{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Gary Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":34.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":1805367,"projectId":9954986,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support in helping us create our new Calm Corner.\r\n\r\nBecause of your kindness, our students now have a dedicated, peaceful space equipped with sensory tools, comfortable seating, and self-regulation resources. This quiet retreat gives children a safe place to process big emotions, reset, and return to learning feeling focused and supported.\r\n\r\nYour contribution directly impacts our students' daily mental health and emotional well-being. We are so grateful for your investment in our classroom community.","fullyFundedDate":1776382715661,"projectUrl":"project/seats-for-success/9954986/","projectTitle":"Seats for Success","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Yonamine","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1805367_orig.jpg?crop=502,502,x0,y33&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1708443822262","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/eeyonamine"},{"teacherId":373203,"projectId":10259530,"letterContent":"I work with students who struggle to read and write, but when you allow them to be creative and treat them like authors, they can gain the confidence they need to write. All day my students are speaking and listening and find it challenging to put their thoughts into writing, because they are too worried if they spelled a word correctly or if it makes sense. \r\n\r\nIt's difficult to engage your students in class when many struggle to read and write. This year we are giving every student a writing notebook and binder. The majority of my students are visual learners. We will use our binders to keep our notes and anchor charts. These are helping my students organize their thinking and learning. These visual aids are allowing my students to be more receptive with their learning and engaging them as well. \r\n\r\nWe are also creating centers for all subject areas and storing them in binders to make it easier to pack and organize them for our student rotations. I love seeing my students engaged and writing. We appreciate all that you have done to make this possible!","fullyFundedDate":1784909266415,"projectUrl":"project/organizing-my-ideas/10259530/","projectTitle":"Organizing My Ideas!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cisneros","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp373203_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1486579993060","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/melissacisneros"},{"teacherId":9722982,"projectId":10156956,"letterContent":"My students and I are so grateful for the generous donations that helped us start our school year on such a positive note! Because of the supplies we received, I did not have to worry about whether my students would come to school with the materials they needed. From the very first day, we were able to jump right into learning with pencils and Expo markers ready to go. Having everything prepared helped me create a strong and smooth first week of school.\r\n\r\nOne of my favorite moments so far was during a recent math lesson on multiplication and arrays. We were learning that we can switch the order of the two factors and still get the same answer. Using the magnetic dots on our board, I created an array with four rows and three columns. Then, I turned the magnetic board on its side and asked my students if they thought the answer would be the same or different. It was amazing to see them make the connection almost instantly! Seeing those \"aha!\" moments and watching students become excited about math is one of the best parts of teaching.\r\n\r\nMy students were very excited to see all of the new materials and to know that we had everything we needed to begin learning together. Next, I am especially excited to begin using the new games and materials during our classroom centers. My goal is to keep the games in rotation so students can continue practicing important skills in fun and engaging ways. These resources will help make learning interactive while giving my students more opportunities to practice, collaborate, and build confidence.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your generosity and for helping give my students such a wonderful start to the school year.","fullyFundedDate":1784208458403,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-learning-for-every-student/10156956/","projectTitle":"Hands On Learning for Every Student","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Castro","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9722982_orig.jpg?crop=3200,3200,x0,y469&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746711069604","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9722982"},{"teacherId":5885991,"projectId":9944186,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity. Students were very excited to get new headphones to use during class. It has made many of our classroom activities much more enjoyable. Students are able to use speech to text, listen to guiding videos independently without disturbing one another, and they have been able to read along with audiobooks. \r\n\r\nOur previous set of classroom headphones were very worn down. Many of them did not have working microphones, which made it impossible to do certain tasks. Now, every student has a brand new set of headphones that they each are responsible for and take care of very well. Thank you again.","fullyFundedDate":1765310897974,"projectUrl":"project/headphones-for-5th-grade/9944186/","projectTitle":"Headphones for 5th grade!