{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Budlong Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":31.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":976313,"projectId":9799649,"letterContent":"I am so appreciative for your funding for project! This technology seems very simple, but it is helping my yearbook staff immensely this year. Some of my middle school students do not have their own cell phones and can use the digital camera easily to obtain great photos for their pages. \r\nSome students expressed interest in recording videos with the camera and learning about all of the different features included.\r\nThanks again for your generosity. It is greatly appreciated and will add so much to my club.","fullyFundedDate":1765205048514,"projectUrl":"project/digital-camera/9799649/","projectTitle":"Digital Camera","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Yu","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/976313"},{"teacherId":8344277,"projectId":9861622,"letterContent":"On behalf of my students and myself, I want to express my deepest gratitude for your generous donation. Your support has brought our vision of a calm, inclusive, and focused classroom to life.\r\n\r\nThanks to your contribution, we have integrated an SEL (Social-Emotional Learning) curriculum, a peanut ball, and various sensory tools directly into our daily routine. Here is how these materials are making a tangible difference in the resource room:\r\n\r\nThe SEL curriculum has become the highlight of the students' week. My students are learning to identify their feelings and develop a vocabulary for their emotions using \"Spots.\" Instead of feeling overwhelmed by frustration, they are now practicing empathy and problem-solving.\r\n\r\nThe peanut ball and sensory tools have been transformative for our high-energy moments. For many of my students, sitting still in a traditional chair is a barrier to learning. These materials allow students to regulate themselves effectively to return to learning.\r\n\r\nBy meeting the sensory and emotional needs of students, we have seen a noticeable decrease in classroom frustration and an increase in active participation. Thank you for recognizing that sensory support isn't a luxury; it's a necessity for student success. You have empowered my students to take charge of their own regulation and, in turn, their own education.","fullyFundedDate":1762259143723,"projectUrl":"project/meeting-social-emotional-and-sensory-nee/9861622/","projectTitle":"Meeting Social-Emotional and Sensory Needs for Student Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Blidy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8344277_orig.jpg?crop=2479,2479,x191,y897&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1761605420860","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8344277"},{"teacherId":9904208,"projectId":9614515,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support in funding our classroom project. Your contribution has made an immediate and meaningful difference for our students. \r\n\r\nWith this resource, our students are more engaged, confident, and excited to learn. The vibrant visuals help them better understand new vocabulary, follow instructions, and express their ideas. For some of our learners, these resources open doors to comprehension that words alone could not. Every day, we see students making new connections, participating more actively, and taking pride in their work.\r\n\r\nYour kindness has truly brightened our classroom and empowered our learners. Thank you for believing in our students and investing in their success. We are deeply grateful for your generosity and for the positive impact you have made on their education.","fullyFundedDate":1756065009468,"projectUrl":"project/see-second-grade-in-color/9614515/","projectTitle":"See Second Grade in Color","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Carrillo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9904208"},{"teacherId":2148071,"projectId":9712498,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom now has full access to Reading A–Z, and the impact on students' reading growth has been remarkable. From the very first week, students were excited to explore books that matched their individual reading levels, and that enthusiasm has translated into real progress.\r\n\r\nBecause Reading A–Z offers differentiated texts, my students are now able to read books that are just right for them—challenging enough to promote growth, yet accessible enough to build confidence. Many reluctant readers have become noticeably more motivated, often asking if they can read \"just one more book.\" Students who once struggled to finish a text are now completing books independently and participating more actively in discussions.\r\n\r\nThe program's interactive features and comprehension resources have strengthened critical skills such as vocabulary, fluency, and understanding of informational texts. I've seen measurable improvement during small-group reading sessions: students are decoding more accurately, demonstrating deeper comprehension, and moving up reading levels more quickly than before.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, my students feel like readers. They are proud of their growth, and that pride is a direct result of the opportunities your donation made possible.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our classroom and giving my students the tools they need to thrive. Your support truly made a difference.","fullyFundedDate":1758821010713,"projectUrl":"project/raz-kids-online-leveled-reading/9712498/","projectTitle":"RAZ-Kids Online Leveled Reading","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Dunskus","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2148071_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1460236748117","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-dunskus"},{"teacherId":2148071,"projectId":9651015,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom now has full access to Reading A–Z, and the impact on students' reading growth has been remarkable. From the very first week, students were excited to explore books that matched their individual reading levels, and that enthusiasm has translated into real progress.