{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Chicago Vocational Career Academy","outOfStateSupporters":31.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9747642,"projectId":10322091,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible support! The new phonics and language practice books have made such a wonderful difference for my English Learner students. When the boxes first arrived, their eyes completely lit up with excitement. They were thrilled to see all the brand-new, colorful resources laid out, eager to dive into activities that felt engaging, fresh, and made specifically for their learning journey!\r\n\r\nWe are using these practice books every day during our small-group instruction to reinforce key phonics patterns and target specific language skills. Having these hands-on pages readily available allows me to pull targeted activities right when a student needs extra practice or a quick skill check. Just recently, after working through a practice page together, one of my newcomer students used the sentence frames and phonics cues we reinforced to confidently read a full paragraph out loud to the class for the very first time. Watching his huge smile—and hearing his classmates erupt into applause—was an unforgettable moment that your generosity directly created.\r\n\r\nNext up, we are using these reinforced skills to tackle an interactive storytelling project! As my students solidify their vocabulary and phonics patterns through our daily practice routines, they are going to apply what they've learned to write and illustrate their very own short stories. Afterwards, they'll read their finished books to partner students in other grade levels, giving them a chance to proudly showcase their growing English proficiency. Thank you for giving my students the tools they need to build lasting reading confidence!","fullyFundedDate":1787664846344,"projectUrl":"project/grammar-remix-giving-old-rules-a-new-be/10322091/","projectTitle":"Grammar Remix: Giving Old Rules a New Beat","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Franklin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9747642_orig.jpg?crop=1508,1508,x0,y20&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746212346882","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9747642"},{"teacherId":5910561,"projectId":10322236,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for your generous support, which has provided our classroom with a wonderful collection of new novels. It is difficult to fully capture in words the profound impact these books have had on my students over the past several weeks, but I want to share a few ways your contribution has transformed our classroom culture and sparked a genuine love for reading.\r\n\r\nBefore these new books arrived, many of my students struggled to stay engaged during independent reading time. Our classroom library was filled with worn, outdated titles that felt disconnected from their lived experiences and interests. Reading was often viewed as a chore—something to complete for a grade rather than an activity to be enjoyed.\r\n\r\nThe moment the new novels were unpacked, everything changed. The students' eyes lit up as they browsed the vibrant covers, fresh pages, and wide variety of genres, ranging from captivating modern fiction and deeply moving graphic novels to thrilling mysteries and insightful biographies. For many of my students, having brand-new, relevant books in their hands gave them a renewed sense of ownership and pride in their learning.\r\n\r\nThe impact on their literacy skills and daily habits has been immediate and measurable. Students who previously struggled to focus for ten minutes now eagerly sit with their books for entire reading blocks, completely absorbed in the stories. I frequently observe them taking their novels out during free time, lunch, and even while waiting in line—a sight that was rare just a few months ago. The diverse characters and relatable themes in these new titles have allowed my students to see themselves reflected in the literature, while also offering them a window into cultures, perspectives, and worldviews different from their own.\r\n\r\nBeyond individual reading habits, these novels have transformed our classroom community as a whole. Books have become a shared passion among the students. They naturally recommend their favorite titles to one another, engage in spontaneous, thoughtful discussions about plot twists and character decisions, and debate different interpretations of key scenes. It has been incredibly inspiring to watch students who rarely spoke up in class suddenly find their voices during group discussions, eager to share how a particular story resonated with them.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has done far more than just put paper and ink into our classroom; you have fostered empathy, built critical thinking skills, and opened up new horizons for these young minds. By showing my students that their reading journey is worth investing in, you have sent them a powerful message about their value and potential.\r\n\r\nThank you once again for your incredible kindness and commitment to education. You have made a lasting difference in the lives of my students, instilling a passion for reading that will undoubtedly support them for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1787664932980,"projectUrl":"project/the-grown-analysis-project/10322236/","projectTitle":"The Grown Analysis Project","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Farmer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5910561_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1537848245100","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5910561"},{"teacherId":3099709,"projectId":10376895,"letterContent":"Thank you so, so much for your donations! My students and I were able to start the school year with the necessary supplies, and we are so grateful. Being able to disinfect the classroom every day (especially with flu season coming soon) has been helpful not only for preventing the spread of germs, but it has also given my students the opportunity to work on their daily living skills. Additionally, having wipes and bibs has also been extremely helpful with caring for mealtime needs as well as restroom