{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Worcester Alternative School","outOfStateSupporters":0.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":5791137,"projectId":9053335,"letterContent":"The new 14-inch MacBook Pro with M4 chip has completely changed how our students approach music production and recording. In our classroom, this powerful laptop allows them to run professional-level recording sessions, edit complex audio tracks, and experiment with digital instruments in real time. It gives students hands-on experience with industry-standard tools, preparing them for careers in the music industry and giving them a competitive edge as they transition from high school to college or the workforce.\r\n\r\nStudents are most excited about creating high-quality recordings that capture live performances and bring their musical ideas to life. From recording peers' solo projects to mentoring younger students and producing audio/video content ready for distribution, they take full ownership of the creative process. The MacBook Pro's speed and storage let them work on multiple projects at once without interruptions, freeing their creativity.\r\n\r\nSome students who were shy about sharing their music are now confidently producing, mixing, and mastering tracks. They're building real-world portfolios and gaining the skills needed for professional careers—all before graduation.","fullyFundedDate":1746460669164,"projectUrl":"project/giddy-up-giddy-up-giddy-up-409/9053335/","projectTitle":"Giddy up Giddy up Giddy up 409","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Mott","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5791137_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1536284358178","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mr-mott-mr-mott"},{"teacherId":5791137,"projectId":8708074,"letterContent":"I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all the incredibly generous donors who have supported my project, \"Drumkit Setup In Urgent Care Clinic? Hmmm...Sadly, Not Doing Well.\" Your thoughtful contribution of The Alesis Nitro Max Kit Electric Drum Set, complete with Quiet Mesh Pads, volume control, and a headset connection, has opened an incredible opportunity for my students to engage with the transformative powers of rhythm and steady pulse. The introduction of this state-of-the-art Alesis electronic drum set enables me to inspire my students to work on essential physical skills, incorporating control of their arms and legs, strengthening fine motor skills, fostering cross-lateral movement, and enhancing their whole-brain thinking as their left and right hemispheres collaborate in harmony.\r\n\r\nMoreover, we've successfully integrated the Alesis Nitro Max into our existing audio interface and DAW workstation, allowing us to meticulously record original compositions and engaging student exercises. This innovative platform serves as a valuable tool for students to evaluate their performances, providing them with real-time feedback and promoting self-reflection. The most remarkable aspect is that my students feel an unmatched freedom to express themselves on the drum kit—after all, with the headphones on, they can lose themselves in their creativity without concern for outside noise.\r\n\r\nBeyond the technical benefits that have come to life, your generous support has had a profound effect on the cognitive development and thought processes of many students. You have equipped us with empowering tools that not only enrich our knowledge but also broaden our experiences, leveling the playing field in an increasingly competitive environment. Every day, my classroom is filled with youthful energy and creative fervor, manifesting in enthusiastic greetings as students walk by: \"Hey Mister, I'm working in the studio today,\" \"Hey Mister, I've got a beat,\" \"Hey Mister, I have an idea,\" or \"Hey Mister, I want to continue working on...\" Their excitement is palpable.\r\n\r\nI have also witnessed a remarkable shift in the atmosphere of tolerance and collaboration among my students. A newfound mutual respect and understanding permeates the room, allowing all of them to create and practice together in the same space—an environment where the sound quality may deviate from professional standards, but the spirit of creativity thrives nonetheless.\r\n\r\nTogether, we have crafted a uniquely supportive experience, one that recognizes and addresses the myriad challenges my students face. This space allows them to release their burdens, overcome setbacks, and unearth the resilience necessary to pursue promising futures. These futures are brimming with opportunities worth striving for, making my classroom more vibrant, rewarding, inspiring, and motivating than ever before. The simple inclusion of The Alesis Nitro Max Kit Electric Drum Set has transformed my room into a warm and inviting recording studio, nurturing the creative environment I am passionately dedicated to cultivating.\r\n\r\nBy sharing my donorschoose projects, both new and fully funded, along with the extraordinary equipment and materials I've received, I provide my students with a perspective that highlights the care and support from the community. Thank you immensely for your invaluable contributions in shaping my classroom into a distinctive and nurturing place, where we are well-equipped to meet the diverse needs of my students beyond just academics.","fullyFundedDate":1733222014862,"projectUrl":"project/drumkit-setup-in-urgent-care-clinic-hmm/8708074/","projectTitle":"Drumkit Setup In Urgent Care Clinic? Hmmm…Sadly, Not Doing Well.","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Mott","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5791137_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1536284358178","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mr-mott-mr-mott"},{"teacherId":5791137,"projectId":8678249,"letterContent":"I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the generous donors who contributed to my project, \"...You Don't Eat Your Meat, How Can You Have Any Pudding?