{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Bridge Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":25.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9299842,"projectId":10094932,"letterContent":"Thank you for helping bring Science of Writing books into our kindergarten classroom. These books have made a powerful impact on my students' learning and excitement about writing. My kindergarteners absolutely love them and often ask me to read them every single day. The engaging stories and clear connections between sounds, letters, and writing help students understand how words are built and how they can use those sounds in their own writing.\r\nBecause of these books, my students are becoming more confident writers. They are beginning to stretch out words, listen for sounds, and apply phonics strategies as they write. I have seen tremendous growth in their ability to form letters, spell simple words, and express their ideas on paper. Their writing has truly soared, and many students who were once hesitant to write are now eager to share their work.\r\nThese books have helped create a classroom where writing feels exciting, achievable, and meaningful. Thank you for supporting tools that help young learners develop strong literacy foundations and a lifelong love of reading and writing.","fullyFundedDate":1771027953023,"projectUrl":"project/from-the-mouth-of-babes-onto-paper/10094932/","projectTitle":"From the mouth of babes onto paper.","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Duran","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9299842_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1733398256904","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/rachel-duran"},{"teacherId":9299842,"projectId":10006876,"letterContent":"I am incredibly grateful for the generous donations that helped bring these hands-on learning tools into my kindergarten classroom. My students have truly benefited from the engaging materials, and it has been wonderful to watch their excitement as they explore and learn.\r\nThe Alphabet Sounds Teaching Tubs and Junior Learning Alphabet Arc Bubble Board have become favorites during our literacy block. These tools help students practice letter recognition and connect sounds to letters in a visual and tactile way. My kindergarteners love using the bubbles and manipulatives as they build words and practice phonemic awareness. Tools like the hand2mind Little Minds at Work Sound Segmenting Trays and Sort That Sound! Activity Set make sound segmenting interactive and help my students develop essential early reading skills aligned with the Science of Reading.\r\nIn math, the Learning Resources Geometric Shapes Building Set, Learning Resources Geometric Solids, and Learning Resources View-Thru Geometric Solids allow students to explore shapes and spatial reasoning through hands-on discovery. The hand2mind Place Value Frame with Base Ten Blocks has helped introduce number sense in a concrete way, making abstract math concepts easier for young learners to understand.\r\nStudents also love our interactive learning games like the Splash! Jr. Alphabet Game and the Midway Monsters Jumbo Oversized Playing Cards, which turn practice into fun and collaborative learning experiences. Sensory tools such as the hand2mind Letter Tracing Sensory Pad support students who learn best through touch and movement.\r\nEven small organizational tools like the TidyFriend Magnetic Towel Holder help keep our classroom materials accessible and organized so students can focus on learning.\r\nBecause of your generosity, my kindergarteners are able to learn through play, movement, and exploration every day. These resources support literacy, math, and critical thinking skills while building confidence and joy in learning. Thank you for investing in my students and helping create a classroom environment where curiosity and growth thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1768532393904,"projectUrl":"project/multi-sensory-and-hands-on-ways-to-make/10006876/","projectTitle":"Multi-Sensory and Hands on Ways to Make Learning Fun!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Duran","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9299842_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1733398256904","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/rachel-duran"},{"teacherId":8589432,"projectId":9928159,"letterContent":"Thank you for your incredible generosity in funding our classroom iPad. This iPad has become a powerful tool in our literacy instruction, especially during small-group learning. It allows students to engage with interactive reading activities, practice foundational skills, and receive immediate feedback that supports their growth as readers.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, I am able to differentiate instruction more effectively and meet students where they are in their literacy development. Your kindness is making a meaningful difference every day, and my students are more motivated, confident, and excited to learn.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our classroom and investing in our readers' success","fullyFundedDate":1770864090375,"projectUrl":"project/adding-technology-to-power-literacy-and/9928159/","projectTitle":"Adding Technology to Power Literacy and Small Group Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cruz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8589432_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768625241545","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/tiffany-cruz"},{"teacherId":10307139,"projectId":9813428,"letterContent":"It's been quite the adventure using our new items. Our Galaxy tent has been our new home! Not only is it used to stargaze with our new projector. We use light up gel boards to draw weekly letters.