{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Collins Academy","outOfStateSupporters":41.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8569662,"projectId":9719785,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your investment in students' reading! The research shows that the more we read, the better we read, and the more we read, the better we write. When students are engaged in what they are reading, they become voracious readers. This is especially important when they have access to high quality texts with world-shifting ideas. Books are banned when they have dangerous ideas in them and these are exactly the type of ideas that students need, especially students who are hungry to critically examine the world around them. Students who love reading become lifelong learners, which is exactly what I hope high school inspires students to be. Thank you for your help in that!","fullyFundedDate":1758811413450,"projectUrl":"project/subversive-students-reading-banned-book/9719785/","projectTitle":"Subversive Students: Reading Banned Books","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Curtin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8569662_orig.png?crop=302,302,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1659627624051","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8569662"},{"teacherId":8569662,"projectId":9636607,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for providing the materials for color printing. Some materials are better printed in color; particularly when students are doing discussions where they are tying all forms of literacy together–visual, written, reading, speaking, and listening. Additionally, printing at-desk resources for students to use while they are writing, discussing, or reading has been immensely helpful. \r\n\r\nWith this colored printer, I have been able to print desk-size resources of anchor charts. I can make these anchor charts responsively based on student data, formative assessments, and student need. This has been an amazing tool for scaffolding, differentiating based on student need, and providing additional supports.","fullyFundedDate":1758822792201,"projectUrl":"project/the-world-in-color-color-printing/9636607/","projectTitle":"The World in Color: Color Printing","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Curtin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8569662_orig.png?crop=302,302,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1659627624051","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8569662"},{"teacherId":8569662,"projectId":9593666,"letterContent":"Students cannot learn when they don't have their basic needs met, especially when they haven't eaten. Students need to be fed in order to learn; this is a fact. With the generosity of your donation, I was able to freely offer students access to nutritious snacks at the start of class to better focus. Students cannot be present without the fuel necessary to think, participate, and engage. \r\n\r\nThis donation became even more prudent and needed when SNAP benefits were suspended, which limited students' access to food at home. In my classroom, I put all of the snacks in a bin and students know that the answer is always yes. Students can rely on my classroom as a place where they can get nourished in more than one way.","fullyFundedDate":1755371215176,"projectUrl":"project/food-for-thought-snacks-for-students/9593666/","projectTitle":"Food for Thought: Snacks for Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Curtin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8569662_orig.png?crop=302,302,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1659627624051","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8569662"},{"teacherId":8569662,"projectId":9544894,"letterContent":"It is amazing seeing how students' learning deepens when they can access content through multiple learning modalities! It has been inspiring as a teacher to plan lessons that use visual and tactile learning strategies to engage all types of learners. Getting students up and moving, building out models, creating posters, presenting poster projects, making connections with post-it notes and color coding has lead to more engaging lessons, deeper learning, and happier students. \r\n\r\nThank you so much for providing materials so that I can do the type of teaching I know, through research and survey data, is best for my group of students. It has meant the world to be able to execute the type of lessons I know that these students need to retain information, suit their learning preferences, and engage meaningfully in the material.","fullyFundedDate":1754743244540,"projectUrl":"project/essential-tools-visual-tactile-learni/9544894/","projectTitle":"Essential Tools: Visual & Tactile Learning Zone","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Curtin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8569662_orig.png?crop=302,302,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1659627624051","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8569662"},{"teacherId":8569662,"projectId":9074505,"letterContent":"Standardized tests are a fact of life and preparation for them is necessary for a student's success beyond high school. The students at The Collins Academy STEAM High School deserve the world and achieving on the ACT is part of that. The tools that you helped provided helped mitigate testing anxiety; provided resources for test prep that is tactful, to the point, and research-driven; and helped provide incentives to muddle through test prep, which students can often feel reluctant about. \r\n\r\nIt is with your generosity, care, and consideration that the students I teach can continue to flourish. While standardized tests are not a complete measure of student capability, they are an important launch pad for scholarships and new opportunities. Thank you for investing in my students!","fullyFundedDate":1741222155480,"projectUrl":"project/time-to-ace-the-act/9074505/","projectTitle":"Time to Ace the ACT!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Curtin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8569662_orig.png?crop=302,302,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1659627624051","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8569662"},{"teacherId":6955663,"projectId":9624069,"letterContent":"My new classroom has been transformed into a warm, inviting space where students feel safe, supported, and seen. Having a room with windows has already made a world of difference—but it's the thoughtful items purchased that have truly brought the space to life. From the polka dot rug in our calming corner to the gentle music playing throughout the day, every item purchased has helped foster an environment where students can relax, reflect, and regulate their emotions.