{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Taft High School","outOfStateSupporters":25.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9721858,"projectId":10253372,"letterContent":"When the boxes of tissues and pencils arrived and we opened them together in math class, my students' faces lit up with pure excitement. For them, having a fresh supply of sharpened pencils meant they could instantly dive into problem-solving without the daily stress of hunting for a working writing utensil, while the tissues became an essential comfort during chilly morning lessons. It may seem like a small contribution, but having these everyday essentials readily available makes my students feel supported, valued, and completely ready to focus on their learning.\r\n\r\nHaving these reliable supplies on hand has transformed our daily routine, ensuring that every student walks into math class prepared and confident. Instead of instructional time being interrupted by a lack of basic tools, our classroom runs smoothly where focus remains entirely on mathematical thinking, equations, and problem-solving. Your generous gift provides a stable foundation that keeps our learning environment organized, comfortable, and equitable for every child who walks through the door.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, our next steps involve tackling upcoming problem-solving challenges and collaborative projects where students will apply critical thinking to real-world math scenarios. Because your donation removed the barrier of missing supplies, every single student is fully equipped with the reliable tools they need to succeed in the months ahead. Thank you once again for investing in our math classroom, believing in my students, and helping us create a productive, welcoming environment every day!","fullyFundedDate":1785429234057,"projectUrl":"project/ready-set-learn-supplying-the-basics/10253372/","projectTitle":"Ready, Set, Learn: Supplying the Basics (Pencils/Tissues) for Next Year","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":9721858,"projectId":10240713,"letterContent":"On behalf of my students and myself, I want to express my deepest, most heartfelt gratitude for your incredible generosity in funding our classroom project. Receiving a brand-new class set of scientific calculators has completely transformed our daily learning environment across both IB MYP Advanced Algebra and Honors Precalculus. Prior to your support, our classroom relied on a mismatched assortment of older calculators—many of which had faint screens, sticky buttons, or lacked the critical mathematical functions required for higher-level coursework. Now, every single student sits down at their desk equipped with the exact tool they need to explore, analyze, and master complex mathematical concepts without frustration.\r\n\r\nMany of our generous supporters use technology at home for communication, entertainment, or everyday organization, but classroom technology in an advanced mathematics course serves a very distinct and powerful educational purpose. It acts as a vital bridge between abstract mathematical theory and real-world understanding. In IB MYP Advanced Algebra and Honors Precalculus, our curriculum challenges students to analyze intricate functions, evaluate logarithmic and trigonometric expressions, manipulate matrices, work with complex statistical distributions, and model real-world phenomena. Having these uniform scientific calculators allows students to quickly execute tedious multi-step arithmetic, shifting their focus away from repetitive computation and toward critical thinking, inquiry, and high-level problem-solving. Instead of getting bogged down by time-consuming manual calculations, students can run multiple trials, test mathematical hypotheses, and instantly observe numerical patterns. Technology in this setting elevates mathematics from simple calculation to true analytical thinking.\r\n\r\nThese new tools have had a particularly inspiring and transformative impact on several students who previously struggled with mathematical confidence. In advanced courses like Honors Precalculus and IB MYP Advanced Algebra, the fast pace and conceptual rigors can easily intimidate learners. One student in my Advanced Algebra class had always felt deeply anxious when working through multi-step algebraic problems. In the past, small manual arithmetic errors early in a problem would lead to incorrect final answers, causing severe frustration and making them feel as though they simply were not \"good at math.\"\r\n\r\nSince introducing these new calculators, this student's entire attitude toward mathematics has shifted dramatically. Having a reliable, precise tool to assist with complex operations provided an essential safety net, allowing them to isolate and focus on mastering the underlying algebraic reasoning rather than fearing minor computational mistakes. Their confidence has visibly grown week after week; their participation during whole-class discussions has soared, and they now eagerly tackle challenging multi-step problems that they would have previously avoided. For this student, along with several others in Precalculus, your gift removed a major barrier to learning and unlocked their true academic potential.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has done far more than supply our room with physical equipment; you have directly invested in my students' academic self-efficacy, mathematical literacy, and future prospects in STEM fields. By ensuring that every student in our school has equitable access to essential educational tools, you have empowered them to see themselves as capable mathematicians and problem solvers. Thank you for caring so deeply about our classroom and for making such a profound, lasting difference in our educational journey.","fullyFundedDate":1787157671298,"projectUrl":"project/scientific-calculators-in-ib-myp-adv-alg/10240713/","projectTitle":"Scientific Calculators in IB MYP Adv Algebra = Accessing Standards","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":9721858,"projectId":10240920,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for your incredible generosity in funding our classroom's community service initiative. The students gathered around as we unboxed the colorful stress balls, sensory stickers, lollipops, goldfish crackers, and encouraging wristbands. Seeing their faces light up as they realized these high-quality, comforting items were entirely theirs to manage and distribute was a moment I will never forget. They immediately felt valued, trusted, and empowered to make a genuine change.