\r\n Our STEM room has been transformed into a an Aquarium. We are working on hanging our fiber optic lights to illuminate a corner of the room. \r\n With our frigid temperatures, we've been spending a lot of time indoors and our sensory pod swing has been the biggest hit! The students are starting to love the indoor recess. \r\n Now that we have more tools and resources. We are able to make different areas throughout the school calming and functional. Both buildings have access to such spaces regardless of which level your on or building your in.\r\n Thank you all for your donations, helping me find spaces, and your suggestions. I truly appreciate it.","fullyFundedDate":1762495616807,"projectUrl":"project/building-better-worlds-for-every-mind/9813428/","projectTitle":"Building Better Worlds for Every Mind","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Reyes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10307139_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1761610539050","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10307139"},{"teacherId":8589432,"projectId":10009931,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom project. Because of you, my students now have access to resources that will make a meaningful difference in their learning each and every day.\r\nThese materials will help create engaging, hands-on experiences that support strong foundational skills and foster confidence, creativity, and a love of learning. Your kindness allows my students to learn in ways that are developmentally appropriate, research-based, and joyful.\r\nMy class and I are truly grateful for your investment in our education. Your support shows our students that there are people beyond our classroom who believe in them and care about their success. Thank you for being a part of our learning journey.","fullyFundedDate":1770065504967,"projectUrl":"project/strategic-games-for-math-reading-and-c/10009931/","projectTitle":"Strategic Games for Math, Reading, and Critical Thinking","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cruz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8589432_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768625241545","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/tiffany-cruz"},{"teacherId":487720,"projectId":9788099,"letterContent":"Seeing the students' faces when they first saw the jerseys was a moment I won't forget. In the past, our athletes had to wear old shirts or mesh pinnies, which felt more like gym class than a team. When I showed them the new jerseys, they were so excited. They felt like a true part of the school community. One student mentioned that they finally felt like a \"real\" athlete, and you could see that sense of belonging and pride take over the entire group.\r\n\r\nWe are about to start the season, and the timing couldn't be better. Because of your generosity, they'll be stepping onto that court for the first time next month looking and feeling like champions. Thank you for making this experience possible for our 5th and 6th graders!","fullyFundedDate":1762821754392,"projectUrl":"project/jerseys-to-build-team-spirit-and-confide/9788099/","projectTitle":"Jerseys to Build Team Spirit and Confidence","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Banaszek","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/487720"},{"teacherId":8589432,"projectId":10018196,"letterContent":"Thank you for contributing to writers of the future. Thus course provide explicit training and materials to implement immediately with students in order for them to become better writers, as well as readers. This training helps me become a better dedicator and able to explicitly teach writing every year and will benefit many students for years to come. The students are already been fitting of materials presented in this training. They are able to write more independently. An incredible writing journey that they have begun! Thank you for allowing them access to better tools!","fullyFundedDate":1768567739783,"projectUrl":"project/elevate-writing-with-the-science-of-writ/10018196/","projectTitle":"Elevate Writing With the Science of Writing","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cruz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8589432_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768625241545","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/tiffany-cruz"},{"teacherId":8589432,"projectId":9925290,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting us as we navigate math, science and literacy this year. The students were so excited to receive the whiteboards. We use them daily! Each student has their own that they are responsible for. It is so incredible to be able to change out and customize these boards to what we are learning and watch as the students apply these skills in the classroom. \r\n\r\nThanks for making learning fun and engaging for all students. Thank you for making them feel pride in the work that they do and providing an essential tool that will last for students years to come. We appreciate you!","fullyFundedDate":1767881232205,"projectUrl":"project/keeping-students-engaged-with-whiteboard/9925290/","projectTitle":"Keeping Students Engaged With Whiteboards That Can Be Customized!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cruz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8589432_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768625241545","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/tiffany-cruz"},{"teacherId":8589432,"projectId":9898850,"letterContent":"Thank you kindly for your donation to support math learners in our classroom. These items have created such an excitement around math for the students. They are learning to master the 100 puzzle. They have been so excited to explore math and reading with the game boards for our small group! \r\n\r\nOn Fridays we take a few of the strategy games to play for Fun Friday and Uzzle and Upzzle are huge hits! These games promote collaboration, critical thinking, sharing and create bonds amongst the kids. We are so very grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1766507563751,"projectUrl":"project/building-strong-little-mathematicians-wi/9898850/","projectTitle":"Building Strong Little Mathematicians With Hands-On Stem Items!