{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Lithonia High School","outOfStateSupporters":36.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8871343,"projectId":9588628,"letterContent":"Thank you donors for your help in getting us some color ink for our printer. With the world becoming digital, it is still important to be able to put your hands on the resources and had write your own notes. I provide notes to my class in different colors when I write on the board all of the time and they fuss at me as they don't have the access to color pencils or the printing out color-coded resources in black and white is too difficult to decipher the various hews of grey.\r\n\r\nTo be able to provide the students with a hard copy of the resource and they can add their on notations to helps to reduce confusing and increase understanding. For example, we've talked about how pitch tendencies have an impact on intonation and I gave them a color-coded tendency chart in black and white. The students loved it, but some of the images have grey tones very close together. Now, I can give them the chart in which the sharp notes are red and flat notes are blue.\r\n\r\nThe band has become more aware that playing with good intonation mans a lot of work and that understanding the tendencies on their instrument is important.","fullyFundedDate":1760410407590,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-color-into-the-band-room/9588628/","projectTitle":"Bringing Color Into the Band Room","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Lloyd","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8871343"},{"teacherId":8871343,"projectId":9598139,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the donations to get the reeds. I having several students that are progressing very fast and need to change their reed hardness. With the state of our economy, it is very difficult to ask a family to purchase one of three different level to see which one would work. This means that two reeds will not be used after we find the perfect one. So to be able to provide student options before they settle in to make the purchase is amazing.\r\n\r\nSome of the younger students are getting more interested in the variety of reed cuts, hardnesses, and brands. They are searching YouTube for comparison videos to hear how a small change in the reed dimensions can impact the tone quality of their instrument.\r\n\r\nThis interests has also increased of reed maintenance and reed health to ensure the longevity of the reeds.","fullyFundedDate":1758847391950,"projectUrl":"project/emergency-reeds/9598139/","projectTitle":"Emergency Reeds","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Lloyd","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8871343"},{"teacherId":8871343,"projectId":9589814,"letterContent":"Thank you for your donations to purchase the boom whackers for our percussion students to help educate our Special Needs students in Music. The band class as. whole spent some time web searching music to play and the student found several variations to learn music as well as teach other students. We found several YouTube videos that are play along tracks and we had a blast.\r\n\r\nWe recently asked the Special Needs department to send a few students to the band room to introduce the boom whackers to them. At first, they were very nervous, but once we got into it, we had a hard time getting them to leave to go to lunch. They just wanted to play and play.\r\n\r\nOur next step is to visit some of the classes and have the band student teach some songs to hopefully, place a song or two for our Winter Concert in December.","fullyFundedDate":1758202787753,"projectUrl":"project/an-inclusive-band-room/9589814/","projectTitle":"An Inclusive Band Room","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Lloyd","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8871343"},{"teacherId":7703999,"projectId":9243607,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our project, Tracing the Diaspora: Understanding African American History Through Homegoing. Your generosity has given my AP World History students the opportunity to experience history in a deeply personal and meaningful way. Yaa Gyasi's Homegoing has vividly brought to life the themes of migration, identity, and resilience that we explore in class, helping students see how global history connects to individual stories.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom has become more reflective and emotional. Students sit together in small groups, annotate passages, discuss how the characters' journeys mirror the effects of slavery and colonization, and relate those experiences to contemporary issues of race and identity. It has allowed them to see history not as distant, but as something still shaping the world they live in.\r\n\r\nOne of my students shared that this was the first time they had read a novel that \"felt like real history,\" and that comment has stayed with me. The book has sparked empathy, curiosity, and a deeper respect for cultural memory and heritage. Because of your support, my students are not only learning about the African diaspora, they are understanding it on a human level.","fullyFundedDate":1746489251751,"projectUrl":"project/tracing-the-diaspora-understanding-afri/9243607/","projectTitle":"Tracing the Diaspora: Understanding African American History Through Homegoing","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Finn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7703999_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1728920750807","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7703999"},{"teacherId":7703999,"projectId":9004950,"letterContent":"Thank you for transforming our project, Empowering Minds: Brave New Worlds for Bold New Readers, into a reality. Because of your generosity, my AP Psychology and AP Literature students are reading with renewed purpose and enthusiasm. The books have opened the door to deeper discussions about human behavior, identity, and the power of perspective.\r\n\r\nIn AP Literature, students are examining how authors depict the human condition through symbolism and tone. In AP Psychology, they are connecting those same characters and stories to real theories about motivation, emotion, and moral development. They are beginning to see how literature and psychology reflect each other, which has renewed energy in our classroom discussions.\r\n\r\nReading in our class now feels vibrant. Students annotate, share insights, and debate ideas with confidence. One student told me, \"I finally understand why people think and feel the way they do.\" That kind of understanding is what every teacher hopes to inspire. Thank you for giving my students the chance to think deeply, grow as readers, and view the world more thoughtfully.","fullyFundedDate":1743923756353,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-minds-brave-new-worlds-for-b/9004950/","projectTitle":"Empowering Minds: Brave New Worlds for Bold New Readers!","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Finn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7703999_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1728920750807","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7703999"},{"teacherId":7703999,"projectId":9468571,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, my AP Macroeconomics seniors now each have their own copy of Rich Dad Poor Dad to use throughout our financial literacy unit. Having individual books has completely changed the way they engage with the material.