{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Highland Community School","outOfStateSupporters":25.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8670179,"projectId":9328230,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom library has grown in ways that truly bring learning to life. Your support has allowed us to add high-interest chapter books for daily read-alouds and targeted titles that enrich our lessons in science, history, language, and art.\r\n\r\nThese books do more than fill shelves—they spark curiosity, fuel discussion, and deepen our students' love of reading. Children gather excitedly each day for our novel read-alouds, exploring new ideas together and connecting as a classroom community. With these new resources, every lesson is richer, every story more engaging, and every student more inspired to read, learn, and explore.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping us nurture thoughtful, curious, and joyful learners.","fullyFundedDate":1758857851572,"projectUrl":"project/more-books-read-aloud-rebels-and-lesson/9328230/","projectTitle":"More Books! Read-Aloud Rebels and Lesson Book Legends","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Beth","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8670179_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753056481869","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8670179"},{"teacherId":8670179,"projectId":9483224,"letterContent":"Because this project was funded, my students now have the tools they need to grow as independent, confident learners.\r\n\r\nThe hygiene items have supported dignity and self-care, helping students feel proud and capable each day. The musical instruments have brought rhythm and collaboration into our classroom, giving children new ways to express themselves. The art supplies have sparked creativity and deeper focus during work cycles, and the science materials have inspired hands-on discovery and richer questioning.\r\n\r\nThese small resources have made a big impact—strengthening both my students' learning and their sense of responsibility within our classroom community.","fullyFundedDate":1758811655197,"projectUrl":"project/exploring-creating-and-caring-in-our-m/9483224/","projectTitle":"Exploring, Creating, and Caring in Our Montessori Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Beth","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8670179_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753056481869","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8670179"},{"teacherId":8670179,"projectId":9250173,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our classroom library has become a place where every child can see both mirrors and windows.\r\n\r\nThe new books have transformed our read-alouds, small group lessons, and independent research time. Students are encountering stories that reflect their own identities, cultures, family structures, and lived experiences — and they are also stepping into perspectives different from their own. This has led to richer discussions, deeper empathy, and more thoughtful questions during our community conversations.\r\n\r\nIn our Montessori environment, students often follow their curiosity into research projects. With a more diverse and representative library, they now have access to biographies of changemakers from many backgrounds, stories set across the globe, and nonfiction texts that honor multiple voices. Their work has become more layered and more meaningful because their sources are more inclusive.\r\n\r\nAs a teacher, I've been able to intentionally plan read-alouds that spark dialogue about identity, fairness, resilience, and belonging. I've watched students light up when they recognize themselves in a character, and I've seen others grow in understanding as they learn about experiences outside their own.\r\n\r\nThis project didn't just add books to shelves — it strengthened our classroom culture. It helped us build a community rooted in respect, curiosity, and connection.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping us create a library where every child feels seen and every child is invited to see others more clearly.","fullyFundedDate":1753713261489,"projectUrl":"project/building-a-diverse-classroom-library/9250173/","projectTitle":"Building a Diverse Classroom Library","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Beth","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8670179_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753056481869","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8670179"},{"teacherId":8670179,"projectId":9483191,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our rainy and cold days have completely transformed. Instead of feeling restless during indoor recess, students are building, creating, and collaborating in meaningful ways. The materials you provided encourage problem-solving, teamwork, and imagination — skills that strengthen both their social growth and their classroom learning.\r\n\r\nIndoor recess is no longer just time inside; it's become an extension of our community where students connect, lead, and create together. Thank you for turning rainy days into opportunities for joy and growth.","fullyFundedDate":1754022832249,"projectUrl":"project/rainy-days-indoor-recess-that-builds-c/9483191/","projectTitle":"Rainy Days: Indoor Recess that Builds, Creates, and Connects","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Beth","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8670179_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753056481869","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8670179"},{"teacherId":8670179,"projectId":9250574,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our classroom guinea pigs are thriving and so are we.\r\n\r\nWe already had our furry classroom companions, but the supplies and fresh food you provided have made it possible for us to care for them in the thoughtful, high-quality way they deserve. Students are now able to consistently provide nutritious meals, clean bedding, enrichment materials, and safe habitats that support the guinea pigs' health and comfort.\r\n\r\nThis has deepened the children's sense of responsibility and stewardship. Caring for our animals is not just a classroom job, it is meaningful work. Students measure food portions, monitor water levels, track supply use, and ensure our guinea pigs' environment stays clean and welcoming. They are learning that love shows up in daily, dependable actions.\r\n\r\nYour support has also allowed this experience to remain sustainable. Instead of worrying about running low on essentials, we can focus on what matters most: building empathy, strengthening our classroom community, and nurturing a calm, connected environment where both children and animals feel safe.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping us continue this important work. Your kindness is felt every single day, by seven very happy guinea pigs and a room full of grateful children.","fullyFundedDate":1752771368901,"projectUrl":"project/supporting-our-classroom-guinea-pigs-su/9250574/","projectTitle":"Supporting Our Classroom Guinea Pigs: Supplies for Learning and Care","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Beth","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8670179_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753056481869","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8670179"},{"teacherId":7430375,"projectId":9819629,"letterContent":"Thank you so much to The Chuck Lorre Family Foundation for your generous support of our music project. The handbells and tongue drum have become very special tools in our classroom. Handbells help children learn not only rhythm, but also body control, careful listening, and teamwork—important skills they are still developing.