{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"George Washington Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":55.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8683513,"projectId":10362883,"letterContent":"Your generosity has completely transformed our middle school classroom into a warm, vibrant space where learning feels natural and exciting. Thanks to your support, we were able to add flexible comfy chairs, inviting decor, and thoughtful touches that instantly turn a rigid room into a place where kids actually want to be.\r\n\r\nMiddle school is notoriously tough to navigate, and feeling like you truly belong can be a daily challenge for many young people. The physical environment plays a massive role in easing that anxiety. By creating a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, your gift gives our students a safe haven where they can let their guard down, settle in, and focus on growing both academically and personally.\r\n\r\nSeeing our students' faces light up as they sink into a comfortable seat and take in their new surroundings has been unforgettable. You have given them far more than just furniture and decor—you have sent a clear message that they are valued, cared for, and worthy of a great space. Thank you for making a lasting difference in their middle school experience!","fullyFundedDate":1785778806682,"projectUrl":"project/wonderful-welcome-back/10362883/","projectTitle":"Wonderful Welcome Back","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Battista","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8683513"},{"teacherId":8683513,"projectId":9980504,"letterContent":"Your generosity has completely transformed our middle school classroom into a warm, vibrant space where learning feels natural and exciting. Thanks to your support, we were able to add flexible comfy chairs, inviting decor, and thoughtful touches that instantly turn a rigid room into a place where kids actually want to be.\r\n\r\nMiddle school is notoriously tough to navigate, and feeling like you truly belong can be a daily challenge for many young people. The physical environment plays a massive role in easing that anxiety. By creating a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, your gift gives our students a safe haven where they can let their guard down, settle in, and focus on growing both academically and personally.\r\n\r\nSeeing our students' faces light up as they sink into a comfortable seat and take in their new surroundings has been unforgettable. You have given them far more than just furniture and decor—you have sent a clear message that they are valued, cared for, and worthy of a great space. Thank you for making a lasting difference in their middle school experience!","fullyFundedDate":1777652896074,"projectUrl":"project/ready-set-middle-school-creating-a-cl/9980504/","projectTitle":"Ready, Set, Middle School! Creating a Classroom Community","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Battista","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8683513"},{"teacherId":8683513,"projectId":9980422,"letterContent":"Your generosity has brought a vibrant world of new stories directly into our middle school classroom. Thanks to your support, our shelves are now filled with books that spark curiosity, deepen empathy, and inspire our students every single day. Middle school is a transformative time, and having access to high-quality literature makes an incredible difference in how our students navigate these crucial years.\r\n\r\nThese new titles were chosen to champion values of tolerance, acceptance, and inclusivity. Through these pages, our class is learning to celebrate differences, understand varied perspectives, and build a more compassionate community both inside and outside the classroom. Your gift provides far more than just reading material—it creates meaningful opportunities for real conversation and personal growth.\r\n\r\nPerhaps most importantly, these books allow our students to see themselves reflected in the characters they read about. Finding a piece of your own identity in a story is a powerful moment, showing young people that their experiences matter and that they belong. Thank you for investing in our classroom, empowering our readers, and helping every student feel seen and valued.","fullyFundedDate":1773840551614,"projectUrl":"project/every-story-belongs-cultivating-an-incl/9980422/","projectTitle":"Every Story Belongs: Cultivating an Inclusive Library","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Battista","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8683513"},{"teacherId":8501028,"projectId":10241852,"letterContent":"I can't thank you enough for your donation to this very special and impactful project. Because of your generosity, you helped hatch some real kindergarten magic!\r\n\r\nOur kindergarteners lit up as they watched the incredible journey from egg to chick. They learned so much through this hands-on experience and gained a deeper understanding of the life cycle by witnessing it firsthand.\r\n\r\nOur chicks even made an impact on our entire school community. We set up a live stream so other classrooms could watch this amazing process unfold. Your donation will continue to make a difference for years to come, as the materials purchased can be used with future kindergarten classes.\r\n\r\nWe are so lucky to have amazing donors like you. Thank you for helping create such a meaningful and memorable learning experience for our students!","fullyFundedDate":1777931324023,"projectUrl":"project/hatching-some-kindergarten-magic/10241852/","projectTitle":"Hatching Some Kindergarten Magic","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bulger","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8501028_orig.jpg?crop=2138,2138,x100,y440&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1744156577893","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8501028"},{"teacherId":5354817,"projectId":10000118,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your donations to our classroom. The students were able to get some books that they enjoy and some new materials for the classroom. It's always nice to see them excited for new learning resources. \r\n\r\nThe students were able to paint pictures for their penpals and dive into some exciting STEAM projects. The new books have the students engaging and reading more. They love talking about the new books and choosing a new coveted title has been very exciting for us. \r\n\r\nThis has helped us end the school year on a strong and positive note and we thank you greatly!","fullyFundedDate":1773275158941,"projectUrl":"project/3rd-grade-refresh-in-2026/10000118/","projectTitle":"3rd Grade Refresh in 2026!