{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"John W Finney High School","outOfStateSupporters":13.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":5802869,"projectId":9471082,"letterContent":"Thank you so much Dragana from Vallejo and other donors for your generous support. We are starting this year off with Zero Talent goals to lead us into mile-high organization skills and writing success for the entire year. \r\n\r\n My goal is for students to be organized, prepared, and aware of the skills they have, to move toward the skills they need. The literature organizers and folders have helped students to keep their work organized and know where to always have access to the assignment. The pencil dispenser makes pencils available but keeps the students accountable. Having the folders to give to students when they are shuffling through all their papers to find the one they need, is a real blessing to them. And the \"10 Things That Require Zero Talent,\" have reminded students that the little things make a big difference in their success. Thank you so much for your kind and generous donation to the future of these young students. \r\n\r\nBecause of you, the future is ours!","fullyFundedDate":1758859334323,"projectUrl":"project/it-takes-zero-talent-to-be-organized-and/9471082/","projectTitle":"It Takes Zero Talent to Be Organized and Prepared","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sandra Handly","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5802869_orig.jpg?crop=11800,11800,x0,y1691&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1575341519595","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-handly"},{"teacherId":5802869,"projectId":9654962,"letterContent":"Thank you Eric from Walnut Creek for your generous donation to my classroom. My students are learning Financial Literacy concepts and this has made it so much fun. These are students who may or may not go to college, so these skills are even so much more important.\r\n\r\nWe are on the quarter system and financial Literacy includes a lot of ideas and terminology new to students, so this is a big undertaking in a short time. These students have been assigned the task of learning this game and solidifying the concepts while having fun. We have 5 tables and each table of students take a turn to come up with a question and call on the remaining tables to answer it. The remaining tables use the white boards to answer and the table with the most points gets a reward of the day.\r\n\r\nWhat a way to learn, remember, and enhance these concepts. Thank you again so much for your generous spirit in the name of Equity and Financial Literacy.","fullyFundedDate":1758861605654,"projectUrl":"project/to-the-moon/9654962/","projectTitle":"To the Moon","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sandra Handly","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5802869_orig.jpg?crop=11800,11800,x0,y1691&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1575341519595","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-handly"},{"teacherId":9800906,"projectId":9636478,"letterContent":"Access to technology is opening doors for our students that simply weren't available before. It ensures that every child—not just those with resources at home—can use the tools they need to learn, create, and succeed. With access to devices and internet in the classroom, students can research, collaborate, complete assignments, and use programs tailored to their learning levels. It helps us close learning gaps and give every student an equal opportunity to thrive.\r\nThe most exciting part for our students is that they finally feel connected—to information, to their peers, and to the larger world. They love being able to explore ideas through videos, interactive lessons, and educational apps that bring subjects to life. For many, it's the first time they've had reliable access to these kinds of tools, and the sense of ownership and independence it gives them is powerful.","fullyFundedDate":1755994617663,"projectUrl":"project/access-to-technology/9636478/","projectTitle":"Access to Technology","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Chang","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9800906"},{"teacherId":9800906,"projectId":9156871,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support! Your donation helped bring an exciting new resource to our classroom: our very own student store! This project has already had a meaningful impact on my students both academically and behaviorally.\r\n\r\nAs part of our classroom management and life skills program, I used the materials to set up a reward-based store system. Students earn classroom currency by demonstrating positive behaviors, such as staying on task, being kind to others, or meeting personal learning goals. They can then \"shop\" for items in the store, giving them a hands-on way to practice essential money skills like saving, budgeting, and decision-making.\r\n\r\nOne of the most memorable moments was the first time we opened the store. The students' faces lit up with excitement! They were so curious, asking how much things cost, how they could earn more, and what they could buy next. It sparked conversations about wants versus needs, and it's been a wonderful motivator for engagement and self-regulation.\r\n\r\n\r\nThanks to your support, learning has become more tangible and fun. You didn't just provide supplies, you helped us build a system that promotes real-world learning, improves behavior, and brings joy to our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1746785371839,"projectUrl":"project/smart-snack-station/9156871/","projectTitle":"Smart Snack Station","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Chang","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9800906"},{"teacherId":5802869,"projectId":9133782,"letterContent":"Thank you so much to the Donors Choose Community and partners for your generous donations. \r\n\r\nOne unique thing that I said about all of my students is they are constantly hungry.