{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"West Career & Technical Academy","outOfStateSupporters":28.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9379796,"projectId":8071108,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity in funding our \"Cricut Maker Space\" project! Having this technology in our classroom has completely transformed how my students approach hands-on learning, design, and problem-solving.\r\n\r\nMany people think of cutting machines primarily for home crafting, but in our classroom, the Cricut Maker serves as a powerful bridge between digital design and physical engineering. \r\n\r\nThe sheer versatility of the Cricut is what excites the students most. Whether we are creating labels for classroom organization, or designing a sign for a bulletin board or book display, they love seeing a raw piece of material transform into a polished product.\r\n\r\nYour support has given my students access to industry-standard tools that build real-world skills, creative confidence, and a passion for technology. We are deeply grateful for your investment in our classroom community!","fullyFundedDate":1701055101436,"projectUrl":"project/cricut-maker-space/8071108/","projectTitle":"Cricut Maker Space","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Schmidt","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9379796"},{"teacherId":8146304,"projectId":10571525,"letterContent":"These materials have become part of our routine after every summative assessment. Students who hit their target scores get to visit our \"prize drawers\" and choose stickers, slime, squishies, or fun pens as a reward. \r\n\r\nThe students were so excited to see all the prizes. I expected high schoolers to shrug it off, but instead there was genuine buzz — kids were checking out the different colors of slime, testing the squishies, and asking questions like \"wait, we actually get to pick one?\" It sparked some good-natured competitiveness and got students talking about their goals for the next test.","fullyFundedDate":1788479868085,"projectUrl":"project/cheering-on-every-success-one-prize-at/10571525/","projectTitle":"Cheering On Every Success, One Prize at a Time","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Powell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8146304"},{"teacherId":8108636,"projectId":10053140,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the resources that you provided for my project. My students were able to complete several labs utilizing the gloves and goggles. My juniors extracted environmental DNA from soil and checked it for antibiotic resistance. My freshmen were able to quantitate the amount of protein in milk, and my sophomores looked for the presence of GMOs in their packaged food. \r\nAdditionally, my seniors were able to present their capstone projects at our year-end banquet, utilizing the trifolds, construction paper, and markers that were provided. My sophomores also did a visual project researching the history of biowarfare, which they really enjoyed presenting. I think communication of findings is extremely important to the development of my students, and will benefit them no matter what they choose to do (science or not). \r\nThis year we will be continuing to use the PPE to do even more labs; we're starting the year by learning how to micropipette and make solutions safely and aseptically, which the PPE goes a long way toward. \r\nThank you again!","fullyFundedDate":1776699640147,"projectUrl":"project/giving-biotechnology-students-opportunit/10053140/","projectTitle":"Giving Biotechnology Students Opportunities in the Lab and Presenting Data","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Jydstrup-McKinney","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8108636"},{"teacherId":8146304,"projectId":8014711,"letterContent":"We've already put these materials to great use! After our recent unit test, students who scored in the top tiers got to choose a prize from our reward table. One moment that stood out was watching a student who had struggled with the material earlier in the unit come in, study hard, and walk away with a high score — and a huge grin picking out their favorite squishy. It was a great reminder that recognition for hard work matters at every age.\r\n\r\nThe reaction was priceless — even in high school! Students crowded around the table, comparing pens and squishies, and there was a lot of friendly competition about who would score high enough to pick first. A few students who normally seem too \"cool\" for prizes couldn't hide their excitement either, which told me these rewards resonate more than I expected.\r\n\r\n\r\nRight now we're moving into [next unit/topic], building toward our next summative assessment on [date/topic]. Students are already asking about the next round of prizes, which has genuinely boosted engagement and study habits. My goal is to keep using these incentives to reinforce that consistent effort — not just natural ability — is what leads to success.","fullyFundedDate":1699731747812,"projectUrl":"project/supplies-to-support-new-curriculum/8014711/","projectTitle":"Supplies to Support New Curriculum","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Powell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8146304"},{"teacherId":3431719,"projectId":10016400,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our graphic design students with these mugs! After completing their projects, students were able to see their digital artwork transformed into a real, functional product.\r\n\r\nThere was something special about seeing their designs printed on actual mugs—it made the design process feel real. Students were excited to hold something they created and see their work move beyond the computer screen and into the real world.