{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"John M Smyth Magnet School","outOfStateSupporters":28.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10071069,"projectId":9664941,"letterContent":"This stand has become an important learning tool in our Pre-K classroom because it allows us to make our students' thinking visible. We use it during hands-on lessons to record their ideas, predictions, observations, and responses. During our food education lesson on green beans, students compared raw and cooked green beans and described what they noticed about the taste, texture, temperature, and even the sounds they made. They were excited to see their own words and ideas written on the board and loved participating in our class survey about eating green beans at home.\r\n\r\nHaving this stand gives every student an opportunity to contribute, including students who may communicate or learn in different ways. It helps us turn everyday classroom experiences into meaningful conversations while building vocabulary, early literacy, science, and critical-thinking skills.\r\n\r\nWe will continue using the stand throughout the school year for our classroom studies, food education activities, questions of the day, student predictions, and group discussions. Thank you for providing us with a resource that will continue to support so many learning experiences in our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1764618406685,"projectUrl":"project/stand-tall-and-write-building-name-writ/9664941/","projectTitle":"Stand Tall and Write: Building Name-Writing Skills Every Morning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Nettles","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10071069_orig.jpg?crop=3840,3840,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753289847861","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10071069"},{"teacherId":2247834,"projectId":10147631,"letterContent":"Thank you—your generosity has transformed our classroom with new learning resources and flexible seating. Students now use books, manipulatives, tablets, and adaptive seating daily to focus and collaborate, which was recently highlighted during an ecosystems unit where they identified pond invertebrates using observation kits and tablets. This combination of hands-on tools and comfortable seating has visibly boosted student engagement, confidence, and participation. Next, students will track which seating setups best support their focus and compile their field journals and reflections into a digital showcase for an upcoming mini science fair.","fullyFundedDate":1777650809050,"projectUrl":"project/flexible-focus/10147631/","projectTitle":"Flexible Focus","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cipriani","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2247834_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1677582708774","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-cipriani"},{"teacherId":10360272,"projectId":9919885,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our DonorsChoose project, \"Little Learners, Big Readers: Help Us Grow!\" Your kindness and generosity mean the world to my kindergarten students and to me.\r\n\r\nBecause of your contribution, our classroom library is growing into a vibrant space where young learners can discover the joy of reading. These new books and materials will help my students build early literacy skills, spark their imaginations, and develop a lifelong love for learning.\r\n\r\nEvery book opened is a new adventure. Your support gives my students the opportunity to explore stories, strengthen their confidence, and see themselves as readers. For many of them, these resources make a meaningful difference in their educational journey.\r\n\r\nWe are truly grateful that you chose to invest in our classroom. Your generosity is helping shape bright futures, one little learner at a time.\r\n\r\nWith heartfelt thanks!","fullyFundedDate":1773841420410,"projectUrl":"project/little-learners-big-readers-help-us-gr/9919885/","projectTitle":"Little Learners, Big Readers: Help Us Grow!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gutierrez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10360272_orig.jpg?crop=1124,1124,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1763857375131","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10360272"},{"teacherId":10414970,"projectId":10162581,"letterContent":"The new resources have completely transformed our daily small-group rotations, giving our Pre-K learners hands-on ways to explore foundational concepts. Our blended classroom thrives on multi-sensory experiences, and these materials allow children of all developmental abilities to engage with the curriculum together. For example, during a recent literacy lesson, our students used the new tactile letter cards and light-table manipulatives to build their names and practice letter sounds. One of our students, who typically struggles with fine motor tasks, spent fifteen focused minutes tracing the textured letters and matching them to colorful objects. Watching their face light up with pride as they successfully identified the letter \"B\" was an absolute milestone for our classroom. These resources are not just toys; they are essential bridges that help our diverse learners connect with abstract concepts through meaningful, independent play.\r\n\r\nWhen the delivery boxes arrived, the classroom erupted into a wave of pure excitement and curiosity. The children immediately gathered around the large containers, their eyes wide with anticipation as we unboxed each vibrant new learning tool together. They gasped in delight when they saw the colorful building blocks and the soft, textured sensory mats designed for our cozy corner. Several students began clapping their hands, while others eagerly asked if they could touch the smooth surfaces right away. It was incredibly moving to see how valued and special they felt, realizing these brand-new items were just for them. Their immediate instinct was to share, with friends quickly inviting one another to explore the new puzzles side-by-side at our learning centers.