{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Willis High School","outOfStateSupporters":28.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":6466893,"projectId":9882364,"letterContent":"Thanks to the generosity of our donors, our project, **Making Multi-Step Math Easier to See**, has truly transformed the way my Algebra 2 students experience mathematics. The new color-coding supplies have turned our notes from plain black-and-white procedures into vibrant, organized visual roadmaps that make complex, multi-step problems far more approachable. What may seem like simple materials—colored pens, highlighters, and markers—have made a powerful difference in how students process and understand higher-level math concepts.\r\n\r\nWe use the color-coding system intentionally and consistently. Each color has a purpose. For example, when solving multi-step linear equations, students might use one color for distributing, another for combining like terms, and a different color for inverse operations. When working with systems of equations, substitution steps are written in one color while simplification steps are written in another. This structured visual organization allows students to clearly see the progression of each problem. Instead of staring at a dense block of numbers and symbols, they now see a sequence of logical steps, each visually separated and easier to follow.\r\n\r\nOne particularly meaningful classroom moment occurred during a lesson on solving multi-step equations. A student who often struggles with organization and confidence looked at her completed, color-coded work and said, \"I can actually see what I'm supposed to do next.\" That simple statement captured exactly why this project matters. For many students, Algebra 2 can feel overwhelming. The visual clarity provided by color coding reduces that sense of overload and replaces it with a feeling of control. Students are no longer guessing their way through steps—they can track their thinking.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the new materials, their excitement was immediate and genuine. Math class does not always come with colorful tools, so the introduction of bright pens and highlighters sparked curiosity and enthusiasm. They eagerly organized their supplies and began experimenting with ways to make their notes both meaningful and visually appealing. The energy in the room shifted. Students leaned in more closely, asked thoughtful questions, and took greater pride in their work. Several commented that their notes felt \"less confusing\" and \"less messy.\" What stood out most was the boost in confidence. The ability to structure their thinking visually made challenging content feel more manageable.\r\n\r\nAs we move forward, we are applying this same strategy to more advanced topics, including quadratic functions. Students are color-labeling each part of the quadratic formula, identifying coefficients in one color, operations in another, and final solutions in a third. When graphing quadratic transformations, they use consistent colors to connect coefficients to shifts, stretches, and reflections on the graph. This approach helps them see the relationship between algebraic expressions and their graphical representations. Rather than memorizing procedures, students are building conceptual understanding through visual connections.\r\n\r\nBecause your support, math in our classroom is no longer just something students attempt to solve—it is something they can see, organize, and understand with clarity. The materials have helped transform anxiety into engagement and confusion into confidence. Their generosity has made a lasting impact on how my students experience Algebra 2, and it continues to shape a classroom environment where every learner can visualize success.","fullyFundedDate":1770404081634,"projectUrl":"project/making-multi-step-math-easier-to-see/9882364/","projectTitle":"Making Multi-Step Math Easier to See","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. McMichael","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6466893_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1687202363050","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6466893"},{"teacherId":10162843,"projectId":9559438,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom has been buzzing with excitement and curiosity. Students are using these new resources every day, and it's already making a difference in how they learn and engage. One moment that really stood out was during a hands-on lesson where students worked together to solve a problem we ran into on a trailer. I watched them take ownership of their learning—asking thoughtful questions, trying new strategies, and confidently sharing their ideas with one another. These materials have truly helped create a more interactive, student-centered classroom.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, the reaction was priceless. Eyes lit up, smiles spread across the room, and students couldn't wait to get started. They carefully unpacked each item, asking questions and talking about how they would use them. Several students shared how special it felt to have brand-new materials just for their learning, and they immediately showed pride and responsibility in taking care of them.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, students are continuing to build on these experiences through ongoing projects and lessons. They are using the resources to practice important skills, work together in small groups, and prepare presentations that showcase their thinking and creativity. Because of your kindness, our students feel supported, motivated, and excited to learn. Thank you for helping make our classroom a place where students can grow, explore, and succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1759178773185,"projectUrl":"project/creating-future-welders/9559438/","projectTitle":"Creating Future Welders","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Bridges","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10162843"},{"teacherId":6466893,"projectId":9752811,"letterContent":"Thank you once again for your generous donation! The students are already benefiting from having access to note sheets and scratch paper. They truly prefer having a physical copy rather than digital materials, and your support has made this possible.\r\n\r\nThe availability of note sheets has had a significant impact on their learning. Being able to not only hear and see the material but also write it down helps deepen their understanding of Algebra 2. This hands-on approach allows them to grasp the concepts more effectively and feel more confident in their skills.\r\n\r\nThis thoughtful gift has made a world of difference, and both my students and I are incredibly grateful. Thank you for helping us reach new heights in our learning journey!","fullyFundedDate":1758848375794,"projectUrl":"project/algebra-2-notes-sheets/9752811/","projectTitle":"Algebra 2 Notes sheets","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. McMichael","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6466893_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1687202363050","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6466893"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_10872","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":2650,"numTeachers":119,"percentFrplEligible":65,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":8,"percentWhite":47,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":38,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"9 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"22.3:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":72.0,"schoolId":10872,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Willis High School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Willis High School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/texas/willis-independent-school-district/willis-high-school/10872"}
Join the 25 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Willis High School is
an urban public school
in Willis, Texas that is part of Willis Independent School District.
It serves 2,650 students
in grades 9 - 12 with a student/teacher ratio of 22.3:1.
Its teachers have had 14 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Boost support for this school! Share this page with friends, family, alumni, and fellow supporters. Every connection helps teachers get the supplies they need and shows how much your community cares about its students.
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of students receive free or reduced price lunch
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
Source: the National Center for Education Statistics
46%
of students are Black, Latino, Native
American, or Asian
Data about school demographics comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. The numbers in this chart may not add up to 100% because of limitations in the available data.
Willis High School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Feb 19, 2026
DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students
in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.
Willis High School
$11,044
raised using DonorsChoose
14
projects
funded
8
teachers
funded
25
donors
4
projects
for
basic supplies
1
project for
technology
2
projects for
books
Willis High School has received support from
18 individuals from Texas and
7 individuals out-of-state.
