{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Ariel Community Academy","outOfStateSupporters":37.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8027346,"projectId":8682145,"letterContent":"Your incredible support has brought a new level of structure, color, and comfort to our classroom! In a self-contained special education setting, \"essentials\" aren't just supplies they are the scaffolding that holds our day together. Since these items arrived, our room has become a hub of high-contrast, durable learning. The students were most excited about the new flexible seating and the colorful, laminated activities. Seeing their names and photos printed in vibrant color and encased in \"shiny\" lamination made them feel like the stars of their own learning journey.\r\n\r\nMany of you use printers and laminators at home, but in our room, this technology is a communication lifeline. For my students, abstract concepts are difficult to grasp; they need maximum visual support. With our new in-class printer and laminator, I can instantly turn a digital image into a physical, indestructible learning tool.\r\n\r\nA Specific success story: One of my students with significant noise sensitivity was struggling to stay in the classroom during transitions. Using our new tech, I was able to quickly print and laminate a \"visual schedule\" and a \"choice board\" specifically for him. He now carries these laminated cards everywhere. They don't tear or smudge, giving him a permanent \"voice\" and the predictability he needs to feel safe.\r\n\r\n The mobile podium has allowed me to bring my laptop directly to my students' sides, providing immediate feedback while I move around the room. Meanwhile, our 3D globe has turned geography from a flat, confusing map into a tangible world they can actually touch and spin.\r\n\r\nThe snacks and \"Fun Friday\" incentives like Twister have been game changers for our end-of-day motivation. When energy dips, a quick, healthy snack provides the \"brain fuel\" my scholars need to push through their final lessons. We recently used Twister as a kinesthetic \"Back to School\" icebreaker, and the laughter was infectious! It was a beautiful way to practice gross motor skills and social turn-taking.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has truly streamlined our day-to-day operations and provided the sensory and physical supports my scholars deserve. We are now heading into our \"All About Me\" unit, where every student will have their own custom-made, laminated portfolio to showcase their progress. Thank you for making our school year a resounding success!","fullyFundedDate":1727973929799,"projectUrl":"project/special-education-classroom-essentials/8682145/","projectTitle":"Special Education Classroom Essentials!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ferguson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8027346_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1692518556177","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8027346"},{"teacherId":8027346,"projectId":7710012,"letterContent":"The transformation in our classroom since the arrival of our sensory station has been nothing short of amazing. For my students with autism and varied disabilities, \"taking a break\" isn't just downtime, it's a vital part of their ability to regulate and learn. When the materials first arrived, the room was buzzing with pure joy. One of my students, who is often non-verbal when overwhelmed, clapped his hands and pointed to the new liquid motion timers and theraputy with a huge grin. It was a powerful reminder that these aren't just toys; they are keys that unlock a student's ability to stay present and engaged.\r\n\r\nWe are currently using these resources as both a \"reset button\" and a high-value incentive for completing work tasks. I want to share a specific moment that happened this week. One of my learners was struggling significantly with a fine-motor writing task and was on the verge of a shutdown. Instead of the frustration escalating, he was able to use our new \"sensory menu\" to choose a 3-minute break with the weighted lap pad and a fidget. Because he had that safe, sensory-rich space to decompress, he was able to return to his desk and finish his assignment with a sense of pride rather than defeat.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has provided the ultimate motivation for our students task completion. My students are now learning how to independently select the right sensory tool to help them get back to a \"ready to learn\" state. Our next step is to incorporate these materials into small-group social lessons, where students practice sharing and taking turns with their favorite sensory items. Thank you for investing in their emotional well-being and giving them the breaks they need to reach their full potential!","fullyFundedDate":1701213926241,"projectUrl":"project/give-us-a-break-with-sensory-play/7710012/","projectTitle":"Give Us a Break with Sensory Play!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ferguson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8027346_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1692518556177","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8027346"},{"teacherId":8027346,"projectId":9491842,"letterContent":"Because of your incredible generosity, our classroom has transformed into a calm, organized, and truly \"boho-chic\" sanctuary for learning. For my special education students, the environment is just as important as the curriculum. These supplies, from the tactile manipulatives to the soothing aesthetic organizers, have provided a sense of predictability and comfort that allows them to focus on what really matters: their growth and independence.\r\n\r\nWhen the boxes first arrived, the excitement was palpable! One of my students, who usually struggles with transitions and sensory input, immediately gravitated toward the new textured seating and earth-toned calming tools. She looked around the room, let out a long breath, and said, \"How beautiful.