\r\n\r\nYour generosity gave our students an authentic design experience and a chance to feel proud of their creativity and hard work. Thank you for helping our young designers bring their ideas to life!","fullyFundedDate":1768506093469,"projectUrl":"project/mugs-with-a-message/10016400/","projectTitle":"Mugs With a Message","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Aslin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3431719"},{"teacherId":7678732,"projectId":10016194,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the donation to fund my project to help my classroom. I now have enough vertical space to have groups of 3 working around my room at their own board ( I am averaging 40 students a class these days). This gift makes it possible for my students to work together to solve problems in a group in a way that keeps them talking, solving, and analyzing each other's work. I have seen so much growth from the students and am excited to keep using these supplies in future years. Thanks again!","fullyFundedDate":1769561819394,"projectUrl":"project/support-visual-math-writing-it-down/10016194/","projectTitle":"Support Visual Math (writing it down)","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McVey","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7678732_orig.jpg?crop=2320,2320,x0,y386&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1608309406070","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7678732"},{"teacherId":10399939,"projectId":10018410,"letterContent":"Please write 2-3 paragraphs as to how donating dry erase boards and markers improved student engagement in a high school math class. Furthermore, state how lcd tablets provided novelty to the classroom\r\nThe introduction of individual dry erase boards and markers can completely transform the dynamic of a high school math class by shifting the learning process from passive observation to active, low-stakes participation. Mathematics can often feel intimidating, and students are frequently hesitant to write down an answer on paper for fear of making a permanent mistake. Dry erase boards remove this psychological barrier; the ability to instantly wipe away an error encourages students to take intellectual risks, guess, and iterate on complex equations without the anxiety of a messy notebook. This immediate, visible feedback loop not only builds confidence but also allows the teacher to scan the room and instantly gauge the entire class's comprehension level, ensuring no student is left behind quietly struggling.\r\n\r\nFurthermore, these simple tools foster a highly collaborative environment. When students break into small groups, a shared dry erase surface becomes a central hub for brainstorming and peer-to-peer teaching. Instead of hiding their work, students are naturally inclined to display their problem-solving steps, turning abstract algebraic or geometric concepts into shared visual puzzles. The physical act of writing large, drawing graphs, and passing the marker encourages kinesthetic learning and keeps energy levels high during long block periods.\r\n\r\nWhile the dry erase boards laid the foundation for an interactive classroom, the addition of LCD writing tablets introduced a powerful element of novelty that further spiked student interest. For a digital-native generation, these sleek devices bridge the gap between traditional handwriting and modern technology. The tablets provide a satisfying, tech-forward tactile experience without the distractions of internet-connected tablets or laptops. The simple \"magic\" of clearing a complex calculus problem with the single push of a button adds a surprisingly engaging, almost gamified element to routine practice, keeping students eager to tackle the next set of problems.\r\n\r\nmake this shorter with a more thankful and casual tone\r\nThank you so much for your generous donation! The dry erase boards and markers have completely transformed our math class by taking the pressure off. Students who used to be afraid of making permanent mistakes on paper are now diving right into complex problems, knowing they can just wipe away their errors. It's amazing to see them actively collaborating, drawing out their thought processes, and taking risks without any anxiety. Plus, it lets me scan the room and instantly see who understands the material and who might need a little extra help.\r\n\r\nThe LCD tablets have also been an absolute hit, bringing a really fun wave of novelty to the room! They give our students that sleek, tech-forward feel they love, but without any of the internet distractions of a regular tablet. There's just something incredibly satisfying about clearing a long equation with the push of a button, which actually makes routine practice feel a bit like a game. We truly appreciate your support in making our classroom so much more lively and engaging!","fullyFundedDate":1768531777155,"projectUrl":"project/lookim-doing-math/10018410/","projectTitle":"Look...I'm Doing Math!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Roser","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10399939"},{"teacherId":8017437,"projectId":10020588,"letterContent":"Students enjoy having a successful experience with the transfer images on the clay. At the end of the year some of the art students are getting exhausted and need an art project that helps them use creativity, but with less technical skill. This way they can choose an image they like and easily transfer it to their project and choose their glaze color, even painting sections. It is a very satisfying experience for them! \r\nI was able to purchase many different images for them to choose from to make it fun. I was also able to purchase many different glazes for them to glaze the final product. \r\nI am very thankful I was able to acquire these supplies for my students to use!","fullyFundedDate":1768617629124,"projectUrl":"project/original-functional-clay-design/10020588/","projectTitle":"Original functional clay design","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dunn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8017437_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1629928911822","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/artwithdunn"},{"teacherId":8063611,"projectId":10020545,"letterContent":"Thank you for the hand on materials for our ceramic project. Our students LOVED the success they had with the transfers. All students shared success even if they could not draw. We learned so much with the glazes. It was like a chemistry lesson in the art room. The transfers were so varied that all students had such a great selection.