needs. My students and I cannot thank you enough! :)","fullyFundedDate":1787664819035,"projectUrl":"project/back-to-school-basics/10376895/","projectTitle":"Back-To-School Basics","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McCormack","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3099709_orig.jpg?crop=1440,1440,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1601997885195","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/msmeganmccormack"},{"teacherId":125837,"projectId":10139457,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your support. The addition of the sublimation printer to our school makerspace has provided our seniors with a unique opportunity to combine digital design with real-world application. Rather than unboxing a major event, the machine quietly became an essential tool in our curriculum. Once it was set up and calibrated, students immediately began utilizing it to prepare for our annual Decision Day ceremony. Many of our students simply do not have the disposable income to purchase expensive college hoodies or order custom-made apparel from online vendors. By integrating this professional-grade technology directly into our school, we removed those financial barriers and ensured that every graduating senior could participate fully in this milestone celebration.\r\n\r\nThe project served as an excellent hands-on lesson in graphic design and manufacturing. Students took full ownership of the process, designing their own layout files using digital software. They learned about file formatting, color profiles, and the specific chemical process of sublimation, where heat permanently infuses ink into the fabric. The makerspace became a highly collaborative environment where students heading to four-year universities, trade schools, military branches, and local workplaces sat together to help each other clean up logos and align their graphics.\r\n\r\nWhen it came time to actually press the shirts, the reaction from the students was incredibly rewarding. Many expected the final product to look like a stiff, crunchy iron-on or a cheap DIY craft project. When they peeled back the transfer paper and saw a vibrant, store-quality design that was soft to the touch, their confidence was obvious. One senior noted how relieved they were to have a shirt that looked identical in quality to the expensive university gear their peers were buying online. For these students, the shirts became a meaningful symbol of their hard work and future plans.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, this project has established a sustainable framework for our makerspace. While the current graduating class was the first to utilize the printer for Decision Day, the equipment is now a permanent fixture in our school. Our younger students have seen what the seniors created and are already asking how they can use the machine for upcoming school projects and future celebrations. Your contribution did not just fund a piece of hardware; it provided a permanent resource that ensures socioeconomic status does not dictate a student's ability to celebrate their academic achievements. Thank you for making this equity possible for our seniors.","fullyFundedDate":1775259388434,"projectUrl":"project/wearable-wins-democratizing-graduation/10139457/","projectTitle":"Wearable Wins: Democratizing Graduation Celebration through Technology","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Anders","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp125837_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723058376765","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/andersatcvca"},{"teacherId":10343556,"projectId":9932952,"letterContent":"On behalf of our entire baseball program, I want to personally thank you for your generous support through DonorsChoose. Your contribution is more than just a donation—it is an investment in the growth, confidence, and future of our student-athletes.\r\nBecause of your generosity, our players now have access to equipment and resources that elevate their experience both on and off the field. For many of our students, baseball is more than a sport—it's a safe space, a team, and a source of discipline and pride. Your support helps us create an environment where they can learn teamwork, accountability, and perseverance.\r\nWith your help, we are not only building better athletes but also stronger young men who are learning life skills that will carry them far beyond the game. Whether it's improving their performance, boosting their confidence, or simply giving them the opportunity to play, your impact is felt every single day.\r\nThank you for believing in our program and our students. We truly appreciate your commitment to making a difference in their lives.\r\nWith gratitude,\r\nWillie Grant \r\nHead Baseball \r\n CVS Cavaliers Baseball","fullyFundedDate":1772414960470,"projectUrl":"project/baseball-2026/9932952/","projectTitle":"Baseball 2026","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Grant","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10343556"},{"teacherId":125837,"projectId":10002985,"letterContent":"This is a significant milestone! To reach the 500-word minimum required by many major grant platforms (like DonorsChoose), we need to paint a vivid picture of the \"before and after\" in your classroom. We will focus on the shift from passive consumers to active creators.\r\n\r\nHere is a comprehensive impact letter drafted for your donors:\r\n\r\nThe Spark of Innovation: Our Cricut Journey\r\nThe arrival of our four Cricut printers has fundamentally shifted the energy within our classroom. When the boxes first arrived, the atmosphere was electric. My students, many of whom have limited access to high-end creative technology at home, huddled around the machines with a mix of awe and skepticism. \"We can actually make professional stuff with these?\" one student asked. That skepticism vanished the moment the first blade began its intricate dance across the mat. Seeing their digital designs physically \"peeled\" into reality created a sense of immediate, tactile accomplishment that a standard printer simply cannot replicate.