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, students now have meaningful opportunities to enjoy music and collaborate with their peers. The tongue drum adds moments of calm and mindfulness, helping create a peaceful environment where children can connect, cooperate, and grow together through music.","fullyFundedDate":1760693567652,"projectUrl":"project/making-harmony-together-building-teamwo/9819629/","projectTitle":"Making Harmony Together: Building Teamwork and Calm with Music","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tomo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7430375_orig.jpg?crop=1975,1975,x0,y151&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1690864828437","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7430375"},{"teacherId":7430375,"projectId":9539730,"letterContent":"Audiobooks make a meaningful difference for children who have difficulty focusing during group read-alouds, allowing them to enjoy stories in a way that meets their individual needs. Through expressive narration, students can engage with language at their own pace and experience stories more fully.\r\n\r\nAudiobooks also provide a calming and comforting experience for children who need a quiet moment during the day. They help students regulate their emotions, refocus their attention, and feel supported in a gentle, non-disruptive way.\r\n\r\nThis resource supports both academic growth and emotional well-being, helping create an inclusive and nurturing classroom environment. Thank you for making these meaningful learning experiences possible for our students.","fullyFundedDate":1758811655436,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-stories-to-life-audiobook-list/9539730/","projectTitle":"Bringing Stories to Life: Audiobook Listening Station for Little Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tomo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7430375_orig.jpg?crop=1975,1975,x0,y151&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1690864828437","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7430375"},{"teacherId":7888135,"projectId":9518252,"letterContent":"With the new guinea pig cage, our furry friends seem so much happier. The added space lets them run around freely, and the open-top design gives the children the chance to observe and interact with them more closely. Out of all our classroom pets, the guinea pigs definitely get the most love and attention!\r\n\r\nWhen the new cage and supplies arrived, both my current students and even past students who stopped by noticed right away. Having our pet food and supplies fully stocked has been such a time-saver and has really helped stretch our classroom budget further—thank you!\r\n\r\nRight now, students are learning about animal needs and habitats, and having the guinea pigs thriving in their new home has been a perfect, hands-on example. We'll continue making daily observations and recording how their behavior changes with their improved environment.","fullyFundedDate":1756904482351,"projectUrl":"project/housing-our-classroom-guinea-pigs/9518252/","projectTitle":"Housing our Classroom Guinea Pigs","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Stephanie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7888135_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1624330566874","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7888135"},{"teacherId":7430375,"projectId":9176661,"letterContent":"I am truly grateful for your generosity in funding my project. Because of your support, my students now have access to a projector, screen, and stand that are already transforming the way we learn together. We've begun using them in class, and the excitement was immediate—students were engaged, curious, and eager to explore lessons in a new way.\r\n\r\nYour kindness is not just a gift of resources—it's a gift of opportunity. You've given my students new ways to connect with learning through both sound and visuals, making it more meaningful and enjoyable for everyone.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our classroom and in the power of education. Your generosity has made a lasting difference, and we are so grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1749865087158,"projectUrl":"project/more-than-words-visual-and-audio-learni/9176661/","projectTitle":"More Than Words: Visual and Audio Learning for All","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tomo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7430375_orig.jpg?crop=1975,1975,x0,y151&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1690864828437","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7430375"},{"teacherId":2647601,"projectId":8989521,"letterContent":"It's hard to fully explain how simple our needs truly are in a classroom. Pencils and paper; we need 'em! Every year we run out of these basics, and it is hard to continuously lean on families or our own wallets to fill these needs. While pencils get used for everything, all day, we also go through permanent markers at a crazy speed. In a Montessori classroom, our students get their independent, group and whole lessons, but then complete individual follow ups. These works are meant to be substantial, intellectual, and beautiful. To beautify the works, students love to use sharpies, particularly ultra fine point markers, on their posters, books, and art they create. \r\n\r\nThank you for supporting our class!","fullyFundedDate":1739455292525,"projectUrl":"project/writing-basics/8989521/","projectTitle":"Writing Basics","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Megan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2647601_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1542681319687","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/megeddes"},{"teacherId":7888135,"projectId":8653792,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to our classroom kitchen. Because of your support, we've been able to transform our space into a hands-on learning environment that nurtures creativity, collaboration, and community.\r\n\r\nThe addition of a classroom fridge has made it possible for students to take part in meaningful cooking lessons where they learn to measure ingredients, follow recipes, and work together to prepare food for our classroom community. It has become more than just a place to cook—it's a space where learning comes alive.\r\n\r\nOne of the most special outcomes of this project has been inviting families into our classroom as guest chefs. They've shared cherished family recipes and cultural traditions, giving our students a deeper appreciation for the diverse backgrounds within our school community.\r\n\r\nYour contribution has made all of this possible, and we are truly grateful. Thank you for helping us create a space where students can learn life skills, connect with one another, and feel the joy of making and sharing food.","fullyFundedDate":1724247120608,"projectUrl":"project/reading-is-cool-and-so-is-a-classroom-re/8653792/","projectTitle":"Reading is Cool and So is a Classroom Refrigerator.","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Stephanie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7888135_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1624330566874","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7888135"},{"teacherId":2647601,"projectId":8963459,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom through this project. We used the art supplies all year long, and they really allowed the students to explore new techniques and elements of art. I particularly enjoyed watching students explore new strategies with pastel this past year. Real, quality art supplies make all the difference, and push students in new ways. It also was great to see kids use these materials to do follow up works to other lessons, including science, math, and history. Creativity really is contagious!","fullyFundedDate":1733248325289,"projectUrl":"project/creativity-is-contagious/8963459/","projectTitle":"Creativity is Contagious!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Megan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2647601_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1542681319687","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/megeddes"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_41597","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":414,"numTeachers":15,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":36,"percentWhite":37,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":12,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"27.6:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":74.1,"schoolId":41597,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Highland Community School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Highland Community School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/wisconsin/milwaukee-public-schools/highland-community-school/41597"}