{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Curtis High School","outOfStateSupporters":28.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":5979864,"projectId":10063190,"letterContent":"Installing fresh drumheads across a marching band's snare line instantly transforms both the acoustic presence and the technical execution of the entire drumline. Worn, stretched-out heads lose their elasticity and structural integrity, resulting in a dull, muddy rebound and a muffled tone that gets swallowed up in outdoor football stadiums. Modern high-tension marching snare heads—often made of dense aramid woven fibers like Kevlar or reinforced synthetic composites—deliver an explosive \"crack\" and precise high-pitch frequency that effortlessly cuts through a hundred-piece brass section. With fresh batter and resonant heads properly seated and tuned, every stroke gains immediate clarity, allowing intricate 32nd-note rudiments, rolls, and rimshots to project with bright, sharp definition all the way to the top of the press box. \r\n\r\nBeyond raw acoustic power, new snare heads radically improve the drumline's visual and operational performance by removing physical playing barriers. Fresh, evenly tensioned heads provide uniform surface rebound across every drum in the line. This consistency eliminates the micro-adjustments players are forced to make when fighting dead spots on old plastic, allowing the performers to relax their hands, maintain proper technique, and execute hyper-synchronized sticking motions. For the audience and competition judges, this translates into a visibly cohesive unit where individual variations disappear, turning a row of separate drummers into a single, razor-sharp musical engine whose visual cleanliness matches its sonic impact.","fullyFundedDate":1777937341959,"projectUrl":"project/new-snare-heads/10063190/","projectTitle":"New Snare Heads","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Smith","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5979864_orig.png?crop=606,606,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1731006117531","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/curtishsmusic"},{"teacherId":5979864,"projectId":10035795,"letterContent":"As a music director, receiving a fresh supply of quality reeds for our woodwind section has been nothing short of transformative for our program, instantly lifting a quiet financial and technical burden off our students. Reeds are the literal voice of instruments like the clarinet and saxophone, yet because they are fragile and costly, many students end up playing on chipped, warped, or split reeds for months simply to avoid asking their families for money. Providing new, proper-strength reeds has removed immense hurdles: it eliminates hours of wasted rehearsal time previously spent troubleshooting dead gear, stops students from developing harmful physical habits like over-biting to compensate for poor equipment, and ensures that financial hardship never stands between a child and their music.\r\n\r\nThe immediate impact on our students across every skill level has completely revitalized the classroom energy. For my beginners, who so often internalize equipment failure as personal failure, receiving a fresh reed turns initial frustration into pure relief; the moment their instrument responds effortlessly without squeaking, their eyes light up and their confidence soars. Intermediate players, previously stuck on skill plateaus due to dead reeds, suddenly discover they can control their dynamics and reach higher registers with ease, reigniting their drive to practice. Meanwhile, our advanced musicians treat a fresh, high-grade reed with genuine reverence, as it grants them the pitch stability, crisp articulation, and tonal nuance required to tackle complex repertoire.\r\n\r\nFrom my perspective at the podium, this simple addition has fundamentally shifted what we are capable of accomplishing together as an ensemble. Instead of spending rehearsals fighting pitch instability, harsh tones, and physical fatigue across the woodwind section, our collective sound has locked in with a warmth and clarity we couldn't achieve before. With functional equipment in every student's hands, our class time has transformed from a cycle of mechanical troubleshooting into a space dedicated entirely to deep musicianship, artistic expression, and the joy of making music together.","fullyFundedDate":1777944702260,"projectUrl":"project/reed-restock/10035795/","projectTitle":"Reed Restock","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Smith","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5979864_orig.png?crop=606,606,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1731006117531","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/curtishsmusic"},{"teacherId":8790998,"projectId":10121408,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our project, \"Snacks for Success: Supporting Students' Minds and Well‑Being.\" Because of your kindness, our classroom now has access to healthy snacks that help students stay focused, energized, and ready to learn throughout the day. We have incorporated the snacks into our daily routine, especially during longer instructional blocks and before assessments. One memorable moment was during a recent reading workshop when students were able to grab a snack and settle in—what followed was one of the most focused, productive sessions we've had all year. Students who usually struggle to concentrate stayed engaged, participated more confidently, and even shared thoughtful insights during discussions.