{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Harris Academy","outOfStateSupporters":37.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9807498,"projectId":9368164,"letterContent":"My name is Deborah Tinsley Pledger, and my 144 students are the recipients of my Donors Choose Project: Headphones to Learn/Grow in Science! It is truly a blessing to be funded for this project, especially since so many aspect of our new Science Curriculum this year is online. Having headphones that actually work is essential! My students LOVE the new headphones, and they are doing their best to make sure they take care of these brand new headphones! The headphones are placed into gallon-sized ziptop baggies and are stored in a storage crate and a box for quick student access. \r\n\r\nStudents have commented how much they love the headphones because the earpieces are comfortable on their ears. My students also commented on the sound quality of the headphones. They do complain that I won't let them use the headphones to listen to music while they work! I don't want them to get distracted from their Science by finding different songs on YouTube for entertainment purposes! 🤣\r\n\r\nI have students that have instructional educational plans (IEPs) that require them to have oral administration for any tests that they take. The headphones give them that ability. They are also used to assists students with reading the text on any online assignment that is given. This is very much a blessing that I appreciate! I greatly appreciate that because of your generous donation, I only had to purchase 5 additional headphones for a class set of 35, so I could have headphones for my biggest class.\r\n\r\nThank you again for the funding of Headphones to Learn/Grow in Science!","fullyFundedDate":1758202788667,"projectUrl":"project/headphones-to-learngrow-in-science-on-t/9368164/","projectTitle":"Headphones to Learn/Grow in Science on the Internet, Quietly!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tinsley Pledger","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9807498_orig.png?crop=361,361,x21,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1747701799000","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9807498"},{"teacherId":8978553,"projectId":9614225,"letterContent":"Thanks to the traction pads provided through DonorsChoose, our basketball players are now able to perform at their best with greater safety and confidence. The pads help players keep a strong grip on the court, preventing slips and falls while allowing them to make quicker, sharper movements. This has not only improved individual skills like cutting, pivoting, and rebounding but has also strengthened overall team performance during practices and games.\r\n\r\nBeyond the physical benefits, this donation has made our athletes feel supported and valued by their community. Knowing that people outside of the team believe in their success motivates them to push harder and stay committed. The traction pads are more than just equipment—they are a reminder to our players that others are invested in their growth, teamwork, and future accomplishments.","fullyFundedDate":1758202951593,"projectUrl":"project/no-slips-just-swish-traction-for-our-c/9614225/","projectTitle":"No Slips, Just Swish: Traction for Our Court","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mitchell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8978553_orig.jpg?crop=2513,2513,x295,y241&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1691541093833","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8978553"},{"teacherId":8978553,"projectId":9364693,"letterContent":"Thank you again for your generous donation of books to our classroom! These new texts have opened so many doors for my students. With your support, we are practicing important reading skills such as identifying themes, making inferences, and connecting what we read to our own lives and the world around us. The variety of books allows me to introduce both literary analysis skills and opportunities for students to build empathy and cultural awareness.\r\n\r\nIn our classroom, reading looks dynamic and engaging—we read together, discuss in small groups, and even pause for reflection activities that help students dig deeper into the meaning of a text. The new books have given my students fresh energy and excitement about these activities.\r\n\r\nSome students, who once struggled to stay engaged during reading, are now asking if they can borrow books to take home. One student in particular, who had never finished a book on his own before, proudly shared with the class that he couldn't put his new book down. Moments like these remind us of the real impact your generosity has.\r\n\r\nYour gift has truly brought joy, curiosity, and confidence to our readers. Thank you for believing in my students and in the power of books.","fullyFundedDate":1757423907883,"projectUrl":"project/powerful-stories-in-panels-building-a-d/9364693/","projectTitle":"Powerful Stories in Panels: Building a Diverse Graphic Novel Library","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mitchell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8978553_orig.jpg?crop=2513,2513,x295,y241&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1691541093833","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8978553"},{"teacherId":9563430,"projectId":9214424,"letterContent":"I want to sincerely thank you for your generous donation. Although we are just now receiving our materials, we are excited to share how this project will positively impact our students and their learning journeys.