{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Memphis School of Excellence Cordova","outOfStateSupporters":33.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9487637,"projectId":9308840,"letterContent":"I am writing to share the incredible impact your generosity has had on our music program at Memphis School of Excellence Secondary in Cordova, TN. Thanks to your support, our sixth-grade students have been able to study and perform using authentic steel drums—a vibrant instrument with deep roots in the culture of Trinidad and Tobago.\r\nThis addition to our classroom has transformed both our instruction and our students' engagement. Through our new steel drum curriculum, students are not only learning to read and perform music but are also discovering the rich cultural history behind these instruments. Our lessons combine music, history, and geography, helping students appreciate the global connections that make music so powerful.\r\nRecently, our sixth graders had the opportunity to perform at a local Heritage Festival, where they showcased what they've learned by performing \"Are You Sleeping, Brother John\" in both English and French. Some students played the melody on the steel drums, others layered in harmony, and a few accompanied on ukulele and djembe, while the rest of the class sang. It was a joyful, collaborative performance that celebrated unity through music and reflected the heart of our growing program.\r\nFor many of our students, this was their first live performance and their first experience learning music from another culture. The pride on their faces and the excitement in their voices reminded all of us why this work matters. Your contribution has not only provided instruments—it has helped us build cultural awareness, confidence, and community through music.\r\nOn behalf of our students and staff, thank you for helping make this experience possible. The sounds of steel drums now fill our halls, reminding us every day that music is truly a universal language.","fullyFundedDate":1752586603974,"projectUrl":"project/steel-drums-exploring-caribbean-music-f/9308840/","projectTitle":"Steel Drums: Exploring Caribbean Music from Day One!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Correa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9487637_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1709780538158","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-correa-music"},{"teacherId":9487637,"projectId":9460403,"letterContent":"I want to extend my heartfelt thanks for your generous support of our piano class project. Because of you, our students now have proper benches and stands—simple yet essential items that allow them to sit, play, and learn comfortably. This year marks our very first true class piano offering, and while we began with our senior students, the excitement has spread quickly. Students from grades 6 through 11 are already asking to join next year, eager to explore music and develop new creative skills.\r\nBuilding a music program from the ground up in a STEM-focused school has been both a challenge and a passion project. Your contribution helps me continue to advocate for the importance of the arts within a STEAM framework—proving that music, creativity, and artistic expression not only belong in a STEM environment but also enhance it. These benches and stands represent more than just equipment; they represent opportunity, access, and belief in the power of music to inspire and connect.\r\nThank you for believing in our students, our school, and the value of the arts. Your generosity helps us show that creativity and innovation thrive best when the arts and sciences work hand in hand.","fullyFundedDate":1752586599915,"projectUrl":"project/comfort-and-confidence-at-every-key/9460403/","projectTitle":"Comfort and Confidence at Every Key","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Correa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9487637_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1709780538158","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-correa-music"},{"teacherId":9487637,"projectId":9308841,"letterContent":"Receiving the donation of choir risers has truly transformed our music program at Memphis School of Excellence Cordova. As a STEM school working toward our A accreditation for STEAM this spring, these risers are helping us rise—both figuratively and literally—to new heights. They have given our growing choir program a sense of structure and legitimacy, showing our students and our school community that music belongs alongside science, technology, engineering, and math as a fundamental part of a well-rounded education.\r\n\r\nThe impact has been immediate and profound. Students walk into the music room with a renewed sense of pride and seriousness. Many are now auditioning for the State Honor Choir, something that would have felt out of reach just a year ago. Even though choir is still not part of the formal schedule, every morning from 7:15–7:55, over 50 students eagerly come before the school day begins to stand on those risers and learn choral music. This donation is more than equipment—it's a statement that the arts matter, that our students' voices matter, and that MSEC is committed to building a strong, lasting music program that will serve generations to come.","fullyFundedDate":1746786528650,"projectUrl":"project/rise-up-help-our-choir-shine-on-stage/9308841/","projectTitle":"Rise Up! Help Our Choir Shine on Stage","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Correa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9487637_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1709780538158","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-correa-music"},{"teacherId":9487637,"projectId":9062144,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous donation of yoga balls and drumsticks, our \"Drum Fit\" program has come alive in the PE classroom! Students are having an absolute blast while getting a full aerobic workout, moving to different genres of music, and discovering that exercise can be both fun and energizing. The excitement in the room is contagious as students keep rhythm, sweat, and smile all at the same time.