{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Kotzebue Middle High School","outOfStateSupporters":68.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9510893,"projectId":10098480,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our project, \"Big Screen, Bigger Learning: Empowering Arctic Students Through Visual Learning.\" Your generosity has made a meaningful difference in our classroom and has provided my students with a more engaging, accessible, and interactive learning environment.\r\n\r\nThe new technology has helped make lessons more visual and easier for students to follow. I am now able to display instructional materials, educational videos, presentations, examples, and step-by-step directions on a larger screen where students can clearly see them. This is especially valuable in my classroom because students have different learning needs and benefit greatly from visual supports, modeling, repetition, and having information presented in multiple ways. Instead of relying only on verbal explanations or printed worksheets, we can now make lessons more interactive and engaging.\r\n\r\nMy students especially enjoy seeing classroom activities and learning materials presented on the big screen. It has increased their interest and participation, and some students who may need additional encouragement to engage in traditional classroom activities have shown greater attention when lessons incorporate visual and technology-based materials. The technology also allows us to work through examples together as a class and gives students another way to access and understand what they are learning.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and supporting education in our Arctic community. Your generosity has given us more than classroom technology—you have provided another tool that helps make learning accessible, engaging, and meaningful for every student. We are truly grateful for your kindness and support.","fullyFundedDate":1782766079588,"projectUrl":"project/big-screen-bigger-learning-empowering/10098480/","projectTitle":"Big Screen, Bigger Learning: Empowering Arctic Students Through Visual Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Jay Panlilio","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9510893_orig.png?crop=1425,1425,x9,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1731607564078","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9510893"},{"teacherId":9510893,"projectId":10232351,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our \"Eat, Learn, Succeed: Fridge & Microwave for SPED Students\" project. Your kindness has provided our classroom with practical resources that go beyond academics and help our students develop important independent living and life skills. The refrigerator and microwave have created opportunities for students to practice everyday routines such as safely storing food, preparing and reheating simple meals, maintaining cleanliness, following directions, and taking responsibility for their own needs.\r\n\r\nThe students were excited to see these new resources in our classroom because they immediately recognized them as things they use in everyday life. We have been able to connect classroom learning with real-world experiences, making our lessons more meaningful and relevant. These resources are especially valuable during activities focused on independent living and transition readiness, where students can practice skills in a supportive environment before applying them at home, in the workplace, and in the community.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, we plan to continue incorporating these resources into lessons involving food safety, meal preparation, organization, budgeting, workplace readiness, and independent living. These may seem like simple appliances, but they provide our students with meaningful opportunities to develop confidence, responsibility, and independence. Thank you for believing in our students and helping us prepare them not only for success in school, but also for greater independence in life.","fullyFundedDate":1779205733120,"projectUrl":"project/eat-learn-succeed-fridge-microwave/10232351/","projectTitle":"Eat, Learn, Succeed: Fridge & Microwave for SPED Students","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Jay Panlilio","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9510893_orig.png?crop=1425,1425,x9,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1731607564078","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9510893"},{"teacherId":9510893,"projectId":10094606,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our \"Calculating Confidence in the Arctic Classroom\" project. Your contribution has made a meaningful difference by providing our students with technology and learning resources that make mathematics more accessible, engaging, and less intimidating. These tools allow students to practice skills, check their work, and approach mathematical problems with greater independence. Instead of becoming discouraged when they encounter a difficult problem, students now have additional resources that encourage them to keep trying, learn from mistakes, and build confidence in their abilities.\r\n\r\nOne of the most exciting things for our students is having access to tools that make learning more interactive and give them immediate opportunities to apply what they are learning. Students who previously needed frequent reassurance are becoming more willing to attempt problems independently and participate in classroom activities. It has been especially rewarding to see students become excited when they successfully solve a problem and realize that they are capable of doing mathematics on their own.