\r\n\r\nStudents often gravitate toward the table to draw or journal. These simple but powerful opportunities for self-expression and calm are essential in helping them navigate their days more successfully. The cozy atmosphere invites connection and healing. Thank you so much to my donors both anonymous and known. Your support has allowed me to create a safe space within the school, and the impact is visible every day in how students use and care for the space. Thank you for helping make this vision a reality.","fullyFundedDate":1756134063115,"projectUrl":"project/creating-calm-in-our-new-social-work-spa/9624069/","projectTitle":"Creating Calm in Our New Social Work Space","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. K","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6955663_orig.jpg?crop=2880,2880,x0,y144&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724424130927","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6955663"},{"teacherId":315366,"projectId":9354173,"letterContent":"Thank you for taking the time to look through Donorschoose and an even bigger thank you for choosing The Basics for Binder Organization grant to support. Our Piano Binders/Folders are organized like never before! Your donations helped supply new classroom three ring binders, subject dividers and card stock. It seems like such a simple grant, but your support has helped us in a very practical way. By providing this set of supplies, you have helped us prioritize some other funds and address other needs. This is so amazing and I hope you get a chance to look through the pictures. You have impacted my classroom in a very real and positive way. Thank you for your kind support!","fullyFundedDate":1752586363882,"projectUrl":"project/the-basics-for-binder-organization/9354173/","projectTitle":"The Basics for Binder Organization","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Carrera","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp315366_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1448767591386","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/315366"},{"teacherId":315366,"projectId":9204141,"letterContent":"I want to thank all of our donors for generously donating to our \"Beethoven Bucks!\" project. The store is open and ready for business! This project will teach my students about responsibility, saving and overtime pay (when they participate in extra activities and performances)! Everyday the students get Beethoven Bucks, as payment, to purchase incentives and rewards. They receive bucks for participating in all the facets of our new piano program. Thank you for looking through all the Donorschoose projects and an even bigger thank you for choosing our class to support. Thank you for investing in my school and students. You have made an impact on the lives of my students and encouraged me as an educator. May you be blessed!","fullyFundedDate":1746786963936,"projectUrl":"project/beethoven-bucks/9204141/","projectTitle":"Beethoven Bucks!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Carrera","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp315366_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1448767591386","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/315366"},{"teacherId":8575289,"projectId":9091598,"letterContent":"On behalf of my students and I, I want to sincerely thank you for your generous donation of hygiene products. These items may seem small, but they make a big difference in the lives of our students by supporting their health, confidence, and overall well-being.\r\n\r\nYour kindness helps ensure that basic needs are met, which allows our students to focus more fully on their learning and growth. Acts of generosity like yours remind us how powerful it is when a community comes together to care for one another.\r\n\r\nWe are deeply grateful for your support and thoughtfulness. Thank you for investing not only in hygiene essentials but also in the dignity and success of our students,","fullyFundedDate":1746786446596,"projectUrl":"project/hygiene-security/9091598/","projectTitle":"Hygiene Security","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Howard","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8575289_orig.png?crop=237,237,x3,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1738851808111","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8575289"},{"teacherId":8637030,"projectId":9134936,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our artivism project. Your contribution has truly empowered our students to dive into the world of artivism, exploring how creativity can be a powerful force for change. The funding for the button maker, and various art supplies was instrumental, providing the tangible tools our students needed to transform their ideas into impactful art. Because of your investment, they were able to move beyond just learning about history and start making their own.\r\n\r\nYour support directly enabled our students to create meaningful pieces of protest art. The photo printer allowed them to incorporate powerful images into their work, adding a new layer of depth and context to their messages. With the button maker, they produced wearable art that carried their voices out into the community, sparking conversations beyond the classroom walls. The provided art supplies gave them the freedom to experiment with different mediums and techniques, helping them find the most effective ways to express their unique perspectives on issues that matter to them.","fullyFundedDate":1748041820636,"projectUrl":"project/art-as-action-igniting-creativity-arti/9134936/","projectTitle":"Art as Action: Igniting Creativity, Artivism, and Civic Engagement","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Collins","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/shantilcollins"},{"teacherId":315366,"projectId":9157024,"letterContent":"What a great start to the school year! We received the new benches just in time and were able to replace the old and broken piano benches. Thank you for supporting our school and piano program in this way. Your donation allowed us to fix this issue and helped spread out budget out in other much needed areas. Thank you taking the time to look through Donorschoose and an even bigger thank you for choosing our program to support. This program is only a year old and we are still getting many of the things we need to make this space amazing. Every donation matters and makes a big difference in my piano program. You have made an impact on the lives of my students. Thank you, again, for your help.","fullyFundedDate":1746786988542,"projectUrl":"project/piano-keyboard-benches-are-bent/9157024/","projectTitle":"Piano Keyboard Benches Are Bent","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Carrera","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp315366_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1448767591386","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/315366"},{"teacherId":315366,"projectId":9149053,"letterContent":"Over the summer I was getting all my charts, cabinets and student storage places set up. I was so glad to have received the book shelf organizers. They have totally made a difference in my room in terms of organization and appearance. Thank you for taking the time to look through donors choose and an even bigger thank you for choosing my class to support. These have worked out so well that I will probably write a grant for an additional set. School is very quickly getting into a rhythm and I couldn't have done it without your support and encouragement. Thanks again!","fullyFundedDate":1746627588789,"projectUrl":"project/shelf-help/9149053/","projectTitle":"Shelf Help!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Carrera","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp315366_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1448767591386","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/315366"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_97721","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":210,"numTeachers":22,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":95,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":3,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"9 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"9.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":58.5,"schoolId":97721,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Collins Academy on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Collins Academy","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/chicago-public-school-district-299/collins-academy/97721"}