{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Akins Early College High School","outOfStateSupporters":22.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8427613,"projectId":9510760,"letterContent":"On behalf of our biomedical science students, I extend our heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation of The Song of the Cell and The Emperor of All Maladies. These remarkable books offer profound insights into the history, complexity, and wonder of human biology and medicine including the challenges in cancer. Your contribution will not only enrich our students' academic experience but also inspire their curiosity and passion for understanding the science that shapes human health.\r\nOur students enjoyed reading the books by making a presentation, some of them shared reflections, discussed key ideas in class, and expressed how the stories and concepts deepen their appreciation for the field.\r\nThank you for supporting our learners and helping us cultivate the next generation of biomedical scientists. Your generosity truly makes a meaningful difference.","fullyFundedDate":1757548022015,"projectUrl":"project/stem-storytellers-in-biomedical/9510760/","projectTitle":"STEM Storytellers in Biomedical","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Govea","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8427613"},{"teacherId":10217379,"projectId":9642079,"letterContent":"The art supplies provided by you have fostered a busy, active, and engaged environment at the Akins library. Throughout the week, I bring out the water colors, origami paper, duct tape, and project examples, so the students that have off periods, or need a break from studying, can participate. \r\n\r\nMy students were drawn in immediately when they saw new craft materials. They worked with friends, but also got a chance to meet students they do not have classes with when I created art centers for them. They developed new skills, expressed themselves creatively, and got the opportunity to show off some hidden artistic talents.\r\n\r\nIn the spring semester, we plan to add some additional activities that we did not get a chance to try in the fall. Also, there is a ton of standardized testing in the spring, and these craft materials will give our students an opportunity for stress relief and to have fun when they are in the library after testing.","fullyFundedDate":1758219186825,"projectUrl":"project/hold-the-phone-its-time-for-art/9642079/","projectTitle":"Hold the Phone!!! It’s Time for Art!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hicks","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10217379_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755962959684","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10217379"},{"teacherId":10066955,"projectId":9439240,"letterContent":"I want to thank everyone who donated to support our Vinyl Record Listening Station project at Akins. \r\n\r\nWe have had a blast listening to vinyl records and generally sharing our love of music. Besides the benefits for my students during my class periods, we have also started an after-school club called the Akins Vinyl Society, which meets weekly in my classroom for an hour. We talk about our favorite musicians and albums, as well as how to properly collect, handle, and care for vinyl records. \r\n\r\nOther teachers at my campus have supported our club by giving us records to help us build our classroom collection and participating in making Top 5 Album posters we have turned into a hallway display. Students made their own posters and hung them in the hallway, as well. This type of sharing has helped to bridge the gap between students and teachers as we get to know each other as individuals, as well as what we have in common.\r\n\r\nThe club and the record players have brought some joy to my classroom during a difficult school year, helping to make my room a comfortable space to spend so many hours while we put together the school newspaper. We plan to bring guest speakers who have various experiences with collecting vinyl to help broaden our knowledge and opportunities for building vinyl collections at school and at home.","fullyFundedDate":1753583624183,"projectUrl":"project/vinyl-record-player-station/9439240/","projectTitle":"Vinyl Record Player Station","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Doerr","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10066955_orig.jpg?crop=960,960,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1752725030746","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10066955"},{"teacherId":7587858,"projectId":9574661,"letterContent":"I am excited to introduce myself as the new engineering teacher at Akins, where I have recently launched a groundbreaking 3D modeling course, marking a first in the school's history. Utilizing advanced tools such as the laser engraver and 3D scanner, I aim to develop lessons centered around computer-aided design (CAD). Students will gain hands-on experience with Autodesk Fusion 360, exploring its various drawing features to enhance their design skills.\r\n\r\nOur initial focus has been on the 3D scanner, which allows advanced students to model and create new components tailored to their designs. This practical application not only reinforces the importance of precise dimensioning—a common challenge for many students—but also prepares them for real-world engineering scenarios. Additionally, the laser engraver provides an opportunity for students to produce tangible models and custom logos for their prototypes, expanding their creative possibilities beyond just plastic filament.