{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Stamford High School","outOfStateSupporters":33.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":6127340,"projectId":9696153,"letterContent":"December 18, 2025\r\n\r\nDear Stamford High School Families and Supporters,\r\n\r\nAs Semester 1 of 2025 draws to a close, my heart is full as I reflect on the incredible energy and growth in our Health classes. I am writing to share the wonderful success of our recent project, \"SEL Fulfilled With Joy and Fun,\" and to thank you for your unwavering support of our students.\r\n\r\nThis project was designed to bring Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) to life through the power of play, and the results were truly transformative. By incorporating game play, teamwork, and cooperation, we turned the classroom into a vibrant space where \"joy\" wasn't just a goal—it was our daily practice.\r\n\r\nHighlights of the Project\r\nThe impact of this initiative went far beyond the games themselves:\r\n\r\nActive Engagement: Students were fully immersed in activities that inspired them to work together toward common goals.\r\n\r\nEmotional Regulation: Through the excitement of competition, students practiced real-time emotional regulation, learning how to manage the \"highs\" of a win and the \"lows\" of a loss.\r\n\r\nThe Art of Sportsmanship: We focused heavily on how to win and lose properly, ensuring that the spirit of fun remained the priority regardless of the scoreboard.\r\n\r\nBuilding Connection: The laughter and teamwork shared during these games built a unique sense of community and belonging among the students.\r\n\r\nIt has been a privilege to watch our students thrive, support one another, and rediscover the joy in learning. Seeing them navigate challenges with smiles on their faces confirms that when students feel joyful and connected, they are capable of incredible things.\r\n\r\nThank you for your continued commitment to the students of Stamford High School. I wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas and a safe, Happy Holiday season.\r\n\r\nSincerely,\r\n\r\nShari Paci Health Teacher\r\n\r\nStamford High School\r\n\r\nStamford, CT","fullyFundedDate":1758390631453,"projectUrl":"project/sel-fulfilled-with-joy-and-fun/9696153/","projectTitle":"SEL Fulfilled With Joy and Fun","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Shari Paci","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6127340_orig.jpg?crop=3648,3648,x0,y316&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1707236263000","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/paci2025"},{"teacherId":6127340,"projectId":9199933,"letterContent":"December 18, 2025\r\n\r\nDear Stamford High School Community, Supporters, and Friends,\r\n\r\nAs we wrap up Semester 1 of the 2025 school year, I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for your incredible support of our Health students and our recent initiative, \"Mind Matters: Empowering Mental Health Education.\"\r\n\r\nThis project has been a monumental success, reaching far beyond the walls of my classroom. Together, we have successfully raised awareness about mental health conditions among our staff, students, and the wider Stamford community.\r\n\r\nThe Impact of \"Mind Matters\"\r\nThroughout this semester, our students didn't just study statistics; they engaged with the human side of health. Through this project, we:\r\n\r\nEducated and Empowered: Developed a deep understanding of various mental health disorders and, more importantly, explored practical strategies to overcome adversity.\r\n\r\nChallenged the Stigma: We worked tirelessly to shift the narrative surrounding mental health. I am proud to say our students are leading the charge in changing the stigma from one of shame and pain to one of hope and a future.\r\n\r\nBuilt Community: By opening these doors of communication, we've created a safer, more empathetic environment for everyone at Stamford High.\r\n\r\nThe growth I have witnessed in my students has been truly inspiring. They are walking away from this semester not just as better students, but as more compassionate and resilient citizens.\r\n\r\nThank you for your continued dedication to our students' well-being and for believing in the importance of mental health education. Your support makes projects like \"Mind Matters\" possible.\r\n\r\nI wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful Holiday season. May your New Year be filled with health, happiness, and hope.\r\n\r\nSincerely,\r\n\r\nStamford High School\r\nStamford, CT","fullyFundedDate":1746049966639,"projectUrl":"project/mind-matters-empowering-mental-health-e/9199933/","projectTitle":"Mind Matters: Empowering Mental Health Education","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Shari Paci","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6127340_orig.jpg?crop=3648,3648,x0,y316&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1707236263000","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/paci2025"},{"teacherId":4196091,"projectId":9720727,"letterContent":"The buzz in my room watching the students look through the new books is exhilarating! It is not an easy task to find books that pique their interest and I am so thankful for the opportunity to provide a diverse selection - thanks to all of you. \r\nBecause of your donations, our classroom was able to purchase a rich collection of teen-centered books that immediately transformed the way my students engage with reading.