{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Toms River High School East","outOfStateSupporters":21.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":5515193,"projectId":10045494,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom care center is fully restocked and the impact has been immediate and meaningful. Each day, students quietly stop by to pick up the hygiene items, snacks, and personal care products they need. For many, these essentials help them feel confident, prepared, and ready to focus on learning rather than worrying about what they're missing at home.\r\n\r\nBecause everything is available for students to take freely and without question, the care center has become a safe, judgment‑free space where they know their needs will be met. Your support has helped create a classroom environment rooted in dignity, comfort, and belonging. \r\n\r\nThese supplies do more than fill shelves, they lift burdens, restore confidence, and remind students that there are people who believe in their well‑being. Thank you for making such a powerful difference in their daily lives and in our school community.","fullyFundedDate":1769125194379,"projectUrl":"project/the-care-corner/10045494/","projectTitle":"The Care Corner","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Schindler","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5515193_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1638485235867","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5515193"},{"teacherId":10415845,"projectId":10051596,"letterContent":"I am writing with heartfelt gratitude to thank you for your generous support of our \"Care, Warmth, and Comfort\" project. Because of your kindness, my students and I now have a classroom environment that truly reflects the safety, comfort, and dignity every learner deserves.\r\n\r\nI teach in a high school special education setting, working with students on the autism spectrum. For many of my students, the classroom is more than just a place to learn; it is a space where they develop trust, regulate their emotions, and build the skills they need to navigate the world. Creating an environment that feels calm, welcoming, and predictable is essential to their success. Your donations have helped make that possible in ways that go far beyond what words can fully express.\r\n\r\nThe carpets you provided have transformed our room into a more inviting and structured space. They give students a clear, comfortable area to gather, work, and decompress. The soft lighting has made a tremendous difference as well—many of my students are sensitive to harsh fluorescent lights, and the new lighting helps create a soothing atmosphere that reduces anxiety and supports focus.\r\n\r\nThe comfortable chairs have quickly become a favorite among my students. Having seating that supports their sensory and physical needs allows them to remain engaged for longer periods of time and participate more fully in lessons and activities. This seemingly simple addition has already had a noticeable impact on their ability to stay regulated and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nYour donation of food and drinks has also been incredibly meaningful. For some students, access to consistent snacks helps them maintain energy and focus throughout the day. It also provides opportunities to teach important life skills such as making choices, practicing independence, and engaging in social interactions during shared moments.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, the cleaning products you provided help us maintain a safe and hygienic classroom environment. In a setting where routines and consistency are so important, having the tools to keep our space clean and organized supports both physical health and emotional well-being.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, our classroom is no longer just functional—it is nurturing. It is a place where students feel cared for, respected, and understood. These changes may seem like small comforts, but for my students, they make a world of difference. They help reduce barriers to learning and allow each student to show up as their best self.\r\n\r\nYour generosity reminds us that there are people who truly care about our students and their success. You have made a lasting impact not only on our classroom, but on the daily lives of each student who walks through our door.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and for helping us create a space filled with care, warmth, and comfort.","fullyFundedDate":1769381160831,"projectUrl":"project/wrap-our-classroom-in-warmth-and-care/10051596/","projectTitle":"Wrap Our Classroom in Warmth and Care","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Svoboda","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10415845_orig.jpg?crop=360,360,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1769058418810","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10415845"},{"teacherId":6273036,"projectId":10045368,"letterContent":"On behalf of my students and staff, I want to extend our sincere gratitude for your generous donation of snacks and hygiene items to our classroom. Your kindness has made a meaningful difference in our daily learning environment.\r\n\r\nAccess to snacks throughout the day helps our students stay focused, engaged, energized and ready to learn. For many of our students, the nourishment you provided also brings the students comfort, support and regulation.\r\n\r\nYour contribution goes beyond food-it shows that are students are cared for by a community that believes in their success,\r\n\r\nThank you again for your support and commitment to our school and community. We truly appreciate your generosity. Thank you Tepper Foundation!!!!!!!\r\n\r\nHigh School East/ Life Skills","fullyFundedDate":1769126793035,"projectUrl":"project/warmth-care-hunger/10045368/","projectTitle":"Warmth, Care, Hunger...","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Balan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6273036_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768952333904","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6273036"},{"teacherId":10416394,"projectId":10057051,"letterContent":"The Power Words / Words of Intention Bracelet Making Activity had a meaningful impact on my classes by creating a positive and reflective learning environment where students could focus on personal growth and community. Through the bracelet-making process, students selected words that represented the intentions they wanted to bring into their lives—such as courage, kindness, resilience, focus, or gratitude.