\r\n\r\nOur goal is to create an engaging and interactive literacy environment through graphic novels, escape room activities, and hands-on learning stations. Thanks to your support, we anticipate remarkable growth and enthusiasm among our students.\r\n\r\nThe graphic novels are designed to captivate their interest, making reading approachable and enjoyable. The blend of visual storytelling and relatable narratives has already begun to help students enhance their comprehension and language skills in ways traditional texts sometimes cannot.\r\n\r\nProviding dry erase markers for our learning stations will allow students to practice writing and reasoning repeatedly without waste, boosting their confidence and engagement during lessons.\r\n\r\nOur students are extraordinary—resilient and creative despite many challenges outside of school. This project supports their growth by making learning dynamic and accessible, empowering them to become confident, literate individuals. We have already seen increased motivation, stronger collaboration, and a growing love for reading.\r\n\r\nThank you for being a vital part of this journey. Your support is making a meaningful difference in the lives of our students, helping them unlock their potential and embrace learning with curiosity and enthusiasm.","fullyFundedDate":1746783026014,"projectUrl":"project/graphic-novels-learning-stations-a-j/9214424/","projectTitle":"\"Graphic Novels & Learning Stations: A Journey to Language Literacy\"","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Price","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9563430_orig.jpg?crop=817,817,x66,y211&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1721243217123","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-kprice"},{"teacherId":9563430,"projectId":8963585,"letterContent":"On behalf of my IB students, We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks for your generous support of our Fun Fusion Project. Your contributions made it possible for us to create an event aimed at bringing together students who might not normally interact, such as athletes and gamers, in a relaxed environment filled with games and snacks.\r\n\r\nAlthough we faced an unexpected challenge with the delayed arrival of supplies for our planned Game Night, we quickly adapted by hosting a Game Day. This alternative gathering was a great success, as it allowed athletes and gamers to connect, engage, and build new friendships. The students truly enjoyed the experience, and we witnessed firsthand how the event helped break down social barriers and foster a stronger sense of unity among our peers.\r\n\r\nYour support has not only made this event possible but has also contributed to the personal well-being and social development of the students involved. Once again, thank to all!","fullyFundedDate":1742514661440,"projectUrl":"project/fun-fusion-fest/8963585/","projectTitle":"Fun Fusion Fest","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Price","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9563430_orig.jpg?crop=817,817,x66,y211&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1721243217123","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-kprice"},{"teacherId":9429637,"projectId":8834907,"letterContent":"My students work on computers all day. They work tirelessly trying to complete their High School credits. It's so beneficial for us to have some research as well as a variety of books to read. \r\n\r\nMany of these students don't have access to these types of books. I am happy to have different types of books. I especially like having books about many cultures. \r\n\r\nThese resources will definitely enhance their learning and gain knowledge to take with them into high school. \r\n\r\nThank you again. \r\n\r\nWe will keep these books for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1733280056060,"projectUrl":"project/celebrating-the-hispanic-student/8834907/","projectTitle":"Celebrating the Hispanic Student","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gonzales","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9429637_orig.jpg?crop=667,667,x0,y60&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757537536540","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9429637"},{"teacherId":8978553,"projectId":9364653,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting Hear to Succeed: Headphones for Dyslexia Support! Your generosity has already had a powerful impact in our classroom.\r\n\r\nHow we're using the headphones:\r\nMy students are using them daily with reading intervention programs and audiobooks. The headphones help minimize distractions and allow each student to focus at their own pace. One student shared, \"It's like the words are just for me now—I can finally keep up!\"\r\n\r\nStudent reactions:\r\nWhen the headphones arrived, my students were eager to open the boxes and try them on. For many, it was the first time they felt learning tools were designed with their needs in mind. Their excitement turned into confidence as they realized these headphones would make reading feel more accessible and less overwhelming.\r\n\r\nNext steps:\r\nAs we continue, the headphones will remain a vital part of our daily learning. They'll support students in building stronger decoding and comprehension skills while also giving them the independence to work without constant teacher intervention. These tools are helping my students believe in their own ability to grow as readers.