{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Bloomington High School","outOfStateSupporters":29.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":7827545,"projectId":9121409,"letterContent":"Our students have been excitedly starting new projects using our new mid-fire clay this year. They began with the dark brown mid-fire clay, which they immediately noticed felt firmer and more refined than our usual clay. This new material has allowed them to create more detailed and durable teacups, which they've decorated using underglazes and sgraffito techniques. Sudents are looking forward to experimenting with the new glazes we received—trying out different combinations to create special effects and deepen their understanding of ceramic finishes.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the new materials, their faces lit up with excitement and curiosity. Many were surprised and genuinely touched that someone chose to support our classroom in such a meaningful way. As we move forward, students will begin working with the white mid-fire clay on the pottery wheels. Because it's softer than what we've used in the past, we expect it will make the wheel-throwing process smoother and more accessible, especially for beginners. This generous donation has opened up so many new opportunities for creativity and learning, and we can't wait to see how our students grow through these hands-on experiences.","fullyFundedDate":1742912917847,"projectUrl":"project/fired-up-helping-students-create-and-co/9121409/","projectTitle":"Fired Up: Helping Students Create and Connect with Ceramics","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Miller","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7827545_orig.jpg?crop=3096,3096,x0,y732&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1762033679819","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7827545"},{"teacherId":9921340,"projectId":9108851,"letterContent":"As a PE teacher at Bloomington High, I have worked to create a physical education program that not only develops fitness and skill, but also builds community, inclusion, and joy. Receiving the 9 Square set has been like a breath pf fresh air for my students.\r\nHow we are using the new resources:\r\nThe 9 Square set has become a weekly part of our PE classes and is even being used during after school building activities for our seniors and staff. In class, students rotate through the 9 Square court while working on movement, coordination, and communication. I also use it to encourage students to support and cheer on one another during gameplay. The most memorable moment so far was setting it up and join in which caused students who normally hesitate to join in to participate and were asking for \"just one more round when it was time to clean it up.\r\nStudent reactions:\r\nThe first time my students saw the set fully put together, they asked questions because many of them had never seen 9 Square before, and the curiosity and excitement in the gym was undeniable. I displayed the rules to the students, and they jumped right in. The laughter, competitiveness, and energy in them reminded me why I enjoy my job. \r\nThe generosity of donors didn't just provide new equipment, it gave my students an opportunity to connect, belong, and thrive through play. So, thank you","fullyFundedDate":1746835878762,"projectUrl":"project/elevating-physical-education/9108851/","projectTitle":"Elevating Physical Education","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Tyra","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9921340_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1739807298548","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9921340"},{"teacherId":9789293,"projectId":9067260,"letterContent":"On behalf of my students and myself I want to extend our heartfelt thanks for your generous donation of new workout equipment, swim caps, croquet sets, and drumming sticks.\r\n\r\nThe students absolutely love the new colorful yoga mats and exercise ropes—yoga sessions and workouts have become more vibrant and engaging than ever. The availability of swim caps made a noticeable difference in our swim unit this year, encouraging more students to participate and feel comfortable in the pool.\r\n\r\nWe're also excited to share that the croquet sets have introduced a fun, new way for students to be active outdoors while building teamwork and coordination. The drumming sticks have added energy and rhythm to our movement and music activities, giving students a creative outlet they truly enjoy.\r\n\r\nThank you again for supporting our physical education and wellness programs. Your contribution has made a meaningful impact on our students' health, confidence, and joy in staying active.","fullyFundedDate":1739217385504,"projectUrl":"project/elevating-physical-education-through-fit/9067260/","projectTitle":"Elevating Physical Education Through Fitness and Wellness","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Scott","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9789293_orig.jpg?crop=1500,1500,x0,y300&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1738790539346","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9789293"},{"teacherId":9921200,"projectId":9108485,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom. Your donation made a meaningful difference for my students and helped create a more supportive and engaging learning environment.\r\n\r\nThe materials you helped provide are being used regularly and have become a valuable part of our daily routine. They are helping students feel more comfortable, focused, and ready to learn, which has a positive impact across all areas of the classroom.\r\n\r\nI'm truly grateful for your kindness and investment in my students' growth. Your support has helped us build a space where learning and emotional well-being go hand in hand.","fullyFundedDate":1739369079895,"projectUrl":"project/spot-on-support-a-cozy-journey-to-emoti/9108485/","projectTitle":"Spot On Support: A Cozy Journey to Emotional Well-Being","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Metry","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9921200_orig.jpg?crop=992,992,x85,y115&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1739288159937","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9921200"},{"teacherId":9787545,"projectId":8859059,"letterContent":"On behalf of my students and myself, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude for your generous contribution to our business classroom at Bloomington High School. Your donation of snacks, whiteboards, and other hands-on project materials has already made a significant difference in our learning environment.