{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Sylvan Hills Junior High School","outOfStateSupporters":20.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8423454,"projectId":10251375,"letterContent":"My students were excited to see the new supplies and immediately wanted to try them. Having access to quality watercolor paints, pens, and other materials made the projects feel more like a real artist's studio. Students were especially excited to experiment with different ways of creating lines, textures, and watercolor effects. Their excitement helped create a positive and creative atmosphere in the classroom.My students are using the new watercolor and pen & ink supplies to explore different artistic techniques and develop their own creative styles. In our current projects, students are practicing line quality, shading, texture, layering, and color blending. One of my favorite moments is watching students experiment with a technique they were unsure about and then realize they can create something they are proud of. These resources allow students to spend more time creating and less time worrying about having the right materials.Our next step is to take the techniques students have been practicing and use them in finished works of art. In watercolor, students will continue practicing layering, blending, value, and controlling water to create depth and detail. In pen & ink, students will develop their line work through hatching, cross-hatching, stippling, and other mark-making techniques. Students will then use these skills to create artwork that shows their individual artistic style and craftsmanship. I am excited to see how their confidence and creativity continue to grow throughout the year!","fullyFundedDate":1780182891294,"projectUrl":"project/experiencing-new-art-forms/10251375/","projectTitle":"Experiencing New Art Forms!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Neel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8423454_orig.jpg?crop=1440,1440,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1650555546937","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8423454"},{"teacherId":9830772,"projectId":10241971,"letterContent":"My 8th grade students have had such a wonderful experience with our circle loom-handwoven bracelet project! The new resources have allowed them to move beyond simply learning about fiber arts and actually experience the process of designing and creating a three-dimensional piece of wearable art. They have been able to experiment with materials, problem-solve, and develop patience and persistence as they worked through each step.\r\n\r\nFor this project, students began by using the circle paper punch to create their own cardstock looms. They then learned how to prepare their looms and carefully thread embroidery floss through the openings. Once their looms were ready, students practiced weaving the floss to gradually build their bracelets. Watching a flat piece of cardstock and strands of floss transform into a finished woven bracelet was exciting for them! Each student was able to make choices about colors and create a piece that reflected their own personality and creativity.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw all of the new materials, they were super excited! They were especially enthusiastic about getting to work with materials they had not used before and learning a completely different art-making technique. The idea that they could use simple materials to create actual jewelry was particularly exciting. Many students were surprised by how much concentration and patience weaving required, but they were proud of themselves when they figured out the process and could see their bracelets taking shape.\r\n\r\nThis project has also helped my students understand that art can be made from many different types of materials and does not always have to be created with traditional drawing or painting supplies. They practiced following directions, fine-motor skills, craftsmanship, sequencing, and problem-solving while also making creative decisions. Most importantly, they experienced the satisfaction that comes from learning a new skill and sticking with it when the process becomes challenging.\r\n\r\nOur next step is revisiting the circle loom project at the end of the year where I will challenge students to create different patterns in their woven bracelets. Instead of simply focusing on the basic weaving process, students will experiment with color combinations and pattern sequences to make their designs more intentional and complex. I am excited to see how they take the skills they have already developed and push their creativity further.\r\n\r\nI am so grateful to the donors who made this experience possible. Your generosity has given my students the opportunity to explore fiber arts, learn new techniques, create something they can be proud of, and discover that creativity can take many forms. Thank you for helping my students weave their way toward new artistic possibilities!","fullyFundedDate":1778261972408,"projectUrl":"project/circle-loom-creations-weaving-friendshi/10241971/","projectTitle":"Circle Loom Creations: Weaving Friendship One Bracelet at a Time","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Williamson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9830772_orig.png?crop=530,530,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1731094012658","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9830772"},{"teacherId":2648176,"projectId":8597570,"letterContent":"We are incredibly grateful for your generous support of our band program. Your donation made it possible for us to purchase a set of concert toms, giving our band the opportunity to perform music that requires these unique instruments. Because of your kindness, we have been able to expand our repertoire and experience a wider variety of musical styles. Having access to the proper equipment has helped us grow as musicians and has made our performances more engaging and rewarding.\r\n\r\nYour generosity also provided the supplies our first-year SHJH Jazz Band needed, including mutes that allowed us to perform more advanced jazz literature. These resources have given our students the chance to explore new techniques, improve their musical skills, and perform with greater confidence. Your investment in our program has created meaningful learning opportunities that will benefit students for years to come. Thank you for believing in our band and for making these experiences possible.","fullyFundedDate":1731099873096,"projectUrl":"project/bear-band-gear-up-for-the-ultimate-band/8597570/","projectTitle":"Bear Band: Gear Up for the Ultimate Band Performance","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Walla","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2648176_orig.jpg?crop=737,737,x144,y421&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723657563570","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2648176"},{"teacherId":8423454,"projectId":9795073,"letterContent":"Donations to the art room this school year have had a meaningful and visible impact on both the learning environment and the students who use it every day. At the most basic level, these contributions have ensured that essential supplies are consistently available. Items like sketchbooks, paints, brushes, clay, and specialty papers are no longer limited or rationed as strictly as before. This has allowed students to fully engage in projects without the frustration of running out of materials or having to compromise their creative ideas due to shortages.\r\nBeyond simply increasing supply levels, donations have expanded the variety of materials students can explore. With access to new mediums such as watercolor sets, acrylic paints, printmaking tools, and mixed media supplies, students have been able to experiment in ways that were previously not possible. This exposure is important because it helps students discover new interests, develop different techniques, and gain a deeper understanding of artistic expression. Instead of repeating the same types of projects, the curriculum can now include more diverse and engaging assignments.