{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Beard Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":26.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":1256962,"projectId":9800523,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom project! My preschoolers are active, curious learners who thrive when they can touch, build, explore, and create. Your contribution is providing them with hands-on materials—like wooden trees, the Chicka Chicka Boom Boom letter tree, tree cross-sections, and stacking blocks—that make learning come alive.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, our classroom has rich, play-based learning centers where children can explore early science, math, language arts, and social-emotional skills in meaningful, joyful ways. These materials will strengthen fine-motor development, spark creativity, and build foundational skills that will support them for years to come.\r\n\r\nHands-on play is powerful, and your generosity makes it possible. Thank you for helping me create an environment where curiosity is encouraged, exploration is celebrated, and every child can learn through play.","fullyFundedDate":1760735082193,"projectUrl":"project/little-hands-big-discoveries-hands-on/9800523/","projectTitle":"Little Hands, Big Discoveries: Hands-On Learning for Curious Preschoolers!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Halina","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1256962_orig.jpg?crop=3318,3318,x0,y110&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1646071463160","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1256962"},{"teacherId":9027332,"projectId":9627299,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom now has a vibrant and welcoming space where students can proudly showcase their hard work. My students are bright, creative, and full of personality, and having a designated \"Gallery of Growing Minds\" has given them a place to truly shine.\r\n\r\n\r\nWe recently used the new space to display our first set of \"All About Me\" portraits. Watching the students walk by, point to their work, and cheer on their classmates was a powerful reminder of how much recognition strengthens confidence and motivation. The desk lamps added a warm glow that made the gallery feel extra special—like a true spotlight on their growing minds.\r\n\r\nAs we continue exploring new lessons in writing, art, and hands-on projects, this display area will become a central part of our classroom community. Students will have ongoing opportunities to showcase their progress, celebrate each other's achievements, and develop a deeper sense of belonging and pride in their learning.\r\n\r\nThank you for making this creative, confidence-building space possible. Your support has helped our classroom become a place where students feel seen, valued, and inspired every day.","fullyFundedDate":1756148351525,"projectUrl":"project/gallery-of-growing-minds/9627299/","projectTitle":"Gallery of Growing Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kacie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9027332_orig.jpg?crop=781,781,x0,y7&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1684095729232","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-kbemis"},{"teacherId":9027332,"projectId":9433933,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom has transformed into a warm and welcoming space where young learners feel right at home. The new rug has quickly become the heart of our room, a cozy gathering place where students come together for morning meetings, stories, and shared lessons. It's amazing to see how simply having a soft, inviting space helps them settle in, focus, and build a sense of community.\r\n\r\nThe wagon has already made an incredible difference in keeping our materials organized and accessible. Students now take pride in helping set up and clean up their learning centers, and the smooth transitions have made our routines more independent and joyful. The wagon has become a little \"helper\" that keeps our day flowing with ease.\r\n\r\nAs we move into our upcoming lessons on early literacy, number sense, and collaborative learning, these additions will continue to support engagement, comfort, and readiness. The rug will anchor our group discussions, and the wagon will help ensure students have everything they need at their fingertips.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping build a classroom environment where curiosity flourishes and young minds feel supported every single day. Your kindness is already making an impact that will last all year long.","fullyFundedDate":1756127657877,"projectUrl":"project/rugs-wagons-and-ready-minds/9433933/","projectTitle":"Rugs, Wagons, and Ready Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kacie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9027332_orig.jpg?crop=781,781,x0,y7&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1684095729232","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-kbemis"},{"teacherId":9027332,"projectId":9433641,"letterContent":"Starting a new classroom is exciting, and thanks to your generous support, my students and I were able to jump right in with everything we needed. The journals, timers, batteries, sensory tools, and art supplies have already become a natural part of our daily routines.\r\n\r\nOne of our first projects using the new materials was a hands-on \"All About Me\" activity. Students used their journals to draw and write about their families, favorite activities, and more! The sensory tools helped students stay focused and comfortable during this project, especially those who benefit from movement or calming textures while they work.\r\n\r\nTheir reactions when they first walked into the classroom were filled with wide smiles and so many \"Can I use that?\" questions. The manipulatives and art materials sparked instant curiosity, and it was clear they felt welcomed and ready to explore.