{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Career Institute South","outOfStateSupporters":27.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9708310,"projectId":8706558,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, \"Lending a Hand: Providing Essential Supplies for Student Success.\" Your generosity has made an immediate and meaningful difference in our classroom. With these new supplies, students are able to fully participate in daily activities such as note-taking, problem-solving, and collaborative projects. One recent moment that stood out was during a class activity where students worked in groups to design and sketch solutions to an engineering challenge. Because everyone had the materials they needed, each student was able to contribute ideas, stay engaged, and take pride in their work.\r\nWhen the supplies first arrived, students were genuinely excited and grateful. For many, having consistent access to basic materials like pencils and pens removed a barrier they quietly faced every day. It may seem simple, but it created a noticeable shift in confidence and participation. Students were more willing to jump into assignments, share their thinking, and stay focused throughout the lesson.\r\nLooking ahead, these resources will continue to support our current and upcoming projects, especially as students work on more in-depth assignments that require planning, drafting, and revising their ideas. We are building toward projects that involve research, design, and presentation, and these supplies ensure that every student can stay organized and fully engaged in the process. Your support is helping create a classroom where all students feel prepared, included, and ready to succeed. Thank you again for investing in our students and their future.","fullyFundedDate":1734710291551,"projectUrl":"project/lending-a-hand-providing-essential-supp/8706558/","projectTitle":"Lending a Hand: Providing Essential Supplies for Student Success","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Paredes-Diaz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9708310_orig.jpg?crop=1672,1672,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724687323685","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9708310"},{"teacherId":9708310,"projectId":9945601,"letterContent":"Our students are incredibly curious, resilient, and eager to learn. Many come from low-income households, and while they bring determination and enthusiasm into the classroom every day, they often lack access to basic supplies that support their learning. This project focuses on providing essential classroom materials such as pencils, pens, and other everyday tools so that every student can fully participate and succeed.\r\n\r\nMany of our donors use technology at home, but in schools, even the most basic tools play a powerful role in learning. Having reliable supplies allows students to stay organized, take effective notes, collaborate with peers, and fully engage in lessons, especially in subjects like engineering and technology, where planning, sketching, and problem-solving are key. When students do not have to worry about whether they have a pencil or materials, they can focus entirely on learning.\r\nWhat is most exciting for students is the sense of readiness and confidence that comes from having their own supplies. Something as simple as a fresh set of pens or dry-erase markers can spark creativity, encourage participation, and make classroom activities more interactive. These tools help create a classroom where students feel prepared, included, and motivated.\r\n\r\nWe have already seen certain students benefit in meaningful ways. Some who were previously hesitant to participate because they did not have materials or felt unprepared are now more engaged and willing to contribute. Having consistent access to supplies has helped build their confidence and allowed them to take a more active role in their learning.\r\n\r\nBy supporting this project, donors are not only providing supplies but also helping create a more equitable learning environment. Every student deserves the opportunity to succeed, and these resources make a direct and lasting impact on their academic growth and confidence.","fullyFundedDate":1769545485987,"projectUrl":"project/lending-a-hand-providing-essential-supp/9945601/","projectTitle":"Lending a Hand: Providing Essential Supplies for Student Success","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Paredes-Diaz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9708310_orig.jpg?crop=1672,1672,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724687323685","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9708310"},{"teacherId":9708310,"projectId":9992884,"letterContent":"The addition of a classroom printer has made a significant impact on how my students learn and engage with their work. While many donors are familiar with technology at home, in the classroom, it becomes a powerful academic tool. Students are now able to print their essays, projects, and visual materials, which allows them to review their work more carefully, receive feedback, and make meaningful revisions. This process strengthens important skills such as writing, critical thinking, and problem solving while helping students take greater ownership of their learning.\r\n\r\nWhat excites students most about this new resource is seeing their digital work come to life. Being able to print final drafts, charts, and presentations gives them a sense of pride and accomplishment. It also makes learning more interactive, as students can annotate printed materials, collaborate with classmates, and organize their ideas more effectively. The printer has become an essential bridge between digital creativity and hands-on learning.\r\n\r\nSeveral students have especially benefited from this technology. Students who may have struggled to stay organized or fully engage with digital assignments are now more confident when they can hold and work through printed copies. Others have taken extra initiative in refining their projects because they know they will produce a polished final product. This resource has helped create a more inclusive and supportive classroom environment where all students can succeed and feel proud of their work.","fullyFundedDate":1770670897450,"projectUrl":"project/pathways-to-better-learning-opportunitie/9992884/","projectTitle":"Pathways to Better Learning Opportunities","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Paredes-Diaz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9708310_orig.jpg?crop=1672,1672,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724687323685","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9708310"},{"teacherId":6629992,"projectId":10094022,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for your generous contribution to our classroom project. Thanks to your support, we have successfully acquired a 3D printer, and it is already making a transformative impact on our students' learning experience.