{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Horizon Science Academy - Columbus High School 9th/10th","outOfStateSupporters":27.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9997142,"projectId":9966095,"letterContent":"Your generosity has made a meaningful difference in my classroom and throughout our school building. I provided snacks whenever I had the opportunity to support learning and help students stay engaged during class. One of my favorite moments was seeing students who are usually quiet begin participating more confidently after having a small treat.\r\n\r\nThese snacks continue to support both learning and student well-being each day. Many students say they feel more focused and ready to participate in class. Beyond academics, these snacks have helped create a positive classroom atmosphere where students feel motivated to work, excited to learn, and more at ease knowing that even their basic needs are being considered.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping make our classroom a place where students feel supported, valued, and that they truly belong.","fullyFundedDate":1772550240718,"projectUrl":"project/one-snack-to-be-on-track/9966095/","projectTitle":"One Snack to be on Track","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Safa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9997142"},{"teacherId":10296561,"projectId":9817990,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom through DonorsChoose. Your generosity has made a meaningful difference in how my students engage with algebra every day.\r\nWe are using the individual dry-erase boards and markers regularly, and they have quickly become an essential part of our lessons. Each student now has their own space to practice graphing on coordinate grids, solve problems, and show their thinking in real time. One memorable moment was during a lesson on graphing linear equations, where every student was able to plot points and draw lines on their board at the same time. I could immediately see who understood the concept and who needed support, allowing me to give quick feedback and keep everyone on track.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first received the materials, they were excited and eager to use them. Having their own board made them feel more confident to try, make mistakes, and try again without fear. I noticed increased participation, especially from students who are usually hesitant to speak up. \r\n\r\nAs we move forward, students are using these tools to deepen their understanding of graphing and coordinate geometry. They are working on more complex problems, explaining their reasoning, and even collaborating by comparing their work with classmates. The goal is to help them build both accuracy and confidence as they progress into more advanced algebra concepts.\r\n\r\nYour support has allowed every student to actively participate and stay engaged in learning. Thank you for helping create a classroom where all students have the opportunity to succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1764640261308,"projectUrl":"project/math-in-motion-kinesthetic-algebra-lab/9817990/","projectTitle":"Math in Motion: Kinesthetic Algebra Lab","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Gordon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10296561_orig.jpg?crop=1200,1200,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760380622765","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10296561"},{"teacherId":9939486,"projectId":9783620,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for your generous contribution to my \"Creativity and Critical Thinking Through Art\" project. Your support has transformed my science classroom in ways I couldn't have imagined, and I'm excited to share the impact you've made on my students' learning.\r\n\r\nHow We're Using Your Resources\r\nYour donation has allowed me to integrate art-based inquiry into our science curriculum in meaningful ways. In our most recent unit on ecosystems and biodiversity, students used the art supplies and materials you provided to create detailed scientific illustrations of organisms they've been studying. Rather than simply drawing diagrams from a textbook, students are now conducting close observations, sketching specimens under magnifying glasses, and annotating their work with scientific labels and ecological relationships.\r\n\r\nOne standout project had students create a collaborative mural depicting a food web—they hand-painted organisms, drew energy flow arrows, and physically moved around the classroom to understand predator-prey relationships. This kinesthetic, creative approach deepened their understanding far beyond what a worksheet could achieve.\r\n\r\nTheir First Reactions\r\nWhen the materials arrived, the energy in my classroom was electric. Students who often struggle with traditional science tasks suddenly lit up with enthusiasm. One student who typically disengages said, \"Wait... we get to actually create something in science class?\" The quality colored pencils, sketch pads, and mixed-media supplies signaled to them that their work mattered and deserved care. I watched shy students become confident presenters as they explained the science behind their artwork to classmates.\r\n\r\nWhat's Next\r\nWe're building on this momentum! Our next unit focuses on human anatomy and physiology. Students will be creating detailed, labeled anatomical art projects—from 3D models of organ systems to illustrated \"body maps\" showing how different systems interact. They'll also be designing science communication posters to teach younger students about healthy habits, combining their newfound artistic confidence with scientific accuracy.\r\n\r\nBeyond this unit, I'm reimagining how we approach the scientific method itself. Students will now document their experiments through sketches and visual notes—a practice called \"science journaling\"—which research shows improves retention and critical thinking.\r\n\r\nYour investment didn't just buy materials; it opened a door for my students to see themselves as creative problem-solvers and scientists. Thank you for believing in the power of integrating art and science.","fullyFundedDate":1767203188080,"projectUrl":"project/creativity-and-critical-thinking-through/9783620/","projectTitle":"Creativity and Critical Thinking Through Art","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Babanazarov","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9939486"},{"teacherId":9837991,"projectId":9702588,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom. Even though the printer is a small size, it has had a very big impact on our daily learning. Having a printer directly in the classroom saves valuable instructional time because we no longer need to leave the room or wait to use the teachers' lounge printer. This allows lessons and projects to continue smoothly without interruptions.