{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Overland High School","outOfStateSupporters":40.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9301563,"projectId":9450340,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of my classroom. Because of your donations, my students now have their own Chinese notebooks and folders, and the impact on their learning has been truly meaningful.\r\n\r\nThe folders have helped my students stay organized in a way they were not able to before. Each student now has a dedicated Chinese folder to store all their learning materials, rather than mixing them with materials from other classes. This has made it much easier for students to find what they need, whether they are working in class or at home. As a result, students are more efficient, more independent, and better able to manage their learning materials, which has directly improved their learning effectiveness.\r\n\r\nThe small notebooks have become one of my students' favorite learning tools. They especially love that the notebooks have blank pages, which allow them to be creative. Students decorated their covers with drawings and stickers and used the pages to draw cartoons or comic-style illustrations, adding pictures related to their learning and labeling everything in Chinese. Many students used the notebooks like study cards—placing pictures on one side and writing vocabulary or sentences on the other—while keeping everything together in one place so nothing could be easily lost.\r\n\r\nAt the end of last semester, students used these notebooks for their final project. Using comic strips or cartoon-style drawings, they introduced themselves in Chinese by sharing their names, nationalities, and the languages they speak. They applied the vocabulary and sentence structures learned in class in a creative and personal way. For many students, this project became the very first Chinese book they had ever created in their lives, which was both exciting and empowering.\r\n\r\nThe attached photos show how much students value these materials. You can see the carefully decorated notebook covers and how the folders are being used to store and organize their Chinese learning materials, both in the classroom and at home.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has not only provided supplies—it has given my students confidence, creativity, and a strong sense of ownership over their learning. Thank you for believing in my students and supporting their journey in learning Chinese.","fullyFundedDate":1762409308176,"projectUrl":"project/organized-and-inspired-chinese-journals/9450340/","projectTitle":"Organized and Inspired: Chinese Journals for Every Student","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Liu","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9301563_orig.jpg?crop=1024,1024,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1752859207202","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9301563"},{"teacherId":3538901,"projectId":9243481,"letterContent":"This project has truly transformed the reading experience for our students by introducing a diverse collection of engaging new texts that go beyond simple storytelling. These books are carefully selected to build critical literacy skills such as comprehension, vocabulary development, and analytical thinking. For example, students are learning how to identify themes, make inferences, and compare perspectives across different texts. These skills are essential not only for academic success but also for nurturing a lifelong love of reading and curiosity about the world.\r\nIn our classroom, reading is an active, collaborative, and joyful process. Students often gather in small groups to discuss their interpretations, ask questions, and connect the stories to their own lives. We also incorporate reading journals and creative projects that allow students to express their understanding and personal responses. With these new books, reading has become more meaningful and relevant, sparking lively conversations and deeper engagement. The classroom buzzes with enthusiasm as students share favorite passages and recommend books to their peers.\r\nParticularly, some students who previously struggled with reading or had limited interest have blossomed with the fresh materials. The variety and relatability of the new texts have opened doors for them to see themselves in stories and feel more confident in their reading abilities. For instance, students who are English language learners or those with diverse backgrounds have found characters and themes that resonate with their experiences. This connection has inspired them to read more independently and participate actively in class discussions, which is heartening to witness. Overall, this project has enriched our literacy environment and empowered students to become more thoughtful, skilled readers.","fullyFundedDate":1744241128768,"projectUrl":"project/resource-books-for-9th-grade-students-fo/9243481/","projectTitle":"Resource Books for 9th Grade Students for AP prep.","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Spry","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3538901_orig.jpg?crop=884,885,x0,y345&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1693167707196","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3538901"},{"teacherId":9301563,"projectId":9050473,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous donation, my students dove into Chinese traditions excitedly! They were thrilled to learn the Chinese abacus and practice calligraphy. Their faces lit up as they created Spring Festival couplets and discovered the beauty of Chinese characters. The energy and joy in our classroom were incredible! Moving forward, we'll keep using these resources in lessons to bring Chinese culture to life, not just during Lunar New Year but all year round. Thank you so much for your support in making this cultural journey possible!","fullyFundedDate":1739376120411,"projectUrl":"project/celebrate-and-explore-the-traditions-of/9050473/","projectTitle":"Celebrate and Explore the Traditions of the Lunar New Year","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Liu","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9301563_orig.jpg?crop=1024,1024,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1752859207202","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9301563"},{"teacherId":3745248,"projectId":9027807,"letterContent":"Oh my goodness, check out this amazing set up I can now display! There are so many versatile ways I can use my new flip screen along with my computer and the personal one that was funded on an earlier project that is for student use. I can have kids work directly on their projects with me side by side, regardless of whether or not they have a computer. This has been an amazing game changer!\r\nThis semester alone, I have sat with 80+ juniors to go over their post secondary plans and have side by side, pulled their real time info up,. while guiding hem through their own directed lesson. I have worked with 20+ seniors in building their fasfa's so they can keep their info private, but correct and am currently reaching the sophomores on their career journeys and scoping out the financial prospects of each.\r\nI LOVE having the ability to jump from tech set ups because it enables them to keep working and gathering information seamlessly. Not to mention, it is really helping these aging eyes not have to strain so much!! Building longevity here :)\r\nBut more than anything I am eternally grateful and touched from the love and support of donors choose. In these trying days, it is a true beacon of light, thank you thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1736801311881,"projectUrl":"project/visualizing-financial-and-whole-wellness/9027807/","projectTitle":"Visualizing Financial and Whole Wellness Health!