{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Urbana High School","outOfStateSupporters":26.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":4492076,"projectId":9904528,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our project and helping put books directly into the hands of my students. Your generosity has made it possible for every student in my Senior English class to have access to *Prisoner B-3087* by Alan Gratz, and the impact has been tremendous.\r\n\r\nMany of my students receive special education services and have historically been resistant to reading because they have struggled to find books that genuinely interest them. At the beginning of this unit, I gave my students something they do not often experience in school—a voice in what they wanted to learn. After discussing topics that interested them, many students expressed an interest in reading a novel related to war and military history. I introduced several options, and together they chose *Prisoner B-3087*.\r\n\r\nFrom the very beginning, students were more engaged because they had ownership in the decision-making process. Rather than being assigned a book, they selected one that sparked their curiosity. This simple act of choice increased motivation and created excitement about reading.\r\n\r\nAs we read the novel, students have explored powerful themes of courage, resilience, survival, and compassion through the true story of Yanek Gruener, a young boy who survived ten concentration camps during the Holocaust. The book has sparked thoughtful discussions about human rights, perseverance, and the importance of standing up for others. Students are making meaningful connections between historical events and the world around them today.\r\n\r\nBecause every student has access to a copy of the novel, we are able to read together, participate in class discussions, and engage in collaborative learning experiences. Students are also responding to literature through writing activities and completing choice-board assignments that allow them to demonstrate their understanding in ways that match their strengths and interests. This flexibility has increased participation and helped students feel more successful.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, this project has shown my students that reading can be meaningful, engaging, and even enjoyable. Many students who previously avoided reading are actively participating in discussions and asking thoughtful questions about the text. Watching them connect with a book and discover confidence as readers has been incredibly rewarding.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping my students experience the power of choice, literature, and learning. Your support has provided much more than books—it has provided opportunities for growth, engagement, and meaningful learning experiences that will stay with my students long after this unit is complete.","fullyFundedDate":1764599971211,"projectUrl":"project/books-that-build-courage-and-compassion/9904528/","projectTitle":"Books That Build Courage and Compassion","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. McMahon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4492076_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753453251640","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4492076"},{"teacherId":4492076,"projectId":9441101,"letterContent":"On behalf of my students and myself, thank you for your incredible generosity and support of our classroom. Because of your donations, our special education classroom will be a more welcoming, comfortable, and engaging place for students to learn and grow this school year.\r\n\r\nThe students I serve have a wide range of learning needs. Throughout the day, my classroom supports students with specific learning disabilities, autism, intellectual disabilities, and other unique learning challenges. While each student is different, they all share one thing in common: they deserve a learning environment that helps them feel successful, valued, and capable.\r\n\r\nYour donations have helped make that possible.\r\n\r\nOne of the most immediate impacts will come from the lighting options you provided. Traditional fluorescent classroom lights can be overwhelming and distracting for many students, particularly those with sensory sensitivities associated with autism. Having alternative lighting choices allows us to create a calmer atmosphere where students can focus on learning instead of coping with discomfort. A more peaceful environment helps reduce anxiety, improves concentration, and creates a classroom space where students feel safe and supported.\r\n\r\nThe flexible seating options have also transformed our classroom. Many of our school-issued desks and chairs are not ideal for every student, and comfort plays an important role in learning. By providing seating choices, students can find a spot that works best for their individual needs. Whether they need to move slightly while working, sit in a more comfortable position, or simply have a choice in where they learn, these options promote engagement, independence, and positive classroom behavior.\r\n\r\nThe educational games, flashcards, and learning materials will help make instruction more interactive and enjoyable. Learning can be challenging for many of my students, and incorporating hands-on activities and games increases motivation while reinforcing important academic skills. Whether students are practicing vocabulary, strengthening reading comprehension, or building math skills, these resources allow them to learn through meaningful and engaging experiences. The flashcards will provide valuable support as students work to master essential vocabulary and concepts across multiple subjects.\r\n\r\nEven the everyday supplies, such as paper and the pencil sharpener, play an important role in our classroom. Having these materials readily available ensures that students are prepared to participate fully in lessons without worrying about whether they have the tools they need. These simple resources help eliminate barriers and allow students to focus on learning.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, your generosity sends a powerful message to my students: that people care about them and believe in their potential. Many of our students face challenges both inside and outside of school. Knowing that others have invested in their education helps build confidence and reminds them that they are worthy of support and opportunity.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, our classroom is better equipped to meet the diverse needs of every learner who walks through our door. Thank you for helping create an environment where students feel comfortable, engaged, and empowered to succeed. Your kindness and generosity will have a lasting impact on our students for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1753979051028,"projectUrl":"project/setting-up-a-successful-school-year/9441101/","projectTitle":"Setting up a Successful School Year!