\r\n\r\nWith these resources, we're now preparing to dive into our next unit on numbers, patterns, and early writing. Students will be using their journals to track progress, timers to build independence during centers, and manipulatives to strengthen hands-on learning. Your support has allowed us to build a strong foundation, and we're just getting started.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping create a warm, inspiring, and well-prepared learning environment. Your generosity truly set us up for a joyful and successful school year.","fullyFundedDate":1755744693266,"projectUrl":"project/stocking-up-for-success/9433641/","projectTitle":"Stocking Up for Success!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kacie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9027332_orig.jpg?crop=781,781,x0,y7&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1684095729232","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-kbemis"},{"teacherId":569560,"projectId":9162081,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for generously providing the Air Toobz Classroom Set for our students! I was disappointed when I saw that the squishy circuits that I had originally requested were no longer available, but in the end - it really worked out! The Air Toobz are a big hit!\r\nWith this vibrant hands-on material, my young learners are engaged in powerful investigations of airflow, volume, pressure, and motion as they insert, stack, blow, and explore. Because of your support, I've been able to design more dynamic, inclusive STEM centers where every child—especially those who need sensory and motor-rich experiences—can participate, explore, and thrive. Your gift has already sparked curiosity, confidence, and joyful discovery in our classroom. We are deeply grateful for your commitment to our students' learning and growth!","fullyFundedDate":1745847073809,"projectUrl":"project/squishy-circuits-for-electric-fun/9162081/","projectTitle":"Squishy Circuits for Electric Fun!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Bhansali","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp569560_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1449107518819","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/msdoshi"},{"teacherId":569560,"projectId":8296411,"letterContent":"Thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping bring our project to life in our classroom. Because of your kindness, my Pre-K students get to explore the power of air, experiment with drag and force, and see science in action as they test parachute men, play silks, coffee filters, and more in the wind tunnel I requested. \r\n\r\nYour support doesn't just provide a tool; it opens doors to inquiry, teamwork, and joyful discovery. It sends a message to every child in the room that their questions matter and that we believe they are capable of doing real science and engineering. Watching them lean in, hypothesize, adjust the wind speed and direction, and cheer when they see the results will be a highlight of our year.\r\n\r\nThank you for making this hands-on, meaningful experience possible. You've helped equip our young learners with curiosity, momentum, and the confidence to ask \"What if?\" and \"Why?\" in ways that engage their minds, build their vocabulary, strengthen their fine-motor and reasoning skills, and foster a lifelong love of STEM.\r\n\r\nWith tremendous gratitude and excitement for what's ahead,","fullyFundedDate":1712239393655,"projectUrl":"project/whirlwind-of-fun-a-wind-tunnel/8296411/","projectTitle":"Whirlwind of Fun - a Wind Tunnel!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Bhansali","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp569560_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1449107518819","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/msdoshi"},{"teacherId":2617431,"projectId":9743222,"letterContent":"Thank you again so much! The students were so excited to use the table. They've been using it to build towers and explore colors, letters, and numbers.\r\nWe're looking forward to continuing to use the table to explore new concepts and create more hands-on learning opportunities.\r\nThis table also gives me, as a teacher, new and exciting ways to engage students in learning. It's helping me create more opportunities for hands-on exploration and design lessons that support all children's learning styles.","fullyFundedDate":1758829792287,"projectUrl":"project/glow-and-grow-sensory-light-table-for-y/9743222/","projectTitle":"Glow and Grow: Sensory Light Table for Young Learners Needed!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mathews","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2617431_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1704758623289","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2617431"},{"teacherId":558638,"projectId":6010675,"letterContent":"On behalf of our preschool class, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you for the wonderful faux cozy fireplace you generously provided. From the moment it arrived, it brought warmth—not just in how it looks, but in the joy and imagination it sparked in our students.\r\nThe children's reactions were priceless. Their eyes lit up as they entered the room and saw the glowing \"flames\" and inviting hearth. Many gasped, pointed excitedly, and whispered things like, \"It looks like a real fireplace!\" Almost immediately, they began gathering around it, instinctively treating it as a cozy gathering spot.\r\nSince then, the fireplace has become a beloved part of our classroom. The students sit around it during story time, pretending they're in a cabin or sipping hot cocoa. They use it during dramatic play, pretending it's a campfire, a holiday scene, or even a place to \"warm up\" after being out in the imaginary snow. It's become a calm, central hub for conversation, storytelling, and connection.\r\nBeyond just play, it's also encouraged social-emotional growth. Children invite others to \"sit by the fire,\" fostering inclusion and friendship. It's a small piece with a big impact—helping our space feel more like a home and giving our students a safe, imaginative place to learn and grow.