{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Career Institute South","outOfStateSupporters":27.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8952826,"projectId":9518237,"letterContent":"Your generosity has brought creativity, color, and deeper understanding into our Health Science classroom! The new visual learning materials have transformed the way my students engage with complex topics. Instead of just reading about health concepts, they're now bringing them to life through interactive, visually rich projects.\r\n\r\nSo far, my students have used these new resources to create homeostasis posters that illustrate negative and positive feedback loops, as well as Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs posters that show how physical, emotional, and social health are connected. The classroom walls are now filled with bright, meaningful artwork that doubles as a study tool and a celebration of their learning.\r\n\r\n\r\nThank you again for helping make our classroom a more vibrant and engaging place to learn. Your support is inspiring my students to think critically, express creatively, and truly see the science of health in action.","fullyFundedDate":1754333251666,"projectUrl":"project/healthy-minds-colorful-signs-visual-le/9518237/","projectTitle":"Healthy Minds, Colorful Signs: Visual Learning in Health Science","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Gayden","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8952826_orig.jpg?crop=1070,1070,x204,y51&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1690848067756","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8952826"},{"teacherId":8952826,"projectId":9518078,"letterContent":"Your generous donation has truly brought excitement and engagement into our classroom! My students have been using the anatomy puzzles to deepen their understanding of the human body systems in a fun, hands-on way. \r\n\r\nWhen the puzzles first arrived, the room was filled with excitement and curiosity. For many of them, this was their first time exploring anatomy beyond the textbook, and the interactive experience helped make learning come alive.\r\n\r\nThese new resources have helped my students visualize how the human body works and apply what they're learning in our Health Science unit. Next, we'll be building on this foundation by exploring how each system works together to maintain homeostasis, using the puzzles to demonstrate connections between organs and body functions.\r\n\r\nThank you again for helping make this kind of engaging, hands-on learning possible. Your generosity has made a lasting impact on my students' understanding—and their excitement about pursuing future careers in health care!","fullyFundedDate":1754294861810,"projectUrl":"project/exploring-the-human-body-one-puzzle-at-a/9518078/","projectTitle":"Exploring the Human Body One Puzzle at a Time","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Gayden","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8952826_orig.jpg?crop=1070,1070,x204,y51&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1690848067756","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8952826"},{"teacherId":10096986,"projectId":9506450,"letterContent":"Thank you for your support! You have given students the opportunity to access a mix of snacks that keep them energized and focused throughout the day. Some even benefit from options that meet specific medical needs or address medical emergencies. Access to bottled water has also made a big difference, especially on hot days when students are moving between schools, allowing them to stay hydrated during travel. Your generosity helps our students stay healthy, comfortable, and ready to learn every day.","fullyFundedDate":1755475437576,"projectUrl":"project/snacks-with-purpose-nourishment-for-lea/9506450/","projectTitle":"Snacks With Purpose: Nourishment for Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Vazquez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10096986"},{"teacherId":8550207,"projectId":9424661,"letterContent":"On behalf of the students and staff at Career Institute South, I want to extend our heartfelt thanks for your generous donation of healthy snacks and treats. Your support plays a vital role in helping us create a positive and nurturing environment for our students.\r\n\r\nThanks to your thoughtful contribution, we were able to offer a variety of nutritious options that kept our students energized, focused, and ready to learn. These snacks made a noticeable difference—whether it was during long study sessions, testing days, or after-school activities. Your kindness not only nourished their bodies but also reminded them that their community believes in their success and well-being.\r\n\r\nWe are truly grateful for partners like you who help us enrich the lives of our students. Your generosity reflects the kind of care and compassion that builds stronger schools and brighter futures.\r\n\r\nThank you again for supporting our students and being a part of something so meaningful.","fullyFundedDate":1750599618127,"projectUrl":"project/snacks-for-success/9424661/","projectTitle":"Snacks For Success","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Miles","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8550207_orig.jpg?crop=645,646,x0,y23&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758213042576","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8550207"},{"teacherId":5635717,"projectId":9074626,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping our class with the drone library project. This along with cybersecurity is a growing field in todays ever changing world. We look forward to reading all of the wonderful books that we received and also fly the nice drones.\r\n\r\nYour generosity is very much appreciated and we thank you so much. This project not only will be a nice and fun activity for students but they will also be able to receive their real life recreational TRUST certificate from the FAA. This will allow the to fly under 400 feet legally. Again, thank you for your donation.","fullyFundedDate":1746494316474,"projectUrl":"project/drone-library/9074626/","projectTitle":"Drone Library","teacherDisplayName":"Coach Simpson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5635717_orig.jpg?crop=1500,1500,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1615863368775","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/selsimpson"},{"teacherId":5635717,"projectId":9369665,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping me fund my project Cybersecurity and Drones. We are very excited to finally get started on some of the great things that we will be able to do. Your generosity helps us to not only build and code drones but helps students received the recreational drone certification.