{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Psja Southwest Early College High School","outOfStateSupporters":61.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9829795,"projectId":9675623,"letterContent":"Technology is helping my students take ownership of their learning in ways that weren't possible before. Interactive platforms allow them to receive instant feedback, explore multiple solution paths, and learn at their own pace. In math, for example, students can visualize complex functions, manipulate variables, and immediately see how changes affect results. Hence, deepening their conceptual understanding. It's also helping them collaborate more meaningfully: sharing work digitally, discussing strategies, and building confidence as they problem-solve together.\r\n\r\nMy students are especially excited about how hands-on and personalized the new tools are. Whether it's exploring a Desmos activity to discover equations or using adaptive math software that meets them exactly where they are, technology makes learning feel like an interactive challenge instead of a worksheet. They enjoy seeing their progress tracked in real time and earning small milestones that keep them motivated.\r\n\r\nSome of my quieter or more hesitant learners have really come alive with these tools. One student who used to be reluctant to participate now eagerly volunteers to demonstrate solutions using our interactive whiteboard. Another student, who struggles with traditional note-taking, thrives using digital manipulatives that let them \"see\" the math come to life. For these students, technology has become a bridge that helps them turn frustration into curiosity and confidence.","fullyFundedDate":1761340824628,"projectUrl":"project/two-apples-a-day-will-keep-the-students/9675623/","projectTitle":"Two Apples a Day Will Keep the Students Engaged!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Karina Ruiz de Araiza","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9829795_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1731034974628","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9829795"},{"teacherId":9192804,"projectId":9156487,"letterContent":"Our Life Skills students are using the Glow materials to bring excitement and creativity into our classroom lessons and dance activities. One of our favorite projects has been our Glow Dance Movement Day, where students practiced motor coordination and self-expression using glow sticks, light-up props, and neon visuals. The glowing environment helps create a calm and fun atmosphere, encouraging participation from every student—especially those who are usually more reserved. Seeing the students dance, laugh, and engage with one another through movement and light has been incredibly rewarding.\r\n\r\nTheir faces lit up—literally and figuratively! When we turned off the lights and the glow materials came to life, the room filled with cheers and laughter. Several students couldn't stop smiling as they waved their glowing items around and explored how the lights changed colors. It was pure joy and curiosity. For many, it was their first time experiencing a sensory-based learning environment like this, and it instantly became one of their favorite classroom activities.\r\n\r\nNext, we'll be using the Glow resources to integrate sensory play with social and communication goals. Students will work on turn-taking, following directions, and expressing emotions through movement and color. We're also planning a Glow Performance Day, where students will showcase a short dance routine using the light-up props they love so much. These activities help build confidence, teamwork, and joy skills that shine far beyond the classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1751641662544,"projectUrl":"project/enhancing-life-skills-learning-with-glow/9156487/","projectTitle":"Enhancing Life Skills Learning With Glow in the Dark Tools","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sanchez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9192804_orig.jpg?crop=399,399,x35,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1731085629111","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9192804"},{"teacherId":9831766,"projectId":9308823,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our classroom with these new supplies. Your generosity has enriched not only our lessons but also the way students create, share, and experience music together. While many people are familiar with art and music in everyday life, in our classroom these supplies have become essential tools for creativity and growth. Students are able to explore new ways of making music, practice with greater focus, and see how their contributions fit within the larger ensemble. These supplies help them collaborate more effectively, as they can share materials, give feedback to one another, and refine their artistry as a group.\r\n\r\nWhat excites my students most is the opportunity to bring music to life in new and meaningful ways. They can experiment with tone, diction, and interpretation, and then immediately hear how their work enhances the overall performance. Instead of working in isolation, students are using the supplies to build artistry together—whether it's preparing for auditions, shaping a choir piece, or exploring the connection between poetry and music.