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Grieshaber","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5354817_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y372&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1626976597217","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mgrieshaber"},{"teacherId":1653103,"projectId":9996056,"letterContent":"Donations to this project made a huge impact on my classroom. Every student uses the multiplication pop-its for easy fact recognition. They have excelled through content that was difficult previously. They are having fun applying multiplication facts to solve application problems involving rates, proportions, least common multiplies, greatest common factor, simplifying fractions, equivalent fractions, etc. These concepts were almost unattainable before your generous donation. Learning has become fun and students use the multiplication pop its every single day. Thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1768400531672,"projectUrl":"project/making-multiplication-meaningful-hands-/9996056/","projectTitle":"Making Multiplication Meaningful: Hands-On Math for Diverse Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. V.","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1653103_orig.jpg?crop=3072,3072,x0,y583&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1705038858299","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/rivance"},{"teacherId":3545250,"projectId":10016697,"letterContent":"Thank you so very much for your donations. Your kindness and generosity are greatly appreciated. Our students have been using these items, especially during the cold weather months. Many of them walk to school, often arriving with cold hands, dry skin, and chapped lips. Having immediate access to chapstick, lotion, and other care items has made a noticeable difference in their comfort throughout the day.\r\n\r\nStudents always have access to the supplies as needed, and now because of you, they are no longer being distracted by physical discomfort, instead they are able to settle in more quickly, focus on learning, and participate with confidence.\r\n\r\nBeyond physical relief, these items have also supported students emotionally. Being able to take care of their needs helps them feel valued and cared for, which strengthens their sense of safety and belonging at school. This project has truly helped remove small but significant barriers to learning during the cold weather season.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your kindness!","fullyFundedDate":1771103967373,"projectUrl":"project/warm-hands-calm-hearts/10016697/","projectTitle":"Warm Hands, Calm Hearts","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Anderson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3545250_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1482262557325","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-diana-anderson"},{"teacherId":3545250,"projectId":9937855,"letterContent":"Thank you so very much for your donation! Since receiving these materials, my students and I have been using them regularly as a way to support emotional expression and self-regulation. The oil pastels have become our most used and most loved resource. Students are naturally drawn to the vibrant colors and the smooth, blendable texture, which allows them to express feelings in ways that words sometimes cannot.\r\n\r\nWhen students are engaged in creative activities, it opens the door for meaningful conversations and have helped students better identify and communicate their emotions. The sensible experience of creativity has also been incredibly calming, especially for students who struggle with anxiety or need help regulating their emotions. \r\n\r\nThe variety of materials has allowed students to explore creativity in different ways, but the oil pastels consistently stand out as a favorite tool for calming and expression. Thank you again for your donation, my students are not only creating art, they are building confidence, learning how to manage big emotions, and discovering healthy ways to express themselves.","fullyFundedDate":1765504065325,"projectUrl":"project/busy-hands-calm-hearts/9937855/","projectTitle":"Busy Hands, Calm Hearts","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Anderson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3545250_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1482262557325","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-diana-anderson"},{"teacherId":5134691,"projectId":9532767,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity in fully funding our project, Breathe In, Breathe Out: Reset and Regulate. Through your support, my students now have an enhanced 'calm corner'—a dedicated space filled with tools that help them breathe, reset, and refocus. The breathing pal, calming lights, and mindful coloring materials are more than just supplies; they are life skills in the making. You've provided my students with a sense of agency over their emotional well-being, ensuring they feel supported, grounded, and safe.