{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"DePue Unit School","outOfStateSupporters":28.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9682432,"projectId":10083522,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom and helping us create a comfortable, welcoming classroom library with flexible seating and floor cushions. The moment the materials arrived, my students were beyond excited. As we unboxed the cushions and set up our new reading spaces, students immediately began choosing cozy spots around the room. It transformed our library area into a place where students truly want to spend time reading.\r\n\r\nWe are already using the flexible seating during our daily independent reading time and small-group learning. Students spread out on the floor cushions with their books, and many of them have told me they feel more relaxed and focused while reading. One special moment was during our recent reading workshop when students were completely immersed in their books—some curled up on cushions, others leaning comfortably while sharing stories with a partner. The flexible seating has helped create a calm environment that encourages students to enjoy reading.\r\n\r\nAs we continue our literacy lessons, students will use this space for partner reading, book discussions, and exploring new titles in our classroom library. Your generosity has helped us build a learning environment where students feel comfortable, engaged, and excited about reading. Thank you for making such a meaningful difference in our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1771458073570,"projectUrl":"project/a-seat-for-every-learner/10083522/","projectTitle":"A Seat for Every Learner","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Robbins","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9682432_orig.jpg?crop=640,640,x0,y2&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1765554005925","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9682432"},{"teacherId":5984285,"projectId":9965994,"letterContent":"Having all the necessary items to incorporate Ninja Math has really impacted my students' knowledge of basic facts. They are excited to be challenged to their tests and even more excited when they receive a new belt and a prize. \r\nWhen we first received the materials, they were super excited! This excitement has continued throughout. They are eager to get a ninja pencil or ninja key chain! \r\nOur goal is to complete of multiplication facts and move of to division facts. I have some students who are SUPER close to moving onto division. \r\nThe items we received have definitely made an impact on their wanting to keep progressing with basic math facts.","fullyFundedDate":1766466793660,"projectUrl":"project/ninja-fact-masters/9965994/","projectTitle":"Ninja Fact Masters","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Weddell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5984285"},{"teacherId":9682432,"projectId":10083486,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom through this project. When the new book display arrived, my students were very curious about it right away. As I set it up, they gathered around to look at the books and point out ones they recognized. Having the books facing forward has made our classroom library feel more exciting and inviting, and students are also noticing books they might not have recognized before.\r\nWe have started using the display during our reading time each day. Students are able to easily see the book covers and choose something that interests them. It has helped make choosing a book simpler for many of them, and they enjoy looking through the display to decide what they want to read.\r\nMoving forward, we will continue using the display to highlight books we are reading in class and seasonal favorites throughout the year. The display has helped make our reading area more organized and welcoming for students. Thank you again for your generosity and for helping support our young readers.","fullyFundedDate":1772204015825,"projectUrl":"project/creating-an-organized-and-accessible-rea/10083486/","projectTitle":"Creating an Organized and Accessible Reading Space","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Robbins","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9682432_orig.jpg?crop=640,640,x0,y2&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1765554005925","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9682432"},{"teacherId":9517519,"projectId":9176550,"letterContent":"Thank you for contributing to the third grade Donors Choose project. This project will transform emergency substitute plans into engaging learning experiences. Dessert-themed days focused on ice cream, cookies, cake, donuts, and churros will help students build reading comprehension, writing, and math skills through high-interest books and fun, connected activities that keep them motivated and focused.\r\n\r\nA culminating STEM activity will encourage creativity and problem-solving, while organized bins and trays will ensure materials are easy to access during an unexpected absence. Overall, this project keeps learning structured, meaningful, and enjoyable even when I am away.","fullyFundedDate":1743089555207,"projectUrl":"project/sweet-treats-substitute-teaching-in-thir/9176550/","projectTitle":"Sweet Treats Substitute Teaching in Third Grade","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Carlson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9517519"},{"teacherId":9682432,"projectId":9961687,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my students now have access to engaging Spanish-language books that highlight stories from across Latin America. These texts help us build foundational reading skills like decoding, fluency, retelling, and understanding characters and setting. At the same time, students are expanding their Spanish vocabulary and learning about different cultures and traditions, often seeing their own families and experiences reflected in the stories.