{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Richards Career Academy","outOfStateSupporters":41.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":7969590,"projectId":8800976,"letterContent":"This project has given our students the opportunity to explore electric guitar in a meaningful, hands-on way. The guitar, amplifier, cable, strap, picks, and instructional method book provide everything students need to begin learning the instrument, developing technique, reading music, and building confidence as musicians.\r\n\r\nThe classroom posters also help create a more engaging and musically focused learning environment, while the computer speakers give students additional access to digital audio resources and instructional materials. Together, these resources allow students to learn through both independent practice and collaborative music-making.\r\n\r\nFor many of our students, access to an electric guitar and the equipment needed to play it would not otherwise be available at home or in school. This project removes that barrier and gives students the chance to discover a new instrument, develop their musical interests, and see themselves as capable musicians. Your support has helped expand what is possible in our music classroom and has given our students another avenue for creativity, expression, and lifelong musical engagement.","fullyFundedDate":1735081232879,"projectUrl":"project/shredding-the-school-year/8800976/","projectTitle":"Shredding the School Year!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Konieczko","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7969590_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746705875641","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/rca-music"},{"teacherId":7969590,"projectId":8803904,"letterContent":"This donation will have a direct impact on our students' ability to participate fully and confidently in our music program. These may seem like small supplies, but they are essential to the daily operation of a successful music program. Providing these resources removes barriers to participation, helps students take better care of their instruments, and allows us to focus more of our time and energy on developing musicianship, collaboration, and confidence. Your support will directly help our students come prepared to learn, rehearse, and perform at their highest level.","fullyFundedDate":1735475724566,"projectUrl":"project/a-miscellaneous-musical-venture/8803904/","projectTitle":"A Miscellaneous Musical Venture","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Konieczko","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7969590_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746705875641","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/rca-music"},{"teacherId":10483959,"projectId":10210465,"letterContent":"When our package of softball equipment arrived, the energy in the room was electric. The students gasped when we opened the boxes to reveal the new bats, bright visors, and the ball thrower, immediately rushing over to inspect the gear. Several players tried on the visors right away, while others ran their hands over the brand-new grips on the bats with absolute awe. For many of our athletes, having access to high-quality, dedicated sports equipment made them feel recognized, supported, and truly valued as student-athletes.\r\n\r\nWe have already integrated these incredible resources directly into our daily practice and physical education units. The ball thrower has completely transformed our defensive drills, allowing every player to practice consistent fielding and outfield tracking with high-volume repetitions that were previously impossible. During a recent practice, one of our outfielders who previously struggled with pop-flies managed to catch three consecutive hits using the precise trajectory from the ball thrower. Her face lit up, and the entire team erupted into cheers—a powerful moment that instantly boosted her confidence and set a high bar for team camaraderie.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, our students are taking the skills they build with this gear onto the field as we begin our upcoming interscholastic season. They are currently analyzing their batting mechanics and swing speeds with the new bats, setting individual goals for their hitting percentages. Thanks to your generosity, our team is not only better equipped to compete safely and effectively, but they are also learning invaluable lessons in perseverance, teamwork, and pride.","fullyFundedDate":1778252315294,"projectUrl":"project/girls-fastpitch-softball/10210465/","projectTitle":"Girls Fastpitch Softball","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Santin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10483959_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1778769212344","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10483959"},{"teacherId":7969590,"projectId":9841729,"letterContent":"When we launched our school's drumline program last fall, we didn't realize just how much the community would rally behind us. After our debut performance, the excitement around us was awesome, but as a new program we were \"making do\" with a patchwork of equipment. To truly grow and provide our students with the experience they deserve, we needed to expand our battery. This bass drum was the missing piece of that puzzle.\r\n\r\nThe arrival of this instrument has had a profound impact on our rehearsals and our sound. In a drumline, the bass drum is the heartbeat; it provides the rhythmic foundation that keeps every other musician in time. Beyond the technical benefits, having a high-quality, dedicated bass drum has boosted student morale significantly. It signaled to our performers that their hard work is being recognized and supported by the world outside our band room.