\r\nThe impact also extends to student confidence and motivation. When students see that their art room is well-stocked and cared for, it sends a message that their creativity matters. They are more likely to take pride in their work and invest time into improving their skills. Having access to quality materials makes a noticeable difference in how students approach their projects; they tend to be more willing to take creative risks and try new ideas. This has resulted in more detailed, thoughtful, and expressive artwork across all grade levels.\r\nAdditionally, donations have helped create a more inclusive and equitable learning environment. Not all students have access to art supplies at home, so the classroom often serves as their primary space for creative exploration. By providing sufficient resources within the art room, every student has an equal opportunity to participate fully, regardless of their personal circumstances. This helps ensure that no student feels left out or limited due to a lack of materials.\r\nTeachers have also benefited from these contributions. With a wider range of supplies available, they have greater flexibility in lesson planning and can design projects that better align with educational standards and student interests. This has allowed for more innovative instruction and has made it easier to adapt lessons to different skill levels. Teachers can focus more on guiding creativity and technique rather than worrying about conserving materials.\r\nFinally, the overall atmosphere of the art room has improved. A well-supplied, organized, and vibrant space naturally encourages creativity and collaboration. Students are more excited to enter the classroom and participate in activities, which contributes to a more positive and productive learning environment. In many ways, the donations have transformed the art room from a place of limitation into a space of opportunity.\r\nIn conclusion, the donations made this school year have significantly enhanced the art program by increasing access to materials, expanding creative possibilities, supporting student confidence, promoting equity, and improving both teaching and learning experiences.","fullyFundedDate":1762545528334,"projectUrl":"project/thea-art-closet-for-neel/9795073/","projectTitle":"THEA Art Closet for Neel","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Neel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8423454_orig.jpg?crop=1440,1440,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1650555546937","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8423454"},{"teacherId":8423454,"projectId":7933590,"letterContent":"Donations to the art room this school year have had a meaningful and visible impact on both the learning environment and the students who use it every day. At the most basic level, these contributions have ensured that essential supplies are consistently available. Items like sketchbooks, paints, brushes, clay, and specialty papers are no longer limited or rationed as strictly as before. This has allowed students to fully engage in projects without the frustration of running out of materials or having to compromise their creative ideas due to shortages.\r\nBeyond simply increasing supply levels, donations have expanded the variety of materials students can explore. With access to new mediums such as watercolor sets, acrylic paints, printmaking tools, and mixed media supplies, students have been able to experiment in ways that were previously not possible. This exposure is important because it helps students discover new interests, develop different techniques, and gain a deeper understanding of artistic expression. Instead of repeating the same types of projects, the curriculum can now include more diverse and engaging assignments.\r\nThe impact also extends to student confidence and motivation. When students see that their art room is well-stocked and cared for, it sends a message that their creativity matters. They are more likely to take pride in their work and invest time into improving their skills. Having access to quality materials makes a noticeable difference in how students approach their projects; they tend to be more willing to take creative risks and try new ideas. This has resulted in more detailed, thoughtful, and expressive artwork across all grade levels.\r\nAdditionally, donations have helped create a more inclusive and equitable learning environment. Not all students have access to art supplies at home, so the classroom often serves as their primary space for creative exploration. By providing sufficient resources within the art room, every student has an equal opportunity to participate fully, regardless of their personal circumstances. This helps ensure that no student feels left out or limited due to a lack of materials.\r\nTeachers have also benefited from these contributions. With a wider range of supplies available, they have greater flexibility in lesson planning and can design projects that better align with educational standards and student interests. This has allowed for more innovative instruction and has made it easier to adapt lessons to different skill levels. Teachers can focus more on guiding creativity and technique rather than worrying about conserving materials.\r\nFinally, the overall atmosphere of the art room has improved. A well-supplied, organized, and vibrant space naturally encourages creativity and collaboration. Students are more excited to enter the classroom and participate in activities, which contributes to a more positive and productive learning environment. In many ways, the donations have transformed the art room from a place of limitation into a space of opportunity.\r\nIn conclusion, the donations made this school year have significantly enhanced the art program by increasing access to materials, expanding creative possibilities, supporting student confidence, promoting equity, and improving both teaching and learning experiences.","fullyFundedDate":1699556294126,"projectUrl":"project/mrs-neels-art-class/7933590/","projectTitle":"Mrs. Neel's Art Class","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Neel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8423454_orig.jpg?crop=1440,1440,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1650555546937","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8423454"},{"teacherId":8423454,"projectId":8906598,"letterContent":"The donation made a tremendous impact on my art classroom by giving students access to the materials they need to fully express their creativity. With the funds, I was able to purchase quality paints, brushes, sketchbooks, and other supplies that many students wouldn't otherwise have. It also allowed us to explore new art mediums and techniques, helping students discover their own artistic voices. The excitement and pride they feel when creating with proper tools has transformed the classroom into a more vibrant, inspiring, and inclusive space for everyone to learn and grow.","fullyFundedDate":1731082464465,"projectUrl":"project/neels-thea-wishlist/8906598/","projectTitle":"Neel's THEA Wishlist","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Neel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8423454_orig.jpg?crop=1440,1440,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1650555546937","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8423454"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_109637","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":731,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":53,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":48,"percentWhite":33,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":8,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":7,"gradesServed":"8 - 9","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":79.5,"schoolId":109637,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Sylvan Hills Junior High School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Sylvan Hills Junior High School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/arkansas/pulaski-county-special-school-district/sylvan-hills-freshman-campus/109637"}