\r\n\r\nThese new texts have allowed me to introduce essential literacy skills—such as analyzing character motivations, exploring narrative structures, and comparing themes across genres—through stories that genuinely resonate with them. Students are also practicing deeper discussions around identity, perspective-taking, and real-world connections because the books reflect experiences they find meaningful and relevant.\r\n\r\nReading in the classroom now feels more energetic. Students browse the updated library with excitement and settle into independent reading with a sense of ownership and curiosity. I've seen reluctant readers choose books without prompting, and branch out into picking books that are different genres than what they are familiar with. One student is now eagerly sharing insights from a romance novel she can't put down, while another has discovered a love for historical fiction after finding a book that speaks to his personal interests. These moments of joy, confidence, and discovery are possible because of you. Thank you for helping create a space where every student can see themselves as a reader.","fullyFundedDate":1758852814175,"projectUrl":"project/reading-is-dreaming-with-open-eyes/9720727/","projectTitle":"Reading is Dreaming with Open Eyes!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Margerum","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4196091_orig.jpg?crop=374,374,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1630505706842","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-margerum"},{"teacherId":6042024,"projectId":9311657,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your thoughtful donation of a computer, dry erase markers, dry erase pockets, etc. for my class. We were all so excited and grateful to receive them!\r\n\r\nThe students have already started using the new materials. The computer helps them with their projects, and the dry erase supplies make our daily activities much more interactive. Your generosity is a game-changer for our classroom, enabling us to learn and explore in new and effective ways. A favorite project of theirs is to assume the role of an expert in the medical field as they evaluate various case studies where they identify symptoms and research potential causes all while brainstorming various disorders and diseases.\r\n\r\nWe truly appreciate you believing in our students and providing the tools they need to succeed. Thank you for your kindness and support.","fullyFundedDate":1756574384292,"projectUrl":"project/lets-boost-engagement-together/9311657/","projectTitle":"Let's Boost Engagement Together!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Townes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp6042024_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1543112402050","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6042024"},{"teacherId":2754113,"projectId":9721662,"letterContent":"I want to sincerely thank DonorsChoose and all the generous donors who made our project, \"Food, Mood, and Mind: A Mental Health Toolkit,\" possible. Your support gave my students a hands-on opportunity to explore the powerful connection between nutrition, self-care, and mental wellness in a meaningful and engaging way.\r\n\r\nWith your help, our classroom was able to make delicious, nutrient-rich smoothies using Orgain Organic Vegan Protein Powder and Califia Farms Unsweetened Almond Milk, along with fresh fruits and other wholesome ingredients. These thoughtful choices ensured that every student—regardless of dietary restrictions—could fully participate. The Orgain protein powder provided 20 grams of plant-based protein, was gluten-free, dairy-free, and low in sugar, while the almond milk offered a smooth, non-GMO, sugar-free base. Students were excited to discover that healthy, plant-based ingredients could be both tasty and satisfying.\r\n\r\nThe smoothie-making activity became more than a lesson in nutrition—it became a mental health experience. Students measured, blended, and tasted their creations while reflecting on how food impacts mood, focus, and energy. The classroom was filled with laughter, collaboration, and conversation, providing a refreshing break from the pressures of schoolwork. One student shared, \"I didn't realize eating healthy could make me feel this calm and focused.\" Another expressed plans to try making these smoothies at home as a way to unwind after school.\r\n\r\nThe healthy snacks included in the project reinforced the lesson that consistent, nutrient-dense choices support mental and physical well-being. Students were able to compare how they felt before and after eating, creating tangible connections between food and mood. These small but powerful moments encouraged curiosity, discussion, and self-awareness—key steps toward developing lifelong wellness habits.\r\n\r\nMental health is a serious concern for students, and as an educator, I strive to provide tools that nurture both mind and body. \"Food, Mood, and Mind\" gave students practical strategies to manage stress and prioritize self-care in a supportive, hands-on way. Beyond nutrition, it fostered collaboration, empathy, and positive social interaction, further enhancing emotional wellness.