\r\n\r\nTeaching in an Arctic community makes every additional educational resource especially valuable. Your generosity has helped us create a classroom where students have greater access to the tools they need to learn, grow, and believe in themselves. More importantly, you have helped us show our students that people beyond our school and community care about their education and success. Thank you for investing in our students and for helping us calculate not only answers, but confidence in the Arctic classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1779328665927,"projectUrl":"project/calculating-confidence-in-the-arctic-cla/10094606/","projectTitle":"Calculating Confidence in the Arctic Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Jay Panlilio","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9510893_orig.png?crop=1425,1425,x9,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1731607564078","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9510893"},{"teacherId":10353278,"projectId":9902697,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom by providing a camera for my senior students. This technology has made a meaningful difference in how they learn and express themselves. In our classroom, the camera is not just a device for taking pictures—it has become a powerful learning tool. Students use it to document school activities, capture moments during projects, and support their learning with real-life visuals. They are able to connect their experiences to their academic work, especially when writing stories, reflections, and reports. By combining images with writing, students develop stronger storytelling skills and a deeper understanding of how to communicate their ideas clearly.\r\n\r\nWhat excites my students the most is the opportunity to tell their own stories through pictures. They enjoy taking photos during class activities and then using those images as inspiration for their writing. It makes their work feel more personal, creative, and meaningful. The camera has sparked their curiosity and engagement, and they take pride in seeing their experiences turned into polished stories with real visuals. This has made learning more dynamic and relevant to their lives.\r\n\r\nI've also noticed that some students, especially those who are more hesitant writers, have really benefited from this technology. Having a photo to start from gives them confidence and a clear idea of what to write about. It helps them organize their thoughts and express themselves more easily. Meanwhile, students who are naturally creative are thriving as they explore photography and storytelling together. Your generosity has given my students a voice and a new way to share their perspectives, and for that, we are truly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1769743650724,"projectUrl":"project/snapshots-of-success-empowering-seniors/9902697/","projectTitle":"Snapshots of Success: Empowering Seniors Through Photography","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jane","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10353278_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y856&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1764103318334","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10353278"},{"teacherId":10261749,"projectId":9891901,"letterContent":"Technology has played a meaningful role in helping my students connect their learning to the real world, especially in a rural community like ours. With access to a donated camera and accessories, students are able to document authentic, hands-on experiences that go far beyond the classroom. Instead of only reading or writing about their culture, they are capturing it—photographing important moments, practicing storytelling through images, and reflecting on their learning in a way that is both engaging and personal. This has increased student motivation, improved participation, and helped students take ownership of their work.\r\n\r\nWhat has been most exciting for my students is the opportunity to use the camera to document cultural practices that are deeply meaningful to them and their families. For example, students have used the equipment to photograph and reflect on traditional subsistence activities, such as skinning a wolf, a practice rooted in Iñupiaq culture and passed down through generations. Being able to capture these moments allows students to preserve their heritage while also developing modern skills in photography, digital storytelling, and communication.\r\n\r\nThis technology has especially resonated with students who may not always feel as connected to traditional academic tasks. Students who are more hands-on or visually oriented have truly thrived, showing increased confidence and pride in their work. It has also created opportunities for students to share their culture with others, strengthening both their identity and their voice. The donated camera has not just been a tool—it has become a bridge between culture, community, and learning.","fullyFundedDate":1763718050105,"projectUrl":"project/camera-to-showcase-us/9891901/","projectTitle":"Camera to Showcase Us","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Frix","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10261749"},{"teacherId":5941910,"projectId":10003607,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our Keeping Students Warm in Alaska project. Your generosity has made a real difference for my students.\r\n\r\nThe ceramic heaters you helped provide have helped keep our classroom warm during the long Arctic winter. When students are warm and comfortable, they are able to focus better, stay engaged in their lessons, and spend more time learning instead of worrying about the cold.\r\n\r\nLiving and teaching in Arctic Alaska means temperatures can be extremely low, and maintaining a comfortable classroom environment is important for student success. With limited school resources, your support helps provide the basic comforts that allow students to concentrate and do their best work.