{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Gray Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":32.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":7496657,"projectId":9614690,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donations to our classroom project. We have been able to use the eco tank printer quite a bit. I am able to create colorful, hand on activities for the students to do independently or during group activities. I have been able to laminate the activities so that they can be handled by many little hands and be reused for years to come. I am able to print out important letters when needed without having to leave my classroom and try to find a working copier. I am able to make a copy of students work to display when they want to take the originals home. I am able to create and send home monthly calendars and newsletters in color. The extra ink will help me be able to continue making color copies for the rest of this school year and most likely through next school year as well. I am very grateful for your help. It will continue to impact many students for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1758927953868,"projectUrl":"project/vivid-vibrant-visuals/9614690/","projectTitle":"Vivid Vibrant Visuals","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Rodriguez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7496657_orig.jpg?crop=1605,1605,x0,y5&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1606177825323","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7496657"},{"teacherId":10178871,"projectId":9599233,"letterContent":"This space has positively impacted my 4th grade classroom by giving the students a quiet, safe space to manage their emotions. At this age, students are still learning how to handle frustration, stress, and big feelings. \r\n\r\nThe students were so excited to see this space all set up. Several students also use this place to do their assignments including independent reading.\r\n\r\nYour support has made a meaningful and lasting impact on my students, and I want to share just how valuable this addition has been.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has not only enhanced our learning environment but has also supported the emotional growth of every child in my class. Thank you for investing in our students' well-being and helping us create a space where all learners feel safe, valued, and ready to thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1765205098583,"projectUrl":"project/calm-minds-sharp-moves-a-space-to-lear/9599233/","projectTitle":"Calm Minds, Sharp Moves: a Space to Learn and Grow.","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Ortiz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10178871"},{"teacherId":3530704,"projectId":9944103,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the alphabet sound puzzles! My students have been enjoying them during free choice time as well as during small groups. I am able to use them to differentiate instruction by choosing the letter sound puzzles that the students are having trouble with, it has made my small group time more targeted and meaningful. \r\n\r\nI am also loving the puzzle storage rack. It has made clean up a breeze and organized. No more stacking the puzzles on top of one another, the rack has helped the students take ownership in clean up instead of having to rely on us to put the puzzles away.\r\n\r\nThanks again!","fullyFundedDate":1765176398185,"projectUrl":"project/for-the-love-of-literacy/9944103/","projectTitle":"For the Love of Literacy!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Toledo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3530704"},{"teacherId":7496657,"projectId":9935621,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity. My students have been using the Lakeshore Alphabet Sounds Teaching Tubs when learning new letters. I introduce the letter and give them clues about what is in the tub. The students take turns guessing what the items are. This has been helping them with their literacy skills and has been helping them to wait for their turn and not shout out their ideas. We also use them during small groups. I mix them items for several letters and the students help sort the items according to their initial sounds. This helps them focus and listen. We have used the Alphabet mystery box in small groups as well. The students take turns reaching in grabbing an item, trying to describe it, identify the initial sound and match it to the corresponding letter on the letter mat. There are many skills that they use and learn while just using the mystery box. The students are enjoying the chairs as well. They use them in the library to read books. They also use them in the dramatic play area. They use them to rock their babies or pretend that they are on the bus or driving somewhere. They have added a great element to their creative play and desire to go read in the library. \r\n\r\nThe students were so excited to see the items and be able to use them. It's great to see the joy in their eyes as they learn and play. \r\n\r\nWe will continue to use these items in different ways to help the students further their literacy skills. The English Language Learners will continue to use these items to increase their vocabulary. We are excited for all of the learning that will take place this spring as we study insects gardening and get ready for Kindergarten.","fullyFundedDate":1764598235556,"projectUrl":"project/lots-of-letters-for-literacy/9935621/","projectTitle":"Lots of Letters for Literacy!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Rodriguez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7496657_orig.jpg?crop=1605,1605,x0,y5&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1606177825323","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7496657"},{"teacherId":7496657,"projectId":8323695,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donations towards these items for our classroom. The students have been enjoying using all these materials during our spring unit. They love creating a beautiful garden with the Build-A-Garden. It has given them the opportunity to get very creative and reinforce their learning of the different parts of the flowers. \r\n\r\nThe students have also been enjoying reading and having the books being read to them. They have been able to learn a lot about nature and our planet. They enjoy the puzzles which also have helped them reinforce fine motor skills.\r\n\r\nYour generosity will impact many students in the years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1713799134111,"projectUrl":"project/excited-about-earth-and-nature/8323695/","projectTitle":"Excited About Earth and Nature!