\r\n\r\nMy students were completely immersed in organizing and executing this project. We transformed our classroom into a highly organized service hub. Rather than worrying about fundraising or sourcing materials, our student leaders have been able to channel all of their creative energy into leadership and logistics. They have set up efficient assembly lines, sorted items systematically, and spent dedicated periods writing heartfelt, hand-written notes of encouragement to insert into each kit. It was a beautiful, firsthand demonstration of empathy in action.\r\n\r\nThe impact of your donation extends far beyond the walls of my specific classroom; it is actively reshaping our entire school culture. You did not just buy supplies; you ignited a cycle of kindness and leadership that will benefit our entire school community for a long time to come. Thank you for believing in my students and our community.","fullyFundedDate":1779453999420,"projectUrl":"project/students-take-initiative-wellness-kits/10240920/","projectTitle":"Students Take Initiative: Wellness Kits for the School Community","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":8579692,"projectId":10034453,"letterContent":"Thank you for funding this unique project. The materials you've help provide will engage students for years to come in all the bio and chemistry calsses across our entire school. Students have already started engaging with these card decks and materials. Although I only have one of each, this project ensures that every student will be able to participate and learn through this gameplay. These stoich decks have been an effective tool in teaching these complex topics that go beyond just chemistry. These build the foundation for future science classes and dimensional analysis in life beyond the school.","fullyFundedDate":1778225478254,"projectUrl":"project/gamify-chemistry/10034453/","projectTitle":"Gamify Chemistry!","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":10095291,"letterContent":"Thank you for making this dream come true. The end of the year is always a challenge to engage and occupy students with meaningful activities. This project has enabled me to gamify and have students critically analyze these complex science games. One of the largests complaints thus far has been the 20 some page rulebooks behind these games. However, by chunking the rules, grouping students, and making them teach the rest of the class the rules, students are critically analyzing, digesting, and teaching these games to continue to see how their practice can become real product. Thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1778225486007,"projectUrl":"project/gamify-biology/10095291/","projectTitle":"Gamify Biology","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":8430414,"projectId":10116665,"letterContent":"Thank you for supplying our classroom with some much needed year-end pick-me-ups. The treats are getting us through many a difficult afternoon, and the allure of a drawer full of snacks is sometimes the only thing that draws students into the classroom this time of year. The refilled and refreshed candy bag acts both as a reward for winning a game of Jeopardy or Kahoot, and as a quiet \"I see your effort\" when students need a little extra push. \r\nYour support of the little things in our classroom means the world. Sometimes the tricks a teacher needs aren't big or flashy; they're a well-placed bag of Goldfish. Thanks for helping make that happen for me and my students.","fullyFundedDate":1772634122977,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-snacks-odds-and-ends/10116665/","projectTitle":"Classroom Snacks, Odds and Ends","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":10206877,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting this important project towards our sustainable 3d printing goals. Because of this project, you've enabled our students to be able to print in multicolor designs with the minimal amount of waste possible. These changing heads allow our printer to print colors with minimal purge, enabling their imaginations to run wild. I know your impact will go far despite not being known directly. The most beneficial experience is that with the least friction and you enable that. Thank you.","fullyFundedDate":1777895558508,"projectUrl":"project/3d-printing-accessories-to-keep-our-mach/10206877/","projectTitle":"3D Printing Accessories to Keep Our Machines Working at Fullest","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":10192062,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your donation to making this project come alive. Because of your gift, I've been able to start a lending library of science books in my classroom. Your contribution ensures that my students and students for years to come have compelling novels for students to explore and borrow. From the immediate unboxing and the first weekend after receiving these books, I've already gotten requests from 12 different students to borrow specific book titles. This project is revitalizing reading for my class. Although I am not an english or reading teacher, the science lens behind these titles makes it particularly connected to our classroom topics. Your gift has enabled us to get students back into reading and to reincorporate reading activities in class.","fullyFundedDate":1776384228541,"projectUrl":"project/science-fiction-and-nonfiction-for-biolo/10192062/","projectTitle":"Science Fiction and Nonfiction for Biology Lovers","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":5631363,"projectId":9991570,"letterContent":"I cannot thank you enough for your incredible generosity in funding \"Second Semester Supplies for Super Seniors.