{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"R.J. Reynolds High School","outOfStateSupporters":28.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10056239,"projectId":9962301,"letterContent":"I wanted to share a quick, incredibly exciting update on how your generosity is transforming our classroom! Since the new books arrived, we have already had 13 students independently check them out, and three students have completely devoured entire series in just a few short months. One student even left me a note saying this has become his favorite class, specifically mentioning the new books and the \"chill atmosphere\" they helped create.\r\n\r\nMany of you share a deep love for reading, but you might wonder what it actually looks like to teach these books in a high school setting. Here is a quick look at the impact your gift is making every single day:\r\n\r\nWhile these books are highly engaging, they are also powerful teaching tools. We use them to dive into rhetorical and narrative analysis, helping students look past the surface plot to see how an author builds a story and manipulates perspective. Because the students are genuinely invested in these stories, they are much more motivated to practice citing textual evidence and building strong arguments. Furthermore, these contemporary texts offer vital lessons in empathy, serving as \"windows and mirrors\" that allow students to explore diverse cultures, global perspectives, and complex real-world themes.\r\n\r\nReading in our room is dynamic, collaborative, and comfortable. I strive to cultivate a welcoming, \"cafe-style\" environment where books feel like an exciting choice rather than a rigid chore. On any given day, reading looks like students moving through interactive, hands-on learning stations, debating character motivations in collaborative \"labs,\" or mapping out literary journeys together. Your donation has allowed us to pair rigorous skill-building with a low-stress, inviting atmosphere where students can truly focus.\r\n\r\nThe impact is personal and profound. Your books are currently reaching:\r\n\r\nThe Binge-Readers: The three students who flew through entire series have found a massive sense of momentum and pride in their reading abilities.\r\nThe Reluctant Readers: For students who haven't always felt at home in English class, having fresh, relevant titles has completely changed the game. The student who wrote to tell me this was his favorite class found both a safe space and a love for reading through your support.\r\nThe Independent Explorers: The 13 students checking out books on their own prove that when you provide young people with high-interest, modern literature, they will naturally seek it out.\r\n\r\nThank you again for investing in our classroom, our atmosphere, and our students. You aren't just putting books on a shelf – you are helping to build a community of critical thinkers and lifelong readers.","fullyFundedDate":1770234046822,"projectUrl":"project/graphic-novels-as-gateways-reaching-rel/9962301/","projectTitle":"Graphic Novels as Gateways: Reaching Reluctant Readers Through Representation","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Parsons","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10056239_orig.jpg?crop=768,768,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1749853884318","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10056239"},{"teacherId":10056239,"projectId":9515035,"letterContent":"The new resources have completely transformed the way my students engage during lessons. One of my favorite moments was during a recent reading activity where students used their individual whiteboards to track elements like character development, tone, and central idea in real time. Instead of passively listening, every student had something to say – and somewhere to say it.\r\n\r\nWe also used the large rolling whiteboard for group discussions and \"thinking out loud\" moments. Students came up to the board to map out ideas, connect evidence, and even debate interpretations. It turned what would normally be a quiet, independent activity into a collaborative, high-energy learning experience.\r\n\r\nThey were genuinely excited – especially about the personal whiteboards and stickers. Something about having their own space to write, erase, and try again lowered the pressure and made them more willing to participate. I immediately noticed more students taking risks with their thinking, even those who are usually hesitant to speak up.\r\n\r\nThe organization tools also made a difference right away. Materials are easier to access, transitions are smoother, and students feel like our classroom is a more structured, welcoming space.\r\n\r\nWe're currently building toward deeper analytical work, where students will use the whiteboards to draft claims, test evidence, and revise their thinking before moving into formal writing.\r\n\r\nNext, students will collaborate in groups to analyze texts and present their ideas using the mobile whiteboard, practicing both critical thinking and speaking skills. These tools are helping us move from basic comprehension to more advanced analysis and discussion, which is a huge step forward.\r\n\r\nThis project made learning more interactive, visible, and accessible for every student. Instead of a few voices dominating the room, now every student is actively participating. The ability to quickly write, share, and revise ideas has strengthened both their confidence and their understanding of the material.