{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Dunne Technical Academy","outOfStateSupporters":46.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":6784368,"projectId":10195108,"letterContent":"The arrival of the \"Tiny Hands, Big Hearts\" materials was a moment of pure joy and purpose in our classroom. When the students first saw the boxes filled with hygiene essentials, soft socks, and nutritious snacks, there was an audible gasp of excitement. For seven- and eight-year-olds, these items represent more than just supplies; they represent the tools they need to take action and show compassion to their neighbors in need. They were incredibly eager to dive in, marveling at how many kits we could build together to support our community.\r\n\r\nWe have already begun the assembly process as part of our social-emotional learning and community service curriculum. In a particularly moving classroom moment, I watched as my students carefully organized the kits, discussing who might receive them and how a simple bar of soap or a warm pair of socks could brighten someone's day. This project has shifted their perspective from being passive observers of community challenges to active participants in solving them. It has fostered a beautiful sense of empathy and teamwork that is now spilling over into our daily math and literacy lessons.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, our next steps involve a reflective writing project where students will draft \"messages of hope\" to include in the final kits. We are also integrating this into our math instruction by tracking and graphing our \"kindness metrics\" as we reach our distribution goals. This project has truly laid the foundation for a lifetime of service, and we are so grateful for your role in making that possible. Thank you for believing in the power of these small hands to make a big difference.","fullyFundedDate":1776951496511,"projectUrl":"project/tiny-hands-big-hearts-our-community-ca/10195108/","projectTitle":"Tiny Hands, Big Hearts: Our Community Care Kits","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jones","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6784368_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1600606964214","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6784368"},{"teacherId":5798461,"projectId":10153660,"letterContent":"The arrival of our life skills library has provided my middle school students with a \"roadmap\" for the world around them. While traditional textbooks often focus on abstract concepts, these materials teach essential skills that my students will use every single day—lessons like navigating social boundaries, managing basic personal finances, and understanding community safety. These books use age-appropriate visuals and relatable scenarios that break down complex tasks into manageable steps, allowing my students to build the \"functional literacy\" they need to navigate their teenage years with confidence.\r\n\r\nIn our classroom, reading looks like active, hands-on practice. We don't just read a chapter on \"how to shop for healthy snacks\" or \"how to respond to a text message\"; we use the text as a guide for real-time simulations. You might see one group of students using their books to plan a mock trip using local transit schedules, while another group practices the self-advocacy skills outlined in a social-emotional learning story. These books have turned our classroom into a \"life lab\" where mistakes are safe and every page turned leads to a new real-world capability.\r\n\r\nI am especially seeing a profound impact on my students who are beginning to crave more autonomy. One of my students, who previously relied heavily on adults to navigate social interactions, recently used a strategy from one of our new books to resolve a conflict with a peer entirely on their own. Seeing that spark of self-reliance—where a student realizes they have the tools to handle a situation without a teacher's intervention—is incredibly powerful. At the middle school level, \"independence\" is the greatest gift we can give, and your generosity has made that a reality for my classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1773842808332,"projectUrl":"project/life-skills-for-success/10153660/","projectTitle":"Life Skills for Success","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. D.","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5798461_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746677911816","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5798461"},{"teacherId":9348779,"projectId":9945999,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your donation. The books that we received have been so fun and exciting for my students. I'm working on labeling what speech/language goals each book can target so it's easy to grab different books based on the goals I'm working on. \r\n\r\nI have enjoyed using hands on materials, rather than digital books, as my students are on their computers a lot during the day. I love that my students can get a break from technology and use real resources to grow their speech and language skills. \r\n\r\nThis push towards using real books has also inspired me to start writing my own children's books I can use in the future! Thank you so much for your generosity!","fullyFundedDate":1768774322285,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-back-real-books-to-education/9945999/","projectTitle":"Bringing Back Real Books to Education","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Browning","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9348779"},{"teacherId":5505268,"projectId":9770069,"letterContent":"The new games have completely transformed our game room and become a literal lifesaver during inclement weather days. We recently had a rainy afternoon where, instead of the usual restlessness, the room was filled with the rhythmic sounds of board game pieces and strategic whispers. I watched a group of students from entirely different social circles huddle over a game, completely lost in the challenge. It was a beautiful \"unplugged\" moment where the technology was set aside, and the focus shifted entirely to creativity and building genuine, face-to-face connections. These resources are doing so much more than curing boredom; they are building a community.