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Pineda","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3745248_orig.jpg?crop=640,640,x0,y42&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1693334938228","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3745248"},{"teacherId":9303375,"projectId":8577350,"letterContent":"February 10, 2025\r\n\r\nDear Generous Donors,\r\n\r\nI hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for your generous funding of my Donors Choose project. Your kindness and support have made a tremendous impact on my classroom, and I am excited to share how your contributions have already begun to benefit my students.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, we now have a mini fridge in our classroom. This addition is more than just a convenience; it allows me to store snacks and beverages, including water, for my students. It's wonderful to have the ability to provide them with a refreshing drink or a quick snack to keep their energy up during long days of learning. This simple but meaningful addition has already brought comfort and care to our classroom environment.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, the wireless soundbar has been a game changer. Whether we're listening to audiobooks or watching a movie that complements the novels we read, the soundbar ensures that everyone in the room can clearly hear and engage with the content. We are currently reading The Great Gatsby in my CP English 11 class and Othello in my CP English 12 classes and we sometimes listen to audio versions of both books. The sound has enhanced our readings of both pieces of literature so much. This has made our shared learning experiences more immersive and enjoyable, and it has significantly enhanced our ability to connect with the materials we are studying.\r\n\r\nThe Post-it easel pads have also been an incredible asset for our group activities. These large pads make it easy for students to collaborate, brainstorm, and share their ideas in a visual and interactive way. The pads have become a staple in our classroom for everything from group projects to problem-solving sessions, fostering teamwork and creativity among my students. We have used the pads sharing ideas of what students feel make up the American Dream for The Great Gatsby and brainstorming the various themes of Othello.\r\n\r\nYour support has truly transformed our classroom and enriched the learning experience for every student. It's inspiring to know that there are people like you who believe in the power of education and are willing to invest in our future.\r\n\r\nOn behalf of myself and my students, thank you once again for your generosity and thoughtfulness. Your contributions have made a lasting difference in our classroom, and we are deeply grateful.\r\n\r\nWith sincere appreciation,\r\nMichael R. Pineda\r\nEnglish Dept./Grades 11 & 12\r\nOverland High School\r\n12400 E. Jewell Ave.\r\nAurora, CO 80012\r\n720-747-3521","fullyFundedDate":1733488246097,"projectUrl":"project/back-to-the-basics/8577350/","projectTitle":"Back to the Basics","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Pineda","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9303375"},{"teacherId":2611393,"projectId":8663844,"letterContent":"Thank you so very much for your generosity! My Newcomer students and their mental health have been incredibly impacted by your kindness. For example, the new laptop you provided us has been a real boost to our ability to communicate in my classroom. Since we are a \"cellphone free\" campus, they can't rely on their phones for translation and often come to my desk to share critically important details about their home lives. Having the new laptop allows us to communicate via Google Translate in private and without speaking in front of the entire class. I often learn things from them via this type of conversation that I never might have, had it been a face-to-face conversation. \r\nSecondly, your donation allowed me to create a cozy and welcoming \"reboot\" space in the corner of our room. The kids RUN to it at break time and sometimes jump into a pile to compete for a spot to relax and decompress for a few minutes. Their lives are filled with constant mental stressors and this is their safe space, thanks to you! In addition, the little scratchy pads I ordered are great for them to rub when they're feeling anxious. Finally, thanks for the book with therapy games. It has already been put to good use!","fullyFundedDate":1723918134006,"projectUrl":"project/support-our-newcomers-mental-health-wit/8663844/","projectTitle":"Support Our Newcomers' Mental Health with a Retreat Corner","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Scott","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2611393"},{"teacherId":9632052,"projectId":8573247,"letterContent":"The notebooks gave my students the ability to know that they have a place for notes. My students are all ELL students so having a place where one of there needs are meet is nice for them. This also give them a safe place to practice English and write in English.\r\n\r\nThen notebooks then can be used when using the whiteboards to refer to past work. Having the whiteboards allow my students to get up and move around the classroom and be interactive with each other. This then leads to learning math and working on English with each other and me within a safe environment.","fullyFundedDate":1727462888814,"projectUrl":"project/making-talking-classroom-and-math-fun/8573247/","projectTitle":"Making Talking Classroom and Math Fun","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Bruhl","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9632052"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_44965","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":2228,"numTeachers":136,"percentFrplEligible":71,"percentAsian":4,"percentBlack":25,"percentWhite":16,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":43,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"9 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"16.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":59.4,"schoolId":44965,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Overland High School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Overland High School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/colorado/cherry-creek-school-district-5/overland-high-school/44965"}
Join the 298 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Overland High School is
an urban public school
in Aurora, Colorado that is part of Cherry Creek School District 5.
It serves 2,228 students
in grades 9 - 12 with a student/teacher ratio of 16.4:1.
Its teachers have had 231 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Boost support for this school! Share this page with friends, family, alumni, and fellow supporters. Every connection helps teachers get the supplies they need and shows how much your community cares about its students.
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Every donation funds real needs — pencils, books, lab equipment, art supplies, and more — helping students learn and thrive. We ship supplies directly to the school, and you'll see exactly where each dollar goes.
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
72%
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.
Overland High School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Jan 15, 2026
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.
Overland High School
$180,540
raised using DonorsChoose
231
projects
funded
117
teachers
funded
298
donors
35
projects
for
basic supplies
100
projects for
technology
21
projects for
books
8
projects
for
art supplies
Overland High School has received support from
177 individuals from Colorado and
121 individuals out-of-state.