{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"James Monroe High School","outOfStateSupporters":15.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8968505,"projectId":10015819,"letterContent":"The new toner has kept our color printer running, which has made a huge difference in how students experience their own work. Instead of only seeing their projects on a screen, they can now print full-color posters, digital art, photography layouts, and portfolio pages and immediately spot what's working in their composition, contrast, and text placement. Being able to hold a finished, high-quality print in their hands has helped them take more pride in revising and polishing their designs, and has turned our classroom walls into a rotating gallery of student-created work.\r\n\r\nStudents were genuinely excited when they realized we could print in full color again—several asked right away, \"Can I finally print my poster?\" and \"Does this mean we can finish our portfolios?\" Some of the students who are quieter during class discussions have especially connected with this technology; they may not always speak up, but they spend extra time adjusting their layouts and colors so their printed pieces look as professional as possible. With reliable toner, they can now prepare display boards for exhibitions, print portfolio pages for presentations and applications, and share their learning with families and the school community in a way that feels real and important to them.","fullyFundedDate":1769177688624,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-student-creativity-to-life-in-f/10015819/","projectTitle":"Bringing Student Creativity to Life in Full Color","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Charkhchyan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8968505_orig.jpg?crop=2656,2656,x664,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756145900480","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/chark"},{"teacherId":8968505,"projectId":10012737,"letterContent":"The Sennelier Artists' Oil Sticks have opened up a completely new way for my students to paint and experiment with color. Instead of only using brushes, they are now able to draw directly with rich, buttery oil color on paper and canvas, then blend and smear with their fingers, rags, and tools to create expressive textures and gradients. One powerful classroom moment was watching a student who normally rushes through assignments slow down and carefully layer warm and cool colors in a sunset piece, then step back and say, \"This actually looks professional.\" The immediacy of drawing and painting at the same time has helped students better understand color mixing, value, and composition in a very hands-on way.\r\n\r\nWhen the oil sticks first came out of the box, students were amazed by the size and vibrancy of each stick and kept saying things like, \"These look like real artist supplies!\" and \"We've never had anything like this.\" Right now, they are using the oil sticks to create expressive portraits and abstract pieces where they focus on mood and movement instead of just outlines. The next steps for this project are to have students choose one piece to refine into a final artwork, add written artist statements about their process and choices, and then display their work in a small classroom or hallway exhibition so they can share their growth as young artists with the school community.","fullyFundedDate":1768420985126,"projectUrl":"project/bold-colors-bold-creators/10012737/","projectTitle":"Bold Colors, Bold Creators","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Charkhchyan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8968505_orig.jpg?crop=2656,2656,x664,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756145900480","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/chark"},{"teacherId":8968505,"projectId":9597632,"letterContent":"We're keeping our composting routine very simple so students can do it on their own. Each day, we collect fruit and vegetable scraps after breakfast and lunch and put them in a dedicated compost container instead of the trash.\r\n\r\nStudents then add \"browns\" like dried leaves, sawdust from the woodshop, and shredded paper to balance the food scraps. They lightly mix the pile, check that it's a little damp but not soaking, and make sure the lid is on to keep pests out. Once a week, they stir the compost more deeply and look for signs that it's working, like warmth and small bits breaking down.","fullyFundedDate":1759554725278,"projectUrl":"project/composting-for-change-students-growing/9597632/","projectTitle":"Composting For Change: Students Growing Fresh, Healthy Food","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Charkhchyan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8968505_orig.jpg?crop=2656,2656,x664,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756145900480","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/chark"},{"teacherId":8968505,"projectId":9601214,"letterContent":"The Bose S1 Pro+ speaker has quickly become part of the \"heartbeat\" of our woodshop, helping set the tone for focused, productive work time. We use it to play background music during build sessions, transition timers between stages of a project, and occasionally short audio cues or videos, which keeps students energized and on task while still allowing clear communication and safety instructions. Its clear sound and portability mean it can be placed where it doesn't interfere with tools or safety zones, but still reaches the whole room evenly.