{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Aurora Central High School","outOfStateSupporters":35.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9240373,"projectId":9489647,"letterContent":"Thank you for making my classroom feel so inviting. Students who I don't even teach always peek their head in, come in and tell me how calm and relaxing it feels. My students that have me on a regular basis absolutely love the two gray soft sofa seats as they all want to sit in them. The gray contact paper that I used to cover my counters and shelves help make my room feel and look so cozy as well.\r\n\r\nIn my opinion, first impressions of a classroom are so important at the start of the year, especially, for students who may be nervous, unsure or anxious about their new class and teacher(s).\r\n\r\nNot only is this inviting classroom helpful for my students, but it also makes me love being in my classroom. I rarely leave my room and I am always inviting students to come to my room and work on their homework during their off periods. My classroom environment just makes me feel calm, happy and \"warm\" on the inside/out as I am teaching. \r\n\r\nThank you so much for believing in my classroom project.","fullyFundedDate":1753486507859,"projectUrl":"project/school-should-feel-inviting/9489647/","projectTitle":"School Should Feel Inviting...","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. K","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9240373"},{"teacherId":9240651,"projectId":9541428,"letterContent":"For many of my students, something as simple as having their own notebooks, feels empowering. The act of writing their names on something that is theirs creates a sense of ownership and therefore, responsibility. The notebooks and colorful supplies help them stay organized and engaged as they make abstract financial concepts more visual and meaningful. While students may sometimes spend more time than is strictly necessary on making their notebooks beautiful (even redoing pages), it is wonderful to see them take pride in their efforts and keep track of their materials. \r\n\r\nNext, we are connecting financial literacy lessons to our Civics unit on how government budgets and spends public money. Students will analyze how tax dollars are distributed and debate which areas of spending they believe are most important for their communities. These activities not only build their academic language and critical thinking skills, but also help them see the direct connection between personal financial choices and larger civic responsibilities. Thanks to these new resources, my students are learning to view themselves as informed, capable participants in both their personal and public lives.","fullyFundedDate":1755521931306,"projectUrl":"project/equipped-for-newcomer-engagement-suppli/9541428/","projectTitle":"Equipped for Newcomer Engagement: Supplies for Financial Literacy","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Nicole","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9240651_orig.jpg?crop=780,780,x880,y810&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754421653852","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9240651"},{"teacherId":9240373,"projectId":9662764,"letterContent":"Where do I begin? When my students walked in and saw boxes around my room, they were so happy to know they were full of snacks. Let me tell you, I forget how hungry high school kids are. They are devouring them as we speak. Initially, \r\n\r\nI was limiting them to one snack but I sometimes give in and give them two or three snacks because they are small packs. \r\n\r\nThe timing of these donations could not come at a better time seeing that the government is shutting down \"food\" resources for lots of families.\r\n\r\nIn addition, the atmosphere and tone of the room feels so \"calm.\" There is something about having little healthy snacks that goes along way with people. I know when I go to professional development conferences, I love it when there are bowls of snacks on the table.\r\n\r\nPlus, I have a routine now. When you turn in your phone for class, you grab a snack. \r\n\r\nThank you again for believing that my project was important to student learning. I hope you know that no matter what the amount of the donation was, it is making a huge difference.","fullyFundedDate":1759417496743,"projectUrl":"project/easy-food-fuel-with-big-results/9662764/","projectTitle":"Easy Food Fuel With Big Results","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. K","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9240373"},{"teacherId":9231634,"projectId":9111038,"letterContent":"The three HP laptops and Apple Pencil have been a huge help in our classroom. At our school, every student is issued a Chromebook, but many times they forget to bring them, and we don't have extras to lend. Having these laptops in the classroom means students can still participate fully in lessons, even if they don't have their Chromebook with them.\r\n\r\nThe Apple Pencil has also given students new ways to interact with our classroom iPad. They've used it for drawing, annotating texts, and practicing writing skills, which makes learning more engaging and interactive.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, no student has to miss out on learning due to technology issues. These tools have made our classroom more flexible and supportive for everyone. Thank you for helping us keep learning moving forward every day.","fullyFundedDate":1743534607879,"projectUrl":"project/tech-for-students/9111038/","projectTitle":"Tech for Students!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. White","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9231634_orig.png?crop=519,519,x115,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1693257424684","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9231634"},{"teacherId":9727244,"projectId":8735298,"letterContent":"Over the past few months, I have had the joy of seeing how much my students appreciate and benefit from the new rug and the welcoming counseling space in our school. What may seem like a simple addition—a soft, inviting rug and a designated area for creativity and organization—has truly transformed the way students experience the counseling office. It has become more than just a place to meet with me; it is now a space where they feel safe, comfortable, and motivated to take care of both their academic goals and their mental well-being.\r\n\r\nEach day, students come into the counseling office with their own unique needs. Some arrive looking for a quiet moment to reset before the school day begins, while others stop by to take a mental health break in the middle of a busy schedule. Having a calm, cozy space available makes a difference. They are able to pause, breathe, and give themselves permission to recharge. This opportunity helps them return to the classroom feeling more focused, grounded, and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nOne of the activities students enjoy most in this space is crafting. Whether it's coloring, making small creative projects, or simply doodling while they talk, these moments allow them to express themselves in ways that words sometimes cannot. Creativity provides an outlet for stress and anxiety, and it also gives students a chance to feel successful in a low-pressure environment. The rug creates the perfect atmosphere for this. Students spread out on the floor with their supplies, enjoying both the physical comfort and the sense of freedom to create.