\r\nReading in our classroom is joyful and interactive. We gather for lively read-alouds, practice reading together, and spend time exploring books independently. Students are especially excited to choose stories that feel familiar and meaningful to them. Several children who were once hesitant readers are now eager to participate, and many take pride in recognizing places, traditions, and language from their own heritage. These books are helping our young learners grow in confidence, skill, and cultural pride.","fullyFundedDate":1765914806116,"projectUrl":"project/books-that-speak-every-language/9961687/","projectTitle":"Books That Speak Every Language","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Robbins","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9682432_orig.jpg?crop=640,640,x0,y2&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1765554005925","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9682432"},{"teacherId":9682432,"projectId":9956956,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my students now have access to engaging Spanish-language books that highlight stories from across Latin America. These texts help us build foundational reading skills like decoding, fluency, retelling, and understanding characters and setting. At the same time, students are expanding their Spanish vocabulary and learning about different cultures and traditions, often seeing their own families and experiences reflected in the stories.\r\nReading in our classroom is joyful and interactive. We gather for lively read-alouds, practice reading together, and spend time exploring books independently. Students are especially excited to choose stories that feel familiar and meaningful to them. Several children who were once hesitant readers are now eager to participate, and many take pride in recognizing places, traditions, and language from their own heritage. These books are helping our young learners grow in confidence, skill, and cultural pride.","fullyFundedDate":1765674676376,"projectUrl":"project/bilingual-books-for-bright-minds/9956956/","projectTitle":"Bilingual Books for Bright Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Robbins","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9682432_orig.jpg?crop=640,640,x0,y2&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1765554005925","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9682432"},{"teacherId":1981097,"projectId":9918669,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for making this cozy reading dream come true! Because of you, my first graders will head into winter break with their very own copy from our favorite series by Mac Barnett and Greg Pizzoli, \"Jack and Santa.\" They will have everything they need to snuggle up, read, and enjoy a special story at home. Knowing my students can snuggle up with a book of their very own and return excited to share their drawings and stories means so much to me.\r\n\r\nYour kindness is spreading joy, imagination, and a love of reading far beyond our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1764374633187,"projectUrl":"project/warm-books-for-cool-kids/9918669/","projectTitle":"Warm Books for Cool Kids","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dobrich","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1981097_orig.png?crop=293,293,x26,y21&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1594327823141","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsdobrich"},{"teacherId":6041604,"projectId":9464079,"letterContent":"This project was mainly security and organization resources for our classroom. The cabinets contain all of the matierials that my students, paraprofessional, classroom teachers, and I use every day. They are keeping them secure and organized for easy access and return. \r\n\r\nMy students and other staff have commented on how much neater and \"pretty\" the cabinets are compared to the previous ones that were dented, broken, or unable to be closed.\r\n\r\nCurrently, I have a notebook where items can be checked in and out. Next, I plan on creating an online inventory that will make the process more easily accessible and neater. Additionally, I might get an additional cabinet to hold the other items that did not fit. \r\n\r\nWe all greatly appreciate your donations to complete this project.","fullyFundedDate":1756316090737,"projectUrl":"project/the-science-of-reading-in-the-upper-grad/9464079/","projectTitle":"The Science of Reading in the Upper Grades","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Pettis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6041604_orig.jpg?crop=720,720,x67,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1572034254450","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6041604"},{"teacherId":1981097,"projectId":9505638,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity and kindness! Because of you, my first graders made it through the hot school days to start the year feeling cool and comfortable! Our classroom gets very warm in those first few weeks of school, and your support means my students were able to focus on learning instead of the heat.