\" Your thoughtful donations of countless packets of Ramen, rich herbal tea, decadent hot chocolate powder, biodegradable bowls, and 500 sets of insulated Kraft ripple paper hot cups have fulfilled a vital daily necessity among my students, especially during these bitterly cold months. As teachers, we provide more than just educational materials; we strive to connect with our students and address their genuine needs. \r\n\r\nMany times, students arrive in our classrooms literally hungry, their stomachs in knots. The pangs of hunger can lead to a cascade of interruptions in their lives, manifesting as uncontrollable behaviors, sleepless nights, emotional instability, and anxiety, all of which make it incredibly difficult for them to focus on their studies. This often results in lost opportunities for essential educational growth. Because of your generous donations, I was able to reach out and say, \"Can I make you a Ramen or a hot chocolate?\"\r\n\r\nI didn't capture photos or videos of my students savoring their warm bowls of soup or sipping their steaming cups of cocoa, but if I could have, you would have seen the instant transformation in their demeanor. Their energy seemed to drain away, and they melted into the comforting atmosphere of my classroom, as if my invitation had graciously disarmed their defenses. I observed a profound shift in their behavior—students became more respectful, genuinely thankful, and increasingly thoughtful. They began to support one another more openly, as well as appreciate what I had to offer them within our learning space. More importantly, we changed the outcome of their day. \r\n\r\nTogether, we have cultivated a truly unique and supportive experience that acknowledges the myriad challenges students face, allowing them to release their burdens, overcome setbacks, and discover the resilience needed to pursue brighter futures. These futures are filled with positive possibilities truly worth striving for. My classes have never felt this vibrant, rewarding, inspiring, and motivating. The simple addition of Ramen, hot chocolate, and herbal teas to my classroom, which I've set up as a warm and inviting Recording Studio, has nurtured the creative environment I am dedicated to fostering. Thank you for your invaluable contributions in making my classroom a distinctive place, ready to meet the needs of my students beyond mere academics.","fullyFundedDate":1733276174363,"projectUrl":"project/you-dont-eat-your-meat-how-can-you-h/8678249/","projectTitle":"“…You Don’t Eat Your Meat, How Can You Have anyPudding?”","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Mott","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5791137_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1536284358178","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mr-mott-mr-mott"},{"teacherId":5791137,"projectId":8768829,"letterContent":"I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the donors who contributed to my project, \"Small Diaphragm Condensers, Matched.\" The equipment we acquired, Rodes M5 \"pencil\" condenser matched microphones, has opened additional projects that allow my students to compare a variety of microphones for recording the same sound. They have noticed several differences; especially after recording with a set of matched microphones such as the Rodes M5. The M5 matched means that a pair of microphones have been specifically selected to have very similar frequency response and sensitivity, essentially ensuring they sound almost identical when used together, which is particularly important for stereo recording to achieve a balanced and accurate sound image; essentially, they are \"matched pair\" mics. It is impossible to simply find two separate microphones and expect the same outcome when recording in stereo. \r\n\r\nBeyond the technical advantages that have become available, your generous donations have profoundly impacted the thinking processes of many of my students. You have provided us with empowering tools that enhance our knowledge and experiences, giving us an equal opportunity to succeed in an increasingly competitive landscape. Each day, my students arrive brimming with ideas, and it's the first thing I hear from them as they pass by my room in the morning: \"Hey Mister, I'm working in the studio today,\" \"Hey Mister, I've got a beat,\" \"Hey Mister, I have an idea,\" or \"Hey Mister, I want to continue working on...\"    \r\n\r\nAdditionally, I have noticed a significant improvement in the atmosphere of tolerance among my students. There now exists a mutual respect and understanding that allows everyone to create and practice in the same space, even when the sound quality is far from the professional standards many of us are accustomed to.  \r\n\r\nTogether, we have created is a truly unique experience that understands the challenges students face, enabling them to let go of their troubles, work through setbacks, and find the strength to pursue brighter futures filled with positive possibilities that are truly worth living for. My classes have never been this exciting, rewarding, inspiring, and motivating before opening a recording studio and stocking it with competitive equipment. I've tried many ideas. Thank you for your contributions in making the Recording Studio.","fullyFundedDate":1730937711664,"projectUrl":"project/small-diaphragm-condensers-matched/8768829/","projectTitle":"Small Diaphragm Condensers, Matched","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Mott","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5791137_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1536284358178","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mr-mott-mr-mott"},{"teacherId":5791137,"projectId":8467054,"letterContent":"I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the donors who contributed to my project, \"Break On Through To The Other Side with Lil' Stu.