{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Longwood Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":15.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10101619,"projectId":9517831,"letterContent":"Dear Donor,\r\n\r\nThank you so much for your generous support of our classroom through DonorsChoose. Your donation has already made a meaningful impact on our learning environment. The students are thrilled to have comfortable pillows to sit on while completing their work, which has created a calm and inviting space for focused learning. The organized supplies you helped provide have made daily routines smoother and have given students a sense of pride and ownership in their work. Our new read-aloud books have become instant favorites, sparking excitement and rich discussions during story time.\r\n\r\nYour kindness also helps keep our classroom healthy and welcoming. The snacks you provided ensure that students can stay energized and ready to learn throughout the day. With the Clorox wipes and hand sanitizer, we are able to maintain a clean, safe environment where students can feel protected and cared for. Thank you for supporting our classroom community—your generosity truly makes a difference every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1756376094467,"projectUrl":"project/our-basic-necessities/9517831/","projectTitle":"Our Basic Necessities","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Erwin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10101619_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754435835392","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10101619"},{"teacherId":10101640,"projectId":9517869,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous contributions to our classroom. Because of your kindness, we now have a beautiful carpet where students can gather, learn, and work comfortably each day. It has quickly become the heart of our classroom—a place where we share ideas, read together, and build our community. Your support has truly helped create a welcoming and engaging learning environment for all of my students.\r\n\r\nWe are also incredibly grateful for the rolling anchor chart easel and anchor chart paper. These tools have made our lessons more interactive and accessible, allowing students to take ownership of their learning as we build charts together during instruction. We use these items daily, and they have already made a meaningful difference in the way we learn and collaborate. Thank you for investing in our classroom and for helping my students feel supported, valued, and excited to learn.","fullyFundedDate":1754321648782,"projectUrl":"project/comfort-curriculum/9517869/","projectTitle":"Comfort & Curriculum","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Monahan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10101640"},{"teacherId":9185799,"projectId":9871295,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of snacks and sensory tools! Your support means the world to my students. We received the hand2hand sensory bottles just yesterday and the students are THRILLED! They absolutely loved utilizing them in our calm corner. One student has listed the bottles as his new favorite calm down tool. \r\n\r\nMany of my students come from low-income households, and having access to healthy, high-protein snacks at school makes a huge difference in their ability to stay focused and ready to learn. Your support gives them the energy and comfort they need to do their best throughout the day.\r\n\r\nAll of the items you donated help meet my students' basic needs and provide them with the tools they need to focus, regulate, and learn throughout the day. Your kindness truly makes a difference in our classroom, and we are so grateful for your thoughtfulness and generosity.","fullyFundedDate":1762359299829,"projectUrl":"project/supporting-every-need-snacks-and-sensor/9871295/","projectTitle":"Supporting Every Need: Snacks and Sensory Tools for My Students","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Roth","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9185799_orig.jpg?crop=172,172,x0,y18&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1751903459243","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9185799"},{"teacherId":10085181,"projectId":9480644,"letterContent":"Thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping bring our DonorsChoose project to life! Your generous support made it possible for my second-grade classroom to receive resources that are not only enriching our academic learning, but also nurturing our students' emotional growth, comfort, and overall well-being.\r\nWhen students walk into our classroom now, they immediately feel that this is a space made just for them. The items you helped fund ranging from flexible seating and social-emotional learning materials, to calming tools and cozy corners have completely transformed our classroom into a place where learning and care go hand in hand. These additions are more than just supplies; they have become essential parts of our daily routine, supporting each child in feeling safe, seen, and supported.\r\nBecause of you, learning in our classroom doesn't just mean solving math problems or writing stories it means building friendships, gaining confidence, and developing the skills to navigate the world with empathy and understanding. You've helped make school a place where my students feel genuinely cared for!\r\nThank you for believing in my students and I! Your kindness and generosity have made a lasting impact, and we are endlessly grateful for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1753763723787,"projectUrl":"project/holobowski-2nd-grade-dream-list/9480644/","projectTitle":"Holobowski 2nd Grade Dream List!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Holobowski","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10085181"},{"teacherId":10085181,"projectId":9510530,"letterContent":"With your support, our classroom was transformed into more than just a learning space it became a true community. The resources you provided helped encourage academic growth, but just as importantly, they fostered emotional wellness and a sense of safety that my students so deeply need. The comfortable seating options gave students who struggle with attention and regulation a space to focus and feel at ease. The social-emotional learning tools like mindfulness activities, calming corners, and SEL-focused books gave them the language and confidence to express their feelings and show empathy for others. We've had heartfelt conversations about kindness, courage, and self-awareness, all sparked by the materials your donation made possible. You didn't just give us \"things\" you gave us tools to grow kinder, stronger, and more connected.\r\nFrom storytime on our new comfy rug to collaborative games that strengthen friendships, your donation has made a beautiful difference. Thank you for believing in the importance of not only academic learning, but also emotional growth and student well-being. You've shown my students that there are people in the world who believe in them and that is a lesson they will carry with them for life.","fullyFundedDate":1753978019969,"projectUrl":"project/holobowski-2nd-grade-supply-list/9510530/","projectTitle":"Holobowski 2nd Grade Supply List!