\r\n\r\nSeveral students who were once hesitant have especially warmed to this process. Having the right supplies has given them the confidence to contribute their voices and ideas to group projects. I've seen them not only improve musically, but also learn how to listen, encourage, and collaborate with one another. Thanks to your support, my students are developing as musicians, as artists, and as teammates, and their pride in their work is growing with every rehearsal.","fullyFundedDate":1747147246933,"projectUrl":"project/music-and-art/9308823/","projectTitle":"Music and Art","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rodriguez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9831766"},{"teacherId":9827767,"projectId":8922866,"letterContent":"My name is Ms. Noyola, and I have had the honor of teaching English I to freshmen in South Texas for the past 25 years. I currently teach at a Title I high school where 98% of our students are emerging bilinguals, and every single one of them is considered at-risk due to the economic and social challenges they face daily.\r\nWhen your donation of markers, colored paper, scissors, glue, and basic classroom supplies arrived, it felt like Christmas in August. But more than that, it felt like someone out there saw my students—saw their potential, their voices waiting to be heard, and their stories waiting to be written.\r\nMany of my students come to class burdened with more than just homework. They're often helping raise younger siblings, translating for their parents, or working late into the night to help pay bills. Writing, for many of them, feels intimidating. They worry their words aren't good enough, their grammar isn't \"correct,\" or that their lives don't matter enough to be written down.\r\nBut your gifts—simple as they may seem to some—helped change that.\r\nWhen we started our personal narrative unit, I set up stations with the supplies you provided. Students chose bright colored paper to make covers for their stories, decorated them with their own illustrations using your markers, and crafted title pages with scissors and glue like artists telling their truths.\r\nSuddenly, their eyes lit up. They leaned in. They asked, \"Can I take this home to show my mom?\" They began writing—not because they were told to, but because they wanted to.\r\nYour donations did more than provide school supplies. You gave my students permission to be creative. You gave them tools to build confidence. You helped reluctant writers feel like authors. You helped them understand that their voices are worth hearing.\r\nOne student, Maribel, who had never turned in a single writing assignment before, wrote a four-page story about helping her little brother through his speech delay. She illustrated it, colored the borders, and proudly presented it to the class. She told me, \"I didn't know I could write like this. I didn't think anyone would care.\"\r\nBut someone did. You did.\r\nThank you for investing in our kids, for believing in their potential, and for making our classroom a place of safety, creativity, and joy. You've made a lasting impact—and not just on their schoolwork, but on their sense of self-worth.\r\nWith deep gratitude,
Ms. Noyola
English I Teacher
South Texas High School","fullyFundedDate":1731176425941,"projectUrl":"project/colorful-connections-empowering-young-w/8922866/","projectTitle":"Colorful Connections: Empowering Young Writers with Interactive Tools for Growth","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Noyola","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9827767_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1731178313086","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9827767"},{"teacherId":9499443,"projectId":9048610,"letterContent":"Your generosity has brought our classroom to life with the addition of a laser engraver, and I'm excited to share the incredible impact it's had on my students!\r\n\r\nWith your support, our students have been using the laser engraver to design and create custom campus cork coasters. In a recent project, they worked in teams to sketch unique designs inspired by our school's landmarks—like the mascot—using design software, then engraved their creations onto cork. This project blended art, technology, and school pride, allowing students to apply geometry and precision while learning about laser technology. One memorable moment was when a student perfectly aligned her intricate tree design, exclaiming, \"I made this from scratch!\"\r\n\r\nWhen the laser engraver was first set up, the room erupted with gasps and cheers. Students crowded around, mesmerized as the machine etched their first test design. Their excitement grew as they realized they could bring their ideas to life, and have been buzzing with creativity ever since.\r\n\r\nBuilding on this enthusiasm, our next project will involve designing a series of coasters for a school-wide fundraiser, featuring themes like sustainability and community spirit. Students will refine their design skills, learn about entrepreneurship, and collaborate to create a product that showcases their talents. This hands-on experience will deepen their understanding of design technology and teamwork while giving back to our school community.\r\nThank you for making this transformative project possible. Your support has empowered my students to explore their creativity and technical skills, leaving a lasting mark—both on cork and in their hearts!