\r\n \r\nThis activity helped students slow down and think intentionally about their goals, values, and how their choices affect themselves and others. Many students who typically struggle to express themselves academically were able to share meaningful reflections about why they chose their word and how they hoped it would guide their actions.\r\n \r\nThe project also strengthened our classroom community. Students encouraged one another, shared stories connected to their chosen words, and recognized that their peers often face similar challenges and aspirations. Wearing the bracelets throughout the year serves as a daily reminder of the positive intentions they set for themselves.\r\n \r\nIn addition, the hands-on and creative nature of the activity increased student engagement and gave students a constructive outlet for stress while reinforcing social-emotional learning. The materials provided through DonorsChoose made it possible for every student to participate fully, ensuring that all students had the opportunity to create a meaningful symbol of their personal intentions.\r\n\r\nOverall, the project supported student well-being, fostered self-reflection, and helped build a supportive classroom culture centered on empathy, positivity, and personal responsibility.","fullyFundedDate":1769387799044,"projectUrl":"project/power-words-words-of-intention-bracelet/10057051/","projectTitle":"Power Words, Words of Intention Bracelet Making Activity","teacherDisplayName":"Sra. Mika","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10416394_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1769542376586","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10416394"},{"teacherId":2868761,"projectId":10043725,"letterContent":"Thank you all for your support! Our learners have been extremely motivated to work hard and do the right thing. Our classroom token economy system has been kicked into high gear with the additional snacks. Students are using it appropriately. The refrigerator is always being used as well. Students bring in leftovers and other items to use later in the day. Thank you all for helping our learners succeed throughout their day. Students often buy snacks during the day and after they complete their work.","fullyFundedDate":1768947493462,"projectUrl":"project/star-academy-life-skills-reinforcements/10043725/","projectTitle":"Star Academy- Life Skills Reinforcements","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Ebert","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2868761"},{"teacherId":7369798,"projectId":10044251,"letterContent":"Thank you for funding the start of our Meditation and Mindfulness area in our Media Center. We have started creating a calm space to encourage our students to take some time away from the stress of school, phones, and screens and rest and reflect. Students have started using the bean bag seating and the coloring pages during their lunch periods and study hall. The moment the items arrived, students were drawn to the space. What was once just a quiet corner has now become a true sanctuary where students can pause, breathe, and reset during their busy school day.\r\n\r\nStudents have shared how much this space means to them. Ariana said, \"I didn't realize how much I needed this until I sat down and just colored for ten minutes.\" Nick shared, \"The bean bag chairs make it feel safe and comfortable — it doesn't feel like school, it feels like a break.\" A junior recently told us, \"When I come in here before a test, I feel calmer and more focused.\" These simple but powerful tools are helping students regulate emotions, reduce stress, and build healthy coping strategies they can carry beyond the classroom. \r\n\r\nOur next steps for improving the SEL space include adding soft lighting, a small essential oil station with roller bottles for students to create calming blends, stress ball and mantra bracelet-making kits, and guided mindfulness resources that teachers can use with classes. We also hope to introduce short lunchtime meditation sessions and peer-led wellness activities. Your support has laid the foundation for a culture of calm and care in our school, and we are incredibly grateful for your investment in our students' well-being.","fullyFundedDate":1768967394428,"projectUrl":"project/warmth-care-hunger-meditation-station/10044251/","projectTitle":"Warmth, Care, Hunger Meditation Station","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Scallon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7369798_orig.jpg?crop=456,456,x672,y110&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1771786178768","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7369798"},{"teacherId":5260895,"projectId":10031640,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for fueling my students with healthy, nutritious, and delicious snacks. Your generosity has made a meaningful difference in our classroom. Because of your support, my students are able to focus more on their learning instead of being distracted by hunger.\r\n\r\nWe are truly grateful for the snacks and my students look forward to them. We can't thank you enough for your kindness and support — we are incredibly appreciative of all you have done for us!\r\n\r\nWithout support from Donors Choose or the Tepper Foundation, I would be spending a lot more of my money on snacks for my students. They also would not get as many snacks on a weekly basis. For this, we are so appreciative.","fullyFundedDate":1768747122900,"projectUrl":"project/fueling-young-minds-for-math-success/10031640/","projectTitle":"Fueling Young Minds for Math Success!