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Ms. Mikos' Classroom

  • Monarcas Academy
  • Chicago, IL
  • Nearly all students from low‑income households Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more

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Current requests

Help Us Take a Seat: Support Classroom Chair Funding

Help me give my students chairs that won't fall out from under them causing them to land on the floor.
Ms. Mikos
Monarcas Academy
Chicago, IL
  • $3,546 still needed
  • Be the first to support this project
2X
Double your impact! Thanks to Ripple.$272 for now, thanks to a match.

Saucer Chairs for Enhanced Comfort While Reading!

Help me give my students access to flexible seating when reading with the use of saucer chairs in our classroom!
Ms. Mikos
Monarcas Academy
Chicago, IL
  • $272 still needed
  • Be the first to support this project
  • $272 for now
show projects from all time

Past projects 22

  • Flexible Seating

    Funded Aug 20, 2025

    We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your incredible support in funding the Active Motion 2 Stools and 24 Floor Cushions for our 5th-grade classroom. Your generosity has provided our students with flexible seating options that are transforming the way they learn and engage every day.

    Flexible seating is more than just furniture; it's a powerful tool that fosters a positive and dynamic learning environment. The Active Motion stools and soft foam floor cushions you funded have already made a significant difference in how our students focus, collaborate, and feel comfortable throughout their school day.

    Active Motion stools promote active sitting by allowing gentle movement, which helps students release excess energy while maintaining focus on their tasks. This dynamic seating option supports better posture and increases blood flow, which can enhance cognitive function and reduce restlessness. Many educators and researchers recognize that movement can be a catalyst for improved attention and learning, and thanks to your support, our students now benefit from this innovative seating approach.

    The floor cushions offer a cozy and inviting space for flexible floor seating, making the classroom feel more welcoming and adaptable. With handles for easy portability, these waterproof cushions encourage students to choose seating that suits their comfort and learning style. Whether they're reading, working in small groups, or participating in classroom discussions, these cushions provide a soft, supportive spot that helps students feel relaxed and ready to engage.

    By funding these seating options, you have contributed to a classroom culture that values choice, comfort, and collaboration. Flexible seating empowers students to take ownership of their learning environment and fosters independence and self-regulation. It helps cater to different learning preferences, making the classroom inclusive for all kinds of learners.

    We've already seen the positive effects: students are more engaged, participate more actively, and express greater enthusiasm for school activities. Teachers have also noted that the flexible seating helps reduce distractions and behavior issues, creating a more peaceful and productive classroom atmosphere. This directly supports academic growth and social development, key components of a successful educational experience.

    Your generosity is more than just a donation—it is an investment in the future of these young learners. You have helped create a space where students feel physically and mentally supported, encouraging them to thrive both academically and personally. This kind of environment nurtures creativity, critical thinking, and a love of learning that can last a lifetime.

    We cannot thank you enough for your commitment to enhancing our students' educational experience. Your kindness and vision make it possible for us to provide tools that support holistic development and well-being. Each time a student settles onto a stool or cushion, your generosity is at work, helping them grow, focus, and succeed.

    Thank you once again for your thoughtful and impactful support. We are honored to have you as partners in our mission to create an engaging, flexible, and student-centered classroom. Together, we are making a meaningful difference—one seat at a time.”

    With gratitude,

    Ms. Mikos

    This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community and one other donor.
  • Hygiene Essentials= Less Stressful Learning

    Funded Aug 22, 2025

    We are deeply grateful for your generous contribution of hygiene essentials to support our efforts in creating a healthier, more comfortable learning environment for students. Your kindness and commitment to this cause are truly making a profound impact, helping to reduce stress and improve focus and well-being for countless young learners.

    Hygiene is often an overlooked but essential factor in a child's ability to thrive academically and socially. When students have access to basic hygiene products such as soap, toothpaste, sanitary items, and clean water, they feel more confident, comfortable, and ready to engage fully in their education. By providing these essentials, you are helping to remove one of the many barriers that can distract students and hinder their learning experience.

    Stress related to personal hygiene can be a significant challenge for many children, especially those from under-resourced communities. The worry of not having the right supplies or feeling uncomfortable among peers can create anxiety that affects concentration, participation, and overall mental health. Your donation helps alleviate this stress, allowing students to focus on what truly matters—their education and personal growth.

    Moreover, good hygiene practices play a vital role in preventing illness and absenteeism. When students are healthy, they miss fewer school days and can maintain consistent attendance, which is crucial for academic success. Your support is not just about providing products; it's about fostering a foundation for lifelong habits that promote well-being and self-care.

    The impact of your generosity extends far beyond the immediate benefits. By addressing hygiene needs, you contribute to creating an inclusive and supportive school culture where every student feels valued and cared for. This encourages positive social interactions, boosts self-esteem, and cultivates a sense of belonging that is essential for emotional development.

    We are humbled and inspired by your dedication to this cause. Your willingness to invest in the health and happiness of students reflects a deep understanding of the many factors that influence learning and development. It is a reminder that education is not just about books and classrooms but also about nurturing the whole child.

    Thank you for standing with us in this important mission. Your support is a beacon of hope and kindness that empowers students to overcome challenges and reach their full potential. Together, we are building a future where every child has the tools, confidence, and opportunity to succeed.”