\r\nWhen the students first saw the snacks, their faces lit up with excitement and gratitude. Many immediately expressed how much it meant to them to have something readily available when they needed it. The sense of care and support they felt created an even stronger sense of community in our classroom. Students have also taken ownership by helping organize and distribute the snacks in a fair and respectful way, reinforcing responsibility and kindness toward one another.\r\nLooking ahead, we plan to continue using these resources to support both academic and social-emotional growth. As we move into our next units, students will be engaging in collaborative projects and extended independent work, and having access to snacks will help sustain their focus and stamina. Your generosity has made a meaningful impact not just on students' learning, but also on their overall well-being—and for that, we are truly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1778071918390,"projectUrl":"project/snacks-for-success-supporting-students/10121408/","projectTitle":"Snacks for Success: Supporting Students’ Minds and Well‑Being","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Holzer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8790998"},{"teacherId":10341767,"projectId":9875505,"letterContent":"The garden bench has quickly become more than just a piece of outdoor furniture—it's become a small but powerful wellness space for our students. In the middle of a busy school day, it offers a peaceful retreat where students can step away from the noise, breathe deeply, and reset.\r\n\r\nSurrounded by nature, the bench gives students a moment to reflect, relax, and find balance. These quiet breaks outdoors have already made a noticeable difference: students return to class calmer, more focused, and ready to engage. Research tells us that time outside can reduce stress and improve mood, and we're seeing that play out in real time.\r\n\r\nWhether students are reading, having meaningful conversations with a friend, or simply soaking in a bit of sunlight, the bench encourages mindfulness and connection. In a school setting, that matters. It supports not just academic success, but emotional well‑being—reminding students that their mental health is valued here.\r\n\r\nIt's a small addition with a big impact, and we're grateful to have it as part of our learning environment.","fullyFundedDate":1765205084690,"projectUrl":"project/rest-to-be-your-best-a-bench-for-studen/9875505/","projectTitle":"Rest to Be Your Best: A Bench for Student Success","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Pizzarelli","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10341767"},{"teacherId":8088318,"projectId":10012096,"letterContent":"I wanted to share how much of an impact your generous donation has had on the students in our Muslim Student Association. When they first saw the snacks, drinks, and other materials, their excitement was contagious—they couldn't believe the community responded so quickly and thoughtfully. The snacks and drinks have made our afterschool meetings more enjoyable and have helped sustain energy and focus during long discussions, while the students appreciate knowing that their community supports their club.\r\n\r\nYour donation has also added a lot of joy and creativity to our activities. The board games have been a perfect way for students to relax and enjoy quiet snow days, and the art supplies have inspired them to design and create tote bags after lectures. These materials have made our space more welcoming and engaging, and students are consistently grateful for the opportunities to connect, learn, and have fun together. Thank you for helping make our club a brighter, more dynamic space for everyone.","fullyFundedDate":1768687020431,"projectUrl":"project/muslim-student-association/10012096/","projectTitle":"Muslim Student Association","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Zakria","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/curtishsmsa"},{"teacherId":8790998,"projectId":9925569,"letterContent":"The Fueling Minds with Snacks project has made an immediate and meaningful difference in our classroom. With consistent access to healthy snacks, students are able to stay focused and engaged during lessons—especially during longer instructional blocks when attention naturally starts to fade. I've watched students grab a quick snack before diving into group work or independent practice, and the shift in their energy and perseverance is unmistakable. \r\nWhen the snacks first arrived, the students' reactions were priceless. Many were surprised that donors would care enough about them to provide something so essential yet often overlooked. Their excitement quickly turned into gratitude, and they began treating the snacks as tools for learning rather than simple treats. Several students even shared that having snacks available helps them worry less about coming to school hungry and more about participating deeply in class.