{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"McKay High School","outOfStateSupporters":36.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":5408791,"projectId":9595151,"letterContent":"Your generosity has reached hundreds of students on multiple occasions throughout the year. These dedicated young people deeply appreciate— as do I—your willingness to provide small but meaningful comforts that sustain them during their academic efforts.\r\nIt is genuinely uplifting to witness their faces brighten when they are offered a snack. In those moments, I am reminded daily of your kindness and the lasting impression it has made on their experience. What may seem like a modest gesture becomes, in practice, a powerful source of encouragement and connection.\r\nWhen students see the treats being shared, their enthusiasm is immediate, and it often renews their motivation to continue their work. My advisory students, in particular, have come to expect and value their weekly Pop-Tart; this simple routine has become a point of consistency and care, especially as they navigate the well-known challenges of their final year. Even as \"senioritis\" sets in, many continue to return—often bringing friends along—drawn in part by the welcoming environment that your contributions help make possible.\r\nI recognize that providing snacks may not always appear to be a central priority in educational giving. However, the tangible impact of these gestures is both profound and immediate. To observe it firsthand is to understand how such seemingly small acts of generosity can foster belonging, motivation, and joy in ways that are difficult to overstate.\r\nMy students wrote thank you notes that said they are grateful to you for supplying food to McKay, breakfast on Tuesdays, and for making their day.","fullyFundedDate":1764951385377,"projectUrl":"project/sweets-for-my-sweets/9595151/","projectTitle":"Sweets for My Sweets","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. DuPree","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5408791"},{"teacherId":9333502,"projectId":10179462,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom library and helping provide books for my newcomer students. Your generosity has made a real difference in our classroom. Many of my students are learning English while also adjusting to a new country and school system, so having the right books matters more than people may realize.\r\n\r\nThese new books have helped students build reading confidence, vocabulary, comprehension, and a stronger love for reading. In our classroom, reading looks like students choosing books that interest them, reading independently, discussing stories with classmates, and asking questions about words or characters. The visual books, graphic novels, and bilingual texts have been especially helpful because they make stories more accessible and less intimidating.\r\n\r\nSome students who were hesitant to read at the beginning of the year are now reaching for books on their own. A few students are especially excited about the illustrated Harry Potter books, while others love the graphic novels because they help them understand the story through pictures and text together. Seeing students smile while reading and ask to borrow books to take home has been one of the best parts of this project.\r\nThank you for helping my students see themselves as readers. Your support has brought joy, confidence, and opportunity into our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1775332022596,"projectUrl":"project/helping-newcomer-students-fall-in-love-w/10179462/","projectTitle":"Helping Newcomer Students Fall in Love with Reading","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Hernandez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9333502_orig.jpg?crop=3853,3853,x656,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726692805705","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9333502"},{"teacherId":9333502,"projectId":10157345,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom and helping us get more filament for our 3D printer. Your generosity has helped my newcomer students continue creating, learning, and building confidence every day.\r\n\r\nThe 3D printer has become one of the most exciting parts of our classroom. Students are learning how to problem look up prints/files, be patient, and turn their ideas into something real. For many of them, this is their first time using technology like this. As they watch their creations print layer by layer, they feel proud and excited. We have printed animals, toys, trophies, fidgets, and other fun designs that students love sharing with each other.\r\n\r\nSome of my quieter students have really opened up through this project. Even while learning English, they are helping classmates, asking questions, and showing creativity in new ways. Thank you for giving my students this opportunity. Your support truly means a lot to us.","fullyFundedDate":1776094825449,"projectUrl":"project/more-filament-more-creations-powering/10157345/","projectTitle":"More Filament, More Creations: Powering Our Classroom 3D Printer","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Hernandez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9333502_orig.jpg?crop=3853,3853,x656,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726692805705","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9333502"},{"teacherId":9333502,"projectId":9984626,"letterContent":"Because of these new books, my students aren't just reading more, they're actually getting into it. We're working on skills like vocabulary, making predictions, and understanding characters, but it doesn't feel like a worksheet. With thrillers and mysteries, students are constantly guessing what's going to happen next, flipping back to check details, and talking it through with each other. It turns reading into something they want to do.