{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Normal West High School","outOfStateSupporters":23.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9813788,"projectId":9588972,"letterContent":"My kiddos were so thrilled when our packages arrived. High schoolers have their images and reputations to consider, but they way they descended on the snack boxes showed nothing but gratitude and enthusiasm! Once their appetites were saited, they begged to rip into the new paper, Sharpies, and especially the colored pencils. I've not offered the diverse skin color options in my class before and I'm ashamed it took me so long to realize the need for my kiddos to see themselves and their family members in our assignments and supplies. Thank you for correcting my oversight. The board game was easy to learn for the three who ripped into it at our most recent Pride Club. They couldn't stop talking about it! I can't believe this is the 3rd project I've had funded from Donors Choose and how the the experience is more incredible every time.","fullyFundedDate":1761327854554,"projectUrl":"project/artfully-inclusive/9588972/","projectTitle":"Artfully Inclusive","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Vogel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9813788"},{"teacherId":9831495,"projectId":9184333,"letterContent":"Thank you for funding my project. The materials allowed the class to have a smooth transition from activities to activities. In our class, we do our a lot of board work. The magnetic box housed the erasers and markers for students to have easy access. It also allows them to write down their notes and work easily on the whiteboard. With their work, easily visible, I was able to give them and their peers immediate feedback.\r\n\r\nThe colored papers help my students organize their work. For example, blue papers are used for homework. My students who struggled to keep things organized can look for a specific colors at home and parents are able to help them with work and reteaching.","fullyFundedDate":1746466583916,"projectUrl":"project/organizing-galor/9184333/","projectTitle":"Organizing Galor!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Barnes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9831495"},{"teacherId":9835269,"projectId":8941668,"letterContent":"I am so incredibly grateful for your generosity towards our students. We were able to purchase the Thai pads and gloves to allow 14 more students to join our MMA/Boxing club. It's gone so well that we have opened it up to low-income students outside of our school. This summer, some students from Sunnyside Housing Project were able to join our club and get on track because of you.\r\n\r\nWe were able to see students who had Fs first semester, pull grades up to Cs and above. Since we have grade standards, students know that they cannot have any F grades. In fact, if they have any Ds, they are to go to the school-provided tutoring.\r\n\r\nYour gift has helped numerous kids find their path in life and I am truly grateful to you. Thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1740762462518,"projectUrl":"project/knock-out-low-grades-and-low-self-esteem/8941668/","projectTitle":"Knock Out Low Grades and Low Self-esteem!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Rumps","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9835269"},{"teacherId":5568869,"projectId":9214357,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom with the carving tools we received through your generosity. These tools made it possible for my sculpture students to create a plaster carving project that truly challenged their creativity and patience.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the new carving tools, they were eager to get started—many had never worked with materials like plaster before, and the right tools gave them the confidence to dive in. One student told me, \"This is what Michaelangelo must have felt like!\" as they carefully carved their design. Watching them discover how each tool could create a different texture or line was inspiring.\r\n\r\nThis project not only taught technical skills, but it also gave students a chance to slow down and focus, which has been especially valuable for their well-being. The next step for our class is to build on these skills by exploring larger collaborative sculptures, where students will combine their individual carvings into one unified piece.\r\n\r\nYour gift didn't just provide tools—it provided an opportunity for students to see themselves as artists. Thank you for making this possible.","fullyFundedDate":1745847004883,"projectUrl":"project/therapeutic-carving-to-bolster-student-m/9214357/","projectTitle":"Therapeutic Carving to Bolster Student Mental Health","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Akyuz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5568869_orig.jpg?crop=720,720,x0,y384&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1740429268985","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/westphotography"},{"teacherId":9813788,"projectId":9263684,"letterContent":"You might have saved a life (or several) by purchasing rainbows. These banners and garlands and tattoos might not seem life saving, but by creating a safe, welcoming space, there are students, staff, and guests at my school who hopefully know they belong here. They deserve to take up space and be seen in all spaces. \r\n\r\nSome of the decorations you made possible were displayed at the Pride Club table during our school activities fair last week. We had 3 pages of names show interest in joining our club this year which is an increase over the recent past. It may or may not be connected to the decorations, but our future is brighter because of you.","fullyFundedDate":1746453911468,"projectUrl":"project/early-pride-week/9263684/","projectTitle":"Early Pride Week","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Vogel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9813788"},{"teacherId":9830675,"projectId":8930289,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for giving us the opportunity to bring math into real life! My students got a ton of use out of it in more than just my Geometry class. The students were able to take 3D solids and break them down into cross sections. This allowed for a better conceptual understanding of how we can derive the formulas for volumes of prisms.\r\n\r\n My calculus students also used this technology to see a 2D surface get rotated around an axis to make a 3D shape. This helped them visualize the different radii in the shape to identify which functions represent the different parts of the solid. \r\n\r\nThe students loved being able to use the technology! They loved being able to walk around with the iPad as it was connected to the SMART Board to show everyone what they were thinking.","fullyFundedDate":1740762462572,"projectUrl":"project/augmented-reality-geometry/8930289/","projectTitle":"Augmented Reality Geometry","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Hatzer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9830675"},{"teacherId":9812400,"projectId":8896832,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donation! My classroom looks amazing with the new carpet, standing desk, and decorations! My students noted that the classroom felt more welcoming with more decorations and things, especially with the fake greenery in an interior room. \r\nGoing forward, my class looks more inviting for school years to come. Next steps will be to continue to add to my room to create an even better learning environment, including more educational posters.