\r\nWith heartfelt thanks,","fullyFundedDate":1744032905532,"projectUrl":"project/red-ribbon-week-teacher-appreciation-stu/9048610/","projectTitle":"Red Ribbon Week Teacher Appreciation Student Experience Designing and Creating","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Ramirez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9499443_orig.jpg?crop=674,674,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1730909083613","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9499443"},{"teacherId":9499443,"projectId":8923350,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your support in bringing a karaoke machine to our classroom! This addition has created an exciting and engaging way for students to express themselves, build confidence, and collaborate with their peers. Many of our students are naturally reserved, but the karaoke machine has given them a fun, low-pressure way to develop their public speaking skills while enjoying music and teamwork.\r\n\r\nSince receiving the karaoke machine, students have eagerly used it during class activities and break times to unwind and build stronger connections with each other. It has been especially helpful in encouraging creativity and communication, as students take turns performing and cheering each other on. Watching them step up, sing their favorite songs, and support their classmates has been truly heartwarming. This project has not only added joy to our classroom but has also created meaningful moments that foster a positive and inclusive learning environment.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your kindness and generosity. Your support has made a lasting impact on my students, and we are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to bring more fun and confidence-building experiences into our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1731001152908,"projectUrl":"project/engineers-in-harmony-building-confidenc/8923350/","projectTitle":"Engineers in Harmony: Building Confidence and Connections Through Karaoke","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Ramirez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9499443_orig.jpg?crop=674,674,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1730909083613","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9499443"},{"teacherId":9827378,"projectId":8922253,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting the \"Reset and Restart Your Future Goals\" initiative. Your contribution helps create a space where individuals can relax, recharge, and prioritize their mental health. By providing comfortable seating and healthy snacks, we foster an environment that reduces anxiety, improves focus, and encourages emotional well-being. This initiative makes mental health support more accessible, compassionate, and nurturing, enabling individuals to pause, reflect, and rejuvenate. Your support is building a stronger, more resilient community where well-being is prioritized.","fullyFundedDate":1730902556139,"projectUrl":"project/reset-and-restart-your-future-goals/8922253/","projectTitle":"Reset and Restart Your Future Goals!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Barrera","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9827378_orig.jpg?crop=272,272,x725,y336&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1730850605213","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9827378"},{"teacherId":9826938,"projectId":8921404,"letterContent":"On behalf of our team, I want to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation of [hotdog warmer, balloon stand, beanbags, clothing rack, toaster, etc.]. Your support played a pivotal role in helping us create a memorable and successful experience during our semester Business Expo.\r\n\r\nWe were able to utilize your donation in various ways:\r\n\r\n-The hotdog warmer was a hit at our event, providing a delicious and convenient snack for attendees.\r\n-The balloon stand helped to create a festive and inviting atmosphere, perfectly complementing our expo's theme and design.\r\n-The beanbags provided a comfortable and casual space for our Business Conclusion section, allowing our team to engage with visitors and network.\r\n-The clothing rack showcased our Business Professionals of America blazers, helping to emphasize the professionalism we strive to embody.\r\n-The toaster was essential during our morning meetings, making sure everyone had a warm, welcoming start to their day.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, our event was not only well-equipped but also more engaging, productive, and enjoyable for everyone involved. We deeply appreciate your commitment to supporting our endeavors, and we couldn't have done it without you.\r\n\r\nOnce again, thank you for your invaluable contribution. We are truly grateful for your partnership and look forward to the opportunity to collaborate again in the future.","fullyFundedDate":1730847542221,"projectUrl":"project/boosting-brain-function-for-mental-healt/8921404/","projectTitle":"Boosting Brain Function for Mental Health With Nutritional Food Products","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Pena","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9826938_orig.jpg?crop=3005,3005,x0,y20&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1730832492825","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9826938"},{"teacherId":3870728,"projectId":8914710,"letterContent":"We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of our mental health project. Your generous donations of bean bags, glue guns, drawing paper, colors, yoga seating, painting canvases, and other essential supplies have made a meaningful impact. These items