{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Funston Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":38.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":7945064,"projectId":10121842,"letterContent":"The resources provided through this project have made such a meaningful difference in our classroom, and I am incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make them possible. At our school, approximately 98% of our families are considered low-income, so even something as simple as purchasing multiple folders and school supplies can become an added financial burden for a family. Many of our students also come from different countries and backgrounds, and some families are working hard to establish themselves in a new community while making sure their children have everything they need for school. Because of your generosity, my students do not have to worry about whether they have the same supplies as the student sitting next to them. They can simply walk into our classroom, receive what they need, and focus on being kids who are ready to learn.\r\n\r\nThere is something very special about seeing a student's excitementwhen I can simply say, \"I have one for you.\" They don't have to feel embarrassed because they are missing something, worry about asking their family to purchase it, or feel like they are different from their classmates. Having these resources available helps us stay organized, keeps students accountable for their work, and allows everyone to participate fully. Most importantly, it helps create a classroom where every student feels included, prepared, and capable of being successful.\r\n\r\nYour support has also made an incredible difference for me as their teacher. Instead of making late-night trips to the store or personally trying to fill every gap when students are missing supplies, I can simply reach into our classroom resources and give a child what they need. That allows me to spend more of my time and energy doing what I love most being available for my students.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in my students and believing that every child deserves to walk into their classroom with the tools they need to succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1777927267751,"projectUrl":"project/basics-belonging/10121842/","projectTitle":"Basics & Belonging","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Oliva-Perez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7945064_orig.jpg?crop=2037,2037,x0,y6&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1632191929780","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7945064"},{"teacherId":184637,"projectId":10449708,"letterContent":"My students were so excited to see all of the supplies arrive! We have enough tissues, hand sanitizer, sanitizing wipes, and Lysol to last us the entire year. The tissues, hand sanitizer, sanitizing wipes, and paper towels are made readily available at a table in the front of the room where students can access the items as needed. Just this afternoon, one of our female students asked to go to the restroom to wash her hands. She had been holding onto one of those squeeze stress toys, and some of the material got on her hands. It was lovely to be able to give her a hand wipe so that she could clean her hands! \r\n\r\nThank you so much to Ethan for sharing his financial resources. Thank you to the Donors Choose community for making this project possible. May the rest of the year be a joyful one for you and those you love!","fullyFundedDate":1787195661596,"projectUrl":"project/back-off-viruses/10449708/","projectTitle":"Back Off Viruses!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jackson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp184637_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1541565584975","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/missjacksonconnects"},{"teacherId":8656232,"projectId":10141167,"letterContent":"On behalf of the young performers, directors, and entire community at Funston Elementary, I am writing to express our heartfelt gratitude for your generous support of our upcoming production of The Lion King. Because of your kindness, our stage is transforming into a vibrant African savanna, and our students are stepping into an experience they will never forget.\r\n\r\nThe Impact on Our Students\r\nOur performers are a resilient, creative, and remarkably dedicated group of young people. For many of them, the theater space is far more than an extracurricular activity—it is a safe haven where they discover their voices, build lifelong confidence, and learn the power of teamwork.\r\n\r\nYour support provided the essential costumes, headdresses, masks, and accessories needed to bring this historic, inaugural Disney musical to life. The physical transformation has had a profound impact on their growth:\r\n\r\nElevated Confidence & Mindset: The moment our students put on their lion manes, bird plumage, and savanna-inspired textiles, a remarkable shift took place. Leaving their daily school uniforms behind allowed them to fully step out of their shells, embrace the physicality of their roles, and perform with professional-grade pride.\r\n\r\nValidation of Their Hard Work: Our cast spent countless hours rehearsing lines and mastering complex rhythms. Seeing high-quality, vibrant costumes waiting for them communicated a powerful message: their effort is valuable, and their talents are worth celebrating.\r\n\r\nA Deepened Sense of Belonging: Bringing the \"Circle of Life\" to the stage has united a diverse group of students into a tight-knit family. They have learned to support one another, share the spotlight, and take collective ownership of a grand artistic vision.\r\n\r\n\"Putting on my costume made me feel like a real actor for the first time. I didn't feel shy anymore—I felt strong, like I really belonged on that stage.\"\r\n\r\n— Adult Simba\r\n\r\nThank you once again for believing in our students and helping make our inaugural performance a roaring success!\r\n\r\nWith deepest appreciation,","fullyFundedDate":1777640352952,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-to-the-pride-lands-our-first/10141167/","projectTitle":"Classroom to the Pride Lands: Our First Disney Musical!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Evelyn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8656232_orig.jpg?crop=848,848,x0,y141&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1661811856564","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-evelyndanceclass"},{"teacherId":10493800,"projectId":10263802,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to our classroom. Your support has made a meaningful difference in our students' learning experience.\r\n\r\nWe will use the new materials every day during our science, reading, and math lessons. The materials will make learning more engaging and interactive.