{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Hopkins County Central High School","outOfStateSupporters":61.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":7865101,"projectId":9748767,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my students have been able to experience something truly special this season! The materials funded through this project have allowed us to transform our resource classroom into a place filled with joy, belonging, and gratitude.\r\n\r\nOur first event was a Halloween celebration where students helped decorate the classroom, made themed treats, and worked together to plan games. For many, it was the first time they had the opportunity to take part in something that felt like a true holiday party with their peers. The excitement was contagious—students came in the next morning talking about how much fun they had and asking what we would do for Thanksgiving.\r\n\r\nThe gratitude activities have been especially meaningful. We created a Gratitude Wall, where each student wrote notes to classmates and staff who have made a difference in their lives. Watching students take the time to reflect on kindness, and seeing their faces light up as they received heartfelt notes from others, was incredibly powerful. It's helping them build empathy, social awareness, and stronger relationships—skills that go far beyond academics.\r\n\r\nAs we move into the next phase of our project, students are planning a small holiday celebration where they'll help organize snacks, gifts, and decorations. They're learning responsibility, collaboration, and how to take pride in giving back to others. Your support has allowed them to not only celebrate but to grow as a classroom family.\r\n\r\nThank you for making these moments possible. You've helped create memories that my students will carry with them long after the holidays are over.","fullyFundedDate":1760370561067,"projectUrl":"project/holiday-celebrations-building-gratitude/9748767/","projectTitle":"Holiday Celebrations: Building Gratitude, Joy, and Belonging for Resource Students","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. DePriest","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7865101_orig.jpg?crop=430,430,x0,y37&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1621801850948","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/c-depriest"},{"teacherId":10079649,"projectId":9463443,"letterContent":"We are writing to you today with hearts full of gratitude and classrooms buzzing with excitement. Not long ago, we reached out with the hope of bringing the world of Panem into our school by acquiring class sets of The Hunger Games and Catching Fire. Because of your generosity, that hope became a reality. On behalf of all our students, thank you.\r\n\r\nYour gift was more than just a stack of books; it was a key that unlocked new worlds, sparked critical conversations, and transformed reluctant readers into passionate analysts. We want to share a glimpse of the incredible impact your donation has had on our students.\r\n\r\nWhat skills and lessons are we learning from these new texts?\r\nMany of you are avid readers, but you might be curious about how a book like The Hunger Games becomes a powerful teaching tool. These novels are far more than just thrilling adventures; they are rich texts perfect for building essential critical thinking skills that our students will use for the rest of their lives. With these books, we've been able to move beyond basic comprehension and dive into:\r\n\r\nMedia Literacy and Propaganda: Students are analyzing how the Capitol uses the media to manipulate its districts and control the narrative. We discuss how this applies to our own world of social media, advertising, and the 24-hour news cycle. They are learning to question what they see and to think critically about the messages they consume every day.\r\n\r\nArgumentation and Ethical Dilemmas: The books are filled with impossible choices. Was Katniss's strategy with the berries an act of defiance or a cry for survival? Is it better to play the game to stay alive or to resist and risk everything? Students must dig for textual evidence to support their claims, building strong arguments and learning to respectfully debate complex ethical questions.\r\n\r\nSymbolism and Theme: We explore the powerful symbolism of the mockingjay, the three-finger salute, and the significance of fire. This leads to deeper conversations about profound themes like social inequality, the human cost of violence, and the power of hope in the face of oppression.\r\n\r\nCharacter Development and Empathy: Students are tracking Katniss Everdeen's evolution from a reluctant provider for her family to a symbol of a revolution. By putting themselves in her shoes, they are building empathy and a more nuanced understanding of human motivation.\r\n\r\nWhat does reading look like in our classroom now?\r\nThanks to you, reading is not a silent, solitary activity—it's a vibrant, communal experience. On any given day, you might walk into our classroom and see:\r\n\r\nStudents huddled in small groups, passionately debating a character's decision, with their books open and pages flagged with sticky notes.\r\n\r\nA \"Socratic Seminar\" where students are in charge of the conversation, using the text to ask probing questions and build on each other's ideas.\r\n\r\nThe quiet intensity of a room full of students so absorbed in a chapter that the only sound is the turning of pages.\r\n\r\nCreative projects in progress—some students might be mapping the arena, others writing a diary entry from Peeta's perspective, or even designing propaganda posters for the Capitol or the rebels.\r\n\r\nYou have given us the resources to make reading active, engaging, and meaningful. Every student having their own copy of the book means they can annotate, highlight, and truly make the story their own.\r\n\r\nAre there students who are especially enjoying the new books?\r\nWhile the enthusiasm is widespread, a few stories stand out.