{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Illini West High School","outOfStateSupporters":17.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10073522,"projectId":9751825,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your donation to my classroom! Because of your donations, I was able to purchase a class set of Suzanne Collins' \"The Hunger Games\" and Tim O'Brien's \"The Things They Carried.\" My juniors have just finished our unit on \"The Things They Carried\" and are currently writing reflection papers on how the depiction of the Vietnam war in the novel affected their understanding of war as well as how talking to a guest veteran speaker helped them to understand the impact of war better than when we began the unit. I'm extremely pleased with how the unit went and with how my student's learning was deepened due to their ability to read such a great novel.\r\n\r\nWe will be starting our unit on \"The Hunger Games\" in the spring where students will be participating in a mock Hunger Games where the school will get to vote every week on who to remove from the 'arena,' which will help the students to understand the importance of agency and socio-political consciousness as we read the novel. I'm very excited to start the unit because it will give students a better grasp on why social justice is important in their everyday lives. Thank you so much for your generous contribution to my classroom and to my students!","fullyFundedDate":1759327336561,"projectUrl":"project/class-novels-for-two-reading-units/9751825/","projectTitle":"Class Novels for Two Reading Units","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. G","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10073522_orig.jpg?crop=4000,4000,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1752016772314","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/miss-gindlesberger"},{"teacherId":7766483,"projectId":9722729,"letterContent":"This curriculum that I was able to buy with your donation has helped me tremendously. I have been able to add to what I already do with more simulations and hands on activities. The cell parts cut outs that I was able to laminate and place on my board was a great asset, because students could build the cells and we could do oral quizzes. They were also able to see it everyday to help them learn the parts. \r\nMy anatomy class has benefited, especially during the muscle unit, because they were able to utilize the skeleton models and clay and work at their own pace instead of waiting around for my instruction or other students. \r\nMy students have enjoyed all the activities and manipulations that I have been able to purchase, and it has made my classes more interesting. Thank you so much for your generosity.","fullyFundedDate":1758605311773,"projectUrl":"project/from-cells-to-ecosystems-inspiring-stud/9722729/","projectTitle":"From Cells to Ecosystems: Inspiring Students with New Biology Curriculum","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cook","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7766483"},{"teacherId":9886431,"projectId":9577114,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for donating these resources for my students to use on their projects. I have found that the students in my life science class respond well to more hands-on assignments and tend to do better with projects like the cell T-shirts instead of tests. \r\n\r\nThey seemed interested in the project as soon as I brought it up, even the students that typically act like they are too cool for school. The students' faces lit up when they saw all of the supplies that they were able to use and became even more excited when they realized that all of this was free for them. \r\n\r\nStudents used these materials to model plant and animal cells for the rest of the class. They created 3D models of these cells on their shirts and then had to present to the class by walking the makeshift runway in my classroom. Even students that would never volunteer to stand at the front of the room were excited to present their shirts to the classroom.\r\n\r\nWe never would have been able to do this without donors like you!","fullyFundedDate":1757526656771,"projectUrl":"project/cell-fashion/9577114/","projectTitle":"Cell Fashion","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Luzadder","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9886431"},{"teacherId":9360090,"projectId":9910152,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our project. I am continually inspired by how caring, creative, and community-minded my students are. Each one brings unique ideas and perspectives to our classroom, and they take great pride in using their artistic talents to make a positive difference in our school and community.\r\n\r\nBecause of your contribution, we now have the acrylic paints needed to repair and restore the remembrance mural at the baseball field—a meaningful piece of our school's history that has begun to peel and fade. As my students work to bring the mural back to life, they will learn valuable artistic skills such as color blending, layering, and preparing surfaces, all while practicing patience, collaboration, and attention to detail.\r\n\r\nOne of the most impactful aspects of this project is the opportunity it creates for students of all abilities to work together. By involving our special education students in meaningful roles—selecting color palettes, prepping surfaces, painting designated sections, and collaborating with art club members—we are fostering an inclusive environment where every student can contribute in ways that feel empowering and valued. This shared experience encourages teamwork, peer support, and the kind of problem-solving that strengthens our school community.\r\n\r\nThis project is so much more than repainting a mural. It is an opportunity for students to take ownership, honor important memories, and witness firsthand how art can bring people together. Your generosity makes it possible for them to build confidence in their creativity, grow their collaborative skills, and experience the joy of creating something meaningful for others.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students, for supporting inclusive learning, and for helping us bring new life to a project that means so much to our community.","fullyFundedDate":1763830440031,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-color-back-restoring-our-remem/9910152/","projectTitle":"Bringing Color Back: Restoring Our Remembrance Mural","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Sturlic","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9360090_orig.jpg?crop=397,397,x0,y3&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1699561167846","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9360090"},{"teacherId":6551954,"projectId":9758059,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our project. My students are naturally curious, creative, and full of imaginative ideas, and your donation gives them the opportunity to bring those ideas to life in meaningful and innovative ways.\r\n\r\nWith the addition of a 3D resin printer and the necessary supplies, my students will be able to blend art with technology—designing, testing, and refining their creations while developing real-world problem-solving skills. This experience will not only deepen their artistic abilities but also strengthen their understanding of STEM concepts, building confidence and sparking innovation that will serve them long into the future.