{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Deering High School","outOfStateSupporters":38.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":381015,"projectId":10055651,"letterContent":"It's spring, nearly the end of the year, and that means we've started our Book Groups reading unit. The theme is \"Person vs Society\", always timely and an excellent opportunity to open young minds to new ideas and encourage them to challenge the status quo.\r\n\r\nDue to your donations, I was able to give more students the books the requested - The Hunger Games, the Hate U Give, The Catcher in the Rye, The Handmaid's Tale. When they come into the room with their books in hand, ready to discuss in their small groups, I am so very grateful for the community that came together to help me make this unit possible.\r\n\r\nI also truly appreciate the little things - erasers, notebooks and staplers - that make my classroom function. Thank you again for your donation to my project!","fullyFundedDate":1769376134305,"projectUrl":"project/books-erasers-staplers/10055651/","projectTitle":"Books & Erasers & Staplers!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Donnelly","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp381015_orig.jpg?crop=954,954,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1742574981075","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mddonnelly"},{"teacherId":10434498,"projectId":10097073,"letterContent":"My students have enjoyed the new ping pong table immediately. We set it up and it was used for every second of the school day. It is bringing out a lot of smiles and healthy social interactions. \r\n\r\nWhen we set the table up and set it out in the corner of the gym, all my students gravitated to it right away. Even students who have never played ping pong got in on the action.\r\n\r\nWe noticed so much interest and participation that we now are going to try and add three more tables to this new PE unit.","fullyFundedDate":1778284718765,"projectUrl":"project/global-connections/10097073/","projectTitle":"Global Connections","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. D'Andrea","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10434498"},{"teacherId":2592833,"projectId":10019337,"letterContent":"Second semester started smoothly, with students receiving necessary supplies and being able to get started on learning right away. The mini notebooks work extremely well with my class, since they are small and can slot right into the pocket folders. This helps ensure that students actually bring them home to do homework, and bring them to class. I'm also finding that students really appreciate the variety of squishies and other fidget options. The new stress balls are especially popular. Thank you again for your interest in and support of my students and their learning!","fullyFundedDate":1768585203292,"projectUrl":"project/mid-year-refresh/10019337/","projectTitle":"Mid-year Refresh","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Callaghan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2592833_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1505349755537","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/molly-callaghan"},{"teacherId":10296913,"projectId":9783572,"letterContent":"Last month before the end of our first semester, Spanish 5 students got to make their own piñata. We began the mini unit with a study of the history of this tradition, and some of the cultural aspects of using piñatas at various celebrations. We then dove into a hands on activity where students were able to make their own using materials I purchased with this grant (including some Mexican candies to go inside!). Throughout the activity, students were engaged, working together, and using their hands. I saw how valuable this type of hands-on and creative activity is for students, especially in a age when so much is digital. It also had an unexpected but delightful secondary impact with my other Spanish classes who asked questions all week about the developing piñatas that were stationed in my room. Some built in advertisement for them to take Spanish 5! Many students took their final projects home, we filled one with candy and broke it, and I still have one hanging in my room as decoration. Thank you for helping to bring this activity to life. I hope to be able to refine this activity and do it again next year!","fullyFundedDate":1760462893970,"projectUrl":"project/smash-stereotypes-while-smashing-piatas/9783572/","projectTitle":"Smash Stereotypes While Smashing Piñatas!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Eiferman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10296913"},{"teacherId":381015,"projectId":9376752,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your donations of our new beautiful Odyssey books! We are so lucky to have this resource as we plan our new Odyssey unit.\r\n\r\nWe plan to start the unit next year for our incoming freshmen in Fall 2026. Without your support, we wouldn't be able to share this classic tale, the basis for so many narratives of adventure in Western literature, with our students. From Star Wars to Sundiata, from the Mahābhārata to The Lord of the Rings, students will have a new frame of reference for the hero's journey to inform their understanding of literature, film, and music.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your generosity.","fullyFundedDate":1755143103065,"projectUrl":"project/sing-in-me-muse-and-through-me-tell-th/9376752/","projectTitle":"Sing in Me, Muse, and Through Me Tell the Story!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Donnelly","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp381015_orig.jpg?crop=954,954,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1742574981075","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mddonnelly"},{"teacherId":10258231,"projectId":9731181,"letterContent":"Our students have been able to utilize your generous donations to continue running the coffee cart program. Three days per week, students fulfill orders from staff in the school which usually adds up to 12-15 orders! Students organize the orders based on location in the school and deliver the orders to customers. This program has taught our students essential pre-vocational skills, such as customer service, maintaining a clean working environment, and following specific directions to make individual coffee order. It has also been such a great way for our students to engage with other members of our school! Some of the funds we have earned from the coffee cart program are going to be used to have a celebration of all of their hard work. We are so grateful for your generous donations!","fullyFundedDate":1759251883755,"projectUrl":"project/special-education-coffee-cart-program/9731181/","projectTitle":"Special Education Coffee Cart Program","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Karissa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10258231_orig.jpg?crop=4023,4024,x0,y630&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758564194568","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10258231"},{"teacherId":8360347,"projectId":9779872,"letterContent":"My students and I are so thankful to have these compasses to use in geometry class. We use them in our first unit of the semester, where students have an opportunity to investigate geometric relationships through constructions. It's a really cool chance for the kind of hands-on learning that doesn't always happen in math, and a place for students to see that math isn't only solving equations. \r\n\r\nThe photos attached are from a project we did using compasses, where students got to choose their favorite geometric construction and make a \"how-to\" poster. It was awesome to see their creativity shine! \r\n\r\nI have a new group of students starting in January, and I'm so excited that they'll each be able to have their own compass, thanks to your generous donation. This way, students will take responsibility for the tools they need, a great life skill. We appreciate you!","fullyFundedDate":1760742374037,"projectUrl":"project/compasses-for-geometry/9779872/","projectTitle":"Compasses for Geometry","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Spiro","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8360347_orig.png?crop=506,506,x93,y54&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1651681860333","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8360347"},{"teacherId":1788684,"projectId":9557305,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for donating the money for us to purchase the Yamaha Harmony Director keyboard. It is has been an amazing tool tool for me to use in band rehearsal to support students in growing as musicians. We received the instrument before school started in the fall which meant they were able to see it on the first day of rehearsal. They wanted to try it and experiment with the different features. Often at the end of class, they come over to play something for fun while waiting for the bell.