{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Calmeca Academy","outOfStateSupporters":34.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10377387,"projectId":9948850,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity. The arrival of our new projector has transformed the learning environment here at Calmeca. It is more than just a piece of hardware; it is a window that brings our curriculum to life with a clarity we simply didn't have before.\r\n\r\nMany of you use high-definition technology at home for entertainment, but in our classroom, that same power is used to bridge the gap between \"looking\" and \"learning.\" In a school setting, visual clarity is a matter of accessibility. Because this projector is so much brighter than our previous model, I no longer have to dim the lights to the point where students can't see their notebooks to take notes. This allows us to maintain a bright, active atmosphere where students can see the fine details of a complex map or a scientific diagram while still collaborating with their peers in a well-lit room.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting part for the students has been the sheer immersion. When we project images or videos now, the colors are vivid and the text is crisp. To them, it feels like a \"classroom cinema.\" This \"wow factor\" has significantly increased their focus; when the screen turns on, the room goes silent with anticipation. It has turned standard lessons into shared experiences that spark immediate questions and curiosity.\r\n\r\nI've noticed a profound change in my students who are visual learners or those who previously struggled with attention. One student, who used to drift off during lectures, is now the first to jump up and point out specific details on the screen. The brightness helps anchor their attention and makes abstract concepts feel much more concrete. For my students who are building their English language skills, having such high-quality visual cues paired with our lessons has been essential for their confidence and comprehension.\r\n\r\nYour support has truly brightened the future of these students, literally and figuratively. Thank you for investing in our classroom and our community.","fullyFundedDate":1765826349323,"projectUrl":"project/a-mariachi-project-ion/9948850/","projectTitle":"A Mariachi Project-ion","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sandoval","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10377387"},{"teacherId":8806297,"projectId":10087623,"letterContent":"The transformation in our classroom since the arrival of your gifts has been incredible. When the students first saw the inflatable chairs and wiggle donuts being unpacked, the room was filled with pure joy. One of my students immediately sank into an inflatable chair with a book and said, \"I feel like I'm sitting on a cloud!\" Seeing their faces light up as they realized they could finally \"wiggle\" while they worked was a moment I will never forget.\r\n\r\nWe are currently using these resources to power through our intensive morning literacy and during evening math blocks. The impact on our daily productivity has been immediate; instead of students constantly getting up to wander or losing focus due to restlessness, they are now tucked into their \"focus zones.\" I've watched students who previously struggled to sit still for ten minutes now remain completely immersed in their assignments while gently bouncing on their wiggle donuts. By meeting their sensory needs, you have removed a significant barrier to their academic success.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, our next big step is a Collaborative STEM Research Project. Because the inflatable chairs and donuts are so lightweight and mobile, students can easily pivot and gather in small \"learning pods\" to share ideas and build models together. This flexibility allows our classroom to transition from independent work to group collaboration in seconds. Your generosity hasn't just provided furniture; it has created a space where every student feels comfortable and ready to succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1770647671544,"projectUrl":"project/wiggle-while-we-work-flexible-seating-f/10087623/","projectTitle":"Wiggle While We Work: Flexible Seating for Focus","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. López","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8806297_orig.jpg?crop=795,795,x170,y511&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1772114611001","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ym-lopez"},{"teacherId":1140159,"projectId":9199079,"letterContent":"It is because of you that my students were able to receive new classroom supplies. Our old clipboards were unattractive and literally falling apart from years of use. Many clipboards had cracks in them or had missing pieces, making them difficult to use. Nonetheless, students made due. When the new ones came, my students faces lit up and they cheered. Finally, no more struggling and having to manipulate the paper just to be able to write on it. \r\nClipboards are essential in my classroom because they allow students the flexibility of completing their work in any part of our room. With the clipboards, students are free to explore other work spaces and are not locked in to a desk.\r\nAll of the other supplies have also made a positive impact. Our pencils were down to a nub and the erasers were long gone. Crayons in our room were nearly non-existent. Our scissors were dull and our glue sticks empty. We were also getting dangerously low on story writing paper. \r\nAfter receipt of our supplies we longer have to ration. I am happy to report that we are back to writing, drawing, crafting and creating every single day. We are so appreciative because a new spark of creativity has been ignited. You did that with your generous donation and we are so happy you did!","fullyFundedDate":1742950383132,"projectUrl":"project/supplies-for-success/9199079/","projectTitle":"Supplies for Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rivera","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1140159"},{"teacherId":9680178,"projectId":8799335,"letterContent":"At the beginning of the school year, establishing a well-equipped classroom environment plays a critical role in supporting the academic and social development of 1st grade students. Among the essential resources that contribute to a productive learning space are a printer, a number chart, and cleaning supplies. Though seemingly simple, these tools have a meaningful impact on students' learning experiences, independence, and sense of responsibility.\r\n\r\nFirst, having access to a printer in the classroom enhances students' engagement and ownership of their learning. With a printer readily available, teachers can quickly produce customized learning materials that meet students' individual needs. Whether it's differentiated worksheets, visual aids, or student-created stories, being able to print resources on demand ensures that learning is responsive and relevant. For young learners, seeing their work printed and displayed fosters a strong sense of pride and motivation. It validates their efforts and encourages them to take their learning seriously. In addition, printed materials such as newsletters or student work sent home help strengthen the connection between school and families, ensuring that parents stay informed and involved in their child's progress.\r\n\r\nSecondly, the presence of a number chart in the classroom supports the development of foundational math skills. First grade is a crucial year for building number sense, and a number chart serves as a constant visual reference that helps students recognize patterns, count forward and backward, and understand place value. It empowers students to work more independently by providing a tool they can refer to when solving math problems. During whole-class lessons, the number chart can be used for interactive activities and games, making math more engaging and accessible. It not only supports academic growth but also encourages collaborative learning as students explore mathematical concepts together.\r\n\r\nFinally, providing cleaning supplies at the start of the school year contributes to the health, safety, and community values of the classroom. A clean learning environment reduces the spread of germs, helping students stay healthy and minimizing disruptions caused by illness. More importantly, involving students in simple cleaning tasks instills a sense of responsibility and respect for shared spaces. When students help maintain their classroom, they develop a sense of ownership and pride in their learning environment. These habits promote a positive classroom culture where everyone contributes to the well-being of the group.\r\n\r\nIn conclusion, the inclusion of a printer, number chart, and cleaning supplies at the beginning of the school year may seem minor, but they have a significant impact on 1st grade students. These tools not only support academic success by providing access to learning materials and visual aids, but they also foster independence, responsibility, and community values. By thoughtfully preparing the classroom with these resources, educators create a nurturing and effective learning environment where young students can thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1727792543367,"projectUrl":"project/sparkling-into-a-clean-and-organize-clas/8799335/","projectTitle":"Sparkling Into a Clean and Organize Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gonzalez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9680178_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768388631091","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9680178"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_5740","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":625,"numTeachers":41,"percentFrplEligible":86,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":97,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"15.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":65.4,"schoolId":5740,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Calmeca Academy on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Calmeca Academy","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/chicago-public-school-district-299/calmeca-academy-of-fine-arts-and-dual-language/5740"}