{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Freeburg Primary Center","outOfStateSupporters":19.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8850367,"projectId":9672908,"letterContent":"We are using these new Christmas-themed games and decorations to create engaging, hands-on learning experiences that support both social-emotional development and physical skills. The Inflatable Reindeer Antler Ring Toss, Snowman Toss Game, Pin the Nose on the Reindeer, and the Large Santa Claus Dart Board are being incorporated into our holiday learning centers to encourage turn-taking, cooperation, hand–eye coordination, and gross motor development. The Elf on the Shelf and festive decorations help set a joyful classroom atmosphere and spark imaginative play, storytelling, and meaningful conversations during circle time.\r\n\r\nThe students were absolutely delighted when they first saw the new materials. Their excitement was evident through smiles, laughter, and eager participation as they explored each game. Many students immediately began cheering for one another, practicing patience while waiting for their turn, and celebrating each other's successes. These materials have been especially effective in engaging a wide range of learners, allowing all students to participate at their own level while building confidence and positive peer interactions.\r\n\r\nOur next steps include intentionally connecting these activities to current classroom learning goals. We will use the games to reinforce skills such as counting, color recognition, following directions, and language development by adding prompts, challenges, and reflective discussions. As we continue our holiday-themed lessons, these resources will also support movement-based learning, sensory regulation, and collaborative play, helping students strengthen foundational skills while enjoying a meaningful and festive learning experience.","fullyFundedDate":1762267706205,"projectUrl":"project/holiday-fun-crafts/9672908/","projectTitle":"Holiday Fun & Crafts","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ammie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8850367_orig.jpg?crop=646,646,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673474685430","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8850367"},{"teacherId":8850367,"projectId":9723113,"letterContent":"When our new Lakeshore building materials arrived Creature Builder, Nuts & Bolts Builders, Slot-A-Shape Builders, Waffle Builders, Design Builders, and Clip & Create Builders my students were immediately excited. Their faces lit up as soon as they saw all the colorful pieces and unique textures. Many of them gasped, pointed, and started sharing ideas with each other about what they wanted to build. Several students went straight into imaginative play, creating animals, vehicles, and pretend machines within minutes. \r\nWe have been using these resources during small-group time, centers, and free exploration. The variety of materials has allowed children to practice fine motor skills, problem-solving, spatial reasoning, and early engineering concepts in a hands-on, developmentally appropriate way. Students are experimenting with how pieces connect, exploring balance and structure, and collaborating with peers to bring their ideas to life. \r\nA next step for our class is to incorporate these materials into a larger STEM-based project. We are beginning a unit on \"Building and Construction,\" where students will plan and design simple structures, test their stability, and revise their ideas based on what they learn. These new resources will support that process by giving children multiple ways to design, test, and create. We'll also begin documenting their building plans, creations, and reflections to show growth in creativity, communication, and critical-thinking skills. \r\nOverall, the materials have already made a huge impact—they've sparked curiosity, encouraged teamwork, and provided rich opportunities for exploration and learning.","fullyFundedDate":1763554273832,"projectUrl":"project/invent-build-discover-stem-in-action/9723113/","projectTitle":"Invent, Build, Discover: STEM in Action","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ammie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8850367_orig.jpg?crop=646,646,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673474685430","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8850367"},{"teacherId":10033993,"projectId":9712099,"letterContent":"On behalf of our classroom, I want to extend our sincere gratitude for your generous donation of healthy snacks. Your kindness has made a meaningful impact on our students' daily learning experience.\r\n\r\nHaving consistent access to nutritious snacks has helped our students stay focused, energized, and ready to learn throughout the day. Many children are better able to participate in activities, stay engaged during lessons, and regulate their emotions because their basic needs are being met. We've noticed improved attention, more positive interactions, and an overall increase in students' readiness to take on new challenges.\r\n\r\nYour support has not only filled our snack baskets—it has supported our students' well-being, confidence, and ability to learn. We are truly grateful for the difference you've made in our classroom community.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your generosity and for investing in our students' success.","fullyFundedDate":1761826883456,"projectUrl":"project/fuel-our-learning-with-healthy-snacks/9712099/","projectTitle":"Fuel Our Learning with Healthy Snacks!