{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Tulare Western High School","outOfStateSupporters":40.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":7910486,"projectId":9277909,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, my students now have access to essential materials that have made a huge difference in our daily classroom experience. As soon as the supplies arrived, the students were excited to explore everything—especially the magnetic pizza fraction set and the jumbo magnetic spinner. We used the pizza fractions in a recent lesson on parts of a whole, and I saw students who typically struggle with abstract concepts suddenly light up with understanding as they manipulated the pieces and could see the math come to life. The spinner has become a fun part of our review games, turning practice into something interactive and engaging, and helping students stay motivated.\r\n\r\nThe basic classroom supplies have also been a game-changer. Students no longer have to worry about having a pencil or notebook—they know they can come in and be ready to learn. The hygiene items helped us restock our classroom drawers with basic necessities, allowing students to take what they need discreetly and with dignity. These supplies also support our graduating seniors, who will each receive a bag filled with essential items like deodorant, shampoo, and mouthwash to help them start their new journey feeling confident and prepared.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we're using these materials to finish the year strong with engaging math activities and meaningful classroom discussions. The DonorsChoose Community made it possible for my students to not only have the tools they need but also feel valued and supported. Thank you for helping us build a positive, inclusive learning environment—your generosity is truly felt every day in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1746786340170,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-refresh-strong-finish-and-a/9277909/","projectTitle":"\"Classroom Refresh: Strong Finish and a Bright Start!\"","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Castaneda","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7910486_orig.jpg?crop=2448,2448,x0,y261&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1683149126088","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7910486"},{"teacherId":7910486,"projectId":9207241,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom has been transformed into a more organized, functional, and welcoming space for my high school special education students. When the storage cabinet, pencil sharpener, charging station, and extra storage arrived, my students were immediately excited and eager to help set everything up. They took pride in organizing our supplies and finding the perfect place for each item, especially locking away important materials in our new cabinet—they were thrilled to have a secure space just for us!\r\n\r\nOne memorable moment was during a group math project. In the past, we would often lose valuable time searching for supplies or making do without certain tools. This time, everything was ready to go—charged devices, sharpened pencils, and materials exactly where they should be. The difference in focus and engagement was clear. Students were able to dive right into the activity, collaborate more effectively, and even clean up quickly with everything having a designated spot.\r\n\r\nThe biggest impact has been seeing students take more ownership of our classroom. They now take responsibility for making sure devices are charged, supplies are returned, and our shared space stays neat. This sense of pride and independence is something we strive to build daily.\r\n\r\nOur next steps include a series of hands-on projects where students will use their organizational skills to manage materials for small-group activities. These lessons are now smoother and more meaningful because our space works with us, not against us. Thanks to your kindness, our classroom is safer, more structured, and better suited for learning and success. We are truly grateful!","fullyFundedDate":1742928177401,"projectUrl":"project/safe-organized-keeping-our-classroom/9207241/","projectTitle":"Safe & Organized: Keeping Our Classroom Essentials Secure","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Castaneda","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7910486_orig.jpg?crop=2448,2448,x0,y261&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1683149126088","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7910486"},{"teacherId":7910486,"projectId":9172938,"letterContent":"Our \"Math in Color\" project has had an incredible impact on my high school special education math students. The tools you helped provide—calculators, pencils, colored pens, neon dry erase markers, colored paper, storage cubes, and other classroom essentials—have completely transformed the way my students experience math. Many of my students learn best through visuals and hands-on activities. The calculators have boosted their confidence in tackling multi-step problems, giving them the chance to focus on understanding how math works, rather than getting stuck on simple arithmetic. The colored pens and neon Expo markers have made lessons more interactive, as students can now color-code their notes, highlight key steps in equations, and collaborate during small-group work on the whiteboards. This has significantly improved their retention and understanding. \r\n\r\n What excites my students most is choice and ownership—being able to use colorful tools makes math feel more personal and less intimidating. Students actually get excited to participate when they can grab a bright marker to show their thinking, or use a vibrant sheet of paper for a fold-able activity. These seemingly simple changes have made math more fun, accessible, and engaging for every learner in the room.\r\nOne student in particular, who previously struggled to stay focused during lessons, has taken a noticeable leap forward. With the help of colored markers and structured notes, they're now leading small-group explanations and showing pride in their work—something that didn't happen before we had these tools.\r\n\r\n This project has done more than provide supplies; it has built confidence, fostered independence, and created a math environment that feels welcoming and empowering. Thank you for investing in these young learners. You've helped show them that math can be a subject they enjoy and succeed in.","fullyFundedDate":1746786027064,"projectUrl":"project/math-in-color-tools-for-engaged-learnin/9172938/","projectTitle":"Math in Color: Tools for Engaged Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Castaneda","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7910486_orig.jpg?crop=2448,2448,x0,y261&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1683149126088","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7910486"},{"teacherId":7910486,"projectId":9147366,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom now has a dedicated drawer filled with essential snacks and hygiene items that students can access whenever they need to. The moment I introduced the drawer to the class, there was a quiet sense of relief on many faces. I let them know that this resource was for them, no questions asked. Since then, I've seen students grab a granola bar before class starts or discreetly take a hygiene item before heading to PE or a sport. These supplies have become a quiet but powerful support system in our classroom.\r\n\r\nOne moment that stood out was when a student who usually keeps to himself came up after class just to say, \"Thank you for having snacks. It really helps me.