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cruz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8589432_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768625241545","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/tiffany-cruz"},{"teacherId":9299842,"projectId":9882007,"letterContent":"Thank you to our generous donors for providing the additional camera lens that has added so much depth to our kindergarten students' learning. This extra lens has expanded how students explore photography, helping them understand concepts like distance, focus, and perspective in a hands-on, age-appropriate way.\r\n\r\nOur students are excited to see how changing the lens changes what they capture. They compare close-up details to wider views, ask thoughtful questions, and experiment with how images look different depending on how the camera is used. These experiences naturally introduce early STEM concepts such as observation, cause and effect, and problem-solving.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, our kindergarteners are not only documenting their day—they are learning how tools work and how small changes can create big differences. We are so grateful for the added opportunities this lens has provided and for your belief in meaningful STEM learning for our youngest students.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping deepen our students' curiosity and creativity 💛","fullyFundedDate":1763553838982,"projectUrl":"project/a-lens-for-learning-ii/9882007/","projectTitle":"A Lens For Learning II","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Duran","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9299842_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1733398256904","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/rachel-duran"},{"teacherId":9299842,"projectId":9880671,"letterContent":"In our kindergarten classroom, this camera has become a powerful learning tool. Students are learning how technology works by exploring the camera's basic functions—how to hold it carefully, press the button, frame a picture, and review what they captured. This builds responsibility, fine motor skills, and early digital literacy while allowing students to document their learning in meaningful ways.\r\n\r\nWhat excites our students most is knowing that they can use it to capture their day. They love taking candid action shots during centers, play, and learning time, as well as sweet photos of friendships and special moments. Students are naturally curious about how the camera works, which has led to rich conversations and hands-on learning experiences that feel fun and engaging.\r\n\r\nSeveral students who are quieter or less confident in group settings have especially warmed to this technology. Holding the camera gives them a sense of purpose and pride, and they are excited to share their photos with classmates and family members. Families have loved seeing these genuine moments from our classroom, helping strengthen the home-school connection. This project has truly helped our kindergartners feel empowered, curious, and excited about learning.","fullyFundedDate":1763553780870,"projectUrl":"project/a-lens-for-learning/9880671/","projectTitle":"A Lens for Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Duran","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9299842_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1733398256904","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/rachel-duran"},{"teacherId":9299842,"projectId":9832206,"letterContent":"Here is a **shorter, kindergarten-focused version** that highlights **independence and joy**, written in a warm, donor-friendly tone:\r\n\r\n---\r\n\r\nThe photo booth and iPad have brought so much joy and independence to our kindergarten classroom. This technology empowers students to make choices, take turns, and independently capture moments from their school day. With just a tap, they can snap a picture and instantly see it appear on the screen—something that feels exciting and empowering for five-year-olds.\r\n\r\nOur students love the instant feedback and the freedom to explore safely and responsibly. Even our youngest and most reserved learners light up as they confidently take photos and proudly share them with classmates and family members. The photo booth helps students feel capable and in control, while also creating meaningful memories that they can take home and share.\r\n\r\nThanks to our donors, our kindergarten students are not only learning—they are growing in confidence, independence, and joy every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1763553925119,"projectUrl":"project/say-cheese-for-stem-building-joy-leade/9832206/","projectTitle":"Say Cheese for STEM! Building Joy, Leadership, & LearningPhoto Booth","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Duran","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9299842_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1733398256904","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/rachel-duran"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_5326","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1103,"numTeachers":56,"percentFrplEligible":59,"percentAsian":4,"percentBlack":2,"percentWhite":32,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":58,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"19.7:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":74.4,"schoolId":5326,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Bridge Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Bridge Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/chicago-public-school-district-299/bridge-elementary-school/5326"}