{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Waukegan High School - Brookside","outOfStateSupporters":29.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9451583,"projectId":9688218,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my DonorsChoose project, \"Voices Without Barriers: Real-Time Translation in the Classroom.\" Your generosity has made an immediate and meaningful difference in our classroom.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, my students can now participate more confidently in class discussions, group work, and daily lessons. The real-time translation tools have helped remove language barriers, allowing students to better understand instructions, express their ideas, and feel included in our learning community. I have already seen students become more engaged and willing to speak up, knowing their voices are heard and understood.\r\n\r\nThis project has created a more inclusive classroom where language is no longer an obstacle to learning or belonging. Your support has not only provided technology, but also confidence, equity, and opportunity for my students.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students and investing in their education. We are truly grateful for your kindness and support.\r\n\r\nWith sincere appreciation,\r\nAllan Agpuon","fullyFundedDate":1764694962734,"projectUrl":"project/voices-without-barriers-real-time-trans/9688218/","projectTitle":"Voices Without Barriers: Real-Time Translation in the Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Agpuon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9451583_orig.jpg?crop=1742,1742,x0,y58&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723182402863","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9451583"},{"teacherId":9403030,"projectId":9698699,"letterContent":"This project has made a big difference in my classroom. The technology is not just something students use—it's something that helps them truly understand the lesson. For students who struggle with hearing or visual processing, it gives them clearer access to instructions and learning materials, which helps them stay focused and confident.\r\n\r\nWhat excites students most is how easy and engaging it is to use. They enjoy being able to work at their own pace and feel proud when they can complete tasks independently. I've seen students who were once hesitant to participate become more involved and willing to try.\r\n\r\nA few students in particular have really connected with this technology. One student who often missed directions is now more confident, asks questions, and completes work with greater accuracy. Overall, this project has helped create a more inclusive classroom where students feel supported and successful. Thank you for making this possible for my students.","fullyFundedDate":1765205617210,"projectUrl":"project/learning-without-limits-loaner-chromebo/9698699/","projectTitle":"Learning Without Limits: Loaner Chromebooks","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. RDC","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9403030_orig.jpg?crop=1536,1536,x1509,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756675904592","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9403030"},{"teacherId":9408140,"projectId":9548740,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our DonorsChoose project! The candy incentives you provided have made a dramatic difference in our classroom.\r\n\r\nI use the candy as a positive incentive for students who place their phones in our phone caddy at the start of class. What might seem like a small reward has completely changed the tone of the room—students are more focused, more engaged, and far less distracted. Participation has increased, conversations are more meaningful, and learning time is truly being protected.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, students feel motivated rather than punished. Your support helped turn a potential struggle into a positive routine, and the impact has been immediate and lasting.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping create a focused, encouraging learning environment. Your generosity has truly made a sweet difference for my students!","fullyFundedDate":1764694962044,"projectUrl":"project/sweet-rewards-sweeter-learning/9548740/","projectTitle":"Sweet Rewards, Sweeter Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ibbotson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9408140"},{"teacherId":9408221,"projectId":9868563,"letterContent":"Having an iPad in our classroom has made a meaningful impact on daily instruction. It allows me to model lessons, support learning activities, and provide quick access to digital resources that enhance understanding. The iPad helps make teaching more efficient and allows me to better support students during lessons. \r\n\r\nThe iPad also serves as an important alternative for students who do not have Chromebook. This ensures that all students can participate in digital activities, complete assignments, and stay engaged in learning without interruption. Having this option promotes equity and inclusion in our classroom. \r\n\r\nMost importantly, students enjoy using the iPad. They are more motivated and engaged when completing activities on it, which makes learning, leading to a more positive classroom experience overall.","fullyFundedDate":1764694963012,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-learning-through-technology/9868563/","projectTitle":"Empowering Learning Through Technology: An iPad for our Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Marielli Mendoza","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9408221"},{"teacherId":6710514,"projectId":9703591,"letterContent":"Thank you for donating to my project and helping my students receive some snacks. I feel it is very important that students be alert throughout the day, and because of our staggered lunch schedules, very often their minds wander because they are hungry. All of my classes are aware that I have snacks, knowing all they have to do is ask and they will receive! The favorite snacks are the Pop Tarts and Cheeze-Its, followed by granola bars!\r\n My students are reminded each time they receive a snack that donors like yourself made it possible for me to have them available. They are very appreciative and asked me to say \"Thank You\"!","fullyFundedDate":1764694961342,"projectUrl":"project/do-you-have-a-snack/9703591/","projectTitle":"Do You Have A Snack?","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Weidner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6710514_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1721789297330","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6710514"},{"teacherId":9408217,"projectId":9311440,"letterContent":"We are using the rolling cart and cube cabinet to organize student supplies and learning materials so they are easy to access during class. Students helped sort and label items, which made them feel proud and responsible for keeping our classroom organized.