\r\n\r\nWith this new technology, we are now able to create customized supplies and essential Assistive Technology tools right here in the classroom. This means we can provide immediate, personalized support for students with unique needs—whether it is creating specialized pencil grips, tactile learning aids, or adaptive devices that allow every student to participate fully and confidently in our lessons.\r\n\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our project and for investing in the potential of my students. You are making a tangible difference in their daily lives, and we are so grateful to have you as part of our classroom community.","fullyFundedDate":1771016215202,"projectUrl":"project/assistive-technology/10094022/","projectTitle":"Assistive Technology","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Green","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6629992_orig.jpg?crop=720,720,x0,y9&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1653667331905","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/spedmentalhealth"},{"teacherId":10096986,"projectId":9994650,"letterContent":"This project has significantly and immediately benefited our classroom by providing students with access to snacks and water throughout the day. Offering simple items like a snack or a water bottle between classes helps students settle in quickly and maintain focus during lessons, reducing distractions from hunger or thirst. For many students, this support is more than just convenient; it directly affects their ability to learn and feel comfortable. Some face health issues such as low blood pressure or diabetes, where having a small snack or some sugar can greatly improve how they feel and function during the day. By addressing these basic needs, the project fostered a more supportive and inclusive learning environment in which students could focus, participate, and succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1774036954911,"projectUrl":"project/thinking-fuel/9994650/","projectTitle":"Thinking Fuel","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Vazquez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10096986"},{"teacherId":10096986,"projectId":10094283,"letterContent":"This project has made a meaningful difference in our classroom by providing reliable access to printing for both students and me. As a teacher, having a dependable printer allows me to efficiently prepare daily lesson plans, planners, and materials requested by administrators. It also ensures I can create clear teacher copies and provide students with the resources they need without delays.\r\n\r\nFor students, this printer has opened the door to greater customization and ownership of their work. They can print projects, notes, and assignments in ways that best support their learning. For my seniors in particular, it has become an essential resource, providing a reliable place to print and scan important documents for college and job applications, including forms, identification materials, test scores, and, hopefully, even acceptance letters.\r\n\r\nThis support has truly enhanced both teaching and learning in our classroom, and its impact will continue to be felt every day.","fullyFundedDate":1771006039215,"projectUrl":"project/printing-success/10094283/","projectTitle":"Printing Success","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Vazquez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10096986"},{"teacherId":8952826,"projectId":9511072,"letterContent":"The manipulatives and sensory supplies we received through this DonorsChoose project have made a powerful difference in our Health Science classroom. We are using the pipe cleaners, fidget tools, stress balls, and small baskets in multiple ways to support both academic learning and social-emotional development. \r\n\r\nMany of them smiled, picked up the items with curiosity, and asked how we would be using them in class. Several students who struggle with focus were especially excited about the fidget tools. It was clear that they felt seen and supported. One student even said, \"This makes class feel calmer already.\" \r\n\r\n\r\nThe next steps for our class involve expanding the use of these materials into upcoming units, including mental health awareness, patient care skills, and career readiness. As we move into our patient care technician and EMT skill practice, we will continue incorporating stress management discussions—especially focusing on how healthcare professionals cope with high-pressure situations. \r\n\r\nBecause of the generosity of our donors, my students are learning in an environment that supports both their academic growth and emotional well-being. These materials are helping us create a classroom culture that reflects the compassion, professionalism, and adaptability required in the healthcare field.","fullyFundedDate":1758202671349,"projectUrl":"project/grasping-concepts-the-power-of-manipula/9511072/","projectTitle":"Grasping Concepts: the Power of Manipulatives","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":9511203,"letterContent":"Our new gloves have already made a huge impact in our Health Science classroom. My students are using them daily during hands-on skills practice as part of our Patient Care and EMT units. Most recently, students used the gloves while practicing proper wound care, taking manual blood pressure, and completing a simulated patient assessment scenario. \r\n\r\nHaving enough gloves for everyone meant that every student could fully participate without hesitation. It made them feel like true healthcare professionals. For some of my students who are planning to pursue careers in nursing, EMT, or pharmacy, it was a confidence boost to use the same protective equipment they'll see in clinical settings one day.\r\n\r\nThe next steps for our class include continuing our infection control unit and moving into more advanced hands-on skill practice. Students will soon begin practicing phlebotomy simulations, vital signs labs, and emergency response scenarios that require proper PPE use. We will also be discussing OSHA guidelines and the role of personal protective equipment in preventing disease transmission in healthcare settings. Because of your generosity, my students can safely practice these essential skills while building the habits and professionalism they will need in their future healthcare careers.