{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Alex Haley Academy","outOfStateSupporters":48.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10267376,"projectId":10308471,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity and support in funding our classroom project. For many of you who use technology daily at home, seeing how these tools transform a classroom might feel like a whole new world! The new rolling mobile desk has completely changed how I interact with my class, allowing me to move effortlessly between student tables while keeping a small display screen right at my fingertips to guide small-group instruction. Additionally, the new classroom lighting has instantly transformed our room into a warm, calm, and welcoming environment where students feel comfortable, focused, and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nWhat excites the students most is how directly involved they are with the technology. Right now, we are actually studying how light affects learning, and the kids have taken total ownership of using the new setup to gather real-time data. They love experimenting with the settings; requesting brighter lights, dimmer tones, or specific color changes—to see how different atmospheres impact their concentration and mood. It has turned a simple environment change into an engaging, hands-on science experiment that keeps them curious and actively observing their own learning process.\r\n\r\nThis technology has made a world of difference, especially for students who typically struggle with focus or feel overwhelmed in a standard classroom setting. The customizable lighting provides a gentle sensory reset that helps anxious learners settle in, while the dynamic colors have sparked incredible excitement among students who don't always engage in traditional lessons. Thanks to your support, my students aren't just using new equipment; they are actively learning from it, feeling comfortable in their space, and discovering how their environment shapes their success every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1787664985962,"projectUrl":"project/essentials-for-an-excellent-school-year/10308471/","projectTitle":"Essentials for an Excellent School Year!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Johnson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10267376_orig.jpg?crop=1442,1442,x0,y33&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758156145825","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/dopeteacherjohnson"},{"teacherId":3162583,"projectId":10333945,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for your incredibly generous support of our classroom project, \"Organization will give us a successful start\". Because of your kindness, our project has been fully funded, and my students are absolutely thrilled!\r\nThanks to you, we now have plastic folders with inserts, composition books, and headphones. \r\n\r\nBeing able to tell both classes to take out your blue folder and place your reading homework in the first pocket, or grab your composition books and turn to page 5 and review Types of Sentences, have been so awesome. I don't have to hear anyone say \"I don't have a folder, or a composition book.\" There have been at least five students to transfer in since the start of the school year (August 24th) and I've been able to provide them with supplies as well. \r\n\r\nIn a world where classroom resources can sometimes fall short, your willingness to step in and support public school educators and students is truly inspiring. You haven't just provided us with \"tools\"—you've sent a powerful message to my students that their education matters and that a whole community of people is rooting for their success.","fullyFundedDate":1781712925574,"projectUrl":"project/organization-will-give-us-a-successful-s/10333945/","projectTitle":"ORGANIZATION will give us a successful start","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hill","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3162583_orig.jpg?crop=432,432,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1781717756248","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3162583"},{"teacherId":10267376,"projectId":10282401,"letterContent":"On behalf of the students and staff at Alex Haley Academy, I would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your generous support of our MacBook NEO project. Many of you are familiar with using technology at home, but in our classrooms, these laptops act as interactive portals that transform everyday lessons into dynamic visual and collaborative experiences. For our diverse learners and English Language Learners (ELL), having dedicated access to modern technology helps bridge language and learning gaps through real-time translation tools, visual learning aids, and personalized reading software that meets every student at their individual level.\r\n\r\nThe sheer speed, lightweight portability, and vivid display of the new MacBook NEO have brought an undeniable spark of excitement into our daily routines. Students are thrilled to jump right into multi-media projects, research topics independently, and collaborate on shared group assignments without technical lag or battery issues holding them back. Having a sleek, reliable device in their hands makes them feel truly invested in their work, giving them a sense of pride and professional ownership over their learning process.\r\n\r\nWe have already seen incredible transformations, particularly among a few of our English Language Learners who were previously quiet and hesitant during traditional group activities. With the intuitive tools on the MacBook NEO, these students can now express their ideas creatively through visual presentations and audio recordings, boosting their confidence and allowing their true academic potential to shine through. Your gift is more than a donation, it is an investment in our students' potential, creativity, and future. Thank you for believing in our classroom and helping us create an inclusive, empowering learning environment.\r\n\r\nWith sincere appreciation,","fullyFundedDate":1789042263545,"projectUrl":"project/macbook-neo-for-every-learner-every-voi/10282401/","projectTitle":"MacBook NEO for Every Learner, Every Voice","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Johnson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10267376_orig.jpg?crop=1442,1442,x0,y33&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758156145825","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/dopeteacherjohnson"},{"teacherId":10431675,"projectId":10162434,"letterContent":"This gift impacted our children as they played with the alphabet and number puzzle. It was just the right size for their little fingers. The ABC's one became a favorite for one student as she didn't want to put it down. We were so excited as I unboxed the materials. I was so happy that we received this donation as the children are able to use every gift in a learning way. It was just amazing. The sensory fidgets helped our diverse learners maintain a calm by moving the piece just to fit them. The number cards sparked intrigue and knowledge as they had to figure out how to put them together because each piece is different. \r\nIt is such a blessing to have a program like Donors Choose because our little children would not have been able to continue learning in a student directed way without the necessary materials to do so. I am happy to be a part of the preschool teaching team and to be able to apply for such materials. The children sit at the tables, on the carpet and use all of the things that you have supplied for them. We are beyond grateful. Thank you so much!! Have a great day, Mrs. Y. Price, Preschool Blended Classroom Teacher","fullyFundedDate":1777649260153,"projectUrl":"project/preschool-blast/10162434/","projectTitle":"Preschool Blast!