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has made a lasting impact. Because of your support, my students didn't just make smoothies—they experienced the power of healthy habits, learned how food affects mood, and enjoyed a moment of calm and connection in their busy school day. Thank you for helping my students nourish their bodies, uplift their spirits, and strengthen their minds.","fullyFundedDate":1760077578490,"projectUrl":"project/food-mood-and-mind-a-mental-health-to/9721662/","projectTitle":"Food, Mood, and Mind: A Mental Health Toolkit","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Chacra","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2754113_orig.jpg?crop=1000,1000,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1663510499268","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrschacra"},{"teacherId":5110787,"projectId":9155548,"letterContent":"Our new Literacy Center Organizer is now a central feature of our classroom. Your donation has done so much more than purchase a piece of furniture; it has funded the creation of a dedicated, inviting space that is truly transforming how my students engage with reading, writing, and language.\r\n\r\nThe organizer allows us to neatly store and display a variety of literacy activities, including phonics games, independent reading materials, and manipulatives. This organization is key, as it enables students to easily browse, select, and explore and engage in different skills related to growing their independence in reading in English. This Literacy Center has become a powerful hub for exploration and discovery, providing a quiet, productive place for my students to grow into stronger, more confident readers and writers.\r\n\r\nSince implementing the new literacy center organizer, I have already seen a noticeable positive shift in the classroom. Students have increased independence as they confidently choose activities that match their interests and learning needs, fostering a stronger sense of ownership over their learning. The easily accessible and varied resources keep students actively engaged for longer periods, leading to deeper focus on literacy skills.\r\n\r\nOn behalf of every student who will use this center for years to come, thank you again for being a champion of our classroom and a true partner in their education.","fullyFundedDate":1749748269507,"projectUrl":"project/literacy-center-organization/9155548/","projectTitle":"Literacy Center Organization","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Lawson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5110787_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1518722203646","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/drlawson"},{"teacherId":9972072,"projectId":9188880,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous contribution in helping support high school students that experience depression and anxiety. The students were so excited when all of the materials arrived to help them create coping skills boxes. They each decorated their boxes with positive affirmation stickers, then filled them with all of the supplies to use to cope when they are feeling anxious and depressed. \r\n The most commonly used items in their boxes are the ice packs, which they use as cold compresses to decrease high emotional states; the stress balls, and the essential oils. They also love the mini journals which they use to write down their thoughts and feelings as well as sharing their gratitude on a daily basis. They continue to use their boxes this year, and are looking forward to using more techniques to help cope with their feelings and find success in school and in the community. Your support has helped them towards this success.","fullyFundedDate":1742916967732,"projectUrl":"project/stronger-minds-brighter-futures-buildi/9188880/","projectTitle":"Stronger Minds, Brighter Futures: Building Resilience in Teens","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Steckis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9972072"},{"teacherId":50271,"projectId":8976397,"letterContent":"Thank you for the great donation! We've been putting the fractional distillation kit to fantastic use in our chemistry class! In a recent project, my students used the kit to separate a mixture of acetone and water. They first learned about the different boiling points of the two liquids and then carefully set up the apparatus, making sure all the glassware was connected properly and securely. The excitement was amazing as they saw the separation happen in real time. This hands-on experience really solidified their understanding of how fractional distillation works in a way a textbook never could.\r\n\r\nThey were a mix of awe and a little intimidation when they first saw all the intricate glassware—the fractionating column, the condensers, and the flasks. One student even remarked that it looked like something out of an old-school laboratory movie! The initial hesitancy quickly gave way to curiosity and a collaborative spirit. They worked in small groups, each taking on a different role, from reading the thermometer to adjusting the heat source. That moment of collective discovery, where they went from being a bit overwhelmed to confidently handling the equipment was a major win for our class.","fullyFundedDate":1742494260468,"projectUrl":"project/fraction-all-distillation-experience-for/8976397/","projectTitle":"Fraction-ALL Distillation Experience for All My Students (Part I).","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Barron","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp50271_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1702861023466","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/50271"},{"teacherId":6127340,"projectId":9025966,"letterContent":"I am writing to share our sincere thanks and to provide an update on the \"Empowering Minds, Changing Lives at SHS\" project. Your generous donations have already helped us make a significant impact on hundreds of students at Stamford High School.