\r\n\r\nThank you for giving my students the opportunity to learn by doing. Your support is helping prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals.","fullyFundedDate":1758229756974,"projectUrl":"project/guardians-against-germs/9511203/","projectTitle":"Guardians Against Germs","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":2059067,"projectId":9910219,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous contribution to equip our high school students with hands-on learning kits. Your gift is transforming how we teach critical life skills—and the impact has been immediate and inspiring.\r\n\r\nThis year, we're using LEGO building blocks, Uzzle, Diamond Sand Art kits, fidgets, and puzzles to teach teamwork, project planning, fine motor skills, and sustained focus in ways traditional instruction simply cannot. These aren't just fun activities—they're powerful learning tools that engage students who might otherwise disengage from classroom work.\r\n \r\nWhen the kits first arrived, the energy was electric. Students expected \"busy work,\" but instead found themselves genuinely challenged. One student said, \"Wait—we're actually building something real?\" The Diamond Sand Art kits became an unexpected hit for students managing stress and sensory needs. Several have asked to use them during transitions between classes.\r\n\r\nThese hands-on experiences are building the foundation for success in careers requiring collaboration, spatial reasoning, and sustained attention. Your investment isn't just in materials—it's in students discovering they're capable of more than they imagined.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students.","fullyFundedDate":1764779365772,"projectUrl":"project/building-career-ready-skills-makerspace/9910219/","projectTitle":"Building Career-Ready Skills: Makerspace Kits for Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McNeil","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2059067_orig.png?crop=288,288,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1772743049136","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-vmcneil"},{"teacherId":10228120,"projectId":9657718,"letterContent":"This has made a tremendous difference in behavior and attitude in my classrooms, especially my 8th period. I take the first fifteen minutes for guided meditation and classes have become more relaxed and students more focused. Students receive and notice immediate changes in themselves, saying they're not as anxious and they feel calmer. I can't thank you enough for this.\r\n\r\nSome students have never had this introduced to them and are still getting used to the change. But the ones who have immediately settled in take full advantage of the time to rid themselves of any negative energy. It helps prepare them for the class.","fullyFundedDate":1765205059179,"projectUrl":"project/building-balance-meditation-mats-for-th/9657718/","projectTitle":"Building Balance: Meditation Mats for the Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Price","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10228120"},{"teacherId":2059067,"projectId":9640522,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom through Donors Choose. Your generosity has made a meaningful difference for our students — I'm excited to share how we're using the new materials, a memorable classroom moment, their reactions when they first saw the resources, and our next steps. \r\n \r\nWe've built the new materials into daily lessons and hands‑on projects.\r\nIn our \"Careers in Our Community\" unit, students teamed up to research local jobs, identify the skills and education required, and create hands‑on demonstrations of those careers. The materials helped students picture themselves in meaningful, skilled roles. We use the resources in small‑group centers, whole‑class demos, and choice stations to reinforce standards. They provide visual, kinesthetic, and collaborative access to content and let me differentiate instruction so every student can engage and succeed.\r\n\r\nThe students were thrilled when I opened the boxes! They immediately crowded around, asking to try everything. Within minutes, students were exploring and sharing ideas. That instant enthusiasm translated into focused work: students who often struggle to stay on task were eagerly collaborating and experimenting with the materials. It gave our classroom a visible boost in curiosity and excitement. These next steps will strengthen students' science thinking, math reasoning, and communication — and your donated materials will support inquiry, prototyping, and data‑driven revision throughout the project.","fullyFundedDate":1763139421403,"projectUrl":"project/equity-through-expression-helping-stud/9640522/","projectTitle":"Equity Through Expression”: Helping Students Find Their Voice with Quill","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McNeil","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2059067_orig.png?crop=288,288,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1772743049136","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-vmcneil"},{"teacherId":9613926,"projectId":9552995,"letterContent":"My students truly enjoyed the snacks that were provided for them.\r\nBecause of your support, I was able to feed students throughout the school semester, far beyond what I could have managed on my own.\r\nFewer students went hungry, and they were able to concentrate better in class and be more successful.\r\nAs a teacher, I do my best to meet my students' needs, but purchasing food regularly for a classroom of young learners can become difficult to maintain. Your contribution eased that burden in such a meaningful way. Instead of worrying about how I would stretch my personal resources, I was able to focus entirely on choosing snacks my students would enjoy and ensuring that everyone had access to something nutritious when they needed it most.\r\nYour generosity made a real difference, and it is deeply appreciated.","fullyFundedDate":1755635780393,"projectUrl":"project/feed-all-teach-all/9552995/","projectTitle":"Feed All Teach All","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Thomas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9613926_orig.jpg?crop=1884,1884,x0,y942&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754599779586","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9613926"}],"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":73.0,"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"}