{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Taft High School","outOfStateSupporters":25.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9785954,"projectId":9716450,"letterContent":"Since receiving the scale, hot plates, and other materials so generously provided, my students have been thriving. In a classroom designed to teach students whose native language is not English, having access to hands on materials and tangible experiences has bridges the language gap for many of my students and has created so many positive learning experiences. \r\n\r\nFor starters, students used their access to hotplates to discover properties of ionic and covalent compounds. They designed an investigation and used these instruments to help them collect quantitative data to support their findings. I saw a soaring 95% grade average on their work after being able to use these materials rather than traditional learning methods. \r\n\r\nIn addition to this, the students used the electronic balances to investigate the creation of rust. They explored the question: How does a new substance like rust form in the first place? With their ability to relate something from their lives to the scientific practice of lab methods, students gathered findings to support their answers to the driving question. Using this experiential learning as a bridge to the language, students were able to practice their English in a way that felt authentic, real, and meaningful. \r\n\r\nI want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for giving my English Language Learners the opportunity to soar to new heights with not only their language acquisition, but their appreciation for science.","fullyFundedDate":1766502457133,"projectUrl":"project/chemistry-for-all-students-supporting-d/9716450/","projectTitle":"Chemistry for ALL students (Supporting DL and EL student populations)","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Castillo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9785954"},{"teacherId":8579692,"projectId":9818084,"letterContent":"Thanks to your contirbution, not only were we able to support our robotics team but also foreign teams including hosting the croatian robotics team in our space. The supplies your provided directly supported multiple robots this season and ensured that hudnreds of students were able to get their robots to work. As a result, our team was able to construct two fully function robots this year and include our middle school students in this robotics season. This ensured we had more engagement, more spirit, more teamwork than years before winning us the award for team spirit at every regional event we went to!","fullyFundedDate":1763588409147,"projectUrl":"project/its-time-for-more-robotics/9818084/","projectTitle":"It's Time for More Robotics","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Nguyen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8579692_orig.jpg?crop=179,179,x1,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1727500947639","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8579692"},{"teacherId":8579692,"projectId":9816549,"letterContent":"Thanks to your contribution, we have had the most successful, most impactful, and most accessible robotics season yet. Your contribution not only ensured that more students were able to engage in robotics, but it improved the lives of those reached by the breadth of our program. The addition of dozens of students impacted the lives of hundreds of students in the local community. Additional available resources allowed the inclusion of new students into robotics that did not stick with robotics but started accessability projects and outreach programs for K-8 schools around our community. Such support projects include accessibility tools, toys, and even adolescent wheel chairs!","fullyFundedDate":1761960187805,"projectUrl":"project/frc-robot-supplies-needed-for-a-strong-s/9816549/","projectTitle":"FRC Robot Supplies Needed for a Strong Season","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Nguyen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8579692_orig.jpg?crop=179,179,x1,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1727500947639","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8579692"},{"teacherId":10268156,"projectId":9724701,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity. When the boxes arrived, I had told my students about this opportunity they were granted in receiving these new supplies and they were excited about getting to use this new equipment. In a city like Chicago, where students are often aware of resource gaps at our schools, so seeing brand-new, high-quality tools specifically for their classroom made them feel truly valued. \r\n\r\nThe impact on their learning was immediate and was so much fun to watch. We recently used the manipulatives to tackle the daunting task of balancing chemical equations. Instead of just staring at numbers on a worksheet, students were physically moving \"atoms\" around to make sense of the Law of Conservation of Mass. One of my English Language Learners, who had been struggling with the abstract concept of coefficients, had a total \"lightbulb moment\" while using the kits as they were able to see and count the groups of molecules. Having manipulatives like this allow students who may struggle with reading and listening to use be able to use different modes of learning to understand this difficult concepts. \r\n\r\nAs we continue the unit, my classes are gearing up for a self-designed investigation where they'll use their stoichiometric knowledge in order to design a safe and effective airbag - modeling it after car airbags which was the phenomena they focused on for this unit. Once again - THANK YOU - your contributions gave my students the clarity and confidence they need to actually feel like scientists. Thank you so much for investing in them!","fullyFundedDate":1766940574770,"projectUrl":"project/building-strong-science-skills-with-esse/9724701/","projectTitle":"Building Strong Science Skills With Essential Lab Equipment for Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Safakas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10268156_orig.jpg?crop=288,288,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1759188964101","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10268156"},{"teacherId":9071530,"projectId":9602431,"letterContent":"Thank you for your kindness and consideration. Your donations have provided the entire classroom, staff and students, with a cleaner and safer classroom environment. Students have more, and varied, seating options. This provides comfort, a sense of safety, and a sense of belonging as well. \r\n\r\nThe seats you have allowed us to purchase are used to help students feel soothed, not have to use traditional seating when their ataxia makes it difficult for them to do so.