{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"West Mesquite High School","outOfStateSupporters":33.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10336744,"projectId":9870475,"letterContent":"Our catapult project was a hit! My students practiced teamwork, planning and execution of their design, metric measurement, data collection and recording and data analysis to create their own quadratic equations. We took our catapults out to the hallways to extend the range of possible launch trajectories so were able to share our projects with other staff and students. I even had some students get really excited about tweaking their design to improve on their results with both projectile distance and height. This is a great way to merge STEM disciplines and one students even remarked, \"this is like physics class!\"\r\nI will definitely do this activity again. \r\nMany thanks to our donors, including The Maxwell/Hanrahan Foundation for making this project possible.","fullyFundedDate":1762175896831,"projectUrl":"project/catapulting-quadratics/9870475/","projectTitle":"Catapulting Quadratics","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hensley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10336744_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1762006269745","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10336744"},{"teacherId":2016787,"projectId":9675031,"letterContent":"This project went over so well! My students enjoyed the novel, and agreed they learned something about the life of people in Guatemala. They felt it was on their reading level, so not too difficult that they struggled, but just challenging enough to be enjoyable. I received some really great projects (pamphlets) from them as well. Without the generous donations from donors like you this would not be possible. There is no way I could provide 50 novels myself for my students, so I am very grateful to donors who make projects like this a reality and support teachers and students.","fullyFundedDate":1758829642564,"projectUrl":"project/cultural-novels-for-spanish-class/9675031/","projectTitle":"Cultural Novels for Spanish Class","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Holmes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2016787_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1494947461682","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/senoraholmes"},{"teacherId":10336744,"projectId":9866523,"letterContent":"The kids noticed the change in lighting immediately! They were really impressed by the difference in the feel of the classroom after adding the lamps and turning off the fluorescents. They said it felt more relaxed, calmer and more inviting. Though lighting may seem to be a small factor, I've already noticed the feel of the room is more comfortable. I've seen this change making a positive impact on behavior in the room as well, where students seem to be in a better, more receptive mood. I've also noticed that I've felt more relaxed. I spend a lot of the day in my classroom, so I appreciate having a space that feels warm and calm. I'm so grateful I received these lamps so quickly!","fullyFundedDate":1762027234208,"projectUrl":"project/math-classroom-with-a-better-vibe/9866523/","projectTitle":"Math Classroom with a Better Vibe","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hensley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10336744_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1762006269745","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10336744"},{"teacherId":9041943,"projectId":9227501,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom library feels refreshed and exciting. The books you helped us get include graphic novels, memoirs, photo collections, and guides on podcasting, photography, and journalism. They have truly inspired the students. They're learning how stories can be told in different ways and what it means to think like a journalist. We've talked about how to find reliable information, ask good questions, and look at issues from different points of view, using these books as references for deeper learning.\r\n\r\nReading for journalism is now more engaging than ever in our classroom. Students love sharing what they're reading and connecting it to their own interests and ideas. Some are working together to plan interviews in yearbook class, others are sketching photo compositions after studying award-winning photographs, and a few are hooked on graphic novels about hands-on reporting. Several students even check out the books to read outside of class. Next semester, we'll be learning about podcasts and audio storytelling, which should be a lot of fun!\r\n\r\nYour donation didn't just give us books; it gave students new reasons to read and new ways to see the world. Thank you for helping them find their voices and discover the joy of storytelling and reporting.","fullyFundedDate":1746845236036,"projectUrl":"project/voices-that-matter-books-to-inspire-you/9227501/","projectTitle":"Voices that Matter: Books to Inspire Young Journalists","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Ferguson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9041943_orig.jpg?crop=2400,2400,x0,y168&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726688274376","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/fergusonclassroom"},{"teacherId":2016787,"projectId":9342520,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for you kind and generous donations to my classroom and to my students! This project was really special to me. Most of these students are students I am teaching for the 3rd time, and we are a close-knit family group. It was so much fun to sit and make bracelets together. They were tasked wtih making one bracelet with their name (I always make them introduce themselves to each other when we do partner work etc. as a way to build community), as well as choose a focus word to work on for the new school year. The students found it relaxing too. They then had to do a short writing assignment in Spanish to describe their bracelets. They did a great job!","fullyFundedDate":1748534149397,"projectUrl":"project/spanish-4-friendship-bracelet-fun/9342520/","projectTitle":"Spanish 4 Friendship Bracelet Fun","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Holmes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2016787_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1494947461682","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/senoraholmes"},{"teacherId":3051882,"projectId":9096114,"letterContent":"Providing books that students can take home and keep is a life changing event in our community. We do not have any bookstores in our city and the closest one to us is over 20 miles away. Many of our families do not have reliable transportation for what can be considered \"non-essential\" trips to a bookstore. \r\n\r\nFan Faire is a completely free, comic convention style event that is appropriate for all ages in the community. It is such a joy to see so many passionate people able to find their people in a safe environment. This is also the perfect way to remind our community about the importance of reading with kids. Reading should be something that is looked forward to and celebrated. Parents and guardians get to see the look on their child's face when they find a book they can't wait to read. By allowing students to keep these books, we are ensuring that our students will read and reread favorite stories and hopefully pass that excitement and love of reading on to other family and community members. \r\n\r\nAs a student teacher in the community and district that I grew up in and still serve as the librarian, I asked my first graders to bring their favorite book from home and this little girl brought the phone book because it was the only book in her house. That was 24 years ago but it stays with me and drives me to provide books in the home whenever possible. Your donation made that possible and I couldn't be more grateful for your help.","fullyFundedDate":1744241202884,"projectUrl":"project/mesquite-isd-fan-faire-book-drive/9096114/","projectTitle":"Mesquite ISD Fan Faire Book Drive","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Duke","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3051882_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1537461600873","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/girlsclub"},{"teacherId":1122861,"projectId":9130043,"letterContent":"I am beyond thankful for your donations! You have helped create a very inclusive and interactive classroom environment and that is such a blessing. Many times, I have to buy notebooks for my students, using my own money, and that can be costly! You have helped me and my college bound students with a great financial burden!