{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"J Sterling Morton East High School","outOfStateSupporters":37.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10189827,"projectId":9786543,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous contributions to my Donors Choose project. Your support has allowed me to provide snacks for many of my students, something that might seem small but truly makes a meaningful difference in their day. These snacks have offered students a moment of comfort, encouragement, and energy—especially during long or challenging school days.\r\n\r\nI am incredibly grateful for your kindness and willingness to invest in my classroom. Your donations have helped create a more supportive and welcoming environment, giving students the boost they need to stay focused and feel cared for. Thank you for believing in my students and for helping meet a need that directly impacts their learning and well-being. Your generosity has made a real and heartfelt impact.","fullyFundedDate":1762008027177,"projectUrl":"project/snack-time-focus-time/9786543/","projectTitle":"Snack Time = Focus Time","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Magaña","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10189827_orig.jpg?crop=571,571,x0,y150&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755629731427","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10189827"},{"teacherId":4323666,"projectId":9142837,"letterContent":"I want to extend my deepest gratitude for your generous donations and support of my classroom project. Your kindness and compassion have made an incredible difference for my students — especially during what has been a very challenging year for our school and community.\r\n\r\nThis year, more than ever, our students have needed extra care, encouragement, and resources to help them feel safe, supported, and ready to learn. Your donations provided exactly that. The snacks, coloring books, pencils, and fidgets have brought both comfort and joy to the classroom. The snacks keep students fueled and focused throughout the day, while the coloring books and fidgets have given them healthy, calming outlets to regulate their emotions. Even small things like new pencils have helped them take pride in their work and stay motivated.\r\n\r\nBeyond the materials themselves, your support sent a powerful message to my students — that there are people who believe in them, care about their success, and want to see them thrive. That encouragement means more than words can express.\r\n\r\nFrom the bottom of my heart, thank you for investing in our classroom and in the future of our students. Your generosity has truly made this difficult year a little brighter, and we are so grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1754012176240,"projectUrl":"project/positive-affirmations-and-wellness-tools/9142837/","projectTitle":"Positive Affirmations and Wellness Tools!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Miranda","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4323666_orig.jpg?crop=1242,1242,x0,y182&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1740501970848","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4323666"},{"teacherId":9738415,"projectId":9295208,"letterContent":"From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your generous support in helping us bring a Cricut machine into our classroom. Because of you, our students had the chance to tap into their creativity and have so much fun designing decorations for our school's Homecoming door-decorating contest.\r\n\r\nThe Cricut quickly became the heart of our project. Students gathered around it, sharing ideas, brainstorming designs, and learning new ways to express themselves. It was so inspiring to watch them light up with excitement as their ideas came to life — from sketches on paper to beautiful decorations that will proudly be displayed.\r\nEven more meaningful than the decorations themselves was the teamwork and sense of community that grew in the process. Students who might not have worked together before were collaborating, encouraging one another, and celebrating each other's creativity. It brought our classroom closer together and filled it with laughter, school spirit, and pride.\r\n\r\nWhether we win the contest or not, we've already won something far more important — the joy, confidence, and connection your gift helped make possible. Thank you for believing in our students and for giving them this opportunity to create, collaborate, and shine.\r\n\r\nWith heartfelt gratitude,\r\nCynthia Belmares-Brown\r\nHigh School English Teacher","fullyFundedDate":1755711728528,"projectUrl":"project/creative-cutting/9295208/","projectTitle":"Creative Cutting!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Belmares","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9738415_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1745940846594","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9738415"},{"teacherId":9931229,"projectId":9209932,"letterContent":"I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the individuals who funded my \"Hygiene Harmony: Empowering Students Through Self-Care\" project. The new resources have made a significant impact on students' learning experiences, empowering them to feel confident and cared for. It has been wonderful to see them fully engage in their education without the distractions and insecurities stemming from unmet hygiene needs.\r\n\r\nThe response from my students has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing appreciation for the supportive environment that allows them to access necessary hygiene items without hesitation. Several female students have shared their excitement about the feminine products available in my office, often saying, \"now I know where to come.