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Vazquez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5885991_orig.jpg?crop=1300,1300,x907,y1441&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1763046362714","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5885991"},{"teacherId":1805367,"projectId":9954985,"letterContent":"On behalf of our classroom, thank you for the books and gear regarding community workers. For our students, these high-interest materials are vital. By exploring these tools and uniforms, our students move past \"stranger anxiety\" and sensory fears, turning intimidating figures into familiar friends. Seeing them realize that everyone has a role to play is a beautiful gift. Your kindness provides the safety and confidence they need to grow, learn, and connect with the wonderful world around them. We are truly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1769177176735,"projectUrl":"project/our-community-in-action/9954985/","projectTitle":"Our Community in Action","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Yonamine","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1805367_orig.jpg?crop=502,502,x0,y33&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1708443822262","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/eeyonamine"},{"teacherId":373203,"projectId":10002951,"letterContent":"The bilingual board games have become the highlight of our \"Collaborative Literacy\" stations. Instead of sitting silently with a tablet, students are now huddled around tables, negotiating rules in two languages and navigating gameplay together.\r\n\r\nJust yesterday, I watched a group of students play a word-building game. One student, who is usually very quiet and leans heavily on digital translation tools, was laughing while trying to explain a strategy to their teammate. They weren't just practicing English Language Arts; they were practicing social-emotional bravery. They chose to use their voice instead of a screen.\r\n\r\nWhen the boxes arrived, one student asked, \"Wait, we get to play these?\" Many of my students had never seen a physical board game before. When we opened the first box, they were fascinated by the tactile pieces—the dice, the cards, and the colorful boards. There was a genuine sense of awe that someone had sent these specifically for them to enjoy.\r\n\r\n\"Thank you for helping me replace glowing screens with glowing smiles. You haven't just given us games; you've given us a way to connect as a community.\"","fullyFundedDate":1769177197617,"projectUrl":"project/game-on-learn-and-play-with-board-games/10002951/","projectTitle":"Game On! Learn and Play with Board Games","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cisneros","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp373203_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1486579993060","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/melissacisneros"},{"teacherId":10357547,"projectId":9909916,"letterContent":"The support my students and I received truly meant so much to our classroom. When the headphones and flexible seating chair arrived, my students were so excited to see that people cared about their learning.\r\nThe headphones are helping students stay focused during independent and technology-based work, allowing them to hear their lessons clearly and work at their own pace. The flexible seating chair has quickly become a favorite, giving students a comfortable option that helps them stay engaged and ready to learn.\r\nYour generosity has made a real difference in creating a classroom where students feel supported, comfortable, and excited to learn. Thank you for supporting our class!","fullyFundedDate":1763850768429,"projectUrl":"project/help-us-find-our-voices-with-headphones/9909916/","projectTitle":"Help Us Find Our Voices With Headphones!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Padilla","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10357547"},{"teacherId":1805367,"projectId":9954993,"letterContent":"Because of your kindness, students now have the tools they need to truly experience science—not just read about it. Your donation of magnifiers, magnets, binoculars, a scale, and lab equipment means that children who struggle with traditional learning can now explore, discover, and understand scientific concepts through touch, observation, and experimentation.\r\nYou've given the students more than materials—you've given them confidence, curiosity, and the joy of saying \"I can do this!\" When they examine a leaf up close, feel the pull of a magnet, or measure objects on a scale, they're not just learning science; they're discovering their own capabilities.\r\nFor students who learn differently, these hands-on experiences aren't just helpful—they're essential. You've helped level the playing field and opened doors to understanding that were previously closed.\r\nThank you for seeing the potential in every learner and for investing in their success. Your generosity will impact these students far beyond this school year, fostering a love of discovery and learning that will stay with them forever.\r\nWith deepest gratitude,","fullyFundedDate":1765998134356,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-science-exploration-for-all-lea/9954993/","projectTitle":"Hands-On Science Exploration for All Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Yonamine","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1805367_orig.jpg?crop=502,502,x0,y33&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1708443822262","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/eeyonamine"},{"teacherId":10321955,"projectId":9845562,"letterContent":"Thank you for making Printing for Progress: Supplying Educational Resources a reality. Your generosity has brought meaningful change to our classrooms by providing a printer, copy paper, and an organizational rack—simple tools that have created a powerful ripple of improvement in our daily teaching and learning. With these resources, it helps me produce clear, well-prepared worksheets, learning activities, and instructional materials that reach every student. The ability to print on demand has strengthened lesson delivery, supported differentiated instruction, and ensured that no learner is left without the materials they need to succeed.