{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"CREC Academy of International Studies (MLC)","outOfStateSupporters":54.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9813415,"projectId":10321097,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my Global Politics classroom by helping fund our classroom library! These books have given my students access to stories, perspectives, and experiences that connect directly to the issues we study throughout the year. It has already been a huge hit!\r\n\r\nOur library now includes a wide range of books, from global politics and human rights to Black history and social justice. Students can explore books such as The Kite Runner, Just Mercy, 1984, and Animal Farm, while also reading works connected to Black history and identity, including Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You in graphic novel form, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, and books about the lives and experiences of the Obama family.\r\n\r\nThese books give students opportunities to see concepts from Global Politics, such as power, inequality, justice, human rights, identity, government, and resistance through personal stories and different perspectives. They also provide accessible choices for students with different reading interests and abilities.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, this library helps make reading a part of our everyday classroom culture. Students can pick up a book simply because the topic interests them, discover a story they connect with, or explore a perspective that may be different from their own.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in my students and helping me create a classroom where books can open the door to curiosity, empathy, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of the world. Your generosity has helped make our Global Politics classroom not just a place to study the world, but a place to read about it, question it, and understand it from many different perspectives.","fullyFundedDate":1781999579109,"projectUrl":"project/books-beyond-borders-a-global-politics/10321097/","projectTitle":"Books Beyond Borders: A Global Politics Classroom Library","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lepak","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9813415_orig.jpg?crop=1333,1333,x0,y4&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1742840542577","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9813415"},{"teacherId":9813415,"projectId":10221063,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my Global Politics students with snacks, gum, and pens during their IB exams last spring! Your generosity provided students with small but meaningful reminders that they were supported as they took on one of the most challenging academic experiences of their high school careers.\r\n\r\nIB exams require students to spend hours reading, analyzing, writing, and demonstrating everything they have learned throughout the year. Having snacks and gum available gave students a little extra encouragement and helped them feel prepared and cared for as they walked into their exams. The pens were especially important because students could count on having the supplies they needed without having to worry about something as simple as running out of ink.\r\n\r\nMore than anything, these supplies helped create a positive sense of community during a stressful time. My students knew that their classroom was a place where they could come in, grab what they needed, take a breath, and feel supported before putting their hard work to the test.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in my students and helping them feel prepared, encouraged, and confident as they worked toward their IB goals. Your generosity helped make a challenging experience a little less stressful and reminded my students that their hard work matters!","fullyFundedDate":1779044272339,"projectUrl":"project/set-up-for-success-ib-exams/10221063/","projectTitle":"Set up for Success: IB Exams","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lepak","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9813415_orig.jpg?crop=1333,1333,x0,y4&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1742840542577","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9813415"},{"teacherId":9813415,"projectId":10019169,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my Global Politics classroom! Your generous donation of battery-powered lights has made a meaningful difference in our learning environment.\r\n\r\nThese lights allow us to follow our school's fire-safety requirements while still creating a calm, welcoming space for students to learn. My classroom is a place where students spend a lot of time reading, discussing complex global issues, and sharing their ideas. Having softer, more peaceful lighting helps make the room feel comfortable and inviting while allowing us to maintain a safe classroom environment. They love changing the colors on the LED orbs in particular! \r\n\r\nYour support shows my students that their learning environment matters. It gives us a classroom where students can feel comfortable, focused, and ready to participate, whether we are discussing current events, preparing for IB assessments, or having conversations about challenging issues around the world.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our classroom and helping create a space where students can feel safe, stay focused, and learn. Your generosity truly makes a difference!","fullyFundedDate":1777731704268,"projectUrl":"project/bright-ideas-without-fire-hazards-safe/10019169/","projectTitle":"Bright Ideas Without Fire Hazards: Safe Lighting for Student Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lepak","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9813415_orig.jpg?crop=1333,1333,x0,y4&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1742840542577","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9813415"},{"teacherId":7602889,"projectId":10112634,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your donation! The supplies helped my students so much!\r\nTh supplies helped create motivation for students to complete their work.\r\nWe were able to do station type activities that helped my students grasp the concept of the topic we were learning.\r\nThey are so appreciative of the snacks many of them struggle with food insecurity.\r\nThis got all my students moving around the classroom and learning from a picture walk. \r\nThank you so much for the donation it's helping my students grow and flourish.","fullyFundedDate":1775779809043,"projectUrl":"project/motivation-and-tools/10112634/","projectTitle":"Motivation and Tools","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Turner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7602889_orig.png?crop=472,472,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1662735620929","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7602889"},{"teacherId":8032439,"projectId":8786414,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your kind and generous donation to my project this past school year. My goal was to cultivate comfort in my classroom by providing snacks as well as social emotional resources such as fidget toys for students as either a reward for positive behaviors or a coping mechanism when feeling stressed.