{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"West Springfield High School","outOfStateSupporters":19.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8822885,"projectId":7949417,"letterContent":"My students come to me with many different reading levels and experiences. Some are confident readers, while others struggle with reading or are still developing their English language skills. Having a book in every student's hands allows us to work through a story together. We can stop to discuss unfamiliar vocabulary, make predictions, practice making inferences, and go back into the text to find evidence for our answers.\r\n\r\nThe books also give my students an opportunity to experience reading as something more than completing an assignment. As we read together, students begin talking about the characters, sharing their opinions, making connections, and wondering what will happen next. \r\n\r\nOne of the greatest benefits of this project is the confidence students gain from completing an entire book. Some of my students have struggled with reading for years. Finishing a book and realizing that they understood the story can be a big accomplishment. It helps them begin to see themselves as capable readers.\r\n\r\nThese books will also continue to make an impact beyond this school year. They will remain in our classroom library and be used with future classes, allowing many more students to benefit from this donation.\r\n\r\nThank you so much for supporting my classroom and my students. Your generosity has given my students access to books, but more importantly, it has given them opportunities to strengthen their reading skills, participate in meaningful conversations, discover new stories, and build confidence in themselves as readers.","fullyFundedDate":1699494249763,"projectUrl":"project/theres-no-place-like-home/7949417/","projectTitle":"There’s No Place Like Home","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ricks","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8822885"},{"teacherId":8822885,"projectId":8049592,"letterContent":"The \"Reading Is Believing\" project has made a meaningful difference in my classroom by providing my students with class sets of books that they can read, discuss, and experience together. Having access to these books may seem like a simple resource, but for my students, it creates opportunities for learning, conversation, confidence, and connection that would not otherwise be possible.\r\n\r\nMany of my students are developing readers and English language learners. Reading can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when students are working with texts that are unfamiliar or above their current reading level. Having a book in every student's hands allows me to slow down the reading process and provide the support they need. We can read sections together, stop to discuss vocabulary, make predictions, practice making inferences, and return directly to the text to find evidence. Students are able to highlight important ideas, follow along during discussions, and build their understanding one chapter at a time.\r\n\r\nThe class sets also allow us to create a shared reading experience. Instead of students completing isolated worksheets or reading short passages, they are able to become invested in characters, conflicts, and stories over time. They talk about what they think will happen next, question the decisions characters make, and make connections between the books and their own experiences. These conversations help students develop reading comprehension while also strengthening their speaking, listening, and critical-thinking skills.\r\n\r\nOne of the most important impacts of this project is that it gives students the opportunity to see themselves as readers. Some of my students enter high school believing that they are \"not good at reading.\" When they are able to successfully work their way through an entire book, that belief begins to change. Finishing a book provides a sense of accomplishment that a worksheet simply cannot provide. Students begin to realize that reading is something they can do, especially when they have the right materials and support.\r\n\r\nHaving class sets also means that no student is left out because they do not have access to a book at home or cannot purchase their own copy. Every student begins with the same resource and has an equal opportunity to participate. That is incredibly important in creating a classroom where students feel included and prepared to learn.\r\n\r\nThe title of this project, \"Reading Is Believing,\" truly represents what I hope my students gain from these books. I want them to believe in the power of stories, but even more importantly, I want them to believe in themselves as readers and learners.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in my students and putting books directly into their hands. Your generosity has given us much more than classroom materials. You have given my students opportunities to grow their skills, discover new stories, participate in meaningful conversations, and experience the pride that comes from saying, \"I finished that book.\"","fullyFundedDate":1704033690894,"projectUrl":"project/reading-is-believing/8049592/","projectTitle":"Reading Is Believing","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ricks","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8822885"},{"teacherId":8822885,"projectId":8049224,"letterContent":"This donation made a meaningful impact in my classroom everyday. Having basis reliable materials mean my students can come to class ready without worrying about not have money for supplies. For my English Language Learners, actively working with projects, posters and visuals help to support their learning. These supplies may seem simple, but for students that have never been to school before these materials are like a blessing. The students are so appreciative and send their tanks as well. Thank you so much for your donation to my class.","fullyFundedDate":1701199277285,"projectUrl":"project/pencils-and-markers-and-pens-oh-my/8049224/","projectTitle":"Pencils and Markers and Pens Oh My!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ricks","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8822885"},{"teacherId":8940396,"projectId":9515058,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, my students have been able to explore engaging new books that connect directly to their futures. These texts have introduced lessons about career research, college planning, and essential adult skills such as communication, problem-solving, and financial literacy all while strengthening reading comprehension and critical thinking.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom feels purposeful and empowering. Students are discussing their goals, learning how to manage stress, and building confidence as they prepare for life after graduation. One student who once struggled to stay motivated is now exploring college options that fit her interests, while another has gained confidence in speaking up and planning for a future career. Your support has helped turn reading into a path toward both personal and academic growth.","fullyFundedDate":1755796569623,"projectUrl":"project/future-ready-empowering-transitions-for/9515058/","projectTitle":"Future Ready: Empowering Transitions for Life Beyond High School","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Herrera","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8940396"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_60923","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1231,"numTeachers":94,"percentFrplEligible":90,"percentAsian":8,"percentBlack":5,"percentWhite":58,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":20,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":5,"gradesServed":"9 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"13.1:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":80.4,"schoolId":60923,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about West Springfield High School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"West Springfield High School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/massachusetts/west-springfield-school-district/west-springfield-high-school/60923"}