\r\nReading in my classroom looks a lot different now. You'll see students locked in, some reading quietly, others leaning over to tell a friend about a crazy plot twist. There's this energy when someone finishes a book, they don't just put it away, they go find someone to recommend it to. Even students who used to rush through work just to be done are now asking, \"Can I grab another book?\"\r\nOne of my favorite moments was a student who doesn't usually speak much in class telling me, \"I finished my first book in English.\" You could tell how proud they were. Moments like that remind me this is bigger than reading skills. These books are helping my students build confidence, take risks, and start seeing themselves as readers.","fullyFundedDate":1773837830701,"projectUrl":"project/thrillers-that-hook-my-students-on-readi/9984626/","projectTitle":"Thrillers That Hook My Students on Reading","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Hernandez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9333502_orig.jpg?crop=3853,3853,x656,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726692805705","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9333502"},{"teacherId":5985337,"projectId":9811559,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donation! The posters provided in this project allowed students to collaborate and visually express their ideas. While much of the modern classroom is based on technology, kids still love to work on physical space. A poster seems like a simple tool, but it really opens their imaginations and allows them precious time to disconnect form a screen and engage with a physical medium. These large posters allows students to collaborate and create and artifact that can be displayed for others to appreciate and learn from. \r\n\r\nPoster time for students always surprises them a little when they see how big the sheets are, but then they are off with their creativity and have room to draw and write to share their ideas. The poster gives a group of students a focal point of their thinking and a shared ground to express their ideas. \r\n\r\nPoster collaboration will continue to be used with my high school students, especially in mythology classes where abstract ideas often need a visual to cement their meaning. In a recent unit, students read several West African myths and diagramed their analysis of characters, conflict, themes, and lessons to be learned and applied today. Without the posters, these explorations would have been much more abstract and easily forgotten.","fullyFundedDate":1770604482744,"projectUrl":"project/poster-collaboration/9811559/","projectTitle":"Poster Collaboration","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Gill","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5985337_orig.jpg?crop=343,343,x137,y96&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760034960326","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5985337"},{"teacherId":5985337,"projectId":9811060,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donation to our World Mythology classroom! The class set of books on Egyptian Mythology has been a outstanding resource for our students. During the 6 week unit on Egypt, students used the books in reading circles, read eight stories, and used the text for two research projects. \r\n\r\nThe study of mythology and world cultures allows students to explore different kinds of thinking through the fun and excitement of storytelling. World Mythology is a class that students elect to take because they are curious about ancient civilizations and philosophies around the world.\r\n\r\nThe World Mythology class encourages students to read out loud to one another, expanding their vocabulary and honing their reading skills. The added benefit of doing so with a class text such as this is a reduction of screen time and increase in human connection.","fullyFundedDate":1764626865585,"projectUrl":"project/egyptian-mythology-books/9811060/","projectTitle":"Egyptian Mythology Books","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Gill","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5985337_orig.jpg?crop=343,343,x137,y96&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760034960326","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5985337"},{"teacherId":8430768,"projectId":9926445,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your donation! So far, I have used the drunk goggles to emphasize the impact of excessive alcohol consumption on perception. We were able to do a fun activity that I believe was powerful. Students paired up, one was the \"drunk driver\" and the other was the \"backseat driver\". They took turns wearing the goggles and guiding their peer through an obstacle course. They had fun, and it was a memorable way to show that even with a sober person instructing, maintaining coordination was nearly impossible. \r\n\r\nAs we know, drunk crashes happen far too often. I believe that this activity was a light hearted way to learn something that is life changing. This, in conjunction with real-life stories of individuals impacted by drunk driving (we have someone from the Victim Impact Panel come in), and the presentation of statistics and other information, I am positive that students will remember this unit. I am hopeful that your contribution limited the amount of drunk drivers on the road!","fullyFundedDate":1766500268177,"projectUrl":"project/substance-use-misuse-and-abuse/9926445/","projectTitle":"Substance Use, Misuse, and Abuse","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Sana","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8430768_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753302746566","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8430768"},{"teacherId":9333502,"projectId":10124034,"letterContent":"This project has had a powerful impact on my students. Many of them are newcomers who are still learning English and adjusting to a new country and school. The 3D printer has become a really fun thing to do in the classroom. \r\n\r\nWe have already started printing a variety of projects in our classroom. Students have been excited to see the printer working as it builds objects layer by layer. We've printed colorful designs like a World Cup!! Lots of them are soccer fans, small animals, small toys, and other creative fidgets. The different filament colors make the projects even more exciting because students can choose colors and see their ideas turn into something real.