\r\n\r\nIn addition to crafting, the counseling space has become a place where students set and track their SMART goals. Taking time to identify specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound goals helps them reflect on what they want to achieve, both academically and personally. The rug and relaxed environment play a surprisingly important role in this process. When students feel physically comfortable and emotionally supported, they are more willing to engage in goal-setting conversations and think deeply about their future.\r\n\r\nAnother meaningful part of the space is its role in supporting mental health. Students often come in, sit down on the rug, and play with fidgets as a way to self-regulate. This small act of grounding helps them manage their emotions and return to class in a calmer state. It is heartwarming to watch them gravitate toward this environment, knowing they have a safe place to release stress, recharge, and regroup.\r\n\r\nOverall, I am so grateful for the positive impact this space has had. What might look like a simple rug is, in reality, a tool that helps students feel welcome, supported, and empowered. It has changed the way they use the counseling office and has created opportunities for growth, creativity, and healing. Seeing students sit together on the rug—laughing, crafting, setting goals, or simply taking a mindful pause—reminds me daily that this space matters. I am truly thankful for the opportunity to provide it.","fullyFundedDate":1725528503567,"projectUrl":"project/counseling-space/8735298/","projectTitle":"Counseling Space","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cruz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9727244_orig.jpg?crop=720,720,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758657298270","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9727244"},{"teacherId":9231634,"projectId":9123550,"letterContent":"Thank you for all the feminine hygiene products. When the feminine hygiene products arrived, my students were so thankful. \r\n\r\nWe are already using the supplies. Students know they can come get what they need without stress or embarrassment. This has helped them stay in school, feel more comfortable, and focus on learning instead of worrying.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, my students have what they need to take care of themselves and stay in class. Our next step is to keep these items available so students always feel supported and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nThank you for giving them confidence and helping them focus on their education.","fullyFundedDate":1740339029925,"projectUrl":"project/personal-hygiene-products-for-students/9123550/","projectTitle":"Personal Hygiene Products for Students","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. White","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9231634_orig.png?crop=519,519,x115,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1693257424684","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9231634"},{"teacherId":9973328,"projectId":9197188,"letterContent":"I am deeply grateful for the generous donations and support you have provided for our students. These contributions have truly made a difference—they are motivating students to attend class consistently, pass their courses, and even recover credits.\r\n\r\nAs part of celebrating their progress, I have always provided certificates as a form of recognition for their hard work. This practice has been meaningful not only for the students, but also for me, as it acknowledges their commitment to improving themselves both academically and personally. Now, I am able to provide them with a small gift of something they love, food. \r\n\r\nWhen students saw the packages we received, they were thrilled to learn that the snacks were intended for them. I also shared with them my vision for celebrating progress at the end of the quarter, and they were genuinely excited. Many of them frequently ask if they will be receiving a certificate, which shows how much these recognitions matter to them.","fullyFundedDate":1748972549201,"projectUrl":"project/bites-for-bright-futures/9197188/","projectTitle":"Bites for Bright Futures","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tellez-Arce","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9973328"},{"teacherId":9240373,"projectId":9245490,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for making a donation to my classes last spring so that my students could read possibly their first book in English. Specifically, thank you for believing in them as Newcomers (immigrants, refugees, etc) coming to high school.\r\n\r\nWhen you walk in my room, what you see are post cards covered from wall to wall because I want them to have the passion for traveling like I do and so they can see that I have most likely visited where they are from or would like to. Unfortunately, our school does not have a library which is absolutely ridiculous, do not even get me started.\r\n\r\nYou will also see buckets of books that are leveled books for elementary students. While my students may \"look\" at the books, they often times put them down, because they can't read them. I am hoping that they were motivated to read the books you bought for them since they self selected them. It was near the end of the year so I didn't witness them read them cover to cover, however, I am going to have them do a book report and bring their book back to school since I have most of these same students in my classes this school year.\r\n\r\nI have one particular student who enjoys books with pictures because while he can't read the text, he loves talking about the pictures and asking very intelligent questions. I am not sure why he has not learned to read. He is not a Newcomer but at home, he speaks Nepali and Hindi. I am on a mission for him to learn to read as it is his Civil Right (someone pointed that out recently in regards to reading) and I agree.\r\n\r\nThank you again for you believing in this cause, my journey as an educator and my students' journeys as new students (or mostly new) in American schools.","fullyFundedDate":1744551165085,"projectUrl":"project/reading-is-a-right-not-a-choice-part-i/9245490/","projectTitle":"Reading Is a Right, Not a Choice (Part III)","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. K","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9240373"},{"teacherId":9240373,"projectId":9218871,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for making a donation to my classes last spring so that my students could read possibly their first book in English. Specifically, thank you for believing in them as Newcomers (immigrants, refugees, etc) coming to high school.