\r\n At times students will get frustrated since their glazing is less that imagined. This lesson was excellent and all artworks looked professional. With gratitude for a 100 percent success rate for a project.","fullyFundedDate":1768601803977,"projectUrl":"project/functional-art-with-ceramics/10020545/","projectTitle":"Functional Art with Ceramics","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Heishman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8063611_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y62&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1633376967137","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8063611"},{"teacherId":9628468,"projectId":10013126,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my Donors Choose project. Your generosity provided copies of the novel Vincent and Theo by Deborah Heiligman and writing notebooks for each student, and I wanted to share the classroom impact.\r\n\r\nStudents were able to practice reading skills including:\r\n\r\n - Close reading and evidence-based discussion: Students practice citing specific passages to support ideas about characters, events, and themes.\r\n - Historical and contextual analysis: The book invites students to connect text details to historical moments, artistic movements, and biographical facts.\r\n - Perspective and empathy: Through the relationship between Vincent and Theo, students explore differing viewpoints, emotions, and motivations.\r\n - Literary elements and craft: Lessons have focused on characterization, symbolism, tone, and how language choices shape meaning.\r\n - Research and cross-text connections: Students used notebooks to record questions and follow-up research about art, biography, and primary sources.\r\n\r\nIn my high school classroom, reading looks like: \r\n\r\n - Small-group close reads: Students annotate short sections, discuss evidence, and rotate roles (discussion leader, connector, summarizer).\r\n - Notebook work: Each student's writing notebook holds annotations, vocabulary, quick writes, and research notes — a running record of reading growth.\r\n - Live discussions and written responses: Students alternate oral sharing with short analytic paragraphs that require text evidence.\r\n\r\nStudents who love art and visual culture have been highly engaged by this novel, using the text to connect images to ideas. Readers who previously preferred narrative fiction are discovering interest in biography and historical nonfiction through the personal stories of the Van Gogh brothers. Reluctant writers are using the writing notebooks as low-pressure spaces to experiment; several have begun drafting longer responses and reflections.\r\n\r\nThank you again — your support is already helping students read more closely, think more deeply, and write more confidently.","fullyFundedDate":1768416277016,"projectUrl":"project/literacy-in-action/10013126/","projectTitle":"Literacy in Action","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lindley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9628468_orig.jpg?crop=640,640,x0,y108&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1789671101227","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9628468"},{"teacherId":3548728,"projectId":10015906,"letterContent":"This has allowed our students to learn about 3D printing. The students are so excited to print out new items for everyone to see! The students have begun to sell their printed items. It has allowed them to learn about business opportunities.selling and completing orders. The students are learning about inventory and how to keep up with all of their orders. Students are so grateful for the opportunities that they have been given. This has been a great learning experience for my students and has made a big impact on the students.","fullyFundedDate":1768502375493,"projectUrl":"project/3d-printer-filament/10015906/","projectTitle":"3d Printer Filament","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Haas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3548728_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1507578806447","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/l-haas"},{"teacherId":10403174,"projectId":10015088,"letterContent":"My students and I used the materials to run gel electrophoresis labs with the DNA from fictional suspects and DNA \"found\" at a crime scene. Students were able to simulate what forensic scientists do to perform DNA Fingerprinting to solve a crime. \r\n\r\nMy students were so excited when they first saw the materials- They felt like real scientists as they looked at the lab set up with the professional science materials. They became very eager to begin!\r\n\r\nThis lab came towards the end of a unit in which students worked to solve a fictional crime as they learned about DNA, protein synthesis, and how electrophoresis can be used as DNA fingerprinting to find a suspect. Right before this lab, the local Las Vegas FBI field office came out to show how their Evidence Response Team processes crime scenes and they told my students how DNA fingerprinting is done. \r\n\r\nThis lab nicely wrapped up our unit. Thank you for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1768881357290,"projectUrl":"project/using-gel-electrophoresis-to-find-whose/10015088/","projectTitle":"Using Gel Electrophoresis to Find Whose DNA Was Left Behind!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kung","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10403174"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_101007","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1491,"numTeachers":64,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":25,"percentBlack":6,"percentWhite":36,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":21,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":9,"gradesServed":"9 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"23.3:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":72.0,"schoolId":101007,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about West Career & Technical Academy on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"West Career & Technical Academy","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/nevada/clark-county-school-district/west-career-tech-acad/101007"}