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Brooke Schilling","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5260895_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1522217779130","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5260895"},{"teacherId":5850708,"projectId":10026185,"letterContent":"Dear Generous Donors,\r\n\r\nWe are writing this letter to express our deepest gratitude and to share the profound, positive impact your donations have had on our students and classroom community. Your support in providing essential food, cleaning products, and personal care items has done more than just fill a shelf—it has created a foundational shift in how our students approach their learning and their day.\r\nThe Project: More Than Just Supplies\r\nWhen you funded our project, you invested in the dignity and well-being of every student. For many of our students, having reliable access to these basic necessities removes a significant burden, allowing them to focus fully on their education. The simple act of providing a snack, a clean space, or a much-needed personal care item has yielded incredible results that directly translate into learning success.\r\nImpact on Learning and Focus\r\nThe difference in our classroom environment and student engagement is palpable.\r\n\r\nImproved Focus with Nutrition: Access to healthy, immediate food options has stabilized blood sugar and energy levels, leading to a marked improvement in concentration. Instead of grappling with hunger pangs, students are ready to engage in complex problem-solving and critical thinking activities.\r\nA Healthy Learning Environment: Providing cleaning products has allowed us to maintain a consistently clean and hygienic classroom. This not only reduces sick days but also instills a sense of pride and respect for our shared learning space. A clean room is a calm room, which supports better behavior and collaborative work.\r\nBoosted Confidence with Personal Care: The availability of personal care items ensures that every student feels confident and ready to interact with their peers. This sense of well-being is fundamental; when students feel good about themselves, they are more willing to participate, speak up, and take risks in their learning.\r\n\r\nThis project has been incredibly meaningful. It has demonstrated to our students that there are people outside our walls who genuinely care about their success and well-being. It is a powerful lesson in community and compassion.\r\nThe Lasting Legacy of Your Kindness\r\nYour contribution is not a one-time fix; it is an ongoing source of support that allows us to nurture the whole student—mind, body, and spirit. Because of your sincerity and support, our classroom is a place where students can truly thrive.\r\n\r\nWe hope you take immense pride in knowing that you are directly responsible for creating a more equitable, healthy, and focused environment where every student has the chance to reach their full potential.","fullyFundedDate":1768679719106,"projectUrl":"project/comfort-with-dignity/10026185/","projectTitle":"Comfort with Dignity","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gelormine","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5850708_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1653222367184","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5850708"},{"teacherId":10413327,"projectId":10043715,"letterContent":"On behalf of my students and our entire classroom community, I want to extend our deepest gratitude for your generous contributions. Your support arrived at exactly the right moment and has already made a tangible, heartwarming difference in the daily lives of our children. Watching the boxes arrive and seeing the students' faces light up as they opened each one was a joyful reminder of the power of community and kindness.\r\n\r\nEvery item you provided has found a meaningful place in our classroom. The rugs and cushions have transformed a once-empty corner into a cozy, inviting area where students can relax, read, reflect, and recharge. This soft, comfortable space encourages calm and focus, and it has quickly become a favorite gathering spot during free time and independent reading. I've noticed quieter transitions, more engagement during story time, and students intentionally choosing this area to regulate their emotions before joining group activities. Those small, serene moments have led to big improvements in classroom culture and learning readiness.\r\n\r\nThe new cabinet has been a game-changer for our classroom organization. With snacks now neatly stocked and accessible, we can quickly meet students' needs without interrupting learning. The cabinet's thoughtful design keeps supplies visible and orderly, reduces clutter, and helps students build responsibility as they learn classroom routines for healthy snack choices and cleanup. The ease and efficiency this brings to our daily flow cannot be overstated; less time spent searching for items means more time for instruction, creativity, and connection.\r\n\r\nBeyond the physical supplies, your donation has given students a sense of being seen and valued. Many of our children come from families facing financial stress, and having resources like these in the classroom helps level the playing field. It reassures them that their learning environment is cared for and that adults in their broader community invest in their success and well-being. The confidence and comfort this creates are just as important as the tangible items themselves.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has also fostered a sense of excitement and ownership among the students. They have taken pride in arranging the cozy corner, selecting books to pair with the cushions, and maintaining the snack station. These small acts build classroom leadership and teamwork. We plan to involve students in ongoing decisions about how to use and expand these materials, turning your donation into a lasting learning opportunity about stewardship and gratitude.\r\n\r\nI also want to acknowledge the broader ripple effect of your kindness. When donors like you step forward, you inspire others to contribute—whether by volunteering time, donating gently used books, or simply offering words of encouragement. Your support sends a powerful message that education is a community endeavor and that when we work together, we multiply the positive outcomes for our students.