\r\n\r\nWhen you walk in my room, what you see are post cards covered from wall to wall because I want them to have the passion for traveling like I do and so they can see that I have most likely visited where they are from or would like to. Unfortunately, our school does not have a library which is absolutely ridiculous, do not even get me started.\r\n\r\nYou will also see buckets of books that are leveled books for elementary students. While my students may \"look\" at the books, they often times put them down, because they can't read them. I am hoping that they were motivated to read the books you bought for them since they self selected them. It was near the end of the year so I didn't witness them read them cover to cover, however, I am going to have them do a book report and bring their book back to school since I have most of these same students in my classes this school year.\r\n\r\nI have one particular student who enjoys books with pictures because while he can't read the text, he loves talking about the pictures and asking very intelligent questions. I am not sure why he has not learned to read. He is not a Newcomer but at home, he speaks Nepali and Hindi. I am on a mission for him to learn to read as it is his Civil Right (someone pointed that out recently in regards to reading) and I agree.\r\n\r\nThank you again for you believing in this cause, my journey as an educator and my students' journeys as new students (or mostly new) in American schools.","fullyFundedDate":1744748057449,"projectUrl":"project/reading-is-a-right-not-a-choice-part-2/9218871/","projectTitle":"Reading Is A Right, Not A Choice (Part 2)","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. K","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9240373"},{"teacherId":9240373,"projectId":9180182,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for making a donation to my classes last spring so that my students could read possibly their first book in English. Specifically, thank you for believing in them as Newcomers (immigrants, refugees, etc) coming to high school.\r\n\r\nWhen you walk in my room, what you see are post cards covered from wall to wall because I want them to have the passion for traveling like I do and so they can see that I have most likely visited where they are from or would like to. Unfortunately, our school does not have a library which is absolutely ridiculous, do not even get me started.\r\n\r\nYou will also see buckets of books that are leveled books for elementary students. While my students may \"look\" at the books, they often times put them down, because they can't read them. I am hoping that they were motivated to read the books you bought for them since they self selected them. It was near the end of the year so I didn't witness them read them cover to cover, however, I am going to have them do a book report and bring their book back to school since I have most of these same students in my classes this school year.\r\n\r\nI have one particular student who enjoys books with pictures because while he can't read the text, he loves talking about the pictures and asking very intelligent questions. I am not sure why he has not learned to read. He is not a Newcomer but at home, he speaks Nepali and Hindi. I am on a mission for him to learn to read as it is his Civil Right (someone pointed that out recently in regards to reading) and I agree.\r\n\r\nThank you again for you believing in this cause, my journey as an educator and my students' journeys as new students (or mostly new) in American schools.","fullyFundedDate":1742569069873,"projectUrl":"project/reading-is-a-right-not-a-choice/9180182/","projectTitle":"Reading Is a Right, NOT a Choice","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. K","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9240373"},{"teacherId":9695967,"projectId":9121506,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity in supporting my classroom project! Because of your kindness, my students now have access to the essential supplies they need—construction paper, markers, colored pencils, highlighters, pens, and a class set of whiteboards—that will allow them to be more creative, engaged, and hands-on in their learning. The folder organizer, paper cutter, and disinfectant wipes will help keep our classroom clean, safe, and well-organized so that our focus can remain on learning.\r\n\r\nThe addition of lights and a standing desk has already begun to transform our classroom into a more warm and welcoming space where students feel comfortable and ready to learn. Even the small details, like having face masks available, help ensure that every student feels cared for and supported. With these resources, my students have not only the tools but also the environment they need to thrive. Thank you for believing in them and investing in their success—you have made a real difference in their daily lives.","fullyFundedDate":1746786441339,"projectUrl":"project/making-room-for-learning-supplies-sto/9121506/","projectTitle":"Making Room for Learning: Supplies & Storage Needed","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gudel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9695967"},{"teacherId":9626860,"projectId":8554826,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for funding our classroom project! Your generosity made it possible for my English Language Learners to receive the resources they needed to feel supported and inspired each day. Because of your support, my students were able to participate more fully in lessons, build their language skills, and gain confidence as they learned and grew.\r\n\r\nYour kindness made a real difference in our classroom community. We are truly grateful that you believed in our students and helped create a welcoming, encouraging environment where every learner could thrive. Thank you for being a meaningful part of our journey!","fullyFundedDate":1724882469550,"projectUrl":"project/newcomer-eld-literacy/8554826/","projectTitle":"Newcomer ELD Literacy","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wairimu","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9626860"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_41290","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":2256,"numTeachers":106,"percentFrplEligible":87,"percentAsian":2,"percentBlack":16,"percentWhite":7,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":67,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"9 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"21.3:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":65.0,"schoolId":41290,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Aurora Central High School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Aurora Central High School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/colorado/aurora-public-school-district/aurora-central-high-school/41290"}