\r\n\r\nI appreciate the opportunity to implement these innovative projects and am committed to fostering an environment that encourages creativity and exploration. My goal is to continually introduce new initiatives that challenge students and elevate their learning experience in engineering.","fullyFundedDate":1760385769005,"projectUrl":"project/next-gen-makers-advancing-cad-with-lase/9574661/","projectTitle":"Next-Gen Makers: Advancing CAD with Laser & 3D Technology","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Arroyo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7587858_orig.jpg?crop=716,716,x281,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1643733087126","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7587858"},{"teacherId":5582604,"projectId":9132106,"letterContent":"The technology has been an incredible tool for helping my students learn in a variety of ways. It allows me to meet different learning needs by providing access to videos, digital notes, and online resources. Students use it to review lessons at their own pace, complete assignments with extra time if needed, and access material. It's truly become an essential part of our classroom routine and helps ensure that every student has an equal opportunity to succeed. \r\nWhat excites my students most about this new technology is how interactive and accessible it makes learning. They enjoy being able to engage with lessons through videos, take ownership of their work, and use the tools in ways that fit their learning styles.\r\nSeveral students, in particular, have really connected with this technology. For example, some who struggle to take notes quickly now use it to take photos of class notes so they can review them later without feeling rushed. Others who are visual learners love watching videos to reinforce new concepts. It's been amazing to see their confidence grow as they discover new ways to learn using this technology.","fullyFundedDate":1746801577064,"projectUrl":"project/bridging-gaps-with-technology-ipads-for/9132106/","projectTitle":"Bridging Gaps with Technology: iPads for Inclusive Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Castellanos","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5582604_orig.jpg?crop=832,832,x226,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1692202040695","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5582604"},{"teacherId":7587858,"projectId":8985206,"letterContent":"The 3D printers are all working and running smoothly, they are integrating very well with our slicing programs. The students are printing some detailed models and structures for our engineering projects. \r\n\r\nThe students were also able to build them from the box and that introduced a new way of thinking. The students have a better understanding of how the printer runs, especially the parts that can get jammed and replaced. They also learned that precision is key when it comes to these 3d printers, calibrating them so that they run smoothly from the start. \r\n\r\nWith the extra printers the wait time has dropped and students don't have to wait long to print. Before the students would have to wait 3-4 days before having a chance to print. With your incredible support we have shortened the wait time and students are able to progress on their projects in a timely manner. We want to thank you very much for giving us that!","fullyFundedDate":1737572401810,"projectUrl":"project/3d-printing-shaping-the-future-of-educa/8985206/","projectTitle":"3D Printing: Shaping the Future of Education","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Arroyo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7587858_orig.jpg?crop=716,716,x281,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1643733087126","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7587858"},{"teacherId":4664995,"projectId":8958336,"letterContent":"The generous donation of a robot kit was a huge boost for our robotics club, allowing us to participate in the FIRST Tech Challenge for the first time ever. This was a fantastic opportunity for the students, many of whom had never experienced anything like it. They dove headfirst into the challenge, working together to design, build, and program a robot. This hands-on experience taught them valuable skills in problem-solving, teamwork, and the fundamentals of mechanical design and coding. They also learned the importance of troubleshooting and adapting their designs, skills that are essential both in robotics and in everyday life.\r\n\r\nBeyond the technical aspects, the robotics club provided a great environment for personal growth. Students learned to communicate effectively, delegate tasks, and resolve conflicts as a team, all while working towards a common goal. Competing in the FIRST Tech Challenge gave them a real sense of accomplishment and boosted their confidence, sparking an interest in STEM fields. Learning from other teams and mentors at the competition broadened their perspectives and connected them with the larger robotics community. Perhaps even more importantly, this year's team paved the way for future teams. Their experience, both the successes and the challenges, created a foundation of knowledge and enthusiasm that will make it much easier for the robotics club to field even more teams next year, expanding the opportunity to even more students.","fullyFundedDate":1733163666572,"projectUrl":"project/we-want-to-be-first/8958336/","projectTitle":"We Want to Be FIRST","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Fisk","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4664995_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1503975056509","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mr-fisk"},{"teacherId":8619030,"projectId":8634346,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, Speech & Debate and Professional Communication are comfortable, enriching and sensory appealing classrooms. \r\n\r\nThe new benches provide attractive storage space for literature, and the student art section has a robust collection of materials. Students at Akins enjoy and appreciate the environment you helped facilitate.