\r\n\r\nWe began our journey with a \"Identity and Branding\" project. Students were tasked with designing a personal logo that represented their post-secondary aspirations. Using the Design Space software, they learned the technical nuances of vector paths, layering, and spatial awareness. The \"aha!\" moments were constant. I watched a student who typically struggles with traditional writing spend forty minutes meticulously weeding a complex vinyl design, showing a level of focus and grit I hadn't seen all semester. The printers didn't just give them a sticker or a shirt; they gave them a sense of agency. They realized that they don't have to wait for someone else to manufacture their ideas—they have the tools to be the manufacturers themselves.\r\n\r\nThe impact of your generosity extends far beyond a single craft project. These machines have become a hub for collaborative problem-solving. Because we have four units, students now work in \"production teams.\" They are learning to troubleshoot technical glitches, manage material waste, and peer-tutor one another on software shortcuts. This mirrors a real-world graphic design studio environment. One of the most touching moments occurred when a student designed a decal for a classmate who had just been accepted into a competitive nursing program. The pride on both their faces—the creator and the recipient—was a testament to how these resources foster a supportive, celebratory school culture.","fullyFundedDate":1768573434443,"projectUrl":"project/crafted-with-class-celebrating-our-seni/10002985/","projectTitle":"Crafted with Class: Celebrating Our Seniors' Next Steps!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Anders","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp125837_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723058376765","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/andersatcvca"},{"teacherId":10201590,"projectId":9632796,"letterContent":"Our students' first reaction to the new furniture was priceless. They were so excited and couldn't wait to use the bean bags! Many of our students come into this space seeking peace, comfort, safety, and support, and these chairs have truly enhanced that environment.\r\nI only wish we could provide even more. When I observe them using the chairs, they seem noticeably more relaxed, better able to focus, or simply take a moment to breathe. These additions have been a breath of fresh air for both our space and our students.","fullyFundedDate":1765205112165,"projectUrl":"project/social-emotional-learning-space/9632796/","projectTitle":"Social Emotional Learning Space","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Smith","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10201590_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1765208060586","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mr-smith-bam"},{"teacherId":3099709,"projectId":10044501,"letterContent":"Thank you so, so much for your generous donations and allowing us to receive a weighted blanket for our classroom! My students were very excited to receive the weighted blanket and have already been putting it to use.\r\n\r\nHaving access to a weighted blanket has been very helpful for the students that seek sensory regulation. In addition to receiving help with sensory regulation, my classroom staff members and I are also able to incorporate teaching the students how to ask for the weighted blanket, which helps them work on their communication skills as well.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your kindness and generosity. We really appreciate it!","fullyFundedDate":1769456462253,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-needs-not-weighing-us-down/10044501/","projectTitle":"Sensory Needs Not Weighing Us Down","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McCormack","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3099709_orig.jpg?crop=1440,1440,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1601997885195","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/msmeganmccormack"},{"teacherId":9747642,"projectId":9748479,"letterContent":"When the boxes arrived, the excitement was palpable. But the real magic happened once the books were on the shelves and the snacks were in the bin. Yesterday, one of my students from Venezuela found a Spanish/English side by side book. For the first time all month, I saw her shoulders drop—the anticipation of \"not belonging\" vanished. They are no longer \"pretend reading.\" They are actually following the plot in their native language and glancing at the English side to bridge the gap. You've given them a way to feel welcomed while they're learning. People often underestimate how exhausting it is to exist in a new languagesetting. By 1:00 PM, my students are often hungry and tired. Providing a snack during reading time has turned the library into a welcomed enviornment. \r\n\r\nYour generosity transformed my students' learning by providing the \"linguistic bridge\" and physical comfort they needed to stay engaged, significantly increasing their reading stamina and confidence. With these materials, I was able to move beyond basic vocabulary drills and facilitate deep, bilingual comprehension discussions that honored my students' native languages while accelerating their English growth.","fullyFundedDate":1764700362642,"projectUrl":"project/reading-while-snacking/9748479/","projectTitle":"Reading While Snacking","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Franklin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9747642_orig.jpg?crop=1508,1508,x0,y20&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746212346882","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9747642"},{"teacherId":125837,"projectId":9698271,"letterContent":"Since adding the bird feeder camera to our makerspace, students have had a new way to observe the natural world in real time—right from inside a STEM classroom. The live stream has become a tool for inquiry: students watch patterns of behavior, track species visits, and ask authentic questions that lead to research, data collection, and discussion. Instead of learning about ecosystems only through text or videos, students are engaging with a living system they can return to daily, building observation skills and scientific thinking in a very tangible way.