\" The lip balm has been particularly popular as the weather changes in the Midwest. I look forward to continuing this journey by finding additional resources to support our students while including their culture background.","fullyFundedDate":1746785390019,"projectUrl":"project/hygiene-harmony-empowering-students-thr/9209932/","projectTitle":"Hygiene Harmony: Empowering Students Through Self-Care","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Salgado","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9931229_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y77&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1749747522999","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9931229"},{"teacherId":9931229,"projectId":9209813,"letterContent":"I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the individuals who funded my \"Comfort Corner: Snacks & Support for Student Success\" project. The new resources have made a significant impact, providing students with snacks to keep them energized throughout the day and creating a safe and comfortable space for those facing academic or emotional challenges. My returning students have embraced the fidgets and snacks, often stopping by my office for motivation or a quick check-in.\r\n\r\n\r\nThe response from my new students has also been overwhelmingly positive; they find it easier to relax in the welcoming environment. Their favorite items, like the Japanese Zen Garden kit and magnetic tiles. These items have added to the soothing atmosphere, especially with the calming sound of the water fountain. As I look ahead to future projects, I aim to focus on the emotional needs of my English Language Learning students, seeking resources that will enhance my ability to support them throughout the school day. In addition, more snacks to continue nourishing students through the day. Thank you once again for your generous support!","fullyFundedDate":1746786156993,"projectUrl":"project/comfort-corner-snacks-support-for-stu/9209813/","projectTitle":"Comfort Corner: Snacks & Support for Student Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Salgado","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9931229_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y77&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1749747522999","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9931229"},{"teacherId":2838537,"projectId":9143169,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity in helping me provide the awards for our senior class members this past year. They were so excited and thrilled when they saw their items. \r\n\r\nThe awards allowed students to be recognized for their achievements the past 3 years of being in the club and their dedication to helping others in the community. The younger members helped create memory boxes filled with moments from the club and their contributions to the undocumented community, especially in their own community.","fullyFundedDate":1741371370611,"projectUrl":"project/dreamers-and-allies-club-senior-award/9143169/","projectTitle":"Dreamers and Allies Club Senior Award","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wilson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2838537_orig.jpg?crop=360,360,x0,y25&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1610412984464","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/rwilson"},{"teacherId":2838537,"projectId":9126230,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity. The students were so excited, thrilled to learn that we got these materials for our classroom. They immediately started talking about all the projects we could complete with them. \r\n\r\n The students have been using the Cricut machine to create T-shirts in remembrance of a loved one lost, vinyl creations to represent their cultures. Students will be continuing to explore different cultures, using the Cricut to create culture art and reflections to reflect our field trips and experiences this year.","fullyFundedDate":1740973458046,"projectUrl":"project/cricut-tools-for-diversity-projects/9126230/","projectTitle":"Cricut Tools for Diversity Projects","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wilson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2838537_orig.jpg?crop=360,360,x0,y25&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1610412984464","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/rwilson"},{"teacherId":9023288,"projectId":9290698,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous gift of a bookshelf for our classroom, the smallest full-size room in the school. Space is precious here, and your donation has truly made a difference. The new bookshelf not only helps us stay organized, but it also creates a welcoming space where students can easily explore books and learning materials. What might seem like a simple piece of furniture has had a big impact: it makes our classroom feel more open, more functional, and more inviting for our students. Every time they choose a book from those shelves, they're reminded that people in their community care about their learning and want to support their success. We are so grateful for your kindness and for helping us make the most of every inch of our classroom. Thank you for giving our students both the resources and the inspiration to keep growing.","fullyFundedDate":1746786898293,"projectUrl":"project/help-books-need-homes-too/9290698/","projectTitle":"Help: Books Need Homes Too!