\r\n\r\nStudents were excited right away when they realized the sound quality was much better than a small classroom speaker, and they love that the music fills the space without having to be overly loud. Some of the quieter or more easily distracted students have especially responded well; having a steady, upbeat soundtrack helps them settle into their work and stay in the \"zone\" longer. Going forward, students will help create collaborative playlists for different project phases (layout, cutting, sanding, cleanup), turning the speaker into a tool not just for fun, but for classroom culture, pacing, and a more professional shop atmosphere.","fullyFundedDate":1760976577179,"projectUrl":"project/woodshop-vibes-music-to-build-by/9601214/","projectTitle":"Woodshop Vibes: Music to Build By","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Charkhchyan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8968505_orig.jpg?crop=2656,2656,x664,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756145900480","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/chark"},{"teacherId":8968505,"projectId":9599330,"letterContent":"The Caran d'Ache colored pencils have brought a whole new level of creativity to our woodshop. Students are using the pencils to sketch colorful design ideas, plan inlay patterns, and add details like logos, borders, and lettering to their finished projects, so each piece feels more personal and intentional. One great moment was watching a group crowd around the color trays, testing combinations on scrap wood and excitedly adjusting their designs before committing to their final boxes and plaques.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw all the organized sets of bright colors, they reacted the way they do to a new tool in the shop curious, excited, and full of ideas. They immediately started talking about how to match colors to themes, school spirit, or gifts for family members. Next, students will be building a full \"design pipeline\" into our projects: starting with colored concept sketches, refining those ideas, and then using the pencils to add finishing touches once the woodwork is complete, so they practice both technical and artistic thinking on every build.","fullyFundedDate":1758177079156,"projectUrl":"project/bring-our-woodshop-projects-to-life-with/9599330/","projectTitle":"Bring Our Woodshop Projects to Life with Brilliant Color!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Charkhchyan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8968505_orig.jpg?crop=2656,2656,x664,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756145900480","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/chark"},{"teacherId":8968505,"projectId":9603713,"letterContent":"work gloves have already made a noticeable difference in how students participate in wood carving and shop projects. Now that their hands are better protected from cuts, splinters, and abrasions, students are more willing to handle rough stock, clamp pieces securely, and sand or carve for longer periods without hesitation. This extra layer of safety lets them focus on technique, design choices, and craftsmanship instead of worrying about getting hurt.\r\n\r\nWhen the gloves first arrived, there was a lot of excitement as students tried them on, compared sizes, and immediately connected them with \"real\" jobsite safety gear they see professionals using. A favorite moment was watching a group of beginners, who had been nervous about handling rough lumber, suddenly lean in and fully commit to their carving once they felt protected. Next, students will be using the gloves as part of a full safety routine in upcoming carving and joinery projects, giving them the confidence to experiment, make mistakes safely, and build the kind of hands-on skills that translate directly to future careers and lifelong hobbies.","fullyFundedDate":1760990947834,"projectUrl":"project/carving-out-a-safer-future/9603713/","projectTitle":"Carving Out a Safer Future","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Charkhchyan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8968505_orig.jpg?crop=2656,2656,x664,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756145900480","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/chark"},{"teacherId":8968505,"projectId":9597572,"letterContent":"The POSCA markers have brought a burst of color and confidence into our classroom. Students are using them to design original logos, T‑shirt graphics, and detailed illustrations on wood, including Snoopy and other creative characters. One memorable moment was seeing a student who usually says, \"I can't draw,\" carefully layer colors and outlines on a Snoopy design and then proudly share it with the class as \"my first real artwork.\"\r\n\r\nWhen the markers arrived, students crowded around the box, testing every color and excitedly asking, \"Can we use these on wood, too?\" Now they are choosing a favorite design to refine into a final T‑shirt concept and a matching wood piece, learning about revising their work, planning color schemes, and presenting a finished design.","fullyFundedDate":1760976577002,"projectUrl":"project/painting-possibilities-creative-tools-f/9597572/","projectTitle":"Painting Possibilities: Creative Tools for Young Woodworkers","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Charkhchyan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8968505_orig.jpg?crop=2656,2656,x664,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756145900480","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/chark"},{"teacherId":8968505,"projectId":9598042,"letterContent":"These new gardening materials have turned a simple planting idea into a full hands on learning project where students grow vegetables and herbs from soil to harvest. With the worm castings, coco-perlite mix, dolomite lime, and flexible hoses, students have been able to build healthy soil, mix growing media, water efficiently, and monitor plant health, all while taking daily responsibility for watering, weeding, and observing changes in the garden. Research on school gardens shows that this kind of work boosts students' sense of responsibility, improves attitudes toward vegetables, and helps them better understand science concepts and environmental stewardship.​\r\n\r\nWhen the supplies first arrived, students were excited to open the bags, feel the different textures, and read the labels to figure out what each product did especially the organic worm castings, which sparked a lot of questions and laughs before turning into a lesson on soil biology. Next, students will be tracking growth, comparing how plants perform in different soil mixes, and eventually harvesting and sharing what they grow, using the garden as a way to practice cooperation, nutrition awareness, and long-term care for living things.