10413327"},{"teacherId":5515193,"projectId":10332443,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support of our \"Time to Get Organized\" initiative. By equipping our students with essential supplies—like binders, pencil cases, colored pencils, and glue sticks—you have completely transformed the daily flow of our classroom. Having every student arrive prepared with their own complete set of materials has eliminated lost instruction time, boosted student confidence, and fostered a renewed sense of pride and focus in their work. Your support ensures that our learners can jump straight into creative, collaborative lessons without barrier or delay, sending a powerful message that their education and success are worth investing in!","fullyFundedDate":1782150828317,"projectUrl":"project/time-to-get-organized/10332443/","projectTitle":"Time to Get Organized","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Schindler","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5515193_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1638485235867","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5515193"},{"teacherId":5515193,"projectId":10713382,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support of the \"Tools for Success: Essentials for Comfort, Care, and Focus\" initiative. By providing essential hygiene products, sensory regulation items, and targeted study tools, your contribution removes daily physical and emotional distractions so students can enter the classroom feeling dignified, secure, and ready to learn. Your generosity bridges crucial gaps to create an equitable environment where every student has the focus and confidence needed to thrive, sending a powerful message that their comfort, well-being, and future truly matter.","fullyFundedDate":1791059792948,"projectUrl":"project/tools-for-success-essentials-for-comfor/10713382/","projectTitle":"Tools for Success: Essentials for Comfort, Care, and Focus","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Schindler","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5515193_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1638485235867","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5515193"},{"teacherId":5850708,"projectId":10710627,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity in providing snacks for our classroom. Because of your support, my students have been able to gather in my room twice a week to study and learn without the heavy burden of worrying about being hungry. Having access to these resources has completely transformed our study sessions into a safe, welcoming, and highly productive space where students can focus entirely on their academics.\r\nWhen the large boxes of snacks first arrived, my students' faces lit up with pure excitement and relief. They immediately started sorting through the options, amazed that a group of kind strangers cared so much about their well-being. One specific moment that stands out happened during a particularly challenging midterm review session last week. A student who usually stays quiet and struggles to focus walked in, grabbed a snack, sat down with a peer, and spent the next hour actively collaborating on practice problems. The simple presence of nourishment completely shifted the energy in the room from exhausted to motivated.\r\nMoving forward, our students are using this fueled-up study time to prepare for their upcoming end-of-unit projects and exams. Knowing that they have a reliable place to recharge twice a week has given them the consistency they need to tackle difficult upcoming lessons with confidence. Your gift did so much more than fill a pantry; it fueled minds, eased anxieties, and showed these kids that a whole community is cheering them on. Thank you for making such a lasting impact on our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1791211678344,"projectUrl":"project/fuel-focus-and-finish/10710627/","projectTitle":"Fuel, Focus, and Finish!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gelormine","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5850708_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1653222367184","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5850708"},{"teacherId":9024191,"projectId":10715477,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our Warmth, Care, and Hunger classroom project! Your donation of food, hygiene products, cleaning supplies, and other essential items will make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students.\r\n\r\nAs a special education resource teacher, I strive to create a safe, comfortable, and supportive environment where every student feels valued and ready to learn. Having access to these basic necessities helps remove barriers that can affect students' confidence, comfort, and ability to focus on their education.\r\n\r\nOne of the most rewarding parts of this project was seeing the students' excitement and enthusiasm when they learned about the supplies available to them. Their positive reactions were truly heartwarming, and it was wonderful to see how this support helped them feel cared for and more engaged in their learning. When students feel supported and know that people care about their well-being, they are better able to focus, participate, and succeed in the classroom.\r\n\r\nYour generosity goes beyond providing supplies. It sends a powerful message to our students that their community cares about them and believes in their potential. We are incredibly grateful for your kindness and for helping us provide a little extra care, comfort, and dignity to the students who need it most.\r\n\r\nThank you for being part of our classroom community and making a direct, positive impact on our students' lives. Your support is helping us create an environment where students feel supported, motivated, and ready to learn!