{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Milwaukee Parkside School - Arts","outOfStateSupporters":34.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8169632,"projectId":9053060,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping bring a high-quality sensory table into our classroom! This incredible resource has quickly become a centerpiece of hands-on learning in our daily routine. Whether it's filled with water, kinetic sand, rainbow rice, or seasonal materials, the sensory table offers a calming and engaging way for students to explore academic concepts through touch, movement, and imaginative play. Each month, we change the theme—so far, we've had an ocean sensory bin with shells and water beads, an apple orchard with scented rice and tongs for sorting, and even a construction zone with mini trucks and rocks!\r\n\r\nFor our neurodiverse learners, sensory exploration isn't just play—it's how they make sense of their world. This table has become a space where students work on fine motor skills, language development, turn-taking, and even early math and science concepts. One student who typically avoids peer interaction now initiates sharing materials at the table, and another who struggles with verbal expression is using themed vocabulary in context while playing. The impact has been incredible, and we are so grateful.\r\n\r\nThanks to the generous support from the SONIC Foundation, we now have a durable, adaptable sensory table that will serve students for years to come. It has expanded what I can do as a teacher—allowing me to tie sensory play directly to academic goals, social skills, and seasonal themes. Your donation made it possible for my students to learn in a way that truly fits their needs, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.","fullyFundedDate":1739455200236,"projectUrl":"project/enhancing-sensory-regulation-and-engagem/9053060/","projectTitle":"Enhancing Sensory Regulation and Engagement: A Sensory Table","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Akan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8169632_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1645337625588","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/akan"},{"teacherId":8169632,"projectId":8687307,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support in bringing neurodiverse and inclusive literature into our classroom! When the books arrived, my students were immediately drawn to the bright covers, engaging illustrations, and relatable characters. Representation matters deeply in our classroom, and having access to stories that reflect our students' experiences—stories with autistic characters, diverse communication styles, and different ways of thinking—has made a meaningful difference in how our learners see themselves and others.\r\n\r\nOne of the most heartwarming moments was during a read-aloud of a book featuring a non-speaking character who used AAC. Several of our students lit up with recognition—pointing to their own devices and smiling when they saw someone \"like them\" in a story. These books have sparked meaningful discussions, increased engagement during literacy time, and helped us build a stronger sense of identity and empathy in our classroom community.\r\n\r\nThis project has significantly impacted my students' learning by making reading time more relevant, inclusive, and emotionally resonant. With these materials, I've been able to introduce social-emotional lessons through literature, support language development with high-interest texts, and foster a love of reading that's grounded in belonging and connection. Thank you for making this possible and for helping ensure that every student sees themselves as the hero of the story.","fullyFundedDate":1727999116222,"projectUrl":"project/literature-for-all/8687307/","projectTitle":"Literature for All","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Akan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8169632_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1645337625588","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/akan"},{"teacherId":8169632,"projectId":8626111,"letterContent":"Thank You for Supporting Our Classroom!\r\n\r\nThanks to your generous donation, our classroom now has flexible seating options that have made a tangible difference for my autistic students' focus, regulation, and engagement throughout the school day.\r\n\r\nHow we're using the new resources:\r\nThe flexible seating has been fully integrated into our daily routine. Students are now able to choose from wobble stools, bounce chairs, knee rockers, and soft bean bags based on how they're feeling and what helps them concentrate. One student who used to constantly leave his seat during work time now selects a floor cushion and works for up to 20 minutes at a time—something he hadn't been able to do before!\r\n\r\nA specific moment:\r\nDuring a recent writing activity, a student who typically struggles with self-regulation independently chose a wobble stool. He stayed on task, typing a full paragraph with minimal prompts, and even asked to share his work with the class. It was a powerful moment of confidence and independence.\r\n\r\nThe impact:\r\nFlexible seating has provided my autistic students with the autonomy to choose what works best for their bodies and minds. It has led to noticeable improvements in their ability to self-regulate, sustain attention, and feel comfortable in a learning environment designed for their needs. Your support has truly helped us build a more inclusive and responsive classroom.\r\n\r\nThank you again for helping create a space where every student can thrive!","fullyFundedDate":1724247103376,"projectUrl":"project/flexible-seating-to-support-focus/8626111/","projectTitle":"Flexible Seating to Support Focus","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Akan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8169632_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1645337625588","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/akan"},{"teacherId":9918878,"projectId":9103756,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your contribution(s) to my therapy room this year. \r\n\r\nMy students were so excited when they received your generous donations. They opened each book, trialed each sensory tool, and played with each toy. They were amazed that people all over the country wanted to donate to help them learn about their autism and how to best learn and regulate themselves at school.\r\n\r\nJust today, a student was overwhelmed and dysregulated. She came into my room, sat in our brand new rocking chair, and cuddled the weighted sloth while rocking. She was able to calm her sensory system down enough to return to class and return to learning, thanks to the tools you sent. She felt safe and cared for, and that is in large part to you!