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting part for students is how immediate and flexible the process has become. If students make mistakes, need extra practice, or want to revise their work, it is no longer a concern. I can print materials right away, which reduces frustration and encourages students to take learning risks without fear of failure.\r\n\r\nThis has been especially helpful for students who struggle with confidence, organization, or focus. Being able to quickly correct errors and stay engaged has helped them complete projects successfully and remain motivated. Thank you again for investing in our classroom and making a meaningful difference in our students' learning experience.","fullyFundedDate":1759265049417,"projectUrl":"project/algebra-for-all-building-a-wall-of-math/9702588/","projectTitle":"Algebra for All: Building a Wall of Math Knowledge","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Aftis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9837991_orig.png?crop=590,590,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757800186860","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9837991"},{"teacherId":10021708,"projectId":9327157,"letterContent":"The introduction of the Bittle X robotic dog has had a meaningful impact in my classroom by helping students see their programming come to life. While all of the students already have experience with programming and technology, they rarely get a chance to understand how it actually functions and make connections to the real world. Being able to connect their code to a physical device has made the subject feel more concrete and approachable. Students who often find traditional lessons challenging became noticeably more confident once they could observe a direct cause and effect between their ideas and the robot's behavior.\r\n\r\nThe excitement this brought to the room was immediate. Students were intrigued by how the robot responded to different logic patterns, especially as we explored the differences between generative AI and traditional forms of AI used in robotics and game design. They began asking thoughtful questions, pushing past surface-level curiosity into real problem solving. Several students who are usually more reserved took the lead during activities, guiding classmates through testing, debugging, and analyzing the robot's movements. The project helped create a sense of shared discovery that reached every learner, and I couldn't be more appreciative to the donors who allowed us to have this experience.","fullyFundedDate":1749682912391,"projectUrl":"project/a-maze-ing-robot-dog/9327157/","projectTitle":"A-MAZE-ing Robot Dog","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Autumn Hart","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10021708_orig.jpg?crop=1200,1200,x0,y124&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1747412277960","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10021708"},{"teacherId":9985704,"projectId":9214701,"letterContent":"The donation to the STEM Entrepreneurship Board Game have made a meaningful difference in the lives of my students, providing an engaging and accessible way to learn real-world financial and business skills. Through this hands-on gameplay, students gain valuable knowledge in financial literacy, learning how to budget, save, and invest wisely—skills that extend far beyond the classroom and into their everyday lives. The game also challenges students to practice ethical decision-making, encouraging them to think critically about the consequences of their choices and to prioritize integrity and long-term impact in their entrepreneurial ventures. By simulating global business environments and diverse industries, the game broadens students' perspectives, helping them understand how international markets work and how business decisions ripple across economies and communities. Ultimately, this project has empowered my students to think like innovators, act like responsible leaders, and prepare for success in an interconnected, ever-changing world.","fullyFundedDate":1746223230249,"projectUrl":"project/stem-entrepreneurship/9214701/","projectTitle":"STEM Entrepreneurship","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Delande","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9985704"},{"teacherId":9837827,"projectId":9183175,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the book shelf to hold all of our books we are currently reading. This shelf has given the students the ability to put the book they are reading for independent reading in a secure spot in the classroom where other students will not pick it up to read. Now when they enter class they know which cubby in the shelf is theirs's and they go and grab their book and sit down quickly to start reading. This has kept the chaos of looking all over for their book and taking time from reading out of the daily equation. They were very excited to see this come into our room. The also love the books that were donated with it. My students can relate to the African American characters and many are English language learners so graphic novels help them learn and understand the the words. Thank you again so much!","fullyFundedDate":1746785738667,"projectUrl":"project/importance-in-seeing-yourself-in-books/9183175/","projectTitle":"Importance in Seeing Yourself in Books","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. VanderSluis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9837827"},{"teacherId":8123356,"projectId":9220159,"letterContent":"Beyond athletics, these weights will also teach important life lessons. Weight training builds resilience—the kind that comes from adding a little more weight each week, struggling through reps, and refusing to give up. Our students will learn that progress comes through persistence, and that small, consistent efforts lead to big results. These lessons mirror the challenges they face in academics and in life. When they experience success in the weight room, it builds the confidence that carries over into the classroom and beyond.\r\n\r\nIn the long run, the new weights will not only improve athletic performance but will also help us attract and retain student-athletes who want to be part of a serious, well-supported program. They will raise the standard of excellence across all our teams and help prepare our students for the next level, whether that is collegiate athletics or simply the pursuit of lifelong health and fitness.