\r\n\r\nThe reaction when the students first saw the new materials was nothing short of magical. There were cheers, wide eyes, and an immediate rush to see what challenges awaited them. One student looked up at me and said, \"We actually get to keep these?\" They were genuinely touched that someone cared enough about their happiness and social time to provide such high-quality activities. It has sparked a new sense of pride in our shared space; the students are taking incredible care of the games because they recognize them as a special gift meant just for their enjoyment and growth.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, our next steps involve turning these casual game sessions into a student-led \"Tournament of Friendship.\" My students are currently organizing a rotating schedule so that everyone in the school continues to have a chance to participate. We are focusing on teaching the younger students the rules of the more complex games, which is fostering wonderful mentorships between grade levels. These games have laid the foundation for a school culture where \"play\" is respected as a way to learn patience, strategy, and kindness, and we can't wait to see these friendships continue to bloom throughout the rest of the year.","fullyFundedDate":1764113202630,"projectUrl":"project/indoor-recess/9770069/","projectTitle":"Indoor Recess","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wilson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5505268_orig.jpg?crop=3571,3571,x0,y166&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1674937277536","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5505268"},{"teacherId":5084667,"projectId":9810634,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donations. Your gift has allowed our students to gain confidence and become fluent while practicing.\r\n\r\nStudents have used the books, CVC games and letters/picture cards to become emergent readers. Students love to work in groups and read aloud with confidence. There love of reading is even showing up in their writing. They are starting to use sounds to help with writing as well.\r\n\r\nOnce again thank you very much for your donations. You have truly helped this become a smarter Kindergarten class.","fullyFundedDate":1764113202237,"projectUrl":"project/the-smartest-kindergarten-ever/9810634/","projectTitle":"The Smartest Kindergarten Ever","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wilson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5084667_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1525392327504","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5084667"},{"teacherId":10097952,"projectId":9509242,"letterContent":"On behalf of my students and myself, I want to express my deepest gratitude for your incredible generosity in providing a brand-new MacBook for our classroom. In today's digital age, having access to reliable, high-performing technology is not just a luxury—it is a necessity. This laptop will serve as a gateway for my students to explore creative coding, professional-grade media editing, and collaborative research projects that were previously out of reach. Your belief in their potential is a powerful motivator, and seeing their faces light up with excitement at the sight of this new tool was truly unforgettable.","fullyFundedDate":1763564250205,"projectUrl":"project/an-apple-a-day/9509242/","projectTitle":"An Apple A Day","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Sanders","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10097952_orig.jpg?crop=1076,1076,x86,y517&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753749041920","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10097952"},{"teacherId":5084667,"projectId":9784702,"letterContent":"We would like to extend our gratitude for your generous donation. The gift of our classroom printer is just what we needed. The printer and ink has been apart of our daily class life. We have used our printer to make work copies, print notes for parents, and even make posters for our class fundraiser. \r\n\r\nOur class bulletin boards have become brighter and full of work. For Christmas, I was able to send homework packets for the break and now we are copying books so the whole class can have the opportunity to take books home everyday. \r\n\r\nOnce again thank you so much for the Epson Printer and Ink.","fullyFundedDate":1760756384969,"projectUrl":"project/our-classroom-needs-a-good-printer/9784702/","projectTitle":"Our Classroom Needs a Good Printer","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wilson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5084667_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1525392327504","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5084667"},{"teacherId":5084667,"projectId":9625460,"letterContent":"Since our class recieved our books, beanbag and basket, our comfy library area has been amazing. The kids love to work with a partner there, read together, they test/study sight words there. The basket is handy to keep the books, whiteboards and daily reading material. The sentence strips are used to hang on the wall and study.\r\nThank you very much for your generosity. It's because of your kindness students are learning and enjoying to read stress free. Also our room looks amazing. It's nice and cozy.","fullyFundedDate":1758856409945,"projectUrl":"project/a-comfortable-class-library/9625460/","projectTitle":"A Comfortable Class Library","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wilson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5084667_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1525392327504","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5084667"},{"teacherId":9464627,"projectId":9663846,"letterContent":"My physical education classes have become much more hygienic and enjoyable. Adolescents going through changes in their body can be difficult. Without the proper hygienic products, any physical activity can lead to unpleasant odor for themselves and classmates. With the help of your donations, my students have access to their own deodorant whenever they wish. Prior to class or after activities, students do not have to worry about their odor. Engagement and participation is what physical education classes are all about, so when every student participates it makes P.E so much more fun and lively!