\r\n\r\nThe first time my students saw the rolling whiteboard and individual white boards, their faces lit up with excitement. They immediately realized that they could now visually organize their ideas, work through problems together, and interact in new ways during lessons. The flexibility of the whiteboards has given them the opportunity to present their thoughts more clearly and collaborate more effectively. It's amazing to see them engage with the material in ways that weren't possible before.\r\n\r\nThe snacks have also been a game-changer. Many of our students are managing busy schedules and sometimes struggle to focus due to hunger. Your donation has allowed us to keep a steady supply of snacks available, ensuring that no student has to worry about their next meal during class. It's not just about the food; it's about giving them the opportunity to focus fully on their learning without distraction.\r\n\r\nOnce again, thank you for your generosity. Your support has not only provided much-needed resources but has also fostered a greater sense of community and excitement in our classroom. We are truly grateful for your investment in our students' education and future.","fullyFundedDate":1734549594604,"projectUrl":"project/mental-health-snacks-and-games/8859059/","projectTitle":"Mental Health Snacks and Games","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Schmidt","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9787545"},{"teacherId":9788488,"projectId":8851550,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your support of the BHS Literacy Lab! The materials I purchased have been lovingly used by students and peer mentors in our space. Please view the photos that demonstrate this. The peer mentors made a vivid bulletin board to promote our activities and ways we can help boost students' literacy learning. The chairs (nicknamed the \"bouncy chairs\") have been given mixed reviews by students. Some love using them to help them focus and feel comfortable while they sit and work. Other students report feeling unstable and \"don't trust\" the chairs to keep them off the floor! This is a testament to the need for flexible seating--one seat does not fit all!\r\n\r\nI am sad to report that the district will be closing the Literacy Lab at the end of the school year due to the end of a grant. The district has decided that funds to keep it running are better used elsewhere. I'd like to thank all the students who have made great use of the LL for the last three years, the teachers who I collaborated with and who sent their students to the LL, and the BHS Principal who got the Literacy Lab started and supported its initial development.","fullyFundedDate":1735108694048,"projectUrl":"project/i-love-the-literacy-lab/8851550/","projectTitle":"I Love the Literacy Lab","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Lycke","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9788488_orig.jpg?crop=719,719,x906,y255&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1727982649996","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9788488"},{"teacherId":9786876,"projectId":8848043,"letterContent":"Thank you very much for your generosity. I wanted to tell you the impact on my classroom. \r\n\r\nThey have been receiving prizes for their work constantly and they have enjoyed the materials to work on our project. It was amazing to see them happy.\r\n\r\nWe have been doing posters and kahoots on the topic and the engagement was incredible. They will keep on dealing with this topic by using these resources and some others making Spanish class more entertaining and meaningful.\r\n\r\nI had been impossible without your support and really appreciate it. Thank you for making such a difference in our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1731003200194,"projectUrl":"project/la-salud-mental/8848043/","projectTitle":"La salud mental","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Morales","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9786876_orig.jpg?crop=2448,2448,x456,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1728344644917","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9786876"},{"teacherId":9787339,"projectId":8849147,"letterContent":"Thank you for donating materials for my classroom. The students truly appreciate and benefit from everything given. Throughout the day, I co-teach 3 classes of 9th grade English and 2 classes of 12th grade English. On Tuesday's and Thursday's I also meet with 12th graders for homeroom. \r\n\r\nMy homeroom class focuses on social emotional skills on Tuesday's. As to be expected, many teachers are hesitant to openly discuss their feelings. Because of the fruit snacks, crackers, and cookies that were donated my students know that if they journal or verbally share their thoughts and opinions they'll be given a snack. Over time students felt more and more comfortable sharing personal stories and opinions about different SEL topics like, surrounding yourself with positive influences, being goal oriented, and taking accountability for your actions. The environment that has been created is one of trust and respect, and the positive reinforcement with snacks helped us get there. \r\n\r\nIn my English classes, the students have loved using the inspirational coloring pages to de-stress and be creative. I have been most grateful for the standing desk that I can use to be more accessible to my students, it has taken writing workshop days to a whole new level. I would have had to spend hundreds of dollars on the school supplies, the coloring sheets, books for my classroom library, snacks and the rolling standing desk. \r\n\r\nThank you so much for contributing to the betterment of my students.","fullyFundedDate":1728447490306,"projectUrl":"project/meeting-needs-for-all-students/8849147/","projectTitle":"Meeting Needs for All Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Grathoff","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9787339"},{"teacherId":9787545,"projectId":8859127,"letterContent":"You've provided so many needed items for my classroom. Not a day goes by that a hungry kid asks for a snack. Thanks to you, I can provide for them. The games that were donated have also provided a much needed reprieve for students who need to take a second to themselves or to creat lasting memories with their classmates. Both have helped to create a more welcoming environment in my classroom and overall, our school. Thank you so much for everything you've provided these students at times when they need it the most.","fullyFundedDate":1733272993353,"projectUrl":"project/help-my-low-income-school-with-student-m/8859127/","projectTitle":"Help My Low-Income School With Student Mental Health Essentials","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Schmidt","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9787545"},{"teacherId":9782305,"projectId":8872281,"letterContent":"I cannot thank you enough for your generous donations. As you see in the images, all of the resources are actively used in the classroom. Your contribution to the academic success and mental health of my students is invaluable.