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Holobowski","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10085181"},{"teacherId":9427267,"projectId":9021851,"letterContent":"It has been so impactful for my students to have engaging resources during those days we can not go outside and play. One moment when a former student came in and saw the new stamp game and sounds cylinders, she asked if she could come spend her time in my class again to try them out. \r\n\r\nAdditionally, my current students enjoy making shapes using the stick box during their free time in class, which is quite impressive as they play they learn shapes, fine motor skills and enjoy their time in my class, thanks to your generosity.","fullyFundedDate":1745510525950,"projectUrl":"project/indoor-recess-activities/9021851/","projectTitle":"Indoor Recess Activities","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Diesing","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9427267_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x510,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1704595886887","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9427267"},{"teacherId":9056326,"projectId":8874141,"letterContent":"I hope this note finds you well. I am writing to share my deepest gratitude for your incredibly generous donation to our \"Getting Regulated and Ready to Learn\" initiative. Your support has already made a profound difference in the lives of over 20 students in grades K-5, many of whom have Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and are attending a Title I school.\r\nWhen I shared with my students that complete strangers—people like you—had chosen to donate to their classroom, they were overwhelmed with joy and disbelief. They couldn't fathom that someone outside our school would care enough to help them succeed. Your kindness has not only provided them with the tools they need but has also shown them that there is a community beyond our walls that believes in their potential.\r\nBecause of your generous contribution, we've been able to:\r\nEquip over 20 students with resources that help them build emotional regulation skills and stay focused in the classroom.\r\nProvide sensory and self-regulation tools that are critical for supporting the learning of students with diverse needs.\r\nOffer structured activities and strategies to both students and staff that foster a more supportive, inclusive environment for all learners.\r\nThese efforts are making a significant impact, especially for students with IEPs, who often face unique challenges in the classroom. The emotional and academic growth I've witnessed in my students is a direct result of your generosity. With your support, we are creating a space where students not only learn but also feel safe, valued, and capable of achieving their best.\r\nYour donation has truly been a gift—one that is creating lasting change in the classroom and in the hearts of my students. I will continue to keep you updated on the progress we're making, and I look forward to sharing more stories of the positive effects your contribution has had.\r\nThank you again for believing in these students and for making such a powerful difference in their lives. We are incredibly grateful for your support.\r\nWith heartfelt appreciation,\r\nLauren Gaither M.ed.\r\nSpecial Education Teacher\r\nLongwood Elementary\r\nLauren_Gaither@ipsd.org","fullyFundedDate":1731256948282,"projectUrl":"project/getting-regulated-and-ready-to-learn/8874141/","projectTitle":"Getting Regulated and Ready to learn","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gaither","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9056326_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1728911121498","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9056326"},{"teacherId":9427267,"projectId":8450128,"letterContent":"As a Montessori trained teacher now working in a traditional, public school setting, your donations have given me so many things that foster independent learning in my classroom, which is a core value.\r\n\r\nFrom benches and the materials that children have access to during their day, our room is a joy-filled place, where little children can read, make art, learn math and experiment with age appropriate materials. The shelves provide an organized way for children to access and to care for the materials.","fullyFundedDate":1727880963840,"projectUrl":"project/prepared-environment-for-the-love-of-lea/8450128/","projectTitle":"Prepared Environment for the Love of Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Diesing","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9427267_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x510,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1704595886887","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9427267"},{"teacherId":9427267,"projectId":8438595,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping me have some of my very favorite Montessori materials in my newest public school kindergarten classroom in a traditional and underserved population. \r\n\r\nIt has been wonderful to see students choose to \"play\" with these language materials as they learn to read and to spell during their free play time. All because of you the children are loving feeling the sandpaper letters as they learn the shape, the name and the sounds of each capital and lower case letter! They have made banners using the sandpaper letters for their rooms as they learn to recognixe and write their names successfully using the lovely materials you have helped me to provide.","fullyFundedDate":1727878832035,"projectUrl":"project/lovely-littles-learning-language/8438595/","projectTitle":"Lovely Littles Learning Language","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Diesing","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9427267_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x510,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1704595886887","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9427267"},{"teacherId":9427267,"projectId":8438552,"letterContent":"Having the math manipulative materials set up in my classroom has made such a difference to my kindergarten students. We thank you so much. \r\n\r\nDuring our creative play time, it is simply wonderful to see students so young being drawn to our Math Shelf, where they choose to work with the sandpaper numbers, for example. This material allows my students the time to explore the shape of numerals, recall the names of the numbers, put the numbers in order and even build quantity of numbers 0-9, all in the name of FUN. It warms my heart how much your donation allows me to have a prepared environment where children can not only choose to work with well designed didactic math materials designed by Dr. Maria Montessori, but that I can have access to these