{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Miami Beach Senior High School","outOfStateSupporters":39.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9076474,"projectId":10201735,"letterContent":"The MacBook Neo has given my students the technology they need to explore the creative possibilities of artificial intelligence through music. In my keyboard and music classes, students have been able to use the computer as a creative studio where they can develop personal affirmations, write lyrics, experiment with musical ideas, and use AI music tools to transform their ideas into original songs.\r\n\r\nOne of the most exciting aspects for my students is seeing their own words become music. Students who may not consider themselves songwriters or composers can experiment with different musical styles, tempos, moods, and instrumentation while learning how to communicate their creative intentions through effective AI prompts. This makes music composition accessible to students with a wide range of musical backgrounds and abilities.\r\n\r\nThe project has also allowed me to teach technological literacy alongside traditional music skills. Students are learning that AI is not simply a tool that produces an answer for them; it can be a creative partner that requires thoughtful direction, evaluation, revision, and reflection. They are developing skills in writing, music, technology, and creative problem-solving while considering how music can express positive messages and personal goals.\r\n\r\nI am especially grateful to General Motors and the other donor who made this project possible. The MacBook Neo has opened a new door for my students, allowing them to combine music, technology, creativity, and AI in ways that would not otherwise be possible in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1777974335829,"projectUrl":"project/neo-songs-ai/10201735/","projectTitle":"Neo Songs AI","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Busse","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9076474_orig.jpg?crop=1113,1113,x198,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1769874976892","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/drbusse"},{"teacherId":9076474,"projectId":10197112,"letterContent":"The new headphones have made a tremendous difference in my keyboard classroom. With a full set of headphones, students can now practice and concentrate on their own playing without being distracted by the sound coming from the other keyboards. What was previously a cacophony of 20+ students practicing different pieces at the same time has become a much more focused and productive learning environment.\r\n\r\nThe headphones allow students to work at their own pace and hear the details of their playing more clearly. They can practice melodies, chords, rhythms, and complete pieces repeatedly without disturbing their classmates. This has also made it easier for me to have students working on different assignments and skill levels simultaneously, which is especially important in a class where students enter with widely varying amounts of previous musical experience.\r\n\r\nThe students particularly appreciate being able to \"tune out\" the rest of the room and focus on their own music. Students who might otherwise be distracted by the noise around them can now concentrate for longer periods and take greater ownership of their practice. The headphones have also made keyboard practice more accessible to students who may not have an instrument available at home.\r\n\r\nI am very grateful to the donors, including General Motors, who made this project possible. These relatively simple materials have had a significant impact on our classroom by turning a noisy keyboard lab into a quieter, more focused environment where students can listen, practice, learn, and make music.","fullyFundedDate":1777974389915,"projectUrl":"project/stop-the-cacophony-20/10197112/","projectTitle":"Stop the Cacophony! 2.0","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Busse","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9076474_orig.jpg?crop=1113,1113,x198,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1769874976892","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/drbusse"},{"teacherId":9076474,"projectId":10132529,"letterContent":"The materials from this project have given my King Tide Team students an opportunity to turn an idea into something tangible that represents who they are as a team. Instead of simply receiving pre-made uniforms, students have been able to participate in designing and creating their own team shirts. Working with the heat-transfer vinyl and heat press has made the project a hands-on learning experience that combines creativity, technology, planning, and teamwork.\r\n\r\nStudents have learned to collaborate on design ideas, make decisions together, follow a process, and take responsibility for completing a project from beginning to end. The experience has also provided opportunities for students to develop leadership and problem-solving skills as they work together and help one another learn how to use the equipment safely and effectively.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, creating their own uniforms has strengthened students' sense of team identity and pride. Wearing something that they helped design and produce gives the King Tide Team a greater sense of ownership and belonging. Students have seen that their ideas can become something real and that successful teams are built not only through competition, but also through cooperation, creativity, responsibility, and shared accomplishments.