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. McMahon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4492076_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753453251640","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4492076"},{"teacherId":4492076,"projectId":8944974,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support of our classroom project. Because of your kindness, my students now have access to flexible seating options, educational games, and hands-on manipulatives that are helping make learning more engaging, meaningful, and accessible.\r\n\r\nI teach high school students in a self-contained special education classroom. While my students are high school age, many have mild to moderate disabilities and are working on academic skills that range from approximately a 2nd- to 4th-grade level. Their educational needs are unique, and many require specialized instruction focused on functional life skills that will help them become as independent and successful as possible after graduation.\r\n\r\nMany of the skills my students are learning—including counting money, budgeting, telling time, problem-solving, and basic math operations—are not typically taught in traditional high school classrooms. However, these are some of the most important skills my students need for everyday life. Learning how to make purchases, manage money, read schedules, and solve real-world problems helps prepare them for employment, community participation, and independent living.\r\n\r\nThe materials provided through this project have transformed how these skills are taught and practiced in our classroom. Instead of relying heavily on worksheets and paper-and-pencil activities, students are now learning through games, manipulatives, and interactive activities that make abstract concepts more concrete and easier to understand. Being able to physically handle coins and bills, move game pieces, sort materials, and participate in hands-on activities helps students remain engaged while reinforcing important academic and functional skills.\r\n\r\nThe educational games have also created opportunities for collaboration and social interaction. Students are practicing turn-taking, communication, decision-making, and problem-solving while working together toward a common goal. Many of my students are more willing to participate when learning feels like play rather than work, and these materials have helped create an environment where students are excited to engage with academic content.\r\n\r\nIn addition to the instructional materials, the flexible seating options have had a significant impact on our classroom environment. Many of my students struggle to remain comfortable and focused while sitting in traditional classroom chairs for extended periods of time. Flexible seating gives students choices about where and how they learn best. Some students prefer seating that allows for movement, while others benefit from a more relaxed or supportive seating option.\r\n\r\nProviding these choices has helped students take ownership of their learning environment and better regulate their attention and sensory needs. Students are more comfortable, more focused, and able to remain engaged in learning activities for longer periods of time. Something as simple as having a seating option that meets their needs can make a tremendous difference in their ability to participate successfully in lessons.\r\n\r\nAs a teacher, these resources have allowed me to create a more student-centered classroom where learning is active, engaging, and individualized. I am able to provide instruction that better matches my students' learning styles while addressing the goals outlined in their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). The combination of flexible seating and hands-on learning materials has increased participation, improved engagement, and helped students build confidence in their abilities.\r\n\r\nPerhaps most importantly, these resources have brought joy into learning. My students work incredibly hard every day to overcome challenges and make progress toward their goals. They deserve opportunities to learn in ways that are meaningful, interactive, and motivating. Watching students smile while practicing math skills, celebrate successes during games, and confidently apply new skills has been one of the most rewarding outcomes of this project.\r\n\r\nYour support has provided far more than classroom materials. You have helped create a learning environment where students feel comfortable, valued, and capable of success. The impact of your generosity will continue to benefit current and future students for years to come.\r\n\r\nOn behalf of my students and myself, thank you for believing in our classroom and investing in the success of these amazing learners. We are incredibly grateful for your support and the opportunities you have helped provide.","fullyFundedDate":1739369096993,"projectUrl":"project/getting-cozy-learning-math/8944974/","projectTitle":"Getting Cozy Learning Math!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. McMahon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4492076_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753453251640","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4492076"},{"teacherId":4492076,"projectId":9970263,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our project and investing in the success of my students. Because of your generosity, we were able to purchase organizational materials, including clear storage bins, that have already made a tremendous impact in our classroom.\r\n\r\nAs a special education teacher, I work with students who have a wide range of learning needs and abilities. Many of my students benefit from structured, hands-on learning experiences that include task cards, manipulatives, visual supports, and individualized progress-monitoring activities. While these materials are incredibly effective, they can quickly become difficult to manage without an organized system. Before receiving these supplies, valuable instructional resources were often stored in a variety of locations, making it more challenging to access materials quickly and efficiently during lessons.\r\n\r\nThe clear storage bins you helped provide have transformed the way our classroom functions. Each unit of study now has a designated space where task cards, supporting manipulatives, visual aids, and assessment materials can be stored together. Because the bins are transparent, students and staff can easily locate the materials they need without wasting valuable instructional time searching through drawers, cabinets, or stacks of supplies.\r\n\r\nOne of the greatest benefits of these organizational tools has been increased independence for students. Many of my learners thrive when expectations and materials are clearly organized and easy to access. The labeled bins allow students to find their own activities, return materials to the correct location, and take ownership of their learning environment. These may seem like small tasks, but for many students with disabilities, developing organizational and independent living skills is an important part of their educational growth.