\r\n\r\nOne of our students, who has always been a \"reluctant reader,\" rarely finished a book assigned in class. The fast-paced action and high stakes of The Hunger Games grabbed him from the very first chapter. For the first time, he was not only keeping up with the reading but reading ahead. He recently raised his hand in a class discussion to offer a brilliant insight into Haymitch's motivation. His confidence has soared, and he has already asked what book we are reading next.\r\n\r\nAnother quiet, thoughtful student has found her voice through these books. She fills the margins of her copy of Catching Fire with intricate notes, connecting the social structure of Panem to historical events she's studied. While she is often hesitant to speak in large groups, her written analyses are profound. These books have given her a platform to showcase her incredible intellect and passion for justice.\r\n\r\nYour donation did more than fund a classroom project. You gave a student the first book he has ever loved. You empowered another to share her brilliant ideas with the world. You have filled our classroom with a renewed energy for reading and learning.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and for investing in their futures. You have truly made a difference.\r\n\r\nWith immense gratitude,","fullyFundedDate":1757598952752,"projectUrl":"project/the-world-on-fire-exploring-the-power-o/9463443/","projectTitle":"The World on Fire: Exploring The Power of Resistance","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. West","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10079649_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756656201391","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10079649"},{"teacherId":7865101,"projectId":9702502,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom has been transformed into an engaging, interactive space where English Language Arts truly comes to life. With the lockable boxes, combination locks, UV flashlights, invisible ink, and decoder tools, my students are now able to participate in literacy-based escape room challenges that spark excitement while reinforcing key reading and writing skills.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, my students could hardly wait to test them out. Their curiosity lit up the room as they tried the invisible ink pens and cracked the first practice codes. One student exclaimed, \"This doesn't even feel like school—it feels like a game!\" That sense of joy and discovery has made a huge difference in their motivation to read closely, write clearly, and work as a team.\r\n\r\nSo far, we've completed an escape room challenge tied to a short story unit, where students had to decode clues about character motives and sequence important events in order to \"unlock\" the final puzzle. The DVD player allowed me to embed a dramatic reading into the activity, giving students multiple ways to connect with the text. The teamwork and communication that came out of this activity were just as powerful as the academic skills they were practicing.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we will continue to create new escape room activities tied to novels, poetry, and even grammar review. Because the materials are reusable, students will get to experience a variety of challenges all year long—building their comprehension, vocabulary, and critical thinking skills one puzzle at a time.\r\n\r\nThank you for making this kind of immersive learning possible in our classroom. Your support has not only provided tools, but has also opened doors to creativity, collaboration, and a love for literacy.","fullyFundedDate":1757945588097,"projectUrl":"project/unlocking-learning-escape-room-material/9702502/","projectTitle":"Unlocking Learning: Escape Room Materials to Boost Student Skills","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. DePriest","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7865101_orig.jpg?crop=430,430,x0,y37&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1621801850948","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/c-depriest"},{"teacherId":7865101,"projectId":9708633,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, my students now have the resources to participate in our weekly Thank You Thursday tradition in a meaningful way. With the postcards and writing materials you provided, students are able to pause, reflect, and express their gratitude to the teachers and staff who have made a difference in their high school journey.\r\n\r\nThe excitement on their faces when the postcards first arrived was priceless. Several students immediately started brainstorming who they wanted to thank, and one student even said, \"This is the first time I've ever written a real thank-you note—I can't wait to give it to my teacher.\" Moments like these remind us that even small acts of kindness can create lasting impact.\r\n\r\nAlready, these notes are spreading positivity throughout our school. Teachers have proudly displayed them in classrooms, staff have shared how touched they felt, and students have realized the power of their words. This project is helping them build not only academic skills, but also empathy, reflection, and appreciation.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we will continue incorporating Thank You Thursday into our routine, encouraging students to write with thoughtfulness and sincerity. My hope is that this practice will stay with them long after high school—reminding them that gratitude is a lifelong skill.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, my students are learning how a simple thank-you can inspire, encourage, and connect us all.","fullyFundedDate":1757945616179,"projectUrl":"project/from-gratitude-to-greatness-the-impact/9708633/","projectTitle":"From Gratitude to Greatness: The Impact of Saying, \"Thank You\"!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. DePriest","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7865101_orig.jpg?crop=430,430,x0,y37&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1621801850948","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/c-depriest"},{"teacherId":10079649,"projectId":9708207,"letterContent":"When the desks and chairs we originally requested weren't available, my students and I came together to choose alternative materials that would still benefit our classroom. This turned into a great learning opportunity, as students had a voice in selecting resources that met their needs and supported their projects.