\r\n\r\nThe cleaning products allow staff to clean work stations, tables, and student bathrooms when necessary, and without hesitation. This keeps staff and students alike clean, hygienic, and safe.","fullyFundedDate":1757941829547,"projectUrl":"project/cleanliness-and-new-seating-options/9602431/","projectTitle":"Cleanliness and New Seating Options!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Nakasone","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9071530_orig.jpg?crop=5142,5142,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1747935727556","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mr-nakasone"},{"teacherId":9800532,"projectId":9766172,"letterContent":"I am thrilled to share that our project, \"Empowering Special Education Sophomores with Essential Materials for Success,\" is now fully funded!\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, our classroom is about to look a lot different. For many of my students, these aren't just \"supplies\"—they are the tools that remove barriers. Whether it's the specific organizational tech or the sensory materials we've requested, you've provided these sophomores with a sense of belonging and the physical means to tackle their curriculum.\r\n\r\nSophomore year is a pivotal time for independence, and you've just given these students the ultimate head start. I can't wait to share photos of the materials in action!\r\n\r\nWith deep gratitude,","fullyFundedDate":1768232009734,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-special-education-sophomores/9766172/","projectTitle":"Empowering Special Education Sophomores with Essential Materials for Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Brackin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9800532"},{"teacherId":9721858,"projectId":9887745,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of two graphing calculators to our Honors Precalculus class through DonorsChoose. Your support has made an immediate and meaningful impact on my students' learning. We recently used the calculators during a constructivist exploratory lab on polynomial functions. Instead of simply being shown graphs, students actively graphed multiple polynomials themselves and looked for patterns across different degrees and coefficients. The technology allowed them to test their ideas instantly, revise their thinking, and notice connections such as how leading coefficients affect end behavior or how roots influence graph shape. The calculators transformed the lesson from passive note-taking into hands-on discovery.\r\n\r\nMany people use technology at home for convenience, but in our classroom, it becomes a powerful thinking tool. The graphing calculators help students visualize abstract mathematical concepts that can be difficult to grasp from equations alone. During our trigonometric functions unit, students used the calculators to explore amplitude, period, and phase shifts dynamically. They adjusted parameters and immediately saw how the graph changed, which deepened their conceptual understanding far beyond memorizing formulas. What excites students most is the sense of control since they can experiment, predict, and verify their ideas in real time.\r\n\r\nI have noticed that several students who are typically hesitant to speak up have grown more confident when using the calculators. The technology provides a safe space to explore and make mistakes privately before sharing conclusions with the class. One student in particular, who often doubts her math abilities, became visibly more engaged during the polynomial lab. She eagerly compared graph patterns with classmates and proudly explained her observations. Your donation is not just equipment but it is also empowerment, confidence, and opportunity.\r\n\r\nThank you again for investing in our students and their mathematical growth.","fullyFundedDate":1764785347839,"projectUrl":"project/graphing-calculators-essential-problem/9887745/","projectTitle":"Graphing Calculators = Essential Problem Solving Tools in Honors Precalculus","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Starzycka","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9721858_orig.jpg?crop=1083,1083,x196,y102&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1731202203464","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-starzycka"},{"teacherId":3336419,"projectId":9921258,"letterContent":"I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for helping make my dream in teaching such a powerful memoir a reality. I teach seniors in high school, and with that role comes the responsibility in helping them to adjust and adapt to adulthood. Chanel Miller's memoir, Know My Name, places students in her shoes, through every step of her grief, the grueling court process, and through her continual choice to fight back against oppressive systems. She also offers hope for other survivors of assault and highlights those who have helped her along the way. \r\n\r\nIn my classroom, students read in a variety of methods in order to support their diverse learning styles. We read select chapters and excerpts out loud as a class, but most of the reading is done independently or in small groups. With each section of reading, students must complete an analytical task and then be prepared to share out in small groups. Specifically, I ask students to approach sections of the reading through critical lenses: feminist, social class, cultural, historical, formalism, and psychological. Students must collect evidence related to their assigned lens and then evaluate and analyze what Miller is suggesting to readers relating to that concept. Though Miller writes in a way that is relatable, that doesn't undercut her literary skills. There is much to be analyzed about her style and content, and the engaging nature of this book motivates students to discuss its more technical and thematic aspects. \r\n\r\nIn listening to student discussions, it's clear that this is by far the most engaging book that they have read in our two-year course. Students react in real time to Miller's horrific and invasive experience, discuss how her mental health is being impacted along each step of the way, and analyze how her writing impacts the readers. Miller details her assault along with her experience being catcalled regularly and judged in the media. I have heard boys discussing, at length, how awful it is that women feel threatened all the time: walking to work, going to parties, and even being evaluated online. It is so important for young men to understand what it feels like to walk through the world as a woman; it makes them more empathetic individuals. Another positive impact the book has had is helping other students feel seen. I heard one of my students claim that Miller \"knows what it's like inside my brain,\" alluding to Miller's description of depression. This memoir gives students a platform to discuss mental health issues, which is so important for teens.