{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"West Mecklenburg High School","outOfStateSupporters":40.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":6602201,"projectId":8454122,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our AVID 11 organization project! Your generous contribution allowed us to provide accordion folders and undated planners to our juniors, and the impact has been incredible. The students were genuinely excited to have new tools that gave them more flexibility and control over how they organize their academic lives. Many of them had used planners in 10th grade and were thrilled to continue that habit into 11th grade with a format that fits their individual needs.\r\nThe accordion folders have been especially helpful in keeping materials sorted by subject and priority, which has made a noticeable difference in their preparedness and confidence. One student shared, \"This folder makes it so much easier to keep everything in one place—I feel more ready for senior year already!\" As we move forward, we're focusing on college readiness and time management, and these resources are helping students build the habits they'll carry into their final year and beyond. Your support has truly empowered our AVID students—thank you for believing in them!","fullyFundedDate":1722535248968,"projectUrl":"project/organization-for-the-junior-year/8454122/","projectTitle":"Organization for the Junior Year!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cruz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6602201_orig.jpg?crop=2320,2320,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1651589506440","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/cruzhs"},{"teacherId":6602201,"projectId":9074769,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support in providing colored cardstock for my classroom! The moment the materials arrived, my students were thrilled to see the vibrant colors and immediately began brainstorming how they could use them to organize their interactive notebooks. We've used the cardstock to create clearly labeled tabs for each unit, which has made navigating their notes and assignments much easier and more engaging. It's amazing how something so simple can make such a big difference in helping students take ownership of their learning.\r\nOne memorable moment was when a student said, \"This makes my notebook feel like a real science book!\" That sense of pride and organization has carried over into their work, and I've noticed an increase in participation and confidence. As we move into our next unit on ocean currents, students are already preparing their new tabs and excited to dive into the material. Your donation has helped us build a more structured and colorful learning environment, and I'm so grateful for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1737555914346,"projectUrl":"project/organizing-for-marine-scientists/9074769/","projectTitle":"Organizing for Marine Scientists!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cruz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6602201_orig.jpg?crop=2320,2320,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1651589506440","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/cruzhs"},{"teacherId":6602201,"projectId":9079100,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support in funding shark specimens for my Oceanography students! The excitement in our classroom was palpable the moment the specimens arrived. Many students had never seen a real shark up close, and their reactions ranged from wide-eyed wonder to eager anticipation. It was a powerful moment that reminded me why hands-on science is so impactful.\r\nWe used the specimens for our end-of-semester dissection project, which ties together everything we've learned about marine anatomy, ecosystems, and adaptations. Students worked in teams to examine internal structures, compare anatomical features, and discuss evolutionary traits. One group even discovered a pregnant female , sparking a lively discussion about shark reproduction!\r\nNext, we'll be diving into marine conservation and the role sharks play in ocean health. The dissection experience has given my students a deeper appreciation for these incredible creatures, and I'm excited to see how it shapes their understanding moving forward. Your contribution has truly made a lasting impact—thank you for helping bring science to life in our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1738785575427,"projectUrl":"project/shark-dissection-in-oceanography/9079100/","projectTitle":"Shark Dissection in Oceanography","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cruz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6602201_orig.jpg?crop=2320,2320,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1651589506440","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/cruzhs"},{"teacherId":9771011,"projectId":9086145,"letterContent":"With these tables, my students are enjoying the comfort and convenience in doing their group work without dragging heavy desks to group together and do the task. They also feel more productive and creative when sitting together around the table especially for collaborative poster projects. The space that table provides allows them to have their Chromebooks and posters at the same time that saves them from getting up and going back to their seats every time.\r\n\r\nMy students were so amazed when they learned about the arrival of these tables. Some of them actually had graciously and excitingly volunteered to pick them up from the front office and they put them together as well. \r\n\r\nThese tables contribute to the academic success of these students by way of encouraging them to be more motivated and work harder knowing that somebody cares for them.","fullyFundedDate":1739931023827,"projectUrl":"project/activity-tables-allow-more-meaningful-an/9086145/","projectTitle":"Activity Tables Allow More Meaningful and Productive Group Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Walton","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9771011_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y262&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1739969686978","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/viollydia-walton"},{"teacherId":5236728,"projectId":9151430,"letterContent":"Wow, did we have an amazing time painting in the library! The students were very excited to take a break in their school day to relax and paint. Our slots filled up on two days! Sam, from the public library was a regular Bob Ross. He allowed the students to follow him, step by step, or venture out on their own and paint something of their own. Either way, everyone learned something and had a creative time. We want to thank you for giving our students this amazing opportunity to connect with art, relax with friends, and create relationships with the public library staff. You are amazingly generous and appreciated.","fullyFundedDate":1745421523701,"projectUrl":"project/art-in-the-library/9151430/","projectTitle":"Art in the Library","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Melissa