\r\n\r\nYour generosity will not be forgotten.","fullyFundedDate":1739914666819,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-and-communication-supports-for-n/9103756/","projectTitle":"Sensory and Communication Supports for Neurodivergent Students!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. W","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9918878"},{"teacherId":8169632,"projectId":6226836,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my students now have access to flexible seating that is transforming our classroom into a more comfortable and engaging learning space! The excitement on their faces when they first saw the new seating options was priceless. They eagerly explored the different choices, from wobble stools to cozy floor cushions, finding what helped them focus and feel most comfortable while learning. \r\n\r\nWith these flexible seating options, my students can move, adjust, and choose the best spot for their learning needs. Whether they're working independently, collaborating with a partner, or participating in group discussions, they now have a space that supports their focus and engagement. I've already noticed a positive impact—students are more attentive, less restless, and taking ownership of their learning environment. \r\n\r\nMoving forward, we will continue to incorporate flexible seating into daily activities, giving students the freedom to work in ways that best support their learning styles. Thank you for making this possible and for giving my students a classroom that truly meets their needs!","fullyFundedDate":1651152788920,"projectUrl":"project/both-littles-and-biggles-need-to-get-o/6226836/","projectTitle":"Both Littles, and Biggles Need to Get Out Their Wiggles","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Akan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8169632_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1645337625588","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/akan"},{"teacherId":9849305,"projectId":8973028,"letterContent":"I wanted to take a moment to personally thank you for your incredibly generous donation of supplies to help bring my project to life. Thanks to your support, my 4th-grade students are now diving into a hands-on experience that introduces them to the beautiful traditions of Ukrainian culture through the art of egg decorating.\r\n\r\nMy students have already shown such excitement and enthusiasm for this project. My students couldn't wait to start designing his egg, excitedly telling me how they never thought about how other cultures celebrate holidays. Students carefully traced out her intricate patterns, sharing with me how they felt a connection to the artistry behind the designs. These moments of engagement are exactly why this project is so meaningful — it's not just about learning new things, but about connecting with something bigger and developing a deeper appreciation for the world around us.\r\n\r\nThis project also allows them to build valuable skills, like patience and fine motor control. As they decorate the eggs, they are learning to slow down, focus, and take pride in creating something beautiful. It's been incredible to watch their creativity blossom as they embrace the challenge.\r\n\r\nMy students are a truly amazing group — diverse, curious, and full of energy. Their unique perspectives and excitement for learning inspire me daily, and I know they will carry the lessons from this project with them for a long time.\r\n\r\nOnce again, thank you for making this project possible. Your support means so much, not only to me but to the kids who get to experience this enriching opportunity.","fullyFundedDate":1733438465335,"projectUrl":"project/ukranian-eggs/8973028/","projectTitle":"Ukranian Eggs","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. L Cole","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9849305"},{"teacherId":8169632,"projectId":7972325,"letterContent":"Because of your incredible generosity, our classroom now has iPads that we use as communication devices—and the impact has been nothing short of transformative. These tools have opened doors for my non-speaking autistic students in ways that words alone can't fully capture.\r\n\r\nHow we're using the new resources:\r\nEach student now has access to an iPad loaded with a communication app personalized with their daily needs, feelings, academic vocabulary, and social scripts. Students use the devices to make choices, answer questions, greet peers, and express their emotions. What once took guesswork or caused frustration is now a clear, empowering interaction.\r\n\r\nFirst reactions:\r\nWhen the students first saw their new iPads, some immediately reached out and began exploring. One student smiled broadly and tapped \"hello\" to greet his teacher for the first time. Another clapped and bounced with excitement when he discovered the buttons for his favorite toys and foods. It was clear from the start that these were not just devices—they were lifelines for connection.\r\n\r\nWhat's next:\r\nWe're working on building more complex communication by modeling sentence starters and adding academic vocabulary. Our goal is for students to participate more actively in classroom discussions and peer interactions. As their language grows, so does their confidence and engagement.\r\n\r\nThe impact:\r\nThese iPads have given every student a way to be seen, heard, and understood. They have drastically reduced frustration-based behaviors and have become the foundation of our classroom's communication and behavior support system. Because of you, my students are learning, expressing themselves, and building relationships like never before.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping my students find their voices. Your support has changed lives.","fullyFundedDate":1705078967632,"projectUrl":"project/italk-without-words/7972325/","projectTitle":"iTalk Without Words","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Akan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8169632_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1645337625588","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/akan"},{"teacherId":8169632,"projectId":7279775,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for bringing a light table into our classroom! The moment we introduced it, our students lit up with excitement—quite literally and figuratively. The light table has quickly become one of the most engaging tools in our learning space. It offers a calming, sensory-rich experience that supports visual attention, fine motor exploration, and academic skill development all in one. We've used it for tracing letters and numbers, exploring shapes and colors, and even simple science lessons using translucent materials. For many of our students, especially those who benefit from visual and tactile input, the light table provides the perfect balance of stimulation and structure.