\r\n\r\nWith sincere appreciation,\r\n\r\nChristina Gregus-Bowker\r\nBiology and Forensics Special Education Teacher\r\nToms River High School East","fullyFundedDate":1791323859308,"projectUrl":"project/warmth-care-hunger/10715477/","projectTitle":"Warmth, Care, Hunger","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gregus-Bowker","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9024191_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1769098687339","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9024191"},{"teacherId":10413324,"projectId":10043927,"letterContent":"I want to thank you for your time and dedication to our children. My students were able to move around the room easier and used the white boards with markers that were not only black and blue! It is really funny to see how they all got so excited about using the different colored markers to complete math problems. I explained where the supplies and snacks came from and they were taken back that \"strangers\" would even consider donating to benefit others. I was able to structure my class lessons around students working together and reviewing correct and incorrect responses.\r\nWhen my students seemed they need a little \"pick-me-up\" I would give away snacks for answers and participation especially when things got difficult for them.\r\nI want to thank you again for your support to make my classroom a space students liked to code to and felt comfortable.","fullyFundedDate":1768951522534,"projectUrl":"project/move-around-the-math-class/10043927/","projectTitle":"Move Around the Math Class","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Medina","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10413324"},{"teacherId":10415895,"projectId":10051964,"letterContent":"On behalf of my students and myself, I'm writing to share our heartfelt gratitude for the food and snacks you generously provided to our students over the recent months. Your kindness has had a meaningful and lasting impact on our school community.\r\nFor many of our students, access to consistent, nourishing food is not something they can always count on. Because of your support, students were able to stay focused, energized, and ready to learn throughout the day. Other teachers noticed improved concentration in the classroom, fewer disruptions caused by hunger, and a greater sense of comfort among students who knew they had something to eat when they needed it.\r\nBeyond the academic benefits, your donation also contributed to students' emotional well-being. Having snacks available created a sense of security and care—students felt supported and valued. This was particularly meaningful as the generosity came from complete strangers. It also fostered a stronger sense of community, as sharing food became an opportunity for connection and kindness among peers.\r\nOver the months, your generosity quietly (but at the same token powerfully) removed a barrier to learning for so many young people. What may have seemed like a simple act of giving truly made a profound difference in their daily lives.\r\nThank you again for your compassion and commitment to supporting our students at Toms River High School East. Your contribution has not only met an immediate need but has also helped create a more positive and sustainable learning environment.\r\n\r\nWith sincerest appreciation,\r\n\r\n\r\nKevin Kanarkowski\r\nSocial Studies Teacher\r\nToms River High School East","fullyFundedDate":1769300219177,"projectUrl":"project/help-curb-student-hunger/10051964/","projectTitle":"Help Curb Student Hunger","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Kanarkowski","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10415895"},{"teacherId":10414927,"projectId":10048267,"letterContent":"Thank you to the Tepper Foundation! Your donation had an enormous impact on our Raiders Helping Raiders mentoring program for at-risk students. The program often thinks of new and creative ways to engage our student members. With your donation, we were able to have the most mentees ever participate in an event.\r\n\r\nThat event was the First Annual Raiders Helping Raiders Cornhole Tournament. By way of your kindness and support, RHR obtained four cornhole boards. The tournament took place outside along with snacks and drinks supplied through the Donors Choose funding. The day provided not only the mentees but the mentors as well with friendly competition, engagement and bonding. It just so happens to be that our building principal, Mrs. Anders and her mentee were victorious and the overall winners.\r\n\r\nDue to your support, RHR looks forward to continuing this new tradition for years to come. Based on the positive reaction of the students and their feedback, this activity is a keeper.","fullyFundedDate":1769212756136,"projectUrl":"project/raiders-helping-raiders/10048267/","projectTitle":"Raiders Helping Raiders!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Trumble","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10414927_orig.jpg?crop=1010,1010,x0,y393&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1786019891744","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10414927"},{"teacherId":8183833,"projectId":10041854,"letterContent":"Because of your incredible generosity, our classroom has become so much more than a place to learn math—it has become a place where students feel cared for, supported, and ready to succeed. Thank you for funding our classroom snack project and for recognizing that meeting students' basic needs is an essential part of helping them learn. Your kindness has had a meaningful impact on the daily lives of my high school special education students, and I am deeply grateful for your support.\r\n\r\nMany of my students arrive at school carrying challenges that extend far beyond academics. Some come to class hungry because they missed breakfast, have long school days, or face food insecurity at home. Even a small hunger can make it difficult to focus, regulate emotions, or stay engaged in a lesson. Thanks to your generosity, I am able to offer snacks in a respectful and welcoming way, ensuring that students have the fuel they need to participate, concentrate, and do their best. What may seem like a simple snack can make the difference between a student feeling distracted and discouraged or feeling ready to learn.