\r\n\r\nWe at Akins appreciate your support for teachers and students. Sometimes, we keep such busy schedules that our attention moves away from what is truly the most important aspect of school, connectivity. Connectivity between students and their teachers is foundational to the learning process. Giving teachers the resources we need to move students into positive thought and positive action is vital to the process. It lets everyone involved feel like we are seen and that our daily work matters.","fullyFundedDate":1727561744067,"projectUrl":"project/debate-and-communication-update/8634346/","projectTitle":"Debate and Communication Update!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Gurrola","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8619030"},{"teacherId":9111366,"projectId":8480442,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity my classroom has been open to so much learning. My students have been able to be more engaged and involved in class through interactive notes and activities through the use of the iPad and Apple TV. I am now able to teach my class from any where in the classroom allowing me to include students in all aspects of the class. Students love being able to be apart of the daily lessons instead of just having a teacher stand in the front of the class lecturing. Students also are able to benefit outside of the classroom, with these tools I am able to upload and post notes from class for students who are absent, or just need to look back at what was done in class. \r\n\r\nThis is only the start of what these tools will do for our classroom the opportunities are endless","fullyFundedDate":1728068235009,"projectUrl":"project/with-an-ipad-bring-geometry-to-life/8480442/","projectTitle":"With an iPad, Bring Geometry to Life!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ramos","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9111366_orig.jpg?crop=2208,2208,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1690305924610","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-ramos25-26"},{"teacherId":8427613,"projectId":8662210,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donation supporting our project Learning Relativity with Audacity. The students are learning enthusiastically by reading the books since they know about your donation. The set of books How to Teach Relativity to Your Dog are helping the students in their preparation of one of the topics in physics to participate in the UIL Science contest. This is a great opportunity to them in their achievement in their academics and the opportunity to participate in a science event.","fullyFundedDate":1723949439156,"projectUrl":"project/learning-relativity-with-audacity/8662210/","projectTitle":"Learning Relativity with Audacity","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Govea","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8427613"},{"teacherId":8427613,"projectId":8654107,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation in supporting this research experience on Biomed Exploring the Tools of Gene Editing and Phages. The students have worked very hard and enthusiastically knowing the challenges in learning the techniques and the concepts about CRISPR and how modern biotechnology is using phages fighting pathogenic bacteria to reduce the use of antibiotic-resistant drugs. The students were able to use new biological techniques like the double agar and the use of serological pipettes with precision and accuracy. The students observed their plates and analyzed the effect of the phage in bacteria. The transformation technique was also explored by using bacteria which was changed with a plasmid with recombinant DNA observing how the green fluorescence protein was displayed based on gene expression. They used agar plates where single colonies glowing green were observed. The students were also able to do cell cultures and purify the protein. At the end of the project, the students felt very confident in their abilities to research, understand the technique, improve lab skills, learn new lab techniques, and increase their interest in STEM for their future careers. We appreciate your invaluable contribution to their research experience. This science experience is opening new paths for them to continue exploring advancements in science, specifically in medicine, and continue their education.","fullyFundedDate":1723679771500,"projectUrl":"project/biomed-exploring-the-tools-of-gene-editi/8654107/","projectTitle":"BIOMED Exploring the Tools of Gene Editing and Phages","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Govea","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8427613"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_12604","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":2542,"numTeachers":164,"percentFrplEligible":67,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":5,"percentWhite":10,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":79,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"9 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"15.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":77.4,"schoolId":12604,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Akins Early College High School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Akins Early College High School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/texas/austin-independent-school-district/akins-high-school/12604"}