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the new supplies, they were very excited and grateful. Many of them could not believe that people they had never met cared enough to support their education. Their excitement motivated them to take great care of the materials and use them responsibly.\r\n\r\nOur next steps include continuing to use these resources to strengthen students' academic skills and support collaborative learning. Thanks to your generosity, our students have access to tools that help them succeed and stay engaged in their learning.\r\n\r\nThank you again for investing in our classroom and in the future of our students. We truly appreciate your kindness and support.","fullyFundedDate":1779311662191,"projectUrl":"project/latino-students/10263802/","projectTitle":"Latino Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lopez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10493800"},{"teacherId":7945064,"projectId":9881012,"letterContent":"In today's classroom, technology is more than just a digital screen; it's a portal to personalized learning. My students use their devices daily to engage with interactive reading programs that read along with them, helping to build fluency and comprehension. However, for this to be effective, clear and reliable audio is a necessity. During high-stakes testing and daily literacy blocks they are able to use these in small groups, these tools allow each child to work in a quiet environment, ensuring that the \"noise\" of a busy classroom doesn't become a barrier to their individual progress.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting thing about these new, high-quality headphones is the **reliability and comfort** they provide. While I have always encouraged families to send their children to school with a \"decent\" pair, the reality is that many families simply cannot afford to replace $10 or $20 headphones three or four times a year. Many often turn to \"dollar store\" versions, which unfortunately tend to break within weeks or provide poor sound quality. Having a class set of professional-grade headphones means my students no longer have to struggle with one earbud not working or painful plastic edges, they can just plug in and start learning.\r\n\r\nFor those who struggle with sensory processing or need audio support to decode difficult words, these headphones are a game-changer. Thank you for being the bridge to their success.\r\n\r\nBy providing these materials, you are ensuring that no child in my room faces a barrier to listening, reading, or learning due to their financial circumstances. Thank you for supporting educators and helping us provide the high-quality tools our students deserve!","fullyFundedDate":1771798381427,"projectUrl":"project/hear-to-learn-supporting-every-voice-i/9881012/","projectTitle":"\"Hear to Learn: Supporting Every Voice in the Classroom\"","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Oliva-Perez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7945064_orig.jpg?crop=2037,2037,x0,y6&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1632191929780","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7945064"},{"teacherId":6265884,"projectId":10014608,"letterContent":"Thank you for your thoughtful donation of sanitary supplies to our preschool special education classroom. Your kindness and generosity help create a clean, safe, and welcoming environment where our young learners can focus on growing, exploring, and reaching important developmental milestones. These everyday essentials make a meaningful difference in supporting the health and well-being of our students.\r\n\r\nYour support eases the burden on our classroom resources and allows us to dedicate more time and attention to providing enriching learning experiences for every child. Although we may not know your names, please know that your generosity is deeply appreciated by our students, families, and staff. Thank you for investing in our classroom and for making a positive impact on the lives of the children we serve.","fullyFundedDate":1774455687683,"projectUrl":"project/essential-supplies-for-pre-k/10014608/","projectTitle":"Essential Supplies for Pre-K!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Trail","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6265884_orig.jpg?crop=345,345,x0,y65&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1597002011334","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6265884"},{"teacherId":4972467,"projectId":9260833,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom coffee cart project! Your generosity will make for a meaningful difference in the lives of my students, all of whom have multiple disabilities. My learners are gaining hands-on experience with real-life skills like counting money, telling time, following directions, and working together as a team.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, your giving my students the chance to feel successful and valued. Your support allowed my students to practice many skills. Including using their voice and practicing verbal speech. This experience gave them confidence and made them feel proud of their achievements.","fullyFundedDate":1746462637354,"projectUrl":"project/coffee-cart/9260833/","projectTitle":"Coffee Cart!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Reyes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4972467_orig.jpg?crop=1474,1474,x362,y1613&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1671478020682","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4972467"},{"teacherId":7945064,"projectId":9707419,"letterContent":"I want to sincerely thank you for your generosity in providing shoes and classroom resources for our students. We are especially grateful for the printer and the organizational systems we were able to put in place. Because of your support, we now have clear systems for homework, daily classroom routines, pencils available every single day. These tools allow our classroom to function smoothly and help students stay focused rather than worrying about what they don't have.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the supplies, their faces light up reminding us just how much access to basic necessities can impact a child's confidence, engagement, and sense of belonging at school.\r\n\r\nOur school community serves a population that requires additional support, as many families are doing their absolute best but are unable to afford items and you bridged that gap.\r\n\r\nSo because of you, our students feel seen, supported, and valued. These resources allow them to show up ready to learn, participate fully, and focus on being kids. Thank you again!","fullyFundedDate":1761226143312,"projectUrl":"project/printing-success-building-strong-reader/9707419/","projectTitle":"Printing Success: Building Strong Readers and Writers with Writing Tools","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Oliva-Perez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7945064_orig.jpg?crop=2037,2037,x0,y6&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1632191929780","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7945064"},{"teacherId":10192682,"projectId":9667842,"letterContent":"I want to thank everyone for helping me create this space for my students. I've always believed that socio-emotional health impacts all areas of development, which is why I consider it so important. Thanks to you, my students can now enjoy a cozy corner where they can take a moment to regulate their emotions and take a break when needed. My students use this space as their \"peace zone\" or their \"calm corner.