\r\n\r\nThe recreational drone certification is called TRUST by the FAA. The students names will be added to certified recreational pilots once they receive the certificates. We thank you for helping them with the materials that they will use to study in order to pass the test. Again that you for your donation.","fullyFundedDate":1748883458148,"projectUrl":"project/cybersecurity-and-drone-resources/9369665/","projectTitle":"Cybersecurity and Drone Resources","teacherDisplayName":"Coach Simpson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5635717_orig.jpg?crop=1500,1500,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1615863368775","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/selsimpson"},{"teacherId":2059067,"projectId":8541380,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support in bringing our General Employability Skills Classroom Store to life! Your contribution has added tremendous value to our students' learning experience by helping them develop real-world skills in responsibility, professionalism, financial literacy, and goal-setting.\r\n\r\nWhen the store materials arrived—shelves, supplies, incentives, organizational tools, and mock currency—the students were beyond excited. Their eyes lit up with curiosity, and many immediately started brainstorming how they could earn and save for specific items. One student exclaimed, \"This feels like a real job!\"—and that was exactly the goal.\r\n\r\nWe are using the Classroom Store as a hands-on learning tool to reinforce key employability concepts. Students \"earn\" classroom currency by demonstrating positive behaviors such as punctuality, teamwork, accountability, leadership, and communication. They then use their earnings to make purchases, track budgets, and even plan for long-term goals—just like they would in a real work environment.\r\n\r\nOne particularly proud moment came when a group of students collaborated to save for a higher-priced item. They formed a strategy, encouraged each other to stay on task, and celebrated when they reached their shared goal. It was a powerful demonstration of perseverance, teamwork, and financial planning—all tied to the essential skills they'll need beyond the classroom.\r\n\r\nNext, we're expanding the program to include student-led roles such as store managers, inventory clerks, and budget trackers, further reinforcing workplace readiness and leadership development. These roles will help students practice professionalism and responsibility in a structured, supportive environment.","fullyFundedDate":1729095419547,"projectUrl":"project/general-employability-skills-classroom-s/8541380/","projectTitle":"General Employability Skills Classroom Store!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McNeil","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2059067_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1722639896009","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-vmcneil"},{"teacherId":2059067,"projectId":8565853,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our \"Nurture, Relax, Relate, Release\" classroom project. Because of your kindness, we were able to transform our learning space into a calming, student-centered environment that nurtures both emotional well-being and academic growth.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the new resources—cozy seating, calming tools, sensory items, and SEL materials—their reactions were priceless. Smiles, wide eyes, and grateful murmurs filled the room. One student said, \"It feels like we finally have a place to just breathe.\" That moment captured exactly what your gift has done for our class.\r\n\r\nWe've already begun integrating these tools into our daily routines. Whether students need a moment to regroup after a challenging interaction, unwind from external stress, or simply feel safe enough to share their thoughts, the space you helped create is being used every single day. During our \"Mindful Moments\" activity, students rotate through stations where they journal, practice breathing techniques, or engage in quiet reflection using the calming tools you provided.\r\n\r\nAs we move forward, our students are preparing for a project called \"Release Through Expression,\" where they'll use creative outlets—writing, art, music, and movement—to explore emotions and build empathy. The foundation of safety and calm that your contribution helped establish is what makes this kind of deep, expressive learning possible.","fullyFundedDate":1723468094895,"projectUrl":"project/nurture-relax-relate-release/8565853/","projectTitle":"Nurture, Relax, Relate, Release","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McNeil","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2059067_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1722639896009","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-vmcneil"},{"teacherId":2059067,"projectId":8548448,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity and support of our \"Cool...Calm...Collect: Tranquil Space of Peace\" project. Because of you, our classroom now has a dedicated area where students can pause, breathe, and reset—a space that truly promotes healing, focus, and emotional balance.\r\n\r\nWhen the calming tools, sensory items, soft lighting, seating, and mindfulness resources arrived, the students were instantly intrigued. As we unpacked each item, the excitement and curiosity grew. One student whispered, \"This feels like a place where I can just be me.\" It was a powerful moment that reminded us how deeply students need safe spaces to regulate their emotions and recharge their minds.\r\n\r\nWe've incorporated the Tranquil Space into our daily classroom routine. Students use the area to take mindful breaks, practice breathing techniques, or journal during emotional check-ins. During one recent SEL lesson, students created their own \"Peace Plans\" using the new materials—individual guides they can use when they feel overwhelmed or anxious. They included affirmations, grounding exercises, and self-chosen calming strategies. It was an eye-opening and heartwarming experience to see students taking ownership of their emotional wellness.\r\n\r\nThis space has not only helped individual students but has also shifted the tone of our entire classroom. Conflicts are de-escalated more quickly, students are more reflective, and they're learning how to articulate their feelings in constructive ways. One student who typically shuts down during stressful moments now asks to visit the Tranquil Space and returns more ready to engage with their learning.