{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Unalaska Junior Senior High School","outOfStateSupporters":70.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8976842,"projectId":9989857,"letterContent":"One of the most meaningful projects my Grade 8 students worked on this year was designing and building earthquake-resistant structures. Living in Unalaska, earthquakes are something our students are aware of, so this project felt very real and relevant to them. \r\n\r\nWhat I loved most was seeing how engaged the students were throughout the project. They were not only learning Earth science concepts like seismic waves, force, and energy transfer, but they were also learning perseverance and teamwork. \r\n\r\nBecause we live in a remote island community where earthquakes are a real possibility, students were able to connect science directly to their own lives and community safety. It made science feel meaningful and practical, and many students said it was one of their favorite activities of the year. Again, Thank you for supporting and funding this project, this activity will not be possible without your financial help.","fullyFundedDate":1771021993161,"projectUrl":"project/engineering-for-earthquakes-testing-stu/9989857/","projectTitle":"Engineering for Earthquakes: Testing Student-Designed Earthquake-Resistant Structures STEM Project","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. KAYE FORFIEDA","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8976842_orig.jpg?crop=433,433,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1703113662897","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8976842"},{"teacherId":8976842,"projectId":9284789,"letterContent":"This project has added excitement, motivation, and meaningful engagement to our middle and high school science classes in Unalaska. We are using the STEM-sational giveaways as positive reinforcement tools during Science Fair presentations and classroom discussions. One memorable moment was during our practice science fair sessions, when student presenters confidently shared their projects and offered small STEM prizes to audience members who asked thoughtful questions or correctly answered science-related prompts. This simple reward system encouraged active listening, respectful participation, and curiosity, turning presentations into truly interactive learning experiences.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the materials, they were genuinely excited. The giveaways sparked enthusiasm not only for receiving rewards, but also for earning them through science thinking. Students who were once hesitant to speak up became more willing to ask questions, explain concepts, and support their classmates. Presenters, in turn, felt empowered and proud to engage their audience, which boosted their confidence and communication skills.\r\n\r\nThanks to our donors, students are learning that science is not just about presenting information it's about collaboration, discussion, and community. The next steps include using these giveaways during our official Science Fair presentations, peer-review sessions, and future STEM activities to continue building confidence, participation, and science communication skills. Your generosity has helped create a classroom culture where curiosity is celebrated, voices are heard, and learning is both fun and meaningful.","fullyFundedDate":1746785598133,"projectUrl":"project/stem-sational-giveaways-ahead/9284789/","projectTitle":"STEM-sational Giveaways Ahead!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. KAYE FORFIEDA","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8976842_orig.jpg?crop=433,433,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1703113662897","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8976842"},{"teacherId":8976842,"projectId":9116200,"letterContent":"This project has brought science to life for my middle and high school students here in Unalaska. Using the new resources, students worked in teams to design and investigate renewable energy models focused on wind and hydroelectric power, connecting directly to the environmental conditions of Alaska. One memorable classroom moment was watching students test their wind turbine blades and water-driven models, revise their designs, and excitedly compare energy outputs as they collected data for their Science Fair investigatory projects. These hands-on materials allowed students to move beyond textbooks and truly experience how renewable energy works in the real world.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the materials, their excitement was immediate. Many began brainstorming designs right away, asking thoughtful questions about efficiency, blade shape, water flow, and real-life applications in our community. Students who are typically quiet became more engaged as they took on roles such as engineer, data recorder, or presenter. Seeing their ideas come to life boosted their confidence and sparked meaningful collaboration.\r\n\r\nThanks to our donors, students now have the tools to think like scientists and engineers. The next steps for this project include refining their models, analyzing data, and preparing Science Fair presentations that explain how renewable energy could support communities like Unalaska. Students will present their findings using graphs, diagrams, and evidence-based conclusions. Your generosity has given them the opportunity to explore sustainable solutions, develop critical STEM skills, and understand how science directly connects to their lives in Alaska.","fullyFundedDate":1741551815182,"projectUrl":"project/green-energy-in-action-exploring-hydroe/9116200/","projectTitle":"Green Energy in Action: Exploring Hydroelectric & Wind Power","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. KAYE FORFIEDA","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8976842_orig.jpg?crop=433,433,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1703113662897","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8976842"},{"teacherId":8976842,"projectId":9603534,"letterContent":"This project has had a powerful and positive impact on my middle and high school science students here in Unalaska. We are using the Affirmation Station daily as part of our classroom routine. Each class begins or ends with students reading affirmations that promote confidence, perseverance, and a growth mindset messages like \"I am capable of learning difficult things\" and \"My effort matters.\" Alongside this, the organized storage and labeled areas for science materials have helped students take ownership of our classroom space. One memorable moment was seeing students remind each other to return lab tools and supplies properly, showing responsibility and pride in keeping our science room organized.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the Affirmation Station and new organizational materials, their reactions were immediate and heartfelt. Many smiled, read the affirmations out loud, and shared which messages resonated with them most. Some students especially those who are quieter or struggle with confidence have really warmed up to this space. I've noticed them becoming more engaged, more willing to participate, and more confident in asking questions and sharing ideas during science lessons.