\r\n\r\nWe are truly grateful for your belief in our classroom. Thank you for helping us create an environment where students can thrive both academically and emotionally.","fullyFundedDate":1764713700685,"projectUrl":"project/breathe-in-breathe-out-reset-and-regu/9532767/","projectTitle":"Breathe In, Breathe Out: Reset and Regulate","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Morales","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5134691_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1544934357936","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/owlwaysinspire"},{"teacherId":3545250,"projectId":9970498,"letterContent":"Thank you again for your kindness and generosity. Having supplies to scrapbook, students have been able to explore their emotions, identify personal strengths, and reflect on strategies they can use when they feel overwhelmed. Using markers, scrapbook paper, and motivational stickers, students were able to visually represent their thoughts and feelings in a way that felt safe, creative, and personal.\r\n\r\nScrapbooking has provided students with an alternative way to express themselves, especially for those who find it difficult to put their emotions into words. As students design their pages, they are actively engaging in self-reflection and building important social-emotional skills such as self-awareness and emotional regulation. The hands-on nature of this project allows students to slow down, think intentionally, and make meaningful connections between their feelings and their experiences.\r\n\r\nWhen students were first introduced to the materials, their excitement was immediate. They were especially drawn to the variety of scrapbook paper and motivational stickers, eagerly flipping through options and sharing ideas with one another. Even students who are typically more reserved or hesitant to participate became engaged right away. I noticed an increase in participation, creativity, and collaboration as students began working on their pages. \r\n\r\nThanks to the generosity of our donors, we are continuing to build on this project in meaningful ways. Our next steps include creating additional scrapbook pages focused on goal setting, managing strong emotions, and building positive relationships.","fullyFundedDate":1766521574201,"projectUrl":"project/scrapbooking-our-strengths/9970498/","projectTitle":"Scrapbooking Our Strengths","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Anderson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3545250_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1482262557325","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-diana-anderson"},{"teacherId":3545250,"projectId":9972863,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity. My students are using the new air-dry clay and tools as part of counseling sessions and small groups lessons focused on emotional expression and coping skills. As students shape and mold the clay, conversations naturally opened up. They start sharing their worries, support one another, and practice calming techniques. The simple act of working with their hands helps them slow down, feel grounded, and express feelings that are often difficult to put into words.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the materials, their excitement was immediate. Many had never worked with air-dry clay before, and they were eager to touch, explore, and create. What stood out most was how quickly the room shifted with students who often struggle to focus becoming calm and engaged, and those who are typically hesitant to share began participating more openly. The clay created a safe, welcoming space where students felt comfortable being themselves.\r\n\r\nThese materials will continue to be used throughout the year, supporting students as they build self-awareness, resilience, and confidence.\r\n\r\nYour donation has made a meaningful difference by giving students not just materials, but a new way to process emotions, connect with others, and develop lifelong skills. Thank you for helping create a space where students feel supported, empowered, and understood.","fullyFundedDate":1767222980919,"projectUrl":"project/hands-that-heal/9972863/","projectTitle":"Hands That Heal","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Anderson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3545250_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1482262557325","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-diana-anderson"},{"teacherId":4692849,"projectId":10002870,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my classroom. I am so grateful for the opportunity to provide dramatic play opportunities to my kindergarteners. These toys allow students to experience different careers. These opportunities are crucial for our academic development and for students to learn social skills like compassion. The dramatic play materials allow students to see themselves as future careers and tie directly to our community helpers unit. We have discussed how members of the community make our neighborhoods better. Thanks to your help, I have been able to share these experiences with my students and hope they will remember them way past kindergarten.","fullyFundedDate":1770759205854,"projectUrl":"project/learning-compassion-through-dramatic-pla/10002870/","projectTitle":"Learning Compassion Through Dramatic Play!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Soto","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4692849_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1649079828618","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/misszapien"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_5384","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":569,"numTeachers":41,"percentFrplEligible":78,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":3,"percentWhite":4,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":90,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":0,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"13.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":44.4,"schoolId":5384,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about George Washington Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"George Washington Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/chicago-public-school-district-299/george-washington-elementary-school/5384"}