{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Joseph C. Wilson Magnet High School Commencement Academy","outOfStateSupporters":31.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8713527,"projectId":9657095,"letterContent":"Since receiving these materials, my students have been fully immersed in an ongoing forensic investigation that has stretched across several weeks. Using the crime scene kits, UV flashlights, and forensic tools you helped provide, students work as real forensic lab technicians, analyzing evidence, comparing handwriting samples, identifying fibers, and building arguments based on data.\r\n\r\nOne of the most powerful moments came when students began debating suspects using evidence they had personally analyzed. They weren't guessing; they were citing observations, questioning assumptions, and defending their conclusions. The classroom walls are now covered with suspect profiles, evidence charts, and evolving theories, all created and revised by students as new evidence is introduced.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the materials, the reaction was immediate excitement, but what has lasted is something deeper: sustained engagement. Word spread quickly, and this class has become the most sought-after elective among bilingual students. The course is now fully enrolled, and some students who do not even need the credit for graduation chose to enroll simply because of what they heard from classmates in the hallways.\r\n\r\nNext, students will move from the role of lab technicians into detectives, synthesizing all the evidence to solve the case and present their conclusions. This project has transformed how students see science: not as something abstract, but as something they can do, argue, and own.\r\n\r\nThank you for making this level of learning possible.","fullyFundedDate":1760731807882,"projectUrl":"project/solving-crimes-and-lighting-minds-foren/9657095/","projectTitle":"Solving Crimes and Lighting Minds: Forensics in the Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Santana","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8713527_orig.jpg?crop=945,945,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723671336380","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mr-santanacarballo"},{"teacherId":8713527,"projectId":9658828,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our 3D printer is now fully alive in the science classroom, and it has already transformed the way my students see science, technology, and themselves. The photos you see show the printer at work and a real student-created design being brought to life.\r\n\r\nI launched a Tinkercad classroom where students join voluntarily, design their own models, and apply the scientific thinking we practice every day. What surprised me most is how quickly they took ownership: they plan, test, revise, and problem-solve the same way scientists do. Many students now design at home and come to class eager to print their creations, connecting science learning with everyday technology at their fingertips.\r\n\r\nThe printer has become such a hub of creativity and curiosity that we already used up the initial spools of PLA that came with the project; students are even contributing their money to buy more filaments to keep the work going. When teenagers willingly invest in classroom materials, it says everything about how meaningful this tool has become.\r\n\r\nYour donation didn't just buy a machine; it opened a new space for agency, innovation, and pride in learning. On behalf of my students and myself, thank you for believing in them and supporting the kind of science classroom where ideas are allowed to become real.","fullyFundedDate":1758540179751,"projectUrl":"project/printing-the-future-3d-science-for-bili/9658828/","projectTitle":"Printing the Future: 3D Science for Bilingual Students","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Santana","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8713527_orig.jpg?crop=945,945,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723671336380","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mr-santanacarballo"},{"teacherId":4103996,"projectId":9047679,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support for the Quilts for Community Care project, our students have been joyfully immersed in hands-on learning with the new materials. When they first saw the colorful fabrics, threads, and sewing supplies, their excitement was truly heartwarming—they eagerly picked out their favorite colors and patterns, each student carefully choosing pieces that reflected their unique style.\r\nOne memorable moment was when the students collaborated to organize all the materials, turning what could have been a simple task into a fun and engaging team effort. As they began sewing, their confidence grew with each stitch, and they took great pride in watching their quilts come to life. This project has not only taught them practical skills like sewing and design but also sparked creativity and a sense of community through crafting something meaningful to share.\r\nLooking ahead, our students are ready to deepen their skills by exploring new quilting techniques and working on collaborative quilt projects that tell stories from our community. This project continues to inspire them to connect, create, and care—thanks to you!","fullyFundedDate":1740351126029,"projectUrl":"project/quilts-for-community-care/9047679/","projectTitle":"Quilts for Community Care","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cooper","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4103996_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1480375074771","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/beckystrattoncooper"},{"teacherId":4103996,"projectId":8991580,"letterContent":"From the bottom of our hearts, thank you! Your generous support has brought so much joy and excitement to our students with ASD. They absolutely love the new quilting materials and are thriving in this creative environment. The whir of the sewing machines, the vibrant colors of the fabrics, and the sense of accomplishment they feel are truly heartwarming to witness.\r\n\r\nOne student, in particular, has blossomed through this project. She faces some physical limitations that previously made certain crafts challenging. However, with the adaptive tools and accessible sewing machines you helped us acquire, she has discovered a whole new world of what she can do! Seeing her confidence grow as she masters new techniques has been incredibly rewarding.\r\n\r\nHow We're Using the Resources:\r\n\r\nWe've just completed our first set of \"Sensory Squares\" – small quilted pieces with different textures and fabrics designed to provide tactile stimulation. The students chose their own fabrics, learned how to use the rotary cutters (with assistance and supervision, of course!), and practiced basic sewing machine skills. One particularly memorable moment was when a student who is often nonverbal spontaneously exclaimed, \"Beautiful!\" when she finished her first square. It was a powerful reminder of the impact of this project.\r\n\r\nFirst Reactions:\r\n\r\nWhen the materials arrived, the classroom buzzed with excitement! The students' faces lit up as they explored the colorful fabrics, the different textures, and the shiny new sewing machines. There were lots of \"oohs\" and \"aahs,\" and many were eager to get started right away. Even students who are typically hesitant to participate were drawn in by the tactile nature of the materials.\r\n\r\nNext Steps:\r\n\r\nNow that we've mastered the basics with the Sensory Squares, we're moving on to a larger project: creating lap quilts for a local children's hospital. The students are so excited to create something that will bring comfort to others. They are currently in the design phase, sketching out their ideas and choosing fabrics for their individual quilts. We'll then learn how to piece the squares together and add the backing. We'll be sure to share photos of the finished quilts with you when they're complete!\r\n\r\nThank you again for making this dream a reality for our students. 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Joseph C. Wilson Magnet High School Commencement Academy
Join the 99 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Joseph C. Wilson Magnet High School Commencement Academy is
a public school
in Rochester, New York that is part of Rochester City School District.
Its teachers have had 29 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
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Joseph C. Wilson Magnet High School Commencement Academy 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
68%
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.
Joseph C. Wilson Magnet High School Commencement Academy Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Jan 14, 2026
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.
Joseph C. Wilson Magnet High School Commencement Academy
$20,681
raised using DonorsChoose
29
projects
funded
11
teachers
funded
99
donors
3
projects
for
basic supplies
11
projects for
technology
3
projects for
books
4
projects
for
art supplies
Joseph C. Wilson Magnet High School Commencement Academy has received support from
68 individuals from New York and
31 individuals out-of-state.
