{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Pittsburgh Science and Technology Academy","outOfStateSupporters":22.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8650002,"projectId":9939877,"letterContent":"These USB connectors and cables may not have been the flashiest classroom donation, but they have certainly made a big difference. The USB cables have replaced older ones that have worn out with age - some of which are over 15 years old! The USB splitters have been extremely helpful in making sure that students can use all of the tools available to them in the music technology classroom - from microphones and keyboards to hard drives and headphone adapters. This additional flexibility means that my students are spending less time arranging their workspace and more time making music! Thank you again for supporting the arts in our public schools.","fullyFundedDate":1765505825427,"projectUrl":"project/making-connections/9939877/","projectTitle":"Making Connections","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Young","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8650002_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760799980992","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8650002"},{"teacherId":8650002,"projectId":9841867,"letterContent":"Thank you very much for your generosity in providing these keyboards for my classroom! MIDI keyboard controllers serve as an interface for students to make music using computers - just as a regular computer keyboard allows the user to input letters and words to a computer, a MIDI keyboard controller allows the user to enter musical notes, chords, and melodies to a computer. Having access to this technology helps to streamline the creation process, and elevates my students' creative workflow so they can experiment with professional-grade music production tools. Thanks again for your support of the arts in our public schools.","fullyFundedDate":1764608804952,"projectUrl":"project/a-space-for-making-music/9841867/","projectTitle":"A Space for Making Music","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Young","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8650002_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760799980992","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8650002"},{"teacherId":8650002,"projectId":9841429,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity in helping me get headphones for my students! These headphones make a big difference in what is possible in my music classroom - without them, the sound from each student's own work would be distracting for others. Because we have enough headphones for students, I can be more flexible in how I arrange classroom activities - sometimes my students work individually, and sometimes they work in small groups using headphone splitters. In either case, my students are able to stay focused on their music technology work, where they are composing and producing using computers. Your commitment to supporting arts education in public schools is greatly appreciated.","fullyFundedDate":1762193740944,"projectUrl":"project/can-you-hear-me-now/9841429/","projectTitle":"Can You Hear Me Now?","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Young","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8650002_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760799980992","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8650002"},{"teacherId":3016220,"projectId":10028845,"letterContent":"THANK YOU for your support of my students and our project. Having the essentials (breakfast bars, snacks, hygiene items) ensures that the students have access to items in the classroom that help them to meet their basic needs and instead, can focus on their learning! Students continue to participate in discussions about social justice mathematics while simultaneously working hard to graph and to analyze polynomial functions (in Algebra 2) and to analyze rational functions (precalculus). Having easy access to \"brain fuel\" will help us to keep the momentum going. Thanks again!","fullyFundedDate":1768684726846,"projectUrl":"project/food-and-hygiene-needs/10028845/","projectTitle":"Food and Hygiene Needs","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lazzaro","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3016220_orig.jpg?crop=323,323,x0,y274&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1631046024817","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3016220"},{"teacherId":10293647,"projectId":9893793,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting snacks for our advisory period. Advisory is a time when students check grades, catch up on missing work, and focus on important junior-year items like testing, post-secondary planning, and goal setting. Having snacks available has made this time calmer and more productive. Students are able to focus, ask questions, and stay engaged instead of being distracted by hunger or low energy.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the snacks, they were genuinely excited and appreciative. Several students commented on how helpful it was, especially during longer advisory sessions. It immediately created a more welcoming environment and helped students feel comfortable and supported during what can sometimes be a stressful part of the day.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, students will continue using advisory to monitor grades, prepare for upcoming deadlines, and work through junior-year responsibilities. The snacks help make advisory a positive, supportive space where students can focus on what they need to do to stay on track. Your generosity has made a meaningful difference, and our students truly benefit from it.","fullyFundedDate":1765090204385,"projectUrl":"project/snacks-and-materials/9893793/","projectTitle":"Snacks and Materials","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Tsangaris","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10293647"},{"teacherId":10293647,"projectId":9772698,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our students now have a full class set of headphones that are used every single day during STEM learning. The headphones allow students to fully focus on digital lessons, tutorials, and simulations without distractions, which has made a noticeable difference in both engagement and understanding. Whether students are coding, watching short instructional videos, or following step-by-step engineering challenges, they are able to work at their own pace and truly absorb the content.\r\n\r\nWhat excites students most is the independence the headphones give them. They feel more confident navigating learning platforms, replaying directions when needed, and exploring enrichment activities without feeling rushed or left behind. Students who sometimes struggle in whole-group instruction have especially benefited—they are more willing to try, make mistakes, and persist when they can learn quietly and privately.\r\n\r\nThis project has helped create a more focused, inclusive classroom where all students can access technology in meaningful ways. Your support has made daily STEM instruction smoother, more engaging, and more equitable for every learner. Thank you for making such a positive and lasting impact on our students' learning experiences.","fullyFundedDate":1759266577407,"projectUrl":"project/class-set-of-headphones/9772698/","projectTitle":"Class Set of Headphones","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Tsangaris","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10293647"},{"teacherId":2839583,"projectId":9800942,"letterContent":"When the Around the World Art Club opened for next quarter, the response was instant—students were practically sprinting to sign up. Many said it was the class they looked forward to the most during the week because it gave them a creative outlet that regular classes don't offer. Several students who are usually quiet in academic settings became energized and talkative as they explored new art forms—from Adinkra symbols to mandalas to calligraphy.