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Donald","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10033993_orig.jpg?crop=272,272,x2,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1747097099794","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10033993"},{"teacherId":8850367,"projectId":9557147,"letterContent":"When our Pipe Builders, Stack-and-Create toys, Stretch-and-Connect toys, Gear Builders, Nuts About Patterning, and Nuts About Sorting first arrived, my students' excitement was immediate and contagious. They were eager to dive in, exploring the colors, shapes, and textures of the materials. One memorable moment was when a group of children worked together to build a large structure using several of the new toys at once, combining pipes, gears, and connectors into one creation. Their collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving skills were shining through the entire process.\r\n\r\nWe are now using these materials daily to strengthen early STEM skills, fine motor development, and cooperative play. My students are beginning to extend their learning by creating more complex structures, sorting and patterning with increasing independence, and even explaining their designs to one another. The next steps will simply be continuing to explore and use these items in the classroom, giving students ongoing opportunities for discovery, creativity, and hands-on learning.","fullyFundedDate":1757504918270,"projectUrl":"project/little-learners-big-discoveries-stem-i/9557147/","projectTitle":"Little Learners, Big Discoveries: STEM in Preschool","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ammie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8850367_orig.jpg?crop=646,646,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673474685430","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8850367"},{"teacherId":8850367,"projectId":9407923,"letterContent":"When our new resources arrived, the students were immediately curious and excited to explore them! The mix and match magnetic families and Miniland Family Diversity Blocks quickly became favorites. During center time, the children eagerly built families that reflected their own lives as well as families that looked different from theirs. It opened the door for conversations about similarities, differences, and the many ways people make a family. One child proudly pointed to a block figure and said, \"That looks like my grandma!\" These authentic moments showed how powerful these materials are in helping students see themselves and others represented in the classroom. The loop scissors and left-handed scissors have also been a big success. Many students have never used scissors. This has helped them get used to cutting and holding the scissors. I have a couple Left-handed children, and the left-handed scissors have helped them feel more comfortable holding the scissors. who previously found cutting activities frustrating now feel more confident and capable. Our next steps will be to continue weaving these resources into our social-emotional lessons, especially as we talk about community, empathy, and respecting differences. The scissors will also be used in upcoming art and STEM projects, allowing every student no matter their dominant hand or motor needs to participate successfully. Your generosity has given us tools that support inclusion, representation, and skill-building in such meaningful ways. Thank you for helping our classroom grow!","fullyFundedDate":1750371506471,"projectUrl":"project/colors-of-kindness-celebrating-every-fr/9407923/","projectTitle":"Colors of Kindness: Celebrating Every Friend","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ammie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8850367_orig.jpg?crop=646,646,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673474685430","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8850367"},{"teacherId":8850367,"projectId":9257204,"letterContent":"My preschool students were thrilled to receive our new supplies of Elmer's School Glue, colored masking tape, rainbow duct tape, and hot glue sticks. When they first saw the brightly colored materials, their faces lit up with excitement and curiosity. We are already using the glue and tapes daily in art and building activities, which has encouraged collaboration, fine motor skill growth, and creativity. These resources will also allow us to explore more 3D projects, such as making collages that pop off the page, creating sculptures with cardboard and recycled materials, and building simple group creations like houses, rockets, and animals.","fullyFundedDate":1746490390652,"projectUrl":"project/sticky-creations/9257204/","projectTitle":"Sticky Creations","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ammie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8850367_orig.jpg?crop=646,646,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673474685430","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8850367"},{"teacherId":8850367,"projectId":9231930,"letterContent":"Your generous contribution has made a tremendous impact on our students by providing them with new books about trees. These books have introduced a variety of valuable lessons, such as understanding the different types of trees, the role trees play in the environment, and the importance of taking care of nature. Through vibrant illustrations and engaging stories, the children have also expanded their vocabulary with terms like \"photosynthesis,\" \"seedling,\" and \"forest canopy.\" These lessons not only enhance their knowledge of the natural world but also encourage critical thinking as they begin to understand the interconnectedness of all living things.\r\n\r\nIn our preschool classroom, reading is an interactive and sensory experience. We engage the children through group storytimes, where they're encouraged to predict what will happen next and share their observations. We also extend the stories with hands-on activities like tree leaf rubbings, nature walks, and planting seeds. This approach helps bring the books to life and allows the children to connect more deeply with the content.