\r\nThanks to your generosity, our next steps involve helping students take greater ownership of their learning and well‑being. At the high school level, students are juggling rigorous coursework, after‑school responsibilities, and often part‑time jobs. With the snack resources in place, they'll be able to maintain focus during extended lessons, project-based learning, and exam preparation. \r\nAs students work through research projects, lab activities, and college- and career-readiness tasks, these snacks will continue to support their stamina and engagement. Your support is helping them build habits and mindsets that will benefit them far beyond the classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1770387896681,"projectUrl":"project/fueling-minds-with-snacks/9925569/","projectTitle":"Fueling Minds with Snacks","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Holzer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8790998"},{"teacherId":5979864,"projectId":9845172,"letterContent":"On behalf of our high school jazz bands, thank you for your generous support in helping us acquire our new jazz drum set. Your investment has had an immediate and meaningful impact on our students and our program.\r\n\r\nThe new drum set has elevated the sound, energy, and professionalism of our ensembles. Our drummers are now able to develop proper technique, stylistic authenticity, and confidence using an instrument that truly reflects the demands of jazz performance. Just as importantly, the entire band benefits from a stronger rhythmic foundation, allowing students to listen more closely, swing more freely, and perform at a higher artistic level.\r\n\r\nBeyond the musical improvements, this gift communicates something powerful to our students: that their learning, creativity, and hard work matter to a community that believes in them. Your generosity has strengthened not only our classroom resources, but also our students' pride and motivation.\r\n\r\nThank you for supporting music education and for making a lasting difference in the lives of our young musicians. We are deeply grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1769129479310,"projectUrl":"project/jazz-drum-set/9845172/","projectTitle":"Jazz Drum Set","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Smith","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5979864_orig.png?crop=606,606,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1731006117531","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/curtishsmusic"},{"teacherId":10241927,"projectId":9682892,"letterContent":"I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for the generous donation of the new drum throne to our high school's Modern Band and Jazz Band programs. This addition has made an immediate and meaningful impact on our students.\r\nA stable, comfortable, and height‑adjustable drum throne may seem like a small upgrade, but it has significantly improved our percussionists' posture, endurance, and confidence during rehearsals and performances. Students are now better able to focus on technique and musicality rather than discomfort or balance—an improvement that has elevated the overall sound and cohesion of both ensembles. Several students have already commented on how much easier it is to maintain proper form and control when seated correctly.\r\nYour support directly enhances the daily experience of our young musicians and helps create an environment where they can grow, take risks, and discover their artistic voices. We are truly grateful for your investment in their success and in the future of our music program.\r\nThank you again for your kindness and commitment to our students.","fullyFundedDate":1758220015845,"projectUrl":"project/drum-thrones-for-jazz-and-modern-band/9682892/","projectTitle":"Drum Thrones for Jazz and Modern Band","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Calabrese","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10241927"},{"teacherId":9372549,"projectId":9897441,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of chips, fruit snacks, and Gatorade! Your support gives my students quick energy and hydration, helping them stay focused, alert, and ready to learn throughout the day. These snacks also show them they are cared for, creating a sense of community and support in the classroom.\r\n\r\nBecause of donors like you, my students are fueled and motivated to succeed. My next project will focus on creating a welcoming classroom environment, filled with décor that inspires, motivates, and makes every student feel valued.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, your generosity fosters a sense of belonging and encouragement. When students see that someone cares enough to provide these everyday comforts, it sends a message that they are valued and that their learning environment is a supportive space. Your contribution not only nourishes their bodies but also their confidence, motivation, and excitement to learn.","fullyFundedDate":1766067635093,"projectUrl":"project/small-snacks-big-impact/9897441/","projectTitle":"Small Snacks, Big Impact","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. N Ahmed","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9372549_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1786560920304","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9372549"},{"teacherId":7829549,"projectId":9893901,"letterContent":"Thank you for donating to my \"STEM SUPPLIES: Coded Art and Fashion\" fundraiser. The Brother SE-600 embroidery machine provided an awesome opportunity for my students to use their coding skills to make something they could touch and see off screen--a beautiful quilt made from their designs.