\r\n\r\nBecause of these materials, I've been able to shift my classroom from teacher-centered to truly student-centered. I can check for understanding instantly, adjust instruction in real time, and create more engaging, hands-on learning experiences. It's allowed me to teach in a way that aligns much more closely with how students actually learn best –through interaction, collaboration, and practice.","fullyFundedDate":1755699574363,"projectUrl":"project/organized-engaged-and-inspired-tools/9515035/","projectTitle":"Organized, Engaged, and Inspired: Tools for a Thriving English Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Parsons","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10056239_orig.jpg?crop=768,768,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1749853884318","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10056239"},{"teacherId":9871582,"projectId":9192866,"letterContent":"Swerve Drive is already making a huge difference in how students on our robotics team learn and grow. Because it requires a deeper understanding of mechanical systems, programming, and real-time problem-solving, students are being pushed to think more critically than ever before. They're not just assembling parts, they're learning how motion works, how angles and speed interact, and how to troubleshoot complex systems as a team. This advanced drivetrain encourages students to stretch beyond the basics, helping them build confidence in both their technical and collaborative skills.\r\n\r\nWhat makes this even more exciting is that our team has doubled in size since last year, bringing in many new members who are eager to jump into hands-on learning with advanced technology. Swerve Drive gives everyone—from returning veterans to brand-new students—a cutting-edge tool that makes robotics feel modern, challenging, and incredibly engaging. The fact that we get to design, code, and compete with technology used by top-level teams has energized the entire group. With more team members and more opportunities to learn, our robotics program is stepping into its most innovative season yet.","fullyFundedDate":1746669758277,"projectUrl":"project/west-coast-products-swerve/9192866/","projectTitle":"West Coast Products Swerve","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Marino","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9871582_orig.jpg?crop=720,720,x311,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1734457546719","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mr-marinoclassroom"},{"teacherId":10056239,"projectId":9413717,"letterContent":"When my students came in and saw stacks of fresh notebooks, colorful highlighters, and caddies full of supplies ready for them, their reactions were priceless. Several students immediately reached for the pens and sticky notes, excited to start annotating and decorating their journals. One student told me, \"It feels like we're in a real classroom now.\" That moment made it clear how much these basic tools mean to them – they transform ordinary lessons into opportunities for creativity, independence, and pride.\r\n\r\nWe've already put the supplies to work. My students used their new notebooks to launch personal journals where they can write freely each day, and the sticky notes have made our literature circles interactive, with students leaving thoughts and questions directly in their books. Having these essentials available has removed a major barrier – no one has to worry about whether they have paper or a pen to participate. The new storage solutions have also helped us keep our small classroom organized, giving students more space to focus and collaborate without clutter.\r\n\r\nThanks to these resources, our English classroom feels like a place built for student growth. The energy has shifted: students are more willing to take risks in writing, to annotate thoughtfully, and to share ideas in discussion. Your support has helped me create not just a stocked classroom, but a community of learners who feel seen, prepared, and valued every day.","fullyFundedDate":1751543626367,"projectUrl":"project/building-our-classroom-from-the-ground-u/9413717/","projectTitle":"Building Our Classroom from the Ground Up","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Parsons","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10056239_orig.jpg?crop=768,768,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1749853884318","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10056239"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_1522","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1736,"numTeachers":92,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":3,"percentBlack":34,"percentWhite":33,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":24,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":0,"gradesServed":"9 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"18.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":71.6,"schoolId":1522,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about R.J. Reynolds High School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"R.J. Reynolds High School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/north-carolina/winston-salem-forsyth-county-schools/r-j-reynolds-high-school/1522"}