\r\n\r\nThank you for giving our students a more organized and supportive learning space. Because of your generosity, our next steps include building student independence and responsibility as we continue working on our current classroom lessons and projects.","fullyFundedDate":1746543728795,"projectUrl":"project/rolling-into-history-mobile-learning-st/9311440/","projectTitle":"Rolling Into History: Mobile Learning Stations for Engaged Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Petalver","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9408217_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1706635382418","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9408217"},{"teacherId":9408217,"projectId":9900968,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom is a cleaner, healthier, and more comfortable place for students to learn every day. We use the Kleenex daily for runny noses and allergies, which helps students stay focused instead of feeling uncomfortable or embarrassed. The Clorox wipes are used regularly to clean desks, shared materials, and high-touch surfaces, especially after group work. The air freshener has made a big difference in keeping our classroom smelling fresh, which creates a more welcoming and calm learning environment for everyone.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the supplies, many of them were excited and relieved. Several students immediately commented on how \"nice\" and \"clean\" the classroom felt. For my students, especially those who struggle with attention or sensory needs, having a clean and fresh space helps them feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nBecause of these resources, our class can now focus more on learning and less on distractions caused by discomfort or mess. The next steps for my students include continuing hands-on group activities and collaborative lessons, knowing that we can keep our classroom clean and organized. Your support has helped create an environment where students feel respected, cared for, and prepared to succeed. Thank you for giving our classroom the tools we need to thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1764694962283,"projectUrl":"project/a-clean-and-fresh-classroom-for-focused/9900968/","projectTitle":"A Clean and Fresh Classroom for Focused Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Petalver","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9408217_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1706635382418","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9408217"},{"teacherId":7170147,"projectId":9581168,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to our air purifier project. This has been so impactful in my classroom because my space is fully internal, no windows to the outside so fresh air is non existent in my space. As a result the air gets stale, sometimes gets a weird smell, and germs just circulate with nowhere to go. This project has been a lifesaver in keeping the air fresh and clean. My goal is to create a safer, less germ filled space to keep my kids healthy. I appreciate your support. It's donors like you that keep us going. Thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1764694963610,"projectUrl":"project/give-us-clean-allergen-free-air-for-my/9581168/","projectTitle":"Give Us Clean, Allergen Free Air For My Classroom!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sampras","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7170147_orig.jpg?crop=960,960,x8,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1583934019578","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7170147"},{"teacherId":7170147,"projectId":9804797,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to our food share program. The impact you have made touches so many lives. We are able to keep kids fed and focused throughout the day so they have only less thing to worry about day to day. We distribute these snacks throughout the day to students who need extra food, express hunger, or need something to take home to siblings or for an after school activity. While we can't solve the problem of hunger completely, we can certainly try our best to put a dent in it one snack at a time! Thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1763397682021,"projectUrl":"project/help-battle-food-insecurity-with-our-foo/9804797/","projectTitle":"Help Battle Food Insecurity With Our Food Share Program!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sampras","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7170147_orig.jpg?crop=960,960,x8,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1583934019578","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7170147"},{"teacherId":9403030,"projectId":9781567,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support of our project, \"Focused Minds: Desk Dividers for Better Testing.\" Your contribution has made a meaningful difference in our classroom.\r\n\r\nThe desk dividers have created a calmer and more focused testing environment for our students. By reducing visual distractions and helping students maintain personal space, they were able to concentrate better, manage test anxiety, and work more independently. Many students shared that they felt more confident and less pressured during assessments.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, our classroom now promotes fairness, focus, and academic confidence—especially during quizzes and exams. We truly appreciate your investment in our students' success and learning experience.","fullyFundedDate":1764694961045,"projectUrl":"project/focused-minds-desk-dividers-for-better/9781567/","projectTitle":"Focused Minds: Desk Dividers for Better Testing","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. RDC","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9403030_orig.jpg?crop=1536,1536,x1509,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756675904592","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9403030"},{"teacherId":8623201,"projectId":9739016,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for donating to my project of loaner Chromebooks. It made a great positive impact. \r\n\r\nLoaner Chromebooks make a significant difference in maintaining an equitable and effective learning environment. They ensure that students who forget, lose, or temporarily cannot use their assigned devices still have full access to classroom instruction and digital learning tools. This reduces learning disruptions, allows students to stay engaged with lessons, and keeps them on track academically.