\r\n\r\nYour generosity provides them with tools that expand their horizons and empower them to create, experiment, and discover. Thank you for believing in their potential and for helping inspire the next generation of makers and thinkers.","fullyFundedDate":1761258368230,"projectUrl":"project/from-imagination-to-creation-3d-resin/9758059/","projectTitle":"\"From Imagination to Creation: 3D Resin Printing in the Classroom\"","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Buxman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6551954_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y772&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758642786353","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/illiniwestart"},{"teacherId":10073522,"projectId":9452348,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to my classroom! My students and I are exceedingly grateful for the materials your donations have afforded us in the classroom. With the donations you have given us, we were able to secure clear, plastic tubs with carrying handles, extra large, lined notecards, and yellow highlighters for our senior research paper project. In this project, all of my senior students will receive a plastic tub, a pack of notecards, and two yellow highlighters that they will carry with them for almost all of next semester. Their tubs will be what they use to keep all of their research clearly organized and stored as they write a research paper on a topic of their choosing. My students were curious as to what the materials were for at first and admittedly not excited about the paper, but the idea of them getting their own tub is exciting to them. The next steps for are project will be the students choosing their paper topics by January and getting to work! Thank you again for your donation to my classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1755704995371,"projectUrl":"project/senior-research-paper/9452348/","projectTitle":"Senior Research Paper","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. G","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10073522_orig.jpg?crop=4000,4000,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1752016772314","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/miss-gindlesberger"},{"teacherId":6551954,"projectId":9721572,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my classroom and believing in the power of creativity! Your generous contribution will make a lasting impact on my students by giving them access to high-quality art supplies that truly elevate their work. With the new Prisma colored pencils and paints, they'll be able to explore color, shading, and detail in ways that bring their imaginations to life.\r\n\r\nWhen the new art supplies arrived, my students were absolutely thrilled! The excitement in the room was contagious as they unpacked the boxes, marveling at the rich colors of the Prismacolor pencils and the smooth texture of the new paints. Many students immediately began testing shades, layering colors, and experimenting with blending techniques they had only learned about before, but never had the tools to truly try. Their faces lit up as they saw how much depth and detail they could achieve in their drawings.\r\n\r\nWe've already begun using these materials for a portrait and illustration unit, where students are creating expressive self-portraits that reflect their identities, emotions, and personal stories. With the new supplies, they've been able to add dimension, vibrant tones, and intricate details that bring their work to life. It has been incredible to watch students who once hesitated to take creative risks now feel confident and proud of what they can accomplish.\r\n\r\nThese resources have not only elevated the quality of their artwork but also deepened their understanding of technique, patience, and perseverance. My students are learning to see mistakes as part of the creative process and to celebrate growth with every piece they complete. Thank you for allowing them to explore, imagine, and express themselves in new and meaningful ways. Your generosity truly made a difference in our classroom!\r\n\r\nYour kindness not only helps my students grow as artists but also builds their confidence, patience, and problem-solving skills. I'm so grateful for your support in helping them discover their voices through art. Because of you, their ideas will shine brighter and their creativity will continue to flourish.","fullyFundedDate":1761258368520,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-art-to-life-with-color/9721572/","projectTitle":"Bringing Art to Life with Color","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Buxman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6551954_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y772&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758642786353","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/illiniwestart"},{"teacherId":9357173,"projectId":9722354,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of my classroom! Because of your donations, my students now have essential tools that make a real difference in their daily learning—pencil sharpeners, calculators, charging cords, and new copies of Night by Elie Wiesel.\r\n\r\nThese items may seem simple, but their impact is extremely meaningful. With functioning sharpeners and charging cords, students can stay prepared and focused instead of losing valuable class time. The calculators have boosted students' confidence during math and science lessons, by allowing students to check their understanding and tackle more challenging problems.\r\n\r\nMost meaningful of all, your gift of Night has allowed every student to hold their own copy of this powerful story. Our discussions have been richer and more personal because each student can annotate, reflect, and connect deeply with Elie Wiesel's story.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has not only supplied materials—it has enhanced the learning environment and reminded students that there are people who believe in their potential. Thank you for helping create a classroom where every learner can thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1761258367791,"projectUrl":"project/powering-success-one-supply-at-a-time/9722354/","projectTitle":"Powering Success One Supply At A Time","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sturlic","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9357173_orig.jpg?crop=289,289,x0,y9&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1699561277231","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9357173"},{"teacherId":10237938,"projectId":9742732,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our From Gaming to Growth: Esports for Students project! \r\n\r\nBecause of your gift, we were able to provide a high-performance PC and equipment that our students had only dreamed of using. This technology is already transforming how our students engage with learning — from building teamwork and strategic thinking to sparking curiosity in computer science, IT, and other STEM fields. What may look like a tool for gaming at first glance is really a powerful tool to develop problem-solving skills, collaboration, and technical confidence that transfer directly into real-world academic and career pathways.