{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Union High School","outOfStateSupporters":37.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8360120,"projectId":9248804,"letterContent":"A Heartfelt Thank You: Transforming Communication Skills in Speech Class\r\n\r\nWe are absolutely thrilled and deeply grateful that our project, \"Working Hands, Learning Minds,\" has been fully funded! Your generosity has equipped my speech classes with essential tools that will profoundly impact my students, particularly those who struggle with functional communication and complex social interactions.\r\n\r\nThe resources you provided are not just \"nice to haves\"—they are the foundation for more engaging, relevant, and evidence-based therapy.\r\n\r\nThe Impact of Your Generosity\r\n\r\n1. Functional & Life-Ready Skills (CBI Focus)\r\n\r\nThe CBI curriculum books and the accompanying board game for non-readers are true game-changers. CBI, or Community-Based Instruction, is vital for teaching students the communication skills they need for real life (e.g., asking for help, ordering food, following directions in the community).\r\n\r\nThe CBI curriculum books allow me to structure lessons around essential life domains, moving beyond basic articulation to address functional language goals.\r\n\r\nThe board game provides a playful, low-stakes environment for non-readers to learn and practice these practical communication concepts without relying on written text. This immediate, hands-on application is crucial for generalization and skill retention.\r\n\r\n2. Enhancing Social and Conversational Abilities\r\n\r\nFor many of my students, the greatest barrier is pragmatic language—the ability to use language appropriately in social situations.\r\n\r\nThe Conversation Cubes are fantastic for generating spontaneous, novel, and meaningful conversation topics, helping students practice turn-taking, staying on topic, and asking follow-up questions.\r\n\r\nThe Social Skills Card Game provides structured role-playing scenarios to target specific challenges like resolving conflicts, understanding non-verbal cues, and managing emotions during group activities. These interactive resources bridge the gap between practicing skills in my room and applying them in the cafeteria or hallway.\r\n\r\n3. Personalized and Specialized Materials\r\n\r\nFinally, the Teacher Pay Teachers gift card ensures that I can fill crucial gaps in my library with highly specialized and individualized materials. This will allow me to purchase custom resources tailored to the unique needs of students with severe communication disorders, ensuring every student receives instruction at their exact learning level.\r\n\r\nThank you once again for investing in my students' voices and futures. Because of you, they are gaining the confidence and skills they need to navigate the world and advocate for themselves. We can't wait to share the progress they make this year!","fullyFundedDate":1749215538716,"projectUrl":"project/working-hands-learning-minds/9248804/","projectTitle":"Working Hands, Learning Minds!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Toglia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8360120_orig.jpg?crop=1280,1280,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1652294025082","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8360120"},{"teacherId":1017001,"projectId":9186751,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom. Your donations have made a meaningful difference in the experiences and opportunities we can provide for our students.\r\n\r\nThe new chair has helped transform our vocational skill area into a more professional, office-like space. This allows students to practice and feel comfortable in an environment that mirrors a real workplace. The thermal laminating pouches have been incredibly useful in creating reusable learning materials, and we've built task boxes that allow students to focus on practicing individual skills at their own pace.\r\n\r\nIn addition, the rice cooker and electric griddle have enhanced our cooking and life skills lessons. These tools give students hands-on experience with meal preparation, helping them develop independence and confidence they will carry into everyday life.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has created lasting resources that will continue to benefit our students for years to come. We are deeply grateful for your kindness and commitment to supporting their growth and success.","fullyFundedDate":1747219700602,"projectUrl":"project/preparing-students-with-disabilities-for/9186751/","projectTitle":"Preparing Students with Disabilities for the Future with Life Skills","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kohn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1017001_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1691807719239","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1017001"},{"teacherId":9279188,"projectId":9101015,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donations! \r\n\r\nThe high-top table has greatly impacted several of our students who struggle with sitting at a traditional student desk in high school. While our students can fully engage in both academic work and vocational tasks, remaining seated for extended periods can be a real challenge. The high-top table and stools have provided a motivating and flexible seating option that supports their focus and engagement. Plus, it makes our classroom look modern and inviting, which our students really appreciate!\r\n\r\nThe rolling chair has added to this flexibility, giving students another seating choice that meets their needs and helps them stay involved in their learning. The LEGO set has also become a valuable resource in our classroom. Whether used as a reward, a brief distraction, or a calming tool for busy hands, it helps our students self-regulate and return to tasks more ready to learn.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping us create a space that's not just functional but truly student-centered. Your support makes a difference every day!","fullyFundedDate":1739387385828,"projectUrl":"project/flexible-seating-and-lego-sets-to-enhanc/9101015/","projectTitle":"Flexible Seating and LEGO Sets to Enhance Student Engagement","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Musarra","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9279188_orig.jpg?crop=1233,1233,x73,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1720469768161","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9279188"},{"teacherId":1017001,"projectId":9030297,"letterContent":"On behalf of my students and myself, I want to extend my deepest gratitude for your generous support of our classroom project through Donors Choose. Because of your kindness, we have been able to provide our students with the necessary resources to assist with building daily life skills and social skills. The students were so excited to see their new materials and could not wait to open everything.