\r\n\r\nIn rehearsal, I regularly use it to assist with intonation and by playing the metronome for student to hear a steady beat. In addition, the blue tooth connectivity allows me to use the metronome app on my phone to play through the keyboard and be heard by the group more easily. One of my favorite and most utilized features is transposition. This means I can easily play students parts with them or for them as support when needed without out having to transpose in my head from different keys when I am multitasking. This has allowed me as the director to focus on conducting and helping students demonstrate musical expression. \r\n\r\nPlaying in a musical ensemble is the highlight of the day for many of these students. They demonstrate committment to themselves and know that their small part contributes to something greater when we all bring our best musical selves. Thanks for helping the band program and band students continue to find joy and success in making music at Deering!","fullyFundedDate":1755146433890,"projectUrl":"project/help-our-musicians-band-together/9557305/","projectTitle":"Help Our Musicians Band Together!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. DePaola","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1788684_orig.png?crop=559,560,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753113193158","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-kazukiewicz"},{"teacherId":10246910,"projectId":9694873,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for funding my classroom project, \"Hands-On Biotechnology\". Thanks to this project, my AP Biology students have learned about biotechnology by transforming bacteria to glow in the dark, enhancing our molecular biology unit. In addition, my Independent Study student will be able to test water quality from different sources around the city of Portland by growing bacteria from water samples in the classroom. \r\n\r\nThe computer chargers and headphones that I included in this project have supported myriad students as they engage in online simulations and virtual labs. My multilingual students in particular have enjoyed the multimedia approach as they learn Biology concepts in English. \r\n\r\nThank you again for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1757465547340,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-biotechnology/9694873/","projectTitle":"Hands-on Biotechnology","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Davis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10246910"},{"teacherId":1879135,"projectId":9656522,"letterContent":"I can't express how much your support means to me. I know from experience how powerful The Marrow Thieves is for young readers. \r\n\r\nThe themes present in this novel act as a cautionary tale that warns today's readers about the value of culture and language, what can happen when the dominant culture tries to steal them from you, and what steps a people need to take to fight back. In a way, The Marrow Thieves is a metaphor for our times--for the struggle that indigenous people have endured to hold onto their own unique cultures and languages. This theme is relatable for many of the English language learners in our school, but it is also important for native speakers of English trying to understand the role language plays in cultural identity.\r\n\r\nOur school would have trouble meeting its goal of offering rich, interesting texts to students without the support of donors like you. Seriously, THANK YOU so much for your generous gift. I'm not sure what we did before Donors Choose.","fullyFundedDate":1757266601623,"projectUrl":"project/exploring-native-american-culture-throug/9656522/","projectTitle":"Exploring Native American Culture Through Literature","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Genre","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1879135_orig.jpg?crop=1536,1536,x0,y256&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1610131335716","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1879135"},{"teacherId":2592833,"projectId":9726439,"letterContent":"The fidgets that your donations enabled me to purchase have proven to be extremely popular with my students. They appreciate the chance to select their favorite from a variety of options (although the squeeze balls are definitely the most popular!), and some students are choosing the wiggle seats and kick bands as well. Adjusting to a cell phone-free day has not been easy, but we're all working on it. The fidgets and other items that I was able to buy, thanks to your generosity, have really helped. Thank you for taking interest in, and supporting my students!","fullyFundedDate":1758838230769,"projectUrl":"project/no-phones-no-problem/9726439/","projectTitle":"No Phones? No Problem!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Callaghan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2592833_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1505349755537","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/molly-callaghan"},{"teacherId":2592833,"projectId":9527743,"letterContent":"It was great to start the year by handing out necessary school supplies to students. This way, they could get started on learning immediately, instead of wondering how to get to the store, how to afford school supplies, or anything else that interferes with focusing on the lesson. As you can see in the pictures, students appreciate having new notebooks, pencils, and folders. Getting high quality, brand new supplies gives them the message that they are important and worthy of something new and of good quality. I'm so grateful that you took the time to support this year's scholars!","fullyFundedDate":1754390530988,"projectUrl":"project/multilingual-high-school-learners-back/9527743/","projectTitle":"Multilingual High School Learners - Back to School","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Callaghan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2592833_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1505349755537","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/molly-callaghan"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_65269","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":842,"numTeachers":68,"percentFrplEligible":65,"percentAsian":6,"percentBlack":38,"percentWhite":37,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":10,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":5,"gradesServed":"9 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"12.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":61.7,"schoolId":65269,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Deering High School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Deering High School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/maine/portland-public-schools/deering-high-school/65269"}