\r\n\r\nThank you for making my class clean and hygienic!","fullyFundedDate":1758222142886,"projectUrl":"project/hygiene-should-not-be-neglected/9663846/","projectTitle":"Hygiene Should Not Be Neglected!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Briseno","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9464627_orig.jpg?crop=937,937,x0,y56&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756917699422","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9464627"},{"teacherId":9572427,"projectId":9851626,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting Print, Learn, Grow: Empowering Students One Page at a Time. The materials you provided have made a meaningful difference in my classroom. While many families are familiar with technology at home, they may not realize just how essential it is to daily learning at school. With these new printing resources, my students are now able to access hands-on practice pages, personalized learning activities, and visual supports that reinforce the skills we work on together. This technology helps bridge the gap between digital lessons and tangible learning, allowing students to build confidence as they interact with materials that meet their unique needs.\r\n\r\nWhat excites my students the most is the ability to see their work come to life—whether it's a math scaffold, a reading graphic organizer, or a creative writing prompt. They love having fresh, clear materials that help them stay organized and engaged. For some of my students, especially those who benefit from extra structure or visual cues, having high-quality printed resources has been truly empowering. I have a few students who now eagerly ask for printed practice pages because they've realized how much it helps them stay focused and successful.","fullyFundedDate":1764113202256,"projectUrl":"project/print-learn-grow-empowering-students/9851626/","projectTitle":"Print, Learn, Grow: Empowering Students One Page at a Time","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jenkins","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9572427_orig.jpg?crop=1242,1242,x0,y273&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1725379037987","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9572427"},{"teacherId":9572427,"projectId":9490160,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom has been transformed in ways that truly matter for our students. The new technology has allowed them to access information faster, organize their materials more effectively, and stay engaged in their learning. Many of my students are familiar with technology at home, but having tools designed for education has helped them understand how to use it with purpose—whether they're researching, reading, or collaborating. These resources have reduced classroom clutter and time lost searching for materials, allowing us to focus more on learning and creativity.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting part for my students has been how independent and confident they feel when using the new tools. They love being able to explore topics that interest them, keep track of their work digitally, and use the technology to show their understanding in new ways. Several students who typically struggle with organization or staying on task have especially connected with this project. With cleaner spaces and digital supports, they are participating more, completing assignments with pride, and showing real curiosity in class.","fullyFundedDate":1763592422280,"projectUrl":"project/kindle-curiosity-shred-the-clutter/9490160/","projectTitle":"Kindle Curiosity, Shred the Clutter!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jenkins","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9572427_orig.jpg?crop=1242,1242,x0,y273&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1725379037987","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9572427"},{"teacherId":5084667,"projectId":9542468,"letterContent":"Our class would like to thank you for your generous donation. \r\n\r\nThe extent of your kindness gave a memory that will last a lifetime. It was because of your kindness, our class was able to have our kite day. The students had lots of fun and learned so much. \r\n\r\nDuring the week we studied push and pull as a Kindergarten Science Unit. We made test kites during the week, then we took our real kites out in the school field. We had some hit and misses, but all in all the kids had lots of fun.\r\nOnce again thank you for assisting with our class science unit.","fullyFundedDate":1756757912962,"projectUrl":"project/help-us-to-fly-higher/9542468/","projectTitle":"Help Us to Fly Higher","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wilson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5084667_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1525392327504","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5084667"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_5646","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":197,"numTeachers":14,"percentFrplEligible":86,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":98,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":0,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"14.1:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":54.0,"schoolId":5646,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Dunne Technical Academy on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Dunne Technical Academy","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/chicago-public-school-district-299/dunne-elementary-school/5646"}