\r\n\r\nThe storage system has also improved the quality of instruction I am able to provide. Rather than spending time gathering materials before each lesson or searching for missing components, I can focus on teaching, providing individualized support, and monitoring student progress. Having materials organized by skill area and unit allows me to quickly adapt lessons, provide accommodations, and offer differentiated instruction that meets students where they are academically.\r\n\r\nIn addition, the bins have created a more efficient system for progress monitoring. Data collection activities, assessments, and intervention materials are now organized and readily available. This allows me to more accurately track student growth, identify areas of need, and celebrate student successes. The ability to access these materials quickly means that instructional decisions can be made using current, meaningful data.\r\n\r\nBeyond academics, the organized classroom environment has created a calmer and more welcoming learning space. Many students with disabilities benefit from predictable routines and reduced visual clutter. Having clearly defined storage areas helps create an environment where students feel comfortable, confident, and ready to learn. It sends the message that their learning materials are important and that their success matters.\r\n\r\nYour support has done far more than provide storage containers. You have helped create a classroom system that promotes independence, improves efficiency, supports individualized instruction, and enhances student learning opportunities every day. The impact of your donation will continue long after this school year, as these organizational systems will support future students for years to come.\r\n\r\nOn behalf of my students and myself, thank you for believing in our classroom and helping provide the tools we need to learn, grow, and succeed. Your generosity has made a meaningful difference, and we are incredibly grateful for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1769177137799,"projectUrl":"project/organization-that-supports-student-succe/9970263/","projectTitle":"Organization That Supports Student Success","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. McMahon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4492076_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753453251640","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4492076"},{"teacherId":4492076,"projectId":9558250,"letterContent":"My students learn best when information is presented in ways that meet their individual needs. As a special education teacher, I work with students who benefit from visual supports, color-coded anchor charts, and printed materials that help make learning more accessible and meaningful.\r\n\r\nHaving a color printer in my classroom will allow me to quickly create engaging resources, provide paper copies of assignments when students need them, and efficiently print IEP documents to keep families informed and involved. Your support will help remove barriers, increase access to learning, and ensure my students have the tools they need to be successful every day.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in my students and their future.","fullyFundedDate":1756424518882,"projectUrl":"project/learning-in-color/9558250/","projectTitle":"Learning in Color","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. McMahon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4492076_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753453251640","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4492076"},{"teacherId":4492076,"projectId":8381001,"letterContent":"Thanks to the generosity of our donors, this project has made a meaningful difference for 50 students in our special education classroom at Urbana High School.\r\n\r\nAs a special educator in a Title I school, I often purchase classroom materials with my own funds because our annual classroom budget is limited. The resources provided through this project have helped ensure that my students have access to the tools they need to succeed academically and feel comfortable in the learning environment.\r\n\r\nThe binders have helped students stay organized and keep track of materials across multiple classes. Calculators have provided students with the support needed to access grade-level math concepts with greater confidence and independence. Whiteboards and dry erase markers have allowed students to actively participate in lessons and demonstrate understanding through quick, low-pressure assessments.\r\n\r\nThe charging tower has been especially beneficial in our classroom, located in one of the oldest sections of the building where electrical outlets are limited. Students can now keep their school-issued Chromebooks charged and ready for learning throughout the day without worrying about losing access to instructional materials.\r\n\r\nPerhaps most importantly, the flexible seating options have created a more welcoming and comfortable classroom environment. Many of my students spend significant portions of their day in my room, and having seating choices helps them focus, regulate their energy, and engage more fully in learning activities.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, our classroom is better equipped to meet the diverse needs of students with learning disabilities. Your generosity has helped remove barriers to learning, promote independence, and create a space where students feel supported, capable, and valued.\r\n\r\nOn behalf of my students and myself, thank you for investing in their success and helping provide opportunities that would not have been possible without your support.","fullyFundedDate":1716159203976,"projectUrl":"project/mrs-mcmahons-special-education-classro/8381001/","projectTitle":"Mrs. McMahon's Special Education Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. McMahon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4492076_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753453251640","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4492076"},{"teacherId":199896,"projectId":10213805,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for all the fun photo supplies! My students were so excited when they arrived. We immediately loaded some cameras and took photos with the color film, even though there was only 2 weeks of school left. The color processing was a little stressful but we learned a lot along the way. Students couldn't wait to scan their film and see how their photos turned out. They were surprised the film looked brown and didn't think the photos would turn out but they did! \r\n\r\nWe are also so happy to add two more tripods and fresh new SD cards to our photo studio equipment. \r\n\r\nThank you for supporting our photo studio!","fullyFundedDate":1777991486831,"projectUrl":"project/color-film-photo-studio-needs/10213805/","projectTitle":"Color Film & Photo Studio Needs","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lagerstam","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp199896_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1523888674230","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/art"},{"teacherId":199896,"projectId":10091919,"letterContent":"Having