\"\r\n\r\nMy students were thrilled to see their new space and immediately wanted to explore and enjoy it. Thank you again for helping me create this for my students; they are enjoying it now, and future students will also have the privilege of using it.","fullyFundedDate":1762267511528,"projectUrl":"project/4th-grade-cozy-corner/9667842/","projectTitle":"4th grade cozy Corner","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Fernandez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10192682_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1767993562434","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10192682"},{"teacherId":610218,"projectId":9585502,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our 7th and 8th grade math classroom here in Chicago. Your generosity helped us add two things that have already made a noticeable difference every single day: classroom curtains and a black-and-white printer.\r\n\r\nThe curtains have created a more conducive learning space for students. Before, bright sunlight often made it difficult for students to see the board or their screens, especially during problem-solving and small-group work. Now, students can focus without glare or distractions, and our room feels calmer and more comfortable—a true learning environment. One student even said, \"It feels like we're in a real study space now!\"\r\n\r\nThe printer has been a game-changer for our math lessons. We've been able to print anchor charts, practice sets, guided notes, and real-time feedback during class. A moment that really stood out happened during a recent integers lesson: students were thrilled to receive individualized practice sheets printed just for them. Several of them said, \"We actually get our own copies now?\" It may seem simple, but having immediate access to clean, clear materials has boosted both confidence and engagement.\r\n\r\n The improved lighting control from the curtains will also help students focus better during assessments, centers, and small-group instruction.\r\n\r\n Thank you for believing in our learners and for investing in their success.","fullyFundedDate":1756983347219,"projectUrl":"project/help-my-students-see-success-curtains-/9585502/","projectTitle":"Help My Students See Success— Curtains = Clarity!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Alvarez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp610218_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756333708417","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/salvarez28"},{"teacherId":184637,"projectId":9569702,"letterContent":"I decided that you should hear directly from some of my students about the mice that you helped them access!\r\n\r\n\"I like the mouse a lot and I'm very grateful that we were able to get these mice, thank you!\" (R.C.)\r\n\r\n\"I am very grateful for the mouse and they will help me and my peers. I think this mouse is very useful and the mouse is helping us.\" (C.D.)\r\n\r\n\"its good ive been using it alot and its better then just pressing the chromebook mouse\" (J.F.)\r\n\r\n\"My thoughts about the mouse I got are that it's a useful and helpful tool for when we use our laptops.\" (E.G.)\r\n\r\n\"The mouse is very helpful for work.\" (R.J.)\r\n\r\n\"It's nice because I'm able to move my cursor quicker.\" (V.J.)\r\n\r\n\"I feel like the computer mouse has been a great help because of my school work\" (D.M.)\r\n\r\n\"I like them because it makes it easier to use my chromebook.\" (K.P.)\r\n\r\n\"I like using the mouse and it makes it easier to use the Chromebook.\" (N.P.)\r\n\r\n\"I like the mouse because it has been useful for a lot of things because the computer mouse pad gets annoying sometimes.\" (J.S.)\r\n\r\n\"I think it is very helpful to use.\" (P.V.)\r\n\r\n\"I'm so grateful for the mouse I was given. I use it every day for assignments, studying, testing and for comfort. I much rather use the mouse than the little square pad on our computers. I also appreciate the bag that Ms. Jackson gave us, so we don't lose it and I will make sure to take care of it so she can give it to her next homeroom.\" (G.W.)\r\n\r\n\"I like the mouse and I use it a decent amount of times when working on my presentations and docs. I'm very grateful for it and I'm glad I got it. \" (Y.Z.)","fullyFundedDate":1755745352406,"projectUrl":"project/eek-a-mouse-yes-mice-are-our-friends/9569702/","projectTitle":"Eek! A Mouse? Yes, Mice Are Our Friends!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jackson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp184637_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1541565584975","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/missjacksonconnects"},{"teacherId":10171824,"projectId":9580951,"letterContent":"I am so incredibly thankful to the DonorsChoose community for donating to my project.  I was honestly so excited to receive all the resources to make my \"calm and cozy\" corner in my resource classroom a complete success! Students were overjoyed when they saw all the new sensory items and the revamped space in our classroom.   Since receiving all the materials and setting them up, students have been utilizing the calm-down corner and all the sensory items daily.  Sometimes transitioning to my classroom is challenging for some of my students.  Now that my students have access to the calm-down corner, they often ask for a sensory break and spend 5-10 minutes there to help regulate their emotions or take a moment to prepare for learning.  My students will continue using this safe space for years to come. Thank you again to all those who donated to my project.","fullyFundedDate":1755695447465,"projectUrl":"project/quiet-cozy-and-calm-corner/9580951/","projectTitle":"Quiet, Cozy, and Calm Corner","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dailey","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10171824"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_5751","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":440,"numTeachers":22,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":7,"percentWhite":2,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":89,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":0,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"20.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":61.7,"schoolId":5751,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Funston Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Funston Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/chicago-public-school-district-299/funston-elementary-school/5751"}