{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Lakota Technical High School","outOfStateSupporters":73.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9745635,"projectId":10197301,"letterContent":"Having Rick Riordan's books in my Grade 9 and 10 classroom creates a powerful bridge between reluctant readers and confident ones, drawing students in with fast-paced plots, humor, and protagonists who reflect their own experiences. When my students see characters with ADHD, dyslexia, diverse ethnicities, and LGBTQ+ identities navigating epic quests, they find mirrors for their own lives in ways traditional \"classics\" rarely provide, which research shows dramatically improves reading motivation and academic self-concept. These books aren't just entertaining—they're gateway texts that naturally lead to discussions of archetypes, hero's journey, and intertextuality while connecting to our social studies curriculum on ancient civilizations. I've watched students who claimed they \"hate reading\" devour Percy Jackson in days, then reach for Homer, Tolkien, or more complex contemporary YA because Riordan built their reading stamina and confidence. The mythology foundation gives me endless opportunities for cross-curricular lessons, creative writing mentor texts, and critical analysis of how modern authors adapt classical stories. Beyond academics, these books create genuine classroom community—shared enthusiasm that sparks literature circles, passionate book talks, and peer recommendations across all ability levels. They prove that \"popular fiction\" can be rigorous, relevant, and transformative in building lifelong readers and critical thinkers.","fullyFundedDate":1778000724742,"projectUrl":"project/every-student-deserves-a-story-buildin/10197301/","projectTitle":"\"Every Student Deserves a Story: Building Our Classroom Library\"","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Jaype","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9745635_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746678945463","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9745635"},{"teacherId":9843075,"projectId":10271238,"letterContent":"My students and I are using the pencils, markers, graphing boards, and paper during our daily math lessons, especially for problem-solving, graphing, and hands-on activities. These resources allow students to work through problems, show their mathematical thinking, and share their solutions with classmates. The graphing boards are especially helpful during Geometry lessons because students can draw figures, explore concepts, and make corrections as they learn.\r\nMy students were excited to see the new materials because they knew they would be able to use them during our math activities. They were eager to get started, especially with the graphing boards and markers. Having these supplies readily available also helped students feel prepared and more confident because they did not have to worry about not having the materials needed to participate.\r\nOur next step is to continue using these resources throughout the school year as we work through Geometry and other challenging math concepts. Students will use the graphing boards and paper to solve problems, create diagrams, and demonstrate their understanding. I will also use the Teachers Pay Teachers gift card to provide additional engaging activities and practice materials that support our lessons. My goal is to help my students become confident problem-solvers who are prepared to explain their mathematical thinking.","fullyFundedDate":1785252168744,"projectUrl":"project/math-tools-for-tomorrows-thinkers/10271238/","projectTitle":"Math Tools for Tomorrow’s Thinkers","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Ryan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9843075_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y772&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755286784349","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9843075"},{"teacherId":9745635,"projectId":10197476,"letterContent":"Having printers directly in my classroom has been transformative for both my teaching and my students' learning. Before, I had to plan days in advance to print materials through the school's main office, which often meant limited copies, last-minute lesson changes were nearly impossible, and spontaneous teachable moments were lost. Now, with in-classroom printers, I can respond immediately to my students' needs by printing differentiated worksheets, visual aids, or extra practice problems on the spot. I can embrace flexibility by adjusting lessons in real-time based on student understanding and printing new materials instantly. My students can now print their work, research findings, and projects, taking ownership of their learning, while I provide timely feedback through printed rubrics, exemplars, and annotated samples while concepts are fresh. The printers allow me to support my diverse learners by quickly creating modified assignments, graphic organizers, and visual supports for students with different learning needs, all while reducing instructional time lost to walking to the copy room or waiting for materials. This project has eliminated barriers to quality instruction and given my students access to current, relevant materials every single day. When a student asks me, \"Can I have another copy?\" or \"Can we see an example?