{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Darwin Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":30.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10050681,"projectId":9451490,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your support of my social work practice and my students' social-emotional learning. These materials have helped us start the year off strong as we inch closer to wrapping up the first semester of the school year. My students have especially loved the Little Spot of Emotion character plushies and their corresponding books. I have also found and purchased activities that go along with the Little Spot of Emotion curriculum, so many of our lessons have flowed smoothly. I appreciate how these materials help me differentiate my lessons (or make them approachable for students of different skill levels). And the students have loved how interactive this curriculum is. 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Instead of completing drills in isolation, my students now practice their speech and language goals through interactive games, group activities, and hands-on practice. Students take turns practicing their sounds while moving game pieces or drawing cards. One student, who is usually hesitant to speak up, lit up during a game and ended up practicing his target sound many times without even realizing how much work he was putting in. Moments like these highlight how powerful these resources are in helping students stay motivated while building communication skills.\r\nWhen the students returned to school this fall, their reactions to the new materials were priceless. As soon as they walked into the room, they noticed the colorful shelves filled with new games and activities. Several students exclaimed \"Wow!\" and couldn't wait to find out how they would get to use the materials. Their excitement hasn't faded either, now they enter sessions asking, \"Which game are we playing today?\" That enthusiasm has been contagious, making it easier for students to take risks, try again after mistakes, and encourage their peers. What used to feel like hard work now feels fun, and that shift in mindset has made a noticeable difference in their progress.\r\nLooking ahead, the next step is helping students carry over the skills they are building in speech into their classrooms. While the games provide practice in a structured and supportive setting, the ultimate goal is for students to use their strategies with teachers and peers during academic tasks.\r\nI am deeply grateful to our donors for making this possible. The resources have sparked joy, boosted participation, and given my students new confidence. 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Darwin Elementary School

Join the 778 supporters who believe in this school.

About this school

Darwin Elementary School is an urban public school in Chicago, Illinois that is part of Chicago Public School District 299. It serves 497 students in grades Pre-K - 8 with a student/teacher ratio of 20.7:1. Its teachers have had 214 projects funded on DonorsChoose.

Equity Focus School

Support towards this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Public School

Title 1

Grades Pre-K - 8

497 Students

24 Teachers

3116 W Belden Ave

Chicago, IL 60647 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

Darwin Elementary School Teachers on DonorsChoose

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Darwin Elementary School Demographics

81%

of students receive free or reduced price lunch

Source: the National Center for Education Statistics

90%

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.

Darwin Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Dec 4, 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.

Darwin Elementary School

$130,906

raised using DonorsChoose

214

projects funded

teachers funded

778

donors

projects for basic supplies

projects for technology

projects for books

projects for art supplies

Darwin Elementary School has received support from 540 individuals from Illinois and 238 individuals out-of-state.

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season! Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.

Darwin Elementary School

About this school

Equity Focus School

Darwin Elementary School Teachers on DonorsChoose

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DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

Darwin Elementary School Demographics

Darwin Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Dec 4, 2025

Darwin Elementary School

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season!
Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.