\r\nEducation always has needs, and I appreciate taking the time to support me in my first year!","fullyFundedDate":1729733295801,"projectUrl":"project/mental-health-additions-for-a-new-teache/8896832/","projectTitle":"Mental Health Additions for a New Teacher","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Brody","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9812400"},{"teacherId":9805217,"projectId":8882812,"letterContent":"Words cannot tell you how grateful I and my students are for your generous help in providing snacks and other miscellaneous items requested for our classroom. With your help, our students were able to take their minds off their growling stomachs and focus their minds on their academics.\r\n\r\nThe light covers were used to soften the harsh lights in our classroom, allowing for a more peaceful environment for our students to study and work hard in. The desk organizer has helped me in keeping my life organized to help my students with whatever they may need from me.\r\n\r\nI once more say thank you to everyone who helped obtain these items to improve the lives of us and our students!","fullyFundedDate":1729361525722,"projectUrl":"project/collaborative-learning-services-variety/8882812/","projectTitle":"Collaborative Learning Services Variety Pack","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Marriott","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9805217_orig.jpg?crop=1152,1152,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1729700939768","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ncwhscls"},{"teacherId":9815909,"projectId":9064342,"letterContent":"I truly do appreciate your very generous donations to our program! Because of your generosity, we were able to have gloves and thai pads available so that 14 students could graduate our first level program. Students involved have maintained excellent attendance, no behavior referrals, and no grades below a C. \r\n\r\nBefore their involvement with the Normal West Boxing Club, many of these students had grade and attendance issues. We have seen first-hand evidence that this program has impacted their grades and academic careers in such a meaningful way - all because of you!","fullyFundedDate":1737246351535,"projectUrl":"project/punch-low-self-esteem-in-the-face/9064342/","projectTitle":"Punch low self-esteem in the face!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Rumps","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9815909"},{"teacherId":5784359,"projectId":9063398,"letterContent":"I wanted to extend my thanks for the generous donation of the literature circle books and podium for my classroom. Your thoughtful contribution has already had a profound impact on my students and their learning experiences.\r\n\r\nThe students just chose their titles for the literature circles, and they are all excited to begin discussing. Your donation of each title already allowed me to lend books to students who had left theirs at home. \r\n\r\nAdditionally, the podium has been an invaluable tool in helping my students develop their public speaking and presentation skills. As we move forward with our speech and presentation unit, students are now able to practice speaking in front of the class with more confidence and poise. Having the podium has helped create a more professional environment, allowing them to feel more in control and comfortable as they deliver their speeches.\r\n\r\nOnce again, thank you so much for your generosity.","fullyFundedDate":1737581148139,"projectUrl":"project/improving-our-classroom-environment/9063398/","projectTitle":"Improving Our Classroom Environment","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Bovenkerk","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5784359"},{"teacherId":5784359,"projectId":9031192,"letterContent":"I am so excited to share with you how the resources you provided have already made a positive impact in my classroom. The globe lights, air filters, and writing materials have become essential tools in supporting the students' learning experiences. The students love the soft glow of the lights, which has created a cozy and inviting environment for learning. We use the air filter every day, which has helped improve the scent in the classroom.\r\n\r\nWhen the writing utensils arrived, the students were thrilled! They immediately began using them to organize their notes and highlight important information. I've noticed how much more engaged they are with the material when they can visually interact with it in such a dynamic way. \r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we are in the process of creating interactive posters and presentations based on the research they've done. The colored pens and highlighters are helping them organize their thoughts and add visual elements to their work. Thank you so much for investing in their success!","fullyFundedDate":1736962443454,"projectUrl":"project/annotating-in-a-positive-classroom-envir/9031192/","projectTitle":"Annotating in a Positive Classroom Environment","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Bovenkerk","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5784359"},{"teacherId":3715561,"projectId":9117250,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your donations to my classroom. As the world gets more expensive, I have noticed that my students are more often hungry and unfocused. Having a constant supply of snacks in my room has removed the stigma of begin hungry. Everyone knows they can get what they need. My students also love the new look of my classroom. I hear that it is \"very peaceful\" and \"looks like a living room\" nearly everyday from students and other teachers. It is important that I am able to keep that space clean. I really appreciate your kindness, and I know my students do as well!","fullyFundedDate":1743104745923,"projectUrl":"project/supplies-for-my-classroom/9117250/","projectTitle":"Supplies for My Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mackinson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3715561"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_28656","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1553,"numTeachers":99,"percentFrplEligible":41,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":16,"percentWhite":65,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":10,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"9 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"15.7:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":76.7,"schoolId":28656,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Normal West High School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Normal West High School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/mclean-co-unit-district-5/normal-community-west-high-school/28656"}