\r\n\r\nI am grateful to the New York Life Foundation and our other donor for making this experience possible. The $437 raised provided much more than shirts—it gave my students a meaningful opportunity to create, collaborate, lead, and take pride in their team.","fullyFundedDate":1773736635520,"projectUrl":"project/building-team-pride-student-made-unifor/10132529/","projectTitle":"Building Team Pride: Student-Made Uniforms for the King Tide Team","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Busse","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9076474_orig.jpg?crop=1113,1113,x198,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1769874976892","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/drbusse"},{"teacherId":9076474,"projectId":10061238,"letterContent":"The iPad has become an exciting and useful learning tool in my high school choir, vocal, and keyboard classes. Rather than simply using technology for entertainment, my students use it to record piano performances, solo singing, and choir rehearsals so they can immediately watch and listen to their work. This allows them to become more independent learners by identifying issues with posture, breathing, diction, hand position, rhythm, accuracy, and musical expression that can be difficult to recognize while performing.\r\n\r\nWhat excites my students most is seeing and hearing themselves as performers. Recording makes it possible for them to hear their performance from the audience's perspective and then try again with specific improvements in mind. Students enjoy seeing their progress over time, and the ability to record and share successful performances gives them something concrete to be proud of.\r\n\r\nThe technology has been particularly valuable for students who are hesitant or anxious about performing in front of their classmates. Because recording has become a regular part of our classroom routine, students can gradually become more comfortable seeing themselves on camera and performing for others. Some students who might initially avoid a solo performance have become more willing to participate after having opportunities to practice, review, and improve in a supportive environment. The iPad has helped make performance, self-assessment, and musical growth a more natural part of our everyday learning.","fullyFundedDate":1777974293715,"projectUrl":"project/smile-youre-on-camera/10061238/","projectTitle":"\"Smile... You're on Camera!\"","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Busse","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9076474_orig.jpg?crop=1113,1113,x198,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1769874976892","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/drbusse"},{"teacherId":9076474,"projectId":10123398,"letterContent":"The iPhone has made a significant impact on my high school choir, vocal, and keyboard students by transforming performance recording and reflection into a regular part of our music classroom. Students now have a dedicated, high-quality device for recording piano performances, solo singing, and choir rehearsals, allowing them to see and hear their own performances and identify areas for improvement in posture, breathing, diction, hand position, accuracy, and musical expression.\r\n\r\nOne of the most meaningful impacts has been on student confidence and compassion. Students who experience performance anxiety can practice performing in a supportive environment where recording becomes a normal and enjoyable part of the learning process. Watching classmates take the risk of performing helps students recognize the courage and vulnerability involved in performing, encouraging them to respond with patience, empathy, and positive feedback rather than judgment.\r\n\r\nThe recordings have also strengthened student self-assessment and peer collaboration. Students can objectively review performances, discuss strengths and areas for growth, and provide constructive feedback focused on musical improvement and encouragement. The ability to celebrate strong performances has further motivated students to practice and take pride in their accomplishments.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, the project has helped create a more supportive performance culture. Students are learning that music education is not only about developing individual musical skills—it is also about listening to, encouraging, and supporting one another. The iPhone has become much more than a recording device; it is a tool that helps my students build confidence, develop musicianship, practice compassion, and create a classroom where students feel safer taking creative risks.","fullyFundedDate":1772722962891,"projectUrl":"project/smile-youre-on-compassionate-camera/10123398/","projectTitle":"Smile… You’re on Compassionate Camera!","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Busse","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9076474_orig.jpg?crop=1113,1113,x198,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1769874976892","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/drbusse"},{"teacherId":9076474,"projectId":9899987,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our DonorsChoose project, \"We've Got the Power!\" Because of your generosity, our students were able to successfully host an outdoor \"unplugged off the grid\" concert as part of our school's 100th birthday celebration. The students truly enjoyed the experience of performing outdoors while using renewable energy to power the event. It was an exciting and meaningful opportunity that combined music, wellness, environmental awareness, and community pride.