{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Rocky Mount Senior High School","outOfStateSupporters":51.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8992159,"projectId":9877788,"letterContent":"Your generous support has transformed my credit recovery classroom into an investigation headquarters where reluctant readers are becoming confident problem-solvers. The forensic science books arrived just as we were starting our spring semester, and I've watched students who typically avoid reading reach for these materials without prompting. One student who struggles with traditional textbooks spent an entire period absorbed in Scene of the Crime, excitedly explaining to classmates how investigators use insects to determine time of death. Studenta recovering biology credit used Planting Clues to understand DNA evidence and plant forensics. These books teach critical science concepts—decomposition rates, trace evidence analysis, DNA profiling, toxicology—through real criminal investigations that hold students' attention in ways conventional texts never could.\r\n\r\nReading in my classroom looks different than it might in a traditional English class, and that's exactly what these students need. Some work through the mystery novels like A Good Girl's Guide to Murder during independent reading time, building stamina by following teenage detectives solving complex cases. Others gather around the forensic puzzle books during collaborative work periods, debating evidence and testing theories together. The Detective Murder Unsolved Mystery Game allows students to practice the same analytical skills they're developing through the books—examining evidence, eliminating suspects, and building logical arguments. What matters most is that students who once said \"I hate reading\" are now asking me to order the next book in a series or requesting similar titles from our library collection.\r\n\r\nBeyond improving literacy skills, these materials have given my students something more valuable: proof that they're capable learners. When someone explores criminal psychology through I'll Be Gone in the Dark, they're engaging with sophisticated content on their own terms. You've shown these students that their interests matter and that learning can happen through materials that speak to them. Thank you for believing in credit recovery students and for understanding that the right resources can unlock potential that traditional approaches miss.","fullyFundedDate":1763320652223,"projectUrl":"project/case-closed-forensic-science-books-solv/9877788/","projectTitle":"Case Closed: Forensic Science Books Solve the Reluctant Reader Mystery","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Price","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8992159_orig.jpg?crop=322,322,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1680192579507","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8992159"},{"teacherId":8992159,"projectId":9873011,"letterContent":"On behalf of my students and myself, I want to express our deepest gratitude for funding our project \"You Are Not Alone: Mental Health Resources for Students.\" Your compassionate support has created a transformative resource center in our library that is already making a profound difference in the lives of our nearly 1,000 students. In a time when adolescent mental health challenges have reached crisis levels nationwide, your investment demonstrates a powerful commitment to ensuring our students know they are not alone in their struggles.\r\n\r\nThe collection of mental health resources you've provided serves multiple critical purposes in our school community. These carefully selected books introduce students to essential wellness concepts including emotional regulation, stress management, anxiety coping strategies, depression awareness, and the importance of seeking help when needed. Many of these texts use narrative medicine approaches—allowing students to see their own experiences reflected in others' stories, which reduces the isolation and stigma that often prevent young people from reaching out for support. Other resources provide practical cognitive-behavioral techniques, mindfulness exercises, and self-advocacy skills that students can implement immediately. Perhaps most importantly, these books normalize conversations about mental health, teaching students the vocabulary and framework to articulate their feelings and needs. For many of our teenagers, these resources serve as a safe first step toward understanding their own mental wellness journey before they're ready to speak with an adult.\r\n\r\nIn our library media center, reading takes many forms, and these mental health resources have found their place across all of them. Some students browse the collection during their lunch periods, seeking information privately without the pressure of checking materials out. Others discover these books through displays I've created during Mental Health Awareness Month and Suicide Prevention Month, strategically positioned where students naturally gather. I've also integrated several of these titles into book talks and library orientations when I'm able to conduct them, helping normalize mental health literacy as part of overall wellness education. The flexibility of having these resources in multiple formats—including graphic novels, memoirs, self-help guides, and fiction with authentic mental health representation—ensures that every type of reader can find an entry point that resonates with their learning style and comfort level.