\r\n\r\nInstead of sharing or reading excerpts, students are annotating, highlighting, and connecting the author's ideas to real-world economic concepts we discuss in class—like income, assets, and purchasing power. Many of my students are preparing to graduate this year, and this book has helped them think differently about money, mindset, and independence. They often say things like, \"I wish someone had taught me this sooner.\"\r\n\r\nThe impact goes far beyond economics. These lessons have sparked conversations about long-term goals, family finances, and how to make smart financial decisions after high school. It's empowering to see them take ownership of their financial futures.\r\n\r\nYour support made that possible. You didn't just fund a set of books; you invested in students learning to invest in themselves.","fullyFundedDate":1753118751430,"projectUrl":"project/building-wealth-one-lesson-at-a-time/9468571/","projectTitle":"Building Wealth, One Lesson at a Time","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Finn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7703999_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1728920750807","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7703999"},{"teacherId":6832356,"projectId":9083672,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom has truly been transformed! The stage lights have elevated our performances and daily activities—students are now able to explore how lighting sets the mood and atmosphere for a scene. We've used the lights during rehearsals, class presentations, and creative projects, and students are so excited to experiment with different colors and effects. It has brought a whole new level of professionalism and energy to our theatre work.\r\n\r\nI have been able to engage students who are not interested in performing onstage but prefers to work behind the scene. I invited a professional lighting designer who will be working with my students to learn how to use our light board to operate the lights and the mechanics of light design. They are excited for this opportunity. I have been waiting years to finally have the lighting equipment needed for our theatre and DonorsChoose made that happen. \r\n\r\nThe storage bins have also been a game changer. Costumes, props, and classroom supplies now have a dedicated place, which keeps our learning environment organized and makes it easier for students to take responsibility for materials. I do not have a storage room but the bins help you make the area more organized and neat. \r\n\r\nYour support has not only given us tools but also created opportunities for creativity, teamwork, and pride in our work. Thank you for believing in our students and helping them shine—literally—on and off the stage!","fullyFundedDate":1741573915121,"projectUrl":"project/light-up-the-stage/9083672/","projectTitle":"Light Up the Stage!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Henry","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6832356"},{"teacherId":9909312,"projectId":9082567,"letterContent":"We truly appreciate your donations to our students. With your donations, students were able to have new drumheads for my percussion students and their instruments and have a few extra set of strings for my orchestra students. My students were so excited to see their supplies come in, and the supplies has already been put to use! One thing we take pride in here at Lithonia High School is taking care of equipment and making sure that it lasts as long as possible. These students take pride in their instruments and understand that receiving new items is a blessing and a gift that must be cared for.\r\n\r\nThe next steps for my students using this supplies is preparing for performances. My orchestra students are looking into participate in GMEA district honor orchestra, Dekalb Youth Symphony Orchestra, All State auditions, and Large Group Performance Evaluation in the spring. My percussionist are working hard this marching band season learning music, and there is a high possibility that they will be invited back to a popular drumline competition that we participated in this past winter. We appreciate your donations and support here at Lithonia High School and you can trust that these students will continue to play with excellence and integrity, always!","fullyFundedDate":1740699148170,"projectUrl":"project/instrumental-music-ensembles/9082567/","projectTitle":"Instrumental Music Ensembles","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Bines","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9909312"},{"teacherId":7703999,"projectId":8876836,"letterContent":"Thank you for helping bring Stephen King's works into our AP Literature classroom! Your support has allowed my 12th-grade students at Lithonia High School, a Title I school, to engage with literature in a way that extends far beyond the traditional curriculum. With King's masterful storytelling, students are sharpening their analytical skills and making deep literary connections across history, science, and human nature. This experience expands their exposure to authors outside the standard canon, enriching their reading lives and broadening their perspectives.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom has become an immersive experience. Discussions are lively, often blending literary analysis with personal reflections, historical context, and psychological insights. These books have sparked creativity among my students, many of whom are inspired to write their own stories and explore new genres. One student, who previously struggled to engage with literature, is now eagerly reading ahead, captivated by King's ability to build suspense and develop complex characters. Moments like these reinforce the power of literature to transform students into lifelong readers.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has ignited a love of reading in my students and provided them with an opportunity to escape, explore, and think critically. Thank you for believing in literacy's importance and making this experience possible!","fullyFundedDate":1733286779052,"projectUrl":"project/creating-avid-readers-using-stephen-king/8876836/","projectTitle":"Creating Avid Readers Using Stephen King","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Finn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7703999_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1728920750807","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7703999"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_48760","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1547,"numTeachers":80,"percentFrplEligible":88,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":90,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":6,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"9 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"19.3:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":64.0,"schoolId":48760,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Lithonia High School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Lithonia High School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/georgia/dekalb-county-school-district/lithonia-high-school/48760"}