\r\n\r\nFor many of my students, this is their first experience using technology like this. They gather around the printer to watch it work and ask questions about how it functions. Some students who are usually quiet have become some of the most curious and engaged during these activities. Being able to design something and then hold it in their hands gives them a sense of pride and confidence. This project has helped create a classroom environment where creativity, problem solving, and learning can happen together.","fullyFundedDate":1772665824812,"projectUrl":"project/new-voices-new-designs-3d-printing-in/10124034/","projectTitle":"New Voices, New Designs: 3D Printing in Action","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Hernandez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9333502_orig.jpg?crop=3853,3853,x656,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726692805705","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9333502"},{"teacherId":9201736,"projectId":9893129,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the books! I host a book club after school for students and we have all been reading You've Reached Sam. The students seem to be enjoying the book. I thought the book was horribly sad, but the students seem to really be connecting with all of the emotions that the book stir up in them. It is really fun hearing their thoughts and predictions each week. \r\n\r\nIt is great to see my students reading voluntarily, so it is incredible to be able to offer them these new books. I am looking forward to using these books with my students for year","fullyFundedDate":1767218895839,"projectUrl":"project/contemporary-young-adult-books-for-book/9893129/","projectTitle":"Contemporary Young Adult Books for Book Clubs","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. K","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9201736"},{"teacherId":9201736,"projectId":9893150,"letterContent":"When I asked my students what genre of books we should try to get through donors choose, many of my students immediately said dystopian. There is something about dystopian books that fascinates young adults. \r\n\r\nAt my school, there is a dystopian unit taught in 10th grade English. This unit has helped to garner even more interest in dystopian books among students. I have already had a few of my students notice these new dystopian books from this donors choose and ask to check out a copy to read on their own. Having students ask to borrow a book is such an amazing feeling. It makes me believe that I am contributing, in some small way, to create lifelong readers, and thanks to your donation you are contributing too.","fullyFundedDate":1764626865403,"projectUrl":"project/dystopian-books-for-book-clubs/9893150/","projectTitle":"Dystopian Books for Book Clubs","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. K","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9201736"},{"teacherId":5985337,"projectId":9811273,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donation! Literacy is one of the highest leverage skills that brings students success during school and after graduation. The books received go directly in the hands of students in the classroom library. Providing students with access to books that draw on their interests allows them to explore new ideas while developing their reading skills. Many students have already lit up with excitement when they see the new books on the shelves and can't wait to borrow them to read on their own time. Your donation will continue to provide students in our community with a world-class education!","fullyFundedDate":1764626866122,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-library-for-teens/9811273/","projectTitle":"Classroom Library for Teens","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Gill","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5985337_orig.jpg?crop=343,343,x137,y96&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760034960326","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5985337"},{"teacherId":9201736,"projectId":9893123,"letterContent":"First and foremost, thank you for your generous donation. These books that you helped get are a wonderful addition to my classroom library. They help to create the option of hosting literature circles and/or book clubs within my classes. \r\n\r\nI also host a book club after school that is open for any interested students. We started the year with a fantasy book which the students really enjoyed, so we were excited to get more fantasy books to choose from. We are currently reading a contemporary YA book, but the students seem to want to read either a fantasy or a dystopian book next. \r\n\r\nThank you for helping expand my classroom library and giving my students more opportunities to read!!!","fullyFundedDate":1764626865161,"projectUrl":"project/fantasy-books-for-book-club/9893123/","projectTitle":"Fantasy Books for Book Club","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. K","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9201736"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_47225","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":2380,"numTeachers":100,"percentFrplEligible":66,"percentAsian":2,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":15,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":72,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"9 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"23.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":63.3,"schoolId":47225,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about McKay High School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"McKay High School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/oregon/salem-keizer-school-district-24j/mckay-high-school/47225"}