Ardis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5236728_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1634861186122","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5236728"},{"teacherId":5236728,"projectId":9099634,"letterContent":"Our students are loving the new materials and games in the media center. They use them almost every day! Whether it is during their lunch, after school, or a special time their class comes to relax and get rewarded for their hard work. The favorites are Guess Who, checkers, Jinga, Connect Four, and card games, but all get used. It is fun to watch the students interact and have fun. Having the students read the directions to games in which they are unfamiliar helps improve their reading comprehension as well. We all thank you for your unselfish donations.","fullyFundedDate":1741318080843,"projectUrl":"project/having-fun-while-learning-in-the-makersp/9099634/","projectTitle":"Having Fun While Learning in the MakerSpace","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Melissa Ardis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5236728_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1634861186122","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5236728"},{"teacherId":8933393,"projectId":8748426,"letterContent":"The donation of KitchenAid mixers and immersion blenders to my culinary classroom significantly enhances both the learning experience and the quality of the education I can provide. These professional-grade tools allow my students to explore a wider variety of techniques and recipes, improving their hands-on skills while encouraging creativity in the kitchen. The KitchenAid mixers are perfect for mixing dough, batters, and even making delicate items like meringues or whipped cream, helping students develop an understanding of precision and texture in baking and cooking. Immersion blenders, on the other hand, give students the chance to create smooth soups, sauces, and purees, which are essential skills for any aspiring chef. With access to these tools, my students gain a deeper appreciation for the importance of quality equipment in professional kitchens, improving their cooking and preparing them for future culinary careers. This donation has a lasting, positive impact on their confidence, competence, and passion for the culinary arts.","fullyFundedDate":1735532577301,"projectUrl":"project/lets-get-cooking/8748426/","projectTitle":"Let's Get Cooking","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Simmons","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8933393_orig.jpg?crop=750,750,x0,y22&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1725722978327","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8933393"},{"teacherId":9112039,"projectId":7525671,"letterContent":"From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your generous support of our greenhouse project! Because of you, my students have had the incredible opportunity to plant, nurture, and watch life grow—both in the soil and in their own connections with each other.\r\n\r\nOur greenhouse has become more than just a space for plants; it's a space for learning, curiosity, and community. As we've tended to our seedlings, we've also strengthened our teamwork, patience, and appreciation for the natural world. Seeing the excitement in my students' eyes as they witness tiny sprouts pushing through the soil is a joy I wish you could experience with us.\r\n\r\nYour kindness has made a lasting impact, and we are so grateful. Thank you for believing in our classroom and for helping us grow—both literally and figuratively!","fullyFundedDate":1699112693048,"projectUrl":"project/a-little-greenhouse-for-little-green-thu/7525671/","projectTitle":"A Little Greenhouse For Little Green Thumbs!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Allen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9112039_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1690243830367","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9112039"},{"teacherId":8535740,"projectId":8904378,"letterContent":"n my EC (Exceptional Children) classroom, I strive to create a learning environment where every student feels valued, understood, and inspired to succeed. My students face a variety of challenges, including learning disabilities, developmental delays, and social-emotional struggles. Despite these challenges, they are resilient, capable, and eager to grow. With your support, a classroom set of Freak the Mighty by Rodman Philbrick can help me provide them with an unforgettable learning experience that nurtures their confidence, literacy skills, and love of reading.\r\n\r\nFreak the Mighty tells the story of two unlikely friends—Max, a boy who struggles with self-esteem and learning, and Kevin, a brilliant boy living with a physical disability. Together, they form a powerful bond that helps them overcome obstacles and discover their strengths. This story is especially meaningful for my students, who often face similar struggles. It provides them with characters they can relate to while teaching powerful lessons about acceptance, resilience, and friendship.\r\n\r\nA classroom set of this book would allow each student to have their own copy, ensuring equal access to this impactful story. Many of my students come from low-income households and do not have books at home. By providing individual copies, students can engage directly with the text, following along at their own pace, annotating, and fully participating in class activities. This hands-on approach is particularly important for my EC students, as it helps accommodate diverse learning styles and supports comprehension.\r\n\r\nBeyond improving literacy skills, this book has the potential to spark meaningful conversations in our classroom. Through guided reading, group discussions, and creative projects, we will explore themes like empathy, courage, and the value of seeing people for who they truly are. These lessons are invaluable for my students, who often grapple with their own sense of self-worth and acceptance.\r\n\r\nFor many of my students, reading can feel like an intimidating task. However, Freak the Mighty is an accessible and engaging text that builds confidence and shows them that books can be enjoyable and transformative. The relatable characters and compelling storyline will help my students see that they are not alone in their struggles and that their challenges do not define their potential.\r\n\r\nYour generous support will provide more than just books—it will create opportunities for growth, connection, and empowerment. It will allow my students to experience the joy of shared reading, fostering a sense of community and belonging in our classroom. It will also help them develop critical thinking skills, emotional intelligence, and a love for stories that can inspire them throughout their lives.