\r\n\r\nBecause Reading A–Z offers differentiated texts, my students are now able to read books that are just right for them—challenging enough to promote growth, yet accessible enough to build confidence. Many reluctant readers have become noticeably more motivated, often asking if they can read \"just one more book.\" Students who once struggled to finish a text are now completing books independently and participating more actively in discussions.\r\n\r\nThe program's interactive features and comprehension resources have strengthened critical skills such as vocabulary, fluency, and understanding of informational texts. I've seen measurable improvement during small-group reading sessions: students are decoding more accurately, demonstrating deeper comprehension, and moving up reading levels more quickly than before.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, my students feel like readers. They are proud of their growth, and that pride is a direct result of the opportunities your donation made possible.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our classroom and giving my students the tools they need to thrive. Your support truly made a difference.","fullyFundedDate":1757429189051,"projectUrl":"project/ixl-differentiated-learning-suite/9651015/","projectTitle":"IXL Differentiated Learning Suite","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Dunskus","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2148071_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1460236748117","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-dunskus"},{"teacherId":5673708,"projectId":9684558,"letterContent":"I wanted to update you on how much my students are loving the resources from this Donors Choose project in STEAM classes. It is so incredible to see their faces light up and smiles as they enter our STEAM space and see all the materials. They are learning to collaborate and problem solve as they share and work with the materials. Our STEAM class is giving them a comfortable space where they are learning that mistakes are opportunities to learn from, as they revise and redesign their plans. It has been amazing to see how encouraging they are to each other as they problem solve together. We've been able to do both hands-on and digital challenges, thanks to your generosity. Your donations have enriched their learning experiences, and we're so grateful!","fullyFundedDate":1758769079325,"projectUrl":"project/full-steam-ahead-cultivating-curiosity/9684558/","projectTitle":"Full STEAM Ahead: Cultivating Curiosity & Creativity","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Slade","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5673708_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1534015405291","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5673708"},{"teacherId":2510258,"projectId":9605132,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support of our Illuminating Learning project, our classroom has truly come alive with color, light, and creativity. The new light table and manipulatives have become a daily centerpiece of exploration, and I am thrilled to share how these resources are being used to spark curiosity and hands-on learning among my preschoolers.\r\n\r\nFrom the very first moment the light table was turned on, the room filled with gasps of excitement and wide-eyed wonder. Several children immediately gathered around, placing their hands on the glowing surface, fascinated by how the light seemed to make their fingers \"shine.\" Within minutes, they were exploring how translucent shapes changed colors when layered together. One little scientist proudly announced, \"I made purple!\" after mixing red and blue pieces—an early and joyful experiment in color theory that perfectly captured the spirit of discovery this project was meant to inspire.\r\n\r\nWe've since integrated the light table into many areas of our curriculum. During our Shapes and Shadows unit, students used the manipulatives to build glowing towers and patterns, then drew what they created on paper to connect art and geometry. In science, they explored how light interacts with different materials, testing which objects let light through and which ones blocked it. We even used natural items like leaves and stones, encouraging observation and conversation about textures and transparency. The children are learning to make predictions, test ideas, and communicate their findings—important foundational skills for future STEAM learning.\r\n\r\nThe next steps for our young learners involve expanding their investigations into storytelling and design. We'll soon be introducing translucent letters and numbers, encouraging the children to build glowing words and count with color. We're also planning a Light and Nature project where students will use the table to examine natural materials they collect outside and document their discoveries through drawing and photography.\r\n\r\nEvery day, I see my students becoming more confident, inquisitive, and collaborative learners because of the tools you helped provide. Your generosity has not only brightened our classroom—it has illuminated new pathways for learning and imagination. Thank you for believing in the power of hands-on, joyful education.","fullyFundedDate":1757540699178,"projectUrl":"project/luminous-learning/9605132/","projectTitle":"Luminous Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Azose","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-azose"},{"teacherId":5673708,"projectId":9590074,"letterContent":"I wanted to update you on how much my students are loving the resources from this Donors Choose project in STEAM classes. It is so incredible to see all their smiling faces as they enter our STEAM space and see all the materials. I surveyed the students at the start of the year, and these materials have allowed me to meet the students' interests and skills in really fun ways! Students are learning to persevere as they build and create. They are learning to collaborate and problem solve as they share and work with the materials. Students are developing their identities as makers as they go through engineering design processes to build prototypes. Our STEAM class is giving them a comfortable space where they are learning that mistakes are opportunities to