{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Western High School","outOfStateSupporters":35.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9814662,"projectId":9370134,"letterContent":"The addition of a drafting table, laminator, and mini projector has completely elevated what our art club is able to accomplish, especially as we take on large-scale projects like painting murals. The drafting table gives students the professional workspace they need to sketch out big ideas with precision, while the laminator helps us preserve student designs, sketches, and posters so they last for reference and display. The mini projector has been one of the most exciting tools—students can now project their artwork onto walls, making it easier to transfer their designs to mural scale with accuracy and confidence. These materials are teaching students real-world artistic techniques, helping them understand how professional artists plan and execute large projects.\r\n\r\nThe students are especially thrilled about the projector because it allows them to see their artwork on a massive scale. Many of them are amazed when their small sketches suddenly transform into wall-sized outlines ready for painting. The laminator has also been a favorite, as students love turning their art into polished, finished pieces they can proudly share and protect. Even the drafting table has inspired excitement—students feel like they are working in a \"real\" artist's studio, which motivates them to take their planning and design process seriously. These tools bring a sense of professionalism and pride to every project, which makes the students even more invested in their work.\r\n\r\nSeveral students who were hesitant about tackling something as big as a mural have warmed up to the process thanks to these materials. The projector has given them the confidence to transfer designs without worrying about making mistakes, and the laminator has encouraged students to save and celebrate their progress. One student in particular, who usually preferred working quietly in a sketchbook, stepped into a leadership role by helping project and trace images for our mural. These tools are not just helping students create—they are helping them discover new strengths and take risks they might not have taken otherwise.","fullyFundedDate":1748722180774,"projectUrl":"project/equipping-young-artists-for-success/9370134/","projectTitle":"Equipping Young Artists for Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Grammer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9814662_orig.jpg?crop=1200,1200,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1729811845499","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9814662"},{"teacherId":9814662,"projectId":9190046,"letterContent":"The addition of a 3D printer, color printer, and label maker has transformed the way my students approach creativity and problem-solving in the art room. With these tools, they are not only learning traditional art skills but also discovering how technology can be used to bring their ideas to life in new and exciting ways. The 3D printer, in particular, has helped them understand concepts like design, structure, and scale while encouraging them to think critically about how a flat idea can be turned into a tangible object. The color printer allows students to see their digital artwork in vibrant detail, bridging the gap between screen-based projects and real-world applications. Altogether, this technology is preparing them with skills that go beyond the classroom, building confidence in both artistic expression and digital literacy.\r\n\r\nThe excitement in the room when students use these tools is undeniable. Many of them had never seen a 3D printer in action before, and watching their own designs slowly form layer by layer sparks amazement and pride. They love the instant feedback of being able to print their digital artwork in color and share it with others. Even the label maker has become a favorite—students are taking ownership of the classroom by creating personalized labels for their portfolios, supplies, and even collaborative projects. These small details may seem simple, but they help students feel a sense of belonging and pride in their work, which motivates them to keep exploring and learning.\r\n\r\nSome students, especially those who are usually quiet or hesitant to participate, have really come alive with this new technology. One student who struggled with confidence in traditional art found success in 3D design, creating a keychain that the entire class admired. Another has taken on the role of \"tech expert,\" helping classmates troubleshoot the printer and learning valuable leadership skills in the process. These moments show how powerful it is to give students tools that meet them where they are and allow them to shine in new ways. This project has not only expanded what is possible in our classroom but has also opened doors for students to discover new passions and talents.","fullyFundedDate":1746479380761,"projectUrl":"project/innovate-and-create-empowering-learning/9190046/","projectTitle":"Innovate and Create: Empowering Learning Through 3D and Color Printing","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Grammer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9814662_orig.jpg?crop=1200,1200,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1729811845499","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9814662"},{"teacherId":9936262,"projectId":9144329,"letterContent":"Your contributions have impacted my Ag Foods classroom set-up greatly! I wholeheartedly appreciate your gift(s)! Your donation(s) have allowed me to set-up my classroom to enrich the lives of my students while broadening their knowledge of both agriculture & food science. My students will use these resources to hone their skills in culinary arts while at the same time exploring kitchen practices & life skills that they may never have experienced before. With your donation(s), I am able to reach students who at this point in time in their lives, may not even recognize where their food comes from let alone how to boil pasta!