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Price","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10431675_orig.jpg?crop=240,240,x0,y80&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1773419629783","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10431675"},{"teacherId":10267376,"projectId":10112443,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity! While many of us think of gaming as a leisure activity, in our classroom, it has become a powerful laboratory for physics in action. By integrating the Nintendo Switch into our \"Force and Motion\" unit, students are moving beyond textbooks and into active experimentation. When a student swings the controller to serve in Tennis, they aren't just playing; they are calculating the magnitude of force required to send the ball across the court. In Basketball, they are observing the relationship between the angle of release and the resulting impact. This \"stealth learning\" allows them to see that the laws of physics aren't just formulas on a board; they are the rules that govern the world around them.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting aspect of this new technology for the students is the haptic feedback and real-time responsiveness. Unlike a static worksheet, the Switch provides immediate data: if a student applies too much force, they see the ball fly out of bounds instantly. This \"trial and error\" loop keeps them highly engaged and eager to refine their technique. They are particularly thrilled by how the interface turns the entire classroom into a mini-arena where they can compete and collaborate while testing scientific hypotheses. It has turned a standard lesson into a vivid, shared experience that they look forward to every day.\r\n\r\nThis technology has been especially impactful for my hands-on learners and those who sometimes struggle with traditional writing. I've noticed that students who are typically quiet during lecture portions are often the first to volunteer to demonstrate a \"force-heavy\" swing or explain a collision. It has leveled the playing field, giving every student a common, tangible experience to reference. Now, when it comes time for our writing prompts, students are no longer staring at a blank page; they are enthusiastically describing the specific physics behind their winning shot. Your support has truly transformed our classroom into a space where movement, play, and deep scientific inquiry meet.","fullyFundedDate":1777913821067,"projectUrl":"project/level-up-learning-bringing-the-nintendo/10112443/","projectTitle":"Level Up Learning: Bringing the Nintendo Switch 2 Our Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Johnson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10267376_orig.jpg?crop=1442,1442,x0,y33&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758156145825","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/dopeteacherjohnson"},{"teacherId":10267376,"projectId":10196150,"letterContent":"The students are using the resource to better understand Force and Motion through the Connect 4 basketball-style game on the NEX Playground. Students shoot a ball into hoops to connect four on the screen, similar to games found at arcades. As they play, students are making real-world connections to Newton's Laws of Motion. For example, when students use too much force, the ball may miss the intended slot or bounce completely out of play. These moments create authentic learning opportunities where students can immediately see how force impacts motion. My 8th grade students are also working alongside 5th grade students, helping them connect concepts such as push and pull to both their current science standards and future learning.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the NEX Playground, they were amazed because many of them had never experienced technology like this before. Once I purchased the game pass that allowed students access to all of the games, their excitement and engagement increased even more. The students quickly became invested in both the games and the learning connected to them. When students are genuinely excited about learning, the experience becomes memorable and leaves lasting impressions that help deepen understanding and participation in the classroom.\r\n\r\nThe next steps for this project involve helping students make stronger connections between movement-based activities and our science lessons. Students are currently focusing on Force and Motion, Magnetic Fields such as attraction and repulsion, and Light Waves. My goal is to have students strengthen their ability to write scientific claims, provide evidence, and explain their reasoning. Through these interactive experiences, students are building prior knowledge while collecting evidence through movement and observation that they can later apply directly to classroom discussions, experiments, and written responses.","fullyFundedDate":1776959527436,"projectUrl":"project/innovation-in-motion-a-nex-playground-f/10196150/","projectTitle":"Innovation in Motion: A Nex Playground for Haley’s Future Leaders","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Johnson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10267376_orig.jpg?crop=1442,1442,x0,y33&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758156145825","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/dopeteacherjohnson"},{"teacherId":2095356,"projectId":9939471,"letterContent":"It is a great pleasure to give my students the chance to be interested in science. They love putting on the science glasses and using magnets to pick up magnets alphabet and numbers it gives another fun and exciting way to learn. They look forward to being scientists everyday with our new scientific supplies of discovery. I am incredibly grateful to everyone who supported my classroom project through DonorsChoose. Your generosity has made a direct and meaningful impact on my students' learning experience. Because of your kindness, they now have access to resources that inspire curiosity, creativity, and confidence in the classroom. Your support goes far beyond materials — it shows my students that there are people who truly believe in their potential and care about their success. Thank you for investing in their future and for making a difference in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1765512642130,"projectUrl":"project/discovery-works/9939471/","projectTitle":"Discovery Works!