\r\n\r\nThe supplies that you helped purchase will help my students learn how to take quality notes in their classes. That is a skill they can use in their future college classes and careers! The notes we take encourage all forms of learning. They can keep all their notes all in one place, which also helps teach them how to be organized. All the supplies they need are now readily available which helps me, as a teacher, foster an environment where all types of learners can participate.\r\n\r\nOnce again, thank you for helping me help my students. My students and I thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1746787388526,"projectUrl":"project/notebooks-for-college-bound-students/9130043/","projectTitle":"Notebooks for College Bound Students","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Contreras","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1122861_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y151&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1741023815962","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/oliverwmhs"},{"teacherId":8811110,"projectId":9446329,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation. We are already hard at work for the season, and it is already shaping up to be a success thanks to your help. The students were extremely excited to open everything, and I even allowed them to label everything with our school name with sharpie (usually something I do). \r\nI assure you that our kids will take pride in the products of this gift. We are cherishing the materials, and we've already had important discussions about care and maintenance to ensure that everything lasts. Our next steps are performances, performances, and more performances! We can't wait to take this show on the road -- thanks to your help!!","fullyFundedDate":1752586587340,"projectUrl":"project/outfit-the-pit/9446329/","projectTitle":"Outfit the Pit!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Dudney","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8811110_orig.jpg?crop=432,432,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1666569717000","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8811110"},{"teacherId":2016787,"projectId":9082946,"letterContent":"Thank you ONCE AGAIN for your kind and generous donations towards my students and our classroom! Pencils are like the most basic supply, and some days I feel like I give away 20 pencils, which I almost never get back. The donation of pencils alone is substancial towards keeping a classroom on track and moving forward. The paper, pencil topper erasers, and other items in this project have also been really helpful to help us finish out this year strong. We did some awesome Dream Home projects after we learned family and house vocab and they came out great! I have some colored paper left over so I'll even be able to start out next year strong thanks to you and that is a BONUS win! I am so grateful to donors like you who do so much to help teachers and students.","fullyFundedDate":1738700958689,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-mid-year-restock/9082946/","projectTitle":"Classroom Mid-Year Restock","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Holmes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2016787_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1494947461682","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/senoraholmes"},{"teacherId":2016787,"projectId":9230367,"letterContent":"Thank you once again for your generous donations to our classroom. This project went even better than I anticipated! When I started to plan this project around a year ago I didn't know then that the content in the easy reader would be so relevant today. The story is about a man who travels from his home in El Salvador to the US and it follows his journey. Before we started the novel we read some articles about immigration from South America and had some good conversations about the root causes and difficulties. I taught them about La Bestia, which is a cargo train migrants ride on top of, and they were astounded at the lengths migrants go to for a better life. They did some excellent projects over the novel and what they learned. Overall, a great success, and I couldn't have done it without your donations!","fullyFundedDate":1744219555735,"projectUrl":"project/spanish-cultural-novels/9230367/","projectTitle":"Spanish Cultural Novels","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Holmes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2016787_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1494947461682","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/senoraholmes"},{"teacherId":2016787,"projectId":8961901,"letterContent":"thank you for your kind and generous donations towards the tie dye supplies for our senior class. While we had fewer kids show up than we would have liked, those who came had so much fun making their shirts. Sometimes it takes a few years of doing something for it to become a tradition, and we will keep pushing foward to get his going stronger for all our seniors. having the supplies ready to go for them makes such a difference- they just show up and get started! We can't wait to see them wear their shirts at our Senior picnic in April!","fullyFundedDate":1733155435159,"projectUrl":"project/senior-tie-dye-supplies/8961901/","projectTitle":"Senior Tie-Dye Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Holmes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2016787_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1494947461682","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/senoraholmes"},{"teacherId":2016787,"projectId":8907234,"letterContent":"We finished our cultural novels and students made some incredible projects! This novel covers inmigration from Guatemala through Mexico and then over the border by describing the journey one man takes to provide a better life for his family. My students were shocked to learn that the journey takes over two months. Before starting the novel we read some articles about the reasons for inmigration from Central America to the US, and learned about La Bestia, a system of cargo trains that migrants ride on top of. This journey is extremely dangerous, and my students learned a lot and hopefully gained a better understanding of, and empathy for, what migrants go through to arrive at and live in the US.","fullyFundedDate":1730773737256,"projectUrl":"project/cultural-novels-for-spanish-4/8907234/","projectTitle":"Cultural Novels for Spanish 4","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Holmes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2016787_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1494947461682","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/senoraholmes"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_11979","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":2082,"numTeachers":139,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":17,"percentWhite":6,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":73,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"9 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"15.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":67.0,"schoolId":11979,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about West Mesquite High School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"West Mesquite High School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/texas/mesquite-independent-school-district/west-mesquite-high-school/11979"}