\r\nThese children who are almost grown, never seem to get enough food. I say this with humor because they are all so grateful that you have provided them with water and snacks. Donations like this, water and snacks, have been a lifesaver for our classroom. Learning has taken a new direction, and nourishment provided to students in the form of healthy snacks has literally made the difference in motivation to push forward. Thank you so much for your kind and generous donation to our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1742913125679,"projectUrl":"project/food-for-thought-its-essential/9133782/","projectTitle":"Food for Thought: It's Essential!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sandra Handly","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5802869_orig.jpg?crop=11800,11800,x0,y1691&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1575341519595","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-handly"},{"teacherId":5802869,"projectId":9191909,"letterContent":"Thank you so much to the Donors Choose Community and partners for your generous donations. White walls have disappeared and my students are so happy to enter a classroom that is full of excitement. As they look around the room to see social science concepts on the walls their learning has taken on a new meaning. It is Awesome for students to be able to see The signing of the Declaration of Independence and Washington Crossing the Delaware as we learn about the founding of this great Republic. The 27 Amendments to the Constitution posters are right there for students to read and refer to. The Constitution Quest and Civil War Trivia Games make learning fun and motivates students to push forward. The flag poles completed our quest to hang our flags. It is so much fun to be able to see the very first flag used by Washington \"An Appeal to Heaven\" during the Revolutionary War along with the Betsy Ross flag. And colored paper makes it easier to locate reference materials in a folder or binder full of paper. Every teacher needs a paper cutter for the many projects created within the classroom. We will make use of these beautiful materials for years to come.\r\n\r\nFrom the bottom of our hearts we thank you again for your generous donation to our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1742913125815,"projectUrl":"project/just-some-odds-and-ends-to-complete-our/9191909/","projectTitle":"Just Some Odds and Ends to Complete Our Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sandra Handly","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5802869_orig.jpg?crop=11800,11800,x0,y1691&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1575341519595","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-handly"},{"teacherId":5802869,"projectId":9004505,"letterContent":"We are so thankful Monica for your generous donation to our classroom. Using academic language and speaking has been one of our district goals, however with the huge costs of providing upgraded technology and presentation boards to classrooms, the needs of students sometimes takes a back seat. You have stepped up to meet those needs. Before receiving this podium, students say they felt clumsy and vulnerable standing in front of a whole class to present information. Now they have the podium to place their cards and notes on, and to make them feel safe as they practice these skills. Students are no longer fearful when the teacher calls on them to read or present to the class. What a huge impact a podium can make for students in the classroom. You have made the students of this classroom more willing to improve on the skills they need now and will need throughout their lives. Once again, for your generous support, my entire classroom thanks you.","fullyFundedDate":1738385514009,"projectUrl":"project/increase-literacy-through-presentations/9004505/","projectTitle":"Increase Literacy Through Presentations","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sandra Handly","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5802869_orig.jpg?crop=11800,11800,x0,y1691&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1575341519595","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-handly"},{"teacherId":5802869,"projectId":8957058,"letterContent":"We are so thankful for your generous donations to our classroom. Using academic language and speaking has been one of our district goals, however with the huge costs of providing upgraded technology and presentation boards to classrooms, the needs of students sometimes takes a back seat. You have stepped up to meet those needs. Before receiving this podium and presentation whiteboard, students say they felt clumsy and vulnerable standing in front of a whole class to present information. Now they have the whiteboard to help with ideas and the podium to place their cards and notes on, and to make them feel safe as they practice these skills. You have made the students of this classroom happier and more willing to improve on these skills. Once again, for your generous support, my entire classroom thanks you.","fullyFundedDate":1733270612473,"projectUrl":"project/increase-speaking-and-presentation-skill/8957058/","projectTitle":"Increase Speaking and Presentation Skills Through Debate","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sandra Handly","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5802869_orig.jpg?crop=11800,11800,x0,y1691&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1575341519595","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-handly"},{"teacherId":5802869,"projectId":9016466,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation at this year end. As we go into the new year, these pencils will make it possible for everyone to participate immediately. Our students often come to school without backpacks, and especially without essentials. Having what they need without causing them embarrassment or delay makes the class run smoothly. These pencils will brighten a students project, giving them pride and confidence along the way. Again from the bottom of our hearts, we thank you.