have created a welcoming and creative space for all participants, allowing them to express themselves, find peace, and engage in activities that support their mental well-being. The inspirational signage has also played a crucial role in fostering a positive and encouraging environment. Your support has truly made a difference, and we are deeply grateful for your contributions. Thank you for helping us build a space dedicated to healing and growth.","fullyFundedDate":1730584742454,"projectUrl":"project/recharge-and-relax-in-the-library-for-yo/8914710/","projectTitle":"Recharge and relax in the library for your Mental Health","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Quiroz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3870728_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1511887674933","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3870728"},{"teacherId":9831751,"projectId":8933327,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping me provide cold water with the refrigerator donation. Now i will be able to keep my students hydrated in class. The valley is hot year round and students need constant hydration. Many of my students play sports and get quite thirsty. Therefore, I'm greatful students in my class dont have to go into the hall to get a drink of cold-water thus they keep learning in class. We need more people like you who take the time to see the issues at hand throughout the U.S. schools. we need more funding but unfortunately we are already hearing about the cuts that will be made to public schools from the federal government. You're so special and wish you all everything thats grand. ty","fullyFundedDate":1733494819303,"projectUrl":"project/having-cold-water-at-school-keeps-kids-c/8933327/","projectTitle":"Having Cold Water at School Keeps Kids Cool","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Yanez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9831751"},{"teacherId":9829535,"projectId":8923124,"letterContent":"I am incredibly grateful for your generous contribution to my classroom through DonorsChoose. Thanks to your support, we now have a calming corner in our room, complete with comfy chairs, beanbags, shelves for books, motivational posters, and cozy side tables. This space has transformed how my students approach learning and emotional well-being. It's become a place where they can take a break, gather their thoughts, and return to their work refreshed and focused. One of my students even shared that the calming corner has helped them \"feel more peaceful and ready to learn.\"\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the new materials, their reactions were priceless. They couldn't believe how cozy and inviting the space looked. It quickly became a favorite area to relax and recharge, especially during our independent work time. This new space has opened up opportunities for students to practice self-regulation and mindfulness, which is incredibly valuable for their emotional growth.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we will continue to use the calming corner as part of our social-emotional learning curriculum. Your donation has not only enhanced their learning environment but has also played a vital role in nurturing their emotional growth. Thank you again for your kindness and for believing in my students and their potential.","fullyFundedDate":1730957915107,"projectUrl":"project/building-a-safe-haven-for-mental-health/8923124/","projectTitle":"Building a Safe Haven for Mental Health","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Saavedra","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-saavedras-class"},{"teacherId":9828833,"projectId":8924931,"letterContent":"Thank you for your gracious donation and for helping my classroom with a Giant Jenga set!! My students are using this Jenga set to review for the STAAR US History exam they will be taking in April. We are using the poster to create a timeline for other review activities and to incorporate the Jenga game into the reviews.\r\nMy students were very excited to play and learn while playing Jenga. As the Jenga Tower grew, students were in awe and nervous trying to keep the game going as long as possible.\r\nThe Jenga and posters will be used for my classroom and the entire Junior class for after-school tutoring to help them succeed on their STAAR US History Exam. This will make learning fun and make history exciting for all students.","fullyFundedDate":1731170732527,"projectUrl":"project/tower-of-history-student-engagement-and/8924931/","projectTitle":"Tower of History: Student Engagement and Review","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Castillo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9828833"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_99398","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1597,"numTeachers":139,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":1,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":98,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"9 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"11.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":38.8,"schoolId":99398,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Psja Southwest Early College High School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Psja Southwest Early College High School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/texas/pharr-san-juan-alamo-independent-school-district/psja-southwest-high-school/99398"}