\r\n\r\nStudents learned a tremendous amount about solar energy, portable power stations, solar panels, power banks, and sustainable technology through hands-on experience. They helped set up and monitor the equipment, explained the clean-energy system to audience members, and saw firsthand how renewable energy can be used in real-world situations. Nearly all of the equipment worked wonderfully throughout the performance and helped create a memorable and positive experience for everyone involved.\r\n\r\nThe only challenge we encountered was that our larger speakers required more power than expected and ran out of battery power after only a few minutes. Aside from that, everything else worked beautifully, and the project was a tremendous success. Most importantly, students gained confidence, teamwork skills, environmental awareness, and pride in serving their school community through music. Thank you again for making this unique educational experience possible for our students.","fullyFundedDate":1771864876187,"projectUrl":"project/weve-got-the-power/9899987/","projectTitle":"We've Got The Power!","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Busse","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9076474_orig.jpg?crop=1113,1113,x198,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1769874976892","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/drbusse"},{"teacherId":10189499,"projectId":9968972,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my classroom by providing new safety goggles. They are extremely useful for my chemistry laboratory classes.\r\n\r\nMy students no longer complain about the goggles falling off their faces due to stretched straps, and the new goggles fit much more securely. They are also designed so that students who wear glasses can comfortably wear their eye protection as well.\r\n\r\nI am truly grateful for your generosity and support. Your donation helps make our laboratory activities safer and more effective for all of my students.","fullyFundedDate":1766532236387,"projectUrl":"project/in-need-of-safety-goggles-for-chemistry/9968972/","projectTitle":"In Need of Safety Goggles for Chemistry","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Jimenez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10189499"},{"teacherId":10189499,"projectId":9624162,"letterContent":"Your donation has made it possible for me to print student worksheets without worrying about whether the school printer is working or not.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, I can save valuable time and print extra copies whenever students need them, especially since work can sometimes get lost. I truly appreciate your generosity, and my students do as well.\r\n\r\nEven in a time when digital technology is rapidly increasing, physical copies remain extremely important in the classroom. Thank you for helping support my students and their learning.","fullyFundedDate":1766065790162,"projectUrl":"project/please-help-replacing-broken-class-print/9624162/","projectTitle":"Please Help Replacing Broken Class Printer.","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Jimenez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10189499"},{"teacherId":9076474,"projectId":10071138,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support in funding a 13-inch iPad for our chorus and keyboard classes in Miami Beach. Your gift has truly transformed my classroom by expanding access and equity for our underserved and minority students. The larger screen has made a noticeable difference—students can clearly view music notation, annotate scores, analyze lyrics, and strengthen sight-reading skills with greater confidence. Built-in accessibility features have also ensured that students with diverse learning needs can participate fully, helping create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment.\r\n\r\nSince introducing the iPad, I have seen remarkable growth in student engagement and independence. Students are now recording rehearsals and immediately reflecting on their performance, which has deepened their understanding and accelerated their progress. The wireless MIDI integration allows them to compose original pieces, experiment with harmonies, and connect music theory directly to practice. This technology has also strengthened collaboration—students work together on culturally responsive projects that reflect the rich diversity of our community, and they proudly share digital performances and compositions. My classroom has become more interactive, student-centered, and creatively energized than ever before.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, this project has removed barriers that once limited participation. Students who were previously hesitant are now actively contributing, taking creative risks, and developing valuable 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, communication, and digital literacy. Because of your generosity, my classroom is not only more innovative, but more equitable—every student now has the opportunity to engage meaningfully, create confidently, and achieve both academic and artistic success. Thank you for making this lasting impact possible.\r\n\r\nThank you SO MUCH for your support of Music Education in a world that needs more people to connect through the power and beauty of this universal language. Your generosity will definitely impact not only students currently enrolled in their music courses, but for future students in years to come. It is great to see that the arts and music education is still valued in today's society. It is true that \"Music makes you smarter!