​","fullyFundedDate":1757883003629,"projectUrl":"project/planting-knowledge-harvesting-hope/9598042/","projectTitle":"Planting Knowledge Harvesting Hope","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Charkhchyan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8968505_orig.jpg?crop=2656,2656,x664,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756145900480","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/chark"},{"teacherId":8968505,"projectId":9599373,"letterContent":"The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Creator Combo has quickly become an essential teaching tool in our CTE classroom because it lets us capture clear, stable videos of safety procedures, tool demonstrations, and student project walk-throughs, then upload them for students to review anytime. Having these recordings available helps students learn at their own pace, rewind and rewatch complex steps, and stay safer in the shop because expectations are always visible and consistent.\r\n\r\nStudents are especially excited by how professional the footage looks and how easy it is to move the camera around the shop to follow a build from start to finish, which makes their work feel \"real\" and worth documenting. A number of students who are usually quiet during live demonstrations have really warmed to this technology; they volunteer to be camera operators, plan shots, and even suggest edits or angles so that future classes will better understand each step. This project has not only improved access to instruction but has also opened up new opportunities for students to develop media, reflection, and communication skills alongside their hands-on technical work.","fullyFundedDate":1758154488730,"projectUrl":"project/lights-camera-woodshop/9599373/","projectTitle":"Lights, Camera, Woodshop!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Charkhchyan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8968505_orig.jpg?crop=2656,2656,x664,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756145900480","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/chark"},{"teacherId":8968505,"projectId":9599440,"letterContent":"The new Iwata RG-3 spray gun has elevated our finishing work from \"good enough\" to truly professional, especially on small furniture pieces, custom signs, and skateboard decks. Students are learning to set up the gun, adjust spray patterns, and control their passes, and a favorite moment was when they compared a brushed finish to one sprayed with the RG-3 and immediately saw the difference in smoothness and consistency.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the spray gun and heard it's the same kind of tool used in auto body and professional finishing shops, they were excited and a bit nervous, but that quickly turned into confidence as they practiced safe setup, masking, and cleanup. Next, they will be using the RG-3 in a full \"design–build–finish\" sequence, where every project must include a planned finishing schedule and test panels, so finishing becomes a deliberate, teachable skill rather than just the last step before taking a project home.","fullyFundedDate":1760976576983,"projectUrl":"project/the-art-of-the-finish-pro-tools-for-you/9599440/","projectTitle":"The Art of the Finish: Pro Tools for Young Craftsmen","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Charkhchyan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8968505_orig.jpg?crop=2656,2656,x664,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756145900480","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/chark"},{"teacherId":8968505,"projectId":9599420,"letterContent":"Our new Yoshino solid-state solar generator has transformed how we teach and learn in the woodshop and CTE programs. Students now have the freedom to use and power tools safely outdoors, including small routers, glue guns, and other corded equipment during hands-on projects, far from the classroom's fixed outlets. This portable setup lets groups experiment with energy budgeting, tool selection, and setup logistics in new environments, making each lesson more dynamic and engaging.​\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the solar generator in action, they were eager to test which tools could run directly from solar-charged energy, quickly organizing team challenges and outdoor work zones. Their curiosity led to deeper discussions around power draw, runtime calculations, and how solar charging conditions impact tool use in the real world.​","fullyFundedDate":1757785158699,"projectUrl":"project/off-grid-woodshop-wonders-clean-power-f/9599420/","projectTitle":"Off-Grid Woodshop Wonders: Clean Power for Bright Ideas","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Charkhchyan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8968505_orig.jpg?crop=2656,2656,x664,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756145900480","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/chark"},{"teacherId":1555606,"projectId":9102971,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to provide these materials for our students. We appreciate allowing our students to benefit by using these materials and creating items to promote a positive school culture and build our school community. The students are looking forward to getting to work as soon as possible!\r\n\r\nOur students use the materials to build our community by promoting leadership and getting more students involved. By receiving these materials, our students feel energized to create new activities, foster community, and bridge our students together.","fullyFundedDate":1742823835529,"projectUrl":"project/calm-spaces-for-new-faces/9102971/","projectTitle":"Calm Spaces for New Faces!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Bolden","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1555606_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1507748552898","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/bolden"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_7033","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1944,"numTeachers":95,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":3,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":4,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":89,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"9 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"20.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":84.8,"schoolId":7033,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about James Monroe High School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"James Monroe High School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/los-angeles-unified-school-district/james-monroe-high-school/7033"}