\r\n\r\nWhat has touched me most deeply is observing which students gravitate toward these resources. I've noticed our neurodivergent students, including several on the autism spectrum, finding particular value in books that explain social-emotional concepts explicitly. Students managing family crises or grief have quietly requested recommendations, and I've watched the relief on their faces when they realize we have resources specifically addressing their situations. Several student athletes dealing with performance anxiety have checked out stress management guides, and a growing number of students are exploring books about healthy relationships and setting boundaries. The anonymous nature of library browsing allows students to explore topics they might not yet be comfortable discussing, giving them agency over their own learning and healing process.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has created more than just a book collection—you've established a sanctuary of hope and understanding within our school. These resources send an unequivocal message to our students: your mental health matters, your struggles are valid, and help is available. In a school serving a diverse population where many students face significant challenges, this collection represents a lifeline. Thank you for believing in the power of information, the importance of mental health awareness, and the potential of every student here. Your kindness will echo through countless young lives for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1763320652731,"projectUrl":"project/you-are-not-alone-mental-health-resourc/9873011/","projectTitle":"You Are Not Alone: Mental Health Resources for Students","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Price","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8992159_orig.jpg?crop=322,322,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1680192579507","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8992159"},{"teacherId":10357965,"projectId":9910691,"letterContent":"I am writing with heartfelt gratitude to share the impact your generous support has had on our orchestra students. Because of your donation, we now have a classroom printer that allows us to quickly provide music sheets, parts, and learning materials essential for daily practice and performances.\r\n\r\nThis resource has made a meaningful difference. Students no longer have to wait to receive their music, and they come to class more prepared, confident, and ready to learn. Having immediate access to printed materials helps them stay engaged, practice effectively, and grow as young musicians.\r\n\r\nYou have truly helped remove a barrier to their learning and creativity. Your kindness is now part of every rehearsal, every note played, and every musical success they experience.\r\n\r\nAs a small token of appreciation, some of their artwork is attached to this message to personally thank you for your great support.","fullyFundedDate":1765226536174,"projectUrl":"project/orchestra-prints/9910691/","projectTitle":"Orchestra Prints","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Tulin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10357965"},{"teacherId":8992159,"projectId":9639487,"letterContent":"Your support has transformed our adaptive athletics program into something truly extraordinary. When the equipment arrived, our students' faces lit up with pure excitement - many had never imagined they could participate in competitive sports like table tennis or access professional-grade fitness equipment designed for their success.\r\n\r\nThe GoSports table tennis sets have become the cornerstone of our training program. During our structured periods, students rotate through competitive matches in the gym and library, building hand-eye coordination and strategic thinking skills. The Franklin Spyder Pong Game Set (which replaced an unavailable item) has been a fantastic addition - its compact design makes it perfect for students who need a smaller playing surface as they build confidence and skills before transitioning to the full-size tables. One of our students who struggles with social interaction recently won three consecutive matches and immediately asked, \"Can we play again tomorrow?\" - a breakthrough moment for someone who typically hesitates to engage with peers.\r\nThe exercise bikes are in constant rotation during our fitness instruction stations. Students use the LCD monitors to track their progress, celebrating each milestone as they build cardiovascular endurance and leg strength. The visual feedback helps them understand the science of exercise in ways that align with their IEP goals. One student proudly announced after his first session, \"I rode for 15 minutes - that's longer than I've ever done!\"\r\n\r\nWe're preparing for our first table tennis tournament in the spring. Students are practicing competitive scoring using the scoreboard you provided and learning sportsmanship skills that extend far beyond athletics. The colorful ping pong balls have been especially valuable for our students with visual processing needs - they can track the ball more easily during fast-paced rallies. Having multiple table options - from the Franklin Spyder Pong set for skill-building to the GoSports regulation tables for competition - means every student can participate at their own level. Your generosity has shown our students that adaptive sports aren't about limitations - they're about possibilities. You've given them the tools to become athletes who understand that wellness, competition, and achievement are within their reach.","fullyFundedDate":1761050050675,"projectUrl":"project/adaptive-table-tennis-cycling-equipmen/9639487/","projectTitle":"Adaptive Table Tennis & Cycling Equipment for Special Education Champions","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Price","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8992159_orig.jpg?crop=322,322,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1680192579507","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8992159"},{"teacherId":8992159,"projectId":9802971,"letterContent":"Your generosity has transformed my credit recovery classroom into a space where hunger no longer steals focus from learning. Within the first week of having snacks available, I noticed the difference immediately—students who used to fade during the second half of our 90-minute block now stay engaged through entire modules. One student who typically shut down around 1:00 PM grabbed a granola bar without a word, finished two assignments that day, and quietly told me at dismissal, \"Thanks for having those.