{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Robert Nathaniel Dett Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":39.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9786603,"projectId":10266629,"letterContent":"On behalf of every smiling face in our classroom, thank you so much for equipping our students with these incredible daily supplies! When the delivery boxes arrived, my primary scholars were over the moon—especially when they saw the huge stacks of fresh Crayola dry-erase markers and colorful gel pens. Having hundreds of pre-sharpened pencils prepped and ready to go has completely transformed our daily routines. Instead of wasting precious instructional minutes sharpening broken pencils or searching for working markers during our literacy and math blocks, my students can immediately jump into their work with confidence and enthusiasm.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, our hands-on lessons have reached a whole new level of engagement! During math, my students use the vibrant dry-erase markers to draw place value blocks, write out number sentences, and solve quick problem sets on their individual whiteboards. The markers have been equally transformative for our phonics and handwriting practice; my young learners love using the smooth, bold ink to trace letter formations, sound out decodable words, and mark up vowel patterns. Writing on whiteboards makes making mistakes feel risk-free—they can simply erase and try again until their handwriting shines! Plus, having an abundance of hand sanitizer and tissues has kept our space clean and healthy. Your support removed major daily disruptions, giving my West Side Chicago scholars the exact tools they need to thrive!","fullyFundedDate":1787664986203,"projectUrl":"project/ready-to-write-fresh-supplies-and-healt/10266629/","projectTitle":"Ready to Write: Fresh Supplies and Healthy Hands!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tomlinson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9786603_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1727836964109","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9786603"},{"teacherId":9786603,"projectId":10307334,"letterContent":"We are deeply grateful for your incredible kindness in funding our essential classroom supplies! When the delivery boxes arrived, my primary students were completely fascinated—especially by the AFMAT cordless automatic pencil sharpeners. They had never seen a hands-free sharpener that automatically grabs the pencil, pulls it down, and pops it back up perfectly sharpened. It felt like magic to them! They gathered around in complete awe, clapping and taking turns watching it work. Beyond the excitement, these sharpeners, along with the huge supply of pre-sharpened pencils, have completely eliminated lines, preserved our precious instructional minutes, and kept our daily writing and math routines running smoothly without interruption.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, our hands-on learning centers and daily review games are more vibrant, durable, and organized than ever. Using the Scotch laminating pouches and fresh Expo dry-erase markers, I was able to create reusable, color-coded math practice mats that my students use every single day to build foundational problem-solving skills. They love writing on their laminated mats, erasing their work, and trying again with confidence. Having clean-hand essentials like tissues and sanitizer directly in our room also ensures our classroom remains a healthy, safe space where every child can thrive. Your support removed a massive daily hurdle, giving my West Side Chicago scholars the exact tools they need to stay focused, engaged, and excited about learning!","fullyFundedDate":1787664994903,"projectUrl":"project/sharpened-sealed-and-ready-to-succeed/10307334/","projectTitle":"Sharpened, Sealed, and Ready to Succeed: Replenishing Our Everyday Essentials!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tomlinson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9786603_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1727836964109","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9786603"},{"teacherId":9786603,"projectId":10322887,"letterContent":"We are deeply grateful for your incredible kindness in funding our paper supply! The impact of your gift is felt every single hour of the school day. When the delivery boxes first arrived, my primary students' curiosity was through the roof, and when we opened them together to reveal the huge stacks of white copy paper and bright, glowing piles of Astrobrights paper, they literally clapped and cheered! Knowing that generous supporters cared enough about their learning to send these essential supplies made them feel deeply valued. Having a reliable, abundant paper supply has completely restored our daily momentum, allowing us to print decodable reading passages, daily math practice sheets, and color-coded center activities without ever pausing due to supply shortages.\r\n\r\nThanks to you, our literacy and math blocks are more vibrant, organized, and engaging than ever. During a recent math center lesson, I used the bright blue and yellow paper to create color-coded addition mats. One of my students, who often struggles to stay focused during independent work, immediately locked onto the high-contrast yellow activity sheets, proudly finished his problem set, and held it up saying, 'Look how awesome my math looks today!' Your generosity removed a massive burden from our classroom, giving my West Side Chicago scholars the exact tools they need to write, create, and thrive every single day!","fullyFundedDate":1787664998792,"projectUrl":"project/blank-pages-bright-futures-beating-bud/10322887/","projectTitle":"Blank Pages, Bright Futures: Beating Budget Cuts Together!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tomlinson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9786603_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1727836964109","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9786603"},{"teacherId":9786603,"projectId":10191342,"letterContent":"Your generosity has completely transformed our daily routine! On the West Side of Chicago, unpredictable weather means we spend a lot of time indoors, but thanks to you, indoor recess and choice time have quickly become the absolute highlights of our day instead of a rainy-day compromise.\r\n\r\nHow We're Using the Resources & Student Reactions\r\nWhen the large boxes first arrived in our classroom, my primary students were practically bouncing off the floor with excitement! They gasped as we unpacked the colorful Magnetic Wonder Tiles, microMAGS, and the vibrant Sportime Recess Pack. One student shouted, \"We get to build our own castle now?!\" while another immediately asked if we could roll the Covelico Exercise Dice right then and there.