learn from, as they revise and redesign their plans. It has been amazing to see how encouraging they are to each other as they problem solve together. \r\nThank you so much for your generosity. Your donations have enriched their learning experiences, and we're so grateful!","fullyFundedDate":1757553265556,"projectUrl":"project/full-steam-ahead-cultivating-curiosity/9590074/","projectTitle":"Full STEAM Ahead: Cultivating Curiosity & Creativity","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Slade","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5673708_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1534015405291","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5673708"},{"teacherId":10004275,"projectId":9630975,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donations which allowed us to purchase our new privacy cube and the accompanying mat for our classroom! The students have really enjoyed using the new space to look quietly at books, to regulate their emotions when needing a calm, quiet spot, and as a space to spend time with their friends. Your generosity is greatly appreciated! It's been so fun watching the students huddle inside with their stuffies and books to spend time with their friends. Because of you, the privacy cube can be a space for the children to make memories for years to come! Thank you for supporting us in the expansion of the new area in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1755888504150,"projectUrl":"project/calm-corner-a-cozy-privacy-cube-for-rea/9630975/","projectTitle":"Calm Corner: A Cozy Privacy Cube for Reading & Self‑Regulation","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Matty","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10004275"},{"teacherId":3052987,"projectId":9204293,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity in supporting our classroom kitchen. Your donation has already made a remarkable difference in the daily lives of my kindergarten students. \r\n\r\nOne of the most delightful parts of having the classroom kitchen is seeing the pure creativity that comes out of it. My students dream up the most elaborate and silly recipes—ones that no cookbook could ever capture! Who wouldn't smile at the thought of a hotdog topped with a generous scoop of ice cream, served on a plate decorated with imaginary sprinkles? Or a \"five-course meal\" that includes pizza, pancakes, spaghetti, and cupcakes all at once? To them, there are no rules in the kitchen, only opportunities to imagine, build, and play.","fullyFundedDate":1742823885924,"projectUrl":"project/tiny-chefs-a-play-kitchen-for-future-m/9204293/","projectTitle":"Tiny Chefs – A Play Kitchen for Future Michelin Stars","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kemerling","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3052987_orig.png?crop=272,272,x9,y11&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1655462591318","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-kemerling"},{"teacherId":8927945,"projectId":9448619,"letterContent":"Thanks to your kindness and contributions, the Budlong Art Room has become a calming, colorful and safe place for students to create and learn! We are currently starting a painting unit with the watercolor and tempura paints provided from this project and the wonder and joy these students get from painting is nothing short of magical! Our preschool students are especially having a blast learning how to mix the primary colors together to make the secondary colors and it has been so much fun!\r\n\r\nArt is such an important part of student's education and it has been so special to see these students thrive in the art room after not having a creative outlet for the past few years. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart for helping give my students the art room they deserve!","fullyFundedDate":1752407377709,"projectUrl":"project/making-happy-little-accidents/9448619/","projectTitle":"Making Happy Little Accidents","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Shafer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8927945_orig.png?crop=708,708,x147,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1751901489456","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8927945"},{"teacherId":5673708,"projectId":9542205,"letterContent":"I wanted to update you on how much my students are loving the resources from this Donors Choose project in STEAM classes. It is so incredible to see their faces light up and smiles as they enter our STEAM space and see all the materials. \r\nPrimary grade students are learning to persevere as they build and create. They are learning to collaborate and problem solve as they share and work with the materials. Upper grade students are taking on the roles of engineers as they go through engineering design processes to build prototypes. Our STEAM class is giving them a comfortable space where they are learning that mistakes are opportunities to learn from, as they revise and redesign their plans. It has been amazing to see how encouraging they are to each other as they problem solve together. \r\nThank you so much for your generosity. Your donations have enriched their learning experiences, and we're so appreciative!","fullyFundedDate":1754871192674,"projectUrl":"project/steam-lab-cultivating-curiosity-creat/9542205/","projectTitle":"STEAM Lab: Cultivating Curiosity & Creativity","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Slade","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5673708_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1534015405291","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5673708"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_5420","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":733,"numTeachers":38,"percentFrplEligible":66,"percentAsian":16,"percentBlack":5,"percentWhite":34,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":38,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"19.3:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":68.2,"schoolId":5420,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Budlong Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Budlong Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/chicago-public-school-district-299/budlong-elementary-school/5420"}