\" When the boxes arrived, the energy in the room shifted instantly. My students were genuinely touched to see a fresh mountain of notebooks, folders, and pencils waiting for them. One of my seniors joked that they finally had \"no more excuses\" to not take notes, but in all seriousness, seeing their faces light up over brand-new supplies was a beautiful reminder that they feel seen and supported by their community. The addition of cleaning supplies and tissues has also been a game-changer; we've finally moved past the \"sweater-sleeve-as-a-tissue\" phase of the semester, creating a much more dignified and hygienic environment for everyone.\r\n\r\nWe are already putting these resources to work in our current Senior Capstone Portfolios. Having matching folders and sturdy notebooks has allowed my students to organize their research and college transition checklists with a sense of pride and professionalism they didn't have before. A specific moment that stood out was during our \"Goal Setting\" workshop last Tuesday: instead of the usual scramble to find a scrap of paper or a working pen, every student was able to open a fresh notebook and start mapping out their future. It felt like a fresh start for the second half of their final year.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, these supplies are the backbone of our upcoming \"Letters to My Future Self\" project. Students will be using their new folders to archive their best work from the year and their notebooks to draft reflections on their high school journey. Because of your help, my \"Super Seniors\" can focus entirely on their academic finish line rather than worrying about whether they have the basic tools to get there. Thank you for investing in their success and for making our classroom feel like a space where they truly belong!","fullyFundedDate":1768435536053,"projectUrl":"project/second-semester-supplies-for-super-senio/9991570/","projectTitle":"Second Semester Supplies for Super Seniors","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cipicchio","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5631363_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1533989299080","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-cipicchio"},{"teacherId":1484608,"projectId":9968361,"letterContent":"The original plan was to teach this book next year to my second year (senior) IB Language and Literature students to help explore global issues. However, an opportunity presented itself in which I decided to teach this book of short stories to my sophomores, an advanced group of students, paying immediate dividends to your generosity!\r\n\r\nWe began by watching the author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's talk about the \"Danger of a Single Story\" in which she warns against flattening a people's stories to just ONE story. \"The problem with stereotypes,\" she says, \"is not that they are untrue, but that they are incomplete.\" And it seems particularly fitting that this book by Adichie is a collection of stories, all presenting both Nigerians and Americans through a multifaceted lens.\r\n\r\nWe are only just three stories in and still feeling out the style and form of the stories, but in the second story \"Imitation,\" many students were able to grasp the false ideals that the characters found themselves living up to, both as men and women, as Americans and Nigerians, as husbands and wives, as the rich and poor, and as humans separated from reality.\r\n\r\nThank you for making this unit possible, even earlier than I had anticipated!","fullyFundedDate":1773840595234,"projectUrl":"project/finding-our-shared-humanity-through-lite/9968361/","projectTitle":"Finding Our Shared Humanity Through Literature","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Moon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1484608_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1449180969847","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/jmoon"},{"teacherId":8579692,"projectId":9680806,"letterContent":"Thank you for your contribution to this strange project. You've enabled me to reach more students with this project. By getting these beginner sets, students are introduced iteratively into the world of lock sport. This activity is one of the highest levels of engagement and cooperation I get out of students, especially towards the end of the school year where seniors are checking out. Your donation ensures that this project will be able to engage hundreds of students year after year. Students who were poor with their hands found expertise in this activity and became mentors to others, supporting each other in ways I didn't see them do in the year. This activity has been invaluable in boosting the confidence in students that believed they couldn't do other ones.","fullyFundedDate":1762265304366,"projectUrl":"project/bring-locksport-to-my-forensic-science-c/9680806/","projectTitle":"Bring Locksport To My Forensic Science Class","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":9907285,"letterContent":"thank you for your contribution towards this strange project. The joy and excitement I've seen in students that I do not know has been incalculable. This project of outreach and charity has spread far and wide throughout our school and students are actively seeking out information about our steam programs and asking valuable questions. Your donation has enabled this project to impact students far beyond the 100s of trinkets that were passed out. The word of mouth and breadth of participation across our 4700 student body demonstrates just how far and interested students are.","fullyFundedDate":1764859537872,"projectUrl":"project/kindness-and-3d-printed-toys/9907285/","projectTitle":"Kindness and 3d Printed Toys","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":4290,"numTeachers":164,"percentFrplEligible":73,"percentAsian":7,"percentBlack":2,"percentWhite":39,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":44,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":4,"gradesServed":"7 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"26.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":74.7,"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"}