\r\n\r\nBoth kinds of resources were utilized with success, though I did not wish to take pictures of students in either instance due to privacy concerns. I can say with absolute certainty that students always respond positively to snacks. I used them throughout the year, along with some that I brought in myself, to encourage and celebrate an academic behavior, such as the successful completion of their personal narratives after several weeks of work. Or we often use a gamified quiz style review of concepts as an engaging \"Do Now\" to start the class. So I would provide snacks to the top 3 students. This was a way of encouraging participation when an activity is not provided a formal grade.\r\n\r\nFor the fidgets, I provided those to many students during big assessments like mid-term exams or an in-class essay. I also had some specific students who struggle with anxiety. So having those fidgets on hand when I observed a student having a particularly hard day was very useful. I recall one day when a student with very high levels of anxiety was unable to reach her social worker for support during my class. My ability to offer her that fidget helped her to stay in class and cope. \r\n \r\nThough I am out of snacks I do have a few of these fidget toys left for the upcoming year. I intend to use them again and hope that it will allow me to show students that my classroom is a safe space where they can feel supported and focus on learning.","fullyFundedDate":1733245974167,"projectUrl":"project/cultivating-comfort-in-the-classroom/8786414/","projectTitle":"Cultivating Comfort in the Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sidlosky","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8032439_orig.jpg?crop=304,304,x7,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723562122673","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8032439"},{"teacherId":6847417,"projectId":10137206,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, Celebrating Caribbean American Heritage: Small Tokens, Big Impact! Your generosity helped us create a joyful and meaningful way to celebrate the Caribbean cultures and heritage represented in our school community. When the materials arrived, my students were immediately excited to see the colorful bracelets, stickers, flag banner, and beach backdrop. The backdrop quickly became a favorite, giving students a fun place to take selfies and celebrate their Caribbean pride with their friends.\r\n\r\nThe materials also gave us a way to make the celebration visible throughout our school. Students wore the colorful bracelets, added Caribbean-themed stickers to their water bottles and belongings. For some students, these small items were a chance to share something connected to their own family or culture. For others, they were an opportunity to learn about and celebrate cultures that may have been unfamiliar to them. It was wonderful to see students talking, laughing, sharing stories, and taking pride in their heritage.\r\n\r\nYour support helped show my students that their cultures, identities, and stories are worth celebrating. What may seem like small tokens made a big impact by creating a sense of belonging and giving students an opportunity to see their heritage represented in our school. Thank you for helping us make Caribbean American Heritage Month a celebration that our students could truly see, feel, and be part of.","fullyFundedDate":1779565140127,"projectUrl":"project/celebrating-caribbean-american-heritage/10137206/","projectTitle":"Celebrating Caribbean American Heritage: Small Tokens, Big Impact","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Livingston","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6847417_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1603479021709","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6847417"},{"teacherId":3385191,"projectId":10263849,"letterContent":"Thank you again for your incredible generosity and support of our students. Because of your donations, our new 3D printer is already making an impact in our performing arts programs.\r\n\r\nThe very first project we created was a set of comedy and tragedy mask charms for our theatre seniors. These small symbols represent our rich tradition of theatre and the hard work and dedication our students brought to every rehearsal and performance. Our graduating seniors will add these charms to their graduation cords, giving them a meaningful keepsake that celebrates their accomplishments and the community they helped build during their time in our program.\r\n\r\nWhat made this project especially meaningful was that students were involved in the entire process. They explored Thingiverse for the design, learned about the printing process, and literally watched it print in my office as their idea became a tangible object they could hold in their hands. The excitement in the room was contagious as my kids gathered around the printer, eager to see the finished product emerge layer by layer. This is exactly the kind of opportunity your support has made possible. It has already become a source of inspiration, and we are only beginning to discover all the ways it can enrich our programs.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and investing in their success. Every time a kid uses this printer, they will be reminded that there are people they may never meet who believed in their potential and helped make opportunities like this possible. Your generosity is leaving a lasting mark on our school, and we are deeply grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1779496308908,"projectUrl":"project/3d-printing-in-music-theatre-moderni/10263849/","projectTitle":"3D Printing in Music & Theatre - Modernizing the Analog","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Campbell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3385191_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1453742263397","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/campbellmlc"},{"teacherId":6109788,"projectId":9912871,"letterContent":"Having craft supplies through a DonorsChoose donation makes a huge difference for my 6th graders creating board games. Instead of just imagining their ideas, they can actually build and decorate them, which makes the project more exciting and meaningful. This project has impacted my students' academic growth by strengthening their critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills. It helps them think creatively, work together, and feel proud of what they've made. They made some pretty cool games and learned a ton in the process.\r\nThank you for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1767564477976,"projectUrl":"project/board-game-builders-a-steam-adventure/9912871/","projectTitle":"Board Game Builders: A STEAM Adventure","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Petroski","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6109788_orig.jpg?crop=2432,2432,x1330,y376&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1729702773799","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6109788"},{"teacherId":9813415,"projectId":9873186,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my students have been able to engage with classroom content in a much more interactive and meaningful way using our new LCD writing tablets. These tools have quickly become a favorite in our classroom, allowing every student to actively participate without the pressure of speaking out loud or the waste of paper. They are much easier to use than whiteboards, as they are easier to clean up, pass out, and use as a whole. \r\n\r\nOne of the most impactful moments was during our review for the IB Paper 1 exam. Students used the LCD tablets as part of a fast-paced review game, where they responded to questions, analyzed political scenarios, and shared their thinking in real time. This not only increased engagement, but also allowed me to instantly assess understanding and address misconceptions on the spot.