Grant Park Elementary School in Grant Park, Illinois on DonorsChoose

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Students have time each day to read independently, and we also share books in pairs and small groups. After reading, we talk about what we've discovered. Sometimes through drawing, sometimes through writing, and often through rich conversations. It's incredible to watch students connect what they're reading to their own lives and to the bigger world around them.\r\n\r\nSome of the most powerful moments have come from students who were previously hesitant readers. One of my students who rarely picked up a book now rushes to grab a new text as soon as we begin reading time. He proudly shares his favorite parts with classmates. Another student who struggled with confidence has found a series she loves and now asks to read \"just one more chapter.\" These stories show how the right books at the right time can truly ignite a love of reading.\r\n\r\nBecause of your kindness, my students are not only learning how to read, but also learning to love reading. Thank you for making that possible!","fullyFundedDate":1746530918462,"projectUrl":"project/turning-pages-sparking-imaginations/9239520/","projectTitle":"Turning Pages, Sparking Imaginations","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Pickens","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9712103_orig.jpg?crop=625,625,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1763485582421","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9712103"},{"teacherId":10043706,"projectId":9379051,"letterContent":"From the bottom of my heart, thank you for supporting our Donors Choose project and helping bring hands-on STEM learning to our 5th-grade classroom. Your generosity has made an incredible difference—not just in the supplies we received, but in the spark you've helped ignite in my students.\r\nThanks to your donation, our classroom has transformed into a space full of energy, curiosity, and discovery. The STEM kits, Snap Circuits, and especially the Bristlebots have opened doors to learning that many of my students never thought possible. In our small rural town, access to innovative resources like these is limited. Many of my students come from farming families and do not often encounter technology or engineering concepts in their daily lives. That's why this project has been so powerful—it has brought the world of science and technology directly into our classroom in a fun, meaningful, and approachable way.\r\nOur Bristlebot project was an incredible kickoff to the year. Watching my students build their own tiny vibrating robots—starting with a toothbrush head, a small motor, and their imaginations—was a moment I'll never forget. There was so much laughter, curiosity, and teamwork as they experimented with different designs, balanced their bots, and celebrated their successes (and failures!) together. Through this simple activity, students began to see themselves as engineers and problem-solvers. They asked thoughtful questions, collaborated with classmates, and discovered the joy of learning through experimentation.\r\nThese hands-on STEM experiences have already had a lasting impact. The Snap Circuits kits have become a class favorite, and it's amazing to see students who once hesitated in science now confidently explaining how circuits work or excitedly sharing their latest invention. Early finishers now gravitate toward our STEM station, choosing to spend their extra time building, designing, and exploring instead of just waiting for the next assignment. It's a beautiful thing to witness.\r\nBeyond the academic skills, I've noticed a change in their mindset. Students are taking more risks, showing resilience when things don't work the first time, and beginning to view themselves as capable creators. That shift in confidence is perhaps the most valuable gift of all—and it's something you helped make possible.\r\nYour support has gone far beyond just funding materials. You've brought opportunity, joy, and inspiration into the lives of children who might not otherwise have had access to these types of learning experiences. You've helped us reimagine what's possible in a small-town classroom and reminded my students that there are people out there who believe in them and their future.\r\nThank you for investing in our classroom, our students, and our dreams. Your generosity has planted seeds that will grow for years to come, not just in science and technology, but in the hearts and minds of young learners who are now seeing new possibilities.\r\nWith Gratitude,\r\nMrs. Tracy Hood","fullyFundedDate":1748718997291,"projectUrl":"project/rural-roots-stem-wings-growing-ideas/9379051/","projectTitle":"Rural Roots, Stem Wings – Growing Ideas in Small-Town Classrooms","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hood","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10043706"},{"teacherId":9712103,"projectId":8711978,"letterContent":"I am thrilled to share the incredible impact of your generous contributions on our students by enriching our library resources. 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About this school

Grant Park Elementary School is a rural public school in Grant Park, Illinois that is part of Grant Park Community Unit School District 6. It serves 208 students in grades Pre-K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 8.7:1. Its teachers have had 4 projects funded on DonorsChoose.

Equity Focus School

Support towards this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Public School

Grades Pre-K - 5

208 Students

24 Teachers

421 W Taylor St

Grant Park, IL 60940 View local requests

Evidence-based impact

Inspire teachers to stay in the classroom and boost student achievement.¹

Give to this school

Ms. Vero, a DonorsChoose teacher for 9 years.

Kindergarten teacher at PS81 - Robert J. Christen School in Bronx, NY

Grant Park Elementary School Teachers on DonorsChoose

Ms. Goedke

Mrs. Hood

Mrs. Pickens

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Grant Park Elementary School Demographics

51%

of students receive free or reduced price lunch

Source: the National Center for Education Statistics

19%

of students are Black, Latino, Native American, or Asian

Schools in districts that mainly serve students of color receive substantially less state and local support than similar districts that serve primarily White students. Learn more about this gap, why it exists, and how you can help close it.

Grant Park Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Dec 5, 2025

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