\r\n\r\nThe snacks you provided have also helped create a classroom environment built on trust and compassion. My students know they can come into our room without worrying about whether they'll have something to eat if they need it. That sense of security helps reduce anxiety and allows them to focus on learning rather than on an empty stomach. It also sends an important message: that they are valued, supported, and worthy of care. Those moments of kindness help strengthen the relationships that are so important in a special education classroom.\r\n\r\nBeyond meeting physical needs, your donation has contributed to a more positive classroom culture. Sharing a snack during independent work or after completing a challenging assignment has become an opportunity to celebrate effort, encourage perseverance, and reinforce positive behaviors. These small moments help build confidence and foster a sense of community among students who are working hard to overcome academic and personal challenges. The classroom feels more welcoming, and students are more willing to take risks, ask questions, and engage in learning.\r\n\r\nAs a teacher, it is incredibly meaningful to know that there are people like you who believe in our students and want to invest in their success. Your generosity reminds my students that there are caring individuals beyond the walls of our school who want them to thrive. That message is powerful, especially for young people who may not always feel seen or supported.","fullyFundedDate":1768833511401,"projectUrl":"project/help-fuel-growing-math-minds/10041854/","projectTitle":"Help Fuel Growing Math Minds!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gonzales","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8183833_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1637227217537","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8183833"},{"teacherId":8950241,"projectId":10051349,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom. Because of your generosity, my students were able to fully engage with The Odyssey and our AP Language & Composition curriculum throughout the year. The Post-it notes, markers, and highlighters quickly became essential tools as students annotated texts, tracked themes and character development, identified rhetorical strategies, and collected evidence for discussions and writing assignments. They were genuinely excited when the supplies arrived, and having colorful, high-quality materials made close reading more interactive, organized, and enjoyable. The cleaning supplies and classroom scents also helped create a welcoming environment where students felt comfortable learning together.\r\n\r\nOver the course of the year, my 9th graders completed a deep study of The Odyssey, using their annotations to support literary analyses and collaborative discussions. My AP Language students applied the same annotation strategies to challenging nonfiction texts as they prepared for essays and the AP Exam. Your generosity provided much more than classroom supplies—it helped create meaningful learning experiences that encouraged curiosity, confidence, and critical thinking. Thank you for making such a lasting impact on my students and our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1769304735430,"projectUrl":"project/reading-with-writing-in-mind/10051349/","projectTitle":"Reading with Writing in Mind","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Santonastaso","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8950241_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1786552689672","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8950241"},{"teacherId":5260895,"projectId":9962247,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation. My students are greatly benefiting from the electric pencil sharpeners—they're no longer struggling with dull pencils that barely make a mark. It's made a huge difference in their work. Their writing is much more legible, not only for me but for them as well.\r\n\r\nI would also like to thank you personally for the raised laptop holder. It has made a meaningful difference in my day-to-day routine by allowing me to stand comfortably at my desk and stretch my legs, rather than remaining in one position for extended periods.\r\n\r\nYour support has had a direct and positive impact in our classroom and we truly appreciate your kindness. Thank you again!!","fullyFundedDate":1775502135579,"projectUrl":"project/trying-to-sharpen-students-minds-as-wel/9962247/","projectTitle":"Trying to Sharpen Students' Minds as Well as Their Pencils","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Brooke Schilling","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5260895_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1522217779130","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5260895"},{"teacherId":10412744,"projectId":10042009,"letterContent":"Thank you so so much, from my students and myself, for your extremely generous donation. The snacks and drinks have been the most handy as students are often coming to me saying that they are hungry or thirsty, and kids cannot learn if they are focused on their empty stomachs or have a headache from dehydration. \r\n\r\nThe tissues have also been especially useful this month with allergy season at an all time high. They also come in handy for myself at the end of a long day working with high schoolers.","fullyFundedDate":1768838632164,"projectUrl":"project/keeping-ms-fosters-class-warm-healthy/10042009/","projectTitle":"Keeping Ms. Foster’s Class Warm, Healthy & Full","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Foster","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10412744"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_46033","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1314,"numTeachers":111,"percentFrplEligible":47,"percentAsian":3,"percentBlack":3,"percentWhite":70,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":19,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":3,"gradesServed":"9 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"11.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":78.0,"schoolId":46033,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Toms River High School East on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Toms River High School East","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-jersey/toms-river-regional-school-district/toms-river-high-school-east/46033"}