\r\nMy students greatly appreciate the opportunity to have a cup of hot tea on a cold day in Central Illinois. It is so important for my students to experience care and engouement as all of my students are immigrants, many of whom are living without their parents and come from families with limited financial resources. \r\nAs for the educational resources, my students absolutely love them! The aquarium is very popular in our classroom. It is soothing and contributes to students' emotional well-being if they are stressed or when they work on something in class. In addition, the grounding techniques have been also very helpful. Not only do my students learn English when translating the strategies, but also practice the methods to relax and calm their minds down. These students go through a lot, and these coping skills are invaluable for them. \r\nAs for the posters on grammar, they are used on a daily basis, and students often peak at them when we talk about various aspects, for example, feelings, or months, or time, numbers, and even the alphabet. My students need these reminders as learning a language is certainly a process, and thus, the ability to have the material at hand is very important. \r\n\r\nThank you so much again! Your generosity is greatly appreciated!","fullyFundedDate":1728783678357,"projectUrl":"project/mind-matters-mental-health-and-academic/8872281/","projectTitle":"Mind Matters: Mental Health and Academic Achievement","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Belomoina","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9782305"},{"teacherId":9793880,"projectId":8906219,"letterContent":"I want to express my deepest gratitude for your incredibly generous donation of mints and gum to my classroom. Your thoughtfulness and support are truly appreciated, and I know the students will benefit greatly from your kindness.\r\n\r\nAs you may know, high school students often face a variety of challenges throughout their day—whether it's the stress of academic work, anxiety before a test, or just the need for a little pick-me-up. Having the mints and gum available in our supply corner is a simple yet powerful way to help alleviate some of those everyday struggles. Students are now able to come and go freely to grab a mint or piece of gum whenever they need to, offering them a chance to refresh, manage their anxiety, or soothe any tummy issues they might have. It's such a small gesture, yet it can make a world of difference for them in moments of discomfort or stress.\r\n\r\nI've already noticed how much the availability of these items has helped students feel more at ease. They no longer have to worry about having to ask for a break or leave the room to address their needs—they can simply walk over to the drawer, grab what they need, and continue their day with renewed confidence. It's empowering for them to have that independence, and it's heartwarming to see how something as simple as mints can help them feel more in control.\r\n\r\nThe best part is how easy it is for me as the teacher. It's so reassuring to open the drawer and see a well-stocked supply of mints and gum, knowing that I'm providing my students with something that can make a difference. It's those little things that truly create a positive and supportive classroom environment, where students feel cared for and understood. Your donation has certainly played a role in building that atmosphere.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, many of my students have mentioned how much they appreciate the option to grab a mint or gum if they're feeling anxious or if they have a moment when they just need to freshen up. It's comforting to know that something as simple as a piece of gum can provide such an effective tool for managing stress and giving students a moment of comfort. It's a small but impactful way to show students that we care about their well-being, not just academically, but in all aspects of their day-to-day lives.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your generosity. Your donation may seem like a simple gesture, but it has had a lasting impact on my students' ability to feel more comfortable and supported in the classroom. I'm grateful for your kindness, and I'm sure the students are as well. Your contribution is truly appreciated, and it makes a difference that will not be forgotten.","fullyFundedDate":1730220158543,"projectUrl":"project/you-get-a-mint-everybody-gets-a-mint/8906219/","projectTitle":"You Get a Mint, Everybody Gets a Mint!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hall","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9793880"},{"teacherId":9796408,"projectId":8863124,"letterContent":"My students were so excited to receive these materials! The boxes arrived during 7th hour and my students helped me open everything and organize my cabinets. They talked about it for the rest of the week! \r\n\r\nWhen students miss breakfast they know they can come to me and get a snack. These items are also used for incentives during games- student motivation and engagement is so much higher when the prize is good! \r\n\r\nI had a student come into class last week feeling unmotivated to do work. When I asked him why he wasn't working, he said that he was too hungry to focus. I gave him a snack and he was thankful and started paying more attention. I couldn't have done that without you!","fullyFundedDate":1728313046233,"projectUrl":"project/meaningful-math-motivators/8863124/","projectTitle":"Meaningful Math Motivators","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Klink","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9796408"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_25273","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1216,"numTeachers":95,"percentFrplEligible":60,"percentAsian":2,"percentBlack":22,"percentWhite":46,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":19,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"9 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"12.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":70.4,"schoolId":25273,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Bloomington High School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Bloomington High School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/bloomington-school-district-87/bloomington-high-school/25273"}