\" That moment—no fanfare, no big speech, just a teenager grateful for something so basic—reminded me why this project mattered.\r\n\r\nThe beauty of these snacks is their invisibility. I keep them in labeled bins on a back counter, and students help themselves as needed. There's no announcement, no permission required, no spotlight on who's taking what. The GoGo squeeZ pouches are especially popular because students can tuck them in their backpacks for later, and the Rice Krispies Treats disappear fastest during afternoon testing sessions when energy crashes hit hardest. I've watched students who were too proud to ask for help quietly grab crackers before diving into a difficult math module, and I've seen the Quaker granola bars fuel late-period pushes to finish credits before semester deadlines.\r\n\r\nAs we head into the final stretch of this school year, my students are racing toward graduation. Several are on track to complete missing credits by January, and a handful are ahead of schedule for the first time in their high school careers. Your investment in basic nutrition is paying off in credits earned, modules completed, and diplomas within reach. These students are fighters, and you've given them the fuel to finish what they started. Thank you for seeing their potential and removing one more barrier between them and their futures.","fullyFundedDate":1763497842674,"projectUrl":"project/feed-their-focus-fuel-their-future/9802971/","projectTitle":"Feed Their Focus, Fuel Their Future","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Price","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8992159_orig.jpg?crop=322,322,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1680192579507","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8992159"},{"teacherId":8992159,"projectId":9238369,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for making \"Verse Voices: Poetic Pathways to Literary Discovery\" a reality for my students at Rocky Mount Senior High School! The verse novels you funded have already transformed our library into a space where reluctant readers are discovering the joy of storytelling, and avid readers are exploring sophisticated literary techniques through accessible formats. These books teach crucial skills including analyzing figurative language, understanding how line breaks create meaning and emphasis, recognizing different poetic forms like tanka and free verse, and connecting text structure to emotional impact. Students are learning that poetry isn't just words on a page—it's a powerful vehicle for exploring identity, justice, and the human experience.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom now looks more inclusive and energetic than ever before. I've watched students who typically avoid checking out books gravitate toward titles like \"Miles Morales Suspended\" and \"Solo,\" drawn in by familiar characters and the less intimidating text density. Our English language learners are finding confidence with books like \"Inside Out and Back Again,\" where the breathing space on each page allows them to process both language and story. Meanwhile, my creative writing students are using \"Come Write with Me: POETRY Workbook\" and \"Get Lit Rising\" to craft their own verse, discovering their voices through guided activities. One student who struggled with traditional novels recently told me that reading \"The Weight of Water\" felt like \"poetry telling me a story\"—she's now on her third verse novel!\r\n\r\nThe impact extends beyond individual reading experiences. Students are sharing recommendations across friend groups, discussing how books like \"Loving vs. Virginia\" and \"Red, White, and Whole\" reflect diverse experiences while tackling important themes. Several students have asked if we can start a verse novel book club, and others are using these texts as mentor texts for their own creative projects. Your generosity has created a complete ecosystem of reading and writing that meets my students exactly where they are while inspiring them to grow. Thank you for believing in the power of poetry to unlock literacy and imagination!","fullyFundedDate":1751836881246,"projectUrl":"project/verse-voices-poetic-pathways-to-literar/9238369/","projectTitle":"Verse Voices: Poetic Pathways to Literary Discovery","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Price","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8992159_orig.jpg?crop=322,322,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1680192579507","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8992159"},{"teacherId":8992159,"projectId":9221617,"letterContent":"Thank you for bringing poetry and science together in our classroom! Your support has created something truly transformative. Students who previously viewed themselves as \"only science people\" or \"only creative people\" are discovering they can be both. When we read Full Cicada Moon, my students didn't just analyze poetic devices—they researched actual lunar cycles, debated the physics of space travel, and then wrote their own poems exploring scientific wonder. One student who struggles with traditional lab reports found her voice writing about the \"mathematics of migration\" after reading Starfish, creating beautiful work that demonstrated deep understanding of marine ecosystems through metaphor. The poetry books have become bridges, allowing students to access complex STEM concepts through the emotional and linguistic precision that verse demands.