{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Jackie Joyner Kersee Head Start","outOfStateSupporters":32.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8025479,"projectId":9347137,"letterContent":"On behalf of the entire student body and staff at The Jackie Joyner-Kersee Academy, please accept our deepest gratitude for your incredibly generous donation, which funded the purchase of a wide variety of new board games for our students.\r\n\r\nThe impact of this gift has been immediate and, frankly, transformative. Watching our students embrace this new collection has been one of the highlights of the school year. They are thoroughly enjoying the opportunity to explore so many different types of games, from complex strategy challenges to cooperative adventures and quick-witted puzzles. The sheer joy and focused engagement in our library and common areas are palpable.\r\n\r\nCrucially, this donation has provided our students with vital opportunities to unplug and truly engage with one another, directly supporting our curriculum and helping us accomplish key teaching objectives. In an age dominated by screens, these physical board games have become powerful, tangible tools that make learning interactive. Every strategic move requires planning, negotiation, and deep critical thinking—skills foundational to academic success. By integrating these games, we can teach applied logic, resource management, and collaboration in a highly engaging, non-digital environment. This active approach has profoundly impacted student learning by fostering imagination and making abstract concepts concrete.\r\n\r\nYour contribution has furnished our school with essential new social-emotional growth and intellectual development resources. The amazing board games you provided are helping us cultivate a culture of thoughtful play and collaborative learning.","fullyFundedDate":1751389696506,"projectUrl":"project/board-indoors/9347137/","projectTitle":"Board Indoors","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kelley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8025479_orig.jpg?crop=2174,2174,x0,y21&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1641085772227","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8025479"},{"teacherId":8025479,"projectId":9216655,"letterContent":"On behalf of the entire Jackie Joyner-Kersee Academy student body and staff, please accept our deepest gratitude for your incredibly generous donation, which funded the purchase of a variety of new board games for our students.\r\n\r\nThe impact of this gift has been immediate and, frankly, transformative. Watching our students embrace this new collection has been one of the highlights of the school year. They thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to explore many different types of games, from complex strategy challenges to cooperative adventures and quick-witted puzzles. The sheer joy and focused engagement in our library and common areas are palpable.\r\n\r\nCrucially, this donation has provided our students with vital opportunities to unplug and truly engage with one another. In an age dominated by screens and passive entertainment, these physical board games have become a powerful catalyst for imagination and critical thinking. Every roll of the dice and every strategic move requires planning, negotiation, and problem-solving skills foundational to academic success. By stepping away from a digital interface, their minds are opening up to tangible, interactive learning and fostering genuine, face-to-face social connections.\r\n\r\nYour contribution has provided more than just entertainment; it has furnished our school with new tools for social-emotional growth and intellectual development. The amazing board games you provided are helping us cultivate a culture of thoughtful play and collaborative learning.\r\n\r\nThank you, once again, for your commitment to our students and their futures.\r\n\r\nWith sincere appreciation,","fullyFundedDate":1746634520914,"projectUrl":"project/musical-inspiration/9216655/","projectTitle":"Musical Inspiration","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kelley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8025479_orig.jpg?crop=2174,2174,x0,y21&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1641085772227","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8025479"},{"teacherId":9574134,"projectId":9246557,"letterContent":"Our hearts are overflowing with gratitude! ❤️ Thanks to your generous support, our project \"Books That Celebrate Diversity and Spark Joy for Young Readers\" is fully funded!\r\n\r\nBecause of you, my students will now have access to stories that reflect who they are, celebrate different cultures, and inspire a lifelong love of reading. These new books will bring so much excitement and meaning to our classroom library.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and helping create a space where every child feels seen, valued, and inspired to dream big through the power of books.","fullyFundedDate":1746634336761,"projectUrl":"project/books-that-celebrate-diversity-and-spark/9246557/","projectTitle":"Books That Celebrate Diversity and Spark Joy for Young Readers","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Batchelor","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9574134_orig.jpg?crop=1986,1986,x163,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1718990933776","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9574134"},{"teacherId":8270462,"projectId":9025853,"letterContent":"I truly don't know how to begin to express my gratitude for the donations to our students. Our entire school is thankful of your great acts of kindness. Growing children have healthy appetites and your donations have allowed us to feed children that are hungry at no fault of their own. These food items have helped diminish significant triggers that can interfere with the learning environment. In the past we have had to rely solely on donations from parents which can be difficult considering the low-income area in which we serve. Your donations have helped us sail through the end of the year with ease and helped us remain focused on our academic progress.","fullyFundedDate":1739030348092,"projectUrl":"project/fueling-the-body-fuels-the-brain/9025853/","projectTitle":"Fueling the Body Fuels the Brain","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Clay","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8270462_orig.jpg?crop=884,884,x0,y103&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1658325847540","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8270462"},{"teacherId":8025479,"projectId":8312042,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous contributions to our school's music class! \r\nI can't thank you enough for your generous donations to our music class! Your support truly makes a difference, allowing our students to explore their musical passions with the right tools and resources. Thanks to you, our classroom is filled with creativity and joy. We're so grateful for your commitment to enhancing our students' learning experiences!\r\n\r\nYour support is instrumental in providing our students with the resources they need to explore their musical talents.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your kindness. We can create a vibrant and engaging environment for our young musicians. We truly appreciate your commitment to enriching their educational experience!