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, our next step is to integrate these incredible resources into an upcoming multi-week unit focused on community and building. The students will use the new architectural blocks and diverse community figure playsets to design and construct their very own classroom neighborhood. This project will challenge them to practice vital social-emotional skills like turn-taking, collaboration, and expressive language as they negotiate where to place buildings. We will also introduce simple graphing lessons where the children can count, sort, and categorize the materials by color and shape. Additionally, our students with individualized learning plans will continue using the specialized sensory tools to practice emotional regulation during transition times. Your generosity has provided the perfect foundation for this project, and we cannot wait to watch our students' confidence grow as they take on these exciting new learning challenges.","fullyFundedDate":1774368442925,"projectUrl":"project/music-extravaganza/10162581/","projectTitle":"Music Extravaganza","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. York","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10414970"},{"teacherId":9100822,"projectId":10264691,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our current students and future students learning! We are so excited to be able to use our new school supplies for the following school year so we can learn to our fullest capabilities! We are also thrilled that we will be able to brighten up our learning environment with the beautiful posters you have funded! We cannot wait to create a colorful learning environment next year! These wonderful resources will help us collaborate, innovate, and thrive. Your kindness completely transforms our daily education and inspires our growth!","fullyFundedDate":1778175627352,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-restock/10264691/","projectTitle":"Classroom Restock!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. D","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9100822_orig.jpg?crop=1243,1243,x618,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1693324319640","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9100822"},{"teacherId":9100822,"projectId":10181562,"letterContent":"We are so excited to start this project next school year with our paraprofessionals! They will be helping us create new visuals, learning material and so much more! This will also support us in creating a dedicated \"working space\" in our school for the entire faculty! This space will allow for teachers all over the building to be able to create their own learning tools for their classrooms! By giving everyone access to these key resources, our entire school community will thrive, collaborate, and succeed together.","fullyFundedDate":1777954052470,"projectUrl":"project/cluster-classroom-collaboration/10181562/","projectTitle":"Cluster Classroom Collaboration!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. D","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9100822_orig.jpg?crop=1243,1243,x618,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1693324319640","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9100822"},{"teacherId":6323945,"projectId":10071187,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your support with this project! These materials will greatly help our students stay focused and comfortable while learning. We have already started using the dividers to help separate our sessions as we have multiple clinicians sharing 1 room while servicing many students. The kids have also really enjoyed the new couch, demonstrating collaboration as they build castles and forts while using their imaginations and communication skills. \r\n\r\nWith your support, they've gotten to use new games that keep them engaged and willing to participate and show what they truly know. Thank you, thank you, thank you for your generosity and care for my students!","fullyFundedDate":1778341777432,"projectUrl":"project/flexible-foam-for-sensory-seekers/10071187/","projectTitle":"Flexible Foam for Sensory Seekers","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Jobes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6323945_orig.jpg?crop=720,720,x118,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1651364149466","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6323945"},{"teacherId":8423164,"projectId":10046267,"letterContent":"Thank you for making these hands-on math experiences possible for my students! Since receiving these resources, my students have been actively using rulers, protractors, graph paper, and visual math tools during our lessons. Rather than simply hearing about math concepts, they are now measuring, building, drawing, and discovering concepts through active learning. During one lesson, students used rulers and graph paper to create shapes and compare measurements. It was exciting to watch them make observations, ask questions, and explain their thinking with confidence.","fullyFundedDate":1777927023238,"projectUrl":"project/math-you-can-touch-tools-for-measuring/10046267/","projectTitle":"Math You Can Touch: Tools for Measuring, Graphing, and Thinking","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. ORN","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8423164_orig.jpg?crop=1310,1310,x191,y853&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1748746434273","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/missorn"},{"teacherId":9100822,"projectId":10160763,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredibly generous donation! We are absolutely thrilled to put these funds to the fullest possible use for the upcoming school year. Your support directly impacts our classroom, allowing us to provide equitable, engaging, and highly effective learning experiences for so many of our students. Thanks to your kindness, we are able to build completely brand-new, customized student learning binders. \r\nThese will keep our kids organized, focused, and confident as they tackle new concepts. In addition, your contribution allows us to create durable, hands-on task cards and rich visual supports that are essential for differentiating instruction and reaching every type of learner in our room. It takes a village to raise a child, and we are so grateful to have you in ours. We truly could not do this without you. We will be sure to share updates throughout the year so you can see exactly how your donation is making a difference. Thank you again for believing in our students and supporting their educational journey!","fullyFundedDate":1777933761127,"projectUrl":"project/cluster-classroom-essentials/10160763/","projectTitle":"Cluster Classroom Essentials!