\r\n\r\nOverall, loaner Chromebooks promote fairness, continuity, and productivity in the classroom. They help create a learning environment where every student has the tools they need to learn, regardless of day-to-day challenges.","fullyFundedDate":1764694964292,"projectUrl":"project/loaner-chromebooks-a-lifeline-for-learn/9739016/","projectTitle":"Loaner Chromebooks: A Lifeline for Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Khairunissa Hussaini","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8623201"},{"teacherId":9215769,"projectId":9604064,"letterContent":"I want to extend my deepest gratitude for your generosity and support of our classroom. Thanks to you, my history students now have access to materials that make our lessons more interactive, comfortable, and engaging. The coloring supplies, magnets, charging strips, double-sided tape, STEM building blocks, and Magna-Tiles have already become essential parts of our daily routine. Your contribution has brought a new level of energy and organization to our classroom, and my students feel truly valued and excited to learn.\r\n\r\nHow we are using the new resources in history class\r\nIn our history lessons, the coloring supplies and magnets have been the biggest game changers. My students use the coloring supplies for interactive notebooks, mapping activities, and visual summaries of key events and concepts. Whether they're illustrating the rise and fall of ancient civilizations or color-coding a cause-and-effect chart, having high-quality markers and coloring tools has made them more invested in the work. Many of my students come from low-income backgrounds and don't have access to their own supplies, so simply having materials that are new, bright, and fully stocked makes them feel confident and prepared.\r\n\r\nThe magnets have allowed us to set up rotating \"history stations\" on our whiteboards. Students move from board to board analyzing primary sources, matching vocabulary, placing events in chronological order, and answering quick review questions. This movement-based learning keeps them active and focused, especially during more challenging content. The double-sided tape has been incredibly helpful for hanging charts, timelines, and student-created posters that support our year-long units.\r\n\r\nThe charging strips have helped us more than I can express. We use online readings, documentaries, articles, and writing tools constantly in history, and dead devices used to cause major disruptions. Now that students can plug in at a central location, we've cut down on lost time and confusion. It makes our classroom run smoothly, especially during research days and digital assessments.\r\n\r\nHow students reacted when the materials arrived\r\nWhen my students first saw the new supplies, the excitement was immediate and genuine. Many of them were surprised, asking, \"All of this is really for our class?\" As a teacher in a school with high failure rates and engagement challenges, seeing them light up over new materials was incredibly meaningful. Students eagerly opened the coloring supplies and immediately started discussing how they would use them in their next map assignment. Others went straight to the magnets and began planning how we could create new station setups. Even something as simple as updated tape and charging stations made them feel like their classroom was becoming more professional, organized, and supportive.\r\n\r\nThe STEM building blocks and Magna-Tiles created a different type of reaction—pure joy. Even though these items are not part of our daily history lessons, they play a huge role during our monthly makeup/SEL days. My students loved that we now have hands-on materials for creative breaks and team-building activities. For many, these days are essential opportunities to reduce stress, practice communication, and reconnect with school in a positive way. Your donation allows those days to be meaningful and constructive instead of just \"catch-up time.\"\r\n\r\nWhat's next for our class\r\nOur upcoming history unit focuses on civilizations and cultural development, and the new supplies will help us create interactive timelines, illustrated summaries, and primary-source stations. The magnets will play a large role in our timeline-building activity, where students will physically place major historical events on the board and discuss their significance. The coloring supplies will help students produce high-quality notebook pages and visual projects. The charging strips will continue to support our digital research assignments as we explore geography, government systems, and cultural achievements across different empires.\r\n\r\nOn our next SEL/makeup day, the STEM blocks and Magna-Tiles will be used for a teamwork challenge where groups will build structures that represent different civilizations, connecting creativity to the history content we've been studying.\r\n\r\nYour contribution has not just improved our classroom—it has elevated the learning experience for every student who walks through my door. You have given them tools that help them stay organized, focused, and excited about history. Thank you for believing in my students and supporting their education in such a tangible, meaningful way.","fullyFundedDate":1758854591603,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-history-to-life-engaging-stude/9604064/","projectTitle":"Bringing History to Life: Engaging Students Through Interactive Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Indo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9215769_orig.jpg?crop=373,373,x578,y189&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1692823957621","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9215769"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_30399","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":4355,"numTeachers":280,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":11,"percentWhite":2,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":82,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"9 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"15.6:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":70.2,"schoolId":30399,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Waukegan High School - Brookside on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Waukegan High School - Brookside","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/waukegan-community-unit-school-district-60/waukegan-high-school-brookside/30399"}