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping create a warmer, more supportive learning environment for my students. Your kindness truly makes a difference.","fullyFundedDate":1771267897797,"projectUrl":"project/keeping-students-warm-in-alaska/10003607/","projectTitle":"Keeping Students Warm in Alaska","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Brown","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5941910_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1773098914333","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5941910"},{"teacherId":5941910,"projectId":9999597,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our Paper for Learning project. Your generosity has made a real difference for my students.\r\n\r\nPaper is one of the most important tools we use every day. It allows my students to complete worksheets, practice writing, work through math problems, and engage with printed reading materials. Many of my students learn best when they can write, draw, and organize their thinking directly on paper.\r\n\r\nWith education funding often limited, basic classroom supplies like paper can be difficult to maintain. Your support ensures my students have the materials they need to participate fully in their learning.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping provide the resources that support my students' success.","fullyFundedDate":1771265563757,"projectUrl":"project/paper-for-learning/9999597/","projectTitle":"Paper for Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Brown","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5941910_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1773098914333","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5941910"},{"teacherId":10240599,"projectId":9952499,"letterContent":"Because of your kindness and support for our project, \"Comfort Equals Success: Bringing Warmth to Our Classroom,\" our classroom has become a warmer, safer, and more welcoming place for my students. The new resources have made a meaningful difference in our daily routines. Students now feel physically comfortable during lessons, which has helped them stay focused, calm, and ready to learn. One special moment was during our reading time—students were able to sit comfortably and fully engage in the story, participate in discussions, and share their ideas with confidence. Your support has truly helped create an environment where students can focus on learning instead of worrying about the cold.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, my students were filled with excitement and gratitude. Their faces lit up with big smiles, and they eagerly expressed how happy they were to have a warmer classroom. Some students even shared that they felt more motivated to come to school and participate. It was heartwarming to see how something as simple as added warmth and comfort could positively affect their mood, behavior, and willingness to learn.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, we can now continue building strong learning habits and focusing on important classroom projects. Our next steps include collaborative reading activities, writing exercises, and group discussions where students feel comfortable expressing themselves. Your support has not only improved our classroom environment but has also strengthened my students' confidence and enthusiasm for learning. Thank you for believing in my students and for helping create a classroom where comfort truly supports success.\r\n\r\nWith heartfelt gratitude,","fullyFundedDate":1766012372657,"projectUrl":"project/comfort-equals-success-bringing-warmth/9952499/","projectTitle":"Comfort Equals Success: Bringing Warmth to Our Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. EMBESAN","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10240599_orig.jpg?crop=1367,1367,x0,y460&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758131774975","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10240599"},{"teacherId":5941910,"projectId":9264188,"letterContent":"From my students and me here in Kotzebue, Alaska, thank you for supporting our project, \"Herb and Plant Garden Run by Students.\" Your generosity has given our students an incredible opportunity to learn, grow, and take ownership of something truly meaningful.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, our students will be able to plan, plant, and care for their own herb and plant garden. In a rural Alaskan community where fresh produce can be expensive and sometimes limited, this project provides hands-on learning that connects science, responsibility, teamwork, and healthy living. Our students will not only learn how plants grow, but also experience the pride that comes from nurturing something from seed to harvest.\r\n\r\nThis garden will be student-led, which makes it even more powerful. They will practice leadership skills, problem-solving, and collaboration while building confidence in their abilities. The lessons they gain from this project will extend far beyond the classroom.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and investing in their growth. Your kindness is helping our students cultivate knowledge, responsibility, and pride right here in Kotzebue.","fullyFundedDate":1747458692315,"projectUrl":"project/herb-and-plant-garden-run-by-students/9264188/","projectTitle":"Herb and Plant Garden Run by Students","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Brown","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5941910_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1773098914333","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5941910"},{"teacherId":5941910,"projectId":9360420,"letterContent":"From my students and me in Kotzebue, Alaska, thank you so much for supporting our project, \"School Supplies for Students.\" Your generosity has made a direct and meaningful impact on our classroom.