\" the answer is always yes. This simple tool has empowered me to be a more responsive, effective teacher and has given my students equitable access to the resources they deserve.","fullyFundedDate":1786061203969,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-ideas-to-life-a-classroom-prin/10197476/","projectTitle":"Bringing Ideas to Life: a Classroom Printer We Need","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Jaype","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9745635_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746678945463","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9745635"},{"teacherId":9843075,"projectId":10139456,"letterContent":"The iPads are helping my students make geometry more interactive, visual, and engaging. Students can use them to explore geometric shapes, angles, transformations, constructions, and other concepts through educational apps and digital activities. Instead of only working with diagrams on paper, students can manipulate figures, visualize relationships, check their work, and learn at their own pace. The iPads also allow students to research, collaborate, create presentations, and demonstrate their mathematical thinking in ways that were not always possible with traditional classroom materials.\r\n\r\nWhat excites my students most is being able to interact with mathematics rather than simply reading about it or solving problems on paper. They especially enjoy using the iPads to create and manipulate geometric figures, explore transformations, and see how changing one part of a figure affects another. They are excited to use technology that feels familiar to them while applying it to challenging Geometry concepts.\r\n\r\nStudents who sometimes struggle with traditional paper-and-pencil activities have especially enjoyed using the iPads. The visual and interactive features give them another way to understand difficult concepts and build confidence. I have also noticed that students who are usually quiet become more willing to participate when they can explore a problem digitally and share what they discover with their classmates. The iPads are helping my students become more curious, collaborative, and confident mathematicians.","fullyFundedDate":1778000723913,"projectUrl":"project/math-in-motion-student-led-laptop-demon/10139456/","projectTitle":"Math in Motion: Student-Led Laptop Demonstrations","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Ryan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9843075_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y772&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755286784349","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9843075"},{"teacherId":9843075,"projectId":10143769,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, my students and I have been actively using the prize spinner as part of our daily classroom routine. We use it to recognize positive behavior, completed work, and active participation. One memorable moment was when a student who usually hesitates to participate raised their hand, completed a problem in front of the class, and proudly earned a spin. The excitement in the room was contagious, and it encouraged other students to try their best as well.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the spinner, their faces immediately lit up with excitement. They were curious, eager, and motivated to earn a chance to spin. It quickly became something they look forward to, and it has helped create a more positive and engaging classroom environment.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, I plan to continue using the spinner to reinforce good habits such as teamwork, responsibility, and respect. I am also integrating it into group activities and review games, where students can earn spins by collaborating and demonstrating understanding of the lesson.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, my classroom has become a place where students feel motivated, recognized, and excited to learn. Thank you for being part of our journey!","fullyFundedDate":1776098430856,"projectUrl":"project/project-spin-sparking-positive-inspira/10143769/","projectTitle":"Project SPIN – Sparking Positive Inspiration Now","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Ryan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9843075_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y772&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755286784349","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9843075"},{"teacherId":9843075,"projectId":10078587,"letterContent":"First of all, I would like to sincerely thank you for supporting our classroom project. Because of your generosity, I was able to provide snacks as rewards for my students whenever they show positive behavior, complete their tasks, and actively participate in class.\r\n\r\nThe snacks have become a great motivation for my students. One special moment I noticed was when students worked extra hard to finish their activities and reminded each other to stay focused and respectful because they were excited to earn a reward. It was wonderful to see them encouraging one another and taking pride in doing their best.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the snacks, they were very excited and grateful. Their faces lit up with big smiles, and they immediately became more engaged in our lessons. The rewards created a positive and encouraging classroom environment where students felt motivated to participate and behave responsibly.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, I will continue using these snacks as part of our positive reinforcement system. My goal is to help students build good habits such as teamwork, responsibility, and respect. Your generosity has helped create a classroom where students feel appreciated and inspired to do their best every day.