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom now looks like a true laboratory of language. Students gather around the Light Box Poetry Creation Station, layering transparent sheets to explore how light and shadow can represent multiple perspectives in a single poem—a perfect marriage of optics and literary analysis. Our hydroponic Botanical Poetry Garden has become the heart of cross-disciplinary learning; students care for the herbs and vegetables while tracking growth patterns, then incorporate their observations into original nature poetry.\r\n\r\nWhat moves me most is watching students I've never seen excited about reading huddle around The Poet X during lunch, debating how Elizabeth Acevedo uses biological metaphors to explore identity, or seeing my most analytical thinkers completely absorbed in the spatial puzzle of arranging magnetic poetry about geometric concepts. You've helped me prove to these young people that scientific precision and creative expression aren't opposing forces—they're complementary languages for understanding our complex world. Thank you for believing in this vision and for giving my students permission to be whole, multifaceted thinkers.","fullyFundedDate":1752264601192,"projectUrl":"project/steam-powered-poetry-exploring-science/9221617/","projectTitle":"STEAM Powered Poetry: Exploring Science Through Verse","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Price","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8992159_orig.jpg?crop=322,322,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1680192579507","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8992159"},{"teacherId":8992159,"projectId":9462329,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our Rocky Mount High School library has been transformed into a space where every student can explore, create, and grow. Your support has given our students access to diverse books, engaging board games, and challenging puzzles that spark curiosity and critical thinking. From powerful novels like The Hate U Give and The Poet X to graphic novels such as Long Way Down, our students are engaging with stories that reflect their own experiences while opening doors to new perspectives. These texts have not only sparked meaningful discussions about identity, justice, and resilience but have also encouraged students to develop empathy and confidence in expressing their own voices.\r\n\r\nThe games and puzzles you provided have quickly become favorite activities during library time. Strategic games like Azul, Codenames, and Ticket to Ride challenge students to think critically, plan ahead, and collaborate with peers, while puzzles and brain teasers help strengthen logic and problem-solving skills. Many students who are visual or hands-on learners have found new ways to engage with concepts, building both skills and confidence. The addition of financial literacy books and poetry collections supports our life skills curriculum, helping students prepare for adulthood while exploring creativity and self-expression.\r\n\r\nAlready, we are seeing the impact of your support. Students who rarely spent time in the library are now eager to check out books and engage in collaborative games. Small groups gather to tackle puzzles together, discussing strategies and celebrating each other's successes. Your contribution has truly created a vibrant, inclusive learning environment where students are excited to explore, reflect, and grow. We are deeply grateful for your investment in their education and futures.","fullyFundedDate":1755521956101,"projectUrl":"project/building-minds-through-stories-games-/9462329/","projectTitle":"Building Minds Through Stories, Games & Puzzles: A Library Transformation","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Price","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8992159_orig.jpg?crop=322,322,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1680192579507","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8992159"},{"teacherId":8992159,"projectId":9309703,"letterContent":"Your incredible support has transformed our school library into something truly magical—a vibrant cultural celebration that continues to impact our students months after Cinco de Mayo. Thanks to your donations, \"Celebrating Raíces\" has become far more than a seasonal display; it has created lasting change in how our students connect with literature, culture, and each other. Walking into our library during the project felt like stepping into a different world. The colorful papel picado banners, table runners, and festive Day of the Dead decorations you funded didn't just beautify our space—they created an atmosphere of welcome and celebration that drew students in like magnets. Our typically quiet library buzzed with excitement as students discovered books they never would have picked up before.\r\n\r\nOur ESL students found themselves reflected in the pages of the bilingual books you provided. One student spent a lot of time with \"Following Citlali,\" reading passages in both languages to strengthen her English while staying connected to her Spanish roots. Students from non-Hispanic backgrounds discovered new perspectives through works like \"Wild Tongues Can't Be Tamed\" and Isabel Allende's \"La casa de los espíritus.\" Several students have since explored more diverse authors. The graphic novels and photography books, especially \"Photographic: The Life of Graciela Iturbide,\" opened doors for students who previously struggled with traditional text-heavy books.