\" Seeing their faces light up as we replaced mismatched bins with a cohesive, beautiful system made them feel like they were truly valued. It sent a clear message: You deserve a space that is beautiful and functional.\r\n\r\nWe are currently using the new resources to master our \"Morning Flow\" routine. The specific organizers and visual aids have allowed my students to navigate their daily tasks with 75% less verbal prompting from me.\r\n\r\nA Specific Moment: Just yesterday, a student who typically becomes overwhelmed during math used our new boho anchor charts to help solve his math problem. Instead of a meltdown, he completed his entire assignment independently, looking up at the end with a proud smile to show me he was finished.\r\n\r\nOur next step is diving into our \"Community and Connections\" unit. We'll be using our new art supplies and sensory materials to create a collaborative \"Classroom Garden\" mural. This project will help students practice fine motor skills and social turn-taking in a space that now feels like a second home. Thank you for giving my students the tools and the vibe they need to thrive!","fullyFundedDate":1765589543323,"projectUrl":"project/essential-supplies-for-special-ed-learne/9491842/","projectTitle":"Essential Supplies for Special Ed Learners With a Boho Vibe","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ferguson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8027346_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1692518556177","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8027346"},{"teacherId":8027346,"projectId":8698318,"letterContent":"Your generosity has officially kicked our season into high gear! In the world of cheerleading, confidence starts from the ground up, literally. Before your donations, many of our athletes were practicing in worn-out sneakers that didn't provide the grip or ankle support necessary for safe stunting. When the girls walked into the gym and saw the row of \"swag bags\" and brand-new, professional cheer shoes waiting for them, the energy was electric. There were screams of joy, high-fives, and a few happy tears. Seeing them pull on matching gear made them feel like a cohesive, elite unit before they even hit their first stunt.\r\n\r\nThe impact of the new shoes was immediate during our very first practice. We have been working on perfecting our \"Extension\" stunts, where the bases hold the flyer high above their heads. With the proper cheer shoes, our bases now have the stability and traction they need to stay grounded, and our flyers feel secure enough to focus on their form rather than their footing.\r\n\r\nA Standout Moment: One of our flyers, who had been nervous about a new basket toss, told me that having \"real\" shoes made her feel brave enough to try it. She nailed the landing on the first try, and the whole squad erupted in cheers. That moment of bravery was made possible because you provided the equipment she needed to feel safe.\r\n\r\nNow that we are fully equipped, our next big milestone is the Regional Spirit Showcase. We are currently using our practice time to polish our high-energy routine and integrate more advanced tumbling passes, something the girls are much more comfortable doing now that they have consistent, supportive footwear. These \"swag bags\" didn't just give them gear; they gave them a sense of pride and professional identity that they carry with them every time they step onto the blue mats. Thank you for being the wind beneath our wings this season!","fullyFundedDate":1732477721533,"projectUrl":"project/we-have-spirit-how-about-you/8698318/","projectTitle":"We Have Spirit, How About You?","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ferguson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8027346_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1692518556177","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8027346"},{"teacherId":8067534,"projectId":6031056,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your support! The technology was a wonderful gift for my students. It brought them joy for each student to get the opportunity to work on a tablet. They were able to learn technical skills to enhance their learning. They were able to learn how to get on IXL independently and other learning platforms. As a result, the students improved in reading and math.\r\nAs a Special Education Teacher, the Technology supports diverse learning needs by enabling differentiated instruction. Tools like interactive quizzes and multimedia resources cater to various learning styles, helping every student grasp complex concepts effectively. The students were able to work together and the peer interaction created a inclusive and supportive learning enviornment.","fullyFundedDate":1637890730817,"projectUrl":"project/technology-saves-time-and-solves-problem/6031056/","projectTitle":"Technology Saves Time and Solves Problems","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Arrington","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8067534_orig.jpg?crop=1157,1157,x0,y150&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1637729240274","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8067534"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_5376","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":352,"numTeachers":27,"percentFrplEligible":83,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":96,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":2,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"13.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":62.5,"schoolId":5376,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Ariel Community Academy on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Ariel Community Academy","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/chicago-public-school-district-299/ariel-community-academy/5376"}