\r\n\r\nBeyond test prep, the tablets have supported collaboration, quick checks for understanding, and creative expression across lessons. Students are more willing to take risks, revise their thinking, and stay involved throughout the class period. They also just love the nostalgia of the boards from when they were younger!\r\n\r\nYour support has made our classroom more inclusive, interactive, and environmentally friendly. Thank you for helping create a space where all students can actively learn and succeed!","fullyFundedDate":1764387203137,"projectUrl":"project/lets-get-glowing-sparking-creativity-w/9873186/","projectTitle":"Let’s Get Glowing: Sparking Creativity with LCD Tablets","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lepak","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9813415_orig.jpg?crop=1333,1333,x0,y4&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1742840542577","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9813415"},{"teacherId":9813415,"projectId":9207910,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support in helping provide a document camera for my Global Politics classroom. Your kindness has made an immediate and meaningful impact on my students' learning experience.\r\n\r\nWith this document camera, students can now clearly see primary sources, political cartoons, maps, charts, and student work as we analyze real-world global issues together. It allows us to slow down, annotate documents as a class, and engage in deeper discussions about power, development, conflict, and global decision-making. For many students, seeing material modeled visually makes complex political ideas far more accessible and less intimidating.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, my classroom is more interactive, inclusive, and engaging. You are helping students build the skills they need to think critically, recognize multiple perspectives, and communicate as informed global citizens. Your support goes far beyond equipment. You are investing in student voice, curiosity, and confidence.\r\n\r\nThank you again for believing in my students and for supporting public education. We are truly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1746785395730,"projectUrl":"project/a-clearer-world-view-document-camera-fo/9207910/","projectTitle":"A Clearer World View: Document Camera for Engaged Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lepak","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9813415_orig.jpg?crop=1333,1333,x0,y4&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1742840542577","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9813415"},{"teacherId":9813415,"projectId":9659874,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of board games for our classroom. Because of your support, my students now have access to engaging, screen-free activities like Clue and UNO that help create a balanced and focused learning environment.\r\n\r\nThese games provide students with meaningful opportunities to unplug from technology and interact face-to-face with their peers. They have been especially valuable during community-building time, after assessments, and on days when students need a mental break while still staying engaged and productive.\r\n\r\nHaving non-digital activities available helps students practice collaboration, communication, and patience in a relaxed setting. The games also contribute to a calmer classroom atmosphere and give students a healthy way to recharge without relying on screens.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has helped create a classroom space that values connection, balance, and student well-being. Thank you for investing in resources that support both learning and positive classroom culture. We truly appreciate your support.","fullyFundedDate":1762266309559,"projectUrl":"project/unplug-engage-board-games-for-brighte/9659874/","projectTitle":"Unplug & Engage: Board Games for Brighter Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lepak","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9813415_orig.jpg?crop=1333,1333,x0,y4&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1742840542577","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9813415"},{"teacherId":9813415,"projectId":9485062,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of student essentials for our classroom. Because of your support, my students began the school year with the supplies they needed to feel prepared, confident, and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nThese essentials helped ensure that every student had access to basic materials from day one. Instead of worrying about missing supplies, students were able to focus on learning, participating, and building positive routines. This created a more equitable classroom where all students could start the year on equal footing.\r\n\r\nHaving these materials available also helped our classroom run more smoothly. Students were able to stay organized, complete their work, and take pride in their learning space. This support set a positive tone for the entire school year and helped students feel cared for and valued.\r\n\r\nYour generosity made a meaningful impact on both my students and me. Thank you for helping create a strong, supportive start to the school year and for investing in our classroom community. We are truly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1756407521179,"projectUrl":"project/stocking-up-for-student-success/9485062/","projectTitle":"Stocking up for Student Success!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lepak","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9813415_orig.jpg?crop=1333,1333,x0,y4&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1742840542577","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9813415"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_108511","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":null,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":61,"percentAsian":4,"percentBlack":53,"percentWhite":31,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":8,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"US Census Data for the surrounding geographic area","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":1,"gradesServed":"Not specified","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"Census ZCTA","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"UNCLASSIFIED","ncesMetroType":null},"inStateSupporters":45.6,"schoolId":108511,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about CREC Academy of International Studies (MLC) on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"CREC Academy of International Studies (MLC)","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/connecticut/-county-run-/crec-metropolitan-learning-center/108511"}