\r\n\r\nOur students are beyond excited about the new equipment! Being able to compete in PC-based esports leagues — where most competitive play now happens — has given them a renewed sense of purpose and pride. They are not only practicing gameplay but also learning about hardware, software, and the technology that powers it all. Seeing them debug settings, optimize performance, and support one another through challenges has been one of the most rewarding parts of the program.\r\n\r\nThere are a few students in particular who have truly flourished with this opportunity. Some who were previously disengaged have found a space where they shine, stepping up as leaders in helping teammates learn new skills. Others have discovered interests that are steering them toward future aspirations in coding, engineering, and esports management. Your support has opened doors for our students — not just in competitions, but in growth, confidence, and the belief that they can pursue technology-driven careers.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in them and for making this possible.\r\nWith gratitude,\r\nTyler Cregger","fullyFundedDate":1758605311515,"projectUrl":"project/from-gaming-to-growth-esports-for-stude/9742732/","projectTitle":"From Gaming to Growth: Esports for Students","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Tyler Cregger","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10237938"},{"teacherId":9556134,"projectId":9408922,"letterContent":"Our cheerleaders were absolutely thrilled when the new bags arrived! The excitement was immediate—students gathered around to unpack and proudly organize their uniforms, shoes, and bows in the new team bags. Many commented on how \"official\" and unified they felt walking into games and events with matching gear. It's such a simple change, but it has transformed how our athletes carry themselves—literally and figuratively.\r\n\r\nSince receiving the new bags, our team has been using them at every practice, game, and community event. The organization and durability of the bags have made it easier for students to stay prepared, and the sense of pride has been unmistakable. One of my favorite moments was watching the team line up for our first home game of the season, each athlete wearing their new bag with confidence and excitement—it truly felt like a fresh start.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, our next steps are to continue building on this sense of pride and professionalism. We're preparing for upcoming performances, community appearances, and competitions, and these bags help set the tone for discipline, unity, and school spirit. Your generosity has not only provided a practical resource but has strengthened our team identity and enthusiasm. Thank you for making such a visible and meaningful impact on our program!","fullyFundedDate":1758605312032,"projectUrl":"project/new-team-new-bags/9408922/","projectTitle":"New Team New Bags","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Miller","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9556134"},{"teacherId":6551954,"projectId":9371804,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom with the 3D printer, filament, storage carts, and totes. Your generosity has opened a new world of creativity and exploration for my students, and I am already seeing how transformative this resource is. Many of my students are familiar with technology at home, but having access to it in the classroom allows them to move from consumers to creators. They are learning how design, engineering, and art can come together, and this hands-on experience is giving them confidence in problem-solving and critical thinking.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting part for my students has been watching their ideas come to life in a tangible way. Seeing a design they sketched on paper transform into a 3D object is inspiring and motivates them to keep experimenting. Several students who were hesitant about art projects before are now diving in with enthusiasm, eager to test their designs and collaborate with peers. One student in particular, who usually shies away from class participation, has become one of our most dedicated learners, staying after class to fine-tune designs and encourage classmates.\r\n\r\nYour support has made our art room more organized, collaborative, and innovative. The carts and totes make materials accessible and easy to manage, allowing students to spend more time creating and less time searching for supplies. Most importantly, you have helped spark a passion for learning that blends creativity with technology—skills that will serve my students well beyond the classroom. We are so grateful for your kindness and investment in their future.","fullyFundedDate":1757526657003,"projectUrl":"project/crafting-creativity-empowering-art-with/9371804/","projectTitle":"Crafting Creativity: Empowering Art with 3D Innovation","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Buxman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6551954_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y772&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758642786353","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/illiniwestart"},{"teacherId":9793991,"projectId":9145656,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our agriculture program! With your help, we were able to purchase supplies that bring hands-on learning to life for our students.\r\n\r\nThe moment students first saw the new materials, their excitement was contagious—they were eager to roll up their sleeves and get started. \r\n\r\nThese resources are allowing us to go beyond textbooks. Students are actively engaged in applying what they learn, whether it's caring for plants, practicing scientific techniques, or exploring careers in agriculture. \r\n\r\nYour generosity has created meaningful, real-world experiences for my students. Because of you, they aren't just learning about agriculture—they are truly experiencing it.","fullyFundedDate":1742235245282,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-opportunities/9145656/","projectTitle":"Hands-On Opportunities","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Merritt","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9793991_orig.jpg?crop=1500,1500,x0,y300&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1730050771981","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9793991"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_25545","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":330,"numTeachers":25,"percentFrplEligible":48,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":92,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":4,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"9 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"13.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"RURAL","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_REMOTE"},"inStateSupporters":82.5,"schoolId":25545,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Illini West High School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Illini West High School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/illini-west-high-school-district-307/illini-west-high-school/25545"}