{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Youth Leadership Academy","outOfStateSupporters":6.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":6018894,"projectId":9493020,"letterContent":"What an amazing time we had during our unit on Human Anatomy and Physiology! The final project of dissecting sharks for comparative anatomy was pivotal in helping our students understand the structure and function of anatomy.\r\n\r\nThis is our 8th year doing this particular project and it was perhaps the best year ever. The students were so excited, yet remained professional and respectful throughout the entire activity. This is a core memory for them and is always the highlight of their 6th grade year. Students from years past still comment on the experience.\r\n\r\nWe cannot thank you enough for your generosity in donating to this and other projects. Hands-on experiences like these make science come alive for students and is so much more impactful than simply reading the material in a text. Thank you for making it possible!","fullyFundedDate":1755723677037,"projectUrl":"project/shark-week-comparative-anatomy-through/9493020/","projectTitle":"Shark Week: Comparative Anatomy Through Dissection","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Jackson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6018894"},{"teacherId":7960895,"projectId":9443045,"letterContent":"Thank you for helping fund this project for our school and students. The badminton nets have made an immediate impact on PE classes. We are able to use these nets for pickleball, replacing the old, torn ones we used for years. \r\n\r\nStudents are also excited for the flag football unit with the new pylons and pennies. Having the pylons will make the game safer by providing clearly marked boundaries.\r\n\r\nThe new volleyballs have already seen a lot of use, as well as the microphone system. \r\n\r\nThe students and school are very thankful for all of the new equipment, as it truly makes PE more engaging and fun when you have great equipment.","fullyFundedDate":1753401828549,"projectUrl":"project/gear-up-for-greatness/9443045/","projectTitle":"Gear Up for Greatness!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Loudermilk","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7960895_orig.jpg?crop=400,400,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1631124151982","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7960895"},{"teacherId":6018894,"projectId":8471687,"letterContent":"What an amazing time we had with this project. Shark Week, as a summative activity on our Human Anatomy unit, was a huge success and the students had a unique experience comparing shark and human organs and organ systems. The excitement built throughout the weeks as we approached the end of the unit and they knew that they would be able to have this experience usually reserved for more advanced classes in high school and college! This is a middle school experience they will never forget.\r\n\r\nHands on learning, using tools like you provided, are the most impactful way to learn. Seeing form and function of anatomy up close creates a lasting image for our students that far surpasses dry textbook and lecture formats. Student engagement and exploration is foundational to explanation. When they can see and feel firsthand the significance of what they are learning, the impact lasts a lifetime. I can't thank you enough for your generosity toward our students.","fullyFundedDate":1723654410295,"projectUrl":"project/shark-week-comparative-anatomy-through/8471687/","projectTitle":"Shark Week: Comparative Anatomy Through Dissection","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Jackson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6018894"},{"teacherId":7395309,"projectId":8463568,"letterContent":"I would like to personally thank you for the impact that you made possible to my Leadership Classroom.\r\n\r\nOne project that was a highlight of my students' year was Career Research. Seventh graders created a Portfolio from research, job shadowing, and interviews to deliver an interactive, informative presentation to their peers.\r\n\r\nEighth graders delivered their information through a wax museum format. They dressed up in a career-like uniform, brought job-related props, created an infographic poster, and made index cards for their speech notes. Then we invited parents and other students in the school to \"push their button\" for them to come to life and role play three aspects of their researched career. One student was so motivated by this experience that she even used her Christmas money to buy scrubs for this special day.","fullyFundedDate":1729255891103,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-leadership-to-life/8463568/","projectTitle":"Bringing Leadership to Life","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. LaMance","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7395309_orig.jpg?crop=240,240,x0,y40&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1751467794894","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7395309"},{"teacherId":3778675,"projectId":8784914,"letterContent":"When our Free Little Library arrived, my students were so excited to see the materials in person. They were immediately curious and eager to learn more about how it would work. We had great discussions about how sharing books can build community and encourage reading beyond the classroom. It was heartwarming to see students already thinking about which books they could contribute and how the library might help others develop a love of reading.\r\n\r\nWe look forward to incorporating the Free Little Library into our classroom routines and discussions. Students will use it to explore genres, practice book recommendations, and reflect on reading habits. This resource will add a new level of engagement and purpose to our learning. As we approach the next school year, we'll be looking at ways to involve more readers—both inside and outside of our school—and connect our reading goals to real-world impact. Thank you for helping bring this project to life!","fullyFundedDate":1735676651779,"projectUrl":"project/a-free-little-library-for-our-school/8784914/","projectTitle":"A Free Little Library for Our School!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dill","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3778675_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y463&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1690025410829","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mindy-dill"},{"teacherId":6950334,"projectId":8477017,"letterContent":"When the boxes from our recent Donors Choose project began arriving, my students were immediately interested to see what had been ordered! As we unpacked the paints, brushes and other classroom essentials, they began sharing ideas of projects that we could try with our new supplies! This made my teacher-heart so happy! \r\nIn the past few weeks, we have used our materials to create paper lanterns after learning about how Lunar New is celebrated throughout Asia, as well as build miniature 3D models of traditional homes in China and India! We have many more projects in mind as we begin learning more about Australia in the coming weeks! \r\nI'm so thankful that my students have the opportunity to create these types of projects in our classroom! Your generous donation helped make it possible! We appreciate your support for our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1730511597322,"projectUrl":"project/geography-art-projects/8477017/","projectTitle":"Geography Art Projects!