{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"George Washington Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":55.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"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"},{"teacherId":3545250,"projectId":9921715,"letterContent":"Thank you again for your kindness and generosity. The impact of this project will extend far beyond individual lessons. These materials will give students the language, confidence, and tools to better understand their emotions and how their brains work. When students learn that their brains are \"wonderfully wired\" and capable of growth, they begin to approach challenges with resilience instead of frustration. \r\n\r\nAffirmation stickers will provide daily reminder that they are capable, valued, and enough. Books about brain development and multiple intelligences will help students recognize that being \"smart\" looks different for everyone. The foam brain model will make abstract concepts and emotional regulation tangible and engaging, helping students visualize how to calm their \"thinking brain\" during moments of stress. \r\n\r\nHaving these resources helps support conversations about mindset, empathy, accountability, and healthy coping strategies. Students will walk away with stronger self-awareness, improved confidence, and practical strategies they can use in school and beyond. Thank you again for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1764598871525,"projectUrl":"project/brains-balance-and-big-feelings/9921715/","projectTitle":"Brains, Balance, and Big Feelings","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":9898778,"letterContent":"Thank you again for your kindness and generosity. My students and I are using these new resources during small group session that focus on stress management, emotional regulation, and building coping skills. Students are learning how to create beaded plants step by step, practicing patience and mindfulness as they string beads, shape wire, and focus on steady breathing. The repetitive, hands-on process naturally encourages calm and helps students slow down their thoughts.\r\n\r\nAs students see their plants take shape, they experience a sense of accomplishment and pride. These materials have transformed our counseling space into a creative, therapeutic environment where students feel safe, focus, and empowered.","fullyFundedDate":1763606657867,"projectUrl":"project/keep-calm-and-bead-on/9898778/","projectTitle":"Keep Calm and Bead On","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":9667732,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your kindness and generosity. These school supplies may seem simple, but they have a powerful impact on my student's learning, organization, and confidence. Supplies like fasteners, folders, and book rings help students keep their work organized, which reduces stress and allows students to focus more fully on learning rather than worrying about lost or messy papers. For many students, have a clear system to store and revisit their work builds independence and pride in what they create. \r\n\r\nThank you again for helping provide these school supplies for students. Because of you, all students have equal access to the supplies they need to be successful. Your support helps create a classroom environment where every student feels capable, supported, and excited to participate.","fullyFundedDate":1761670257209,"projectUrl":"project/supplies-for-a-strong-start/9667732/","projectTitle":"Supplies for a Strong Start","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":1653103,"projectId":9950778,"letterContent":"Students love the many colors of paper they can choose from. They are really enjoying the paper and glue projects we are doing in class thanks to your generous donation. We are working on cutting and gluing skills as well ass numbers, letters, shapes, counting and spelling. Students get excited when they see the bright paper. I have enough glue to make mistakes and not have to sweat about it. Students are coming to school excited for learning. Thanks again for everything you do for my classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1765228974672,"projectUrl":"project/colorful-craft-core-skills/9950778/","projectTitle":"Colorful Craft & Core Skills","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":4692849,"projectId":9682645,"letterContent":"Thank you so deeply for your generous contribution to our kindergarten classroom. Because of you, we were able to purchase our new Storybook STEM materials, and the excitement in the room is palpable!\r\n\r\nThese resources allow us to take the stories we love, like The Three Little Pigs or Little Red Riding Hood, and turn them into real-world engineering challenges. By connecting reading with hands-on building, you are helping my students develop critical thinking skills and a lifelong love for learning.\r\n\r\nWe are so grateful for your support in building a brighter future for these young learners.","fullyFundedDate":1757554219580,"projectUrl":"project/storybook-stem/9682645/","projectTitle":"Storybook STEM","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"},{"teacherId":4692849,"projectId":9803479,"letterContent":"My students love getting time to build and create. With these resources, students have new options for our Tinker Time. They were so excited to see the new building blocks and opportunities for creating art. These materials will be used daily by students and will make a huge difference in our academics because students have the ability to release some energy. They very quickly gravitated towards trying something new, and I know this will be a great addition to our classroom. I appreciate the support for my young learners and look forward to providing future students with these opportunities.","fullyFundedDate":1767065962380,"projectUrl":"project/building-bright-minds-stem-learning-thr/9803479/","projectTitle":"Building Bright Minds: STEM Learning Through 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":616,"numTeachers":41,"percentFrplEligible":78,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":4,"percentWhite":4,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":90,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"15.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":44.5,"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"}