{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Normal Community High School","outOfStateSupporters":18.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9793540,"projectId":9696327,"letterContent":"The Turing Tumble project was a huge success! Thanks to your generous donations, we were able to obtain the 12 kits so that students could work in smaller group sizes. Students were excited to work through the puzzles, and even got started before the bell rang most days. \r\n\r\nSome of the puzzles started out super easy but then they progressed into more advanced challenges. The final couple of challenges that some students were able to work on was college level difficulty. This was very exciting for students to know that they were doing advanced programming-type logic.\r\n\r\nAlthough students are now finished with the turing tumble project this year, my next steps will be to collaborate with the other STEM Trig teachers to continue to enhance this project for future years' students.\r\n\r\nThank you all again for your support for this project. It will last and continue beyond this year.","fullyFundedDate":1759498512504,"projectUrl":"project/turing-tumble-engaging-students-with-pr/9696327/","projectTitle":"Turing Tumble: Engaging Students With Programming, Electronics, and Computers","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Perez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/perezc"},{"teacherId":9796699,"projectId":9614271,"letterContent":"On behalf of our students and staff, I would like to sincerely thank you for your generous support in providing snacks for our classroom. Because of your kindness, our students are already benefiting in meaningful ways.\r\n\r\nFor many of our learners, having snacks available during the day has reduced distractions from hunger and helped them stay more focused on their schoolwork. I've noticed an increase in energy, participation, and overall positivity in the classroom. Students feel cared for and supported, knowing that their basic needs are being met. Some have even expressed relief and gratitude, sharing how much it means to them to have something to eat when they need it.\r\n\r\nWhat may seem like a small gift is making a big difference each day. Your generosity is helping create a classroom environment where students can learn, grow, and thrive without the burden of hunger holding them back.\r\n\r\nThank you again for investing in our students' success. Your support is truly making an immediate impact.","fullyFundedDate":1757683149592,"projectUrl":"project/filling-maslows-needs/9614271/","projectTitle":"Filling Maslow's Needs","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Hughs","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9796699"},{"teacherId":9796699,"projectId":9276402,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our students now have access to snacks that meet one of their most important basic needs—being nourished during the school day. Many of my students come to class without enough to eat, and hunger often makes it difficult for them to concentrate, stay engaged, or give their best effort. By providing snacks, you've removed that barrier and created a classroom environment where students can focus on learning instead of their growling stomachs.\r\n\r\nThe impact has been powerful. Students are more alert, willing to participate, and better able to collaborate with their peers because their energy is sustained throughout the day. One student told me, \"I feel like I can actually listen now,\" which reminded me that sometimes the smallest gestures make the biggest difference. The snacks have also become a symbol of care and support—students know someone outside our classroom believes in them and wants them to succeed.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, these snacks will continue to fuel my students as they tackle new lessons and projects in both PE and Health. They'll have the focus and energy to set goals, engage in activities, and push themselves to grow—not just academically, but as healthy, confident young people. Your support directly meets their needs and empowers them to learn, and for that, I am truly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1755701894043,"projectUrl":"project/finish-the-semester-strong/9276402/","projectTitle":"Finish the Semester Strong","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Hughs","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9796699"},{"teacherId":9793458,"projectId":9251839,"letterContent":"Your generous donations have helped stock my classroom with snacks, treats, pencils, and tissues! My students have been using those pencils like crazy. The first two weeks of school honeymoon period of each student having a pencils is certainly over, but students have been happy to ask for a pencil and get one for the day. I always have them keep it since they have the rest of the day where they probably need one!\r\n\r\nThe kleenex/tissues have been essential to our classroom. It might only be September, but we seem to be in the middle of the sick season. I think we only have a couple boxes left! Students have been grateful to not have to use the paper towels from the bathroom.\r\n\r\nSnacks have been really helpful. When students have come in hungry, I have had something to provide to them. These will be really helpful through the rest of the year.","fullyFundedDate":1747186854383,"projectUrl":"project/the-case-of-the-disappearing-supplies/9251839/","projectTitle":"The Case of the Disappearing Supplies!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ward","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9793458"},{"teacherId":9793540,"projectId":9274948,"letterContent":"These resources are going to make the water park project much better and easier to accomplish. We won't do this project until second semester so I will not be able to see the students' reactions until then but I know they will be excited to have new supplies.\r\n\r\nMy colored pencil collection was lacking and these new ones are going to make the project way more fun rather than having the students use old, short pencils. The scissors are large enough for their hands and there will be enough for each student to use one rather than sharing small scissors. I am excited to have an incentive with the candy to reward those who are completing the assignments.