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. D","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9100822_orig.jpg?crop=1243,1243,x618,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1693324319640","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9100822"},{"teacherId":8423164,"projectId":9939397,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our classroom has become a warmer and more welcoming place for my students. The winter coats, boots, gloves, and hoodies have helped students stay comfortable during cold mornings, recess, and outdoor transitions. One special moment was seeing the excitement on my students' faces when they realized they could stay warm while playing outside with their classmates. The snacks have also become an important part of our classroom routine, helping students stay focused and energized throughout the day.\r\n\r\nMy students were thrilled when the materials arrived. They carefully explored each item and immediately began talking about how cozy and warm everything felt. The snacks brought smiles and excitement during our classroom community time, and students felt proud knowing that people cared enough to support them. These resources helped create a sense of comfort, belonging, and joy in our classroom.\r\n\r\nAs we continue through the school year, my students are building important academic and social skills through hands-on learning, collaboration, and daily routines. Having their basic needs supported allows them to participate more confidently in classroom activities and focus on learning goals. Your kindness has made a meaningful difference in helping my students feel safe, cared for, and ready to succeed each day.","fullyFundedDate":1764740672069,"projectUrl":"project/warm-hearts-cozy-coats-and-snack-time/9939397/","projectTitle":"Warm Hearts, Cozy Coats, and Snack Time Smiles!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. ORN","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8423164_orig.jpg?crop=1310,1310,x191,y853&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1748746434273","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/missorn"},{"teacherId":9100822,"projectId":10067049,"letterContent":"This event was truly the highlight, for both student and staff in our school, of the year! The event was so successful and the students had so so much fun, they continued to say that it was the best day ever! We are so lucky to have a supportive admin that made this event possible but it was also thank to your generous donations.\r\nThe decorations that were donated made the room sparkle and look like a real life cafe! All of our customers loved the coffee and hot chocolate you all provided as well, and our workers got to enjoy a fresh cup of hot cocoa after finishing their shift which they loved! It would not have been possible without your help. \r\nWe thank you for giving our students this amazing learning opportunity and allowing us to do another year of our Cluster Cafe!","fullyFundedDate":1775094396249,"projectUrl":"project/cubs-cafe/10067049/","projectTitle":"Cubs Cafe!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. D","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9100822_orig.jpg?crop=1243,1243,x618,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1693324319640","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9100822"},{"teacherId":10360272,"projectId":9958938,"letterContent":"It has been a beautiful month of growth in Room 100, and your generosity has filled our classroom with rhythm and pride. When the students first saw the boxes arrive, their faces lit up with pure joy. They were especially drawn to the colorful egg shakers and the shiny jingle bells, immediately wanting to test the sounds they could make. One student even cheered, \"Now we are a real band!\". Seeing them take ownership of these high-quality tools was a powerful reminder of how much it means to them to have resources that reflect the value of their education.\r\n\r\nCurrently, we are using the rhythm sticks and bells to practice for our upcoming performance at Ravinia. We recently used the instruments to practice \"The Petes Go Marching,\" and it was a magical classroom moment to watch every child, including those who are often quiet or still learning English, confidently tap out the beat together. The new headphones have also transformed our \"calm-down corner\" and independent stations, allowing students to focus on literacy activities and music exploration without distraction. These tools are not just instruments; they are building the students' confidence as performers and as a community.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, our next big step is preparing for our Final Kindergarten Group Projects and Seasonal Fashion Show. We plan to incorporate our new music skills into the showcase, using the instruments to create a live soundtrack for the runway. The students are already brainstorming which sounds represent different seasons, using their \"Risk-Taker\" and \"Knowledgeable\" learner profiles to guide their creativity. Because of your support, these children have a powerful way to share their voices and celebrate a successful year.","fullyFundedDate":1767479248997,"projectUrl":"project/raising-our-voices-through-music/9958938/","projectTitle":"Raising Our Voices Through Music","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gutierrez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10360272_orig.jpg?crop=1124,1124,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1763857375131","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10360272"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_5828","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":343,"numTeachers":27,"percentFrplEligible":80,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":93,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":5,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":0,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"12.7:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":71.5,"schoolId":5828,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about John M Smyth Magnet School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"John M Smyth Magnet School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/chicago-public-school-district-299/john-n-smyth-magnet-school/5828"}