{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Van Horn High School","outOfStateSupporters":47.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":3526652,"projectId":9711417,"letterContent":"Thank you for believing in this vision and for supporting our \"More Than a Robot: A Library Dog\" project. We were incredibly excited to bring this special companion into our library to support students' emotional well-being. Unfortunately, DonorsChoose was unable to purchase the original dog because it was sourced outside of the United States, and there was nothing comparable available to replace it. We were deeply disappointed, as we knew how great it would have been for our students.\r\n\r\nHowever, because of your generosity, we were still able to purchase a therapy dog alternative along with additional self-care and wellness resources for our students. These include lotions, chapstick, jewelry-making supplies, a waterfall fountain to create a calming environment, and new shelving and a book cart to make these resources accessible. Together, these items help create a space where students can pause, breathe, and feel supported during difficult or stressful moments.\r\n\r\nYour kindness ensured that this project still fulfilled its true purpose—supporting the mental health and emotional well-being of our students. Every day, students visit the library not just for books, but for comfort, connection, and a sense of belonging. Because of you, we can offer that in even more meaningful ways.\r\n\r\nThank you for your compassion, flexibility, and commitment to our students. Your support continues to make a lasting difference.","fullyFundedDate":1766120975971,"projectUrl":"project/more-than-a-robot-a-library-dog/9711417/","projectTitle":"More Than a Robot: A Library Dog","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Anderson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3526652_orig.jpg?crop=400,400,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1622816064829","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/onetamd"},{"teacherId":3526652,"projectId":9948514,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity in supporting our students on Extreme Test Day. Because of you, every student will receive a granola bar on a day when our entire school is testing. This simple act ensures that students have the fuel they need to stay focused, calm, and ready to do their best.\r\n\r\nExtreme Test Day can be stressful, and your kindness helps ease that burden. Providing every student with a snack sends a powerful message that they are supported and cared for. It helps create a positive environment where students can focus on showing what they know instead of worrying about hunger or distractions.\r\n\r\nYour support made it possible for us to care for all students, and that means more than words can express. Thank you for investing in their success and well-being.","fullyFundedDate":1770055178701,"projectUrl":"project/testing-fuel/9948514/","projectTitle":"Testing Fuel","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Anderson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3526652_orig.jpg?crop=400,400,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1622816064829","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/onetamd"},{"teacherId":3526652,"projectId":10075206,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our library is becoming a more organized, accessible, and welcoming space for every student who walks through our doors. The materials you provided allow us to better manage supplies, streamline access to resources, and ensure students can quickly find what they need to learn, create, and feel supported. Thank you for believing in our students and investing in their success. Your kindness has made a lasting difference in our school community, and we are deeply grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1770221875881,"projectUrl":"project/organized-accessible/10075206/","projectTitle":"Organized & Accessible","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Anderson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3526652_orig.jpg?crop=400,400,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1622816064829","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/onetamd"},{"teacherId":3526652,"projectId":9832670,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our Growing Minds: Bigger Pots for a Greener Library! project. Your generosity has helped our students give our beloved library \"jungle\" the space it needs to thrive. Because of your support, the plants that bring calm, beauty, and cleaner air into our shared learning space now have larger pots and nutrient-rich soil to grow stronger and healthier.\r\n\r\nOur library is more than a place to read, it's a peaceful refuge where students build responsibility, practice mindfulness, and feel connected to something living and growing. Your donation not only nurtures our plants, but it also nurtures the hearts and minds of every student who pauses to care for them.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our vision and for investing in an environment where our students can learn, breathe, and grow.","fullyFundedDate":1764681813477,"projectUrl":"project/growing-minds-bigger-pots-for-a-greener/9832670/","projectTitle":"Growing Minds: Bigger Pots for a Greener Library!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Anderson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3526652_orig.jpg?crop=400,400,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1622816064829","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/onetamd"},{"teacherId":8968026,"projectId":9880933,"letterContent":"The toy drive was a powerful example of what can happen when students come together with a shared purpose. From the start, students worked hard to connect with community partners and involve their peers in the fundraising effort. They reached out to local businesses, families, and school staff, sharing why the toy drive mattered and how it could make a difference for kids in the hospital. Along the way, students supported one another by sharing ideas, organizing donations, and keeping each other motivated. Through their teamwork and persistence, they were able to raise over $700 worth of new toys—an accomplishment that reflected not just the donations themselves, but the effort, communication, and dedication behind every dollar raised.