\r\n\r\nThis program has been an incredible way for me to weave music into the students' daily schedule while also promoting the importance of physical activity. It has been so rewarding to watch students engage with a new form of PE, one that challenges them physically while also nurturing creativity and self-expression. Because of your support, my students are not only learning about the benefits of aerobic exercise but also experiencing joy and confidence through movement and music.","fullyFundedDate":1746786407583,"projectUrl":"project/building-pe-program-with-drum-fit/9062144/","projectTitle":"Building PE Program with Drum Fit","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Correa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9487637_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1709780538158","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-correa-music"},{"teacherId":9487637,"projectId":9062123,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, my students are already thriving with the new piano and choral curriculum!\r\n\r\nIn choir, having structured workbooks has been a game-changer. For the first time, my students are learning how to read music with consistency and apply those skills directly into their singing. One of my favorite moments was watching a group of 7th graders light up when they realized they could read a short melody on their own—what used to feel like a mystery is now something they're excited to practice.\r\n\r\nFor my high schoolers, starting class piano with a solid curriculum has taken away so much uncertainty. Instead of me piecing together resources, my students now have a clear path to follow, and they've jumped right in. The very first day, their reaction to sitting at the keyboards with books in hand was priceless—smiles, laughter, and lots of \"I've always wanted to learn piano!\" Even more special, I've had a few seniors share with me that they didn't realize they would enjoy playing the piano or learning music theory—but now they are in love with it. Moments like that remind me how powerful these resources are in opening new doors for students.\r\n\r\nOur next steps are equally exciting. In choir, we'll be moving toward sight-singing simple pieces as an ensemble, giving students the confidence to tackle music independently. In piano, students are working toward playing with both hands together, and many of them are already asking when they can perform for an audience.\r\n\r\nYour contribution gave my students the gift of structure, clarity, and excitement in music learning. Thank you for making that possible—we couldn't do it without you!","fullyFundedDate":1746786381551,"projectUrl":"project/piano-and-choral-curriculum/9062123/","projectTitle":"Piano and Choral Curriculum","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Correa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9487637_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1709780538158","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-correa-music"},{"teacherId":9487637,"projectId":8700757,"letterContent":"We are thrilled to share the profound impact your generosity has had on our music program and our students. The 20 ukuleles you provided have opened a world of opportunities for students who might not otherwise have access to musical instruments. Learning to play these ukuleles has not only brought joy and creativity into their lives but has also significantly enhanced their emotional strength and resilience. Through music, our students are building confidence, perseverance, and a sense of accomplishment that extends beyond the classroom to other subjects and even their personal lives. These instruments have become a source of inspiration, helping our students discover their potential and express themselves in ways they never thought possible.\r\nYour support has been invaluable in fostering a love for music in a community that greatly benefits from creative outlets. By bringing these resources to our lower-income students, you are enriching their lives in ways that will have a lasting impact. As our program continues to grow, we hope to add 10 more ukuleles and tuners to expand access to even more eager learners. Your belief in the transformative power of music education is a cornerstone of this progress, and we are endlessly grateful for your partnership in this journey. Thank you for making such a meaningful difference in the lives of our students and our school community.","fullyFundedDate":1731083189560,"projectUrl":"project/ukuleles-students-making-music-instantl/8700757/","projectTitle":"Ukuleles: Students Making Music Instantly Fun!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Correa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9487637_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1709780538158","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-correa-music"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_130045","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":160,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":45,"percentAsian":2,"percentBlack":61,"percentWhite":9,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":22,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 12","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":66.7,"schoolId":130045,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Memphis School of Excellence Cordova on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Memphis School of Excellence Cordova","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/tennessee/memphis-shelby-county-schools/memphis-school-of-excellence-cordova/130045"}