\r\n\r\nThe day the new items arrived, students were buzzing with excitement. They took pride in knowing they had helped make the decisions, and it made the materials even more meaningful to them. We've already used them in group activities and creative projects, and I've noticed how much more motivated students are when they feel their voices are heard. Our next step is to continue using these resources in upcoming writing and collaboration projects, where students can apply their skills in a supportive and engaging environment.","fullyFundedDate":1757945565000,"projectUrl":"project/ergonomic-learning/9708207/","projectTitle":"Ergonomic Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. West","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10079649_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756656201391","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10079649"},{"teacherId":7865101,"projectId":9594033,"letterContent":"The charging stations have already made a big difference in our classroom. Many of my students rely on their phones for learning—whether it's accessing online assignments, translating information, taking pictures of notes, or communicating with family about after-school responsibilities. Before, they often worried about their devices dying in the middle of the day, which caused unnecessary stress and distraction. Now, with easy access to charging hubs, students can stay focused on learning instead of their battery percentage.\r\n\r\nWhat excites students most about this new addition is the freedom and flexibility it gives them. They no longer need to crowd around one outlet or sit on the floor while trying to get work done. Instead, they can plug in their device and continue working at their desks during independent practice or group projects. This simple change has made our classroom feel more organized and supportive.\r\n\r\nOne student in particular shared that the charging stations help her feel more secure throughout the day because she can keep her phone powered for both schoolwork and after-school communication with her family. For students who juggle academics, activities, and part-time jobs, this has been especially impactful—they know they won't miss important updates or lose access to the resources they need to be successful.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, our classroom is a place where technology can be used more effectively and equitably. You've given students not just charging stations, but peace of mind and a stronger opportunity to learn.","fullyFundedDate":1757044112560,"projectUrl":"project/powering-up-learning-classroom-charging/9594033/","projectTitle":"Powering Up Learning: Classroom Charging Stations for Students","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. DePriest","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7865101_orig.jpg?crop=430,430,x0,y37&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1621801850948","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/c-depriest"},{"teacherId":7865101,"projectId":9306304,"letterContent":"When our new mentor sentence resources arrived, my students were immediately curious and excited. I introduced the strategy by displaying a sentence from a favorite text and guiding the class to analyze its structure and style. What began as hesitation quickly turned into active participation—students were pointing out parts of speech, noticing author's choices, and even trying to rewrite the sentence in their own creative ways. One student, who typically avoids writing, proudly shared his imitation sentence aloud and grinned when his classmates clapped for him. That moment alone showed me how powerful these materials could be.\r\n\r\nWe've already started integrating mentor sentences into our daily routine, and the impact is clear. Instead of viewing grammar as a set of isolated rules, my students are learning how it connects directly to their reading and writing. They are not only imitating strong sentence models but also applying those structures to their own paragraphs and essays. Several students have commented that they \"feel like real writers\" now that they can borrow techniques from authors they admire.\r\n\r\nNext, we'll be expanding from single-sentence imitation to building stronger paragraphs and longer pieces of writing. Students will practice combining mentor sentences with their own ideas to craft narratives, arguments, and responses to literature. Thanks to your support, they have the tools and confidence to take these important next steps. You've helped open the door to writing success for students who often struggle most—and for that, we are truly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1746785548924,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-exceptional-writers-using-me/9306304/","projectTitle":"Empowering Exceptional Writers: Using Mentor Sentences","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. DePriest","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7865101_orig.jpg?crop=430,430,x0,y37&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1621801850948","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/c-depriest"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_58171","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":862,"numTeachers":56,"percentFrplEligible":91,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":5,"percentWhite":80,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":5,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"9 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"15.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"TOWN","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_FRINGE"},"inStateSupporters":38.1,"schoolId":58171,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Hopkins County Central High School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Hopkins County Central High School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/kentucky/hopkins-county-school-district/hopkins-co-central-high-school/58171"}