\r\n\r\nPlease know that every dollar and every item has been put to careful use. I would love to share photos and updates so you can see the direct impact of your generosity—moments of students curled up with a book on a rug, classmates quietly collaborating in the cozy corner, or the calm efficiency at snack time. \r\n\r\nFrom the bottom of our hearts, thank you. Your compassion and investment have not only improved our physical classroom space but have also enriched the emotional and educational lives of our students. We are deeply grateful for your belief in our work and for helping create a warm, supportive environment where every child can thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1768999716082,"projectUrl":"project/food-and-comfort/10043715/","projectTitle":"Food and Comfort","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Shaughnessy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10413327"},{"teacherId":8950241,"projectId":8224649,"letterContent":"My students have benefitted from the items funded through this Donors Choose project and have made a meaningful, immediate impact on both my 9th- and 11th-grade students. The Chromebook-compatible headphones allow students to work independently and stay focused during differentiated activities, even when other instruction is happening in the room. This is especially helpful for freshmen learning classroom routines and for juniors engaging in higher-level AP Language work. The electric hole puncher saves valuable class time and helps students stay organized by quickly preparing materials for binders they will reference all year. Finally, the desk-mounted phone pouches support our school's no-phone policy while reducing anxiety by keeping devices nearby but out of reach. This system has been so successful that other teachers have adopted it, creating a more focused learning environment school-wide.","fullyFundedDate":1712768954938,"projectUrl":"project/complete-the-classroom/8224649/","projectTitle":"Complete the Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Santonastaso","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8950241_orig.jpg?crop=2068,2068,x0,y478&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1769278890798","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8950241"},{"teacherId":5515193,"projectId":9366752,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous gift, our classroom is buzzing with excitement. The Teachers Pay Teachers gift card has allowed me to bring fresh, fun, and engaging activities into our lessons. Sparking creativity, deepening understanding, and making learning feel like an adventure. Your support has truly enriched our classroom experience and helped me meet students where they are with resources that inspire and connect. We're so grateful for your kindness and belief in the power of joyful learning. Thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1758225616359,"projectUrl":"project/always-add-a-sprinkle-of-fun/9366752/","projectTitle":"Always Add a Sprinkle of Fun","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Schindler","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5515193_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1638485235867","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5515193"},{"teacherId":5850708,"projectId":9850389,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity. Because of your support, our classroom has been transformed into a space of hands-on musical discovery. Receiving these guitars has opened doors for my students that simply didn't exist before.\r\nThe Magic of Hands-On Learning\r\nWhen the guitars first arrived, the excitement in the room was electric. For many of my students, this was the first time they had the opportunity to actually hold a high-quality instrument rather than just seeing one in a book or on a screen. Seeing their faces light up as they felt the vibration of the strings for the first time was a moment I won't soon forget.\r\nDeepening Our Musical Understanding\r\nThese resources have allowed us to explore music in a completely different way. Beyond just playing notes, the students have become fascinated with the \"ins and outs\" of how the instrument actually functions.\r\nA specific highlight of this project was a student-led guitar repair workshop held right in our classroom. One of my students took the lead, teaching their peers about the anatomy of the guitar and how to maintain the instruments. It was a powerful moment of leadership and technical learning that went far beyond a standard music lesson.\r\nWhat's Next for Our Musicians\r\nNow that every student has a guitar to call their own during class, we are moving into our next unit on songwriting and composition. Students are currently using their knowledge of guitar parts and chords to draft their own original melodies.\r\nYour contribution did more than just provide \"stuff\"; it provided a sense of ownership and sparked a new passion for craftsmanship and creativity in these young people. We are so grateful for your investment in our classroom community.","fullyFundedDate":1762371753605,"projectUrl":"project/pick-up-and-play/9850389/","projectTitle":"Pick up and Play!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gelormine","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5850708_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1653222367184","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5850708"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_46033","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1394,"numTeachers":111,"percentFrplEligible":41,"percentAsian":3,"percentBlack":3,"percentWhite":72,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":18,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"9 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"12.6:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":78.6,"schoolId":46033,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Toms River High School East on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Toms River High School East","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-jersey/toms-river-regional-school-district/toms-river-high-school-east/46033"}