\r\n\r\nThank you for making such a meaningful difference. Your kindness is helping my students not just hear the words, but succeed with them.","fullyFundedDate":1752242646734,"projectUrl":"project/hear-to-succeed-headphones-for-dyslexia/9364653/","projectTitle":"Hear to Succeed: Headphones for Dyslexia Support\"","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mitchell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8978553_orig.jpg?crop=2513,2513,x295,y241&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1691541093833","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8978553"},{"teacherId":8978553,"projectId":9302531,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support of Color, Create, and Learn: Supplies for Student Success, my students have been able to dive into learning with excitement and creativity!\r\n\r\nHow we're using the supplies:\r\nWe've integrated the new markers, crayons, and other colorful tools into reading and writing projects. For example, students recently used them to create vibrant plot diagrams and character maps that helped bring stories to life. Having these supplies has allowed my students to express their understanding in ways that feel fun, artistic, and personal.\r\n\r\n\r\nThe first day the supplies arrived, you could hear the buzz across the classroom. Students immediately asked, \"Can we really use these?\" and began brainstorming how to add color to their work. One student proudly shared, \"Now my notes look like they actually make sense to me!\" Their joy and sense of ownership over their learning has been incredible to see.\r\n\r\nNext steps:\r\nAs we continue the year, these materials will remain central to our projects. My students will use them to annotate texts, design creative responses, and collaborate on group visuals that strengthen comprehension and critical thinking. These resources are helping us build a classroom culture where learning is both structured and imaginative.\r\n\r\nThank you again for believing in my students and giving them the tools to succeed. You've made our classroom a brighter, more inspiring place to learn.","fullyFundedDate":1746708570262,"projectUrl":"project/color-create-and-learn-supplies-for-s/9302531/","projectTitle":"Color, Create, and Learn: Supplies for Student Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mitchell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8978553_orig.jpg?crop=2513,2513,x295,y241&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1691541093833","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8978553"},{"teacherId":9715259,"projectId":8932686,"letterContent":"The funding of this project has had a transformative impact on my middle school theatre students, providing them with hands-on experience in lighting design, DMX programming, and color theory. With the addition of LED lighting, students have been able to experiment with dynamic lighting effects, enhancing their understanding of how light can shape mood, atmosphere, and storytelling in a performance. Learning to use DMX protocols has also introduced them to the technical side of theatre, bridging the gap between artistry and technology. These new tools have not only enriched their productions but have also given students the opportunity to develop real-world skills that can be applied in future theatrical endeavors or even in technical careers beyond the stage.\r\n\r\nBeyond the technical skills gained, this project has fostered creativity, collaboration, and confidence among my students. They now have the ability to design and execute their own lighting cues, making them active participants in the production process rather than just performers. By engaging with this technology, they are developing problem-solving skills and critical thinking as they experiment with different lighting setups to achieve their artistic vision. The excitement and sense of ownership they feel over their work have made them more engaged in theatre as a whole. Thanks to this funding, my students are not only learning about theatre but are actively shaping it, preparing them for high school productions and beyond.\r\n\r\nThis lights also helped our after school theatre program win second place in our district UIL One Act Play contest. Being able to physically put lights on students as they perform has greatly increased their confidence, letting them know that the work they are doing is worthwhile.","fullyFundedDate":1733282815025,"projectUrl":"project/save-students-from-our-overhead-fluoresc/8932686/","projectTitle":"Save Students From Our Overhead Fluorescent Lightmare!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Shanks","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9715259"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_11551","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":723,"numTeachers":48,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":1,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":97,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"15.1:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":62.2,"schoolId":11551,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Harris Academy on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Harris Academy","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/texas/san-antonio-independent-school-district/harris-academy/11551"}