color printing accessible in both of my classrooms is tremendously helpful! I am are constantly printing rich instructional resources. This allows me to make instructional aids about the color wheel in actual color. If it weren't for the color ink in the laser printers, I would have to spend countless hours coloring things by hand or going into my pocket to have these things printed in color. \r\n\r\nThe color ink was particularly helpful in promoting our student art show and our AP art show this year! Students created the posters and postcards and I was able to print them in color for them to share with friends and family. \r\n\r\nWe also used the laser printer to transfer photos to linoleum blocks for a printmaking project. All this to say, there are endless uses for these materials and I'm grateful to get to use them with my students.","fullyFundedDate":1772044953282,"projectUrl":"project/dream-in-color/10091919/","projectTitle":"Dream in Color","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lagerstam","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp199896_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1523888674230","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/art"},{"teacherId":9593890,"projectId":9848330,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom. These Chromebook chargers have made a bigger difference than you might expect. Before, we were constantly dealing with dead devices, students sharing, or losing time trying to find a charger. Now, our Chromebooks are ready to go, and we can jump right into learning. We use them for simulations, assignments, and quick check-ins, so having reliable access really matters.\r\n\r\nThe biggest change is how much smoother class runs. Students aren't worried about their battery dying, and they're more focused and willing to get started. I've also seen some of my quieter students engage more because they can use tools that support them. This simple change has made our classroom more consistent and accessible for everyone—thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1769177136563,"projectUrl":"project/keeping-chromebooks-charged-and-learning/9848330/","projectTitle":"Keeping Chromebooks Charged and Learning on Track","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Murarus","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9593890_orig.jpg?crop=732,732,x625,y672&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1722269066368","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-murarus"},{"teacherId":5011402,"projectId":10078564,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping support our art classroom!\r\nIn the photos, you'll see my hungry students enjoying thier cheezits. \r\nIn my Art 3 class, one student reported that she had tried twice to make her cardboard fish sculpture at home, and twice broke her glue gun, ran out of glue sticks, and burned herself. Our heavy duty glue guns, paired the plentiful glue sticks provided by you helped her finish a project she had been wanting to complete for some time.\r\nThe sculptures we were able to complete with the glue sticks were entered in 3 different art show, with two different projects placing in the awards in two different shows. \r\nThank you, thank you for supporting our small but mighty program at Urbana High School. Your generosity is appreciated by students each day.","fullyFundedDate":1770314428898,"projectUrl":"project/essentials-needed/10078564/","projectTitle":"Essentials Needed!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. B.","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5011402_orig.png?crop=1504,1504,x293,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1747683938440","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/highschoolartroom"},{"teacherId":199896,"projectId":9915355,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for contributing to this project. Having two additional DSLR cameras has made it so much easier for students to have access to quality cameras to learn photography.\r\n\r\nWe unfortunately had one camera go missing earlier this year so this is replacing one and adding one to our collection. Without your contribution our photo program would not be as robust. We now have TEN DSLR cameras thanks to you, the generous donors who believe in the value of art and photography!\r\n\r\nI am humbled and appreciative that you are willing to support this program. Since adding these cameras to our curriculum, many students have gone on to find similar cameras that are used but in good condition so they can continue their studies. You've truly ignited a spark that can't be extinguished. Thank you for believing in these wonderful young artists!!!","fullyFundedDate":1764879833872,"projectUrl":"project/dslrs-for-photo-class/9915355/","projectTitle":"DSLRs for Photo Class","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lagerstam","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp199896_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1523888674230","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/art"},{"teacherId":199896,"projectId":9555283,"letterContent":"We used the brushes, palettes, and underglazes in several different classes. Art 2 Studio learned about the flexibility of underglazes when decorating their movement sculptures. Having the beautiful new brushes helped them apply the underglazes with precision! We had so many beautiful colors to work with that I never heard a student ask for a color we didn't have. \r\n\r\nWe used the palettes in Art 2 and in AP to create beautiful paintings. The covers on the palettes are game changers! My students didn't have to spend time remixing colors because they could save their palettes for the next day of painting. \r\n\r\nThank you so much for providing these materials that we will continue to use over the next several years!","fullyFundedDate":1755755023610,"projectUrl":"project/brushes-palettes-underglazes/9555283/","projectTitle":"Brushes & Palettes & Underglazes","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lagerstam","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp199896_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1523888674230","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/art"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_30181","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1166,"numTeachers":89,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":4,"percentBlack":37,"percentWhite":28,"percentIndigenous":2,"percentLatinx":15,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":10,"gradesServed":"9 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"13.1:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":73.9,"schoolId":30181,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Urbana High School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Urbana High School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/urbana-school-district-116/urbana-high-school/30181"}