materials too. \r\n\r\nI will present and practice skills to children who need a different mode for learning and who are in need of enrichment to stay engaged in the concepts of math, using the materials you provided, too. I am leading the way in differentiating instruction !","fullyFundedDate":1727878831885,"projectUrl":"project/math-manipulatives-matter/8438552/","projectTitle":"Math Manipulatives Matter","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Diesing","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9427267_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x510,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1704595886887","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9427267"},{"teacherId":4685247,"projectId":8547694,"letterContent":"A heartfelt thank you from classroom 1H! Your support has had the greatest impact on both my students and classroom. Before, my project was funded, students really had no options for flexible seating. The floor cushions allowed my students to seat around the classroom and be 'cozy' while they read. It was exciting to see their reactions to the cushions and equally to see their excitement to use the cushions. Since, the cushions are limited to reading, students are looking forward to reading time. \r\n\r\nIn addition, the books that were added to my library, has peaked the interest for many students. They love going through the Elephant and Piggie Books, Pigeon Books, and Fly Guy Books. Having a display library, I am able to alternate titles based on the season or events that are happening. Every single item from my project has brighten my classroom and allowed students to get excited to use the spaces. With your help, I was able to spark a love for reading, and excitement that wasn't there before. These materials helped accomplish my mission to help young minds blossom, it is happening everyday in my classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1727880963950,"projectUrl":"project/helping-young-minds-blossom-with-reading/8547694/","projectTitle":"Helping Young Minds Blossom With Reading","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Harris","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4685247_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1722703812613","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4685247"},{"teacherId":9655843,"projectId":8650035,"letterContent":"Thank you SO much for choosing to donate to our third-grade class! My students were delighted by all the wonderful things that we received. Let me tell you a little about it!\r\n\r\nWhen they first received the chair pockets, they were so excited. A few students even decided to put a majority of their books in their chair pocket! There were also a few students who needed the seat cushions, which is why I added them to my list. When they found that they didn't have to share and that the cushion was theirs to use, they were very moved and grateful. One student even brings it with them to the carpet because it helps them to keep calm and focused.\r\n\r\nWe have been using the art supplies excitedly. During a school-wide pumpkin decorating contest, my students got to paint a pumpkin for the contest. As a class, we decided to paint Elmo from Sesame Street! The students took turns filling in the blue paint and coloring in his eyes, while my teacher's assistant colored in the rest of his face. They also made a model of Elmo's room by painting a cardboard box white and making paintings for his wall using crayons. For some of them, it was their first time using acrylic paint! From your donations, we were able to use acrylic paint, paint holders, and paint brushes to work together for this common goal. All students participated and were so proud of their work. When we discovered we didn't win, one student proudly remarked, \"Ms. Purpura, it's okay. I bet we got second.\"\r\n\r\nIn regards to the clay, I introduced it simply. I challenged students to form flat circles that they could paint. Students first made their own, but in their excitement, they decided to make more for other teachers at our school. Some chose to make ornaments, some made gifts for their families for the holiday season, and some chose to simply make a fun creation - but all students created and carved to their heart's desire. They used air-dry clay, trays, and plastic clay tools freely and carefully. Many students insisted that the clay they had just finished shaping was dry - purely because they were proud and wanted to paint! They have not yet painted these creations, but they will after I send this, and they'll be delighted to use the acrylic paint, paint holders, paint brushes, and a layer of Mod Podge to achieve a glossy shine that makes it look like real clay from a kiln. I can't wait to see their reactions!\r\n\r\nWe will continue to create more with the air-dry clay. My next idea is to have students make a clay project of the 7 Syllable Types! I think this could be a great way for them to learn and remember these important components of the English language. Speaking of which, the Digging for Sight Words game has been a helpful way to teach students language, conventions, and sight words. Many students have played it, but two ELL students in our class enjoyed it very much. The game was a perfect way for them to model the social-emotional skills needed to play a fun board game! \r\n\r\nThank you for providing my students with this enriching experience. I look forward to what they will do, and create, next! My love for air-dry clay was something I was able to share with my students. At the beginning of the school year, I showed them some projects I made years ago. Little did we know, we would be able to use clay together in this very class! This was such a beautiful way to use art in a classroom setting. I cannot wait for their reactions when they share their work with their families, and I am looking forward to fostering their creativity and strengths using these materials in the future.","fullyFundedDate":1727880964065,"projectUrl":"project/creative-play-and-other-class-materials/8650035/","projectTitle":"Creative Play and Other Class Materials","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Purpura","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9655843_orig.jpg?crop=2927,2927,x0,y312&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723598989427","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9655843"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_28015","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":341,"numTeachers":28,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":5,"percentBlack":37,"percentWhite":22,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":28,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"12.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":85.0,"schoolId":28015,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Longwood Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Longwood Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/indian-prairie-school-district-204/longwood-elementary-school/28015"}