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gutheim","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9023288_orig.jpg?crop=533,533,x152,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1739376702667","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/gutheimclassroom"},{"teacherId":9023288,"projectId":9142744,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for buying candy and lollipops to support our students! Your kindness does more than just satisfy a sweet tooth, it helps us create extra opportunities and meaningful experiences for our kids that they will remember for years to come. Whether it's new classroom resources, special activities, or the chance to explore learning in new ways, your support directly impacts what we're able to offer. It may seem like a small purchase, but to our students, it represents something much bigger: knowing that their community cares about them and believes in their potential. That encouragement goes a long way in building their confidence and excitement for school.\r\n\r\nWe are truly grateful for your generosity and for being part of our school family. Thank you for standing beside us and for helping make our classrooms and our students' lives a little brighter and a lot sweeter.","fullyFundedDate":1742823866478,"projectUrl":"project/sweet-treats-for-focused-minds/9142744/","projectTitle":"Sweet Treats for Focused Minds!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gutheim","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9023288_orig.jpg?crop=533,533,x152,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1739376702667","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/gutheimclassroom"},{"teacherId":9023288,"projectId":9110018,"letterContent":"On behalf of the Class of 2025, thank you so much for keeping our classroom stocked with food. You didn't just give us snacks, you gave us survival gear. Because of your generosity, no one has had to write an essay on an empty stomach, our group projects run slightly smoother when fueled by granola bars instead of hanger, and even our teacher seems happier (probably because a room full of fed seniors is a lot less dramatic). Snacks may not solve all our problems, but they definitely solve about 99% of them. We are beyond grateful for your support, your kindness, and for saving us from raiding the vending machines every day. Thanks for feeding our bodies, fueling our brains, and giving us the energy to actually make it through senior year.","fullyFundedDate":1741099902144,"projectUrl":"project/fuel-growing-minds/9110018/","projectTitle":"Fuel Growing Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gutheim","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9023288_orig.jpg?crop=533,533,x152,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1739376702667","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/gutheimclassroom"},{"teacherId":9705055,"projectId":9143319,"letterContent":"The students are thrilled to have some support throughout their long days. Snacks are always welcome and help extra tired kids have more energy and serves as a nice pick me up either early in the morning or late in the day, and especially for those unlucky kids who have the latest lunch hour!\r\n\r\nAnother calming tool we use is the clay or dough so students can use it almost like a fidget item, but also often it is for a project where students represent something in Play Doh and then write a paragraph or story to describe what they made. Basic voabulary can be represented in a dough craft as well.\r\n\r\nSome students ask for play doh every day because it helps them de-stress. Students are incredibly artistic and it's great to see their creativity and what they can make with just a small aunt of play doh.\r\n\r\nThank you so much for contributing these special extras t our community.","fullyFundedDate":1746785407846,"projectUrl":"project/basic-essentials-snacks-and-play-doh/9143319/","projectTitle":"Basic Essentials: Snacks and Play-Doh!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Monnier","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9705055_orig.jpg?crop=841,841,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726277625964","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9705055"},{"teacherId":9966486,"projectId":9155525,"letterContent":"When the materials for Building Future Builders: Hands-On Construction Experience for Career Readiness arrived, my students were immediately excited. The energy in the classroom grew as they gathered around the new tools, asking, \"What can we build first?\" It was clear they felt proud knowing these resources were here to support their learning.\r\n\r\nWe've already put the materials to work on hands-on projects, such as designing and building small wooden structures. These projects have given students the chance to apply math skills, practice teamwork, and learn safe tool use. One student even said this was the first time he could \"see himself\" working in the trades after high school, a powerful reminder of the impact your generosity makes.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we plan to expand into more advanced builds that connect directly to career readiness. Thanks to your support, my students are gaining the confidence, skills, and belief that they can succeed in construction and beyond.","fullyFundedDate":1752124365103,"projectUrl":"project/building-future-builders-hands-on-const/9155525/","projectTitle":"Building Future Builders: Hands-On Construction Experience for Career Readiness","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. DePaola","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9966486"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_27591","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":3411,"numTeachers":141,"percentFrplEligible":87,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":2,"percentIndigenous":1,"percentLatinx":93,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"10 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"24.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":62.4,"schoolId":27591,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about J Sterling Morton East High School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"J Sterling Morton East High School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/j-sterling-morton-hsd-201/j-sterling-morton-east-high-school/27591"}