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Johnson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2095356_orig.jpg?crop=960,960,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1649187374947","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2095356"},{"teacherId":2095356,"projectId":9934281,"letterContent":"The students were so thrilled and proud when they saw the rug delivered to our classroom. The students said; our rug is here. I shared with my students that , I was working on project to get a new rug. It was really beautiful to see the students remembering they will have a new rug. The rug definitely showed the empowerment of a comfortable and inviting and gorgeous room rug to sit on and learn from. The students are inspired and more interactive with learning their alphabets and sounds through play on the rug. The rug has promoted students to learn their sounds of alphabets. My class will treasure the alphabet rug and we are very grateful for the donations and support to our alphabet and sound time on our new beautiful rug.","fullyFundedDate":1765986806677,"projectUrl":"project/the-littles-alphabet-and-sound-time/9934281/","projectTitle":"The Littles Alphabet and Sound Time","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Johnson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2095356_orig.jpg?crop=960,960,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1649187374947","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2095356"},{"teacherId":7999732,"projectId":9508137,"letterContent":"The day the packages arrived at our door, the energy in the room shifted instantly. My students spotted the delivery boxes, and a wave of whispers swept across the desks: \"Are those for us?\"\r\n\r\nWhen I confirmed that people from all across the country had sent these materials specifically to help them learn, their reactions were priceless. There were gasps, wide eyes, and spontaneous cheers. As we cut open the tape together, the kids gathered around like it was holiday morning. This was truly wonderful that everyone from the bottom of my heart!","fullyFundedDate":1758202778551,"projectUrl":"project/new-beginnings/9508137/","projectTitle":"New Beginnings","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Philpot-Golden","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7999732_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1630185295809","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7999732"},{"teacherId":10239731,"projectId":9677928,"letterContent":"On behalf of The Brave Butterflies in my Pre-K Diverse Learners classroom, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude for your generosity and support. Your donation will have a lasting impact on my students by providing them with the resources they need to explore, create, and grow in a nurturing learning environment.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAt this important stage in their education, every tool and material makes a meaningful difference. Your kindness ensures that my students have access to engaging opportunities that will spark curiosity, build confidence, and make learning joyful.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWe are truly appreciative of your thoughtfulness and generosity. Thank you for believing in our classroom and for helping The Brave Butterflies begin their educational journey with excitement and success.","fullyFundedDate":1758822321708,"projectUrl":"project/making-a-difference-one-little-learner/9677928/","projectTitle":"Making a Difference, One Little Learner at a Time","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tagnong","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10239731"},{"teacherId":10106645,"projectId":9525203,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my project, \"From SECA to Teacher: Bringing Art Back to the Classroom.\" This is my first year as a full-time teacher, so having these materials really helped me start the year feeling prepared.\r\n\r\nMy class first used the supplies while creating our classroom goals for the year. They were so focused and excited to decorate their pages and make everything colorful. They were also really excited to use the Colors of the World markers on their little people! It honestly made the activity feel more meaningful for them, and it gave them a chance to take ownership of what they want our classroom to look and feel like.\r\n\r\nWe've also been using the materials during different assignments and projects, and it's been nice seeing students express their ideas in ways they couldn't before. Your support helped me give them those opportunities, and I appreciate it.\r\n\r\nThank you again for helping us bring more creativity into our room.","fullyFundedDate":1754326692198,"projectUrl":"project/from-seca-to-teacher-bringing-art-back/9525203/","projectTitle":"From Seca to Teacher: Bringing Art Back to the Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Williams","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10106645"},{"teacherId":10267376,"projectId":9732807,"letterContent":"We are beyond grateful for your generosity and support! Thanks to you, our students at Haley Academy now have a PlayStation 5 that will take our eSports and collaboration program to the next level.\r\n\r\nThis resource means so much more than just a gaming system; it's a bridge to teamwork, communication, and creativity. Our students are learning how to work together, think strategically, and support one another, all while engaging in something they truly enjoy. The excitement on their faces when they saw the PS5 was priceless! It immediately sparked conversations about leadership, fair play, and problem-solving in ways that traditional lessons often can't.\r\n\r\nBecause of your kindness, our students now have a space where learning feels exciting and inclusive. You've given them a tool that connects their passions to meaningful growth, both academically and socially.\r\n\r\nWe appreciate you for believing in our vision and helping our students reach new levels of collaboration and confidence. Thank you for being part of their journey; your impact will be felt every day in our classroom and our eSports lab.","fullyFundedDate":1759624946028,"projectUrl":"project/esports-with-collaboration-and-intention/9732807/","projectTitle":"eSports with Collaboration and Intention!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Johnson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10267376_orig.jpg?crop=1442,1442,x0,y33&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758156145825","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/dopeteacherjohnson"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_5811","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":457,"numTeachers":32,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":87,"percentWhite":1,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":10,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":0,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"14.3:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":51.4,"schoolId":5811,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Alex Haley Academy on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Alex Haley Academy","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/chicago-public-school-district-299/alex-haley-academy/5811"}