\" The equipment we acquired, Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Gen 4 with Audio-Technica Microphone & Sterling Studio headphones, microphone stand and shield, carpet, and LED lights, helped to setup an additional space in my growing studio. Along with three other fully funded projects, you have given my students an outlet to create, collaborate, build self compassion, strengthen their compassion for others. \r\n\r\nBeyond the technical advantages that have become available, your generous donations have profoundly impacted the thinking processes of many of my students. You have provided us with empowering tools that enhance our knowledge and experiences, giving us an equal opportunity to succeed in an increasingly competitive landscape. Each day, my students arrive brimming with ideas, and it's the first thing I hear from them as they pass by my room in the morning: \"Hey Mister, I'm working in the studio today,\" \"Hey Mister, I've got a beat,\" \"Hey Mister, I have an idea,\" or \"Hey Mister, I want to continue working on...\"    \r\n\r\nAdditionally, I have noticed a significant improvement in the atmosphere of tolerance among my students. There now exists a mutual respect and understanding that allows everyone to create and practice in the same space, even when the sound quality is far from the professional standards many of us are accustomed to.  \r\n\r\nTogether, we have created is a truly unique experience that understands the challenges students face, enabling them to let go of their troubles, work through setbacks, and find the strength to pursue brighter futures filled with positive possibilities that are truly worth living for.","fullyFundedDate":1723681622841,"projectUrl":"project/break-on-through-to-the-other-side-with/8467054/","projectTitle":"Break On Through To The Other Side with Lil’ Stu.","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Mott","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5791137_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1536284358178","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mr-mott-mr-mott"},{"teacherId":5791137,"projectId":8469049,"letterContent":"I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the donors who contributed to my project, \"Trapped in the Studio Without Monitors: Nobody Can Hear Us.\" The equipment we acquired, including the JBL 306p MKII monitors and subwoofer, features advanced Waveguide technology that creates an incredibly dynamic soundstage. This is particularly crucial during the editing, mixing and mastering stages, as my students explore EQ adjustments, apply compression and limiters, and incorporate other intricate musical details. With these tools, we are now better equipped to master music for a variety of formats, including car stereo systems, headphones, and tabletop sound systems.\r\n\r\nBeyond the technical advantages that have become available, your generous donations have profoundly impacted the thinking processes of many of my students. You have provided us with empowering tools that enhance our knowledge and experiences, giving us an equal opportunity to succeed in an increasingly competitive landscape. Each day, my students arrive brimming with ideas, and it's the first thing I hear from them as they pass by my room in the morning: \"Hey Mister, I'm working in the studio today,\" \"Hey Mister, I've got a beat,\" \"Hey Mister, I have an idea,\" or \"Hey Mister, I want to continue working on...\"  \r\n\r\nAdditionally, I have noticed a significant improvement in the atmosphere of tolerance among my students. There now exists a mutual respect and understanding that allows everyone to create and practice in the same space, even when the sound quality is far from the professional standards many of us are accustomed to.  \r\n\r\nTogether, we have created is a truly unique experience that understands the challenges students face, enabling them to let go of their troubles, work through setbacks, and find the strength to pursue brighter futures filled with positive possibilities that are truly worth living for.","fullyFundedDate":1723468028920,"projectUrl":"project/trapped-in-the-studio-without-monitors/8469049/","projectTitle":"Trapped in the Studio Without Monitors. Nobody Can Hear Us.","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Mott","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5791137_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1536284358178","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mr-mott-mr-mott"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_53727","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":100,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":6,"percentBlack":16,"percentWhite":24,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":43,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"7 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"MDR District Record","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":null},"inStateSupporters":100.0,"schoolId":53727,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Worcester Alternative School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Worcester Alternative School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/massachusetts/worcester-public-schools/alternative-school/53727"}