{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Highland Community School","outOfStateSupporters":25.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"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"},{"teacherId":7430375,"projectId":8979003,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation. Because of your support, our classroom fish tank is now beautifully maintained, and the water is clear and clean. The children enjoy observing the fish each day—it's a peaceful and calming part of our environment that encourages mindfulness and quiet reflection. The fish tank has become a natural gathering point, sparking curiosity and conversation among the students.\r\n\r\nIn addition, the social-emotional books have made a meaningful impact on our learning community. These stories help children understand important values like kindness, empathy, and respect for others. Through discussions and shared reading, students are learning how to express their feelings, handle conflicts peacefully, and build caring relationships. Creating a respectful and compassionate classroom is one of my core goals, and your donation has played a significant role in supporting that vision. I truly appreciate your kindness—it is making a lasting difference in our students' daily lives and emotional growth.","fullyFundedDate":1739455267582,"projectUrl":"project/the-sel-aquarium-calm-minds-caring-hea/8979003/","projectTitle":"The SEL Aquarium: Calm Minds, Caring Hearts","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":8670179,"projectId":8638964,"letterContent":"Thanks to the generous support from donors like you, we were able to expand our classroom library with a diverse range of fiction and nonfiction books. These new additions provide our students with stories that reflect different cultures, experiences, and ideas, helping them connect to the material and build a lifelong love of reading.\r\n\r\nBooks Purchased:\r\nWith your contributions, we've added inspiring titles like:\r\n\r\nLast Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña\r\nWho Was Rosa Parks? by Yona Zeldis McDonough\r\nHidden Figures (Young Readers' Edition) by Margot Lee Shetterly\r\nThe Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read by Rita Lorraine Hubbard\r\nThese books are already sparking important conversations in our classroom and helping students gain new perspectives on empathy, leadership, and perseverance.\r\n\r\nImpact on Students:\r\nSince incorporating these books, my students are more engaged in reading and discussions. They're excited to explore stories about diversity, history, and social justice. A few highlights:\r\n\r\nEmpathy & Understanding: Books like Last Stop on Market Street have helped students understand different cultures and the importance of kindness.\r\nGrowth Mindset: Titles like The Oldest Student are inspiring students to embrace challenges with confidence.\r\nCuriosity & Learning: Nonfiction books like Hidden Figures have sparked curiosity about real-world heroes and events.\r\nTeacher Reflection:\r\nYour generosity has transformed our classroom by providing books that not only entertain but educate. It's amazing to see how these books are encouraging students to become more curious, kind, and eager to learn. Thank you for making this possible!\r\n\r\nFuture Plans:\r\nI plan to continue building our library with even more diverse books to inspire and challenge my students. This project has truly made a lasting impact, and I look forward to seeing my students grow as readers and individuals.","fullyFundedDate":1728064192608,"projectUrl":"project/empower-young-readers-help-fill-miss-be/8638964/","projectTitle":"Empower Young Readers: Help Fill Miss Beth's 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":8327612,"letterContent":"I am deeply grateful for your generous donation to my DonorsChoose project. Thanks to your support, we are able to provide our students with the period products they need, right in the bathrooms they use. This simple yet powerful gesture will have a lasting impact on our students' well-being and their ability to stay in school and fully participate in their education.\r\n\r\nStudies have shown that lack of access to period products can lead to missed school days and a decline in confidence. With your help, we are actively combating this issue and making sure that all students have what they need to succeed. Your kindness is not just providing products—it's empowering our students and fostering an environment where they can thrive, both academically and personally.\r\n\r\nI am incredibly grateful for your support in helping us break down barriers and ensure that every student has the resources they need to feel confident and engaged. Thank you for being a champion for our students' holistic well-being.","fullyFundedDate":1723295199258,"projectUrl":"project/empowerment-through-essentials-providin/8327612/","projectTitle":"Empowerment Through Essentials: Providing Period Products for Students","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":2647601,"projectId":5306767,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for donating to our project. Students benefit from hands on learning, and these kits are amazing for children to learn about STEM topics. Simple machines are so much fun to play with versus read about, and increase engagement across the board. The students consistently choose these materials and there is great joy in the room while they are used, while hitting many core standards. \r\n\r\nWe know that these materials will continue to be used for years to come and appreciate your continued support to our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1613055756994,"projectUrl":"project/lets-gooooo-lego-simple-powered-mach/5306767/","projectTitle":"Let's Gooooo! LEGO Simple & Powered Machines!","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":74.4,"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"}