\" That one simple statement made it clear how meaningful this project truly is. Having these resources available has helped students stay focused, feel cared for, and be more engaged in learning. We recently started a budgeting and life-skills unit where we discuss real-world topics like money management, health, and personal care. \r\n\r\nYour support has not only given them the tools they need—it's helped open the door to meaningful, lasting learning.","fullyFundedDate":1742823956348,"projectUrl":"project/warmth-wellness-and-learning-meeting/9147366/","projectTitle":"Warmth, Wellness, and Learning: Meeting Basic Needs for Success","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Castaneda","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7910486_orig.jpg?crop=2448,2448,x0,y261&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1683149126088","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7910486"},{"teacherId":7910486,"projectId":8674939,"letterContent":"I am incredibly grateful for your generous support of our \"Enhancing Learning with Color and Creativity\" project. Thanks to your contribution, we have been able to bring new technology into the classroom, which has made a significant difference in how our students engage with their learning. \r\nThe technology has provided our students with the opportunity to create digital art, engage with interactive learning apps, and explore new ways to visualize and understand complex concepts. For example, in our math and science lessons, students are now able to use colorful, interactive programs to map out problems and visualize solutions. The ability to manipulate these digital tools allows for deeper understanding and a more engaging learning experience.\r\nWhat's most exciting for the students is how the technology allows them to express themselves creatively. One student, in particular, who previously found it difficult to stay engaged during lessons, has absolutely thrived with the new tech. By using the interactive drawing software, they have not only improved their problem-solving skills but have also gained confidence in their ability to approach challenges in a new way. It's inspiring to watch students who were once hesitant about their abilities suddenly feel empowered by the technology and eager to learn.\r\nThank you again for your generous donation. The new technology has truly transformed our classroom, bringing color, creativity, and excitement to our lessons. You've made a lasting impact on our students' learning experiences, and I'm excited to see how this new tool will continue to support their growth in the months to come.","fullyFundedDate":1731940388297,"projectUrl":"project/enhancing-learning-with-color-and-creati/8674939/","projectTitle":"Enhancing Learning with Color and Creativity","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Castaneda","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7910486_orig.jpg?crop=2448,2448,x0,y261&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1683149126088","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7910486"},{"teacherId":7910486,"projectId":8647649,"letterContent":"I am incredibly grateful for your generous support of our \"Building Confidence: Providing Basic Essentials for Success\" project. Thanks to your contribution, we have been able to provide students with essential classroom supplies, from notebooks and pencils to organizational tools and resources to foster a positive, organized learning environment. These materials have been a game-changer for our classroom, enabling students to engage more effectively in their work and build the confidence they need to succeed.\r\n\r\nWhen our students first saw the new materials, their faces lit up with excitement. They were eager to dive into projects and were motivated by the fact that they now had the tools they needed to stay organized and complete their work efficiently. One of the highlights was when we used the new notebooks and organizational tools to work on a math project. The students were able to track their progress and felt empowered as they saw their work neatly laid out in front of them. The simple act of having these essentials made them feel more confident in their abilities to stay on task and take ownership of their learning.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we are currently working on a class project where students will apply the organizational skills they've gained to create a personal success plan, setting goals for their academic and personal growth. With the materials provided, they are ready to take on this challenge, and I am excited to watch their continued growth. Your support has made such a meaningful impact on their confidence and success, and we are excited to continue building on these foundations for the rest of the school year.","fullyFundedDate":1731940408602,"projectUrl":"project/building-confidence-providing-basic-ess/8647649/","projectTitle":"Building Confidence: Providing Basic Essentials for Success","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Castaneda","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7910486_orig.jpg?crop=2448,2448,x0,y261&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1683149126088","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7910486"},{"teacherId":7910486,"projectId":7953302,"letterContent":"I want to extend our deepest gratitude for your generous support of our \"Empower Math Mavericks: Transforming Special Ed Education\" project on Donors Choose. Thanks to your contribution, we've been able to create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment that meets the unique needs of our special education students.\r\n\r\nWith your generous donation, we were able to purchase [list specific resources purchased, such as adaptive math tools, visual aids, assistive technology, manipulatives, or math intervention software], all of which have already had a profound impact on our classroom. These resources were specifically chosen to help our students engage with math concepts in ways that suit their individual learning styles, fostering both their confidence and skills.\r\n\r\nThe transformation in our students' approach to math has been remarkable. Our special education students, who previously faced significant barriers to learning math, are now participating more actively in lessons, demonstrating greater problem-solving skills, and showing a new excitement for learning. For example, [share a specific student success story or milestone—maybe a student who has gone from struggling to grasp basic concepts to mastering grade-level skills, or one who has gained newfound confidence in their abilities.\r\n\r\nYour support has given our students the tools they need to succeed in ways they previously couldn't imagine. By providing these tailored resources, you've not only helped improve their math skills but also their self-esteem and belief in their own potential. You've shown them that with the right support, they too can be Math Mavericks.\r\n\r\nWe are incredibly thankful for your belief in our students' potential and your commitment to transforming education for students with special needs. Your gift is truly making a difference, and it's helping create brighter futures for children who deserve the opportunity to thrive in all areas of their education.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your generosity and for investing in the success of our special education students. Your support is helping to empower them to reach new heights in their learning journey.","fullyFundedDate":1702576284934,"projectUrl":"project/empower-math-mavericks-transforming-spe/7953302/","projectTitle":"Empower Math Mavericks: Transforming Special Ed Education","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Castaneda","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7910486_orig.jpg?crop=2448,2448,x0,y261&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1683149126088","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7910486"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_40496","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1886,"numTeachers":84,"percentFrplEligible":82,"percentAsian":2,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":13,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":79,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"9 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"22.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":59.4,"schoolId":40496,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Tulare Western High School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Tulare Western High School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/tulare-joint-union-high-school-district/tulare-western-high-school/40496"}