\r\n\r\nWe are deeply grateful to our donors. Their gift has sparked motivation, strengthened our sports culture, and created opportunities that will shape our students' lives for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1746647877907,"projectUrl":"project/building-stronger-and-quicker-student-at/9220159/","projectTitle":"Building Stronger and Quicker Student Athletes","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Tate","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8123356_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1731600717752","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8123356"},{"teacherId":10000680,"projectId":9258765,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our English Language Learners classroom! Because of your donation, my students now have access to engaging and level-appropriate ELL readers that are helping them grow their reading skills and confidence every day. \r\n\r\nThese books have introduced essential reading skills such as identifying main ideas and details, making inferences, and summarizing short texts. Many of the readers include vocabulary and comprehension activities, which help students expand their word knowledge and apply new grammar structures in context. They also learn how to make connections between what they read and their own lives, which builds both language and critical thinking skills.\r\n\r\nReading time in our classroom has become one of the most exciting parts of the day. Students read individually, in pairs, and in small groups. We use visuals, discussions, and follow-up writing tasks to support understanding. The ELL readers have made it possible for every student—no matter their English level—to participate meaningfully. I can see the pride they feel when they are able to read a full story in English and talk about it with their classmates.\r\n\r\nSeveral of my beginner and intermediate students who used to be hesitant readers are now more eager to pick up a book. One of my students, who rarely spoke in class at the beginning of the year, now volunteers to read aloud during group activities. Another student said, \"These books are easier for me, and I understand more every day.\" Seeing their enthusiasm and progress has been incredibly rewarding.\r\n\r\nThanks to your kindness, my students are becoming more confident readers and communicators. Your donation didn't just bring books into our classroom—it opened doors for our students to learn, dream, and connect through language.","fullyFundedDate":1746808031055,"projectUrl":"project/el-readers/9258765/","projectTitle":"EL Readers","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cankara","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10000680"},{"teacherId":9997142,"projectId":9373777,"letterContent":"When my students first saw the posters on the walls, they gave them a quick glance, but some were immediately drawn to the one about feelings. Without speaking, they pointed to it as if to tell me how they felt. It gave them a voice without needing many words. The snacks have also become their favorite part—something they ask for when they are hungry or earn through effort in class. Together, these small resources have made our classroom feel welcoming, fun, and motivating. Our next step is to use the posters for speaking and writing activities, helping students turn pictures into and keep rewarding them with the snacks.","fullyFundedDate":1755700495789,"projectUrl":"project/i-feel-good-here/9373777/","projectTitle":"I Feel Good Here!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Safa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9997142"},{"teacherId":10212169,"projectId":9636813,"letterContent":"Next week, my students and I will begin our bacteria lab! Each student will carefully swab two choice locations/surfaces within our school to test the bacteria count and growth capabilities on our immediate environment. In order to successfully complete these labs, we will need to create 200 agar petri dishes and store them in a cooled environment until they are ready to be used. We will be able to house them in our brand new mini-fridge (expect photos in the near future)!\r\n\r\nThe students are always excited when boxes arrive to the classroom; many compete to be the ones to run and grab them for me from the front office or to be the one who unboxes the items. They helped me choose where to hang our new posters and where to place our fridge for logical lab flow. After our bacteria lab, we will move on to heredity; the next lab our fridge will support us through will be our DNA extraction lab! \r\n\r\nAs for the board games, I plan to use these to supplement learning during next quarter's learning, or during an unexpected absence (by me). The students are excited to explore and play them for the first time; not only that, but they are excited that they will understand HOW to play! \r\n\r\nThank you for all you have poured into the learning journey I am on with my students now, and for the years to come!","fullyFundedDate":1757553281417,"projectUrl":"project/inspiring-future-scientists/9636813/","projectTitle":"Inspiring Future Scientists!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Slusher","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10212169_orig.jpg?crop=2252,2252,x0,y7&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755784292441","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10212169"},{"teacherId":8123356,"projectId":9067509,"letterContent":"We are truly grateful for the new equipment, and our students have already begun using it to enhance their learning experiences. One particular moment that stood out was seeing them immediately engage in a collaborative project, demonstrating creativity and teamwork while utilizing the resources. The new tools have provided them with opportunities to learn in ways that were not previously possible, and it has been inspiring to witness their excitement translate into meaningful academic growth.\r\nTheir initial reaction was pure excitement. Many students expressed that it felt as though they were walking into a brand-new high school. The atmosphere was filled with pride and enthusiasm, and they were eager to explore the possibilities the new materials provided. It was a powerful reminder of how impactful these resources are for their educational experience.","fullyFundedDate":1743387083098,"projectUrl":"project/new-gymnasium-equipment/9067509/","projectTitle":"New Gymnasium Equipment","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Tate","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8123356_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1731600717752","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8123356"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_110590","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":501,"numTeachers":34,"percentFrplEligible":57,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":84,"percentWhite":2,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":6,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"9 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"14.7:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":72.5,"schoolId":110590,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Horizon Science Academy - Columbus High School 9th/10th on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Horizon Science Academy - Columbus High School 9th/10th","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/ohio/education-service-center-lake-erie-west/horizon-science-academy-columbus/110590"}