\r\n\r\nSome students have shown an especially keen interest in the tree-themed books. For example, One child has been fascinated by the illustrations of tree roots and how they grow underground, often sharing his observations during outdoor play. Another child, on the other hand, enjoys retelling the stories, adding his own imaginative details about what trees might think or feel. These books have sparked curiosity and a love of learning in many of our students, and we are so grateful for your support in helping to foster these meaningful experiences.","fullyFundedDate":1744216620911,"projectUrl":"project/branching-out-inspiring-young-minds-wit/9231930/","projectTitle":"Branching Out: Inspiring Young Minds with Books About Trees","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ammie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8850367_orig.jpg?crop=646,646,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673474685430","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8850367"},{"teacherId":8850367,"projectId":9232385,"letterContent":"The new books about water have introduced our students to a wide range of important concepts and skills, including the water cycle, properties of water, and the many ways water impacts our daily lives. Through engaging illustrations and simple yet informative language, children are learning scientific vocabulary, developing observation skills, and gaining a deeper appreciation for nature and environmental responsibility. These books have also sparked rich discussions about conservation and where water comes from, helping students connect what they read to real-world experiences.\r\n\r\nIn our early childhood classroom, reading is a vibrant and interactive experience. Children gather for read-alouds where they actively participate by asking questions, making predictions, and sharing personal connections. The water-themed books have quickly become classroom favorites, particularly among students who enjoy science and hands-on exploration. One student who is especially curious about nature now regularly chooses these books during independent reading time and has even started bringing in questions and ideas for our class science center. These moments show how the new materials are not only building literacy skills but also inspiring a genuine enthusiasm for learning.","fullyFundedDate":1744247779878,"projectUrl":"project/water-wonders-exploring-the-world-throu/9232385/","projectTitle":"Water Wonders: Exploring the World Through Books","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ammie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8850367_orig.jpg?crop=646,646,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673474685430","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8850367"},{"teacherId":8850367,"projectId":9232634,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support in bringing new books about pets into our early childhood classroom. These engaging additions to our library have sparked curiosity and opened the door to a variety of meaningful learning experiences. Through stories that explore pet care, animal behavior, and emotional connections with animals, students are developing early literacy skills alongside important social-emotional lessons. They've been introduced to concepts such as responsibility, empathy, and the diversity of animals people choose as pets all through age-appropriate texts that make learning both accessible and enjoyable. Reading in our classroom is an interactive and joyful part of the day. Children gather in cozy spaces to explore books independently, participate in group read-aloud, and engage in conversations about the stories they hear. We use the pet-themed books not only to build vocabulary and comprehension but also as springboards for related activities such as dramatic play, drawing, and class discussions that reinforce both language development and real-world understanding. These books have truly become a centerpiece of our literacy-rich environment, supporting a love for reading that will benefit students for years to come. Several students have shown a particular enthusiasm for the new books. One child, who is usually quiet during group time, has begun eagerly raising their hand to share thoughts and make connections between the books and their own experiences with pets at home. Another student with emerging language skills is increasingly drawn to the vibrant illustrations and repetitive phrases, which have supported their confidence in participating during story time. It's heartwarming to witness how these carefully selected books are not only enhancing literacy skills but also fostering a deeper engagement with learning for each child in their unique way. Thank you again.","fullyFundedDate":1744239476780,"projectUrl":"project/tails-tales-exploring-the-world-of-pe/9232634/","projectTitle":"Tails & Tales: Exploring the World of Pets Through Books","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ammie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8850367_orig.jpg?crop=646,646,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673474685430","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8850367"},{"teacherId":8850367,"projectId":9179335,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support in helping us receive new cot sheets and cozy blankets for our classroom! Your kindness has brought comfort and joy to our students in the most heartwarming way. The excitement in the room was priceless when the children first saw the new sheets and blankets. Their faces lit up with big smiles, and there were lots of \"oohs\" and \"wows\" as they eagerly helped us unpack everything. One of our students exclaimed, \"It's like we're at a sleepover!