Mackeben Elementary School in Algonquin, Illinois on DonorsChoose

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Some studnets have even used them creatively to build with during play time. \r\n\r\nWe were also able to purchase a couple new strategy games for studnets to use together for cooperative learning activities. One is a mini mosaic creator and some of my introverted students who are very creative have found this activity to be calming and an activity the tolerate doing with a peer to practice peer relationship skills. The other activity is a maze activity that I cannot even figure out how to play...but some of my brilliant kiddos did and said \"this is the best break activity ever!\" \r\n\r\nI love my job very much, but personally I just cannot spend extra money funding my special education classroom, and we maxed out our budget from the district office for the year on basic supplies we needed to meet student accomodations listed in the Individualized Education Plans. Having others choose us and sprinkle some kindness our way truly makes our days brighter and more fun!","fullyFundedDate":1757683146260,"projectUrl":"project/a-spot-of-predictability-in-my-special-e/9399187/","projectTitle":"A Spot of Predictability in my Special Education Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Apostolopoulos","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsaclass"},{"teacherId":9557885,"projectId":9394581,"letterContent":"Your donation of hands-on magnetic activities have been fantastic resources for my students! Paper pencil tasks are often difficult for my students when it comes to doing math, and the only other math manipulative tools we had were provided by the math department. They are very basic foam counting chips or place value blocks, and many times became toys as student would sit trying to attend to learning. Having the option to ask students if they would like to sit and work, or get up and use the magnetic tools has been a game changer in my students willingness to complete math work! All tools are nicely organized for all of my paraprofessionals to find thanks to the beautiful colored drawer organizer cart, and part of that cart has drawers deep enough for me to use as \"goal work\" bins. These bins are filled with practice activities ready for staff to take at anytime students are ready to work. \r\n\r\nOther magnetic activities sent were for fun student activities with a peer or to help regulate their emotions, such as, the magnetic marble track and spinning gears puzzle. Often I get students from the room next door when they are upset too. It is so great to have something interesting to offer them to do that can often quickly deescalate them. \r\n\r\nOn a personal note, funding my classroom out of my pocket is just not possible this school year, and given the nature of the behavioral needs program, fresh ideas are always popping into my head. That was the case this summer when I turned all my dead space into magnetic spaces into learning centers. I was able to get sheet metal donated and installed, but without the tools you purchased for us, that idea I had would not come to life so quickly! Knowing great people like you see us as educators, and take time to read about our classroom needs just fills my heart with gratitude that words really cannot fully express.","fullyFundedDate":1752602930446,"projectUrl":"project/magnetic-minds-in-special-education/9394581/","projectTitle":"Magnetic Minds in Special Education","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Apostolopoulos","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsaclass"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_28099","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":505,"numTeachers":42,"percentFrplEligible":21,"percentAsian":12,"percentBlack":3,"percentWhite":68,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":15,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 2","studentTeacherRatio":"12.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":86.2,"schoolId":28099,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Mackeben Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Mackeben Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/huntley-community-school-district-158/mackeben-elementary-school/28099"}

About this school

Mackeben Elementary School is a suburban public school in Algonquin, Illinois that is part of Huntley Community School District 158. It serves 505 students in grades K - 2 with a student/teacher ratio of 12.0:1. Its teachers have had 8 projects funded on DonorsChoose.

Public School

Grades K - 2

505 Students

42 Teachers

800 Dr John Burkey Dr

Algonquin, IL 60102 View local requests

https://mackeben.huntley158.org/

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

Mackeben Elementary School Teachers on DonorsChoose

Ms. Apostolopoulos

Mrs. Kittleson

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Mackeben Elementary School Demographics

21%

of students receive free or reduced price lunch

Source: the National Center for Education Statistics

30%

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.

Mackeben Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Dec 5, 2025

DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.