\r\n\r\nThe excitement wasn't just noise; it translated into real engagement. Students asked what projects we were going to work on, asked if we needed extra materials , and even brought friends who hadn't considered joining before. For many, this was the first time they felt like their cultural background or artistic style was represented in school spaces. The club boosted confidence, curiosity, and cross-cultural appreciation, creating a space where students felt proud of their work and eager to return the next week.","fullyFundedDate":1766880476494,"projectUrl":"project/art-around-the-world-exploring-global-c/9800942/","projectTitle":"Art Around the World: Exploring Global Creativity","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Moore","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2839583_orig.jpg?crop=336,336,x55,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1565111636410","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-mooreatscitech"},{"teacherId":10349147,"projectId":9892650,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our school food pantry is now a consistent and reliable resource for students and families who need it most. The donated funds and supplies have allowed us to stock shelves with nutritious, shelf-stable items and essential staples, transforming the pantry into a welcoming and dignified space. Students have been directly involved in organizing the pantry, creating inventory lists, and helping ensure items are accessible and thoughtfully arranged. One particularly meaningful moment was watching students take ownership of the space—labeling shelves and discussing how food insecurity impacts learning and well-being.\r\nWhen students first saw the fully stocked pantry, their reaction was a mix of excitement, gratitude, and pride. Many were surprised by the variety and quality of the items available, and several commented on how \"real\" and supportive the space felt compared to before. It was clear that they understood the impact of the donations, not just in terms of supplies, but in the message it sent—that their community cares deeply about their success and their basic needs.\r\nNext, students will continue to integrate the pantry into broader lessons on community responsibility and service. They are currently working on a project that focuses on sustainability and outreach, including tracking usage patterns, identifying ongoing needs, and brainstorming ways to keep the pantry stocked throughout the year. Your support has given them more than materials; it has provided a powerful, real-world learning experience rooted in empathy, problem-solving, and civic engagement.","fullyFundedDate":1763399283336,"projectUrl":"project/snacks-for-the-food-pantry/9892650/","projectTitle":"Snacks for the Food Pantry","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. BE","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10349147_orig.png?crop=949,949,x0,y37&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768330799031","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10349147"},{"teacherId":5457867,"projectId":9704526,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donation. With these candy canes, our 9th grade class council was able to organize, publicize and executive a successful candy gram sale for grades 6-12. \r\n\r\nThis profit will be used to supplement a 9th grade field trip in the spring! Donors Choose is such an amazing organization and community. I say it each time we have a project funded, but many things would not be possible with out the support from this incredible community! \r\n\r\nWe can't wait to see what the 9th grade class council has in store for the rest of the year!","fullyFundedDate":1758294465496,"projectUrl":"project/9th-grade-council-candy-cane-sale/9704526/","projectTitle":"9th Grade Council Candy Cane Sale","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Keesecker","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5457867_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1630446958497","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5457867"},{"teacherId":2113015,"projectId":9600351,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your contribution to my project \"Help Me Give My Students the Basics.\" Having this project funded has allowed my students to focus in class on the learning.\r\n\r\nMy students are relieved to know that when they are running late to school they will still have breakfast when they get here. My students needing feminine products are grateful to know that there is someone that can help when they need it. The list goes on and on as to why my students and I are so thankful. \r\n\r\nWe often don't realize how these seemingly small things can make such a difference but please know that they definitely do.","fullyFundedDate":1755868481954,"projectUrl":"project/help-me-give-my-students-the-basics/9600351/","projectTitle":"Help Me Give My Students the Basics","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Theuret","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2113015_orig.jpg?crop=731,731,x0,y70&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746362015598","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-theuret"},{"teacherId":1589833,"projectId":9732450,"letterContent":"Our house system based on the Ron Clark Academy has been a tremendous success in the 8th grade. We intend to roll out and \"sort\" the 6th and 7th graders after Winter break!\r\n\r\nOur Eighth graders were very excited to receive their t-shirts. Many of them immediately put them on and wore them for numerous days before we even had our first house competition. Our students also earned their drawstring bags by their house earning 100 points. They all received those and have been carrying them around consistently. The next reward, at 150 points, will be distributed to Altruismo, who earned that already. The remaining houses are very close! \r\n\r\nOur next steps include bringing in the 6th and 7th graders and truly making The House System a full middle-school initiative!","fullyFundedDate":1758810058875,"projectUrl":"project/protect-and-represent-your-house/9732450/","projectTitle":"Protect and Represent Your House!","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Kupec","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1589833_orig.jpg?crop=1169,1169,x1068,y786&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1636742560719","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1589833"},{"teacherId":2467364,"projectId":9883057,"letterContent":"The snacks you have provided my students and the headphones have been gamechangers for my kiddos. Not only are they able to focus on their learning because they don't have to worry about being hungry, but they also are able to put on headphones and be productive without interruptions. I can't thank you enough for helping me provide an environment where students are fed, comfortable, and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nMy students have said things like:\r\n\r\n \"I'm thankful Mrs. Estrada. It's nice to have a snack while we work.\" \r\n \"You're one of the only classes we can eat and get our work done.\"\r\n \"Can we use the headphones? I like listening to my music.\"\r\n\r\nAll of these things help them stay on task and complete their work. You have made my job much easier this year. Truly, thank you.","fullyFundedDate":1762874350058,"projectUrl":"project/snack-attack/9883057/","projectTitle":"Snack Attack","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Estrada","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2467364_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1701126920819","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kdunkle"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_98544","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":618,"numTeachers":40,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":3,"percentBlack":39,"percentWhite":46,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":3,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"15.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":77.3,"schoolId":98544,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Pittsburgh Science and Technology Academy on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Pittsburgh Science and Technology Academy","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/pennsylvania/pittsburgh-public-schools/pittsburgh-science-tech-acad/98544"}