\r\n\r\n\r\nThe most beautiful impact has been watching students see themselves in literature for the first time. A student who struggled with reading motivation, devoured \"Miles Morales Suspended\" and asked for more books with characters who looked like him. Our bilingual students now have a permanent collection that honors their linguistic abilities rather than viewing them as deficits. The cultural cookbook collection has inspired students to share family recipes and stories, creating an ongoing cultural exchange that extends far beyond our library walls. Students have checked out the cook books and explored more diverse cultural recipes than what they have previously been exposed to in school and home. \r\n\r\nYour investment purchased more than books and decorations—you invested in student identity, cultural understanding, and educational equity. You helped us create a space where every student can see themselves reflected and valued. The success of \"Celebrating Raíces\" has inspired us to plan similar cultural celebrations throughout the year, each building on the foundation you helped establish. Your donation didn't just fund one project; it launched a movement toward greater cultural inclusivity in our school. Thank you for believing in our vision and for understanding that representation in literature isn't just important—it's essential. Your generosity has planted seeds of cultural understanding that will continue growing in our students' hearts and minds for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1755001156357,"projectUrl":"project/celebrating-races-a-cinco-de-mayo-lite/9309703/","projectTitle":"Celebrating Raíces: A Cinco De Mayo Literary & Cultural Journey","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Price","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8992159_orig.jpg?crop=322,322,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1680192579507","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8992159"},{"teacherId":8811770,"projectId":7094549,"letterContent":"Thanks to your incredible generosity, our high school orchestra program has experienced a meaningful transformation. The new music resources and equipment have allowed our students to dive deeper into their musicianship and collaborate more effectively as an ensemble. One compelling moment came during our recent chamber music project—students formed small groups, selected their pieces from the new sheet music library, and rehearsed independently using updated stands and tuners. The sense of ownership and pride they showed during their final in-class performances was unforgettable.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the new materials, their reactions were priceless—smiles, surprised laughter, and excited chatter filled the room. One student said, \"It feels like we're a real restaurant now!\" The tools u helped provide have elevated our sound and boosted morale and confidence. Moving forward, we're preparing our spring concert, where students will explore more challenging repertoire and even compose short original pieces using the new resources. Your support has empowered them to think bigger, play bolder, and grow as musicians and a team. We are deeply grateful for your belief in our students and their potential.","fullyFundedDate":1675880952014,"projectUrl":"project/you-helped-our-shoulders-now-help-us-in/7094549/","projectTitle":"You Helped our Shoulders, Now Help Us Increase our Efficiency!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Johnson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8811770_orig.jpg?crop=4000,4000,x0,y506&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1736331817353","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/rmhsorchestra"},{"teacherId":8894838,"projectId":8230991,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, the iPads have become a powerful tool in our blended learning classroom. They've completely transformed how our students engage with lessons—allowing us to personalize instruction, provide real-time feedback, and give students access to interactive educational apps that make learning more fun and meaningful.\r\n\r\nMany of our students are especially excited by how hands-on and creative learning has become. With apps that allow them to draw, record their voices, or manipulate virtual models, they're more engaged than ever. Whether it's exploring a math concept through an interactive game or practicing reading fluency by recording themselves, the technology has made lessons come alive.\r\n\r\nOne student in particular, who previously struggled with staying focused during traditional lessons, has blossomed since using the iPad. The ability to work at their own pace, use headphones for minimal distractions, and access visual aids has boosted their confidence and academic growth.\r\n\r\nWe are incredibly grateful. Your donation didn't just provide a device—it unlocked new ways to reach, teach, and inspire every learner in our classroom. Thank you for making this possible!","fullyFundedDate":1713361228096,"projectUrl":"project/ipad-for-blended-learning/8230991/","projectTitle":"iPad for Blended Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Manalo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8894838_orig.jpg?crop=945,945,x90,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1670731828273","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8894838"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_1726","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1008,"numTeachers":75,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":77,"percentWhite":8,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":9,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"9 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"13.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":48.9,"schoolId":1726,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Rocky Mount Senior High School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Rocky Mount Senior High School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/north-carolina/nash-rocky-mount-public-schools/rocky-mount-senior-high-school/1726"}