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Rodriguez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7496657_orig.jpg?crop=1605,1605,x0,y5&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1606177825323","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7496657"},{"teacherId":10181613,"projectId":9609131,"letterContent":"This project has made the students in my classroom so happy!! They have loved to be able to use the chairs to read independently during reading time! They are able to read their books in a fun space and discuss with each other their books and get other students interested in reading as well! When the students saw all the new things for the library they were so excited snd couldn't wait to sit in the chairs! \r\n\r\nStudents have been also loving the independent aspect of the classroom library corner! They now have assigned jobs to make sure the library stays clean and that other students in years to come can use the library! \r\nThank you so much again for everything you have done for your classroom we truly are so grateful!!","fullyFundedDate":1764728747706,"projectUrl":"project/cushions-for-curiosity-building-a-welco/9609131/","projectTitle":"Cushions for Curiosity: Building a Welcoming Library for Lifelong Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Norte","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10181613_orig.jpg?crop=391,391,x359,y302&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755312634555","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10181613"},{"teacherId":10437390,"projectId":10101629,"letterContent":"The arrival of this printer and cardstock has been an incredible weight off my shoulders and a total game-changer for my daily teaching! In an inclusion setting, timing is everything, and having this technology right in my workspace means I can stay organized and responsive to my students' needs. I no longer have to cross my fingers that the shared school copier is working or wait in long lines to get a quick page printed. This printer has also become my ultimate backup! On those days when the main school equipment is down, I can still print my progress monitoring data or a regular worksheet in seconds, ensuring my students never miss a beat. It has removed so much stress from my daily routine, allowing me to focus entirely on my kids rather than on troubleshooting machinery.\r\n\r\nWhile the students don't operate the printer themselves, the impact of what it produces has made them so excited to learn. There is a huge difference in a child's engagement when they receive a crisp, vibrant, color-printed resource rather than a grainy black-and-white photocopy. For my 5th graders, this has been a total lifesaver for complex math. I am now able to create color-coded visuals that break down multi-step problems, like dividing fractions or multiplying multi-digit numbers. By color-coding each step of the process, my students can finally \"see\" the sequence and follow along without getting overwhelmed by the numbers. In kindergarten, I wish you could see how big one of my kiddo's smiles was! They were so excited to use their new communication folder. Seeing their own personalized icons in bright colors gives them a sense of ownership and confidence, making them much more likely to use their supports to navigate the school day independently.\r\n\r\nI have already seen a beautiful shift in students who previously struggled to find their \"voice\" or stay regulated during busy transitions. My 5th graders are starting to take charge of their own learning, using these durable math visuals to solve problems that used to cause them so much frustration. One kinder student in particular, who often felt overwhelmed in the general education classroom, has completely warmed to his new durable, laminated communication cards and now has a reliable way to \"show\" me what he needs instead of having a breakdown. This technology has truly provided the foundation for a more inclusive and accessible environment where my students, from kindergarten to 5th grade, feel seen, heard, and ready to succeed. THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!","fullyFundedDate":1771594435494,"projectUrl":"project/printing-the-path-to-communication-calm/10101629/","projectTitle":"Printing the Path to Communication, Calm, and Curriculum Confidence","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Groth","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10437390_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1771424036895","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/sophia-groth"},{"teacherId":9839247,"projectId":9686979,"letterContent":"I would like to take a moment to Thank you for donating to our classroom! I teach at a title 1 school and most of our students don't come to school with all of there supplies if they even bring any at all. Some children also come to school late which means they do not eat breakfast. Your donations will help me refresh my classroom supplies to the end of the school year. \r\n\r\nYou have also made a difference with the children. They really cant believe that there are so many caring people who are willing to donate to classroom in need. So once again I say thank you from the bottom of my heart.","fullyFundedDate":1767232966696,"projectUrl":"project/starting-off-the-year/9686979/","projectTitle":"Starting Off the Year!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Donnawell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9839247"},{"teacherId":5813157,"projectId":9856167,"letterContent":"My students and I are thrilled to have received the subscription to Super Teacher Worksheets as well as the handheld vacuum/duster. Children love activites that are fun, moreso when they don't realize they are practicing essential skills! In our Math class, they have had the opportunity to have assignments, activities, homework, and crafts from Super Teacher Worksheets that directly align with the topic they learned in school that day. They are able to use colored pencils, scissors, and glue for many of these activites; something that is often not used in their daily curriculum.\r\nThe vacuum/duster has been amazing for all of us. Our school building is over 100 years old and our heating system carries a lot of dust in it. I am not the only one affected by it and we appreciate the ease of use to tidy up around our classroom, especially the pesky crevises.\r\nThank you again for supporting us, we all appreciate you taking the time to enhance our daily lives!","fullyFundedDate":1764598837651,"projectUrl":"project/super-students-with-superteacher-workshe/9856167/","projectTitle":"Super Students With SuperTeacher Worksheets and a Technology Vacuum!