Banner Elementary School in Dunlap, Illinois on DonorsChoose

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The laminating sheets, notebooks, folders, and erasable pens are helping us stay organized and creative as we build interactive vocabulary and writing centers.\r\n\r\nThe fidget toys have been an incredible support for students who need sensory breaks or extra focus, allowing all learners to participate more confidently. And our new bilingual books—including La Fiesta de las Tortillas, Día de los Muertos, Cinco de Mayo, and Tres Reyes Magos: Colores—bring cultural celebrations to life in both Spanish and English, deepening students' connection to the language and the rich traditions behind it.\r\n\r\nThe art supplies and rubber bands are already fueling hands-on projects, from papel picado crafts to colorful holiday displays. Every single item you helped provide is being used with purpose and excitement each day.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in my students' learning journey and helping me create a classroom that celebrates language, culture, and creativity. Your kindness has made a lasting impact on our school community, and we are truly grateful!","fullyFundedDate":1755733999488,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-spanish-to-life-through-culture/9576127/","projectTitle":"Bringing Spanish to Life Through Culture and Creativity","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Rivera","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3588532_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755029608307","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3588532"},{"teacherId":9901610,"projectId":9069875,"letterContent":"On behalf of my occupational therapy students and myself, I want to extend a sincere thank you for your generous donation of materials. Your support has made a meaningful difference in our classroom, enhancing hands-on learning opportunities and allowing students to better develop the skills they need to succeed in their future careers. Because of your kindness, our students are more engaged, more confident, and better prepared to make a positive impact in the field of occupational therapy.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in their growth and success — your generosity is truly appreciated.","fullyFundedDate":1747400905604,"projectUrl":"project/little-hands-creating-big-futures/9069875/","projectTitle":"Little Hands Creating Big Futures!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jordan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9901610"},{"teacherId":3588532,"projectId":9192775,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom has transformed into a more interactive, engaging, and accessible learning environment. The wireless voice amplifier has been a game-changer—students can now hear instructions clearly, even during active play or outdoor activities, which has greatly improved focus and participation. The Apple Pencil has brought our lessons to life; students are sketching ideas, solving math problems, and practicing handwriting with excitement and ease. Even the HomePod mini adds a warm, welcoming atmosphere to our day, playing everything from calming background music during writing time to upbeat educational songs that make transitions smoother and more fun.\r\n\r\nWhat excites students most is the hands-on exploration that these materials now allow. The LEGO sets, magnetic tiles, and Joyn Toys connectors spark creativity during STEM centers, while the Play-Doh and pipe cleaners are favorites for fine motor skill practice and expressive art projects. One student who had been quiet and hesitant to participate has absolutely blossomed using the magnetic Spanish letters, proudly building words and sharing them with the class. These resources have not only supported academic growth, but also boosted students' confidence and joy in learning. 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About this school

Banner Elementary School is a rural public school in Dunlap, Illinois that is part of Dunlap Community Unit School District 323. It serves 391 students in grades K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 16.3:1. Its teachers have had 33 projects funded on DonorsChoose.

Public School

Grades K - 5

391 Students

24 Teachers

12610 N Allen Rd

Dunlap, IL 61525 View local requests

Evidence-based impact

Inspire teachers to stay in the classroom and boost student achievement.¹

Give to this school

Ms. Vero, a DonorsChoose teacher for 9 years.

Kindergarten teacher at PS81 - Robert J. Christen School in Bronx, NY

Banner Elementary School Teachers on DonorsChoose

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Banner Elementary School Demographics

13%

of students receive free or reduced price lunch

Source: the National Center for Education Statistics

23%

of students are Black, Latino, Native American, or Asian

Schools in districts that mainly serve students of color receive substantially less state and local support than similar districts that serve primarily White students. Learn more about this gap, why it exists, and how you can help close it.

Banner Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Dec 5, 2025

DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.