\" Thank you to all who contributed and wishing everyone the best 2026 and remainder of the school year!","fullyFundedDate":1770675202357,"projectUrl":"project/panda-cares-about-music-education/10071138/","projectTitle":"Panda Cares About Music Education","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Busse","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9076474_orig.jpg?crop=1113,1113,x198,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1769874976892","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/drbusse"},{"teacherId":10249654,"projectId":9700283,"letterContent":"The sketchbooks have quickly become both a daily classroom tool and a personal creative space. We use them for warm-ups, idea development, reflection, and students are able to take them home to continue working on more personal artwork. During our current figure drawing project where they were creating fast gestures and anatomy notes, I saw a noticeable shift in depth and effort once they realized the sketchbook was truly theirs to keep.\r\nWhen I handed them out, the excitement was immediate. Many students flipped through every page and started drawing before I even finished giving instructions. A few asked, \"We get to keep these?\" and when I said yes, there was a real sense of pride and ownership in the room. For some students, having their own dedicated art materials is not guaranteed, and it clearly meant a lot.\r\nNext, students are using their sketchbooks to refine ideas for more conceptual projects, which include thumbnail sketches to brainstorm for them visually. The goal is to build consistent creative habits, using their sketchbooks to experiment, take risks, and see themselves as artists both inside and outside of the classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1766078639282,"projectUrl":"project/a-place-to-draw-dream-and-grow-for-eve/9700283/","projectTitle":"A Place to Draw, Dream, and Grow for Every Student","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cox","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10249654_orig.jpg?crop=2451,2451,x0,y228&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757442478877","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10249654"},{"teacherId":9076474,"projectId":9878242,"letterContent":"Thank you for your support. We now have another full size, 88 note weighted electronic piano for the kids to practice on. It is SO much better than the cheap Casio keyboards, that are fine for simple songs, but not practical when trying to learn actual piano technique, such as dynamics, and finger dexterity. Also, the Donnor brand, which was unknown a few years ago and is NOT one of the main keyboard companies, was quite a surprise with the quality of the instrument, in the build, the weighted feel of the instrument, but mostly in the sound, as it really does feel and sound like you are playing an actual acoustic real piano!","fullyFundedDate":1763581801508,"projectUrl":"project/keys-to-success/9878242/","projectTitle":"Keys to Success","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Busse","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9076474_orig.jpg?crop=1113,1113,x198,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1769874976892","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/drbusse"},{"teacherId":10050760,"projectId":9398662,"letterContent":"Thank you for funding my project. The mental health of students has never been more important than now. There are so many pressures facing students today. Many of them work and help take care of younger and sometimes older family members. Students are aware of family financial stress and struggles. Many of my students have adult responsibilities at a very young age.\r\nStudents need to learn skills to help themselves to cope with the pressure of life today. They also need to learn how to relax mentally to be able to get everything done in an efficient way. So many kids complain of mental and physical fatigue. Stretching with basic yogic postures helps students to release sore muscles and pain in a healthy, drug-free way. Our yoga and meditation classes are a peaceful, enjoyable break from stress. Three times per week, a corner of my classroom is transformed into a small yoga studio. Students are learning basic, correct technique to stretch safely without getting injured. It's attracted both boys and girls. We end the class with a guided meditation with positive visualization and breathing techniques. The students who participated reported feeling better with less stress and muscle pain. I am encouraging them to incorporate these techniques into their daily routine outside of our classes","fullyFundedDate":1757194277864,"projectUrl":"project/mental-health-through-movement-meditati/9398662/","projectTitle":"Mental Health Through Movement, Meditation and Dance","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Yesulaitis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10050760"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_45646","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":2038,"numTeachers":105,"percentFrplEligible":50,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":3,"percentWhite":23,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":70,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":1,"gradesServed":"9 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"19.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":60.6,"schoolId":45646,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Miami Beach Senior High School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Miami Beach Senior High School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/florida/miami-dade-county-public-schools/miami-beach-senior-high-school/45646"}