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, our students will have the supplies they need to feel prepared, confident, and ready to learn each day. In our rural community, access to school materials can sometimes be limited, and having basic supplies like notebooks, pencils, folders, and other essentials truly makes a difference. Your support removes barriers and allows our students to focus on learning instead of worrying about what they may not have.\r\n\r\nThese supplies represent more than just materials — they represent encouragement, opportunity, and belief in our students' potential. When students have what they need, they participate more, stay organized, and take greater pride in their work.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our students here in Kotzebue. Your kindness and generosity are deeply appreciated by each of us. We are grateful for your support and for the difference you are making in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1751464893047,"projectUrl":"project/school-supplies-for-alaska-native-studen/9360420/","projectTitle":"School Supplies for Alaska Native Students","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Brown","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5941910_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1773098914333","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5941910"},{"teacherId":5941910,"projectId":9303769,"letterContent":"From my students and me here in Alaska, thank you so much for supporting our project, \"Plants and Herbs for Students, Staff, and Families.\" Your generosity means more to us than words can fully express.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, our students will have the opportunity to grow plants and herbs right here at school. In a place where fresh produce can be expensive and sometimes difficult to access, this hands-on experience is incredibly meaningful. Our students will learn responsibility, science skills, and the value of caring for living things. They will also experience the joy of harvesting something they nurtured themselves.\r\n\r\nThis project is about more than plants. It is about building community. Our goal is to share what we grow with staff and families, strengthening connections between school and home. Your support helps our students feel empowered, capable, and proud of what they can contribute to others.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and investing in their growth—both in the garden and in life. We are truly grateful for your kindness and support.","fullyFundedDate":1749844157231,"projectUrl":"project/plants-and-herbs-for-students-staff-an/9303769/","projectTitle":"Plants and Herbs for Students, Staff, and Families","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Brown","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5941910_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1773098914333","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5941910"},{"teacherId":9510893,"projectId":9689290,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our students in Kotzebue now have access to tools that truly inspire innovation and hands-on learning. In our classroom, we immediately began using the new materials for a design challenge where students created original projects that reflected both modern design principles and elements of our local Arctic culture. Watching them brainstorm, sketch, revise, and finally produce their finished work was incredibly rewarding.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, the excitement was undeniable. Many of my students had never worked with professional-quality design tools before. They were curious, eager, and proud to handle materials that made them feel like real designers. One student said, \"This makes me feel like I can actually do this in the future.\" Moments like that remind us how powerful access can be.\r\n\r\nThese resources have increased engagement, creativity, and collaboration. Students are now more willing to take risks, solve problems independently, and think critically about how design impacts everyday life—even here in a remote Arctic community.\r\n\r\nOur next steps include expanding this project into a community-focused design unit. Students will develop practical design solutions inspired by local needs, allowing them to connect creativity with real-world application. We are also planning to build digital portfolios so they can showcase their work and explore future career pathways in design and technology.\r\n\r\nYour support has done more than provide materials—it has sparked confidence, curiosity, and possibility. Thank you for believing in our Arctic students and helping us create tomorrow's designers.","fullyFundedDate":1767739919140,"projectUrl":"project/creating-tomorrows-designers-empowerin/9689290/","projectTitle":"Creating Tomorrow’s Designers: Empowering Arctic Students Through Creativity","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Jay Panlilio","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9510893_orig.png?crop=1425,1425,x9,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1731607564078","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9510893"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_100145","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":240,"numTeachers":25,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":3,"percentIndigenous":85,"percentLatinx":1,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":8,"gradesServed":"7 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"9.6:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"RURAL","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_REMOTE"},"inStateSupporters":31.8,"schoolId":100145,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Kotzebue Middle High School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Kotzebue Middle High School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/alaska/northwest-arctic-borough-school-district/kotzebue-middle-high-school/100145"}