\r\nThank you again for your kindness and for thinking of our students in such a creative and meaningful way. Your gift will continue to spark joy and imagination all season long—and beyond.","fullyFundedDate":1646254762669,"projectUrl":"project/cozy-up-with-a-book/6010675/","projectTitle":"Cozy Up With a Book","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Siobhan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp558638_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1519408984188","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrstoler"},{"teacherId":558638,"projectId":9561458,"letterContent":"On behalf of our preschool classroom, I want to extend our heartfelt thanks for your generous donation of two stools with handles. Your support means so much to us and has already made a noticeable difference in our learning environment.\r\nThese stools are more than just furniture—they are tools that help our little learners feel safe, supported, and independent. The handles are especially helpful for our younger children, offering them the stability they need as they build confidence and coordination throughout the day.\r\n\r\nThanks to your kindness, our classroom is a more inclusive and functional space where every child can participate fully and comfortably.\r\n\r\nWe are truly grateful for your thoughtfulness and generosity. Thank you for investing in the well-being and development of our students!\r\nWith sincere appreciation,","fullyFundedDate":1758636827670,"projectUrl":"project/strong-stool-strong-start/9561458/","projectTitle":"Strong Stool, Strong Start","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Siobhan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp558638_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1519408984188","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrstoler"},{"teacherId":1419965,"projectId":9698266,"letterContent":"Thank you all so much for your generous donations to our \"Fun with STEM\" project! The students have been thoroughly enjoying the exciting new additions to our classroom. The cars and mirrored magnet pieces have taken their creations to the next level!\r\n\r\nThe magnetic cubes have quickly become a class favorite, and the mirrors are a wonderful tool for self-portrait drawing and reflective play.\r\n\r\nWe truly appreciate your continued support and generosity toward our classroom projects. Thank you again for helping make our learning environment so enriching!","fullyFundedDate":1758064336635,"projectUrl":"project/fun-with-stem/9698266/","projectTitle":"Fun With STEM","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Pamela Gaeding","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1419965_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1484759920999","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/gaeding"},{"teacherId":9027332,"projectId":9433541,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our sensory tools project! The new materials have made such a positive impact in our classroom. My students were so excited when they first saw the sensory bins, fidget tools, and calming items, and their eyes lit up. They couldn't wait to explore everything!\r\n\r\nWe've been using the sensory tools daily to help students regulate their emotions, stay focused, and feel ready to learn. These tools have truly helped create a calmer, more inclusive learning environment where every child can thrive.\r\n\r\nNext, we'll continue integrating the sensory materials into our morning routines and small-group activities to support emotional regulation and focus throughout the day.\r\n\r\nYour kindness and generosity have made a real difference for our students, and we are so thankful for the support you've given to help them learn, grow, and feel their best at school!","fullyFundedDate":1755712291830,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-sparks-little-hands-big-discov/9433541/","projectTitle":"Sensory Sparks: Little Hands, Big Discoveries!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kacie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9027332_orig.jpg?crop=781,781,x0,y7&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1684095729232","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-kbemis"},{"teacherId":1256962,"projectId":9757232,"letterContent":"Words cannot express how amazing our new tuff tray has been! Students are invited daily to explore, discover, and manipulate educational items set up in the tuff tray. We are able to provide a designated area for a messy and contained space. This will continue to boost their fine motor skills, problem solving, creativity, and language development. Children are encouraged social skills through collaborative play while utilizing this tuff tray. We are already seeing open-ended and imaginative exploration of our learning topic of trees. The additional animal toys are allowing our students to create imaginative habitats. Thank you so much for supporting our youngest students!","fullyFundedDate":1758820697191,"projectUrl":"project/playful-learning-with-tuff-tray/9757232/","projectTitle":"Playful learning with Tuff Tray!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Halina","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1256962_orig.jpg?crop=3318,3318,x0,y110&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1646071463160","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1256962"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_5311","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":351,"numTeachers":17,"percentFrplEligible":39,"percentAsian":11,"percentBlack":4,"percentWhite":34,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":43,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Not specified","studentTeacherRatio":"20.6:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":73.6,"schoolId":5311,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Beard Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Beard Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/chicago-public-school-district-299/beard-school/5311"}