\r\n\r\nThroughout the process, students built strong connections with one another and gained confidence in their ability to make an impact. Many students stepped outside of their comfort zones by talking with new people, taking on leadership roles, or helping promote the toy drive. They learned how important it is to work together, stay organized, and follow through on commitments. Even when things felt challenging, students encouraged each other and stayed focused on their goal. Seeing their hard work pay off helped students recognize their own strengths and understand that they have the ability to create positive change when they work as a team.\r\n\r\nThe experience became even more meaningful when students personally delivered all of the toys to the Children's Mercy Hospital donation center. Being able to see where the toys would go and how donations are sorted and distributed made the impact feel real. Students learned how each toy helps bring comfort and joy to children who are facing difficult and scary moments. This hands-on experience helped students truly understand why their efforts mattered and how their actions could brighten someone else's day. Walking away from the donation center, students felt proud—not just of the money raised, but of the care, empathy, and commitment they showed throughout the entire toy drive.","fullyFundedDate":1764716993065,"projectUrl":"project/vhhs-falcons-building-pathways-changin/9880933/","projectTitle":"VHHS Falcons \"Building Pathways, Changing Lives.\"","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hernandez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8968026"},{"teacherId":3526652,"projectId":9760787,"letterContent":"This project had an immediate impact on our students by helping draw them into the library through something they genuinely enjoy, coffee and hot chocolate. What starts as a warm drink often turns into browsing shelves, reading, and checking out books. In a time when digital distractions make it harder to get teens into the library, this has been a powerful and effective way to connect students with reading.\r\n\r\nBecause of this project, I was able to replenish our coffee and hot chocolate supplies and continue using them as a welcoming entry point to literacy. Circulation rates are at an all-time high, and students are spending more time in the library talking about books and building positive reading habits.\r\n\r\nThank you for making this win-win opportunity possible and for helping us create a space students want to be in.","fullyFundedDate":1759266541953,"projectUrl":"project/tis-the-season-of-fall/9760787/","projectTitle":"Tis the Season of Fall","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Anderson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3526652_orig.jpg?crop=400,400,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1622816064829","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/onetamd"},{"teacherId":3526652,"projectId":9564695,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our Serving Up More Smiles project on DonorsChoose! Because of your kindness, our after-school Ping-Pong Club now has a second regulation-size ping-pong table, meaning more students can participate, build friendships, stay active, and enjoy fun, healthy competition together. \r\n\r\nYour contribution will make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students by fostering inclusivity, encouraging physical activity, and bringing smiles to so many faces here at Van Horn High School. We are truly grateful for your belief in our students' well-being and success. \r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our school community and helping us create positive experiences that extend beyond the classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1757693789027,"projectUrl":"project/serving-up-more-smiles/9564695/","projectTitle":"Serving Up More Smiles","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Anderson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3526652_orig.jpg?crop=400,400,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1622816064829","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/onetamd"},{"teacherId":10226209,"projectId":9654542,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our ARM students finally have something that most people take for granted, snacks that help them stay focused, calm, and present. These resources have become a quiet little lifeline in our room. We use them every day during study sessions, NG make-up hours, and small-group SEL work. For many of my students, coming to school hungry is a daily reality. Having snacks available has completely changed the tone of the room. Students are more willing to stay after, more open during conversations, and far more engaged in their work because one of their basic needs is actually being met.\r\n\r\nOne moment that stands out: during a recent group session, a student walked in exhausted and overwhelmed. I handed her a snack, and she whispered, \"Thank you... I really needed that.\" It was such a small thing, but it helped her re-center, stay for the session, and complete her reflection instead of shutting down. These moments happen every single day now.\r\nAs we move into the next part of our ARM programming, these snacks are supporting students as they make up NG hours, attend after-school tutoring, and participate in SEL lessons around decision-making, stress management, and support systems. These resources help keep them grounded and present so they can do the real work, catching up academically, actively planning for graduation, and building confidence in themselves.\r\n\r\nYour contribution didn't just fill a snack cabinet. It filled a gap in their day that was holding them back. Thank you for believing in them.","fullyFundedDate":1759266537634,"projectUrl":"project/fueling-futures-snacks-and-support-for/9654542/","projectTitle":"Fueling Futures: Snacks and Support for At-Risk Teens","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Diaz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10226209"},{"teacherId":8355066,"projectId":9299866,"letterContent":"On behalf of the Van Horn High School football team, I want to extend our heartfelt thanks for your generous donation to support snacks for our athletes. Your contribution plays a vital role in helping us fuel our team before and after practices.