\r\n\r\nIn my Ag Foods class, my students will learn how to make: refrigerator pickles, soft pretzels, chili, pasta, & bread to name a few food products. Throughout the class, students will learn the connections between where their food comes from, how it is processed, & how it gets to be at its final destination on their plates before being consumed! They will also experiment with creating their own food products from label design to food processing, including survey results from their classmates to encourage product reviews. Nutrition & food safety education is also a large portion of this class. Students will study macros vs. micros along with recipe & meal plan creation for diet restrictions like food allergens & gluten intolerance. Food safety & proper kitchen practices will be in the first few sections we cover for this class, along with some background knowledge on agriculture foods science itself. My students are very excited to use these materials & supplies since a class such as this has never been offered at Western before. I am also very excited to educate students this year with the materials you have helped to provide! Thank you so much again!!","fullyFundedDate":1746786489954,"projectUrl":"project/from-farm-to-fork-exploring-the-world-of/9144329/","projectTitle":"From Farm to Fork-Exploring the World of Ag Foods","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Poor","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9936262_orig.jpg?crop=432,432,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1741202567245","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9936262"},{"teacherId":9814662,"projectId":8900633,"letterContent":"I wanted to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for your generous donations of paint, canvases, and drawing paper to our classroom. The excitement and enthusiasm among the students were palpable when they first saw the abundance of new materials. Their faces lit up with joy, and their eagerness to dive into their creative projects was truly heartwarming.\r\n\r\nThanks to your support, we have been able to launch several inspiring projects, including monochromatic animal portraits, ceiling tile art, the Arp Art and Intuition project, and a paper mache project where students are mastering painting techniques for blending. The students have fully immersed themselves in these projects, showcasing their creativity and artistic skills. The monochromatic animal portraits have allowed them to explore the nuances of color and shading, while the ceiling tile art has given them a unique opportunity to leave a lasting mark on our classroom environment. The Arp Art and Intuition project has encouraged them to think abstractly and express their inner thoughts and emotions through art. Additionally, the paper mache project has been a fantastic hands-on experience, teaching them valuable techniques for blending colors and creating texture. \r\n\r\nLooking ahead, my next steps for the students involve further developing their skills in various art forms and techniques. We plan to continue exploring different mediums and styles, encouraging the students to push their creative boundaries. Your contributions have made a significant impact on their learning experience, and we are incredibly grateful for your support. Thank you for helping us nurture the next generation of artists!","fullyFundedDate":1739106988068,"projectUrl":"project/colors-of-creativity-empowering-young-a/8900633/","projectTitle":"Colors of Creativity: Empowering Young Artists","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Grammer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9814662_orig.jpg?crop=1200,1200,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1729811845499","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9814662"},{"teacherId":9694833,"projectId":8843879,"letterContent":"Technology is playing a crucial role in helping my students engage more deeply with their learning, particularly with the resources generously provided by DonorsChoose. The book Ghost by Jason Reynolds has been an incredible tool for improving their writing skills. With the notebooks provided, students can track important characters, themes, and plot points, which helps them organize their thoughts for essays and assignments. Additionally, the gift card allowed me to purchase high-quality lesson plans that support comprehension and critical thinking, making our lessons even more impactful.\r\n\r\nWhat excites my students most about this new resource is the opportunity to connect with a story that feels relevant and engaging to them. Ghost speaks to their experiences and interests, making reading and writing feel more meaningful. The structured lesson plans also help them build confidence as they analyze the text and express their thoughts through writing.","fullyFundedDate":1733285316418,"projectUrl":"project/novel-studies-within-the-special-educati/8843879/","projectTitle":"Novel Studies within the Special Education Setting","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Weir","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9694833"},{"teacherId":9694833,"projectId":8684867,"letterContent":"Legos and puzzles both promote healthy learning in several ways by fostering cognitive, physical, and social development. Both Legos and puzzles challenge individuals to think critically and solve problems. Creating a space designed for relaxation and sensory input can provide individuals with a calming environment that reduces stress and anxiety. The sensory tools (such as calming lights, textures, or scents) can help create a peaceful atmosphere where you can unwind, manage emotions, and recharge. If you're working with students or individuals, the center can help them regulate their emotions, focus better, and cope with stress or sensory overload.\r\nA sensory/relaxation center provides a safe, controlled environment that can help individuals refocus, especially in the midst of distractions or overstimulation. Having this space available means you have a go-to place where you can take a break, refresh your mind, and return to work with improved focus and clarity. If you're supporting students or individuals who struggle with focus, they can benefit from a sensory break to help reset and improve their ability to concentrate when they return to tasks. Sensory centers are particularly beneficial for individuals with sensory processing disorders, ADHD, or other conditions that affect sensory integration. These centers offer various sensory tools that help individuals manage their sensory needs, whether they're seeking calming or stimulating inputs.","fullyFundedDate":1727226754208,"projectUrl":"project/relaxation-in-the-classroom/8684867/","projectTitle":"Relaxation in the Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Weir","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9694833"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_96604","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":135,"numTeachers":12,"percentFrplEligible":60,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":91,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":4,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"9 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"11.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"RURAL","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_REMOTE"},"inStateSupporters":64.9,"schoolId":96604,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Western High School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Western High School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/western-cusd-12/western-high-school/96604"}