\r\n\r\nThese cooling neck fans made (and will continue to make) such a real difference helping my little readers stay engaged, helping young writers stay calm, and reminding every single child that there are people out there who believe in them. Your gift doesn't just bring a breeze; it brings joy, encouragement, and a sense of being supported by a community that cares.\r\n\r\nFrom the bottom of our hearts, thank you for helping us stay cool, stay kind, and start our year with big smiles. We're sending breezy gratitude your way!","fullyFundedDate":1754620164997,"projectUrl":"project/keeping-cool-kids-even-cooler-with-neck/9505638/","projectTitle":"Keeping Cool Kids Even Cooler With Neck Fans!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dobrich","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1981097_orig.png?crop=293,293,x26,y21&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1594327823141","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsdobrich"},{"teacherId":1981097,"projectId":9571597,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support! Our classroom gets incredibly warm at the start of the year, and your donation made such a huge difference for our first graders. With these cooling neck fans, my students were able to learn, read, and write with far more comfort. Plus they were encouraged just knowing that someone out there is cheering them on. \r\n\r\nYour kindness brings both a breeze and a boost of encouragement. I know these cooling neck fans are going to come in handy at the end of the school year also! We're so grateful for you!","fullyFundedDate":1755626622947,"projectUrl":"project/keeping-cool-with-a-couple-more-cooling/9571597/","projectTitle":"Keeping Cool With A Couple More Cooling Neck Fans!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dobrich","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1981097_orig.png?crop=293,293,x26,y21&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1594327823141","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsdobrich"},{"teacherId":6704576,"projectId":9275581,"letterContent":"When my 4th graders first experienced our new alternative lighting, their excitement was immediate. They commented that the classroom felt \"calm\" and \"so much easier on \r\nour eyes.\" The softer glow has completely changed the atmosphere—students can focus without the harsh glare of overhead lights, and the room feels more welcoming \r\nand peaceful.\r\n\r\nWe use the alternative lighting during independent reading, small group work, and whole-class lessons. It has helped reduce eye strain, kept students from becoming overstimulated, and created a learning space that feels safe and comfortable. I've noticed that students settle in more quickly and stay engaged longer because the environment supports their focus.\r\n\r\nTeaching in a pre-K through 12th grade building with such an incredible and diverse student body, I want to provide the best learning environment possible. Thanks to your generosity, this project has made that possible. The alternative lighting is already making a daily difference for my students.","fullyFundedDate":1746535186379,"projectUrl":"project/alternative-lighting-for-the-greatest-st/9275581/","projectTitle":"Alternative Lighting for the Greatest Students!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Keegan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6704576"},{"teacherId":6704576,"projectId":9276093,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my project and helping bring blackout curtains into our 4th grade classroom! The difference they have made is incredible.\r\n\r\nBefore the curtains, our classroom was often too bright, which made it hard for students to focus—especially when we used the projector or did activities that required less glare. Now, with the curtains, our room feels calmer and more comfortable. Students can see the board clearly without squinting, and the space feels more inviting for both learning and quiet time.\r\n\r\nWe've also noticed a huge improvement in the temperature of our classroom. The blackout curtains help keep the heat out on sunny afternoons, making the room cooler and much more comfortable for everyone. Combined with the softer lighting, this has created a peaceful environment that allows my students to stay focused and engaged.\r\n\r\nDuring read-alouds, group discussions, and independent work, the difference is clear. My students love the change and have commented that it makes the room feel \"cozy\" and \"like a real learning space.\"\r\n\r\nYour generosity has directly impacted my students' ability to concentrate, stay cool, and feel comfortable throughout the day. Thank you for helping create a better learning environment for them. We are so grateful for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1746539565421,"projectUrl":"project/keep-the-heat-out/9276093/","projectTitle":"Keep the Heat Out!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Keegan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6704576"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_26073","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":302,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":9,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":88,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 12","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"RURAL","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_DISTANT"},"inStateSupporters":71.6,"schoolId":26073,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about DePue Unit School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"DePue Unit School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/depue-unit-sch-dist-103/depue-unit-school/26073"}