\r\n\r\nThank you for considering this project and for believing in the power of literature to change lives. Your generosity will make a lasting impact on my students, helping them discover their own strengths and see the world—and themselves—through new eyes. Together, we can bring the story of Freak the Mighty to life and provide my students with an experience they will never forget.","fullyFundedDate":1730268520985,"projectUrl":"project/reading-is-a-lifelong-skill/8904378/","projectTitle":"Reading Is A Lifelong Skill","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Duncan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8535740_orig.jpg?crop=968,968,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1658241422223","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8535740"},{"teacherId":6602201,"projectId":7841898,"letterContent":"I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to express my profound gratitude for your generous contribution to our classroom project, \"Cashing in on Financial Literacy.\" Your support has made an enormous impact on our students, and I wanted to share some of the exciting outcomes we've achieved thanks to your generosity.\r\n\r\nWith your contribution, we were able to open a store that became a central part of our financial literacy unit. Students earned \"money\" by attending class and completing their work, which they could then spend at the store. This real-world simulation allowed them to experience the importance of budgeting and financial planning firsthand. They also had required \"bills\" to pay, adding another layer of realism to the project.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first learned about the store, their excitement was undeniable. The anticipation of earning and spending their \"money\" provided a strong motivation for participation and engagement. It was truly rewarding to see them actively involved in the learning process, making thoughtful decisions about their earnings and expenses.\r\n\r\nBy the end of the unit, the students had gained valuable skills that will serve them well beyond the classroom. They learned to balance a budget, understand the differences between debit and credit cards, and started thinking critically about their financial futures. The sense of accomplishment they felt upon mastering these concepts was palpable, and it's thanks to your support that they had this opportunity.\r\n\r\n\r\nI wanted to take this opportunity to thank you once again for your support and to let you know that your kindness has made a tangible difference in the lives of our students","fullyFundedDate":1701123506365,"projectUrl":"project/cashing-in-on-financial-literacy/7841898/","projectTitle":"Cashing in on Financial Literacy","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cruz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6602201_orig.jpg?crop=2320,2320,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1651589506440","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/cruzhs"},{"teacherId":8299634,"projectId":7646492,"letterContent":"This project has had a deeply meaningful impact on our students, both emotionally and socially. Through the generous donations we received, students were able to participate in a hands-on initiative that allowed them to support children who are less fortunate. It was a powerful experience that helped foster empathy, gratitude, and a sense of responsibility. The students took great pride in organizing and distributing the items, knowing they were making a real difference in someone else's life.\r\n\r\nWe used the donated resources to assemble care packages for children in need, and the students were actively involved in every step—from sorting items to packaging and delivery. One particularly memorable moment was when a group of students wrote personal notes to include in the packages, expressing encouragement and kindness. Their enthusiasm and compassion were truly inspiring. In total, we were able to help between 50 and 100 children, and the impact was felt not only by the recipients but also by our students who gained a deeper understanding of community service.\r\n\r\nThe organization we partnered with was incredibly grateful for the support and expressed how much the items meant to the children they serve. They've already reached out to us with hopes of continuing the collaboration this year. Thanks to your generosity, this project became more than just a classroom activity—it became a meaningful experience that connected students to their community and taught them the value of giving back.","fullyFundedDate":1694723289391,"projectUrl":"project/we-are-assisting-the-less-fortunate-thro/7646492/","projectTitle":"We are Assisting the Less Fortunate Through our School-Based Enterprise.","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Richard","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8299634_orig.jpg?crop=1536,1536,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1691599675631","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8299634"},{"teacherId":6602201,"projectId":7190461,"letterContent":"I hope that this letter finds you well. I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for your generous contribution to our classroom project. Your support has made a significant impact on our students, and I wanted to take a moment to share the wonderful outcomes we have experienced thanks to your generosity.\r\n\r\nThe new resources you provided have truly transformed our classroom. One of the most exciting projects we have been working on involves a hands-on science experiment to understand how to collect water and grow their own ideas of \"sustainability\". The students were able to use the compost bin to create their own \"black gold\"; the level of engagement and enthusiasm was truly remarkable. Watching their faces light up as they conducted their own experiments and made discoveries was an unforgettable moment.\r\n\r\n\r\nYour contribution has given our donors a unique peek into our classroom, and I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you once again for your support. Your kindness has made a tangible difference in the lives of our students, and we are incredibly grateful for your generosity.","fullyFundedDate":1676666163693,"projectUrl":"project/gardening-sustainability/7190461/","projectTitle":"Gardening & Sustainability","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cruz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6602201_orig.jpg?crop=2320,2320,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1651589506440","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/cruzhs"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_1697","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1304,"numTeachers":110,"percentFrplEligible":89,"percentAsian":4,"percentBlack":50,"percentWhite":3,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":38,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"9 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"11.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":59.7,"schoolId":1697,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about West Mecklenburg High School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"West Mecklenburg High School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/north-carolina/charlotte-mecklenburg-school-district/west-mecklenburg-high-school/1697"}