\r\n\r\nThe over the door coat hanger is used to keep the coats off the chairs and tables. The Legos are used to work together as a team to build the item and then we displayed it in the classroom. The cardstock and scissors were used to complete class activities. \r\nThe class uses the game, to learn and practice, real life skills such as turn taking, appropriate waiting and identifying social skills that are necessary to succeed in everyday life. \r\n\r\nYour generosity goes beyond just providing supplies it has empowered my students to work harder and build many skills to assist with eveyday life. The positive effects of your contribution will last far beyond this school year, and for that, we are truly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1737064594116,"projectUrl":"project/building-social-skills-and-organization/9030297/","projectTitle":"Building Social Skills and Organization","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kohn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1017001_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1691807719239","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1017001"},{"teacherId":1017001,"projectId":9013114,"letterContent":"I wanted to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for you generous contribution to our Donors Choose project. Your support has made a positive impact on our classroom and will provide our students with resources that will help them grow and thrive. Thanks to you, we now have the materials we need to create a more engaging and enriching learning experience. \r\n\r\nStudents use the materials to practice a variety of life skills, such as, folding, planting, practicing using their fine motor skills for everyday life tasks. The label maker assists with identifying where items should be and the bins and binders help with organization. \r\n\r\n\r\nThank you once again for making a difference in our classroom and in the lives of our students.","fullyFundedDate":1734903133398,"projectUrl":"project/materials-for-success/9013114/","projectTitle":"Materials for Success","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kohn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1017001_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1691807719239","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1017001"},{"teacherId":1017001,"projectId":8954464,"letterContent":"I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for your generous contribution to our classrooms through Donors Choose. Thanks to your support, we were able to purchase materials that assist the students with independence, allows our classroom to be more organized and provide tools the students need to practice social skills and communication skills. With your donation, my students have been able to practice cooking using a pressure cooker, use the cart to transport items, work with a group to build legos and help build our bookshelf. It's been incredible to witness the excitement and enthusiasm they bring to class each day with the new materials and resources. \r\n\r\nYour support has truly made a difference, and it is because of people like you that we ae able to create a learning environment that fosters growth, curiousity, and a love for learning.","fullyFundedDate":1733321591899,"projectUrl":"project/materials-for-success/8954464/","projectTitle":"Materials for Success","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kohn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1017001_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1691807719239","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1017001"},{"teacherId":9279188,"projectId":9037903,"letterContent":"We cannot thank you enough for your kindness and generosity in funding our project! Your support has made a tremendous impact on our classroom and the skills our students are developing.\r\n\r\nBefore this project was funded, we were in desperate need of new flatware, and thanks to you, we now have the proper utensils to support our lessons. Students practice setting and bussing tables—an essential life skill that can serve them well in restaurant jobs or at home with their families.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, our worn-out dollar store laundry baskets have now been replaced with sturdy, functional baskets. These allow students to efficiently sort and deliver laundry, reinforcing responsibility and organization. It may seem like a small change, but it has made a big difference in our daily routine!\r\n\r\nLastly, the rubber gloves you helped provide offer necessary hand protection, ensuring that students can work safely and confidently.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has truly enhanced our learning environment and provided students with real-world skills they can take with them into their futures. From all of us—thank you for making a difference!","fullyFundedDate":1738675834892,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-life-skills-for-our-students/9037903/","projectTitle":"Empowering Life Skills for Our Students with Autism","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Musarra","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9279188_orig.jpg?crop=1233,1233,x73,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1720469768161","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9279188"},{"teacherId":9279188,"projectId":8845933,"letterContent":"Our classroom is a vibrant space where students with special needs and autism engage in hands-on, real-world learning experiences. Your contributions help our students develop essential life skills and independence. We are using measuring cups for cooking lessons, a Swiffer, broom, and lobby pan for cleaning and responsibility tasks, and clipboards so students can complete assignments while out in the community.\r\nThese materials make a meaningful impact by allowing our students to practice everyday skills in a structured and supportive environment. Measuring cups will help reinforce math and fine motor skills through cooking activities, while the cleaning tools will teach responsibility and self-care. The clipboards will enable our students to participate in community-based instruction, working on assignments in real-world settings to strengthen their communication and problem-solving abilities.