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Reyes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5813157_orig.jpg?crop=342,341,x0,y42&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1597171690714","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5813157"},{"teacherId":6988661,"projectId":9787857,"letterContent":"My students have been able to share their worries and hopes for our futures using the supplies I purchased with the funds you so generously donated. All students selected topics that were extremely important to them and created speeches that they shared with their classmates, school, and some even continued to the citywide competition. Topics varied from school lunches and bullying to immigration reform. Students were able to record podcasts about their speeches using the microphones. They were also able to create buttons and print their templates in color. Once they were finished, they could trade their buttons with other students. \r\n\r\nI have newcomer English Language Learners who are working to practice their English every day. It is of utmost importance because they will be continuing to high school in a few months, where English fluency is expected. Every day, my newcomers get to use their new headphones with attached microphones to practice their English fluency. This is a significant improvement over the flimsy headphones that were constantly breaking and needed to be taped back together. \r\n\r\nThank you again for your generosity; it has helped my students to flourish in so many ways.","fullyFundedDate":1761763654975,"projectUrl":"project/help-my-8th-grade-mll-classroom/9787857/","projectTitle":"Help my 8th Grade MLL Classroom!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Arifi","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6988661_orig.png?crop=1290,1290,x0,y120&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1761093381301","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6988661"},{"teacherId":7831077,"projectId":9590143,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our second graders are diving headfirst into hands‑on STEM learning every single day! The tools you provided have completely transformed our classroom into a buzzing hub of creativity, collaboration, and problem‑solving.\r\n\r\nThe moment the boxes were opened, the room erupted into gasps, claps, and little voices shouting, \"Can we start today?!\" Several students immediately recognized the Snap Circuits kit and began excitedly telling their classmates all the things they hoped to build including fans, lights, spinning motors, anything they could imagine. Others were fascinated by the colorful gears and disc‑shaped building pieces, turning them over in their hands as they guessed what they might become. \r\n\r\nWe've launched a weekly \"STEM Lab\" time where students rotate through centers using the different materials you helped fund. One of our favorite recent projects was a challenge called \"Build a Bridge That Can Hold the Elephant!\" Using the STEM Explorers Bridge Builders set alongside the interlocking building pieces, students worked in teams to design bridges strong enough to support a small toy elephant. I watched them draw plans, test weight limits, cheer each other on, and revise their designs using trial and error. \r\n\r\nRight now our class is beginning a unit on \"Electricity\" and your donated STEM materials will play a huge role. Students will use our Snap Circuits to build working circuits and discover how energy can travel through a pathway. Along with a LEGO DISCOVER set students will be able to explore where we get energy from and how it's used, the impact of our energy choices, as well as create a better energy journey for our community. \r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our classroom and for helping spark a love of engineering and invention in these young learners. You've made an incredible difference, and we are so grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1760706415245,"projectUrl":"project/stem-tastic-explorers-hands-on-learning/9590143/","projectTitle":"STEM-tastic Explorers: Hands-On Learning for Young Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lily","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7831077_orig.jpg?crop=2311,2311,x860,y188&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1682879748441","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-rosales-209"},{"teacherId":8657873,"projectId":9750839,"letterContent":"I am writing to share the incredible impact your generosity has had on my teaching. While many think of classroom technology as devices for student use, this color printer has become a vital behind-the-scenes tool that allows me to support my students in real time. One of the greatest changes has been the ability to print \"on the fly.\" In a special education setting, a student's needs can change in an instant; having this printer right in my office means I no longer have to leave my students to trek down the hall to a shared copier. Whether it's a quick set of practice problems or a black-and-white assessment, I can provide my students with exactly what they need the moment they need it.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting benefit for the students, however, is finally having access to resources that were meant to be seen in color. In the past, I had to print everything in grayscale, which often made complex charts confusing or unreadable. Now, I can print vibrant number charts, color-coded multiplication tables, and visual schedules where the colors actually serve as meaningful cues. The students have been so appreciative to have these high-quality resources; they no longer have to struggle to decipher a muddy, black-and-white version of a tool that was designed to be clear and colorful.\r\n\r\nWith the extra ink included in this project, I have the peace of mind to print these essential resources consistently throughout the school year. Your gift has streamlined my teaching and, more importantly, has given my students the clear, professional-grade materials they deserve to help them master difficult academic concepts. You have truly made my teaching more efficient and effective. Thank you so much!","fullyFundedDate":1759282632979,"projectUrl":"project/color-me-happy/9750839/","projectTitle":"Color Me Happy","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. LaCerba","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8657873_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1759268074047","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8657873"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_5382","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":988,"numTeachers":67,"percentFrplEligible":81,"percentAsian":2,"percentBlack":2,"percentWhite":9,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":83,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"14.7:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":67.6,"schoolId":5382,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Gray Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Gray Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/chicago-public-school-district-299/gray-elementary-school/5382"}