\r\n\r\nThanks to our donors, the classroom now feels more welcoming, supportive, and structured. The next steps for my students include continuing hands-on science investigations while using the organized system to manage lab materials independently and responsibly. We will also connect the affirmations to our learning by reflecting on how perseverance, teamwork, and confidence help us succeed in challenging science projects. Your generosity has not only improved our classroom environment it has strengthened relationships, built confidence, and created a space where students feel supported every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1758064945536,"projectUrl":"project/affirmation-station-building-confidence/9603534/","projectTitle":"Affirmation Station: Building Confidence Every Day","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. KAYE FORFIEDA","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8976842_orig.jpg?crop=433,433,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1703113662897","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8976842"},{"teacherId":8976842,"projectId":9339957,"letterContent":"This classroom printer has made a meaningful difference in how my middle and high school science students learn and create. While many of our donors may be familiar with printers at home, having one directly in our science classroom has transformed instruction in powerful ways. Students can now quickly print colored diagrams, graphs, data tables, and visuals that are essential for understanding complex scientific concepts something that black-and-white copies simply can't provide. Because our only color printer was previously located in the main office, a long walk from our classroom, printing often meant lost instructional time or limited access. Now, learning stays uninterrupted and student momentum stays high.\r\n\r\nWhat excites students the most is seeing their work come to life in color. Whether they are preparing science investigatory projects, research presentations, posters, or building models, the ability to print vibrant visuals has elevated both the quality and pride in their work. Students who once struggled to communicate ideas through text alone are now more engaged, confident, and creative when presenting their findings. Several students who are visual learners have especially benefited they better understand data trends, experimental results, and design concepts when they can see them clearly in color.\r\n\r\nIn our remote community of Unalaska, access to resources matters. This printer has helped bridge that gap by allowing my students to produce professional-quality science work right in the classroom. It has empowered them to think like real scientistsplanning, revising, presenting, and sharing their ideas with confidence. This project truly helped our science learning go beyond black and white and into meaningful, engaging, real-world learning.","fullyFundedDate":1747435212063,"projectUrl":"project/powering-up-science-with-a-classroom-pri/9339957/","projectTitle":"Powering Up Science with a Classroom Printer","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. KAYE FORFIEDA","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8976842_orig.jpg?crop=433,433,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1703113662897","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8976842"},{"teacherId":8976842,"projectId":9113606,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity. Our recent school science fair would not have been a success without your support. When I was given the chance to choose the items we needed most, I decided to select materials my students could use to bring their science fair projects to life. Your willingness to provide these resources made such a difference not only for me as their teacher, but more importantly for the students who were able to turn their ideas into reality.\r\n\r\nI cannot fully express how much this meant to my students. Their excitement, creativity, and teamwork during the fair were fueled by the opportunities your kindness gave them. They maximized every single item, knowing these were gifts made possible by your generosity. Because of your support, they were able to present their projects with confidence and pride. Thank you for believing in them, for investing in their learning, and for inspiring them to see science not just as a subject, but as a way to explore, discover, and grow. Your care and kindness will have a lasting impact on their educational journey.","fullyFundedDate":1741534805726,"projectUrl":"project/growing-young-scientists-investigating/9113606/","projectTitle":"Growing Young Scientists: Investigating Soil Quality & Seed Germination","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. KAYE FORFIEDA","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8976842_orig.jpg?crop=433,433,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1703113662897","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8976842"},{"teacherId":8976842,"projectId":9038198,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity. Our recent school science fair would not have been a success without your support. Originally, I requested dissecting tools and specimens for my Life Science class, but when those materials were unavailable, I was asked to choose replacements. I decided to select items that my students could use for their science fair projects instead. Your willingness to provide the resources we needed made such a difference not only for me as their teacher, but more importantly for the students who were able to bring their ideas to life.\r\n\r\nI cannot fully express how much this meant to my students. Their excitement, creativity, and teamwork during the fair were fueled by the opportunities your kindness opened for them. They maximized every single item, knowing these were gifts made possible by your generosity. Because of your support, they were able to present their projects with confidence and pride. Thank you for believing in them, for investing in their learning, and for inspiring them to see science not just as a subject, but as a way to explore, discover, and grow. Your care and kindness will have a lasting impact on their educational journey.\r\n\r\nWarmly,\r\nMs. Kaye Forfieda\r\nUnalaska City School District","fullyFundedDate":1742254994547,"projectUrl":"project/dive-into-dissecting-with-ms-kaye-let/9038198/","projectTitle":"Dive Into Dissecting With Ms. Kaye: Let's Make It Real!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. KAYE FORFIEDA","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8976842_orig.jpg?crop=433,433,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1703113662897","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8976842"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_57238","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":240,"numTeachers":15,"percentFrplEligible":16,"percentAsian":52,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":15,"percentIndigenous":11,"percentLatinx":12,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":6,"percentMultiracialImputed":0,"gradesServed":"5 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"16.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"RURAL","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_REMOTE"},"inStateSupporters":29.4,"schoolId":57238,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Unalaska Junior Senior High School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Unalaska Junior Senior High School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/alaska/unalaska-city-school-district/unalaska-junior-senior-high-school/57238"}