\r\n\r\nGrateful for all you do!","fullyFundedDate":1723163371886,"projectUrl":"project/the-sound-of-music/8312042/","projectTitle":"The Sound of Music!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kelley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8025479_orig.jpg?crop=2174,2174,x0,y21&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1641085772227","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8025479"},{"teacherId":8025479,"projectId":8311971,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous contributions to our school's music class! \r\nI can't thank you enough for your generous donations to our music class! Your support truly makes a difference, allowing our students to explore their musical passions with the right tools and resources. Thanks to you, our classroom is filled with creativity and joy. We're so grateful for your commitment to enhancing our students' learning experiences!\r\n\r\nYour support is instrumental in providing our students with the resources they need to explore their musical talents.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your kindness. We can create a vibrant and engaging environment for our young musicians. We truly appreciate your commitment to enriching their educational experience!\r\n\r\nGrateful for all you do!","fullyFundedDate":1723163371861,"projectUrl":"project/strings-that-inspires/8311971/","projectTitle":"Strings That Inspires","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kelley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8025479_orig.jpg?crop=2174,2174,x0,y21&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1641085772227","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8025479"},{"teacherId":9574134,"projectId":8961869,"letterContent":"I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to each of you for your generous contribution to \"The Empowerment Table: One-on-One Support for Every Learner.\" Your support has truly made a difference in the classroom, providing my students with the tools and resources they need to thrive.\r\n\r\nWith the new materials, I'm now able to offer more personalized, hands-on learning experiences that cater to the unique needs of each student. Whether it's through small group work, focused activities, or one-on-one support, the empowerment table has given me the ability to engage every student and meet them where they are.\r\n\r\nMy students have responded enthusiastically to these new opportunities for individualized attention. They feel more confident, more supported, and truly empowered in their learning journey. It has been incredibly rewarding to watch them grow as they gain new skills and reach their full potential.\r\n\r\nThe impact of your donation extends far beyond the classroom—your kindness is helping shape young minds, instilling a love of learning, and showing students that they are capable of achieving greatness.\r\n\r\nThank you once again for your generosity. The \"Empowerment Table\" has transformed our classroom, and I am so grateful for your support in making this possible.","fullyFundedDate":1737332775967,"projectUrl":"project/the-empowerment-table-one-on-one-suppo/8961869/","projectTitle":"\"The Empowerment Table: One-on-One Support for Every Learner\"","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Batchelor","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9574134_orig.jpg?crop=1986,1986,x163,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1718990933776","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9574134"},{"teacherId":9687166,"projectId":8962734,"letterContent":"I cannot thank you enough for your generosity and support of our classroom! The new resources have already made a tremendous impact on my students, and I wanted to share how we've been using them and the excitement they have brought into our learning environment.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the materials, their excitement was contagious! There were gasps, big smiles, and so much enthusiasm—it felt like Christmas morning. They immediately began brainstorming ways to use the new resources, eager to incorporate them into their daily activities.\r\n\r\nWe recently began a hands-on project where students are creating their own Living Museum. With these new materials, they have been able to research, design, and bring historical figures to life in ways that wouldn't have been possible before. Seeing them take ownership of their learning, confidently presenting their work, and showing genuine enthusiasm for history has been truly inspiring. This project has strengthened their research and presentation skills while deepening their understanding of important historical figures and events.\r\n\r\nThe snacks you provided have also been a lifesaver! Many students rely on them to stay energized and focused throughout the day. Whether it's a quick pick-me-up during a long lesson or a little treat for motivation, these snacks have made a big difference in our daily routine. They help ensure that no student goes through the day hungry, allowing them to concentrate and fully engage in learning.\r\n\r\nWe are also incredibly excited to begin using the yoga balls and drumsticks as part of an exercise class! This will give students a fun and engaging way to release energy, improve coordination, and build endurance—all while incorporating rhythm and movement into their day. Physical movement is essential for young learners, and this activity will not only promote fitness but also enhance focus, teamwork, and self-regulation.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we will continue to use these materials to build on our lessons, especially in STEM and history. Our next step is to incorporate more interactive and student-led activities that encourage creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration. Your contribution has helped make this possible, and I am beyond grateful for the opportunities you've provided for my students.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our classroom and for making a difference in my students' education. Your generosity has provided invaluable resources that will continue to inspire and support their learning journey.\r\n\r\nWith gratitude,","fullyFundedDate":1733509238849,"projectUrl":"project/building-brighter-minds-hands-on-learni/8962734/","projectTitle":"Building Brighter Minds: Hands-On Learning and Heartfelt Care","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Crider","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9687166"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_118527","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":null,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":86,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":90,"percentWhite":2,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":4,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"US Census Data for the surrounding geographic area","gradesServed":"Not specified","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"Census ZCTA","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"UNCLASSIFIED","ncesMetroType":null},"inStateSupporters":67.1,"schoolId":118527,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Jackie Joyner Kersee Head Start on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Jackie Joyner Kersee Head Start","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/office-of-head-start/jackie-joyner-kersee-head-start/118527"}