\r\n\r\nOverall, this text has been so successful in my classroom, and it would not have been possible without your generosity!","fullyFundedDate":1764700360348,"projectUrl":"project/know-my-name-by-chanel-miller-book-orde/9921258/","projectTitle":"Know My Name by Chanel Miller: Book Order","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. O'Neill","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3336419_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y386&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1763933503073","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3336419"},{"teacherId":9071530,"projectId":9797772,"letterContent":"Thank you immensely for your contributions and kindness! Having a printer directly in the room instead of in the department office means that more adults are available to stay in the room with students who have level 1 autism. If you have ever worked in this setting before, you know that the more available staff on hand, the better. If you have not worked in this setting before, you have done an incredible kindness to the educators and students in the classroom. Where your contribution goes beyond this, is that sometimes in this line of work students will need updated medical forms, and sometimes that need is immediate. When parents have a direct line of communication with the educators in the classroom and are able to send over documents that need signatures, or need to be received my school medical staff, we are able to access and obtain those documents immediately. Last, but far from least, is that schoolwork for students can be revised and printed on the spot. These are 3 main ways that having a printer in the classroom benefits everyone involved.","fullyFundedDate":1764697082926,"projectUrl":"project/im-not-go-ink-anywhere/9797772/","projectTitle":"I'm Not GO-INK Anywhere!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Nakasone","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9071530_orig.jpg?crop=5142,5142,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1747935727556","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mr-nakasone"},{"teacherId":2481617,"projectId":9923922,"letterContent":"The momentum is only growing! Here is what is on the horizon for the next few weeks:\r\n\r\nThe Fit Test: Students will finalize their first round of \"V1\" prototypes and conduct user-testing sessions with volunteers.\r\n\r\nRefining the Design: Using the feedback, they'll return to their CAD software to adjust dimensions and density—learning that \"failure\" is just the first step of the iteration process.\r\n\r\nCommunity Hand-off: Our goal is to have a \"Library of Assistive Tools\" ready by the end of the term to donate to our local occupational therapy clinic.\r\n\r\nThank you for giving my students the chance to see themselves not just as learners, but as problem-solvers.","fullyFundedDate":1765849126907,"projectUrl":"project/print-with-a-purpose-equipping-students/9923922/","projectTitle":"Print With a Purpose: Equipping Students to Build Assistive Devices","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Schmidt","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2481617_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1486678218372","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/scischmidt"},{"teacherId":8430414,"projectId":9896311,"letterContent":"Thank you for my students' copies of Twelfth Night! We've had such a fun time working our way through one of the Bard's great comedies this winter. \r\n\r\nThe kids like to make fun of me that they know it has to end happily ever after because I don't do sad things in the winter and they're right, but it also means they understand the tropes of Shakespeare's plot structures, and they're deeply invested in how the story gets told. \r\n\r\nWe had a blast finding all the clues Shakespeare left in the text for actors to find, and learning a little bit of stage combat swordplay as we went. Thank you for giving them the opportunity to really own this text and make it their own. It feels very alive in their hands, even after 425 years. \r\n\r\nYou're the best.","fullyFundedDate":1764813390144,"projectUrl":"project/shakespeare-for-students-personal-copi/9896311/","projectTitle":"Shakespeare for Students - Personal Copies of the Script","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Morris","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8430414_orig.png?crop=694,694,x2,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1651148901202","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/anakinmorris"},{"teacherId":8579692,"projectId":9818085,"letterContent":"Thank you for your contribution to our project. Because of you, more students have access and opportunity to pursue their interests. Your donation provided for 6 additional setups to be deployed in our esports lab. Directly from this result, we were able to start an additional junior varisty team this season. Having three teams all practicing and competing at once wasn't even a dream before. We even had some returning students come back and pick up new games because of the comfort and availability you provided.","fullyFundedDate":1761538294712,"projectUrl":"project/esports-peripherals-for-cleaner-setups/9818085/","projectTitle":"eSports Peripherals for Cleaner Setups","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Nguyen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8579692_orig.jpg?crop=179,179,x1,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1727500947639","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8579692"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_5334","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":4440,"numTeachers":164,"percentFrplEligible":75,"percentAsian":6,"percentBlack":2,"percentWhite":41,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":43,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"7 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"27.1:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":74.6,"schoolId":5334,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Taft High School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Taft High School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/chicago-public-school-district-299/taft-high-school/5334"}