\r\nWith gratitude, Ms. Handly","fullyFundedDate":1734826389330,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-essentials-shipment-2024-12-2/9016466/","projectTitle":"Classroom Essentials Shipment: 2024-12-21","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sandra Handly","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5802869_orig.jpg?crop=11800,11800,x0,y1691&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1575341519595","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-handly"},{"teacherId":5802869,"projectId":8988216,"letterContent":"Thank you for the colored pencils for my classroom that came very quickly. Consumable classroom supplies are needed on a regular bases as we run out of them very quickly. Ordering takes time and students may be left waiting for them.\r\n\r\nThese pencils are a great motivator to help students to learn the concepts and to have fun also. Using colors for classroom projects will make your project stand out. Students feel much pride in their work and put more effort into making it look beautiful when they have the option to use colors.\r\n\r\nFrom the bottom of our hearts, we thank you.","fullyFundedDate":1733285608422,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-essentials-shipment-2024-12-0/8988216/","projectTitle":"Classroom Essentials Shipment: 2024-12-03","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sandra Handly","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5802869_orig.jpg?crop=11800,11800,x0,y1691&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1575341519595","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-handly"},{"teacherId":5802869,"projectId":8992830,"letterContent":"Thank you for the colored pencils for my classroom that came very quickly. Consumable classroom supplies are needed on a regular bases as we run out of them very quickly. Ordering takes time and students may be left waiting for them.\r\n\r\nThese pencils are a great motivator to help students to learn the concepts and to have fun also. Using colors for classroom projects will make your project stand out. Students feel much pride in their work and put more effort into making it look beautiful when they have the option to use colors.\r\n\r\nFrom the bottom of our hearts, we thank you.","fullyFundedDate":1733447746630,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-essentials-shipment-2024-12-0/8992830/","projectTitle":"Classroom Essentials Shipment: 2024-12-05","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sandra Handly","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5802869_orig.jpg?crop=11800,11800,x0,y1691&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1575341519595","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-handly"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_5084","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":202,"numTeachers":11,"percentFrplEligible":88,"percentAsian":6,"percentBlack":25,"percentWhite":4,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":60,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"9 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"18.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":86.4,"schoolId":5084,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about John W Finney High School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"John W Finney High School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/vallejo-city-unified-school-district/peoples-high-school/5084"}
Join the 44 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
John W Finney High School is
an urban public school
in Vallejo, California that is part of Vallejo City Unified School District.
It serves 202 students
in grades 9 - 12 with a student/teacher ratio of 18.4:1.
Its teachers have had 18 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Boost support for our school's classrooms. Share this page with friends and family who want to make a difference. If you're a teacher, sign up to get started!
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. Each classroom request for funding was created by a classroom teacher and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
of students receive free or reduced price lunch
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
Source: the National Center for Education Statistics
91%
of students are Black, Latino, Native
American, or Asian
Data about school demographics comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. The numbers in this chart may not add up to 100% because of limitations in the available data.
John W Finney High School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Dec 4, 2025
DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students
in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.
John W Finney High School
$9,416
raised using DonorsChoose
18
projects
funded
7
teachers
funded
44
donors
4
projects
for
basic supplies
2
projects for
technology
1
project for
books
John W Finney High School has received support from
38 individuals from California and
6 individuals out-of-state.