    With gratitude,

    Ms. Mikos

  • Fifth Grade Was a "Ball"

    Funded May 19, 2025

    Thank you so much for funding my project to help celebrate our fifth-grade students as they wrap up a memorable year! Your kindness and support mean the world to both me and my students.

    As we approach the end of the school year, I wanted to give my students a special send-off—one filled with joy, pride, and lasting memories. Thanks to your generosity, we'll be able to celebrate with a fun luau, bright sunglasses to remind them of their bright futures, beach balls signed by friends, and exciting reward bags to mark their hard work and accomplishments.

    Your gift is giving these young scholars a heartfelt farewell, filled with smiles and mementos they can carry with them into middle school. I know they'll look back on this time with gratitude and happiness—and you've played a big part in making that possible.

    Thank you again for your support and for believing in the importance of celebrating our students' journeys.”

    With gratitude,

    Ms. Mikos

    This classroom project was brought to life by An Anonymous Supporter and one other donor.
  • Game On!

    Funded May 13, 2025

    Thank you so much for supporting my project, Game On! Your generosity means more than words can express. Because of you, my students will have access to a variety of board games that will not only brighten their recess but also sharpen their critical thinking, problem-solving, and social skills.

    Many of my students have never owned a board game, and this opportunity allows them to explore new ways of learning and connecting—with each other and with their families. In a world dominated by screens, board games offer a refreshing and meaningful way to engage, reflect, and bond.

    Thanks to you, "game day" will be more than just fun—it will be a powerful learning experience that I hope my students will carry into their homes and futures. Your support is helping to create joyful, thoughtful learners. I am truly grateful.

    Heartfelt thanks!”

    With gratitude,

    Ms. Mikos

    This classroom project was brought to life by General Motors and one other donor.
  • Picture This!

    Funded Apr 30, 2025

    Using newer photo supplies like Bluetooth-enabled thermal transfer technology will have a significant impact on my students in several ways.

    By allowing my students to instantly snap photos in various settings such as the school garden, field trips, or the library, this technology fosters a sense of excitement and creativity. They can capture meaningful moments, which makes learning more interactive and personal. The ability to document these experiences can enhance memory retention and make learning feel more tangible.

    Kids love seeing themselves as part of a community, and displaying photos of themselves or their peers can create a stronger sense of belonging. Whether it's showcasing their work or participating in class projects, these visual reminders help them feel more connected to their classmates and their learning environment.

    The inkless printer can be particularly beneficial for diverse learners. By giving them the ability to print photos instantly and add notes to their journals, students with different learning needs can express their understanding in a more visual and creative way. This can be especially helpful for visual learners or those who benefit from hands-on activities.”

    With gratitude,

    Ms. Mikos

  • On Your Marker, Get Set, Learn!

    Funded Apr 28, 2025

    What a truly wonderful and unexpected surprise! I wanted to take a moment to personally express my heartfelt gratitude for your incredibly generous donation to my classroom. Your thoughtful contribution of dry erase markers and erasers will make a world of difference in helping my students engage with their lessons in a more interactive and effective way.

    These tools are not only essential for keeping lessons dynamic and visually stimulating, but they also provide students with a sense of ownership over their learning process. With these new supplies, my students will be able to actively participate, brainstorm, and work through problems in real time, which is such a valuable way for them to grasp new concepts and retain information.

    Your support goes beyond just providing materials—it's a powerful reminder that there are people in our community who truly care about the quality of education and are willing to invest in the future of our students. It's clear that you share in my passion for creating a positive and enriching learning environment where every student can thrive. I cannot thank you enough for this thoughtful gesture.

    Your kindness and generosity are deeply appreciated, not just by me, but by every student who will benefit from the tools you've provided. Please know that your contribution will have a lasting impact on their learning experience.

    Thank you once again for your incredible support. It means more than words can express!”

    With gratitude,

    Ms. Mikos

    This classroom project was brought to life by SONIC Foundation.
  • Sensory Satisfiers

    Funded Apr 15, 2025

    My students are bright, creative, and full of energy. They come from diverse backgrounds and bring unique strengths and challenges into the classroom each day. Many of them benefit from extra support to help manage anxiety, focus their attention, or stay calm in a busy school environment. What makes them truly special is their resilience and eagerness to learn, even when things feel overwhelming. I wanted to provide tools that help every student feel confident, safe, and ready to engage in their learning.

    These sensory fidgets are simple, quiet tools that provide a calming outlet for restless hands and anxious minds. Whether a student is dealing with big emotions or simply needs help staying attentive during instruction, these tools offer a way to regain control and stay grounded. My goal was to create a more inclusive, responsive classroom where all learners—especially those with autism or sensory needs—can thrive. With your support, I was able to offer few students access to fidgets that will help them feel more centered and successful each day. Thank you for helping make this possible!”

    With gratitude,

    Ms. Mikos

  • Hygiene Essentials= Less Stressful Learning

    Funded Nov 6, 2024

    I am so excited to know that such wonderful people stepped up to help my students. I can't thank each of you enough for your kindness and generosity. My students and I are so very appreciative of your support for education and our well being. We passed out some of the essential supplies the minute we got them. We also have a common place for the other essential supplies and students can help themselves whenever they need to. Providing students with health and personal hygiene materials goes a long to reduce ill health problems, make students feel comfortable, safe, and improve their learning. Thank you again for helping!”

    With gratitude,

    Ms. Mikos

    This classroom project was brought to life by The Peterson Family and one other donor.
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About my class

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About my class

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