\r\n\r\nThank you for making a difference in our classroom and in the lives of my students.","fullyFundedDate":1771872346943,"projectUrl":"project/project-ryan-recognizing-youngs-achiev/10078587/","projectTitle":"Project Ryan (Recognizing Young's Achievements Now) Through Reward System","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Ryan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9843075_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y772&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755286784349","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9843075"},{"teacherId":10230503,"projectId":9661746,"letterContent":"Greetings of appreciation and love!\r\n\r\nMy heart is full right now receiving my Project for Music as Motivation for Learning which is a JBL speaker with microphone. I can't put in words how excited and happy my students are seeing the speaker and hearing it's good quality music as they participate actively in the gym activities. \r\n\r\nPersonally, I found music as one of the effective way to release stress and to get motivated even if everything around me seem unbalanced. That is why even in the Philippines where I originally came from I always use music in my teaching . I move around and ask my students if their interests and almost all of them includes listening to music as one of their past time. And they even told me that having music in the gym is helping them survived the day. \r\n\r\nI have noticed a very positive impact on learning and on my students participation in particular that we played good and quality music as they perform task in P.E such as doing some conditioning exercises, finishing a strength circuit training, playing different sports and games. I can see how the project and the material that you my dear donors have contributed out of the goodness of your hearts have made an impactful progress in the response and behaviors of my students inside the gym. They became more responsible, they became more motivated and undeniably having music in the gym gives us a fun and enjoyable learning experience. \r\n\r\nI promise to take good care of this speaker and microphone as long as I'm still employed at Lakota Tech High School and I make sure that this project will be used appropriately and accordingly inside the gym.\r\n\r\nThank you so much to all our donors and sponsors for making this project possible.","fullyFundedDate":1766174739699,"projectUrl":"project/music-as-motivation-for-learning/9661746/","projectTitle":"Music as Motivation for Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Villaruel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10230503"},{"teacherId":10051807,"projectId":9574681,"letterContent":"Ms. Housel here, writing to you from Pine Ridge, South Dakota! I want to extend a warm handshake and a sincere thank you for your kind donation to my classroom. Your donation went to whiteboard cleaner, because my students' desks are made of dry erase material. I require that students use the cleaner to clean off their desks before leaving my classroom each period to promote a clean environment. No student should have to sit at a nasty desk.\r\n\r\nYour donation also went to coffee, tea and hot chocolate for my classroom. I've been serving these items in my class for over six years, and it works remarkably well for building rapport. I learned this technique while deployed as a Civil Affairs Sergeant in the Army Reserve. Cups of coffee work beautifully for building relationships with foreign nationals in business meetings. Turns out, the same principal applies in the classroom with high school kids. I teach business courses in a low-income area. When students come to my class, my goal is to provide them with a secure, clean and welcoming environment to learn in. Students learn better when their basic needs are met. They know when they come to Ms. Housel's class, a cup of hot chocolate awaits them. It is amazing how such a simple gesture can have a profound, positive affect on temperament, behavior and cognitive engagement during lessons.\r\n\r\nIn the past, I've either purchased these items with my own money, or have ordered it through the school kitchen. However, my school district has experienced major budget cuts this year, and the government shutdown didn't help matters. Thanks to you, my students didn't feel the impact of these budget cuts. My classroom has remained the same stable learning environment for them all semester. The supplies you helped provide will continue to sustain my operations through this school year. On behalf of Lakota Tech High School and my students, thank you very much for supporting our business program!","fullyFundedDate":1755521945513,"projectUrl":"project/rapport-building-goes-a-long-way/9574681/","projectTitle":"Rapport-Building Goes a Long Way!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Housel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10051807_orig.jpg?crop=2996,2996,x0,y739&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754925824937","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10051807"},{"teacherId":9843075,"projectId":9716677,"letterContent":"The new folders and organizational supplies have completely transformed how we manage our daily learning routines! One of the first ways we put them to use was during our weekly goal-setting sessions. Each student now has a personal folder where they track their learning targets, reflect on progress, and store completed work. A particularly meaningful moment was during a writing project: students were able to organize drafts, peer feedback, and final copies all in one place, which made the revision process smoother and more meaningful.\r\nThey were so excited! Many of them had never had their own set of supplies to keep their work organized, and they immediately took pride in personalizing their folders. A few students even commented on how \"grown-up\" and responsible they felt having a system just for them. It was a small but powerful moment that made them feel ownership over their learning.