\r\n\r\nThanks to your support, we were able to successfully educate students about common mental health disorders and their symptoms. We also created engaging materials and activities that helped to raise awareness and highlight the importance of mental well-being across the student body. The progress we have made would not have been possible without you.\r\n\r\nAs we look ahead into the 2025-2026 school year, we are excited to continue this work with over 250 new classes and students. The supplies your donation helped us acquire will motivate and enhance the project, ensuring we can continue to promote resources and empower a new group of students.\r\n\r\nThank you again for being a true champion for this cause. Your support has made a tangible, lasting difference in the lives of our students. Every student was GREATLY impaced by this project and having the supplies to move ahead and make a dream a reality!!!!\r\n\r\nWith sincere thanks,\r\n\r\nShari Paci - Educator at Stamford High Since 2005\r\nThe \"Empowering Minds, Changing Lives at SHS\" Team","fullyFundedDate":1736975769345,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-minds-changing-lives-at-shs/9025966/","projectTitle":"Empowering Minds, Changing Lives at SHS","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Shari Paci","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6127340_orig.jpg?crop=3648,3648,x0,y316&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1707236263000","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/paci2025"},{"teacherId":4196091,"projectId":8055560,"letterContent":"Thank you for the incredibly generous donations! My students are slowly crawling out of their reading shells and I can see their enthusiasm growing. It is so important to have books that students genuinely have interest in reading - and this is allowing them to do just that. I strive to create a learning environment that promotes reading as not just a fundamental skill but as a jumping point to a lifetime of reading enjoyment. My students can be seen discussing things like the latest \"tea\" from a crazy plot or how the story really kept them turning the pages to see what would happen. This is a joy to watch as they discover books can really take you to new adventures and places!","fullyFundedDate":1700592268089,"projectUrl":"project/spooky-books-abound/8055560/","projectTitle":"Spooky Books Abound","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Margerum","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4196091_orig.jpg?crop=374,374,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1630505706842","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-margerum"},{"teacherId":1126216,"projectId":9045580,"letterContent":"Thank you for your contributions to this project! Your donations provided my students with some fresh basic supplies for our classroom, such as markers, pencils, notebooks, and pencil sharpeners. Although these items may seem \"basic,\" they do make a big difference in the students' school experiences.\r\nThe Teachers Pay Teachers Gift Card allowed me to find curriculum and assignments at an appropriate difficulty level and interest level for my students. We used the new notebooks to create \"interactive\" notebooks for Earth Science class. My students enjoy the hands-on aspect of this process.\r\nThank you again for your donations!","fullyFundedDate":1737575450065,"projectUrl":"project/fresh-supplies-for-the-new-year/9045580/","projectTitle":"Fresh Supplies For the New Year","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Tolla","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1126216"},{"teacherId":2754113,"projectId":9158054,"letterContent":"It is with heartfelt thanks to all my supportive donors for contributing to make my classroom project a success. Unfortunately, there is no money in the budget for my classroom projects. Most of the time the teacher pays out of pocket, my children contribute, I ask parents, or rely on Donors Choose. This was my 26th Donors Choose project for which I am forever grateful.\r\nThank you again for your support. As you can see from the photos I've submitted, \"From Vision to Reality\" project was a complete success. My class would not have done this without generous people like you.","fullyFundedDate":1743534082681,"projectUrl":"project/from-vision-to-reality/9158054/","projectTitle":"From Vision to Reality","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Chacra","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2754113_orig.jpg?crop=1000,1000,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1663510499268","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrschacra"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_43565","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":2138,"numTeachers":135,"percentFrplEligible":65,"percentAsian":4,"percentBlack":18,"percentWhite":28,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":46,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"9 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"15.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":66.1,"schoolId":43565,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Stamford High School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Stamford High School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/connecticut/stamford-public-schools/stamford-high-school/43565"}