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your generosity! This was the best project last year and these supplies are going to make it even better this year!","fullyFundedDate":1746650726108,"projectUrl":"project/water-park-math/9274948/","projectTitle":"Water Park Math","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Perez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/perezc"},{"teacherId":9793446,"projectId":9042356,"letterContent":"I am so grateful for your donations. My afterschool art club as well as my yearbook staff all benefited the computer speakers. Music sparked great work sessions and just fun with groups of their peers. We used the speakers for an art show to have music play as families viewed a semester of work. \r\nBy the end of the day, students are torn between staying for activities or going home. Many times home is for food and comfort. The snacks and supplies allowed student to stay longer, enrich their day and make friends outside of the school day. Portrait collages both real and abstract were made using the scissors and supplies from this project. \r\nThank you again! My student s had great experiences with your help.","fullyFundedDate":1743011161791,"projectUrl":"project/supplies-with-multiple-purposes-for-art/9042356/","projectTitle":"Supplies With Multiple Purposes for Art Projects and Presentations","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kelly","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9793446_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755746725131","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9793446"},{"teacherId":9796621,"projectId":8863463,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the generous donations. I just started my unit on Sensation & Perception in my regular Psych sections last week, and these goggles really helped students grasp concepts related to depth cues and proprioception. \r\n\r\nHaving materials like those goggles really helps to make the content come alive and my students really enjoyed the hands-on experiments that we were able to do with them during class. I've shared them with the other Psychology teachers as well, and we look forward to using them for years to come. Thank you so much!","fullyFundedDate":1737325199096,"projectUrl":"project/sensation-and-perception-experiment-reso/8863463/","projectTitle":"Sensation and Perception Experiment Resources","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Lawler","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9796621"},{"teacherId":9796493,"projectId":9086472,"letterContent":"We had a successful event again this year—thank you so much for your support! We wouldn't be able to host such a joyful celebration without your help. The students were thrilled to receive the color packets and were excited to celebrate Holi with their family and friends. It was heartwarming to see their smiles and the vibrant energy they brought to the day. \r\n\r\nYour support helped us so much this year. Many remembered last year when we didn't have enough supplies, so having plenty this time made a big difference. They were genuinely grateful, and it made the celebration even more meaningful. Thank you again!","fullyFundedDate":1743429320763,"projectUrl":"project/a-festival-of-colors-holi-moli/9086472/","projectTitle":"A Festival of Colors: Holi Moli!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Borrull","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9796493_orig.png?crop=271,271,x55,y67&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1730744249194","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9796493"},{"teacherId":9814647,"projectId":8900615,"letterContent":"THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! Every day, I am privileged to meet hundreds of students, each one carrying dreams, struggles, and untapped potential. I am painfully aware of the profound impact a single act of kindness or mentorship can have on their lives. That's why I poured my heart into starting the Peer Tutor Project—to create a safe haven where students can seek help from their peers, individuals they might feel more comfortable opening up to than adults. \r\nUnbeknownst to me, this journey has been fraught with challenges. Convincing students to sacrifice their precious free time to help others—especially those who are struggling—requires more than just a simple request; it demands unwavering hope and relentless effort. The road hasn't been easy, and I've had to adapt, finding new ways to inspire and motivate. I believe in the power of small blessings—offering snacks, school supplies, and engaging games—to ignite a spark of generosity and community within our students. \r\nResearch confirms what my heart already knows: peer tutors are a transformative force in education. Students who succeed can become beacons of understanding, sharing their insights from the depths of their experience and illuminating the path for others. This conviction fuels my resolve to persevere with this project. Alongside heartfelt invitations, I will actively seek out students excelling in their classes—reviewing grades and personally praising them—to help them see the incredible gift they can share. I believe in their potential to inspire, uplift, and change lives. Thank you from the depths of my heart feels like an understatement!","fullyFundedDate":1729990970137,"projectUrl":"project/peer-tutor-project/8900615/","projectTitle":"Peer Tutor Project","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bradley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9814647"},{"teacherId":9843278,"projectId":8954881,"letterContent":"Thank you so so much for your generosity in donating to my project using John Lewis graphic novels! I was able to use these novels in my US History classes during our Civil Rights unit in our first semester, and it was so incredible to get to see students so engaged in history! These novels were the anchor of my Civil Rights unit, and served as sources for our assessment for the unit as well. \r\n\r\nI start my Civil Rights unit with a few lessons on early Civil Rights movement events to lay a groundwork of knowledge (Brown v Board of Education, the death of Emmett Till, the Montgomery Bus Boycott), and then I was able to introduce John Lewis and the graphic novels. My introductory lesson introduces graphic novels themselves (It gives students an idea about what they are and how to read them), and then introduced John Lewis as well--we read the first few pages of the book (which covers the events of Bloody Sunday in Selma at Edmund Pettus Bridge), and then watched the exact same scene in the film, Selma. It's a great way to start a discussion of John Lewis, because we got to discuss why John Lewis started a book on his life story with such an intense episode in history! We spent about two weeks in class covering major Civil Rights events (the Little Rock nine, sit-ins, freedom riders, etc.), all while reading John Lewis's graphic novels, and I was able to time my coverage of different topics to align with when students would hit those topic in the novels! \r\n\r\nThis Civil Rights unit hits near the end of the year, right around the end of November and Thanksgiving break, when students are ready for a break from school, are a bit antsy, and many students are starting to get anxious about their grades. I found that my students were incredibly engaged in reading about John Lewis--the classroom was absolutely silent during reading time, which is a big feat near the end of a semester! Kids were excited to read the novels, and they had a deeper understanding of the events we learned about because they got to read about them from the first-person perspective of John Lewis. The assessments I gave students asked them to write about what made John Lewis a successful Civil Rights leader, using evidence described straight from the novels. The responses I got in the assessments were thoughtful, insightful, and of such high quality that it was clear that students were truly able to understand the story of John Lewis in the Civil Rights movement, and why the movement itself was so important, directly from these novels. Because the reading of these novels seemed easy, and like a \"break\" in class, I also saw higher engagement from students who were struggling or who were concerned with improving their grades. These novels created an engaging low barrier to entry for this unit, and it paid off immensely. For the high levels of engagement, for the excitement of my students, and for the memorable and incredibly useful way of teaching the Civil Rights movement in my US History class, I would like to thank you. Thank you so much for giving to my students, and for making a noticeable impact on their lives and their learning!","fullyFundedDate":1733172791579,"projectUrl":"project/john-lewis-and-the-visual-civil-rights-m/8954881/","projectTitle":"John Lewis and the Visual Civil Rights Movement","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lamkin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9843278"},{"teacherId":9796788,"projectId":8863786,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donation of world maps, whiteboards, Expo markers, colored pencils, and stools to our classroom. Your support has made a tremendous impact on our learning environment!\r\n\r\nThe world maps have become a powerful resource for my international relations and history classes. My students use the maps weekly to discover different countries and regions, trace historical events, and gain a broader perspective of the world. \r\n\r\nThe whiteboards and Expo markers have changed how we engage with lessons. Students use them for problem-solving, brainstorming ideas, and practicing new concepts in a hands-on way. These tools also encourage collaboration, as students enjoy working together and sharing their thoughts with the class.\r\n\r\nThe stools have provided flexible seating options that allow students to move and work more comfortably. Having a choice in where they sit has helped improve focus and participation, making our classroom a more welcoming and adaptable space. The stools have also been especially helpful for group work and activities that require movement, fostering a more interactive and student-centered environment.","fullyFundedDate":1732717907199,"projectUrl":"project/active-learning-in-world-studies/8863786/","projectTitle":"Active Learning in World Studies","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Watts","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9796788"},{"teacherId":9796699,"projectId":9010622,"letterContent":"I hope this letter finds you well. On behalf of my students and our school community, I want to extend my deepest gratitude for your generous donation to provide food for our underprivileged students. Your kindness and generosity are making a profound impact on the lives of these young individuals, ensuring they have the nourishment they need to focus, learn, and grow.\r\n\r\nFor many of our students, access to consistent, nutritious meals is not guaranteed, and your support has helped ease that burden. Because of your generosity, we are not only providing food but also fostering a sense of care and belonging that these students truly need. Your kindness reminds them that they are seen, valued, and supported by their community.\r\n\r\nIt is often said that it takes a village to raise a child, and your donation is a shining example of that philosophy in action. Thank you for being a part of our village and for making a real difference in the lives of our students. Your compassion and commitment to their well-being mean more than words can express.\r\n\r\nWith heartfelt appreciation and","fullyFundedDate":1734546853080,"projectUrl":"project/filling-maslows-needs-fighting-hunger/9010622/","projectTitle":"Filling Maslow's Needs!! Fighting Hunger","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Hughs","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9796699"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_28655","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":2012,"numTeachers":121,"percentFrplEligible":41,"percentAsian":10,"percentBlack":14,"percentWhite":56,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":10,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"9 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"16.6:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":81.7,"schoolId":28655,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Normal Community High School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Normal Community High School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/mclean-co-unit-district-5/normal-community-high-school/28655"}