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hennessee","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6950334_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1751335108041","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6950334"},{"teacherId":9111120,"projectId":8982747,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our garden club! With your generosity, we were able to start a worm farm and compost bin, giving our students a hands-on experience in sustainability. We are actively using these resources to learn about composting and soil health, and the students are already seeing how food scraps can be turned into something valuable for our garden. This project has made science come alive in a way that textbooks never could, and we are so grateful for the opportunity to bring these lessons to life.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the worms, their reactions were priceless—especially the boys, who were surprisingly the most scared! It was fun to watch them overcome their fears and grow more comfortable handling the worms as they learned about their role in composting. Now, they're eager to check on the worms and track the progress of our compost. Next, we hope to use the compost we create to enrich the soil in our garden and greenhouse, continuing our journey toward a more sustainable and thriving outdoor space. Thank you for making this hands-on learning experience possible!","fullyFundedDate":1734709478085,"projectUrl":"project/growing-a-greener-future-composting-for/8982747/","projectTitle":"Growing a Greener Future: Composting for Our Garden Club","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dalton","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9111120_orig.jpg?crop=400,400,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1733174000456","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9111120"},{"teacherId":7960883,"projectId":8887604,"letterContent":"I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude for your support in helping us bring dumbbells to our CrossFit classroom! Because of your generosity, our students now have access to essential strength-training equipment that will enhance their fitness, build confidence, and develop lifelong healthy habits.\r\n\r\nThese dumbbells will allow us to incorporate more diverse and engaging workouts, helping students improve their strength, endurance, and overall well-being. Your kindness and belief in our program make a real difference, and we are so grateful to have your support in empowering our students through fitness.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our students' health and future!","fullyFundedDate":1730406663319,"projectUrl":"project/lifting-up-learning-building-strength/8887604/","projectTitle":"\"Lifting Up Learning: Building Strength with Dumbbells\"","teacherDisplayName":"Coach Aartun","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7960883_orig.jpg?crop=1080,1080,x0,y421&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1658844161329","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7960883"},{"teacherId":7960895,"projectId":8829808,"letterContent":"The recent funding of my DonorsChoose project has had a transformative impact on my physical education program, creating an environment that is more engaging, inclusive, and rewarding for my students. The addition of footballs, basketballs, a whiteboard for instruction, and motivational prizes has significantly elevated the quality of learning and participation in my classroom.\r\n\r\nPhysical education is more than just exercise; it is about fostering teamwork, building confidence, and encouraging active lifestyles. With the new equipment, I can now design lessons that cater to diverse skill levels, ensuring every student feels included and challenged. Before this project, our resources were limited, which often resulted in students having to wait their turn or participate in activities that didn't fully engage them. Now, with an adequate supply of footballs and basketballs, all students can actively participate, maximizing their time in motion and honing their skills simultaneously.\r\n\r\nThe motivational prizes, such as candy and bracelets, have introduced an exciting new dynamic to my classroom. These rewards serve as tangible recognition of effort, perseverance, and teamwork. Whether it's a student pushing through a tough drill, encouraging a teammate, or demonstrating good sportsmanship, these small incentives have sparked a wave of positivity and motivation. \r\n\r\nThe impact of this project extends beyond the physical skills my students are developing. The emphasis on teamwork and confidence has fostered a supportive community within the class. Students are learning to communicate effectively, resolve conflicts, and celebrate each other's successes. These life skills are invaluable and will benefit them long after they leave my classroom.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping to make this possible. Your support has truly made a difference, and the ripple effects will be felt for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1728475646476,"projectUrl":"project/fueling-fitness-equipment-prizes-to-p/8829808/","projectTitle":"Fueling Fitness: Equipment & Prizes to Power PE!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Loudermilk","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7960895_orig.jpg?crop=400,400,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1631124151982","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7960895"},{"teacherId":3778675,"projectId":8429538,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our 6th-grade classroom now has access to Scope magazine, an incredible resource that is already making a meaningful difference in our students' learning journey.\r\n\r\nWith Scope, my students are engaging with high-interest texts that span multiple genres, from thrilling fiction and compelling nonfiction to fascinating plays and thought-provoking debates. These stories spark curiosity, critical thinking, and lively classroom discussions.\r\n\r\nThe interactive activities and questions included in Scope challenge my students to dive deeper into what they read, helping them develop their analytical skills, strengthen their vocabulary, and become more confident readers and writers. Additionally, the digital resources have allowed us to integrate technology into our lessons, making learning even more dynamic and engaging. My students especially love when we present Scope Magazine's plays each quarter!\r\n\r\nYour support has brought excitement and fresh opportunities to our classroom, inspiring my students to explore the world through reading. Thank you for making this possible and for believing in the power of literacy to shape young minds.","fullyFundedDate":1723673847711,"projectUrl":"project/scope-magazine-for-future-leaders/8429538/","projectTitle":"SCOPE Magazine for Future Leaders!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dill","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3778675_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y463&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1690025410829","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mindy-dill"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_104323","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":290,"numTeachers":10,"percentFrplEligible":17,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":92,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":4,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"29.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"TOWN","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_FRINGE"},"inStateSupporters":93.2,"schoolId":104323,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Youth Leadership Academy on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Youth Leadership Academy","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/south-carolina/south-carolina-public-charter-school-district/youth-leadership-academy/104323"}