\r\nWith your support, we can provide these essential tools that empower our students to build confidence, independence, and real-world readiness. Thank you for believing in their potential!","fullyFundedDate":1730719761121,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-students-with-autism-through/8845933/","projectTitle":"Empowering Students With Autism Through Life Management Skills","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Musarra","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9279188_orig.jpg?crop=1233,1233,x73,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1720469768161","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9279188"},{"teacherId":9279188,"projectId":8747280,"letterContent":"How did we ever live without a standing desk? This incredible addition has made a world of difference—not only for students who struggle to sit for long periods but also for the flexibility it gives our teacher to seamlessly toggle between a laptop and our view board. It has truly enhanced both comfort and engagement in our learning space.\r\n\r\nThe games we received have been an absolute game-changer! Thanks to your generosity, we now host bi-monthly game days that bring our autistic students and their neurotypical peers together in a fun, inclusive environment. These moments foster critical social skills, encourage teamwork, and create meaningful connections that extend beyond the classroom.\r\n\r\nYour support has made a lasting impact on our students' learning and well-being. Thank you for helping us create a more dynamic, inclusive, and engaging space for all!","fullyFundedDate":1726410942664,"projectUrl":"project/tools-to-meet-the-needs-of-students-with/8747280/","projectTitle":"Tools To Meet The Needs Of Students With Autism","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Musarra","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9279188_orig.jpg?crop=1233,1233,x73,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1720469768161","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9279188"},{"teacherId":9279188,"projectId":7842728,"letterContent":"Thanks to your kindness, we were able to bring Nearpod, an incredible digital learning platform, into our classroom and provide essential binders that are so crucial for our math studies.\r\n\r\nWith Nearpod, we've been able to enhance our learning in various ways. It has been a fantastic resource in engaging students with social-emotional lessons, covering topics that help them understand themselves and each other. Nearpod's interactive tools have allowed us to explore science topics like land formations and earthquakes in new, exciting ways that bring these concepts to life. Even more practical lessons, like kitchen safety, have been made more engaging through Nearpod's immersive features.\r\n\r\nThe binders you funded have been invaluable, providing a well-organized space for our students to keep their math materials in order. This has made it easier for them to stay organized and focused on their learning.\r\n\r\nWe are incredibly grateful for your support and investment in our education. Your generosity is making a direct, positive impact on our classroom and helping us create lasting, meaningful learning experiences.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your kindness and belief in the power of education.","fullyFundedDate":1701189330541,"projectUrl":"project/nearpod-digital-learning-platform/7842728/","projectTitle":"Nearpod Digital Learning Platform","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Musarra","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9279188_orig.jpg?crop=1233,1233,x73,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1720469768161","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9279188"},{"teacherId":9279188,"projectId":8577028,"letterContent":"We are so incredibly grateful for your support in funding our project! Because of your kindness, our classroom now has a futon that provides a much-needed flexible seating option for students. Some students benefit from a change in seating, and the futon offers a comfortable place to sit, take a break, or even lay down when they're not feeling like themselves. It has also become a great incentive—students look forward to using it as a reward for completing their work!\r\n\r\nIn addition to the futon, your generosity also provided a $100 gift card for Teachers Pay Teachers. This has allowed us to purchase valuable resources tailored to meet the diverse needs of our students, ensuring that each learner has the tools they need to succeed.\r\n\r\nYour donation has made a lasting impact on our classroom, creating a more inclusive and supportive environment where students can thrive. From the bottom of our hearts—thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1723684662939,"projectUrl":"project/flexible-seating-options-for-special-nee/8577028/","projectTitle":"Flexible Seating Options for Special Needs Students","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Musarra","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9279188_orig.jpg?crop=1233,1233,x73,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1720469768161","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9279188"},{"teacherId":1017001,"projectId":8784306,"letterContent":"The Teachers Pay Teachers gift cards had a significant impact on students by providing me with access to high quality, ready made educational resources. Having access to improved learning materials allowed for more creative, effective, and personalized learning experiences. It also allowed for enhanced teacher support which continues to give me access to support my professional growth and enhance classroom management and benefits students' learning environments. \r\n\r\nPurchasing resources from TPT also helps me save time, enabling me to focus more on instruction and student interaction rather than spending hours creating materials from scratch. \r\n\r\nLastly, TPT gift card empowered me to provide more engaging, effective, and personalized learning experiences, ultimately improving outcomes for students.","fullyFundedDate":1730406675379,"projectUrl":"project/teachers-helping-teachers/8784306/","projectTitle":"Teachers Helping Teachers","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kohn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1017001_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1691807719239","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1017001"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_82349","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":2340,"numTeachers":181,"percentFrplEligible":45,"percentAsian":8,"percentBlack":46,"percentWhite":13,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":28,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"9 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"12.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":62.3,"schoolId":82349,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Union High School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Union High School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-jersey/township-of-union-public-schools/union-high-school/82349"}