\r\n\r\nNext, we're exploring a collaborative class project that connects SEL with art and literacy: creating a \"Peace Journal\" where students document their feelings, reflections, and creative expressions tied to emotional growth. This will build on the foundation you helped create and further strengthen students' emotional intelligence and resilience.\r\n\r\nYour gift didn't just bring materials into our room—it brought peace, purpose, and the message that every student deserves a place to feel safe and seen. We are deeply grateful for your belief in our mission.","fullyFundedDate":1723695808510,"projectUrl":"project/coolcalmcollect-tranquil-space-of/8548448/","projectTitle":"Cool...Calm...Collect: Tranquil Space of Peace","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McNeil","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2059067_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1722639896009","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-vmcneil"},{"teacherId":9993798,"projectId":9293659,"letterContent":"Our project went phenomenally well, all thanks to you! The students were so excited to see that someone had come through for their project, and couldn't wait to get started. The first step was going over how lighting works, the different scientific properties of light and different types of lightbulbs and housings. The students were tasked with finding their own lightbulbs that would fit in the housing provided, so that they could apply their newfound knowledge. \r\n\r\nThen, the students were able to start designing their lamps, by sketching their designs and collaborating with each other and me to discuss the construct-ability and likelihood of success their design had. Once each student had a viable design they were excited about, they cut out their template pieces and rolled air dry clay pieces. They then connected the pieces using slab pottery techniques, and we waited for the lamps to dry. \r\n\r\nThe last steps were sanding, painting and sealing, and trying out the finished lamps with a lightbulb! The excitement on each student's face when they saw their lamp fully finished with the lightbulb was absolutely priceless. \r\n\r\nThank you for making this project possible for my students, it was a fantastic end to the year!","fullyFundedDate":1746467285620,"projectUrl":"project/lightbulb-custom-lighting-and-lamp-desi/9293659/","projectTitle":"Lightbulb! Custom Lighting and Lamp Design is Enlightening","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Baker","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9993798"},{"teacherId":8952826,"projectId":8812286,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donations. My students have been using the crafting supplies to create posters for our classroom. The topics for the posters are based on the information and/or skills taught in my health science career and technical education class. For example, we were learning about the cardiovascular system [prior to learning Phlebotomy. Students learned about how the heart works, how the blood vessels work, components of blood, diseases that affect this body system, and more. Since it was close to Valentine's Day, the students took it upon themselves to make healthy heart posters that provide tips to maintain a healthy heart while also using a Valentine's Day theme.\r\n\r\nMy students enjoy using their creativity to create posters and other crafts in my class. It allows them to express themselves. Students will continue to have the opportunity to use crafting supplies to reinforce the information they learned from our classroom lessons and skills practice.","fullyFundedDate":1731078580788,"projectUrl":"project/crafting-creative-projects-and-displays/8812286/","projectTitle":"Crafting Creative Projects and Displays","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Gayden","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8952826_orig.jpg?crop=1070,1070,x204,y51&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1690848067756","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8952826"},{"teacherId":8613937,"projectId":8723564,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, my students have taken their professional skills to a whole new level! With the NFC business card technology, they are now able to create and share interactive digital resumes—an experience that is not only modern and engaging but also essential for their future careers. Instead of handing out paper resumes, they can now tap their NFC cards to a phone and instantly share their professional portfolios, LinkedIn profiles, or personal websites.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting part for my students has been seeing their hard work come to life in a way that feels real-world ready. They love customizing their cards, testing them on different devices, and understanding the networking technology behind it. One student, who was initially hesitant about personal branding, became the class expert in troubleshooting NFC connections and is now leading a small group in designing interactive business cards for local businesses. This project has empowered them with confidence and technical skills that will serve them long after they leave my classroom.\r\n\r\nWithout your support, this hands-on learning opportunity wouldn't have been possible. You've helped bridge the gap between classroom learning and career readiness, and for that, we are truly grateful. Thank you for investing in my students' futures!","fullyFundedDate":1731078498707,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-students-with-career-skills-a/8723564/","projectTitle":"Empowering Students with Career Skills and Resume Building for Success","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Cerda","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8613937_orig.jpg?crop=350,350,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723042476400","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8613937"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_126147","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":400,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":86,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":17,"percentWhite":5,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":64,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"9 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"MDR District Record","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":null},"inStateSupporters":72.3,"schoolId":126147,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Career Institute South on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Career Institute South","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/texas/dallas-independent-school-district/career-institutes-south/126147"}