\r\n\r\nStudent-athletes put in a tremendous amount of effort, time, and dedication, and your support ensures they are energized and focused. It may seem like a small gesture, but providing healthy snacks makes a big difference in their performance and well-being and it shows them that their community is behind them.\r\n\r\nThanks to donors like you, we can continue building a strong, united team culture on and off the field. Your generosity reminds our players that hard work doesn't go unnoticed and that they have a team of supporters cheering them on every step of the way.\r\n\r\nAgain, thank you for your support. We hope you'll continue to be part of the Van Horn football family.","fullyFundedDate":1746215964117,"projectUrl":"project/fueling-van-horn-falcon-leaders/9299866/","projectTitle":"Fueling Van Horn Falcon Leaders","teacherDisplayName":"Coach Carter","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8355066_orig.jpg?crop=1079,1079,x166,y116&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1646701792101","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8355066"},{"teacherId":9538527,"projectId":9274565,"letterContent":"I want to express both my and my co-nurse's sincere gratitude for your generous support to our school clinic! Thanks to your donation, we now have new blood pressure cuffs to better serve our students, an air purifier and fresheners that make our clinic a healthier and more welcoming space, and nutritious snacks to support our diabetic students throughout the day.\r\n\r\nThese items may seem simple, but they make a meaningful difference in the daily care we provide. For example, we recently had late notice of a field trip one of our diabetic students was to attend. Because of your support, we were able to stock her up with snacks to take along in case of emergency—giving both her and her family peace of mind.\r\n\r\nYour commitment to meeting needs both big and small has an immediate impact on our students' well-being, and we are deeply thankful for your partnership. We are truly inspired by your mission and grateful for the resources you've provided to help us create a healthier, more supportive environment for every student we serve!","fullyFundedDate":1746481887050,"projectUrl":"project/from-cough-to-clean-keep-the-nurses-ro/9274565/","projectTitle":"From Cough to Clean: Keep the Nurse’s Room Smelling Pristine!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Nurse Garver","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9538527_orig.jpg?crop=272,272,x16,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1715189545813","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9538527"},{"teacherId":3526652,"projectId":9429375,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity in helping our library obtain a ping pong table and all the gear needed to launch our new Ping Pong Club. Because of your support, we are now able to offer students an exciting opportunity to come together, build friendships, and enjoy a fun, active break from their daily routines. The table has already sparked curiosity and excitement, students can't wait to begin playing, and the anticipation has created a real buzz in the library.\r\n\r\nWith your help, we are able to expand what the library means for our school community. Soon, students will not only find a place to read and study here, but also a safe, welcoming space to play, practice teamwork, and build connections. We can't wait to officially start the club and see the joy and sense of belonging it brings to our students. Every future rally, laugh, and high-five will be a reflection of your kindness and the impact you've made.","fullyFundedDate":1750917553863,"projectUrl":"project/ping-pong-for-connection-confidence-an/9429375/","projectTitle":"Ping Pong for Connection, Confidence, and Mental Wellness","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Anderson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3526652_orig.jpg?crop=400,400,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1622816064829","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/onetamd"},{"teacherId":3526652,"projectId":9486168,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity in helping us stock our library with napkins and Kleenex. These supplies are more important than they might seem, our napkins are used daily in the coffee bar area, where students gather for a warm drink, and during our free Panera days twice a week. Having these essentials on hand helps us keep the space tidy and welcoming while making sure every student can enjoy the small comforts our library provides.\r\n\r\nYour support allows us to continue offering these special experiences that bring students together and make the library a true hub of community. Whether students are grabbing a bagel before class, sipping coffee while studying, or simply needing a Kleenex on a rough day, your gift helps meet their needs and shows them they are cared for. We are so grateful for the way you've helped us create a warm, comfortable, and student-centered environment.","fullyFundedDate":1755721621516,"projectUrl":"project/no-one-nose-a-good-library-like-ours/9486168/","projectTitle":"No One Nose a Good Library Like Ours","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Anderson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3526652_orig.jpg?crop=400,400,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1622816064829","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/onetamd"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_77130","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1089,"numTeachers":57,"percentFrplEligible":79,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":16,"percentWhite":42,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":36,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"9 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"19.1:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":52.7,"schoolId":77130,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Van Horn High School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Van Horn High School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/missouri/independence-school-district-30/van-horn-high-school/77130"}