\r\n\r\nWe hit the ground running with our new materials. Recently, during a rainy afternoon indoor recess, our room turned into a full-fledged engineering lab and movement studio. A group of four students collaborated to build a massive, multi-tiered \"futuristic city\" using the magnetic tiles, negotiating who would build the bridges and how to keep the towers balanced on the play mat. Across the room, another group was using the exercise dice to run their own mini \"fitness bootcamp\"—giggling uncontrollably as they landed on jumping jacks and balance poses. The \"Spot It!\" games have also become a daily staple during center time; it has been incredible to watch students practice patience, quick visual processing, and genuine sportsmanship as they cheer each other on.\r\n\r\nNext Steps for Our Students\r\nThese resources aren't just for free play—we are actively integrating them into our academic curriculum! For our next STEM unit in math, students will be using the magnetic tiles and microMAGS to explore 3D shapes, area, and spatial awareness by designing structures that match specific geometric criteria. In physical education and our daily movement breaks, we are using the recess pack and exercise dice to create student-led obstacle courses, helping them build leadership skills as they take turns directing their peers through gross motor challenges.\r\n\r\nYour support has given my students the gift of active play, creative exploration, and joy. You didn't just fund a project; you built a brighter, happier classroom environment where my kids can move, build, and grow together every single day. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!","fullyFundedDate":1777997629093,"projectUrl":"project/ready-set-play-building-active-bodies/10191342/","projectTitle":"Ready, Set, Play! Building Active Bodies and Creative Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tomlinson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9786603_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1727836964109","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9786603"},{"teacherId":10467483,"projectId":10163532,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for bringing \"Turning the Page on Literacy\" to life in our classroom! When the boxes first arrived, the room filled with instantaneous cheers and gasps of pure excitement. My students could hardly contain their enthusiasm as we unboxed the brand-new books together, immediate excitement sparkling in their eyes as they passed the crisp copies around and pointed out the vibrant covers. Seeing their faces light up over reading materials made the entire setup feel like a celebration, instantly setting a high-energy tone for our reading block.","fullyFundedDate":1778252056991,"projectUrl":"project/turning-the-page-on-literacy/10163532/","projectTitle":"Turning the Page on Literacy","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cooper","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10467483_orig.jpg?crop=180,180,x0,y70&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1787789145847","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10467483"},{"teacherId":10467483,"projectId":10194468,"letterContent":"The boxes have officially arrived, and our classroom was buzzing with excitement! I wish you could have seen my students' faces as we unpacked the supplies for \"Clean Spaces, Bright Faces: Healthy Habits for West Side Scholars.\"\r\n\r\nThanks to your incredible generosity, our scholars now have direct access to the daily hygiene essentials and wellness tools they need to stay healthy, confident, and ready to learn. Having these resources right here in our room eliminates daily distractions and creates a dignified, supportive environment where every child feels cared for.\r\n\r\nYour support goes far beyond the physical items in these boxes—you have shown my West Side scholars that there is a whole community standing behind them, rooting for their success and well-being every day.\r\n\r\nThank you for making our vision a reality and for bringing light, health, and bright smiles into our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1777936410253,"projectUrl":"project/clean-spaces-bright-faces-healthy-habi/10194468/","projectTitle":"Clean Spaces, Bright Faces: Healthy Habits for West Side Scholars","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cooper","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10467483_orig.jpg?crop=180,180,x0,y70&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1787789145847","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10467483"},{"teacherId":9871645,"projectId":10194130,"letterContent":"Words cannot express how much we \"blow\" you a kiss of thanks! Your generosity has quite literally brought a breath of fresh air into our classroom.\r\n\r\nBefore your donation, the afternoon heat was a major hurdle for my 2nd graders. Now, thanks to you, we can keep the air moving and our brains grooving! The students were so excited to feel the breeze the first time we turned these on, and I have already seen a noticeable difference in their ability to stay on task during our hottest hours. Thank you for caring about the physical comfort and academic success of my Westside scholars!","fullyFundedDate":1778875146264,"projectUrl":"project/cooling-the-classroom-breezy-brains-on/10194130/","projectTitle":"Cooling the Classroom: Breezy Brains on Chicago's Westside!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hawthorne","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9871645_orig.jpg?crop=1003,1003,x189,y35&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1779133468662","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9871645"},{"teacherId":9871645,"projectId":9912714,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for turning our cold, concrete floor into a true sanctuary for learning! My 2nd graders on the Westside of Chicago were absolutely thrilled when the new rugs, vacuum and broom arrived. One student even whispered, \"It feels like a real home now,\" as he sat down for the first time.\r\n\r\nWe are already using this space for our daily Community Circle and independent reading time. Before this project was funded, students often fidgeted or complained about the hard floor, but now they can focus entirely on their books. Their reading stamina has increased significantly because they are finally comfortable and cozy!