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, we are no longer just \"building\" a program. We are sustaining one. This drum has already been integrated into our daily practices and will be a staple of our public performances for years to come. You haven't just provided a piece of equipment; you've invested in the pride, discipline, and musical education of our students. Thank you for helping us keep the beat alive and for being an instrumental part of our success story!","fullyFundedDate":1764740672556,"projectUrl":"project/building-the-beat-growing-our-school-dr/9841729/","projectTitle":"Building the Beat: Growing Our School Drumline","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Konieczko","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7969590_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746705875641","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/rca-music"},{"teacherId":7969590,"projectId":9554692,"letterContent":"Our students spend countless hours developing their technique and pouring their very best into the work we do leading up to their final performance. However, there has always been a frustrating disconnect between the talent on stage and the sound reaching the audience. Without a professional-grade amplifier, our digital pianos often sounded thin and distorted, failing to capture the rich resonance and dynamic range of the music.\r\n\r\nThe arrival of the Roland keyboard amplifier has completely transformed our performance space. For the first time, our students can hear the true depth of their instruments. The clarity and power of this amp ensure that every note reaches the back of the room with crystal-clear fidelity.\r\n\r\nIn the past, looking back at concert recordings was often a source of disappointment due to poor audio quality. Now, we are able to record and revisit these milestones with a sense of genuine pride. These recordings serve as digital portfolios for our students and cherished memories for their families. Thank you for giving our students the voice they deserve!","fullyFundedDate":1760693759038,"projectUrl":"project/from-muffled-to-masterpiece/9554692/","projectTitle":"From Muffled to Masterpiece","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Konieczko","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7969590_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746705875641","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/rca-music"},{"teacherId":5129787,"projectId":9578520,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity! Because of your support, our student-athletes finally have the gear they need to succeed. Our track and cross-country program has been transformed now that our students have received their new running shoes and essential basic equipment. For many of our athletes, these aren't just shoes—they are an invitation to participate and a boost of confidence that they belong on the team.\r\n\r\nThe impact was instantaneous and deeply moving. When the boxes arrived and we began distributing the shoes, the energy in the room was electric. One of my students, who had been trying to run in worn-out street shoes, looked at his new pair of specialized running sneakers and asked, \"Are these really for me to keep?\" Seeing their faces light up was a reminder of how much it means to have people like you rooting for their success. The best part? Because of your donations, not a single student has been turned away for lacking the proper equipment. Every child who wanted to run now has the shoes to do so safely and comfortably.","fullyFundedDate":1755980136891,"projectUrl":"project/4-years-1-goal-shoes-and-gear-for-our/9578520/","projectTitle":"4 Years, 1 Goal: Shoes and Gear for Our Runners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Brahm","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5129787_orig.jpg?crop=899,899,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1565652093592","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-brahm"},{"teacherId":6797396,"projectId":9298631,"letterContent":"Your generous donations have made a tremendous difference for our student-athletes. Every piece of equipment, every uniform, and every resource you have provided has helped them feel pride and confidence in representing our school. Wearing their uniforms is more than just clothing .\r\n\r\nThanks to your support, our athletes are able to train, compete, and grow both on and off the field. They are developing important life skills such as discipline, perseverance, and leadership, and your contributions play a direct role in that growth. The impact you have made in the lives of these young men cannot be overstated — you are helping shape not only athletes, but confident, motivated, and responsible individuals who will carry these lessons far beyond the soccer field.\r\n\r\nFrom the bottom of our hearts, thank you once again for believing in our students and supporting their journey. Your generosity inspires them to work harder, dream bigger, and continue striving for success in every aspect of their lives.","fullyFundedDate":1746582560102,"projectUrl":"project/leveling-the-field-gear-up-our-student/9298631/","projectTitle":"Leveling the Field: Gear Up Our Student Athletes","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Rodriguez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6797396_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1697636935542","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6797396"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_5478","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":304,"numTeachers":16,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":26,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":68,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":4,"gradesServed":"9 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"19.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":58.2,"schoolId":5478,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Richards Career Academy on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Richards Career Academy","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/chicago-public-school-district-299/richards-career-academy/5478"}