\" a sentiment many of them shared as they snuggled into their cozy spots during rest time.\r\nWe've started a \"Rest & Reflect\" project where we read calming stories before nap time and talk about our feelings. The new cozy setup has helped make this a peaceful and safe routine, especially for students who need a little extra comfort to wind down. These soft, clean, and inviting materials have made a noticeable difference in how easily the children settle in and how well they rest. Looking ahead, we're continuing to explore feelings and mindfulness through quiet storytelling, yoga, and art. These next steps help build emotional awareness and self-regulation skills that are essential for young learners. Your gift supports not just rest, but emotional growth and classroom calm. From all of us—thank you again for your thoughtfulness and belief in our little learners!","fullyFundedDate":1742939222096,"projectUrl":"project/cozy-comforts-for-little-dreamers/9179335/","projectTitle":"Cozy Comforts for Little Dreamers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ammie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8850367_orig.jpg?crop=646,646,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673474685430","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8850367"},{"teacherId":8850367,"projectId":9174627,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous contribution, the new art supplies have been a fantastic addition to our preschool classroom, opening up endless creative possibilities for our students. Recently, the children used the new crayons, markers, and oil pastels to create colorful \"nature collages\" inspired by our outdoor exploration. They used the markers to outline and then colored with the oil pastels and crayons, blending colors to capture the beauty of flowers, trees, and animals. This project not only enhanced their fine motor skills but also helped them connect with nature and express their observations through art.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the new art supplies, their faces lit up with excitement! They immediately dove into the materials, eager to try out the different colors and textures. It was heartwarming to see them so engaged, with some even experimenting with color mixing for the first time. Moving forward, we plan to incorporate these supplies into an ongoing project where the children will create a \"community mural,\" representing their ideas of friendship, teamwork, and creativity. Your support has helped cultivate a space where the children can freely explore and express themselves thank you for making such a positive impact on their learning experience!","fullyFundedDate":1742303183312,"projectUrl":"project/exploring-the-world-of-art-supplies/9174627/","projectTitle":"Exploring the World of Art Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ammie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8850367_orig.jpg?crop=646,646,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673474685430","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8850367"},{"teacherId":8850367,"projectId":9150977,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous donation, the art drying rack and new shelf for toys have made a world of difference in our classroom! The drying rack has allowed us to better organize and display the students' artwork, giving them a sense of pride in their creations. For example, during a recent painting project, each child was able to lay their work on the drying rack as it dried, which not only kept our space tidy but also allowed the children to admire their own and each other's artwork. This small change has made a huge impact on their sense of accomplishment and creativity.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the new art drying rack and toy shelf, their reactions were full of excitement and curiosity! They immediately started to organize their toys and select their favorite pieces to display on the new shelf. It's been wonderful watching them take ownership of their space, and they've become more independent in choosing and cleaning up their toys. Moving forward, the next step in our classroom is to continue fostering this independence by incorporating more group projects where children can create together and then store their collaborative art on the drying rack. Your support has helped us create a more organized, inspiring, and empowering environment for our young learners!","fullyFundedDate":1741988671606,"projectUrl":"project/little-creators-art-drying-rack-stor/9150977/","projectTitle":"\"Little Creators: Art Drying Rack & Storage Shelf for Classroom\"","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ammie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8850367_orig.jpg?crop=646,646,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673474685430","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8850367"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_93852","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":260,"numTeachers":16,"percentFrplEligible":31,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":91,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":3,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 2","studentTeacherRatio":"16.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"RURAL","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_FRINGE"},"inStateSupporters":80.9,"schoolId":93852,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Freeburg Primary Center on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Freeburg Primary Center","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/freeburg-community-consolidated-school-district-70/freeburg-primary-center/93852"}