\r\n\r\nOur next step is using the rug as a \"stage\" for our Author's Chair celebrations, where students will sit together to share their original writing. Your gift has given them a safe, inviting place to grow their brains and their confidence. You have shown my scholars that their comfort and their education truly matter to the world. Thank you for being our champions!","fullyFundedDate":1773841420186,"projectUrl":"project/transforming-concrete-floors-into-cozy-l/9912714/","projectTitle":"Transforming Concrete Floors into Cozy Learning Spaces","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hawthorne","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9871645_orig.jpg?crop=1003,1003,x189,y35&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1779133468662","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9871645"},{"teacherId":9800101,"projectId":9759699,"letterContent":"Thank you for donating to my classroom so my students can have a snack as a reward for accomplishing (W.I.G.) wild, important goals. They have already reached one goal: to read 15 books each in the month. The students picked a snack on Friday, and they were very excited. It's funny that they don't realize how much they are growing, and I keep reminding them of their growth. As they continue reading, they improve their comprehension and expand their vocabulary. Learning has become more fun, knowing the students have a tangible reward, and not stressing about how I will provide them with snacks. I can increase my focus on growth, achievement, and the creation of higher-level thinkers. \r\n\r\nIt is very important to motivate my students not only with intrinsic incentives but also with tangible ones, because I want them to grow. I have loved seeing my students work hard to achieve goals we set as a class, and ones they set individually. Once they achieve a goal, they feel proud that they held themselves accountable. I want my students to be independent learners who take charge of their learning. Snacks have been one way to keep them on track. \r\n\r\nThank you again, and we truly appreciate the donations. It takes a village, and you are part of that. The village of education now bears your name.","fullyFundedDate":1769177192478,"projectUrl":"project/snack-rewards-for-dl-students-achieving/9759699/","projectTitle":"Snack Rewards for DL Students Achieving Wig (Wild Important Goals)","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Patterson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9800101_orig.png?crop=190,190,x38,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757203068846","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9800101"},{"teacherId":7827086,"projectId":9638848,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for funding my project \"Connecting Language to the Classroom\"! Thanks to your generosity, my students have access to materials that help them engage in language and literacy activities in the classroom. With these tools, my students are able to communicate more often during our sessions, whether it be with spoken words, signs, or AAC. The story manipulatives and clear visuals make it easier for my students to connect language to their curriculum. They are initiating more communication for a wider variety of purposes\r\n\r\nAll of the tools provided have helped my students bridge the gap between the instruction in their classroom and what my students find meaningful. They have greater access to instruction that their general education peers are receiving, thus they are able to interact more meaningfully with all students in the building. Your generous donation has opened new pathways to communication, confidence, and friendship for my students.","fullyFundedDate":1764729485126,"projectUrl":"project/connecting-language-to-the-classroom/9638848/","projectTitle":"Connecting Language to the Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Farr","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7827086_orig.jpg?crop=1720,1720,x634,y1300&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1703181818059","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7827086"},{"teacherId":9786603,"projectId":9842090,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom with the Barks Classroom Headphones! Because of your generosity, my students will be able to fully focus during their individualized i-Ready math lessons, Lexia reading practice, and Amira reading foundations sessions. Having reliable headphones means every child can hear instructions clearly, work at their own pace, and feel confident while learning. It also allows our classroom to stay calm and productive while multiple students are working on different programs at the same time.\r\n\r\nThese headphones will also make our Fun Friday computer time even more special. Students love earning time to explore educational games and creative activities, and now they'll be able to enjoy that experience without distractions. Your support is more than just a donation of supplies — it is an investment in my students' growth, independence, and excitement for learning. We are truly grateful for your kindness and commitment to helping our classroom thrive!","fullyFundedDate":1763564251560,"projectUrl":"project/tuned-in-and-ready-to-learn/9842090/","projectTitle":"Tuned In and Ready to Learn!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tomlinson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9786603_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1727836964109","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9786603"},{"teacherId":9786603,"projectId":9501976,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom with the Barks Classroom Headphones! Because of your generosity, my students will be able to fully focus during their individualized i-Ready math lessons, Lexia reading practice, and Amira reading foundations sessions. Having reliable headphones means every child can hear instructions clearly, work at their own pace, and feel confident while learning. It also allows our classroom to stay calm and productive while multiple students are working on different programs at the same time.\r\n\r\nThese headphones will also make our Fun Friday computer time even more special. Students love earning time to explore educational games and creative activities, and now they'll be able to enjoy that experience without distractions. Your support is more than just a donation of supplies — it is an investment in my students' growth, independence, and excitement for learning. We are truly grateful for your kindness and commitment to helping our classroom thrive!","fullyFundedDate":1756135832157,"projectUrl":"project/math-binders-for-organized-and-confident/9501976/","projectTitle":"Math Binders for Organized and Confident Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tomlinson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9786603_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1727836964109","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9786603"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_5774","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":320,"numTeachers":21,"percentFrplEligible":83,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":87,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":7,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":4,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"15.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":60.6,"schoolId":5774,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Robert Nathaniel Dett Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Robert Nathaniel Dett Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/chicago-public-school-district-299/dett-elementary-school/5774"}