{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Whitney E Houston Academy","outOfStateSupporters":20.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":5968673,"projectId":10073760,"letterContent":"The Impact of the Pack-A-Snack Program at Whitney E. Houston Academy\r\n\r\nThe impact of the Pack-A-Snack Program on our students with autism at Whitney E. Houston Academy has been truly overwhelming and heartwarming. This wonderful initiative has made a meaningful difference in the lives of our scholars, providing them not only with nutritious snacks but also with comfort and security during their long journeys home.\r\n\r\nOur students eagerly look forward to returning their Ziploc bags each day to receive their snacks for the bus ride home. One student expressed that they often feel hungry on the bus and that having a snack helps them get through the long ride until they arrive home and dinner is ready. That simple statement speaks volumes about the importance of this program.\r\n\r\nMany of our students spend more than an hour traveling home after school. Once they arrive, they may still have to wait for dinner to be prepared. For our students with autism, understanding the concept of time and waiting can sometimes be challenging. Having something substantial to eat during that transition helps alleviate hunger, frustration, and anxiety while providing a sense of comfort and routine.\r\n\r\nThe wonderful variety of snacks provided, including instant macaroni and cheese, granola bars, popcorn, and other nutritious selections, has allowed us to create satisfying snack combinations that help sustain our students throughout their journeys home. What may seem like a small gesture to others has become an essential and much-anticipated part of our students' daily routine.\r\n\r\nOur only regret is that our current supply will not be sufficient to sustain this wonderful initiative throughout the remainder of the school year. Now that our students have become accustomed to receiving these snacks, we recognize even more clearly how valuable this program has become to their daily well-being.\r\n\r\nThis program has been so much more than providing food. It has been about meeting a basic need, showing compassion, and ensuring that our students feel cared for beyond the classroom walls.\r\n\r\nWe are profoundly grateful to DonorsChoose and to everyone who made this opportunity possible. Your generosity has touched the lives of our students in ways that extend far beyond what words can adequately express.\r\n\r\nThank you, thank you, thank you! Your kindness has truly been a blessing to our students, our classroom, and our school community. Because of you, our scholars can travel home with full stomachs, greater comfort, and the reassurance that someone cares about their well-being.\r\n\r\nWith heartfelt appreciation,\r\n\r\nSharon Johnson\r\nWhitney E. Houston Academy","fullyFundedDate":1777997998206,"projectUrl":"project/pack-a-snack/10073760/","projectTitle":"Pack a Snack","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Johnson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5968673_orig.jpg?crop=1953,1953,x362,y741&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755215969500","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5968673"},{"teacherId":6436760,"projectId":9096847,"letterContent":"I wish to thank you for your generosity. My students are now able to utilize all of the platforms that we use in school without interruptions from non working headphones. Students no longer have to listen to their classmates instruction when they are using our learning platforms. You have no idea the difference it makes! My students are building confidence in themselves and it is such a positive impact.\r\n\r\nNot only are you helping my students on their different learning platforms, but you have also taught them the importance of helping others and giving back to the community. They are aware that they have their headphones as a result of your generosity. I know that they will carry the idea of giving with them as they grow and learn how important community is. Thank you for being a part of our village.","fullyFundedDate":1746232832037,"projectUrl":"project/headphones-for-audio-learning/9096847/","projectTitle":"Headphones for Audio Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Magro","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6436760_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1784655182684","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6436760"},{"teacherId":6436760,"projectId":8894853,"letterContent":"I cannot thank you enough! My students absolutely love their cozy corner. My students are motivated to earn their chance on their bean bags every day! I set up a little corner in my classroom's walk in closet, and the students who have the most points for the day get to spend time in what I have transformed into a wonderful quiet area. It helps a lot of my kids who have some sensory challenges, as well. \r\n\r\nThe extra novels in class have been a wonderful addition! My students are reading more actively, and much more willingly. Thank you will never be enough!","fullyFundedDate":1738621734577,"projectUrl":"project/cozy-corner-for-reading/8894853/","projectTitle":"Cozy Corner for Reading","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Magro","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6436760_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1784655182684","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6436760"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_81068","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":385,"numTeachers":34,"percentFrplEligible":70,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":81,"percentWhite":1,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":15,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":1,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"11.3:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":79.3,"schoolId":81068,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Whitney E Houston Academy on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Whitney E Houston Academy","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-jersey/east-orange-school-district/whitney-houston-academy/81068"}