{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Essex County Donald M Payne Technical","outOfStateSupporters":41.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10195206,"projectId":9630218,"letterContent":"I cannot thank you enough for your generous support. Your donation allowed our book club to start off strong and flourish. Because you supplied students with high-interest novels, our club has grown exponentially--this year, our membership grew by 100%!\r\n\r\nAs you know, reading books that reflect the cultural diversity of our school and our world is so important to building empathy, respect, and critical thinking. We've kicked off with Excuse Me While I Ugly Cry, and the students have been having so much fun discussing the book's themes and trying to predict the ending. Some of them really connected with the main character, and others appreciate experiencing another perspective beside their own. We truly couldn't have done it without you.","fullyFundedDate":1755876022813,"projectUrl":"project/help-make-reading-cool-again/9630218/","projectTitle":"Help Make Reading Cool Again","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Greene","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10195206_orig.jpg?crop=1334,1334,x0,y133&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755719638842","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10195206"},{"teacherId":9801970,"projectId":8873895,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous donation, our classroom now has a cozy, inviting reading corner that my students love! Adding the rug, small bookshelf, and soft pillow cushions has transformed a simple space into a welcoming area where students feel excited and relaxed while reading.\r\n\r\nThe first time my students saw the new reading corner, their faces lit up excitedly. They immediately gravitated toward it; some sat down right away to explore the books, while others pointed out how \"cool\" and \"comfy\" it looked. One student even said, \"This feels like a real library!\"\r\n\r\nWe use the reading corner daily during independent reading and small group instruction. It's become a favorite spot in the classroom, especially for students who want a quiet and comfortable place to focus. Recently, we launched a \"Book Buddies\" activity where students pair up, choose a book from the shelf, and take turns reading to each other in the reading corner. It's been wonderful to see them so engaged and encouraging one another.\r\n\r\nAs we continue building reading stamina and confidence, this space will play a key role in helping my students develop a love for books. Thank you again for helping create an environment that supports comfort and learning. Your impact is felt daily.","fullyFundedDate":1739282336556,"projectUrl":"project/comfy-reading-corner/8873895/","projectTitle":"Comfy Reading Corner","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sanchez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9801970"},{"teacherId":9464374,"projectId":8207362,"letterContent":"I am circling back to you all with continued gratitude and an update about the impact of your support. It has been a whirlwind of a year and expanding our Makerspace has been a joy to behold. We have seen a significant increase in foot traffic in the library and the Makerspace is always full of spirited students enjoying all that it has to offer.\r\n\r\nThe most noticeable aspect of the new materials we offer is how creative students can be. They have abandoned all Lego instructions and have created pieces all their own. They have focused intently on completing 3D puzzles, despite their difficulty level and time requirement. Bracelets, origami, and wiki stick creations decorate our shelving, bringing the space warmth and a welcoming spirit.\r\n\r\nAgain, we so appreciate your support with this project. There are lots of threads that are growing from the space, including a collective of crocheters led by one of our freshman students. Keep an eye out for opportunities to support her in her endeavors! Thank you so much for your continued support.\\","fullyFundedDate":1714753690120,"projectUrl":"project/a-new-makerspace-to-build-intentional-st/8207362/","projectTitle":"A New Makerspace to Build Intentional Student Connection and Community","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Daniel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9464374_orig.jpg?crop=1075,1075,x422,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1710349614501","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9464374"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_81076","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1148,"numTeachers":58,"percentFrplEligible":80,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":47,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":49,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"9 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"19.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":58.1,"schoolId":81076,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Essex County Donald M Payne Technical on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Essex County Donald M Payne Technical","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-jersey/essex-county-schools-of-technology/essex-county-vocational-tech-high-school/81076"}
Join the 86 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Essex County Donald M Payne Technical is
an urban public school
in Newark, New Jersey that is part of Essex County Schools of Technology.
It serves 1,148 students
in grades 9 - 12 with a student/teacher ratio of 19.8:1.
Its teachers have had 18 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
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Essex County Donald M Payne Technical Demographics
80%
of students receive free or reduced price lunch
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
Source: the National Center for Education Statistics
97%
of students are Black, Latino, Native
American, or Asian
Data about school demographics comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. The numbers in this chart may not add up to 100% because of limitations in the available data.
Essex County Donald M Payne Technical Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Dec 24, 2025
DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students
in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.
Essex County Donald M Payne Technical
$9,849
raised using DonorsChoose
18
projects
funded
11
teachers
funded
86
donors
1
project for
technology
6
projects for
books
1
project
for
art supplies
Essex County Donald M Payne Technical has received support from
50 individuals from New Jersey and
36 individuals out-of-state.