\r\n\r\nWhat excites students most is that the camera turns something familiar—birds outside a window—into something interactive and meaningful. The live feed feels immediate and shared; students check it between activities, reference it during lessons, and even debate what they're seeing. Because the stream runs continuously, it naturally supports student ownership: they decide when to observe, what to notice, and which questions are worth investigating further. It's become a quiet anchor in the room that invites curiosity rather than demanding attention.\r\n\r\nThe impact has been especially strong for students who don't always jump in right away during traditional lessons. Some of our quieter students gravitate toward the camera, using it as a low-pressure entry point into discussion and collaboration. Others who struggle with focus find that the real-world connection helps ground their thinking. The bird feeder camera has created a shared experience that blends STEM, literacy, and observation—and it's helping our makerspace feel like a place where learning starts with curiosity.\r\n\r\nThank you for making this experience possible.","fullyFundedDate":1757544446712,"projectUrl":"project/a-window-to-the-wild/9698271/","projectTitle":"A Window to the Wild","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Anders","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp125837_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723058376765","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/andersatcvca"},{"teacherId":125837,"projectId":9698230,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of LEGO materials to our makerspace and LEGO Club. Because of your support, our classroom has become an even more engaging, creative, and collaborative space for students.\r\n\r\nSince receiving the LEGOs, students have been using them daily in both structured lessons and open-ended exploration. In our makerspace, students are designing and prototyping solutions to real-world problems—such as building earthquake-resistant structures, creating mechanical linkages, and modeling engineering concepts like force, stability, and iteration. In LEGO Club, students collaborate in teams to plan, test, redesign, and present their builds, developing both technical and communication skills. One standout moment was watching a group redesign their structure three times after testing failures—each time more determined and excited to improve.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the LEGO donation, their reaction was immediate and unforgettable. There were gasps, smiles, and lots of \"Can we start right now?\" Many students who are usually quiet or hesitant in class jumped right in, eagerly sorting pieces and brainstorming ideas. The LEGOs created a welcoming entry point for all learners, especially those who thrive with hands-on, visual, and collaborative work.\r\n\r\nThanks to you, students are now moving into more advanced projects. Next, they'll be integrating LEGO builds with engineering challenges, design constraints, and reflection activities tied to our STEM curriculum. Students will document their design process, test and refine their ideas, and even mentor peers during LEGO Club sessions. These resources are helping students build confidence, problem-solving skills, and a genuine love of learning.\r\n\r\nYour donation didn't just provide materials—it opened doors to creativity, teamwork, and innovation. Thank you for giving our students the opportunity to imagine, build, and grow.","fullyFundedDate":1757544447031,"projectUrl":"project/building-brilliance-one-brick-at-a-time/9698230/","projectTitle":"Building Brilliance, One Brick at a Time","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Anders","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp125837_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723058376765","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/andersatcvca"},{"teacherId":6927804,"projectId":9719518,"letterContent":"I want to extend my sincerest gratitude for your generous support and belief in my students. Because of your contributions, our classroom has become a more engaging, inspiring, and inclusive learning environment where students can truly see themselves in the stories they read and the projects they create.\r\n\r\nYour donations helped provide access to meaningful literature, technology tools, and classroom resources that empower my students to think critically, collaborate creatively, and connect their learning to the world around them. Many of them have expressed how these materials make reading and writing feel more relevant and exciting. For some, it's the first time they've seen characters, authors, or themes that reflect their own experiences — and that connection has sparked confidence and curiosity that extends far beyond the classroom walls.\r\n\r\nEvery day, I see students who are more motivated to participate, more eager to share their ideas, and more confident in their abilities. Your generosity has made that possible. Thank you for investing in their growth, their voices, and their futures.","fullyFundedDate":1759863997011,"projectUrl":"project/building-identity-through-literature-ki/9719518/","projectTitle":"Building Identity Through Literature: Kindred in the Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Reid","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6927804_orig.jpg?crop=288,288,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758048727386","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6927804"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_5575","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":578,"numTeachers":48,"percentFrplEligible":92,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":89,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":9,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":0,"gradesServed":"9 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"12.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":68.9,"schoolId":5575,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Chicago Vocational Career Academy on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Chicago Vocational Career Academy","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/chicago-public-school-district-299/chicago-vocational-career-acad/5575"}