\r\nNext, we're beginning a multi-step research project where students will be using their folders to track sources, organize notes, and outline their presentations. The structure the folders provide will help them manage the project more independently and build habits they can carry with them beyond this classroom. It's amazing to see how something as simple as an organized folder system is helping build confident, self-directed learners.\r\nThank you so much again for supporting our classroom project.","fullyFundedDate":1758586229865,"projectUrl":"project/a-folder-for-every-step-organizing-our/9716677/","projectTitle":"A Folder for Every Step: Organizing Our Path to Success","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Ryan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9843075_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y772&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755286784349","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9843075"},{"teacherId":10180508,"projectId":9604690,"letterContent":"We have started using the white boards and the markers in the class activities particularly during the start of classes where in we did some review and they are going to write down correct terms in their white boards. My students enjoyed using it and they even look forward for more activities that use these. On the other hand, my students got excited when they saw the candies I got from you too. These somewhat helped them get motivated especially in the afternoon if they get hungry or sleepy I gave them these sweet treats for them to get energized and do their task. The white boards and markers will be utilized in more engaging activities that we will be having in Biology class.","fullyFundedDate":1757555081957,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-science-interactive-learning-f/9604690/","projectTitle":"Hands on Science: Interactive Learning for Curious Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mary","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10180508_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755289115836","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10180508"},{"teacherId":9843075,"projectId":9354208,"letterContent":"The ipad project is helping students learn math by making it more interactive, personalized, and engaging. It gives instant feedback, supports different learning styles, and allows teachers to better track progress and target instruction.\r\n-What excites our students most about the new technology is how interactive and engaging math has become. Instead of just working through problems on paper, they can now explore concepts through games, touch-based manipulatives, and visual tools that make learning feel more like discovery. Many students love the instant feedback they get from apps, which helps them learn from mistakes in real time and boosts their confidence. Others are excited about having more independence—working at their own pace, choosing challenges that match their level, and even recording their thinking with creative tools. Overall, the technology makes math feel more accessible, personal, and fun, which has sparked new enthusiasm in many students.\r\n-Yes, several students have really embraced the new technology—especially those who struggle with traditional instruction, have learning differences, or are more reserved in class. The iPads give them a more personalized, engaging, and accessible way to learn and express their understanding of math.\"","fullyFundedDate":1757555554617,"projectUrl":"project/project-ipad-interactive-problem-solvin/9354208/","projectTitle":"Project iPad: Interactive Problem-solving and Assessment Device","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Ryan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9843075_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y772&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755286784349","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9843075"},{"teacherId":9745635,"projectId":8989950,"letterContent":"Thank you very much for your generosity. This printer made a huge impact in my teaching process and activities. By using this printer, I don't need to go out from time to time just to print stuff that my students need in their activity. The instruction became more smooth and flawless because of this printer. My students also benefited in this because they can print their projects from other teacher's class through this printer. It made the classroom more inclusive for learning because of your help and generosity.","fullyFundedDate":1742482058023,"projectUrl":"project/print-the-future/8989950/","projectTitle":"Print the Future","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Jaype","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9745635_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746678945463","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9745635"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_130043","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":40,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":93,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":72,"percentLatinx":1,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":0,"gradesServed":"9 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"MDR District Record","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"RURAL","ncesMetroType":null},"inStateSupporters":26.5,"schoolId":130043,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Lakota Technical High School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Lakota Technical High School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/south-dakota/oglala-lakota-county-school-district-65-1/lakota-technical-high-school/130043"}