\r\n\r\nOne unforgettable moment was when a student who often resists tabletop work eagerly sat at the light table for nearly 15 minutes, sorting colorful transparent counters by color and shape. That level of focus and joy in learning is what every teacher hopes for, and your support made it possible. The light table has also become an important part of our sensory regulation routines—helping students calm their bodies while still engaging in meaningful learning activities.\r\n\r\nThank you again for helping us create a classroom environment that is not only inclusive, but also inspiring. Your generosity made a real difference for our students, and we are truly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1687873537720,"projectUrl":"project/learning-through-sensory-integration/7279775/","projectTitle":"Learning Through Sensory Integration","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Akan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8169632_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1645337625588","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/akan"},{"teacherId":8169632,"projectId":7279846,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for bringing a light table into our classroom! The moment we introduced it, our students lit up with excitement—quite literally and figuratively. The light table has quickly become one of the most engaging tools in our learning space. It offers a calming, sensory-rich experience that supports visual attention, fine motor exploration, and academic skill development all in one. We've used it for tracing letters and numbers, exploring shapes and colors, and even simple science lessons using translucent materials. For many of our students, especially those who benefit from visual and tactile input, the light table provides the perfect balance of stimulation and structure.\r\n\r\nOne unforgettable moment was when a student who often resists tabletop work eagerly sat at the light table for nearly 15 minutes, sorting colorful transparent counters by color and shape. That level of focus and joy in learning is what every teacher hopes for, and your support made it possible. The light table has also become an important part of our sensory regulation routines—helping students calm their bodies while still engaging in meaningful learning activities.\r\n\r\nThank you again for helping us create a classroom environment that is not only inclusive, but also inspiring. Your generosity made a real difference for our students, and we are truly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1687873537558,"projectUrl":"project/light-up-our-learning/7279846/","projectTitle":"Light Up Our Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Akan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8169632_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1645337625588","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/akan"},{"teacherId":8169632,"projectId":7237190,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous contribution to our classroom's sensory bubble tube! The moment we turned it on for the first time, our students were absolutely mesmerized. Several of them immediately gravitated toward it—watching the bubbles rise, tracking the lights as they changed colors, and finding calm just sitting nearby. For many of our students, especially those with sensory processing needs, this has become a key part of their regulation routine. It's now part of our daily sensory break schedule and often the first place students go when they need a quiet moment to self-regulate and reset.\r\n\r\nWe've also started using the bubble tube as part of our emotional regulation lessons. One student, who typically struggles with transitions, has learned to request \"bubble break\" using his AAC device—and that small shift has helped him navigate tough parts of his day with more independence. The tube has become more than a tool—it's a trusted, calming space that helps our students feel safe and in control of their environment. Looking ahead, we'll be incorporating the bubble tube into our Zones of Regulation curriculum to help students identify how their bodies feel when they're calm, excited, or dysregulated. Your support brought this vision to life, and we're so grateful.\r\n\r\nWith heartfelt thanks,\r\nDear Donors,\r\n\r\nThank you so much for your generous contribution to our classroom's sensory bubble tube! The moment we turned it on for the first time, our students were absolutely mesmerized. Several of them immediately gravitated toward it—watching the bubbles rise, tracking the lights as they changed colors, and finding calm just sitting nearby. For many of our students, especially those with sensory processing needs, this has become a key part of their regulation routine. It's now part of our daily sensory break schedule and often the first place students go when they need a quiet moment to self-regulate and reset.\r\n\r\nWe've also started using the bubble tube as part of our emotional regulation lessons. One student, who typically struggles with transitions, has learned to request \"bubble break\" using his AAC device—and that small shift has helped him navigate tough parts of his day with more independence. The tube has become more than a tool—it's a trusted, calming space that helps our students feel safe and in control of their environment. Looking ahead, we'll be incorporating the bubble tube into our Zones of Regulation curriculum to help students identify how their bodies feel when they're calm, excited, or dysregulated. Your support brought this vision to life, and we're so grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1680787945653,"projectUrl":"project/who-doesnt-love-bubbles/7237190/","projectTitle":"Who Doesn't Love Bubbles?","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Akan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8169632_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1645337625588","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/akan"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_37826","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":852,"numTeachers":37,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":11,"percentBlack":18,"percentWhite":18,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":41,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"23.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":66.0,"schoolId":37826,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Milwaukee Parkside School - Arts on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Milwaukee Parkside School - Arts","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/wisconsin/milwaukee-public-schools/dover-st-elementary-school/37826"}