\r\n\r\nThe organizational rack has also transformed the way we celebrate student work. It now serves as a dedicated space where learners proudly display their completed tasks and performance outputs, helping build confidence, ownership, and a sense of accomplishment. Classrooms feel more organized, more engaging, and more student-centered. Your support has not only equipped us with essential materials—it has empowered both teachers and students to reach their full potential. We are deeply grateful for your belief in our mission and for the lasting impact you have made in our school community.","fullyFundedDate":1764598868331,"projectUrl":"project/printing-for-progress-supplying-educati/9845562/","projectTitle":"Printing for Progress: Supplying Educational Resources","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. JR BUNA","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10321955_orig.jpg?crop=600,600,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760817024403","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10321955"},{"teacherId":8983880,"projectId":9725434,"letterContent":"I am writing this letter to express my sincere gratitude for your generosity and support of my classroom. Thanks to your kindness, we were able to purchase new graphic novels for our students as well as a vacuum to help keep the previously donated spaces clean and welcoming.\r\n\r\nThe new graphic novels have already made an immediate impact. Students gravitated toward them right away, excited to curl up with a book or settle in comfortably while working on a project. Having engaging, contemporary texts available has helped foster a love of reading and has made our library feel even more inviting. In addition,keeping these shared spaces clean and fresh is just as important, and the vacuum you helped provide allows us to properly care for the spaces that were so thoughtfully donated.\r\n\r\nAs a teacher, I see the challenges many of our students face each day. Many come from underprivileged backgrounds, and access to quality resources can make a meaningful difference in their academic lives. Your generosity has allowed us to create a more engaging and stimulating space, and just as importantly, it has shown our students that there are people who care deeply about their education beyond the walls of our school. Watching their faces light up when I add new things to the shared spaces is truly heartwarming and will have a lasting impact on their learning.\r\n\r\nLastly, I apologize if this sounds a bit sentimental, but in a world that can sometimes feel cold and distant, your selflessness is a powerful reminder that there are truly good people committed to making a positive difference.Once again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your generosity and support. Your contribution has made a real and lasting impact, and I am deeply honored to have your support.","fullyFundedDate":1758842139460,"projectUrl":"project/fresh-pages-fresh-spaces/9725434/","projectTitle":"Fresh Pages, Fresh Spaces","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Alcaraz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8983880_orig.jpg?crop=271,271,x143,y189&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1678808599787","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8983880"},{"teacherId":2454366,"projectId":9528036,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for contributing to my project. My students are so grateful to have the extra materials and supplies in the project, and it helps round out the classroom. The calculators are used every day and will continue to be used every year. The chart paper and chart markers allow me to create anchor charts, as well as provide students with a medium for working on larger projects using the chart paper as well. The tissue was so needed as we enter cold and flu season, and every day, someone has a cold. Thank you so much for helping our students have what they need to thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1760735152307,"projectUrl":"project/help-diverse-learners-with-needed-materi/9528036/","projectTitle":"Help Diverse Learners with Needed Materials","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Szymanski","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2454366_orig.png?crop=664,664,x0,y216&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754154951123","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/pirates"},{"teacherId":9483198,"projectId":9529299,"letterContent":"As the equipment and the soccer balls were received. I brought them into practice. The students in the team were excited and grateful to be able to practice with new equipment.. that helped them develop their skills for the season. We were able to use the soccer balls in our matches.\r\nBut what this did to the team was developed their confidence in the game of soccer and also to get experience at a higher level of training. So with the current equipment, we will use it also for the spring and the girls season where they also get experience. To develop their talent.","fullyFundedDate":1754684830020,"projectUrl":"project/kicking-into-soccer-season/9529299/","projectTitle":"Kicking into Soccer Season","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Bonilla","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9483198"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_5583","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":710,"numTeachers":53,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":98,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":0,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"13.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":65.3,"schoolId":5583,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Gary Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Gary Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/chicago-public-school-district-299/gary-elementary-school/5583"}