\r\n\r\nAs a teacher, I saw this project push my students to care more about the details of their design. When their designs were just executed on the screen, many students were just messing around, and, I realized, not really understanding the output. Asking them to make a design to be added to a quilt made them care more about their product. It also highlighted areas of struggle that I didn't recognize before, such as the importance of the sequence of their code, and using coordinates and size to position their designs.\r\n\r\nMany of my students had never seen a sewing machine in use before! One of them though, was particularly engaged because a sewing machine was a part of every home in his home country of Bangladesh. He made one of the most popular designs--a \"Roblox man face\"--that has attracted a lot of admiration from students. He's working on another design for a kitchen towel as a birthday present for his mother.\r\n\r\nThank you again! This machine should provide years of use and inspiration for the students of Curtis High School.","fullyFundedDate":1763600994788,"projectUrl":"project/stem-supplies-coded-art-and-fashion/9893901/","projectTitle":"STEM Supplies: Coded Art and Fashion","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McCoy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7829549"},{"teacherId":7829549,"projectId":9733145,"letterContent":"Thank you for donating to my \"Coded Fashion Supplies\" fundraiser. The Cricut materials and other supplies provided an awesome opportunity for my students to use their coding skills to make something they could touch and see off screen--cards, stickers, and custom clothing. \r\n\r\nAs a teacher, I see these tactile computer science projects push my students to care more about the details of their design. When their designs were just executed on the screen, many students were just messing around, and, I realized, not really understanding the output. Asking them to make a design that would be executed in real life made them care more about their product. It also highlighted areas of struggle that I didn't recognize before, such as the importance of the sequence of their code, and using coordinates and size to position their designs.\r\n\r\nAs I continue to develop rich curricula and experiences for students in our Software Engineering Program, I depend on and am very grateful for the support of the Donors Choose community.","fullyFundedDate":1758667900505,"projectUrl":"project/coded-fashion-supplies/9733145/","projectTitle":"Coded Fashion Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McCoy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7829549"},{"teacherId":9372549,"projectId":9771533,"letterContent":"Thank you so very much for your generous support of our classroom project. Because of your kindness, we received supplies that are already making a positive difference in our students' daily experience and learning.\r\n\r\nOur students have loved having a variety of healthy snacks and treats, like granola bars, Cheez-It crackers, and cookies. These snacks have brought joy and energy into our room, especially on long afternoons. It is helping students stay engaged and ready to learn. Seeing their faces light up when they discover what's in the snack basket is one of our favorite moments! Your support is helping ensure all students have access to something they enjoy, and that really matters. \r\n\r\nWe've also started using the rolling cart to organize materials and classroom supplies, which has helped make transitions smoother and gives students a clear space to find what they need. The added tissues, Febreze, and Clorox wipes are helping us keep our learning space clean and comfortable.\r\n\r\nThank you again for believing in our classroom and investing in our students. Your generosity doesn't just provide supplies; it builds a community where students feel cared for and excited to participate. We are so grateful!","fullyFundedDate":1763481768942,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-essentials/9771533/","projectTitle":"Classroom Essentials","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. N Ahmed","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9372549_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1786560920304","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9372549"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_1196","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":2414,"numTeachers":142,"percentFrplEligible":80,"percentAsian":7,"percentBlack":30,"percentWhite":10,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":48,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":2,"gradesServed":"9 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"17.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":71.4,"schoolId":1196,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Curtis High School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Curtis High School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-york/new-york-city-dept-of-ed/curtis-high-school/1196"}